Open Fermenter CIP

[jasimmon]

So I am looking to modify my two open 8 bbl fermenters with CIP sprayballs. The tank have a simple 2 piece stainless lid that I was going to cut a hole in and fit with a tri clamp so I can insert a sprayball for cleaning or a blank for fermentation. Has anyone done this??? Does it work? Does stuff spray everywhere given there are no gaskets on the lid. Would be nice not to have to scrub by hand.

[Jephro]

I know you can get sprayballs that only have holes in the bottom half (so the spray only goes 90°-0°) that would save you some mess.

[dick murton]

Normally on fully closed vessels, the holes are in the top 180 degrees. I have seen some designs with most holes at the side. You need some pointing upwards to clean the upper walls. Perhaps the biggest problem is that with a sprayball, you have to start using more aggressive chemicals such as caustic, and probably higher temperatures to be able to clean as effectively and in a sensible time as manually scrubbing

Try it first with water, and if necessary make some sort of coverall - providing the external finish can cope. And simply stay away from that area whilst cleaning - "fence" it off if there are more people than just yourself in the area

There are lots of posts about which chemicals to use

Cheers