Riboflavin Testing for Vessels

Frequently Asked Question

The purpose of riboflavin testing is to determine the effectivity of the spray-devices fitted to your equipment. It uses riboflavin solution – vitamin B2 – which fluoresces brightly under a UV light.

The internal surfaces of your equipment are sprayed with riboflavin solution and inspected with a UV light to ensure full coverage. A standard CIP cycle is then carried out – with water. This should be performed at the flow-rate, pressure and time that future cycles would be subject to. The internal surfaces are inspected with UV light again – to determine that all traces of riboflavin have been successfully washed away. Areas that were not cleaned sufficiently are noted in our report. It may be necessary to modify the CIP cycle and/or spray-device in order to clean the equipment 100%.

Please note; as per ASME BPE – “The test is not intended to demonstrate cleanability, but rather the ability to deliver cleaning solutions to the target surfaces.”

Yes. Riboflavin solution is a natural product – vitamin B2 and is fully water soluble. In most cases, we use the client’s own circulation equipment and water to carry out the work. If required, we can bring our own pumps (with variable speed drives) to replicate the flow/pressure of the proposed system.

Ordinarily, just the once – as part of the Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) prior to commissioning. It is sometimes requested years into service after issues with the CIP cycle is identified. This can often help to identify wear-and-tear or misalignment of the spray-devices.

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