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  • 1.  White sediment clogging filters in CIP skid

    Posted 07-01-2022 12:06
    Hello,

    We've got a CIP skid with 2 metal mesh filters inline after each of the pumps. Lately we've caught wind of some reduced flow through those pumps, pulled out the filters and noticed what looks like white precipitated solid material with rubber like consistency plugging up a lot of the filter. 

    We use this skid to clean our yeast separator as well as clean kegs at our keg washing line. Much of the caustic is recycled. My first thought was that solids from the keg line or yeast separator were making it back to the skid but now I'm wondering if something is potentially precipitating out as it mixes with sodium hydroxide. 

    Has anyone experienced something like this before?

    Thanks in advance!

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    Clay Brendel
    Downeast Cider
    Saugus MA
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  • 2.  RE: White sediment clogging filters in CIP skid

    Posted 07-01-2022 16:06
    Have you inspected your hoses for degradation?

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    Roger Herpst
    Brewmaster
    Bear Republic Brewing Co.
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  • 3.  RE: White sediment clogging filters in CIP skid

    Posted 07-05-2022 08:34
      |   view attached
    I agree with Roger.
    It could be chlorobutyl breakdown from you hoses. Hoses that are older than 4-5 years can start to breakdown. Also if your CIP concentration is to strong, that could also breakdown the tube of the hose. Pictures below show what hose may look like inside using an endoscope. Other pic shows white residue in pots. This cannot be wiped off.
    Special citric cleaners will work best. Hose cleaning and CIP concentration recommendations attached. Feel free to email me for more communication rwilliams@alliancehose.com


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    Rob Williams
    Sales Manager
    Alliance Hose & Rubber
    Elmhurst, Il
    708-932-8386
    rwilliams@alliancehose.com
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    Attachment(s)



  • 4.  RE: White sediment clogging filters in CIP skid

    Posted 07-05-2022 12:50
    There's only 2 hoses that are used for CIP skid operation as it's all hard piped to the keg line and a flow plate that connects to the YS for CIP. It's possible we have some hose degradation but we're seeing these filters clog with enough frequency to make it seem like that's not the case. We intermittently inspect our hoses as well and haven't seen any deterioration of the liner from what we can see without endoscoping it. 

    I appreciate the input thus far, though.

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    Clay Brendel
    Downeast Cider
    Saugus MA
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  • 5.  RE: White sediment clogging filters in CIP skid

    Posted 07-05-2022 16:45
    I wouldn't stop with the hoses though, there are also seals and gaskets that could potentially deteriorate in the same fashion. You may also wish to consider the possibility that a grease from a leaky seal is reacting to form a "goop" (the nature of which would depend on the grease, the CiP, and the temperature/time. My best bet though would be the hoses as suggested, or as I said: a gasket.
    Cheers

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    Matt Philip (from Beer to Bolts)
    Severn ON
    (519) 588-3242
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