Using the homebrew kit

 The Homebrew Filter is designed primarily for filtering homebrew during kegging. Since most homebrewers use soda kegs (Cornelius canisters), instructions given here will be for that equipment. However, you can modify the instructions for your own equipment (i.e., different connections, larger kegs, etc.)

EQUIPMENT IN THIS KIT.

1 clear plastic filter housing unit

2 three-foot-long fiberglass reinforced nylon tubing

1 filter cartridge (either 0.5, 1, or 5 micron)

EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED:

2 soda kegs (cornelius canisters; one for a holding tank, and one for a serving keg)

2 liquid-out connectors (to attach to the filter lines)

1 C02 cylinder tank (with tubing and gas-in connector attached)

4 adjustable metal tubing clamps (optional)

1 extra soda keg (optional; to be used during clean up)

OVERVIEW-

Depending upon the size of the filter cartridge you purchased; you can achieve three different end results. The 5.0 micron filter gets rid of any sediment in your beer. The 1.0 micron filter gives you a brilliantly clear beer. And the 0.5 micron filter enables you to eliminate almost all chill haze from your brilliantly clear beer.

Since you probably ferment either in a plastic bucket (primary fermenter) or in a glass carboy (secondary fermenter) you will need to transfer (rack) your beer into a cleaned and sanitized stainless-steel soda keg (holding tank).

Note: If you have used a soda keg as your secondary, you do not need to rack into another holding tank. Just use this secondary fermenter as your holding tank

Once your beer is in the holding tank (purged of oxygen), it will be filtered through the sanitized filter into another sanitized soda keg (serving keg). The serving keg should also be purged of oxygen in order to reduce the risk of oxidation which can create a stale taste in your brew. While leaving the lid off the serving keg, beer will flow through the filter (at 15-20 psi). This process takes about 5- 1 0 minutes to complete.

When the filtering is done, you will need to force sanitizer backwards through the filter at a very low C02 pressure (i.e., 6-8 psi max.). This back-flushing will purge any yeast from the filter cartridge. This step is important in prolonging the life of your filter and ensuring an easy cleaning process the next time you use it.

INSTALLATION-

1. Attach the two liquid-out connectors to the ends of the filter's IN and OUT tubes (e.g., one connector on each end). You may want to use adjustable metal tubing clamps over the four joints where plastic tubing overlaps on a connector. If using clamps, place these on before inserting connectors into the tubing.

2. Unscrew the clear-plastic housing counter-clockwise, take the filter out of its plastic bag, and insert the filter back into the housing. Next, tightly screw the housing back into place. Note: Make sure the two threaded plastic tubing connectors attached to the filter housing are on tight (they may have loosened during shipping). You may need to use an adjustable wrench to tighten them completely; otherwise beer may leak out during filtering.

CLEANING & SANITIZING BEFORE USE-

You must clean and sanitize the filter housing unit, the serving keg, and the holding tank. Soak all equipment in sanitizer for at least 15-20 minutes.

SAFETY TIP: Place the filter-housing unit in a one- or two-gallon cooking pot to prevent it from tipping over during filtering.

1. To create a weak sanitizing solution, use I teaspoon of household bleach to 5 gallons of water. Fill the holding tank with 5 gallons of this sanitizer and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Hook up the C02 cylinder (with gas turned off) to the gas-in connection on the holding tank. Connect the IN filter tube to the holding tank's Liquid-out connector.

SANITIZING TIP: You can sanitize your racking tube/cane and racking hose by submerging them in the holding tank.

2. With the holding tank's lid in place, turn on the C02 cylinder to 5- 1 0 psi. Press the red purge button located on top of the filter unit to purge any oxygen and to allow the filter housing to fill completely with sanitizing solution. Once solution starts to squirt out the purge button, release the button.

3. With the serving keg's lid off, attach the OUT filter tube to the liquid-out connection on the serving keg. As the sanitizing solution flows from the holding tank it will sanitize the filter tubing, the filter unit, and then the serving keg.

4. Once all the sanitizing solution has passed through the filter (taking about 5-10 minutes), disconnect all connectors. Now let the serving keg sit for 5- 1 0 minutes.

5. After releasing the pressure from the holding tank, take its lid off. Then, wearing sanitized rubber gloves, shake all sanitizing solution out.

TIP: Save 2-3 gallons of sanitizer for later cleaning of the holding tank and the filter unit.

Note: If you are in the habit of rinsing sanitizer out of equipment with hot water, go ahead and rinse. However, many homebrewers use the technique of using a weak bleach solution (as described above) and just shaking off any excess sanitizer

6. Unscrew the clear-plastic housing (using rubber gloves) and shake excess sanitizer from the filter. Re-insert the filter and then tightly screw the housing back into place.

