Scrub Master 3000 Version 2.0

[raysmithtx]

I use the oxi/tsp90/7thGen formula, (PBW clone), at 1 scoop per gallon and get very little foam. The 7thGen dishwashing detergent component may be the difference.

I'm definitely gonna give this a try. Thanks for the tip.

Still working on accessories, line cleaners and what not. But this makes cleaning kegs really easy! If you decide to put one of these together you won't regret it.

I use threaded connections for my liquid lines on my kegs so when I want to clean the lines in my kegerator I 'daisy chain' all the lines so I can clean all the lines at the same time. I have 6 taps so I did have to buy 2 barrel connectors (I had some extra silicone hose pieces to slip over the faucet spouts). Before this change I was cleaning the line only on the keg I was changing. With this change I end up cleaning all the lines more frequently. I just set it up and let it run for about 30 minutes (another set and forget cleaning solution) then dump the solution and put water in and let that run for a while.

 

[shemp]

subscribe

 

[Baja_Brewer]

Linking to this so hopefully the pics show up on my PC

 

[jtrainer]

The pics were there a few days ago... help!

Need some pics.

For the keg lines, I saw a pic maybe related build for the MFL 1/4 looked like someone tapped a PVC cap....

I use mostly PinLock with a scattered ball lock setup.

 

[DrunkleJon]

For keg lines you could definitely put in the same BFL adapters that you would use on your kegerator lines for swapping out the QDs. If you use the tubing indicated in the list though you will most likely need a clamp of some sort to make it a tighter connection.

the OP was last active just yesterday, so he may be willing to reup them for us.

 

[Baja_Brewer]

OP- hosting then on HBT or imgur should bypass any image bandwidth issues. PM me if you want my email and I can get them up for you tonight if you need a hand.

 

[raysmithtx]

I'll have the pics back online tomorrow. Sorry about the problem.

 

[Baja_Brewer]

I'll have the pics back online tomorrow. Sorry about the problem.

No problem- first time I saw this thread I couldn't see the images on mobile so i had to go to the full site to see them. Way too awesome for a premature death.

 

[acarr160]

Subbed

 

[raysmithtx]

OK. The pics are now back online. Please let me know if you see any problems. Thanks.

 

[raysmithtx]

I have made one small change in how I use the system to clean my kegerator tap lines. I now 'daisy chain' the lines together so I can clean all the lines at the same time. I use threaded connectors on all my ball lock connectors so it's really easy to do.

Materials needed (for 6 taps)
3 - double barrel connectors
2 short pieces of silicon hose
2 longer pieces of silicon hose

Steps:
Slide silicon hose onto to tap 1 and put other end into bucket. Disconnect ball lock connector for tap 1 and unscrew the line and attach a flare barrel connector. Disconnect ball lock connector for tap 2 and connect the line to the other end of the barrel. I use a short piece of silicon tubing to connect faucet 2 to faucet 3. I connect the tap 3 line to the tap 4 line with another barrel connector. Short piece of silicon hose connects faucet 4 to faucet 5. Barrel to connect line 5 and line 6. Piece of silicon hose slid on faucet 6 with other end going to manifold.

It seems like a lot but it's pretty fast to connect everything together.

With this set up I can clean as few or as many lines as I want at the same time.

I have been cleaning all of my lines every time I change out a keg since it's pretty easy to do now.

My description might be a little confusing so I'll try to remember to post some pics the next time I have everything hooked up.

 

[Slow_Day]

Thanks raysmithtx for the detailed build and photos. I based mine almost entirely on your build. It works great and really cuts down on cleaning labor.

One thing, the parts list call for 1" pvc and fittings. 3/4 pvc appears adequate and is less expensive. That is what I used. Here are pics of mine.

Note that I only use an extra quick disconnect for the keg gas post. Since I currently use picnic taps, I just slip the bare hose over the picnic tap to clean the line, post and dip tube.
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1424047818.523219.jpg
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1424047843.089406.jpg

 

[raysmithtx]

One thing, the parts list call for 1" pvc and fittings. 3/4 pvc appears adequate and is less expensive. That is what I used.

I know I have a tendency to 'over build' on everything I do. Glad to know that your system is working. It really does take the chore out of cleaning equipment.

 

[raysmithtx]

Yesterday I tried the 'homemade' PBW and it worked great. It does not foam as much as regular PBW and it rinses much much easier than oxiclean alone. Anyone building the Scrubmaster should consider the homemade PBW.

 

[wbarber69]

Recipe?

 

[Slow_Day]

Recipe?

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=467655

 

[jtrainer]

OK, here is my Spray Master 6K

I can clean kegs, Carboys, buckets, and keg lines. My buckets have a spigot in them, I use them for primary, I have it setup to allow me to completely wash and flush the bucket AND spigot.

The pump is the Hydrostar Harbor Freight 290 Gal pump (~$15) (Already had this as well as most of the PVC. (FYI everything is now snug fit with minimal tape and no leaks.)

