Cleaning Study Of An American Process Equipment Ribbon Blender

By MORK Process, Inc.

The primary objective of this cleaning study was to ascertain the feasibility of conducting an automated Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) of an American Process Equipment 55 ft³ Ribbon Blender utilized for final mixing of the ingredients used in the production of powder drink mix products.

The cleaning study, performed in July, 2009, clearly showed that a robust and repeatable automatic cleaning of the APE Blender (including the lid, ribbon, blades, shaft areas, discharge valve, and the blender bowl) can be achieved with the use of a standard MORK CIP unit integrated with, and operating two 180° directional dynamic spray impingement cleaning devices.

Based upon the results of the cleaning study, it can be concluded that it is feasible to achieve the following goals:

• Significant reduction of time used for cleaning and drying ribbon blenders
• Robust cleaning of all APE blender components (product contact).
• Improved GMP compliance by means of an automated, repeatable and verifiable cleaning solution.
• Highly improved & safer working environment for personnel.
• Contained system vs. "open" cleaning