What mixture is used to effectively remove beerstone?

The effective removal of beerstone is best achieved through a mixture of nitric and phosphoric acids. Beerstone is primarily composed of calcium oxalate and various other salts that can precipitate during the brewing process. The combination of nitric and phosphoric acids is particularly beneficial because nitric acid aids in dissolving calcium deposits due to its strong oxidizing properties, while phosphoric acid helps in effectively breaking down and removing the organic and mineral build-up that contributes to beerstone formation.

Using these acids together creates a synergistic cleaning effect that not only helps in dissolving beerstone but also prevents its reformation by conditioning the surfaces they clean. This is particularly important in brewing and beer serving systems, where hygiene and maintaining equipment integrity are critical.

Other mixtures, such as acetic and citric acids or sodium hydroxide and water, may not be as effective for this specific application. Acetic and citric acids can help remove hard water deposits and scale but are less effective against the specific compounds found in beerstone. Sodium hydroxide, while a strong cleaner, may not be suitable for all surfaces and could cause damage if not used properly. Thus, the nitric and phosphoric acid combination stands out as the most effective choice for the removal of beerstone.