3-009-050 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: Robinson's cask-cleaning machine, 1862. A '...machine...especially adapted for breweries and vinegar and chemical works...It consists of two frames or rings, one within the other. The outer one when set in motion revolves on its axis, the inner one being forced round within the former a small distance each revolution of the machine. This is accomplished by eccentrics being fixed on the frame or stand, having lifts so attached to the outer frame that, they are free to move up and down according to the direction given by the eccentrics...it will be seen that the cleansing material (hard stones broken small or a chain and water) must search every part of the casks and the filth be effectually scrubbed off, as the material is always resting on the lower side while they are gradually changing their positions every moment. When clean the barrels are taken from the machine and the cleansing substances removed. By this cheap mechanical means the old laborious and expensive system of unheading even the foulest cask is rendered quite unnecessary'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.