After scenario:

Minor changes to the program were carried out to ensure correct valve sequencing, illustrated below.

Case Study No.1 This case study shows poor valve sequencing resulting in the CIP circuit being 'dead-ended'

Before scenario:

The red line at the bottom of the graph is the CIP drain valve. When the red line drops down, this signifies the drain valve closing. The green line above the drain valve is the alternative route for the CIP solution to take to maintain flow.

Because the drain valve closed before the alternative route was established, the circuit was 'dead-ended' for 8 seconds, (period between the two vertical brown lines). The effect on the circuit flow can be seen by the momentary increase in the flow rate, from 342 litres/minute to 568 litres/minute. 'Dead-ending' a CIP circuit can damage plant and pipe lines due to water hammer.