The keg post washing AND bucket spigot rinse use the same valve, I just swap the lines out. The keg QDs are on MFL connections and can be quickly swapped for ball lock QDs.





For my vessel, I used an LME barrel. One of my LHBS gives them away. I simply cut it somewhat in half. Flipped the top over and it nests inside the lower portion snugly and provides support to keep my carboys from falling.





Here you can see how they can nest by the side view of the lid.

 

[tjramsey]

I'm going to make one of these.... got my pump today (the one in the original post) I also hope to adapt it to be a recirculation pump for my wort chiller; we'll see how that works out.

(Thanks to recent poster who mentioned using 3/4 inch PVC; I'm sure I'll go that way, but I'm also sure it will mean an extra hour at Lowes.... Thanks alot!)

So I want to create a cleaner for my sanke fermenter, corney kegs, buckets, carboys, and a recirc pump for my immersion wort chiller..... I'll try to post any modifications I come up with to help others out.

 

[DrunkleJon]

I had some issues when ordering from the first post parts list. It was probably my fault, or I mis entered part numbers but ended up short some parts and others did not appear to fit together correctly. After a few more trips, I decided to go for 3/4 as per the suggestion and am only missing the shut off valves. I am considering changing out the keg post adapter part for one that I can just attach to the keg lines where the QD's screw in. Then again, maybe I should just make a second one of them so I can have both.

 

[ButcherBoy]

I diluted the Oxi and will try much less the next time. But I'll say it doesn't take long, I had two that have been sitting around dirty for longer than I care to admit. But 3 or 4 minutes and they are sparkling, if I can get the foaming issue solved it will be a true set it and forget it cleaner. I'm so glad I decided to build it. Still working on accessories, line cleaners and what not. But this makes cleaning kegs really easy! If you decide to put one of these together you won't regret it.

Found that the Oxi I was using was scented, obtained unscented at Dollar General and no more foaming issues. THIS THING IS GREAT!!! If you're looking for a great way to clean and sanitize kegs, bucket fermenters, carboys, even bottles with a bottle cleaner added. (Look on other threads for a bottle cleaner adaption) THIS IS what you want, for under $100 you can clean much of your equipment easily and efficiently. Modify it to meet your needs and equipment, you won't be sorry!

 

[TennBrewer]

I had some issues when ordering from the first post parts list. It was probably my fault, or I mis entered part numbers but ended up short some parts and others did not appear to fit together correctly. After a few more trips, I decided to go for 3/4 as per the suggestion and am only missing the shut off valves. I am considering changing out the keg post adapter part for one that I can just attach to the keg lines where the QD's screw in. Then again, maybe I should just make a second one of them so I can have both.

I had some issues also from the original parts list post:

The 1"x3/4" adapters, PN 23856 are the 3/4" adapter to be used on the 3/4" vertical center pipe that goes inside the bucket/carboy/keg, etc. You still need at least one of these, depending on how many different lengths of 3/4" pipe you want to use. This slips over the end of the 3/4" pipe and puts a male thread on the end.

The 90° elbows, PN 23868 are also the 3/4" size, substitute these with the 1" elbows, PN 23870 @ .76 each.

Missing from the original parts list are the adapters that fit into the 1" slip fit elbows, and are 3/4" threaded for the plugs, barbed elbows, etc. Use 1"x3/4" adapter PN 227573 @ 1.00 each.

I ordered the pump which should arrive any day now so I am not really clear on how this will connect up. The photos show that the outlet is threaded but I don't know the pitch or the size.

Hope this saves a few trips to Lowe's. BTW, fine work on the cleaner, I look forward to using this when it's finally built. Cleaning buckets, carboys, and kegs is a real PITA, but this should make life easier and I'm all about easy. Thanks for all the work that went into pulling this together.
Sláinte

 

[DrunkleJon]

I had some issues also from the original parts list post:

The 1"x3/4" adapters, PN 23856 are the 3/4" adapter to be used on the 3/4" vertical center pipe that goes inside the bucket/carboy/keg, etc. You still need at least one of these, depending on how many different lengths of 3/4" pipe you want to use. This slips over the end of the 3/4" pipe and puts a male thread on the end.

The 90° elbows, PN 23868 are also the 3/4" size, substitute these with the 1" elbows, PN 23870 @ .76 each.

Missing from the original parts list are the adapters that fit into the 1" slip fit elbows, and are 3/4" threaded for the plugs, barbed elbows, etc. Use 1"x3/4" adapter PN 227573 @ 1.00 each.

I ordered the pump which should arrive any day now so I am not really clear on how this will connect up. The photos show that the outlet is threaded but I don't know the pitch or the size.

