Process time is a key performance indicator (KPI) in most plants. Longer processes increase output cost and reduce production volumes.

‘End Cleaning Time’ is a necessary process time factor but shortening the cleaning cycle must be balanced against the quality of residue removal within the vessel. Process vessels must be properly clean to ensure that the quality (often measured and validated) of subsequent production is maintained.

Many processes involve manual labour intensive cleaning either by hand or with a pressure lance. Not only does this tie up human resource but usually delivers only an average and inconsistent result.