Maintaining the Cliqueur diffuser

The diffuser is a key piece of equipment.

• Never leave a diffuser that is not being used in the wine for more than a few hours.
• Never leave the ceramic element to soak in water or any other liquid for a long period of time.
• Never brush, scrape or touch the ceramic element inside the diffuser.

When should a diffuser be cleaned?

The diffuser must be properly rinsed and dried each time it is used.

Standard cleaning procedure

The procedure requires a washer. This is supplied with the regulator.

The washer has a “gardening hose” type adaptor which can be used to attach it directly to a tap. If you received your washer before 2001, it may not have a tap adaptor. One should be available commercially, or you can place an order with us for a new washer.

To clean your diffuser:

• Disconnect the 4/6 supply tube (9) from the regulated valve (8) and connect it to the washer.
• Connect the washer to a water source (standard tap) and let the water flow through the diffuser for a few seconds.
• Dry the ceramic element. To do this, disconnect the washer supply and connect it directly to the regulator outlet (3) and allow gas to pass through the diffuser for 2 to 3 minutes.

If a ceramic element is stored before it is dry it will quickly become a source of mould

Comments:

• Store diffusers in a clean, dry place.
• Clean the diffuser as often as possible (water + oxygen drying), for example when changing tank or during temporary shutdown.
• Check regularly that the diffuser is working properly. When it is immersed in the wine, you should see a fine foam on the surface.
• If the ceramic element is damaged, the bubbles produced will be larger. But beware, as the bubbles always appear to be larger in water than wine.

Complete cleaning/unclogging procedure:

• Remove the diffuser by unscrewing the screws at the bottom of the diffuser. Remove the metal washer.
• Carefully remove the red silicon seal at the bottom of the diffuser. Gently shake the ceramic element until it comes away. NEVER TOUCH THE INSIDE OF THE CYLINDER. Remove the top silicon seal.
• Place the metal and silicon parts in a plastic container (about 1 l). Place the ceramic elements in a 250 ml Pyrex beaker. Place the stainless steel body and the polyethylene piping (coiled in advance) in a plastic bucket (8/10 l).
• Soak the ceramic element in a 50% Javel solution (can be purchased commercially) for 2 hrs.
• Rinse the ceramic element thoroughly in water. Place it in an ultrasound bath for 45 minutes. These stages may be repeated until the ceramic element appears clean.
  Follow safety procedures when using chemicals.
• Soak each detached metal part, the stainless steel body and the polyethylene pipe in a percarbonate/hot water solution for 30 minutes. Then soak them in a citric acid/hot water solution for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly in water (run water through the pipe using the washer).
  Follow safety procedures when using chemicals.
• When all parts have been cleaned, reassemble the diffuser and test the outlet pressure.
• If the outlet pressure test is satisfactory, store the diffuser in a clean, dry place or put it back into service. If you are going to store the diffuser, ensure that it is completely dry to prevent any mould from affecting the ceramic element.