Skip to content

SOP — Brewhouse CIP

FUERST WIACEK Version 1.5 | Brewhouse — brewhouse CIP | Frequency: weekly + after dark-malt brews

Pre-Conditions

Warning

CIP Tank 1 up-concentration must be completed before running the Brewhouse CIP. This does not have to happen immediately before — it can be done in the morning with the CIP starting later. But it must happen on the same day.

Refer to the CIP Up-Concentration SOP.

Purpose

After each production week, a CIP must be run on the brewhouse to maintain clean and efficient wort production. A CIP is also required on any brew day where dark or roasted malt is used, to avoid colour carryover into the next beer.

The Brewhouse CIP uses Caustic (IC 1002) and Acid (IC 3002), dosed automatically by the Botec recipe. Steam and HLT water are managed automatically by the system.

PPE Required

Warning

Do not handle chemical connections without safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves.

Risks

Hazard Risk
Loose connections Leaks, spray of hot liquid or chemical
Chemical / steam exposure Burns
IBC incorrectly positioned Flooding of workplace
Running out of caustic in drum CIP cannot complete — check before starting

Equipment

  • Safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves
  • Empty IBC with drain hose connected — use plastic-base IBC if leaving overnight or over a weekend to avoid floor staining
  • CIP Tank 1 up-concentrated and at temperature (see CIP Up-concentration SOP)
  • Sufficient caustic (IC 1002) in drum to complete cycle
  • Sufficient acid (IC 3002) in drum to complete cycle
  • Brewhouse panel configured for CIP

Botec Recipe

002 Brewhouse → CIP Brewhouse → CIP Brewhouse [1] V 1.00

Uses IC 1002 (Caustic, conductivity target 40 mS) and IC 3002 (Acid). Both are dosed automatically. Acid is used inline and discarded. Caustic is recirculated via CIP Tank 1.

Process

1. Up-Concentration of CIP Tank 1

Complete the up-concentration of CIP Tank 1 before starting the Brewhouse CIP. Refer to the CIP Up-concentration SOP.

2. Swing Bend — Return to Brewhouse Delivery

After up-concentration is complete, return the swing bend on the CIP unit to the brewhouse delivery position.

3. Brewhouse Panel Setup for CIP

Configure the brewhouse panel for CIP as shown below.

Brewhouse panel in CIP configuration

3a. Mash Dosing Device

The mash dosing device must be in the closed position with the water valve facing towards you, as in normal operation. Refer to the Mash Additions SOP for the correct valve position.

Mash dosing device — correct closed position

3b. Kettle Dosing Vessel

The kettle dosing vessel must be set correctly for the CIP cycle. Incorrect settings here will cause CIP liquid to bypass or flow in excessive amounts, leading to chemical waste and potentially running out of caustic in CIP Tank 1.

Kettle dosing vessel — CIP valve positions

  • Bottom drop valve: Set to 45° open — the exact direction does not matter, just 45°.
  • Water valve: Open only a tiny amount.

Kettle water valve — cracked only slightly open

Warning

If the water valve is opened too much, CIP liquid will run through the dosing vessel continuously in excessive amounts. This leads to chemical waste and risks running out of caustic before the CIP cycle is complete.

4. Position IBC Under Lauter Tun

Place the IBC under the lauter tun drain point. Connect the drain hose to the IBC using the dedicated adapter.

IBC drain adapter — connects hose to IBC outlet

IBC positioned below lauter tun, hose leading to centre floor gully

Warning

Remove the adapter from the IBC when the CIP is complete and store it on the beam below the lauter tun. Do not leave it on the IBC or it will be lost.

Warning

The liquid from the lauter tun during CIP exits fast — too fast for the floor drains to handle. The IBC drain hose controls the flow rate into the drain. Ensure the hose is fully connected and the IBC is correctly positioned before starting. An incorrectly placed IBC will flood the floor.

Note

Place the warning sign (Vorsicht / Danger Chemicals) in front of the IBC during the CIP. Use a plastic-base IBC if the unit will remain in place over a weekend to avoid floor staining.

5. Validate Connections in Botec

All physical changes — swing bends, panel changes — must be acknowledged in the Botec system before the recipe can be launched.

6. Load and Launch CIP Brewhouse Recipe

  1. Open the Botec batch schedule under 002 Brewhouse → CIP Brewhouse.
  2. Load recipe CIP Brewhouse [1] V 1.00.
  3. Set timing and launch. Allow to run to completion.
  4. When prompted by Botec, validate the IBC position on the lauter tun page.

7. Finish and Breakdown

  1. Remove the IBC and drain hose once the CIP is complete.
  2. Return the brewhouse panel to the standard brew / wortway CIP configuration.

Pre-Run Checklist

  • [ ] CIP Tank 1 up-concentrated and at temperature
  • [ ] Sufficient IC 3002 acid in drum
  • [ ] Swing bend on CIP unit returned to brewhouse delivery position
  • [ ] Brewhouse panel configured for CIP
  • [ ] Mash dosing device in closed position, water valve facing towards you
  • [ ] Kettle dosing vessel: bottom drop valve at 45°, water valve cracked only slightly open
  • [ ] IBC in position under lauter tun, drain adapter and hose connected
  • [ ] All swing bend and panel changes acknowledged in Botec
  • [ ] CIP Brewhouse [1] V 1.00 recipe loaded and launched
  • [ ] IBC position validated in Botec when prompted
  • [ ] IBC removed, drain adapter removed and stored on beam below lauter tun
  • [ ] Panel returned to brew / WW CIP settings

Troubleshooting

Issue Likely Cause Action
Recipe cannot launch Connections not acknowledged in Botec Acknowledge all physical changes in Botec system view before launching
CIP cannot reach target caustic concentration CIP Tank 1 not fully up-concentrated, or drum empty Check drum level. Complete up-concentration before launching.
Liquid flooding floor IBC drain hose loose or IBC incorrectly positioned Stop CIP immediately. Reposition IBC and reconnect hose before restarting.
Acid drum empty mid-cycle Insufficient acid before start Always check acid drum level before launching. Swap drum if needed.
Recipe stops with alarm mid-CIP — CLT level low HLT fill or cellar water use running simultaneously, draining the CLT Wait for CLT to recover. Quit all errors in Botec. Increase watchdog step time (99999 is fine). Press Play. See Botec Common Errors.
Watchdog step time error Step ran longer than configured watchdog time Increase watchdog step time to a value larger than time elapsed + remaining time (99999 is safe). Press Play. See Botec Common Errors.