Clean in place also known as CIP, is a cleaning technique that involves cleaning equipment, while it is still in its current location. It is widely employed in the highly mechanised food and beverage production industries, such as beverage, dairy, juice, jam, and wine, among others, because it can not only clean the equipment but also control bacteria.

To ensure the normal operation of the membrane system and increase the service life of the RO membranes, CIP removes macromolecular colloids, microorganisms, organic matter, inorganic substances, and other fouling that has fouled on the surface of the RO membrane, during long-term operation. Additionally, RO pretreatment is a crucial step in preserving RO membrane and extending their useful lives.

How is CIP (Clean-in-place) used in RO plant?

Generally, the RO membrane needs to undergo CIP treatment, when the desalination or water production rate of the RO system falls below 10-15%.

For your convenience, the CIP steps are:

· Water cleaning

To get rid of dirt and other leftover materials on the surface, rinse RO membrane and system pipes with water heated to between 60 and 80 °C. The water used for washing can be RO-produced water, softened water, or filtered water that satisfies the requirements for RO inlet water. Typically, cleaning takes 10 to 15 minutes.

· Cleaning with alkaline water

Clean the RO membrane and system pipes with an alkaline cleaning solution with a 1-2% concentration, while maintaining a temperature range of 60 to 80 degrees Celsius. This will remove contaminants such as protein, fat, and other impurities.

Typically, cleaning takes 10 to 15 minutes. Pay close eye to the backwater's level of pollution while clean-up is taking place. The cleaning fluid needs to be evacuated and adjusted if the CIP's backwater is darker, and seems turbid due to increased pollution.

· Cleaning water

Following the completion of the alkaline cleaning procedure, the RO membrane and the system pipeline are rinsed with water at a temperature of 60 to 80 °C, to flush out any alkaline cleaning solution that may still be present.

To check that the difference between the pH value of the cleaning inlet water, and the discharge cleaning water, is less than 0.5 after cleaning for 5 to 10 minutes, use pH test paper.

· Cleaning with acid

To eliminate inorganic salts, minerals, metal ions, and other contaminants, prepare an acidic cleaning solution with a 0.5–1% concentration, keep the temperature between 60–80°C, and clean the RO membrane and system pipes. Typically, cleaning takes 15 to 20 minutes.

· Cleaning water

The RO membrane and system pipes are rinsed with water at a temperature of 60 to 80 °C, after the acid cleaning operation is complete to eliminate any acidic cleaning fluid, which may have remained in them. Make sure the difference between the pH value of the cleaning inlet water, and the discharged cleaning water is less than 0.5, by testing the water with pH test paper after cleaning for 5 to 10 minutes. You must keep cleaning until the pH value difference is less than 0.5.

Conclusion

The reverse osmosis system produces water with the best quality, when it is combined with an alkaline and acidic cleaning solution. While, making the alkaline and acidic cleaning solutions, personal protection equipment should be used.

It is advised to put on safety gear including gloves, goggles, and clothes. The CIP cleaning tank must first be filled with water, before adding the acid and alkali stock solution.

How can we assist?

Netsol Water is a top producer of industrial and commercial water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants. We provide different water treatment products, including RO Plants to help you improve your water quality.

All kinds of chemical, physical, and biological impurities can be effectively eliminated, by our water treatment systems. For further information or to make a product purchase, contact us at +91-9650608473 or drop a mail at enquiry@netsolwater.com