ILMSTMF
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- Jan 17, 2014
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If anyone would like a detailed parts list / how-to, please reply in thread.
* I do need some help too, please look for asterisk at the end.
It can clean kegs, keg posts (any posts that accept a QD, really), my FV (Fermzilla All Rounder [including lid posts]), keezer lines, and taps.
I had been planning to make this for at least 3 years. Originally, I wanted to build the Scrub Master:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/scrub-master-3000-version-2-0.481451/
A phenomenal build with excellent instructions. But I decided to go with something smaller. Based on this:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/another-diy-keg-fermenter-washer.666573/
Mine isn't all that different. There is a straight pipe from the top of the cross. I used some bushings on the sides of the cross to get the barbs connected to it.
Originally, I wanted to install some tees figuring I could use the extra outputs as needed for other cleaning applications. Dry fitted the parts and it would have been too wide to fit in the bucket so, I scrapped that idea.
One mistake we made was cutting the lid incorrectly. That's why I bought 2 lids in the first place, knowing I'd screw something up.
Note one side cut for the pump's power cord.
This created several problems. The rubber gasket (officially called a PVC coupling by the manufacturer) had much less support from the lid. That caused it to droop further down into the bucket. Which caused the keg to lean when it was "standing" on it.
Before I forget, the riser pipe with the CIP spray ball is installed in the photo above.
The other issue that created was the QDs needing to be sitting pretty high up to prevent the hoses from pinching. While I did get it all to work out without pinching the hoses, I just didn't like how it looked / felt. Left me feeling unconfident.
^Hope that GIF worked...
So, we cut a new lid, the right way.
Seen here with all the parts neatly packed in it. I love it.
Because I had finished cleaning the kegs, I didn't have any to test the new lid with. So, I've only got this media of cleaning the FV to share.
The FV mouth fits snugly within that PVC coupling. No bungee required to hold it in place.
The coupling itself is snug AF in the lid. On the second lid, we cut that opening tight.
No media shows it but those QDs were later used to clean out the posts of the FV's lid. I left the silicone hose / floating dip tube attached so the inside of it could be cleaned.
Also no media of how this works for tap and line cleaning. That is how this pump was previously employed. Now, I don't have to use a restrictive carb cap on the pump outlet to make that happen. Instead, I cap the top of the cross (see the first photo of this post) and mate one of the QDs from the cross to the first QD in the keezer. That is done using this magical part from our dude @Bobby_M
https://www.brewhardware.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Ball_Lock_JumperPost
Plug - I purchased several other parts from brewhardware.com - for this build and other applications. Please support them. Excellent products and service.
I don't enjoy cleaning. It takes time and effort. I got tired of destroying my back. This helps with a lot of those complaints. I am debating if it's worth figuring out how to use it in the BK after brewing. Particularly in combination with the immersion chiller getting spray ball contact.
I wanted to keep this post brief and I am skipping a lot of details re: the process. But I wouldn't be able to get this done without the inspiration from @raysmithtx and @HilmBrian. And, of course, my dude The @IslandLizard helping me figure out the right parts to procure. Many thanks!
* For those who have built something like this or have a tip... how to prevent mold when putting it away after use? My method - After the Oxi and "clear water" cycles, I let the pump run dry for a moment. I really don't think that helps. I detach the center riser from the top of the cross. I blow CO2 through the QDs of the side arms. It's not terribly effective. The moisture travels up the hose toward the barbs / body of the cross. Then I stuff a dish towel into the top of the cross. Any tips are welcome!
* I do need some help too, please look for asterisk at the end.
It can clean kegs, keg posts (any posts that accept a QD, really), my FV (Fermzilla All Rounder [including lid posts]), keezer lines, and taps.
I had been planning to make this for at least 3 years. Originally, I wanted to build the Scrub Master:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/scrub-master-3000-version-2-0.481451/
A phenomenal build with excellent instructions. But I decided to go with something smaller. Based on this:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/another-diy-keg-fermenter-washer.666573/
Mine isn't all that different. There is a straight pipe from the top of the cross. I used some bushings on the sides of the cross to get the barbs connected to it.
Originally, I wanted to install some tees figuring I could use the extra outputs as needed for other cleaning applications. Dry fitted the parts and it would have been too wide to fit in the bucket so, I scrapped that idea.
One mistake we made was cutting the lid incorrectly. That's why I bought 2 lids in the first place, knowing I'd screw something up.
Note one side cut for the pump's power cord.
This created several problems. The rubber gasket (officially called a PVC coupling by the manufacturer) had much less support from the lid. That caused it to droop further down into the bucket. Which caused the keg to lean when it was "standing" on it.
Before I forget, the riser pipe with the CIP spray ball is installed in the photo above.
The other issue that created was the QDs needing to be sitting pretty high up to prevent the hoses from pinching. While I did get it all to work out without pinching the hoses, I just didn't like how it looked / felt. Left me feeling unconfident.
^Hope that GIF worked...
So, we cut a new lid, the right way.
Seen here with all the parts neatly packed in it. I love it.
Because I had finished cleaning the kegs, I didn't have any to test the new lid with. So, I've only got this media of cleaning the FV to share.
The FV mouth fits snugly within that PVC coupling. No bungee required to hold it in place.
The coupling itself is snug AF in the lid. On the second lid, we cut that opening tight.
No media shows it but those QDs were later used to clean out the posts of the FV's lid. I left the silicone hose / floating dip tube attached so the inside of it could be cleaned.
Also no media of how this works for tap and line cleaning. That is how this pump was previously employed. Now, I don't have to use a restrictive carb cap on the pump outlet to make that happen. Instead, I cap the top of the cross (see the first photo of this post) and mate one of the QDs from the cross to the first QD in the keezer. That is done using this magical part from our dude @Bobby_M
https://www.brewhardware.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Ball_Lock_JumperPost
Plug - I purchased several other parts from brewhardware.com - for this build and other applications. Please support them. Excellent products and service.
I don't enjoy cleaning. It takes time and effort. I got tired of destroying my back. This helps with a lot of those complaints. I am debating if it's worth figuring out how to use it in the BK after brewing. Particularly in combination with the immersion chiller getting spray ball contact.
I wanted to keep this post brief and I am skipping a lot of details re: the process. But I wouldn't be able to get this done without the inspiration from @raysmithtx and @HilmBrian. And, of course, my dude The @IslandLizard helping me figure out the right parts to procure. Many thanks!
* For those who have built something like this or have a tip... how to prevent mold when putting it away after use? My method - After the Oxi and "clear water" cycles, I let the pump run dry for a moment. I really don't think that helps. I detach the center riser from the top of the cross. I blow CO2 through the QDs of the side arms. It's not terribly effective. The moisture travels up the hose toward the barbs / body of the cross. Then I stuff a dish towel into the top of the cross. Any tips are welcome!