Cleaning and changeover

CIP and cleaning for counter-pressure fillers.

Cleaning expectations should be part of the carbonated filler specification, especially for drinks with sugar, alcohol, yeast, flavouring or colour changes.

For carbonated drink lines, cleaning can involve product-contact tanks, fill valves, pipes, hoses, mixer or carbonation sections, conveyors around wet areas, cap handling areas and operator-access zones. Buyers should define the product family and changeover pattern before deciding whether a compact machine, semi-automatic route or automatic line has the right cleaning approach.

Product contact pathConfirm which tanks, valves, hoses and filler parts are included in the cleaned circuit.
Manual partsAgree which seals, nozzles, guards, trays or tooling are removed or cleaned by the operator.
ChangeoverColour, flavour, allergen or alcohol changes may require stronger validation than same-product cleaning.
RecordsFor audited production, cleaning steps and sign-off should be documented by the site.
UtilitiesCleaning may require water, drainage, compressed air, CO₂ isolation and safe access.
  • List every drink family expected on the line.
  • State whether products include sugar, pulp, flavour oils, yeast or allergens.
  • Confirm whether the filling route must be prepared for future SKUs.
  • Ask which parts need operator removal during routine cleaning.

Acceptance testing should not only focus on output. It should also check whether operators can access the areas they need, whether tools or change parts are clearly identified, and whether the agreed cleaning sequence is practical in the buyer’s production environment.

Buyer questions

Questions to resolve before specification.

Does every counter-pressure filler have CIP?

No. Cleaning and CIP features depend on the specific machine design and line scope.

Should cleaning be discussed before ordering?

Yes. Cleaning affects utilities, operator time, product changeover and acceptance testing.

Can Lancing advise on cleaning chemicals?

The buyer should follow their site hygiene requirements and chemical supplier guidance. Lancing can discuss machinery access and cleaning route considerations.

What samples help cleaning review?

Product information, container samples, cap or end details and expected SKU changeovers all help. Safety data or hygiene requirements may also be relevant.

Ready to specify the route?

Send the product, package and output details.

Lancing can review the drink type, carbonation target, container, closure or seam route, target output, utilities and site requirements before recommending the machinery path.