Sanitizing worries...

[Hop-Head]

Great forum by the way!

Before I attach the tap to a new keg (Hoff-Stevens or Sanky)in my kegerator I pour a little sanitizer solution (the diluted acid stuff)onto/into the kegs coupler mating surface.

I wonder if when I finally attach the tap and break the seal, if some of the sanitizer gets into the keg[xx(][xx(][xx(] ?

Is there enough positive pressure in the keg to flush any trace amounts of solution from the connection point?

How do the experts prep the keg before connecting?

Thanks,

Tom in Seattle

[Scott Zuhse]

Not a good idea unless you rinse thouroughly with water and then dry. What will happen is the solution can go though the pressure in port of the keg valve and then mix with the beer.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[Hop-Head]

Thanks Scott. I had a feeling that might be happening. There was a funny flavor a day or two after tapping my last IPA keg. I suppose compressed air may be the best thing as far as drying after sanitizing?

I'm sure most people probably don't worry about cleaning that area (pressure port) before connecting, but since a pony-keg lasts me 30-45 days, I want to give the beer the best chance at a long life. If it's possible for solution to creep into the beer, then it's possible for bacteria and off-flavoring contaminents to get in there too.

I suppose it's not too much of a worry with places that change out their kegs every couple days. There's just not enough time for any off-flavoring to happen if the beer was contaminated.

I'll still clean the connections, but I'll rinse and dry also.

Thanks again.

[gtpunch]

You could use a no-rinse sanitiser such as Iodophor, then a few drops of the diluted solution getting into the keg won't matter at all.

You could also sanitize by wiping with a bit of 95% grain alcohol such as Everclear, which wouldn't harm the beer at all.

[TerryM]

Adding to gtpunch's reply ...

use a spray bottle to apply your iodophor solution (prepare according to instructions). It needs to be in contact with the surface you are sanitizing for two minutes. A light sheen will kill the bacteria, and the minimal amount will not affect the taste.

tm