COP (Cleaning Out of Place)
COP (Cleaning Out of Place) is the cleaning of parts removed from the line (valves, seals, nozzles, utensils) in a separate tank or washer.
It is the complement to CIP. Some parts do not get properly clean in circulation because of their shape, because they have dead zones or because they are dismantled at each production changeover. They are removed from the line and cleaned by immersion in a tank, often with recirculation or agitation of the solution, in parts washers or by manual brushing. The factors that determine the result are the same as in Sinner's circle: temperature, concentration, time and mechanical action. The sequence is also similar: rinse, detergent, rinse, acid descaling when there are mineral deposits, disinfection and rinsing if the data sheet requires it. Before reassembling the parts, it is necessary to check that they are clean and to prevent them from being recontaminated during drying and storage.
Instaquim products whose technical data sheet provides for application by immersion:
- Gras Foam Pro (pH 12.5 at 1 %): alkaline degreaser; from 2 to 6 % at 20–60 ºC, applicable by immersion. Do not use on aluminium.
- Acid Pro (pH 2.0 at 1 %, with orthophosphoric acid): descaler for limescale deposits and alkaline detergent residues; from 2 to 5 % by immersion at 40–70 ºC.
- Nitracip Pro (pH 1.5 at 1 %, with nitric acid): by immersion, from 1 to 5 % at 40–60 ºC, with thorough rinsing.
- Bacter Alcalino (registration 19-20/90-06281-HA; UNE-EN 13697 under dirty conditions): disinfectant applicable by immersion; at 1 % for about 5 minutes as a bactericide, with rinsing.