How the CIP Process Works in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The process of cleaning systems in their installed location is called Cleaning in Place (CIP). CIP systems are used in several different industries as a way to comply with statutory hygiene recommendations in the food and beverage industry, achieve necessary cleanliness standards in dairy processing, and ensure pharmaceutical products are free from contaminants during manufacturing.
This article will outline how the CIP process works in pharmaceutical production, as well as some of the most important things you should know about clean in place in the pharmaceutical industry.
Clean-in-place (CIP) in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
A well-executed CIP cycle uses a series of cleaning solutions to remove hazardous contaminants from the surface and eliminate any remnants of previous product batches, before flushing any leftover cleaning solution out with water.
While each healthcare industry will develop and employ its own CIP systems, common utilities for cleaning in place include the following:
• WFI (Water for Injection)
• PW (Purified Water)
• PoW (Potable Water)
This will depend on the type of product manufactured by the pharmaceutical company.
The water used to clean the equipment used in pharmaceutical production must be of the same quality as that used in production itself. The purified water capacity should be adequate to fulfil both the cleaning requirements and the production volume. It is common practice to dismantle the systems twice a year for cleaning, using stronger chemicals compared to the regular CIP cleaning cycle.
Things you should know about Clean-in-place (CIP) in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Why is CIP important in pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Clean-in-place plays a crucial role in ensuring pharmaceutical products are contaminant-free. These contaminants can originate from sources such as dirt, dust, and microorganisms. Failure to remove these contaminants can lead to severe health issues for any patients taking the affected medication.
How do CIP systems work?
A cleaning-in-place cycle operates by pumping a sequence of cleaning solutions through the selected equipment to remove hazardous contaminants from the surface. The equipment then undergoes a water flush to remove any remaining cleaning solution residue.
What are the advantages of CIP in the pharmaceutical industry?
There are many advantages to CIP, including enhanced product quality, reduced operational downtime, and increased worker safety. An effective clean-in-place system also enhances the productivity and efficiency of the production cycle.
Are there any disadvantages to clean-in-place systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing?
CIP can be quite expensive to implement and maintain, which is its primary drawback. Moreover, it may not effectively eliminate all forms of contaminants from pharmaceutical production equipment.
At S4 Engineering, we have a wealth of experience in the supply, installation, and ongoing maintenance of clean-in-place solutions. To find out how our equipment can benefit businesses in pharmaceutical manufacturing, contact S4 Engineering today.