FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
Custom clean-in-place systems offer economic and environmental benefits With the rising costs of raw materials and labour, the need to make food processing more efficient and cost-effective is on the rise. Besides the cost of materials, there are also hidden costs in the amount of downtime and the cost of water and chemicals required to keep food processing systems properly sanitised and operating at full capacity. Manufacturers are now looking at ways to integrate more sustainable food processing solutions, providing economical and innovative options.
C
lean-in-Place (CIP) sanitation
chemical savings. Running an automated
Automatic CIP systems feature
systems are becoming more popular
CIP system allows for the maintenance of
automatic valves that will introduce
in the F&B industry, offering a
your cleaning schedule and decreases the
the CIP flow at the proper time to the
modern method for automated cleaning.
wear and tear on your machine. Operators
process line. The valves allow the flow of
These systems consist of stationary skids
will have a safer work environment as they
product to pause, introduce the cleaning
with cleaning circuits installed throughout.
will have less exposure to chemicals and
solution and then reintroduce product
Highly customisable mechanical
can avoid situations with confined space
back to the system after sanitisation is
arrangements and controls lead to an
entry. While it is difficult to calculate the
complete. Tanks can be incorporated for
efficient process, minimising downtime.
exact amount of savings that comes with
caustic wash, acid wash and freshwater
CIP systems provide a valuable return
a safer work environment, preventing
rinsing. The automation sequences include
on investment when considering how
workplace injuries allows for more
regulating duration, amount of chemicals
many hours will be saved from minimising
productive workers, less downtime and
and temperature. Electronic data records
unscheduled downtime and implementing
increased performance. With a focus on
and digitally saved files streamline the
faster cleaning cycles. Systems can also
safer conditions for employees and safer
record-keeping process to stay compliant
fit in tight and congested spaces when
products, quality will naturally be passed to
with the industry.
planned properly.
the customers. Preventing contaminations
Food grade panels are integrated into
between batches leads to consistent
our custom systems that are rated for
allow for increased traceability and are
product and decreases the opportunity for
complete washdown. Hygienic enclosures
environmentally friendly with water and
foodborne illnesses.
protect electrical equipment in the
By increasing efficiency, these systems
most extreme washdown and sanitary conditions. FDA compliant gaskets protect against cleaning agents and are safe for high-pressure washes. Sanitary door latches can also be added to save time during the cleaning process. The Spec Engineering team has prior experience with customising a CIP system to fit in a congested space. In a project for a leading food manufacturer, Spec transitioned a 20-year-old CIP system to a modern, automated system. Old and new lines were run simultaneously for approximately four weeks before completely transitioning to the new system. With a skid system of 6m long x 2m wide x 5m tall, the engineering team needed to be strategic with transporting
CIP sanitation systems are becoming more popular in the F&B industry, offering a modern method for automated cleaning
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March 2022 | FOOD RE VIEW
