Ask The Brewmasters

 View Only

  • 1.  Foaming Cleaner for CFT Filler

    Posted 05-16-2025 14:41

    We've been very committed to using Zee Loffler CSR as our foaming cleaner for our can line for the last decade or so but lately have noticed some pitting of some metal components of our can line and we believe the two are linked.

    Has anyone had any success with other alkaline foaming cleaners chlorinated or otherwise?

    Thanks!



    ------------------------------
    Angela Harris
    Terrapin Beer Co
    Athens GA
    aharris@terrapinbeer.com
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Foaming Cleaner for CFT Filler

    Posted 05-19-2025 15:06

    I would advise against any chlorinated caustic touching machinery as it'll damage soft metals. We asked our chem supplier for an alkaline foamer that's good to use in our filler room/on conveyors and they provided a sample for us to try out 



    ------------------------------
    Shane Bird
    Brewing Supervisor
    JuneShine
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Foaming Cleaner for CFT Filler

    Posted 05-19-2025 15:06

    Hello Angela,

    Is your current product chlorinated? If so, there could be too much dwell time prior to rinsing. Also, is the can all stainless/plastic or are there any soft metal concerns? If any soft metal components like mild steel or aluminum are present, they will corrode over time when using a foaming caustic or foaming chlorinated caustic. To that end, we have a product called Foam Safe that is designed as a soft metal safe, foaming alkaline cleaner and if you'd like to try a sample just shoot me an email - happy to help keep trouble shooting as well.

    Cheers,



    ------------------------------
    Peter Milfred
    Juneau WI
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Foaming Cleaner for CFT Filler

    Posted 05-19-2025 15:06

    We've been using Cell-R-Mastr from Birko/Diversey/Solenis for many years on our can line with good results. This is a non-chlorinated alkaline detergent -- it is important to note that aluminum will corrode very quickly when exposed to a chlorinated caustic solution. It looks to me like ZL CSR 501 is chlorinated, so this could be the source of your pitting.



    ------------------------------
    Alex Green
    Quality Assurance Manager
    Black Tooth Brewing Co
    Sheridan WY
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Foaming Cleaner for CFT Filler

    Posted 05-19-2025 15:07

    Angela, you are correct that the pitting is connected to using a chlorinated alkaline cleaner.  We at ATPGroup have other solutions to your cleaning needs.  Please contact me at mgrossman@atpgroup.com.  I would be happy to help you with alternate chemistries and methods for cleaning your canning line.



    ------------------------------
    Michael Grossman
    Technical Sales Manager
    ATPGroup
    Myrtle Beach SC
    (843) 698-6963
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Foaming Cleaner for CFT Filler

    Posted 05-19-2025 15:07

    Angela - what part of the machine do you see the pitting? Any external foam cleaner for CFT/CoMac canning lines needs to be soft-metal safe, specifically for brass.



    ------------------------------
    Todd Messing
    Founder
    The Fresh Grease Maintenance Company
    Mountain Home AR
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Foaming Cleaner for CFT Filler

    Posted 05-19-2025 19:38

    I don't have experience with this product in the context of cleaning a can line, but I have a feeling @Dirk Loeffler will have some excellent suggestions either for that particular product or for a replacement product!

    Nassim



    ------------------------------
    Nassim Sultan
    Beer-talkin' guy
    BarrelVision
    nassim@barrel.vision
    https://barrel.vision
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Foaming Cleaner for CFT Filler

    Posted 05-20-2025 07:21

    Hi Angela:

    While I am no longer with Zee Loeffler since 2019, I would be happy to discuss the possible causes and options with you.  The use of chlorinated-alkaline products is generally safe on most stainless-steel fillers, but only if used correctly and assuming the product is formulated correctly. Since I do not know what happened to my old formulas since the merger, I cannot speak for the product itself. 

    For the group as a whole, the use of chlorinated-alkaline foam cleaners is generally safe as long as the recommendation for concentration is followed, the contact time is limited, the product is rinsed thoroughly, and the product is alkaline buffered.  If any of these parameters is not properly observed, the chlorine can potentially cause damage.  Alternative products exist that do not pose the dangers associated with chlorinated products.

    Please contact me directly and since I am based in Atlanta and can come out on short notice and take a look at your equipment.  

    Cheers,

     



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

    Original Message


Related Content