7. Pour out sanitizer from the serving keg and shake out excess sanitizer.

All this attention to complete sanitation ensures your precious brew will remain clean and free of infection.

FILTERING-

1. Purge the holding tank of oxygen before racking your beer into it by attaching the C02 connector. With the tank's lid off, allow C02 at 5 psi to flow in for about 10-20 seconds. This pushes the oxygen out of the tank, leaving behind a C02 environment. Now you can safely rack your beer into the sanitized holding tank.

2. After the holding tank is full, use 10 Psi of C02 while pulling up on the lid. This closes the lid tightly.

3. Purge any oxygen which may remain in the holding tank by disconnecting the gas-in connector and pressing down on the ball or pin-button (using a screwdriver) to release the pressure. Place the C02 back on, and then purge again. Repeat this 2-3 times to ensure a complete C02 environment.

4. Now purge oxygen from the serving tank and filter unit. With the lid in place on the serving keg, attach the C02 cylinder to the serving keg's gas-in connection. Apply 5-10 psi while pulling up on the lid. Attach the OUT filter tube to the liquid-out connector on the serving keg. Press and hold the red purge button on the filter unit. This process will take only about 30 seconds. After 15 seconds pause for a few seconds (to allow oxygen to rise above the C02), then press and hold the purge button again for another 15 seconds. Disconnect all connections when finished.

5. Now you ready to start the filtering. Connect the C02 cylinder back to the gas-in connector on the holding tank (full of beer). Attach the IN filter tube to the liquid-out connector on the holding tank. With 20 Psi of C02, the beer should start to flow into the filter unit. Press the purge button to allow C02 to escape and to let beer completely fill the filter-housing unit. Release the purge button when beer squirts out.

6.Next release the pressure on the serving keg and take the lid off. Now attach the OUT filter tube to the liquid-out connection on the serving keg. Beer should now start to slowly flow into the bottom of the serving keg. Within 5- 10 minutes the beer will have flowed from the holding tank, through the filter unit, and into the serving keg. Note: During transfer, the beer should completely fill up the housing unit (until the last pint flows through). If this is not the case, increase the C02 level to push the beer through faster (but no higher than 35-40 psi).

7. Once the beer is completely in the serving keg, disconnect al I the connections. Place the lid on the serving keg and then apply 5-10 psi to seal the lid. Release pressure and reapply pressure. Repeat 2-3 times to purge oxygen. Now carbonate using 30 Psi of C02. CARBONATION TIP: To quickly force-carbonate, apply 30 Psi of C02 until you do not hear it flowing anymore. Take off the gas-in connector and shake the serving keg vigorously for 2-3 minutes. Reapply pressure, until the sound Of C02 stops, and shake for another minute. Repeat several times until very little C02 is able to dissolve into the beer. An easier way to force-carbonate (when not in a rush) is to keep the C02 tank connected for a period of 3-5 days at 30 psi.

SERVING TIP: When ready to serve, disconnect the C02 cylinder and release most of the pressure from the serving keg. When beer starts to flow VERY slowly, reapply the C02 at only 3-5 psi-just enough to push the beer out without causing foaming problems.

CLEANING AFTER USE (BACK FLUSHING)- IMPORTANT!

1.Release pressure on the empty holding tank, take lid off, and rinse the inside with hot water. Note: Do NOT apply more than 6-8 Psi of C02 through the filter because you may damage the filter.

2. Fill holding tank with 2-3 gallons of sanitizer, close the lid, and apply 5-10 psi Of C02 while pulling up on the lid handle to seal the lid.

3. Connect the OUT filter tube to the liquid-out connector on the holding tank.

4. Connect the IN filter tube to the liquid-out connector on a third (spare) soda keg.

Note: if you do not have a third soda keg available, you will have to remove the liquid-out connector on the IN filter tube. Then place this outflow in a sink or in a large 2-3 gallon stockpot for the sanitizer to flow into.

5. Sanitizer will flow through the holding tank, into the OUT filter tube, through the filter, and into the spare keg (with lid off). When you see and hear C02 bubbling through the filter and into the spare keg, disconnect all the connections.

6. Now push the purge button on the filter unit, unscrew the housing and dry the inside with a clean cloth. Shake the filter dry and after a few hours place it back into its plastic bag.

STORING YOUR FILTER CARTRIDGE-

You can store your filter cartridge in a plastic bag in a cool dry place or in your refrigerator (highly recommended). By using a refrigerator you keep your cartridge free from bacteria.