How to Clean and Sanitize the Version 1.5 Fermentation Hub [w/ Video]
PLEASE NOTE: There are currently two versions of the BrewIQ Fermentation Hub
Version 1.5 - features two plastic hoses on top of the Hub, with a sample valve on bottom left
Version 2.0 - features two metal valves on top of the Hub with no hoses.
Materials Required
(1) Rinse Bucket
(1) Clean Bucket
(1) Sanitize Bucket
(1) SmartClean hose without tee - Hose 1
(1) SmartClean hose with tee - Hose 2
Cell-R-Mastr or PBW
(1) Hose Drain Adapter
Immersion Heater
Wi-Fi enabled computer, tablet, or smartphone
The cleaning procedure takes about 2 hours, or 75 minutes with Speed2Clean activated. The majority of the Cleaning Process runs autonomously. The steps are as follows:
Prep Working Station
- Place the RINSE, CLEAN, and SANITIZE buckets from left to right
- Place the Fermentation Hub (formerly SensorHub) with the logo facing forward on a lower shelf or floor, 2-3 feet below the buckets.
- Plug in the Fermentation Hub to a power source and wait for the solid green (ready) light
- Prep the hot water for the Clean Step:
- Fill the CLEAN bucket to the top of the sticker with hot water (≤145°F/63°C)
- Add 6oz (3 full scoops) of Cell-r-Mastr cleaner or PBW
- Plug in and insert the immersion heater into the bucket, and set it to 145°F
Navigate to SmartClean Manager
- Log in to the BrewIQ Customer Dashboard
- Navigate to the Devices page in the left-hand column menu of the Customer Dashboard
- Click on the green CLEANING MANAGER link at the top right corner of the Devices page
- You will see two options to select at the top of the Cleaning Manager window. Active Cleanings will show you all units currently being cleaned. Cleaning History will show you a history of units you've cleaned in the past
- Click on the green START NEW CLEANING button at the top right corner of the page
In the Cleaning Method window, ensure that Manual Cleaning is selected
In the window below, select the Fermentation Hub you are going to clean. Press CONTINUE at bottom right corner of page
Confirm that the Fermentation Hub is connected to the buckets and ready to be cleaned by checking the box at the bottom of the window, press START CLEANING
If new firmware is available, it will be updated automatically at the beginning of the cleaning process
1) Rinse 1 [2-minute cycle]
- Unscrew the filter housing from the filter cap. Dump any liquid and thoroughly rinse the housing and filter element.
- Check the top of the filter housing and ensure it is clean of debris.
- Reattach the cleaned filter housing and element, ensuring the orange gasket is in place.
- Fill the RINSE bucket with warm water (≤145°F/ 63°C) to the top of the RINSE sticker
- Connect hoses
- Connect Hose 1 to the Inlet hose on the left side of the Fermentation Hub then connect Hose 1 to the bulkhead on the RINSE bucket
Connect Hose 2 to the Outlet hose on the right side of the Fermentation Hub. Slide the vinyl tubing of Hose 2 over the Zwickel valve. Open all 3 valves (the two on the Fermentation Hub hoses, and the Zwickel valve)
Connect the drain adapter to Hose 2. Water will start to flow through the unit via gravity. Ensure Hose 2 is leading water into an empty bucket
- In the BrewIQ Console,
- Click START RINSE 1 to turn on pumps and begin the rinse step
- Once complete, about 2 minutes, click GO TO NEXT STEP to proceed
2) Clean [1-hour cycle]
- Once the temperature on the immersion heater in the CLEAN bucket has reached 140-145°F, disconnect the hoses from the rinse bucket and drain and connect both hoses to the bulkheads on the CLEAN bucket
- In the BrewIQ Console,
- Click START CLEANING to turn on pumps and begin the clean step. This will take 45-60 minutes to complete (Note: if the fluid temperature (140-145°F/60-63°C) and pH (>10.5) of the cleaning solution are correct, the total clean time will be reduced to 45 minutes)
- Once complete, click GO TO NEXT STEP to proceed
3) Rinse 2 [2-minute cycle]
- Repeat Rinse Cycle again:
- Fill the RINSE bucket with warm water (<145°F)
- Connect Hose 1 to the bulkhead on the bucket
- Connect the drain adapter to Hose 2, water will now start to flow through the unit via gravity. Place the end of hose 2 at a trench drain or waste receptacle.
- In the BrewIQ Console,
- Click START RINSE 2 button to turn on the pumps and begin the rinse step.
- Once complete, about 2 minutes, click GO TO NEXT STEP to proceed
4) Sanitize [1 hour cycle]
- Fill SANITIZE bucket to the bottom of the sanitize sticker (2 gallons total) with room temperature water (<100°F)
- Fill the SANITIZE bucket to the bottom of the sanitize sticker (2 gallons total) with room temperature (<100°F) peracetic acid (PAA) solution at 200ppm.
- Detach the hoses from the RINSE bucket and the drain adaptor.
- Open the filter housing and ensure there is no debris in the filter screen. Rinse the screen if needed.
- Connect both cleaning hoses to the SANITIZE bucket.
- In the BrewIQ Console,
- Click START SANITIZING to turn on the pumps and begin the Sanitize step. This will take 30-60 minutes to complete (Note: if the fluid temperature (<100°F/38°C) and pH (<4.5) of the sanitizing solution are correct, the total sanitizing time will be reduced to 30 minutes)
Once complete, click press the GO TO NEXT STEP button to proceed
Lastly, click FINISH AND EXIT SMARTCLEAN MANAGER button to mark the Fermentation Hub 'Clean'
5) Finish
- Close valves on the Fermentation Hub, leaving PAA in the Fermentation Hub for up to 7 days. Disconnect cleaning hoses
Dump out remaining liquid from any buckets. Rinse off the buckets, hoses, and immersion heater and dry them before storage.
In the BrewIQ Customer Dashboard, the Fermentation Hub's status is now Ready.
- Next, see How to Attach the Version 1.5 Fermentation Hub to the Tank Connector [w/ Video]