Cleaning In Place CIP
Automated Cleaning in Place systems engineered for reliability, repeatability, and compliance.
Cleaning In Place CIP
Curtis Assemble & Test Ltd design and manufacture Cleaning in Place (CIP) systems for reliable, automated cleaning of components during or after production. Our CIP modules are trusted by manufacturers worldwide for pre-operation gauging and post-operation cleaning, helping to ensure compliance with cleanliness standards and improve long-term equipment performance.
By automating the cleaning process, CIP systems remove residual fluids, debris, and contaminants without the need for manual intervention or component disassembly. This improves consistency, reduces downtime, and ensures repeatable cleanliness levels across production cycles, particularly critical in precision engineering, hydraulic, pneumatic, and fluid-handling applications.
Seamless Integration & Standalone CIP Solutions
Our CIP systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing production lines or operate as standalone cleaning stations. Using controlled flow rates, pressure, temperature, and filtration, each system is configured to match your specific components, media, and cleanliness requirements.
Whether supporting pre-assembly preparation, post-test cleaning, or final validation before shipment, CAT’s CIP solutions provide a controlled, repeatable cleaning process that supports quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Each system is engineered for durability, ease of operation, and long-term reliability in demanding production environments.
Process Monitoring & Cleaning Verification
For applications where cleanliness must be verified as part of the process, CIP systems can be supported by monitoring and validation checks to confirm effective fluid circulation, drying, and contaminant removal. This helps ensure each cleaning cycle meets defined standards before components move to the next production stage.
Patch Testing & Cleaning Validation Using Gold Leaf
To verify the cleanliness of a component after cleaning, patch test sampling may be applied. A clean and filtered solution is flushed through the component at a pressure of up to 6 bar and a fluid flow rate of 10 litres per minute.
The returning flow of the flushed solvent flow line, passes through a standard or gold foil test patch / collection filter assembly. The resulting patch is dried and viewed under a 100x / 200x microscope to identify particle type and morphology (shape, colour, size) to determine the source of contamination such as abrasive metal particles (iron, copper), fibrous material, then compared against a standard calibration guide, allowing for the determination of an ISO Cleanliness.
Core Features of Our CIP Systems
⚙️ Power Unit
Integrated fluid reservoir with pump motor, valve manifold for controlled fluid diversion, and inline filtration to support continuous, effective cleaning.
⚙️ Fixture
Custom-designed enclosure with top access for automatic loading, incorporating dedicated ports for wash fluid delivery and drying air.
⚙️ Drain & Dissipation Tank
Sealed return tank with filter foam to recirculate fluid back to the reservoir while minimising foaming during the drying phase.
⚙️ Electrical & Software Control Enclosure
Integrated control hardware managing wash and dry sequencing, with the option to interface directly with the host machine’s control program.
Each CIP system is engineered around the specific geometry, cleanliness requirements, and production environment of your components. This ensures reliable, repeatable cleaning performance while supporting efficient integration into existing manufacturing or test processes.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Cleaning in Place (CIP) systems play a critical role in manufacturing environments where cleanliness, reliability, and repeatability are essential. Typical applications include:
Hydraulic & Fluid System Components
CIP systems are used to remove residual oils, fluids, and contaminants from hydraulic components such as valves, manifolds, and housings, ensuring cleanliness prior to assembly, testing, or shipment.
Post-Test & Post-Operation Cleaning
Following pressure, flow, or functional testing, CIP systems provide controlled post-operation cleaning to remove test media and residues, helping prepare components for further processing or inspection.
Pre-Assembly &
Pre-Operation Preparation
CIP solutions are used prior to assembly or operation to ensure components meet required cleanliness standards, reducing the risk of contamination-related failures during service.
Precision Engineering & Cleanliness-Controlled Parts
For precision-engineered components, CIP systems deliver repeatable, controlled cleaning that supports stringent cleanliness requirements in high-performance and safety-critical applications.
Automated Production Line Integration
CIP modules can be integrated directly into automated production lines, providing in-line cleaning without interrupting workflow or increasing manual handling requirements.
Final Cleaning Prior to Inspection or Dispatch
CIP systems are used for final-stage cleaning before inspection, packaging, or dispatch, ensuring components are free from residual fluids and contamination prior to delivery.
Industries We Support
- Automotive – cleaning of fuel, hydraulic, and precision components prior to assembly or testing.
- Medical Devices – repeatable cleaning processes for precision components and regulated production environments.
- Aerospace – contamination control for high-specification parts requiring strict cleanliness standards.
- Precision Engineering – removal of machining debris, oils, and residues from complex manufactured parts.
WHAT WE CAN DELIVER
Bespoke Cleaning in Place (CIP) systems designed around your components
Automated, repeatable cleaning cycles with minimal operator intervention
Integrated wash and dry sequencing for consistent results
Controlled flow, pressure, temperature, and filtration
Seamless integration into existing production or test processes
Standalone or in-line CIP modules
Reliable cleaning performance to support cleanliness standards and compliance
Looking for a reliable Cleaning in Place solution
for your production process?
Our engineers will help define the right CIP approach to meet your cleanliness and integration requirements.
Talk to our engineering team, we’ll help define the right CIP solution for your process.
Why Choose CAT?
☑️ Bespoke CIP System Design
Each system is engineered around your components, cleanliness requirements, and production environment.
☑️ Consistent, Repeatable Cleaning
Automated cleaning cycles deliver reliable results with minimal operator intervention.
☑️ Seamless Production Integration
Designed to integrate easily into existing production lines or operate as standalone CIP modules.
☑️ Reduced Downtime & Manual Handling
Automation minimises disassembly, handling, and process interruptions.
☑️ Cleanliness & Compliance Support
Controlled cleaning processes to help meet cleanliness standards and quality requirements.
☑️ Proven Engineering Expertise
Trusted by manufacturers across precision engineering, hydraulic, and fluid-handling industries.
Real-World Performance, Real-World Trust
Looking for a trusted partner to deliver your Cleaning in Place solution?
Our engineers will design a CIP system tailored to your components, cleanliness requirements, and production environment.