Key Reasons for Implementation

• Proposal of a pneumatic fine fog nozzle capable of atomizing sanitizer and applying it at an ultra-low flow rate in the draft beer keg valve sanitization process
• Minimized overspray to non-target areas around the keg valve
• Improved spray ON/OFF response and drip prevention by combining the nozzle with a spray ON/OFF control adaptor
• Expected reduction in chemical consumption

Challenges Faced by the Customer

A brewery faced challenges in its draft beer keg sanitization process, which takes place before shipment after the kegs are filled and sealed with keg valves.

When a keg reached a designated position on the line, a sensor triggered a spray of sanitizing solution onto the keg valve. However, the droplets were relatively coarse, resulting in rebound and unintended dispersion.

In addition, the wide spray angle caused the sanitizing solution to hit areas outside the keg valve, wetting the surrounding area and even the floor. The slow spray ON/OFF response also caused dripping, which led to waste of the costly sanitizing solution.

Solutions Proposed by IKEUCHI

After receiving the inquiry, IKEUCHI reviewed the installed nozzle and found that it was a single-fluid hydraulic nozzle driven solely by liquid pressure. With a spray angle of approximately 90°, the spray covered areas outside the keg valve as well.

To address these issues, IKEUCHI selected the BIMV Series pneumatic fine fog nozzle, which atomizes liquid with compressed air. A model was chosen that could produce a soft fog at an extremely low liquid flow rate and apply it in a 45° flat-fan spray pattern.

The nozzle was paired with a spray ON/OFF control adaptor. The adaptor uses pilot air to operate an internal shutoff piston, allowing the spray to be switched ON and OFF quickly.

The customer accepted the proposal because this combination was expected to solve the main issues: rebound and dispersion caused by coarse droplets, overspray around the keg valve, and dripping caused by slow spray response.

Benefits Achieved

Unwanted dispersion, wetting around the line, overspray, and dripping were eliminated, enabling stable operation of the sanitization process.

Introduction of IKEUCHI’s pneumatic spray nozzle has streamlined the sanitization process and reduced chemical consumption.

Note: Some images in this case study are for illustrative purposes only.

SDG Contributions

Relevant SDG goals for this case.