After scenario:

The programme was modified so that the delivery pump only operated when the buffer tank low level probe was covered.

This ensured that the circuit was hydraulically balanced, cleaning was more efficient and volumes of water used were significantly reduced. Typical flow rate, (note vertical time line), was 440 litres/minute.

During the 6 weeks prior to the CIP programme being modified, the average cost/clean to this circuit was £77.50. A comparable time period of 6 weeks after the CIP programme being modified, the average cost/clean to this circuit was £15.66, a reduction of 80%.

Click on image to enlarge

Click on image to enlarge

Case Study No.1 shows the improvements made in performance to a brewery 'total loss' CIP system.

Graph colour code: Cold Water Input, Hot Water Input, Delivery Pump, Return Flow Switch, Mid-Level Probe, Low Level Probe

Before scenario:

The main problem being experienced with the CIP system was that circuits were not hydraulically balanced. This can be seen from the trend line (black) depicting flow (litres/minute).

The primary cause for this being that the water supply to the CIP buffer tank was fed at a flow rate of 240 litres/minute and the CIP delivery pump (brown) drawing solution from the buffer tank had a flow rate of 360 litres/minute.

Consequently the buffer tank was emptied, (shown by low level probe signal) starving the delivery pump of solution, confirmed by return flow switch signal.

When adequate volume was present in the circuit, (note vertical time line), typical flow rate was 345 litres/minute.