Patent ID: 6767408
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: B08B

Abstract:
A method for cleaning an apparatus using a: clean-in-place system, the clean-in-place system being in fluid communication with an inlet of the apparatus and the clean-in-place system being in fluid communication with an outlet of the apparatus, the method comprising:supplying a cleaning composition from a cleaner tank of the clean-in-place system into the inlet of the apparatus for a first period of time of a first cleaning cycle, the cleaning composition having a measurable physical property at a first measured value, the cleaner tank having a cleaner supply valve and a cleaner return valve such that the cleaning composition can be recirculated through the cleaner tank and the apparatus to clean the apparatus; supplying a rinsing composition from a rinse tank of the clean-in-place system into the inlet of the apparatus for a second period of time of the first cleaning cycle, the rinsing composition having the measurable physical property at a second measured value different from the first measured value; sensing the measurable physical property versus time for fluids exiting the outlet of the apparatus; determining a circulation time of the cleaning composition from a selected time of the first period of time of the first cleaning cycle to an end time wherein the measurable physical property of the fluids has a third measured value different from the first measured value; and determining a cleaner return valve closing time for closing the cleaner return valve after supplying the cleaning composition from the cleaner tank and thereafter supplying the rinsing composition from the rinse tank in a subsequent cleaning cycle, the cleaner return valve closing time being selected in dependence on the determined circulation time.