Mepaco® continues to see a steady demand with CIP (clean in place) options on their cookers, mixers, stuffers, screw, and belt conveyor systems. CIP technology employs a series of rinses along with high-temperature caustic washes through high-pressure spray devices.
Food processors who opt for CIP on new Mepaco® equipment and systems typically opt for electropolished food-contact surfaces. Electropolished food-contact surfaces provide a superior sanitary surface to alternatives, translating to much improved operational sanitation performance during production and sanitation.
Key Benefits and Considerations
Efficiency and Automation: CIP systems are designed to streamline the cleaning process, significantly reducing the overall cleaning time. However, while CIP systems enhance efficiency, they do not eliminate the need for inspection and some manual sanitation of components. Certain equipment has areas that may require manual cleaning due to the limitations of jet spray reach.
Up-Front Costs: Implementing a CIP system process may involve additional initial costs for specialty components and connections to the CIP manifold. If the added benefits of electropolishing is desired, there is an added up-front cost to be considered. Food processors investing in CIP and electropolishing internal surfaces will enhance their overall operational efficiencies and the sanitary design of their equipment.
Customized Solutions: Mepaco® application and project engineers collaborate closely with customers and CIP system providers to design tailored solutions. This includes determining the optimal number of jets, water usage, and physical layout to integrate the equipment into the preferred or existing sanitation system, and system design and layouts to mitigate the risk of contamination.
Effectiveness Testing: For new CIP-equipped equipment, Mepaco® offers riboflavin/UV testing to demonstrate the system’s effectiveness. This testing ensures that the CIP system meets the required sanitation standards and provides confidence in its performance.
Mepaco® offers testing in our state-of-the-art Validation Lab test facility. The 1000 sq. ft. lab includes an on-site cooler and freezer, a 50 HP boiler, and washdown components with a Sani-Matic CIP system.
Advantages for Food Processors:
· Food safety compliance
· Increased production with decreased sanitation time
· Reduced water consumption
· Reduce staff injuries with increased automation
For more information about increasing sanitation efficiencies in your next application, or to use our Validation Lab, contact our technical sales team.
