Vol. 9, Issue 12, Part H (2025)

A cleaning-In-Place (CIP) test rig was developed to study nozzle spray performance for cleaning milk can. Test rig consisted of a set up on which different solid stream nozzles of orifice diameter 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm were evaluated. Variable parameters were nozzle orifice diameter and pump operating frequency (15-40 Hz). Effect of jet breakup after impingement and surface water distribution along internal wall was measured using patternator. Multi response optimization was applied to maximize impact force and spray jet pressure and minimize nozzle flow rate. The optimization solution with highest desirability function (0.65) was obtained in case of 4 mm nozzle operated at 40 Hz pump frequency. Cleaning time of 30 sec for individual sequences, 1% NaOH solution and hot water at 70 °C resulted in satisfactory cleaning of milk can. Test rig served as a multi-purpose platform for spray performance measurement, optimization and standardization of CIP protocol. These findings may be used for design and improvement of industrial spray jet washing systems.