T.A.C.T cleaning process

Clean In Place (or CIP) is a cleaning principal where automated systems are used to clean and disinfect enclosed processing equipment. CIP systems thrive in industries such as Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Wineries, as they provide consistent cleaning and allow for full traceability throughout the process. CIP cleans with the involvement of pipe-work, filters, vessels and heat exchanges, and works without the need for dissembling or reassembling the process.

For the CIP process, you need to follow the T.A.C.T procedure. T.A.C.T is a systematic approach to cleaning that stands for Time, Action, Concentration and Temperature, a combination of all 4 is vital for ensuring effectiveness in the cleaning process. CIP systems are vital in processing because of the need to keep processing components free from bacteria by effectively cleaning and sanitising.

To achieve a sanitary clean, a T.A.C.T process is necessary in ensuring the most effective form of cleaning. Take a look at the simple 4 step process:

Whilst this may seem like a pretty straight-forward variable, the required time to properly clean is dependant on many factors, including:

• The method of cleaning
• Type of equipment being used to clean

If too little time is used to clean, the surface will remain dirty, and could contaminate the finished product.

To achieve an effective clean, it's important that the water and product are travelling through the pipes at the right speed and flow. The rule of thumb is to allow a flow rate of at least four times that of the product flow, as a good starting point. The main take-away point is to make sure the pumps are the correct capacity/strength for the size of the CIP pipe-work/set.

If there isn't enough flow rate through the pipe-work, the surface will remain dirty, and could contaminate the finished product.

The correct CIP product and concentration are two factors that go directly hand-in-hand. What is needed in this step is heavily dependant on factors such as:

• Nature of the soil
• Water hardness
• Surface being cleaned

If the concentration level isn't strong enough, the surface will remain dirty, and could contaminate the finished product.

The temperature at which detergents are used effects the overall efficacy. Cleaning efficacy doubles for every 10˚C increase in temperature. It's important to note that our range of CIP products have an optimum temperature range at which they should be used. For example - Domclean 44 works best at temperatures between 60˚C - 80˚C in the CIP clean.

If the temperature falls below the recommended range for the CIP detergent you're using, the surface will remain dirty, and could contaminate the finished product.

Each factor in the T.A.C.T process reacts and works together to determine the efficiency of the cleaning process. Our range of Account Managers are here to assist you with maintaining the quality of your equipment & machinery, quality assurance and protecting the integrity of your plant.