Cask Washer

1. Working Principle

The keg washing system operates by utilizing a high-pressure pump to deliver water or cleaning solutions to a specialized jetting nozzle. This nozzle is inserted into the inverted keg and sprays the interior surfaces with high-velocity streams, effectively dislodging and rinsing away residue. Upon completion of a washing or rinsing cycle, the liquid is discharged via a drain line. The system repeats this process with various media (e.g., caustic, acid, sanitizer, water) in a programmed sequence to achieve a thoroughly cleaned and sanitized keg.

2. Main Structure

Our keg washers are engineered for robust performance and reliability. The primary structure consists of:

• Main Frame/Chassis: Provides a stable and durable foundation for all components.

• Electrical Control Cabinet: Houses the central processing and power components. The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) serves as the core control unit, managing the entire automated cleaning sequence.

• Solenoid Valves: Control the flow of all liquids and gases throughout the system.

• Pneumatic Components: Actuate the keg lifting, positioning, and spear-sealing mechanisms.

• Air Purging System: Used for evacuating residual liquids from the keg.

• Waterway & Plumbing System: A network of pipes, pumps, and valves that transports cleaning media.

3. Standard Cleaning Process

As an example, the typical cleaning sequence for a semi-automatic 2-station keg washer is as follows:

1. Residual Liquid Purge: Evacuates any remaining beer from the keg using compressed air.

2. Fresh Water Rinse: A preliminary rinse with clean water.

3. Water Drain: Drains the rinse water.

4. Caustic Wash: Washes the keg interior with a hot caustic solution.

5. Caustic Recirculation: Recirculates the caustic solution for a set duration to ensure thorough cleaning.

6. Intermediate Fresh Water Rinse: Rinses out the caustic solution.

7. Sanitizer Rinse: Rinses the keg with a sanitizing agent.

8. First Sanitizer Recirculation: Recirculates the sanitizer.

9. Second Sanitizer Recirculation: A final recirculation to ensure complete sanitation.

10. CO₂ Purge to Drain: Purges all remaining liquid from the keg using CO₂.

11. CO₂ Counter-Pressure: Pressurizes the clean, sanitized keg with CO₂ to prepare it for filling.

4. Key Equipment Features

• High-Efficiency Washing:Our models are designed for high throughput to meet brewery demands.

• Semi-Automatic 2-Head Washer: Cleans up to 24-40 kegs per hour.

• Semi-Automatic 3-Head Washer: Cleans up to 36-60 kegs per hour.

• Wide Applicability:The system is compatible with a broad range of international keg standards and sizes, including:

• DIN Standard: 15L, 20L, 30L, 50L

• US Standard: 1/6 bbl, 1/4 bbl, 1/2 bbl

• Euro Standard: 20L, 30L, 50L

• Simple, Automated Operation:Featuring advanced PLC control with a user-friendly touchscreen (HMI) interface. Many models include a "one-touch" start function, making operation fast, simple, and repeatable.

• Superior Cleaning & Sanitizing Performance:Guarantees a microbiologically clean keg through high-pressure jetting and a multi-stage chemical cleaning process. An optional steam sterilization function is available for an even higher degree of sanitation.

• Energy-Saving & Eco-Friendly Design:Select models are equipped with a water recovery function that can recycle over 75% of the water used in later rinse cycles for use in the initial pre-rinse, significantly reducing water consumption and waste.