Carboy and Keg Auto-Washer

TimWeber · 02-03-2010, 01:38 AM

Ok, I really can't take credit for this since I got the idea from here http://www.aleiens.com/profiles/blogs/carboy-and-keg-washer

I made a couple little changes. I did not add the keg in and out lines since I would rather take these apart each time. I have an interchangeable nozzle, it has a 1/2" NPT fitting. At some point I want to add a spay ball. My buddy is an engineer at a CIP ball manufacture.

Here is a video of it working!

iparks81 · 02-03-2010, 01:52 AM

that kicks ass! great build

**HopHead24** · 02-03-2010, 05:32 PM

Nice!!! I was thinking of building a washer right into my laundry tub. Two valves on the side to feed in/out to and from pump on my Brutus 10 stand. I think I like your idea a little better won't have to worry about leaks.

TimWeber · 02-03-2010, 06:17 PM

The thing doesn't leak at all. I was really surprised. All together it cost around $100, maybe $120 to build. It was about $60 for the pump and $50 for the fittings. Best thing I ever built!

I don't think a march pump would work nearly as well. The sump pump is super powerful at half the price of a march pump. The pump is 1/3 HP and will move 56 GPM. When it gets warm out, I want to see how far it will shoot up.

I am going to goof around with different nozzles now.

SweetSounds · 02-03-2010, 07:02 PM

That thing is sweet!

Damn.. Back to Lowes!

BrewNinja1 · 02-04-2010, 08:44 PM

I like it! Time to watch for a good sale.

**Munsoned** · 02-04-2010, 09:09 PM

Piece of advice for everyone out there thinking of making one of these--make sure your upspout pipe/tube is not too wide. I made one of these with all PVC, but the tube that shoots the water up is too thick and blocks the outflow of the water out of the carboy neck. It flows, but not enough to keep up with the water going in. Too much pressure builds up inside the carboy and... you get the idea...

Mine is now only used to clean cornys...

TimWeber · 02-05-2010, 01:25 PM

Mine is 1/2" OD. Seems to leave a lot of clearance for water out flow. I replace the nozzel so it doesn't shoot up now. I drilled 8 holes around the axis every inche, put a cap on the top, and drilled a small hole in the top. The thing is a beast now!

**ocluke** · 11-13-2011, 09:53 PM

Quote:

At some point I want to add a spay ball. My buddy is an engineer at a CIP ball manufacture.

Did you ever end up with a CIP solution? If so, how did it work out? I'm planning on doing something similar to the version on the same site you drew inspiration from, but add this McMaster-Carr CIP nozzle.

**Smashing** · 11-13-2011, 10:34 PM

Where be that video???