Clean-in-place (Subsystem 10) enables internal cleaning of P6 without full disassembly — a key requirement for food safety and regulatory compliance. The CIP solution is provided by the plant CIP system; P6 connects to the plant supply and is cleaned internally through fixed spray nozzles targeting food-contact and splash zones, plus a counter-flow backflush of the juice collection circuit. During CIP, tank isolation valving ensures CIP fluid is routed into the collectors/filter/plunger circuit and not into production juice tanks.
Discussion
Rough design & intent
External system — CIP cycles are controlled by the plant CIP system (pressure, temperature, chemical concentration, and durations).
Machine must run — During CIP, the machine must be running to achieve effective cleaning (moving peelers/plungers expose surfaces and clear flow paths).
Two cleaning paths:
Spray nozzle cleaning — internal cleaning via fixed nozzles targeting feed tubes, peelers, and deflectors.
Juice circuit backflush — juice collection system cleaning (collector, filter, plunger) via CIP solution coming through the juice line as a counter-flow (back flush) process.
Plant CIP cycle (typical)
Actual durations depend on cleaning results and the plant's CIP performance (pressure, temperature, concentration). Chemical indicator tests are required to confirm no cleaning solution remains.
First water rinse — basic material removal.
Lye / soap solution — cleaning chemistry step.
Final water rinse — remove chemical material; verify with indicators; add additional rinse if needed.
Spray nozzles (P6)
Total nozzles — 21 total (current concept).
Single input — nozzles connect via rigid stainless pipes/manifolds to a single input connection per manifold group, with flexible hoses to allow feeder open/close.
Fruit intake system lid nozzles (12) — 4 sets × 3 nozzles per set (one CIP nozzle port is in the 90° feeding tube):
A: 1 circular-jet nozzle at the curve of the feeding tube turned backwards (one per tube).
B: 1 angled-jet nozzle behind the feeding tube pointing to the movable peeler (mid-stroke) (one per peeler).
C: 1 angled-jet nozzle at the front of the feeding tube pointing to the fixed peeler (one per peeler).
Below movable peelers (4) — D: 4 angled nozzles at the rear plate of the peel deflector pointing to the movable peeler (mid-stroke) (4 sets × 1 nozzle).
Below static peelers (5) — E: 5 angled nozzles at the front plate of the peel collector between the core ducts and at both sides (one per peeler +1), avoiding the deflectors.
DFM & integration (China)
Piping — feeder nozzles are connected by rigid stainless-steel pipes and connect to the plant CIP line via a flexible hose to allow feeder to open/close.
Peel deflector manifold — nozzles below peelers are also connected by rigid stainless pipes and connected to the plant CIP line through a flexible hose.
Hygiene — all CIP plumbing in splash/food zones should avoid pockets, use sanitary fittings, and be serviceable for inspection/replacement.
Open items (requires further design)
Spray pattern and nozzle type selection (jet type, coverage, droplet size).
Spray angles and exact mounting locations (collision avoidance with moving peelers/deflectors).
Connection type/standard (sanitary fittings), flow rate, and operating pressure.
Questions for contractor
Propose nozzle types, spray patterns, and mounting angles to achieve full coverage without collisions across the full stroke.
Specify CIP manifold tubing sizes, fitting standards, and flexible hose requirements for feeder open/close motion.
Validate the juice-circuit counter-flow backflush approach (valving, check valves, pressure limits) and define an acceptance test plan.
Recommend validation steps using chemical indicators and define rinse criteria to ensure no chemical residue remains.
Flexible hoses to allow feeder to open/close while connected to plant CIP
Valving/connection for juice-line counter-flow backflush
Plant CIP controller/equipment (external)
Status
System-level concept captured. Still TBD: nozzle selection, spray angles, connection standards, flow rate, and operating pressure. Add figures showing nozzle locations and manifold routing as they are defined.