When looking into making a CIP system, it didn't seem like there was a tried and true way of going about it. Hopefully this post can guide some in the future and also serve as a thanks for (once again) all of the ideas I have gathered from this site. I might add a tri-clamp connection to make it easier to connect to my conical, but other than that, I am very happy with the result.
Parts:
-Stainless pump from Harbor freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/1-horsepower-submersible-dirty-water-pump-with-float-69300.html)
-1/2" to 1 1/2" npt reducer
-1/2" npt 4 way connector
-1/2" npt coupler
-1' of stainless pipe with 1/2" npt threads on end
-2 x 1/2" npt with hose barbs
-tubing
-ball lock connections
-CIP spray ball from brewers hardware with 1/2" npt
-5 gallon bucket
The big part to get hung up on is the pump. None of them are rated for 140* water until you get into the big bucks. This one is $60 and I'll see how long it handles the high temps, but for now it works great.
Here are some pics of it in action:
It was a breeze to clean and sanitize four kegs last night. I did the following:
1. 140* oxyclean
2. 140* water rinse
3. 70* water rinse
4. 70* sanitizer
any thoughts on how to keep the oxyclean foam down?
Obviously it all being stainless increased the price, but it will last forever and I feel good about putting and cleaner products through it. That and I'm obsessed with stainless (like many of you).
The kegs balance perfectly on the handle of the pump and the rim of the bucket, so no top needed and I like the simplicity of it.
One last thing, the pump does have a float switch. Last night I plugged the pump into a spare receptacle on one of my control panels and turned it on and off that way while keeping the float switch continuously closed. In the future I might try and take the pump apart and bypass the float switch so it is always on if plugged in.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or ideas to make this design better!
Parts:
-Stainless pump from Harbor freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/1-horsepower-submersible-dirty-water-pump-with-float-69300.html)
-1/2" to 1 1/2" npt reducer
-1/2" npt 4 way connector
-1/2" npt coupler
-1' of stainless pipe with 1/2" npt threads on end
-2 x 1/2" npt with hose barbs
-tubing
-ball lock connections
-CIP spray ball from brewers hardware with 1/2" npt
-5 gallon bucket
The big part to get hung up on is the pump. None of them are rated for 140* water until you get into the big bucks. This one is $60 and I'll see how long it handles the high temps, but for now it works great.
Here are some pics of it in action:
It was a breeze to clean and sanitize four kegs last night. I did the following:
1. 140* oxyclean
2. 140* water rinse
3. 70* water rinse
4. 70* sanitizer
any thoughts on how to keep the oxyclean foam down?
Obviously it all being stainless increased the price, but it will last forever and I feel good about putting and cleaner products through it. That and I'm obsessed with stainless (like many of you).
The kegs balance perfectly on the handle of the pump and the rim of the bucket, so no top needed and I like the simplicity of it.
One last thing, the pump does have a float switch. Last night I plugged the pump into a spare receptacle on one of my control panels and turned it on and off that way while keeping the float switch continuously closed. In the future I might try and take the pump apart and bypass the float switch so it is always on if plugged in.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or ideas to make this design better!
