Automatic Cleaning in Place (CIP) system for sobatech continuous mixers

Sobatech’s continuous dough mixers are engineered for the highest levels of hygienic performance, making them ideal for industrial food and non-food production. A key feature supporting this is Sobatech’s automatic Cleaning in Place (CIP) system, a fast, efficient, and reliable method for internal mixer cleaning without disassembly.

The CIP system is frequently used in automated food and non-food processing lines to meet strict hygiene standards while minimizing downtime. Depending on your cleaning requirements, the Sobatech mixer can be cleaned with for instance using warm water, cleaning agents, or sugar solutions.

How the Cleaning in Place (CIP) system works

Step 1: Activate cleaning mode

To begin the CIP process, the operator activates the cleaning mode via the HMI screen. This immediately halts the dosing of all ingredients, allowing the mixer to run empty. The internal self-emptying mixing tools ensure that remaining product is cleared before cleaning begins.

Step 2: Fill mixer with water

Once the mixer is empty, (warm) water is introduced into the chamber through a water connection installed at the homogenizer inlet. 

Step 3: Run the mixing tools on high speed

As soon as the mixing tools are fully submerged, they are run at high speed for several minutes. This creates intense turbulence within the water, effectively rinsing away any remaining product residues.

Step 4: Drain dirty water

At the outlet of the continuous mixing system there will be a locker with a seal including a valve. On the other side of that valve, there is a flexible hose that is connected to a drain in the floor. After cleaning, the valve will open automatically and the water will be drained. Optionally the upper surfaces (the lid) can be cleaned manually.

Fast and efficient cleaning (in just 15 minutes)

The entire CIP cleaning cycle takes approximately 15 minutes, making it a quick and effective solution for frequent cleaning during continuous production processes. The automated system reduces manual labor, improves hygiene control, and minimizes mixer downtime.

Watch the video below for a full demonstration of the CIP process in action.