Ask The Brewmasters

 View Only

  • 1.  COP Cleaners

    Posted 10-30-2025 09:48

    I am looking for expierence and/or recommendations for the use of COPs for my small hardware.



    ------------------------------
    Steven Stahley
    Creek Bottom Brew LLC
    Oldenburg IN
    (812) 212-1960
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: COP Cleaners

    Posted 10-31-2025 08:49

    Hi Steve,

    Not entirely sure about what you have going on as far as size of your system, and all that goes with that. But After working for quite a long time at craft micro/nano breweries, it was always preferred to keep the hardware used for transfers/etc. hooked up during CIP. This ensuring the internal elements are cleaned thoroughly. And use methods that keep the mess off the outsides, handle sanitary parts with gloves etc. Soak them in a bucket of fresh PAA before you use them.  If the need for COP arises, in my experience, PBW, warm water and some dedicated scrubbies have always been the way to go. 

    I have seen people pull the parts off after transfer without leaving them attached for CIP, then soaking them in a three bin style sink. This, to me, is not as effective unless there is also some mechanical action to remove soils on the inside and/or outside. 

    And of course, hanging them or putting parts on a drying rack when you're done so they are clean and dry. As with anything, there is more than one way to get the job done and each brewery will have their way that works for them. I've seen a commercial dishwasher being used for this... So, trial and error, figure out what works best for  you and your system in the end.

    Happy Brewing!



    ------------------------------
    Jared Smith
    Ore Dock Brewing Company
    Marquette MI
    (906) 228-8888
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: COP Cleaners

    Posted 11-01-2025 11:23

    Thanks Jared, so we do try to keep transfer loops etc connected and we have a CIP cart.  There are still parts that accumulate from various processes we need to go through and clean.  Was just looking around for a less time-consuming option then using our 3 sinks.  Thanks for the response!



    ------------------------------
    Steven Stahley
    Creek Bottom Brew LLC
    Oldenburg IN
    (812) 212-1960
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: COP Cleaners

    Posted 10-31-2025 13:16

    Powdered non-caustic, alkaline, sodium metasilicate based chemicals such as Pronto by Birko work well. I also recommend non-caustic liquid products such as Safety Kleen from Zee/Loeffler/Vincit for COP basins and manual parts cleaning.



    ------------------------------
    Jeff Biegert
    NBB Sponsored CSU Fermentation Science & Technology Faculty & Brewmaster
    Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
    New Belgium Brewing Co
    Fort Collins CO
    (970) 221-0524
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: COP Cleaners

    Posted 11-01-2025 11:23

    Thanks Jeff, we do use Birko chems and have always had good luck with them.  Have not tried Pronto, will give it a shot.  Thanks for the tip.  Cheers



    ------------------------------
    Steven Stahley
    Creek Bottom Brew LLC
    Oldenburg IN
    (812) 212-1960
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: COP Cleaners

    Posted 11-06-2025 12:49

    If you are really looking to step-up the COP cleaning game I would recommend a heated ultrasonic bath with an appropriate basket for small parts cleaning.  Fill with your choice of non-foaming cleaner and let it rip.  Using manufacturer recommended chemical concentrations you will get all 4 fundamentals of your cleaning tetrad (time, temperature, mechanical action, chemical action) covered with ease, especially for otherwise stubborn parts like sintered stones from aeration and carbonation systems.  Not cheap, but cheaper than fouling either your beer or your breweries reputation.



    ------------------------------
    Shawn Savuto
    QA/QC Specialist
    COOP Ale Works
    Oklahoma City OK
    (405) 842-2667
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: COP Cleaners

    Posted 11-07-2025 07:00

    Hi Steven;

    As many have already stated, you want to go with something a little milder.  "Non-caustic" cleaners are used here a lot although these can leave silicate deposits on the parts if allowed to dry without rinsing (if sticking partially out of solution, etc.). I would recommend a mild alkaline general cleaner for this type of application (Sekaclean A-1010, Sekaclean A-3000). These are liquid products and are easier to mix than many of the non-caustic cleaners. These types of cleaners also do not leave silicate deposits when allowed to dry by accident. A little different approach.

    Hope this helps.

    Cheers,



    ------------------------------
    Dirk Loeffler
    Executive Vice President
    SEKA Chemicals
    (404) 600-1910
    loeffler.dirk@sekachemicals.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content