A Guide to Choosing the Right CIP Chemicals for Your Industry

All manufacturing and processing facilities are held to strict, industry-specific guidelines. Many of those regulations revolve around cleanliness and sanitization. Those may vary by industry and even from one business to the next, but remaining in compliance with them is crucial. It prevents legal and regulatory issues, but that’s only the beginning. It also improves product quality and safety as well as customer satisfaction. 

Many businesses that are up against stringent safety and hygiene standards use clean-in-place systems to ensure compliance. They can help processing and manufacturing facilities prevent contamination without requiring them to fully disassemble their machinery. That reduces downtime and human error along with other issues. Several types of clean-in-place systems are available to meet different needs, and the chemicals used in CIP sanitation vary by company, application, and additional factors. Consider some of the most common of these chemicals and which situations they’re right for.

Sanitizers and Disinfectants

One category of CIP chemicals is sanitizers and disinfectants. These solutions often contain chlorine, quaternary ammonia compounds, or peracetic acid as their main ingredient. They’re designed to kill viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms. In many cases, they’re applied after an initial cleaning step to remove dirt and other types of contaminates. They’re generally used in clean-in-place systems for food and beverage production, dairy processing, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products. They’re not limited to those applications, though.

Caustic Cleaners

Caustic cleaners are another category of chemicals used in CIP systems. They’re alkaline cleaners, and their main ingredient is usually sodium hydroxide. This substance removes organic contaminants, such as fats, oils, proteins, and other types of food residue, but it won’t kill dangerous microorganisms. It’s often used in food, beverage, and dairy processing as the previously mentioned first step in cleaning. After using caustic cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants may be applied.

Acid Cleaners

Next in line are acid cleaners. They often contain nitric or phosphoric acids, but other relatively mild acids may also be used. They remove corrosion, such as rust and mineral buildup. These are used in numerous industries, including food, beverage, and pharmaceutical production. They can be used in CIP systems in virtually any situation in which rust, hard water, and other issues affect machinery. That being said, they also have to used with caution. While they’re effective for keeping certain materials in good condition, they can damage others.

Rinse Aids and Water Conditioners

Finally, there are rinse aids and water conditioners. They contain surfactants and chelating agents. Rinse aids help water and detergents run off of equipment more easily. They also help equipment to dry more quickly and prevent water spots from forming. Water conditioners are used to treat hard water and prevent mineral buildup. These solutions are usually used in the final stage of cleaning in CIP systems. They’re an essential component of the cleaning process, and they help to remove detergents and other residues left behind in other stages of cleaning.

Choosing the Appropriate Chemicals for Clean-in-Place Systems

Numerous facilities use clean-in-place systems to ensure the safety and quality of their products and remain in compliance with industry regulations. Choosing the right chemicals for these systems is essential. They’re broken down into four main categories. Sanitizers and disinfectants kill microorganisms whereas caustic cleaners remove organic contaminants. Acids eliminate corrosion. Rinse aids and water conditioners foster more effective cleaning, remove the residues left behind by other cleaning agents, and help to prevent future buildup. They can all work together for cleanliness and sanitization.