Ask The Brewmasters

  • 1.  Bought a used tank stains inside

    Posted 10-24-2024 15:40

    Hello,

    We bought a used tank with an unknown history. After CIP and passivation these stains were present. They seem non-organic and won't come off with manual scrubbing. 

    If anyone has any ideas what this could be let me know.

    Thanks!



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    Zachary Gordon
    Old Thunder Brewing
    Pittsburgh PA
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  • 2.  RE: Bought a used tank stains inside

    Posted 10-25-2024 12:47

    My money is on a silicate deposit caused by CIP without proper evacuation of CO2.  I fso, very strong, very hot caustic cleaning can remove this.  I worked with Dana Johnson at Birko several years ago on a solution to this problem.  I believe he has published a paper on the topic.



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    Tyson Arp
    Head Brewer
    Nebraska Brewing Company
    La Vista NE
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  • 3.  RE: Bought a used tank stains inside

    Posted 10-25-2024 14:02

    https://www.birkocorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/TechnicalQuarterly.pdf



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    Anthony Benjamin
    Triptych
    Savoy IL
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Bought a used tank stains inside

    Posted 10-25-2024 14:03

    Hi Zachary:

    My first guess would be dried silicate from a PBW type product when it is allowed to dry on the equipment.  The silicate in the Metasilicate in these products can cause permanent staining.  However, there are ways to remove these deposits.

    Please send me an e-mail and I can give you some suggestions on how to remove the deposits.  I have seen quite a few of these over the years and so far, we have always been able to get them out.

    Cheers,  



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    Dirk Loeffler
    Executive Vice President
    Technical Operations
    SEKA Chemicals
    (404) 239-2700
    loeffler.dirk@sekachemicals.com
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