How to clean, sanitize and passivate the fermenter before first use

For the first cleaning of your BrewTaurus fermenter, here is a recommended process to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned and passivated, if necessary:

Initial Cleaning

Rinse:

  • Begin by thoroughly rinsing the fermenter with warm water to remove any dust, dirt, or manufacturing residues.

Cleaning with TSP (Trisodium Phosphate):

  • Mix a solution of TSP according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Using a microfiber cloth, scrub the interior surfaces of the fermenter thoroughly. Ensure you cover all areas, including hard-to-reach spots.
  • Alternatively, you can use a CIP (Clean-In-Place) system to circulate the TSP solution throughout the fermenter. This ensures that all internal surfaces are exposed to the cleaning solution.
  • Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes to break down any residues.
  • Rinse the fermenter thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of TSP. Ensure there are no residues left.

Sanitization (Optional but Recommended):

  • After cleaning with TSP, sanitize the fermenter using a no-rinse sanitizer such as Star San. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper dilution and contact time.
  • This step ensures that any remaining microorganisms are killed before the first use.

    Passivation

    Passivation helps to form a protective oxide layer on stainless steel surfaces, which can prevent corrosion and enhance durability. While opinions on the necessity of passivation vary, it can be beneficial, especially for a brand-new fermenter.

    Citric Acid Solution:

    • Prepare a citric acid solution at a concentration of 3-5% citric acid in water.
    • Use the CIP system to circulate the citric acid solution throughout the fermenter. Ensure that all internal surfaces are wetted with the solution.
    • Allow the solution to circulate for about 30 minutes.
    • After the passivation process, thoroughly rinse the fermenter with warm water to remove any residual citric acid.

      Final Rinse

      • After passivation, rinse the fermenter thoroughly with warm water to ensure no cleaning agents or acids remain.
      • Let the fermenter air dry or use a clean, lint-free cloth to dry the surfaces.

      Notes:

      • Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when handling cleaning chemicals.
      • Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when using chemicals to avoid inhaling fumes.
      • CIP System: If using a CIP system, make sure it's properly set up and that the flow rate is adequate to cover all internal surfaces of the fermenter.

      By following this process, you can ensure that your BrewTaurus fermenter is clean, sanitized, and ready for use. Passivation with citric acid can provide an added layer of protection, but ensure thorough rinsing to avoid any chemical residues that could affect your brewing process.