9 replies to this topic

[DigitalTaper]

Hey there,A back problem has kept me from brewing as much as I'd like. I'm looking into putting together a brew setup where I won't be lifting anything heavy if possible. Future brew stand and March pump will help during the brew day. I've loved the recent posts on the key/carboy washers and will be fabricating one as well. How high have you guys been able to get your water before your sump pumps have shut down? It looks like I've seen max temps of 120*F on a few models I've looked at. I've found a high temp sump that can go to 200* for around $180, but wasn't planning to spend nearly that much. I would like the high temps to clean sanke's and hoff-stevens kegs with caustic. From all my reading caustic is best at 160* or higher; hence the question on high pump temperatures. Oh, and I don't need the use PBW; caustic is dangerous replies. I'm well aware of the benefits/risks of both chemicals. PBW will always have a place in my brewery, but would rather use a caustic & acid washes for a CIP system for the sanke and H-S kegs.So have you guys had luck running your sumps at high temperatures? Are there other cheaper ($) pumps that can handle the high heat that I might not be aware of?Thanks all - Cheers!

[beerbaron]

I bought one from harbor freight for about 60 or 70 bucks. It was rated at 3600 gallons per hour (It does not acheive this nor did it ever). I am into my 4th year with it and routinely run 150 degree caustic in it. I probably do 2 hours of operation with caustic every 6 weeks or so. I definately would not spend the extra money on a high temp pump. Also, if you are really worried about it harbor freight will take your money for an extended warranty (sucker bet just like insurance in blackjack).

[beerbaron]

Also, I have been using a cleaner from birko that is like pbw (forget safety) called Cell-R-Master (pronounced cellar master) that is designed to be used in the 110-130 degree range (no heating element needed in keg washer. It requires a slightly longer cycle but rinses more quickly than caustic and does not require an acid cycle.) It cost about 1.80 per pound. A pound makes 16 gallons.

[DigitalTaper]

Thanks for the info Beerbaron! Looks like the optimum recommended temp for CIP caustic is 140*, not 160* as I thought. Good to hear your getting 2hr run times at 150*. I checked the submersible pumps at HF, manuals have them rated at 95*, sounds like you can go over that pretty significantly. Thanks for the heads up on Cell-R-Master.

[ChefLamont]

The "caustic is dangerous" speech aside, I wonder what you are cleaning that cant get done with oxyclean/pbw or the like. I run oxyclean in my keg cleaner with warm water (I mix ~50/50 water as hot as my tap will produce with regular cold tap water), and it gets things super clean. There is no doubt caustic is an awesome cleaner, but if the "lesser" cleaners will suffice, I see this as looking for a solution to a problem that doesnt exist.Just an observation.

[beerbaron]

oxy clean and pbw are expensive. caustic is cheap and widely available at wholesale prices.

[DigitalTaper]

I wonder what you are cleaning that cant get done with oxyclean/pbw or the like. ... I see this as looking for a solution to a problem that doesnt exist.

Sanke and Hoff-Steven's kegs. Just last weekend I had a ring line left from PBW on a carboy. I filled it with a caustic solution and there were no traces of protein anywhere 30 minutes later. Like I said, this isn't meant to be the "you only need oxy/pbw" debate. I've read that 100 times on the various boards.

[ChefLamont]

Sanke and Hoff-Steven's kegs. Just last weekend I had a ring line left from PBW on a carboy. I filled it with a caustic solution and there were no traces of protein anywhere 30 minutes later. Like I said, this isn't meant to be the "you only need oxy/pbw" debate. I've read that 100 times on the various boards.

Nope. No debate intended. That's a valid reason. I haven't seen that happen before, but I guess I will start inspecting more closely.My next concern with caustic (no this is still not the be careful rant ) would be to make sure all of the pump components can stand up to the high pH of caustic.

[stellarbrew]

make sure all of the pump components can stand up to the high pH of caustic.

This is a good point. High concentrations of caustic, or long contact times can damage stainless steel.

[beerbaron]

yes, I should add that the inside of my pump housing is rusting slightly. I have a bad ass cherry burrell 1.5" tri clover pump that I am planning on using but I need to invest in some stainless fittings and welding services before I can use it. I think swagman will be getting a call from me soon.