Automated Cleansing Systems

AUTOMATED CLEANING SYSTEMS

There are several automated systems to cope with what is probably the most important problem in the food industry sanitation.  Three main types of automated cleansing systems are

  • Cleaning – in – place system (CIP)
  • Central cleaning system (CCS)
  • Self – contained cleaning system (SCCS)

The Cleaning-in-place system

  • The CIP was first developed for the dairy industry.
  • It is a closed system in which cleaning compounds are circulated by a pump through a series of pipes to the components to be cleaned.
  • It is basically designed for cleaning internal surfaces only but also used for external cleaning.
  • Even though it is used for the internal cleaning of mixers, choppers and other equipment that necessitates the use of tanks, at present, it has a limited application in the meat industry.  

Central cleaning system

  • CCS has a central pumping source supplying cleaning solutions under pressure to remote locations in a meat plant.
  • In one CCS the cleaning materials may be mixed centrally and delivered to the various points through one manifold, the plant water supply being used for rinsing.
  • The unit should be capable of achieving pressures of 35-49 kg f/cm2 and a flow of 136-181 litres/min.
  • It is a flexible system in that if a pump fails a unit from another area can be used, whereas in the CCS the entire sanitation process stops if this eventuality should occur.
  • Continuous cleaning of viscera conveyors and other equipment in contact with edible material is another essential task.
  • In the other CCS the detergent is transported through a separate manifold to each remote station where it is mixed with the high pressure water system as required and used through a cleaning gun. With these two separate lines (which are more costly), both pressure wash and pressure rinse can be carried out. The self-contained cleaning system.

 Self contained cleaning system

  • SCCS has the pumping source and chemical spray systems contained in one unit and may not have facilities for foam production.
  • Some units produce hot water while others employ a steam-mixing valve or utilise the separate hot-water system of the plant.
  • Some SCCS are able to use an alkaline cleaner and acid cleaner and a sanitizer at each remote station.
  • Some forms of this automated cleaning equipment are portable and can be removed from one location to another, being connected to an electrical or air and water source of power.
Last modified: Thursday, 12 April 2012, 8:55 AM