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The importance of elastomer O-rings in CIP and SIP processes
The cleaning of industrial machinery is particularly important in process plants that manufacture very different products and are therefore subject to much higher hygienic requirements. Today, the development and growth of CIP/SIP technology, allows the cleaning process to be carried out without the need to disassemble equipment, in an automated way and in the shortest possible time.To ensure that the manufactured product passes the quality controls implemented in the facility, cleaning must be understood as another phase of the total production process. In short, capital goods must be cleaned frequently and thoroughly. This is why we have considered it appropriate to dedicate this article to two of them industrial cleaning systems that have brought about a paradigm shift in this regard.
If you work in the industrial field, it is very likely that the acronyms CIP and SIP are already familiar to you. We invite you to stay with us to remember together what they are and how, from EPIDOR SRT, we can help you to choose the right acronyms for you. O-rings to avoid compromising the watertightness of your equipment.
An approach to industrial cleaning systems CIP and SIP
Almost all of the a CIP/SIP process is automated and is carried out in steps, The system can combine different types of cleaning, flow rates, pressures and temperatures. All this can be programmed in a SCADA environment to control the different operations of the process. Let's take a look at grosso modo at what these two industrial cleaning systems consist of:CIP or Cleaning in Place
Consists of a chemical cleaning which is used in process industry facilities (food, beverage and pharmaceutical, among others) to avoid contamination of products from different manufacturing batches, or to prevent cross-contamination with other manufactured products. A CIP process combines a minimum of 4 factors in the removal of microorganisms and other deposits. Time, temperature, choice of cleaning agents (depending on the substances to be removed) and turbulent flow (Re > 3,000) play a major role in the effectiveness of the sanitizing process.Sterilization in Place (SIP)
We could say that the SIP process is the final task of cleaning in place (CIP). It is a process that is based on apply high temperature steam (between 120 ºC and 140 ºC) to sterilize the surfaces treated with CIP chemical cleaning. A note: alternatively to the application of steam, there is also chemical sterilization by means of reagents such as bleach, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, ozone and peracetic acid (PAA), among other compounds. In both ways, the surviving microorganisms are eliminated, without the need to disassemble the equipment or sterilize it in an autoclave, if that were feasible. To illustrate what has been said so far, here is a diagram of what a CIP/SIP process might look like. In this autoclave, the CIP process combines basic cleaning with acid cleaning and ends with SIP sterilization. The times and temperatures indicated in each stage are completely indicative.
How important is the quality of O-rings in CIP and SIP processes?
Implementing a CIP/SIP process in a facility necessarily entails a rigorous selection of O-rings of elastomers. A good choice will increase the preventive maintenance interval of the installation while optimizing its production. Let's see how temperature, water and chemicals used in the cleaning and sterilization of your equipment could affect the seals.- Water. The water consumed in pre-washing, rinsing and final washing must be treated. If we take the pharmaceutical sector as an illustrative example, this premise becomes even more relevant, if possible, with the use of WFI quality water (water for injections).
- Chemicals. It should be borne in mind that the various chemicals used, as well as the successive temperature changes of each stage, can cause the following problems compromising the tightness of the equipment by damaging the elastomer O-rings (especially those O-rings that are under load).
- Temperature. We must not forget that, in order to improve the performance of the process CIP/SIP, Both chemical cleaning and sterilization are carried out at high temperature. And this contributes to the deterioration of the O-ring if the right elastomer has not been chosen.
The importance of choosing CIP and SIP certified O-rings
In the following diagram, we show you the main ones. characteristics of elastomers most frequent:1Detailed information on this water quality is available in European Pharmacopeia Monograph 0169 (Ph. Eur. 0169).
There are many different types of EPDM, FPM and FEPM elastomer formulations. However, should be selected if they have CIP/SIP certifications. and, if necessary, suitable for WFI. This ensures that the material is compatible with a CIP and SIP process and does not degrade a WFI quality water by migration of formulation components.
For any questions about which O-rings to install, Our Epidor SRT Technical Department is at your disposal. We will help you choose the best sealing solutions for your process plants. You can also download our O-Ring Catalog.