replace only the empty drums that corre-
spond to colored spots on the floor.
A computer-controlled CIP unit directs
water and solutions to the appropriate loca-
tion and automatically maintains operating
conditions. The four basic parameters to be
controlled are time, temperature, chemical
concentration, and impingement, that relate
to flow velocity through a pipeline. Rinse
water may be recycled one time for reuse and
cleaning compounds several times. The ini-
tial prerinse may use recycled water from the
previous final rinse.
Tire Track Soil Accumulation
Tire tracks are a difficult soil to remove.
The most effective cleaning compound for
this application is one that is solvated and
alkaline. To facilitate cleaning ease and
effectiveness, a mechanical scrubber should
be considered. Floor soils should be remo-
ved daily to enhance cleaning ease and to
avoid soil being further ground into the
floor surface.
Conveyor Track Soil Accumulation
This accumulation is most likely to be
spilled product, bearing grease, container
and track filings, and precipitated soap.
Incorporation of a track lubricant contain-
ing a detergent will reduce contamination.
An effective way of removing this soil is
through foam cleaning with a high-pressure
rinse.
Film Deposits
Film deposits most frequently occur
inside storage tanks, transfer lines, and fil-
ters. Thin films cause a dull surface, but as
buildup increases, a bluish hue develops. As
the film becomes thicker, a white appear-
ance may occur. Although residues from
sugars are relatively easy to remove, films
from aspartame and certain gums are diffi-
cult to eliminate. Tanks may be cleaned
manually, but circulation cleaning is fre-
quently practiced. To remove surface films,
a chlorinated cleaning compound (or one
specially formulated with surfactants for
food soils) should be applied.Biofilms
Residual beverages or their ingredients
provide nutrients for microbial growth and
their biofilms. Biofilms can occur inside
cooling towers, in and outside of warmers
and pasteurizers, and inside carbocoolers. As
with film deposits, biofilm removal is
enhanced by use of a chlorinated alkaline
cleaning compound. A quaternary ammo-
nium sanitizer or another biocide should be
applied to reduce biofilm deposition because
this formation can occur within 24 hours
after use.Hot Sanitizing
Sanitation of beverage plants differs from
that of other food facilities. During the past
few years a trend toward hot sanitizing has
occurred. Hot sanitizing can be incorporated
when cleaning products contact surfaces of
production equipment, such as batch tanks,
low mix units and fillers, and carbocoolers.
Although this sanitizing method is not eco-
nomical because of the required energy costs
and ineffectiveness in bacteria removal, it
has some merit because of its penetrating
ability. Heat can effectively penetrate equip-
ment and destroy microorganisms behind
gaskets or in tiny crevices.
Hot sanitizing is not sterilization. Hot
sanitizing involves raising the surface tem-
perature to 85ºC for 15 minutes. Sterilization
requires 116ºC for 20 minutes. Sanitizing
only reduces the microbial population to an
acceptable level. A few of the more resistant
microorganisms (yeasts and spores) remain
viable. Chemical sanitizers can accomplish
the same microbial kill as hot sanitizing,
with a much quicker action.