I recently acquired the DERNORD Rotary Spray Ball aka the Spray Ball, and I'm genuinely impressed with its performance and build quality.
This stainless steel cleaning tool is designed for tank cleaning, boasting a 360° spray pattern and a 1" NPT threaded connection. After using it for a while, here are my insights into this product:
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Outstanding Build Quality
First and foremost, the build quality of the DERNORD Spray Ball is outstanding.
It's crafted from solid stainless steel and incorporates roller bearings, which result in a remarkably smooth spin.
This meticulous attention to detail in its construction is a testament to its durability and longevity.
Initial Challenges with My Keg Washer
Initially, I attempted to use this spray ball with the fountain pump that came with my Mark's Keg Washer.
Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that the pump lacked the necessary pressure to spin the spray ball effectively for scrubbing away solids.
While it did coat the inside of the keg or fermenter with cleaning solution, it couldn't generate the force required for a thorough cleaning.
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Upgrading to a More Powerful Pump
To address this issue, I decided to upgrade to a 1/3HP submersible pump, specifically the Superior Pump 91330. The difference was remarkable.
With the larger pump, the spray ball produced a robust spray, reaching impressive distances of up to 8-9 feet.
If you intend to invest in this spray ball, I highly recommend pairing it with a pump of similar capacity for optimal performance.
Adapting the spray ball to fit my pump did require some effort in finding the right adapters to reduce the 1-1/4" NPT fitting on the pump to 1/2" NPT on the spray ball. However, the effort was undoubtedly worthwhile.
Selecting the Appropriate Thread Size
The 1" NPT thread size I opted for fit perfectly in my ball lock corny keg and the Fermonster carboy.
I believe it would also suit other vessels such as the Big Mouth Bubbler, Fast Ferment, and Spiedels, but I'd recommend confirming the dimensions of your specific equipment beforehand.
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Enhancing the Cleaning Process
I elevated my setup by adding valves and small lines with male flare fittings. This modification allowed me to connect short lines with ball lock disconnects to the keg, facilitating the cleaning of the dip tube while sanitizing the keg.
Additionally, I can shut off the supply to the spray ball and use it to clean my kegerator lines, providing an added layer of versatility to the cleaning process.
Effective Cleaning Power
In terms of cleaning power, this spray ball is a workhorse. It effectively targets and removes the krausen ring inside my carboy, ensuring a thorough clean.
It also excels at cleaning kegs, with its spray pattern ensuring every nook and cranny inside the vessel is thoroughly cleaned—an essential factor in maintaining a sanitary brewing environment.
Value for Money
Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with the performance and value that this spray ball offers. It's important to note that it doesn't demand an excessively high-pressure or high-volume pump to operate effectively.
It rotates and sprays adequately even when run from a standard residential outside hose bibb pressure and flow volume.
Safety Considerations
Lastly, I should mention that this Spray Ball has sharp edges on the slots.
Therefore, exercising caution when handling it is crucial, particularly when trying to dislodge any debris that may get stuck in the slots. Using a toothbrush or toothpick instead of your fingers is a safer approach.
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My Final Words
The DERNORD Rotary Spray Ball has proven to be an indispensable addition to my brewing and cleaning arsenal. Its exceptional build quality, versatility, and efficient cleaning capabilities have transformed the way I maintain my kegs, carboys, and other vessels.
Whether you're a passionate homebrewer, a dedicated winemaker, or involved in industrial applications requiring tank cleaning, this product offers tremendous value and performance.
The solid stainless steel construction with roller bearings ensures durability and longevity, making it a reliable investment for the long run.
While I initially encountered challenges using it with a standard pump, upgrading to a 1/3HP submersible pump was a game-changer.
The increased power and efficiency of this combination delivered outstanding results, with the spray ball effectively removing residues and ensuring a sanitary brewing environment.
The adaptability of this Spray Ball, with its various thread sizes, makes it compatible with a range of vessels, from kegs and carboys to fermenters and more.
Adding valves and fittings to my setup allowed for even greater versatility and precision in my cleaning process.
Moreover, this spray ball doesn't require an excessively high-pressure pump to operate effectively, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
Its ability to rotate and spray adequately with standard residential water pressure and flow volume is a significant advantage.
However, it's essential to exercise caution when handling the spray ball, as its slots have sharp edges.
Using a toothbrush or toothpick for dislodging debris from the slots is a safer approach to avoid accidental injuries.
In a nutshell, the DERNORD Spray Ball has elevated my cleaning efficiency, making the task of maintaining my brewing equipment easier and more effective.
Its combination of affordability, performance, and durability is hard to beat. I've been using it for over a year, and it continues to perform flawlessly, delivering consistent and thorough cleaning results.
Whether you're a seasoned brewer or just starting on your brewing journey, this Rotary Spray Ball is an excellent investment.
It not only saves time and effort but also ensures that your equipment remains in top-notch condition, ultimately contributing to the quality of your brews.
I wholeheartedly recommend the DERNORD Rotary Spray Ball to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient cleaning solution for their brewing and industrial needs.
Give it a try, and you'll quickly discover why it has become an invaluable asset in the world of cleaning and sanitation.
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