OPTIMIZATION OF RESOURCES CONSUMPTION FOR CLEANING IN PLACE OF (CIP UNITS) IN DAIRY PLANTS

Abstract

The goal of the present thesis is the optimization of water and energy consumption, in Clean-In-Place (CIP) units in dairy plants, without reduction of the cleanliness level. This was done by studying the different parameters that control the cleaning process namely, temperature and time. The deposits formed on the inside surface of the equipment as the result of the production processes are removed, during the rinsing process, by cleaning detergents. The degree of cleanliness was tested by measuring protein concentration, conductivity, pH value and swab test, where the latter was used to test for the existence of bacteria. The results showed that it is possible to decrease the water rinse time by100 seconds/cycle and the temperature by 10 or 15 degrees for some products without negatively affecting cleanliness level, resulting in water and energy savings.