Clean-in-Place (CIP) Systems

The term "Clean-in-Place" generally refers to an automated system that consists of a recirculation
system which uses various tanks and a return system such as an educator or return pumps.

A system of piping delivers the cleaning solution to the equipment and returns it to a motive or recirculation tank.

There is usually a pre-rinse tank and a final rinse or purified water rinse tank.

The equipment utilizes spraying devices to provide coverage and physical impingement of the cleaning solution of the equipment surfaces.

The spray-balls may be stationary or moving (e.g., rotating, oscillating).
These systems are commonly used to clean large pieces of equipment such as manufacturing tanks,blenders, fluid bed dryers, reactors and fermentation tanks.

The CIP system need not have a recirculation system, i.e., it may be a single pass system where appropriate.
When cleaning solutions are recirculated and reused, it is important to assess their suitability for
subsequent use.

 Continuous flow systems must ensure that there is no possibility of "backflow" to
previous steps in the process.

Bulk pharmaceuticals are typically manufactured within closed systems increasingly equipped with automated or semi-automated CIP equipment.

The mechanical qualification of flow rates, pressures,and spray ball patterns must be established.