A brewery keeps a certain number of kegs as part of a comprehensive inventory. They are a substantial investment in its present and future. They are also the vessels that contain the brewery’s reason for existence – its precious brew. In order to ensure the purity and integrity of any beverage it contains, it is important to have a proper functioning keg cleaner.
Cleaning Kegs
Keg cleaning is a critical component of any brewing facility. No matter what the chosen system, it is highly important the cleaning is comprehensive. Always check your equipment prior to using it. It is essential it function properly, cleaning kegs to the highest standards. Check for any problems in these specific areas:
Pressure: The rinse water may fail to reach the right pressure. Make sure you install a pressure gauge to ensure the proper pressure. Check it during the keg cleaning process
Temperature: Rinsing water needs to reach a specific temperature in a keg cleaner. This should range between 125° and160° F. Caustic cleaners perform best at the higher temperatures. Do not increase the temperatures substantially higher. This can result in other problems
Concentration: It is imperative to keep the concentration of cleaning chemicals at a certain level. This varies whether the chemicals are caustic or acid. Talk to a representative about what to expect. Purchasing a titration kit helps identify certain problems
For brewers, this is another important means of ensuring they protect their most valuable asset- their brew, from failing to meet their own standards of perfection.
The Keg Cleaner
Breweries have no excuse for failing to keep their kegs clean. Today, technology ensures that even the smallest brewing companies can obtain optimal results. Whether the choice is an automatic or semi-automatic keg cleaner, the means is there to properly wash, sterilize and even fill the kegs.