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Automating cleaning with the CIP (Clean‑In‑Place) system is a true revolution in a brewer’s daily routine. No more scrubbing by hand! However, for the magic to work and for the spray head to rotate efficiently, the secret lies in precise and proper sizing.
A pump that is too weak will fail to spin the spray head, while an unsuitable hose may pinch under heat or provide a passage that is too narrow.
So, how do you choose the right equipment? To guide you, we compare two key configurations available in our range of CIP cleaning systems.
1. Configuration for 30 to 50‑liter conical fermenters
If you brew standard home volumes with 30 to 50‑liter fermentation vessels (such as FermZilla, Brewbuilt or mid‑size Conicus Pro ranges), there is no need to equip yourself with heavy, bulky industrial gear. Lightweight, highly optimized and easy‑to‑install solutions exist.
- The ideal pump: A 60W pump (12–24V DC) equipped with a speed controller (dimmer). This controller is extremely valuable: it allows fine adjustment of pump power to achieve the ideal rotation speed of the spray head without creating unnecessary overpressure.
- The piping network: A moderately sized hose (John Guest or EVA Barrier in 3/8") is ideal. Very flexible, it connects and disconnects in seconds thanks to quick‑connect fittings. It’s clean, leak‑free and more than sufficient to feed a suitable low‑pressure spray head.
- The spray head: It is essential to use a low‑pressure CIP rotor. This mechanism is specifically designed to rotate and spray liquid at 360° even with moderate flow and pressure.
- Adaptability: To integrate easily, the complete system is based on a 1.5" Tri‑Clamp standard. Depending on your fermenter lid, you may simply need an adapter (for example to a TC 2" or TC 4" port).
Our ready‑to‑use solution: The complete CIP system for 30L conical fermenters includes all these components (pump, dimmer, John Guest hoses, fittings and low‑pressure rotor) so you can start immediately.
2. Configuration for large fermenters from 50 to 100 liters (and beyond)
When moving to professional or semi‑professional volumes (such as large Kegmenters or the Brew Monk Unitank range), the geometry of the vessel and the quantity of organic residues (yeast, hop deposits) require greater mechanical power. Here, we scale up.
- The ideal pump: A robust 65W magnetic pump operating directly on mains power (220–240V). Its sturdy design allows continuous high‑flow operation and the ability to push large volumes of hot water (50°C to 60°C) loaded with heavy detergent.
- The piping network: To avoid pressure loss and ensure maximum flow, small hoses are out of the question. Professional large‑diameter hoses in reinforced EPDM (FlexiRoyal range) with crimped 1.5" Tri‑Clamp fittings are used. These premium hoses resist crushing, extreme heat and aggressive chemical corrosion while guaranteeing fast, unrestricted flow.
- The spray ball: A true stainless‑steel spray ball (static or heavy‑duty rotating), designed to project wide, high‑intensity water jets across the entire vessel wall. It installs directly onto large openings such as Tri‑Clamp 4" or Tri‑Clamp 1.5".
Our ready‑to‑use solution: For large volumes, discover our complete CIP spray‑ball cleaning pack. It includes the powerful magnetic pump, the robust 1‑ and 5‑meter FlexiRoyal hoses, clamps, gaskets and the stainless‑steel spray ball (available in TC 4" or dual TC 1.5").
3. Comparison table: Which configuration suits your fermenter?
To help you choose at a glance, here is a summary of the two equipment profiles:
| Characteristic | Compact Configuration (30–50 L) | Advanced Configuration (50–100 L+) |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended pump | Brewolutions 60W with dimmer | 65W magnetic pump (High‑flow 220V) |
| Hose type | John Guest / EVA Barrier 3/8" | Reinforced EPDM FlexiRoyal (TC 1.5") |
| CIP head type | Low‑pressure CIP rotor | Heavy stainless‑steel spray ball (TC 1.5" or 4") |
| Original connections | Tri‑Clamp 1.5" (optional adapters) | Tri‑Clamp 1.5" or 4" (complete with gaskets/clamps) |
Rolling Beers Team Tips
Beware of implosion / overpressure risks! When circulating hot cleaning solution (50°C to 60°C) inside a closed fermenter, the air inside heats up and expands. As soon as you stop the cycle and the vessel begins to cool, the air contracts sharply, creating a vacuum (negative pressure). If your vessel is completely airtight, it may deform or collapse inward (implosion). To work safely, always leave an upper port (such as the airlock port or a safety valve) slightly open throughout the CIP cycle and cooling phase to allow air to circulate freely.