How to use CIP in RO Plant?

CIP is the abbreviation of Clean In Place, which is a cleaning method for cleaning equipment without changing the position of the equipment. It can not only clean the equipment, but also control microorganisms, so it's widely used in the highly mechanized food and beverage production industries, such as beverage, dairy, juice, jam and wine, etc.

Through the process of acid cleaning and alkali cleaning, CIP remove macromolecular colloids, microorganisms, organic matter, inorganic substances and other fouling that have fouled on the surface of the RO membrane module during the long-term operation, to ensure the normal operation of the membrane system and extend the service life of the membrane module. In addition, the pretreatment of RO is also an important step to protect RO membrane modules and extend their service life. By the way, HONGTEK's High Flow Filter, Pleated Filter, Melt Blown Cartridge, String Wound Cartridge, Liquid Filter Bag are usually used in RO pretreatment.

In general, when the water production rate or desalination rate of the RO system is reduced to 10-15%, it is necessary to perform CIP treatment on the RO membrane module. The following CIP steps are for your reference:

1. Water Cleaning

Rinse RO membrane modules and system pipes with water at a temperature of 60-80℃ to remove dirt and other residual substances on the surface. The water used for washing can be RO produced water, softened water or filtered water that meets RO inlet water standards. The cleaning time is generally 10-15 minutes.

2. Alkaline Cleaning

Prepare an alkaline cleaning solution with 1-2% concentration, keep the temperature between 60-80℃, and then clean the RO membrane modules and system pipes to remove protein, fat and other contaminants. The cleaning time is generally 10-15 minutes. During the cleaning process, pay attention to observe the degree of the pollution level of the backwater. If the backwater of the CIP is darker and appears turbid, it means that there are more pollutants and the cleaning fluid must be discharged and reconfigured.

3. Water Cleaning

After the alkaline cleaning process is completed, the RO membrane module and the system pipeline are rinsed with water at a temperature of 60-80℃ to remove the alkaline cleaning solution remaining in the RO membrane module and the system pipeline. After cleaning for 5-10 minutes, use PH test paper to test the discharge cleaning water to ensure that the difference between the PH value of the cleaning inlet water is less than 0.5.

4. Acid Cleaning

Prepare an acidic cleaning solution with 0.5-1% concentration, maintain the temperature between 60-80℃, and then cleaning the RO membrane modules and system pipes to remove inorganic salts, minerals, metal ions and other pollutants. The cleaning time is generally 15-20 minutes.

5. Water Cleaning

After acid cleaning process is done, the RO membrane modules and system pipes are rinsed with water at a temperature of 60-80℃ to remove acidic cleaning fluid remaining in the RO membrane modules and system pipes. After cleaning for 5-10 minutes, use PH test paper to test the discharged cleaning water to ensure that the difference between the PH value of the cleaning inlet water is less than 0.5. If the PH valve difference is more than 0.5, you need to continue cleaning until the PH value difference is less than 0.5.

Noted: The water equipped with acidic cleaning solution and alkaline cleaning solution is best produced by the reverse osmosis system (you can use the water in the reverse osmosis production water tank). Personal protective work should be done during the preparation of acidic cleaning solution and alkaline cleaning solution. It is recommended to wear protective glasses, rubber gloves, and protective clothing. Before adding the acid and alkali stock solution to the CIP cleaning tank, the tank must be filled with water in advance.