using sodium hydroxide (50%caustic solution)

jhudson3030 · Sep 23, 2014

would anybody know a mixing ratio for using 50% caustic to sanitize with?

helibrewer · Sep 23, 2014

Caustic is generally a cleaner, you have to rinse it and sanitize afterward.

Humuleneman · Sep 23, 2014

I work in a lab were we have to dilute sodium hydroxyde pellets. Usually 20% solution are very strong. Sodium hydroxide in its solid form have tendency to get very warm when you add it to water. never do the opposite. the way to go is adding a small portion stir then let it cool or put you container in cold water. then add some more. It also needs to be done outside or in a fume hood , for a reason i don't know. it make this fine fume witch will make you caught your lung out. when you solution is done and cold no fume guard in necessary. Plus this stuff is really good at dissolving proteins and fats. when use properly it will get rid of tough deposit on materials but you should know that it attacks aluminium and glass! if you choose this way to clean your equipment wear gloves and goggles. it will disolve you cornea in 15 seconds and cause really bad burns to the skin. Good luck.

ajdelange · Sep 24, 2014

A pound in 5 gal is usually considered a good working strength for brewery cleaning so that's about 1 lb/(1+8.3) lb or a little over 10%. A 50% solution at room temp has density of 1.5253 kg/L. To measure out a pound of NaOH from that you would need 454/1525 = 300mL. Measure out that much and add to 7 pints of water. Stir well and make up to a gallon. Wear gloves and a face shield!

mattd2 · Sep 24, 2014

ajdelange said:
A pound in 5 gal is usually considered a good working strength for brewery cleaning so that's about 1 lb/(1+8.3) lb or a little over 10%. A 50% solution at room temp has density of 1.5253 kg/L. To measure out a pound of NaOH from that you would need 454/1525 = 300mL. Measure out that much and add to 7 pints of water. Stir well and make up to a gallon. Wear gloves and a face shield!

Normally I see more in the range of >2% solution for CIP, >6% for soaking. But as you and others have said - treat any concentration with the required caution.
One question is why are you wanting to use caustic soda?