CIP chemicals

[lael]

Hi,

Thinking through a new rig design and thinking CIP. Does anyone currently do it effectively?

If so - what are your practices?

What chemicals are usually used for CIP?

Thanks!

 

[MartinOC]

Sorry, Lael, but with over 1000 posts, you're asking THAT question now??

'Thought you'd have that sorted by now.

 

[barls]

normally caustic and an acid based sanitiser

 

[lael]

caustic soda? Is that a strong alkaline?

 

[lael]

Sorry, Lael, but with over 1000 posts, you're asking THAT question now??

'Thought you'd have that sorted by now.

hehe, yeah, slow learner right? finally figured out I don't like cleaning...

 

[MartinOC]

No-one likes cleaning, but it's an essential "given" for anyone that wants to make consistently good beer. It's a no-brainer!

Caustic or BPW is your first point,

 

[lael]

Where do I source caustic and how dangerous is it?

 

[barls]

yep.
caustic then an acid.
generally brewsol and proxitaine is whats used in the industry.
id avoid it if you can its horrible stuff

 

[Yob]

Orrible stuff..

I go with a perc/met mix for my HEX which is CIP + starsan flush if I'm feeling the need

 

[lael]

just go with pbw?

 

[lael]

Yob - have you ever compared the effectiveness of your mix to pbw? how does it fare?

 

[Yob]

Only ever bought PBW once, since then I buy percabonate and metasillicate in bulk. On par as far as I know **** is clean

 

[lael]

Nice

 

[MartinOC]

Sure, proprietary PBW is best, but the mix of Perc./Met. will get you 95% there. 'Dunno what the extra 5% is supposed to do, but it certainly achieves it.

 

[lael]

I think I was reading something on hbt about this topic - I'll see if I took notes on it. Anyone else know?

 

[Pugdog1]

Ebay will have it http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=231257747191

And I think bunnings have it in 2l/kg bottles in the same section as methanol etc

 

[MartinOC]

Seriously, Lael. Just go with the Perc./Met. mix & run it HOT through your rig & you won't go wrong. No need to research or explore any further. It works!

 

[lael]

sweet - thx guys!

 

[lael]

here we go: http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/45354-sodium-metasilicate/page-2

 

[stakka82]

Caustic is sodium hydroxide, strongly basic.

I was under the impression that was what a lot of commercial breweries cleaned with. Apparently it is much more effective than an acid based sanitiser.

You can get it as drain cleaner, or as an ingredient to make soap. Very hazardous and ppe necessary when handling.

Apparently caustic at 70 degress plus is nuke city

 

[stakka82]

Im sure someone here will reply with more detail/clarification/correction.

 

[Dunkelbrau]

Caustic cleans organic matter really really well, and is most effective in a hot solution (DO NOT add caustic powder to hot water.. Only cold. It will create its own heat)

Acid is used as a sterilant, and also as a means of removing mineral build up

 

[Dunkelbrau]

I just use sodium percarbonate in hot water to clean, and use starsan as a sterilant, I don't starsan my hlt, mash tun or kettle, but my plate chiller and anything after the kettle gets cleaned and a starsan flush prior to chilling and then backflushed with cleaner and rinsed when I clean the kettle.

I think if there's no built up organic matter and the surface is clean, a quick run with most cleaners are fine and there is no need for caustic.

You also have to be super careful with caustic.. Not just because of the safety issues, but SWMBO will freak if you give your shirt or pants red blobs when the caustic gets on there haha