Hope this saves a few trips to Lowe's. BTW, fine work on the cleaner, I look forward to using this when it's finally built. Cleaning buckets, carboys, and kegs is a real PITA, but this should make life easier and I'm all about easy. Thanks for all the work that went into pulling this together.
Sláinte

Well, my experience went thusly. The adapters to 3/4 female thread adapters would not snugly fit in the larger elbows so I was unable to assemble it with the larger diameter cross, valves, tees and elbows. I juset bought it all in 3/4 and was able to get it all assembled. Works fine that way and has pretty darn good pressure. Have yet to use it on a keg or carboy though.

When running it for keg lines though, how does everyone set their valves? I got a decent flow with the wastewater one (downward pointing) at 1/2-2/3 and the other side with just to the lines at full open.

Also, for the keg washing lines, I decided to change things up since I was having trouble with flow through the ball lock post and just stepped it down to 1/4 inch so I could use a 1/4 inch flare to connect to my keg lines which are all 1/4 MFL. Will post an alternative part list for the adapter if you all want

 

[Baja_Brewer]

I may have dropped the ball - I only ordered the 1/5 HP (20 GPM pump) and will be cleaning Corny kegs that have been fermented in (krausen on the walls that is sort of a pain to scrub off by hand) - think the flow rate will be sufficient vs the 1/4 HP (30 GPM)? I'll be almost exclusively cleaning kegs unless I come up with a bottle cleaning attachment.

I'm not worried about leaving the keg on there an extra few minutes if that is what it takes to get clean, I just don't know if the pressure output from the stand is an essential part of the cleaning.

 

[Slow_Day]

I may have dropped the ball - I only ordered the 1/5 HP (20 GPM pump) and will be cleaning Corny kegs that have been fermented in (krausen on the walls that is sort of a pain to scrub off by hand) - think the flow rate will be sufficient vs the 1/4 HP (30 GPM)? I'll be almost exclusively cleaning kegs unless I come up with a bottle cleaning attachment.



I'm not worried about leaving the keg on there an extra few minutes if that is what it takes to get clean, I just don't know if the pressure output from the stand is an essential part of the cleaning.

It's mostly about the PBW contact and time, not pressure. My results are only slightly better than filling with PBW and soaking. The washer cuts down on the labor and volume of water and PBW required. Leave it and go have a beer.

 

[AkTom]

I'm hoping to pick some kegs next week. This will make things easy.

 

[Baja_Brewer]

It's mostly about the PBW contact and time, not pressure. My results are only slightly better than filling with PBW and soaking. The washer cuts down on the labor and volume of water and PBW required. Leave it and go have a beer.

Sweet. Just picked up the rest of what I need. I'll have 4 kegs to wash tomorrow after bottling so I best get to finishing my assembly.

Edit - built mine yesterday. The tub I bought was too short - just barely cleared the top of the valves, so I turned them 90* from OP's so they're horizontal. I purchased a closet shelf at home depot instead of racks - its pretty rigid on both sides and one overhangs more than the others. I had to cut off about 18" of it and then cut two of the supports to pass the washer through.

I only made a part for the keg washer and hose attachment at this point in time since kegs are the only thing I need to wash. Its remarkable how little water you need to use with this to clean the kegs - the environmentalist in me loves that I probably used a total of less than 5 gallons to scrub and rinse 4 kegs. And the ability to walk away from it while its doing the cleaning? Priceless.

 

[Slow_Day]

And the ability to walk away from it while its doing the cleaning? Priceless.

That's exactly what my back said to me.

 

[DrunkleJon]

Two things. I made mine a couple weeks ago and really find it useful. But I have two warnings for you all.

One, If you are using the cleaner on Sankey style kegs, keep an eye on it. It appears that even with a 3/4 inch pipe, you are restricting the keg opening enough that it fills faster than it drains (especially once the PBW starts foaming up).

The second is due to a bonehead move of mine. I cleaned and rinsed out my kegs, buckets, etc all in a row on Saturday and set the whole assembly aside. Sunday while wandering around I attempted to step over the assembly (keg cleaning spear removed) and ever so gently kicked the PVC part which immediately snapped the adapter that came with the pump that is screwed into the PVC assembly cleanly off. After some cussing I calmed down, and put everything away as I should have done when I first finished cleaning kegs.

 

[DrunkleJon]

Anyone know of either the part number for or the specifications for the black piece that screws onto the pump in this picture? The part that is the attachment point to the pump dead center in the pic.

I managed to break mine. The pump manufacturers webpage does not have that pumps part listed. And idea what I part I can find to replace it?

 

[Baja_Brewer]

Anyone know of either the part number for or the specifications for the black piece that screws onto the pump in this picture? The part that is the attachment point to the pump dead center in the pic.

I managed to break mine. The pump manufacturers webpage does not have that pumps part listed. And idea what I part I can find to replace it?

Its threaded, right? I'll toss mine in the car tonight- I need to grab some homer buckets Friday for grain splits in a group buy- I'll see if I can match it to anything there- you may be able to make your own replacement...