Keg Washers – Build your own Part 3 – The cleaning cycle sequence
The cleaning cycle sequence is as follows:
1. OPEN the DRAIN valve, allow keg to depressurize and discharge residual beer.
2. OPEN the WATER valve, then OPEN the AIR valve, wait 30 seconds, then CLOSE the WATER valve, wait until all water is discharged from keg, then CLOSE the AIR valve, and allow keg to depressurize.
3. CLOSE DRAIN valve, OPEN RETURN valve, OPEN ACID valve, turn Pump ON, OPEN the AIR valve, wait 60 seconds, then CLOSE ACID valve, turn Pump OFF, wait until all acid is discharged from keg (air bubbles in the reservoir) then CLOSE AIR valve, OPEN DRAIN valve, CLOSE RETURN valve.
4. OPEN the WATER valve, then OPEN the CO2 valve, wait 30 seconds, then CLOSE the WATER valve, wait until all water is discharged from keg, then CLOSE the DRAIN valve, wait 2-3 seconds, then CLOSE CO2 valve.
5. Dismount keg and disconnect Keg Connector.
NOTE: If you don’t have access to compressed air, all of the above AIR functions can be performed using CO2 instead, but not the other way around – CO2 must be used in Step #4 to purge oxygen from the keg!
To clean kegs for real, add cleaning agent to the Reservoir per the manufacturer’s instructions. You should be able to clean one to two dozen kegs before the cleaning solution gets too dirty or too cool to be effective.
A word of caution – you need to make sure the RETURN LINE is secured to the pipe inside the Reservoir, because you will get sprayed with hot acid solution if it gets loose. A plastic garbage bag placed over the top of the reservoir might be a good idea as well. The use of safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing is also highly recommended.
Quality Control for Keg Cleaning
If you have questions about the assembly or operation of this keg washing system, you can contact Phil Internicola by email at pribuzx@yahoo.com.
Phil Internicola is a retired craft brewer and currently an independent Craft Brewery Development & Operations Consultant.