Deep Cleaning Process Equipment with Caustic?

[Frothy]

Hi All

Some of my kit hasn't been used for a while. I'm talking about my counter-flow chiller (therminator) a totton impeller pump and some under-counter beer coolers.

I am concerned that there may be buildup inside the equipment i.e. crusts and films that normal beer line cleaner and warm detergent solutions might not remove.

I hear that microbreweries and industrial places use hot castic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution to flush through the systems. Is this a good idea? I am wondering what concentration and at what temperature I could use it? Also if it will react with the copper brazing within my Therminator.

brew on!
Frothy

[Andy]

Welcome back Frothers!

[Frothy]

Thanks guys.

I'm unsure of how effective the bleach will be at lifting a crust. Caustic is good for denaturing proteins and fats to lift them off (a bit like dishwasher tablets.) Will bleach work in the same way?

Matt

[Frothy]

Brilliant, thanks. I will stick to the beer line cleaner then.

Some of the crap that is coming out of my kit is astounding! It's like an episode of ghost-busters.
Is the bleach going to be Ok with the copper brazing on the heat exchanger?