Late summer guide to CIP cleaning

Imagine a Formula 1 racing car in pole position, seconds before the start at Silverstone. Dry weather tyres, full control, the sun is shining. But after just a few laps, clouds begin to gather – and before anyone has time to react, the rain pours down. The team decides to take a gamble and stays on the track while the competitors change tyres. A bold choice that ends disastrously on lap 14 when the car skids off and has to retire. 

So what do Formula 1 and CIP cleaning have in common? You must never ignore the conditions and hope for the best. Just like in motorsport, technical precision is crucial in CIP cleaning. If the equipment is not suited to the chemicals, temperature or pressure, it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong – and the consequences are rarely minor. 

Cleaning with strong chemicals under pressure and high heat is no joke. It requires knowledge, routine and the right equipment. That's why we've put together this guide to what is perhaps the most important maintenance task of late summer: CIP cleaning, which keeps both operations and safety running smoothly. 

CIP is an abbreviation for ‘Cleaning-In-Place’. CIP cleaning was originally developed for the food industry, especially for dairies. Today, the cleaning process, which is typically fully automated, is also used in the pharmaceutical industry and involves cleaning pipes, containers, tanks, filters and fittings, etc. 

The great strength of the CIP system is that it enables the cleaning of closed systems without the need for time-consuming disassembly of the plant. This ensures a high standard of hygiene and minimises the risk of external contamination. However, its effectiveness depends on a precise balance between chemistry, time, temperature and mechanical impact. 

The process depends on the product to be manufactured, for example beer, spirits or various types of cooking oils. The cleaning process often includes the following steps in chronological order: 

• Rinsing with water to remove coarse dirt 
• Rinsing with a mixed caustic solution or other cleaning agent, such as lye 
• Rinsing with an acidic solution, such as hydrochloric acid or nitric acid. This removes chemical residues and neutralises the equipment 
• Rinsing with water 
• Optional disinfection with a suitable disinfectant. In some production processes, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, this step is mandatory to eliminate any remaining microorganisms. 

It may sound straightforward, but each phase requires that all components – especially hoses and couplings – are designed for the load. A poor fit or the wrong choice of material can make the entire system vulnerable. 

As a supplier to the process industry, we have heard several stories about CIP cleaning that did not go as planned. The reality is often characterised by one central dilemma: production versus maintenance. Every hour of downtime costs money, but quick fixes risk costing even more. 

It is a difficult balance to strike. While CIP cleaning often needs to be done quickly, it must never compromise safety. A single mistake – a worn hose, an incorrect coupling – can lead to major damage, longer downtime and, in the worst case, personal injury. 

That is why it is essential that you choose hoses and components that are built for the task. Not just in theory, but in practice and over time. 

A few months ago, we helped one of Denmark's largest food companies when one of their process hoses burst, while CIP cleaning was in progress. Fortunately, no employees were nearby, but the consequences were still serious. 

Production had to be shut down, equipment replaced, the area thoroughly cleaned, and the entire procedure rethought. It was an expensive reminder that hoses are not an obvious place to save money. 

• Alichem/SPL covers a temperature range from -40°C to +120°C depending on the medium. Its steel spiral prevents the hose from collapsing under vacuum – an important point in many CIP processes where powerful suction or emptying of tanks is part of everyday life. You get flexibility without compromising on structure. 
• For CIP cleaning at very high temperatures, we always recommend using HOT Alichem/BN-S, which can withstand up to +150°C. In addition to being a suction and pressure hose, it is antistatic through the hose wall. 

With your own user account in our webshop, you can easily order chemical hoses for your CIP cleaning. You will also find a wide range of suitable hose couplings and fittings to suit your specific needs. Create your user account today and explore our wide range of products. You are also welcome to contact us by telephone on +45 7020 0422 or by email at inquiry@alfotech.eu for advice and guidance on CIP cleaning of your process plant. 

To ensure an optimal and safe cleaning process and to satisfy both operational and safety requirements, you should keep the following key points in mind: 

• Correct sizing: Always choose hoses that match the chemicals, pressure and temperature in your specific process. 
• Material selection: Use hoses with a smooth EPDM inner surface (such as Alichem) to ensure hygiene and chemical resistance. 
• Temperature control: Choose special hoses (HOT Alichem) if you are working with temperatures above 120°C. 
• Ongoing supervision: Introduce fixed routines for inspecting hoses and couplings to avoid accidents.