Conference Dates

May 18-22, 2003

First Page

148

Abstract

There is considerable scope for optimisation of processes subject to fouling by effective management of cleaning. The cleaning cycle starts with the (often-complex) material generated during the fouling cycle. The nature of the deposit determines the most appropriate cleaning method, which can often be optimised significantly via knowledge of the key mechanisms involved in deposit removal. Links between deposit ageing and cleanability need to be established and quantified. There is a wide range of cleaning methods available, and attention is focused here on cleaning-in-place (CIP) techniques. Modern instrumentation allows cleaning (and deposit materials behaviour) to be probed to greater degree than ever before, but the removal technology is only part of the cleaning process. Monitoring and validation of cleaning are equally important, particularly for process plant used in flexible manufacture or subject to batch assurance requirements. Individual sensors are unlikely to meet all monitoring criteria, so future approaches will require reconciliation and interpretation of on-line data from multiple devices. Many industries stand to learn from practice and approaches the food, pharmaceuticals and electronics sectors, where these concepts are well established. The definition of 'cleanliness' will vary from sector to sector, but the needs of minimising environmental impact, accurate monitoring, assurance and suitable training for operators are common to all.

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