Guidelines for Choosing the Right Type of CIP System

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Cedarstone Industry Team

Choosing the right type of a CIP system for your facility can often seem like a daunting task. The multitude of options available can be overwhelming, and it’s important to find an option tailored to your needs. This article will provide guidelines to help you make the best decision for your facility. What are the different types of CIP systems available and how to determine which one will work for you? Keep reading to learn more!

Why is it worth investing in the CIP system? Top advantages

Investing in a CIP system is worth your while as it offers many advantages. A CIP system can help save time, money, and energy by automating cleaning and sanitizing processes, as well as eliminating labor costs. What are the main advantages of CIP systems?

  • Increased productivity – a CIP system helps to increase efficiency and productivity by automating the cleaning process. This eliminates the need for manual labor, allowing staff to focus on other tasks. Additionally, CIP systems can be programmed to clean at specific intervals, ensuring that surfaces are always clean and sanitized.
  • Cost savings – by automating the cleaning process, CIP systems can save money in the long run by reducing labor costs and the need to purchase and store cleaning products.
  • Improved food safety – CIP systems ensure that all surfaces and equipment are properly sanitized. This reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses, helping to ensure compliance with the regulations and increasing the safety of your customers.
  • Lower environmental impact – since CIP systems use less water and energy than manual cleaning methods, they’re more eco-friendly.
  • Reduced maintenance – CIP systems require less maintenance than manual cleaning methods. This means they’re a great way to reduce downtime and the need for costly repairs.
  • Increased accuracy – it’s also worth mentioning that CIP systems provide more accurate cleaning than manual methods, ensuring that all surfaces are properly sanitized.

Extraction Equipment

How to choose the CIP system? Elements to consider

When choosing the right CIP system for your facility, there are several elements you should consider:

  • Size of facility and equipment – the size of your facility and the equipment you’ll be cleaning will influence the type of CIP system you should choose. Smaller facilities and equipment require a more compact system, while larger facilities and equipment need more powerful solutions. It’s important to consider the size and scope of your facility when selecting the right CIP system.
  • Cleaning requirements – the cleaning requirements of your facility will also impact the type of CIP system you choose. Some CIP systems are designed to clean a specific type of surface or equipment, while others are rather multifunctional. It’s important to consider the specific cleaning requirements of your facility when selecting the right CIP system.
  • Automation – this is another important element to consider when selecting the right CIP system. Automated CIP systems are more efficient and require less manual labor, but may be more expensive than manual systems. Additionally, some automated systems require more maintenance than manual systems, so it’s important to consider your budget and labor requirements when selecting the right system.
  • Cost – as it’s been already mentioned, automated systems tend to be more expensive than manual systems, so it’s important to consider your budget when selecting the system that best fits your needs. Additionally, it’s important to analyze the potential costs of maintenance and repairs when selecting a CIP system. Make sure you’ll be able to cover unexpected expenses.
  • Energy efficiency – when selecting the CIP system, consider the energy efficiency of the system. Automated systems tend to be more energy efficient than manual systems, helping to reduce energy costs in the long run. Additionally, some CIP systems are designed to use less water, helping to reduce water costs as well.
  • Durability – last but not least, durability is the final factor to consider when selecting the right CIP system. Selecting a proven system will help to ensure that it lasts for many years, reducing the need for costly repairs and maintenance. Before making the purchase, check out the reviews to select the right CIP system for your facility.

What are the different CIP systems?

There are two popular types of CIP systems: 

  • centralized
  • distributed

A centralized CIP system is located in one area and can support numerous different circuits thanks to a central set of controls. This type of system can be more expensive to install, however, it makes managing processes easier. Centralized CIP systems require less labor than distributed systems. They’re also more company-friendly in terms of energy and water consumption, as they are able to clean multiple tanks or machines in one go. In general, they’re more suitable for larger facilities, as they’re bigger in size and scope.

On the other hand, distributed CIP systems service individual sections of the facility. They’re ideal for manufacturers who are just starting their adventure with  clean-in-place solutions, have limited budget or whose process areas are inaccessible from a centralized CIP. Moreover, if your industry is characterized by highly specific cleaning requirements that differ for various operations, it’s also a sign that you should rather go for a distributed system.

The takeaway

Choosing the right CIP system for your facility may seem time-consuming and complex. However, after analyzing aspects like the size of your facility, cleaning requirements, automation level, your budget and expectations, you should be able to determine which CIP system is the best fit for your facility.