Sterilisation in place or Steam in place (SIP) is a method used to clean or disinfect process equipment and piping without disassembly. The SIP process can be done manually or automated through the control system. The thermal validation of this process is accomplished by using thermocouples or wireless dataloggers. Typically, the temperature sensors are inserted into the process piping through flanges using Smart gaskets.
During the initial qualification of the SIP process,thermocouple based systems can be advantageous. The ability to “see live data” allows for optimum adjustments and to establish control parameters of sterilisation time and exposure. Multiple datalogger systems and very long thermocouples (50-75 ft) are usually required. Setup and installation is quite time intensive using the thermocouple approach. Thermocouples can get entangled or damaged if not carefully secured around traffic areas.
Lives XpertLog wireless dataloggers are the best solution for SIP re-qualifications or periodic verifications. The dataloggers can be installed in a small fraction of the time compared to thermocouple based systems (see chart). Also, disruption to normal operations is minimal.