Desana: The colour‑control technology for 100% clean beer lines

1. The three faces of Desana: A solution for every problem

The strength of the Desana range lies in its complementarity. Although the protocol for circulating the product through the lines remains strictly identical, the choice of sachet depends on the goal:

• Desana Max FP (Regular maintenance): The absolute reference for weekly or bi‑monthly cleaning. Formulated with alkaline active oxygen, it gently yet effectively removes yeast, sugar and fresh protein residues. It contains no chlorine, making it very environmentally friendly.
• Desana Max CL (Shock cleaning): This product incorporates active chlorine into its alkaline formula. It is the essential heavy‑duty weapon for disinfecting neglected systems, decoloring tubing yellowed by dark beers, and eliminating the toughest bacterial biofilms after long inactivity.
• Desana Acid (Annual descaling): Unlike the first two, this one is acidic. Its exclusive mission is to dissolve “beer stone” (calcium oxalate) and water‑borne limescale. It is used periodically (once or twice a year) to restore perfect smoothness to the tubing and prevent excess foam.

2. The step‑by‑step protocol: How to use Desana technology

For optimal maintenance, put on your protective gloves and follow these simple, rigorous steps:

Step 1: Initial pre‑rinse

Before introducing your chemical product, thoroughly clean and pre‑rinse with clear water your sanitation keg (SodaKeg, plastic keg or Oxebar), your keg couplers or Ball‑Lock connectors, and the draft circuit. This mechanically removes stagnant beer and saves product.

Step 2: Preparing the reference solution

Pour one 45 g sachet of Desana (Max FP, CL or Acid) into your cleaning keg and add 4.5 liters of warm water (ideally 35°C). Close the keg and shake it vigorously 3 times to ensure full dissolution.
The secret of the color: Open the keg and take a small sample of this fresh solution in a clear glass: it is a bright purple‑violet (or pink/red depending on the version). This reference glass will serve as your visual comparison point.

Step 3: Filling and soaking the lines (20 min)

Connect your CO2 bottle to the sanitation keg to pressurize it, then connect your liquid line (keg coupler or black Ball‑Lock connector) to the draft system. Open your faucet. As soon as the colored solution begins to flow from the tap, close it immediately. The product is now trapped inside the line: let it act for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Bath for external connectors

While the product dissolves biofilm and disinfects the inside of the tubing, disconnect the CO2 and depressurize your cleaning keg. Open it and immerse your Ball‑Lock connectors or keg coupler directly inside the keg to disinfect threads and external seals during the remaining 20‑minute soak.

Step 5: Purging and color verification

Close the keg, reconnect the CO2 and open the faucet again to purge the product. Observe carefully the color of the liquid coming out:

• If the product comes out green or yellow: It means it has reacted chemically with organic impurities or bacteria still present. Close the faucet and let it act for 3 more minutes so the chemistry can continue working. Repeat the operation.
• If the product comes out violet (identical to the reference glass): Success! Your lines are 100% clean. Once the violet is stable, let the rest of the product flow out to empty the keg.

Step 6: Final safety rinse

This step is crucial to avoid finding detergent traces in your next glasses of beer. Disconnect the keg, rinse it thoroughly with clear water, then fill it with clean tap water. Reconnect it to the system and run all the water through the lines.