How does industrial tank cleaning work?
Clean industrial tanks have a major impact on product quality in process industries, breweries and food production. Dirt in different vessels, containers and tanks can cause operational problems and change flavour, quality and appearance. Here we look at which cleaning methods work best and what is important to keep in mind.
What is industrial tank cleaning?
Industrial tank cleaning involves removing dirt, residues and deposits from tanks used in process industries, breweries and food production. This can range from yeast and proteins in brewery tanks to minerals and grease in process equipment.
If left in place, dirt and deposits can lead to changes in taste and odour, poor hygiene, corrosion on the tank surface and production downtime. Regular cleaning can ensure that tanks function properly and that products are of high quality.
How dirt grows in tanks in brewing and industry
The more you know about how dirt is formed, the smoother the cleaning process will be. Tanks accumulate dirt in several different ways. Organic residues such as proteins, fats and yeast easily stick to the walls and form a sticky layer. Minerals and metals in liquids can precipitate over time, creating hard deposits that are difficult to remove. Microorganisms often grow into a biofilm on the surface, making cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
How chemical cleaners work in industrial tanks
As dirt binds to the tank surface in different ways, the products need to be adapted to the most prominent contamination. Here is a brief overview of the agents used for different types of dirt:
- Alkaline agents break down fats and proteins and make organic residues easier to rinse off.
- Acid-based agents dissolve minerals, rust and other hard deposits.
- Surfactants remove particles and prevent dirt from sticking to the tank surface again.
At Cleano, we develop environmentally friendly chemical cleaning products in close co-operation with our customers. Each product range is developed through a carefully controlled process and customised to the specific tank and process where it will be used.
Cleaning methods for industrial tank cleaning
The cleaning process requires an interaction between chemical action, mechanical action and careful control of temperature and flow. Let's go through some commonly used methods.
CIP - Cleaning in Place
CIP is an automated cleaning method that cleans tanks and pipework without dismantling the equipment. It saves time, reduces the risk of contamination and provides consistent, reproducible quality. The process relies on the circulation of cleaning fluid through spray balls or rotating nozzles that create powerful fluid movement against all surfaces.
High pressure cleaning
Pressure washing is used to remove hard deposits, coatings or dry particles stuck to the tank walls and floor. With high power, hot water and the right detergent, you can greatly increase the effectiveness. This method is particularly useful when cleaning uneven surfaces or in situations where CIP systems cannot reach the entire area.
Manual cleaning
If the shape of the tank is complex or the residues are more stubborn than usual, manual cleaning may be more suitable than the above methods. When cleaning manually, you can achieve high precision on hard-to-reach surfaces such as gaskets and valves. However, this requires the presence of inspection hatches, protective equipment, and adapted tools such as brushes or rags combined with the right cleaning agents.
Step by step
How to clean industrial tanks
The cleaning process is customised according to the method - whether it's CIP, high pressure or manual cleaning - and usually follows these steps for best results.
Step 1: Pre-rinsing
Rapid flushing with water removes loose dirt and reduces the load on the chemicals. CIP uses circulating water using spray balls, while high pressure has a stronger effect on solid residues.
Step 2: Chemical treatment
The right detergent is used at the right temperature and time to dissolve grease, minerals or other dirt. In CIP processes, the agent is circulated automatically. High pressure is combined with chemicals in the jet, and in manual cleaning, precision application is carried out on stubborn or hard-to-reach surfaces.
Step 3: Mechanical impact:
Spray balls, rotating nozzles or high pressure physically loosen stubborn deposits. CIP handles this automatically in closed systems, while high pressure focuses on hard deposits on the walls and floor of the tank. Manual cleaning usually uses a variety of brushes and rags.
Step 4: Final rinse and verification
After dirt and chemicals have been thoroughly rinsed off, a quick visual inspection is often done to ensure that the tank is clean. Otherwise, further cleaning, change of method or additional checks may be required to ensure that all hygiene and quality requirements are met.
How to avoid common obstacles in production
To avoid obstacles, cleaning needs to be planned taking into account both the design of the tank and the type of dirt that may be formed. The strength and duration of the agent should be adjusted as needed to dissolve burnt-on residues and break down biofilm and organics before they can affect product quality. A consistent and controlled process, with the right temperature, flow and follow-up after each cleaning, reduces the risk of unwanted odour or taste changes and extends the life of the equipment.
We produce effective industrial tank cleaning
We work with our customers to develop chemical cleaning products, including for tanks in breweries and process industries. We do this either by letting customers put their labels on our products - or by developing our own unique recipe. Are you curious about us? Get in touch and we'll discuss your needs.