Reuse vs. Single Use CIP: The Basics

Is it time to upgrade your CIP system? Single-tank, two-tank, multi-tank and multi-circuit construction are all options when designing and building a Clean-In-Place (CIP) sanitary cleaning system. Certain processors require multiple tank systems for the following reasons:

 

  •  To avoid allergen cross-contamination
  •  Boost sustainability efforts through capture of the cycle’s final rinse water.

 

Another potential way to enhance production capacity is with a multi-circuit system. This option gives producers the ability to clean multiple processes and products at the same time.

CIP Clean in Place

CIP systems are not “one size fits all” solutions. Along with our sanitary cleaning partners, Sani-Matic, Rodem can evaluate your current cleaning process, advise on the areas of greatest impact for your facility and help meet your cleaning objectives to ensure safe and efficient delivery of your finished product.

 

The chart below shows a quick comparison of single use systems versus reuse systems and can help determine the best fit for your sanitary process.

SINGLE USE CIPRECOVERY CIP
Low capital cost High capital cost
Small space requirementLarger space requirement
Low contamination riskHigher contamination risk: mitigate with proper controls
High ownership costs: water, energy, effluent volumeLower ownership costs: water, energy, effluent volume
Longer time/delayShorter time/delay
Availability of proper rinse flow ratesInsures proper flow rates

When using a single-tank system, you have downtime while waiting for the single tank to fill and drain for each step in the cleaning cycle. With the addition of a second tank dedicated to chemicals it allows for reuse of that chemical. Further addition of a third tank allows for a rinse recovery step to recover rinse water from a previous cycle to be reused in the following cycle’s pre-rinse step.

 

There are many considerations to account for when designing a CIP system and process, line flow velocity, soil levels, process conditions, size and location of tanks and equipment size to name a few. Set up a consultation with a sanitary cleaning expert to see what works best with your requirements and desired outcome.

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