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The Remote Draft Beer System Checklist

August 26, 2022
The Remote Draft Beer System Checklist

If you are a brewery or taphouse looking to install a remote draft beer system, there are several things you will need to consider. In this blog post, we will provide a checklist of items to help you get started. We will also outline some of the benefits of using a remote draft beer system. Keep in mind that every business is different, so please contact us if you have any specific questions. Thanks for reading!

1. What is a Remote Draft Beer System and Why Are They Becoming More Popular

A remote draft beer system is a type of draft system that uses a glycol cooler to keep the beer cold from the keg to the beer tower. This type of system is becoming more popular because it is reliable and can dispense cold beer up to 500 feet away from a walk-in cooler. These systems can be used at a brewery, restaurant, casino or stadium to serve cold beer.

Picture of a Glycol Beer System

2. What Are The Benefits of a Remote Draft System

The Benefits of a Remote Draft Beer System for a Bar Include:

-The ability to dispense beer up to 500 feet away at a restaurant. This is done with beer pumps or blended gas. Beer pumps are used for very long runs over a few hundred feet or multiple stories.-A reliable system that is becoming more popular because of its capability to dispense more beer long distances-The ability to keep the beer cold from the keg to the beer tap or beer taps-Less waste due to a balanced beer system and beer trunk housing-A great tasting beer that is cold and refreshing from the beer line-Efficient cooling that keeps the beer at the perfect serving temperature, less waste-Ability to run to multiple bar locations because of the glycol lines which supply glycol to the beer trunkline.

3. How Does a Remote Draft Beer System Work

A remote draft beer system works by using a glycol chiller to keep the beer lines cold from the keg to the beer faucet or taps. The glycol chiller is located around the walk-in cooler of the facility. The chiller keeps the glycol mixture cool, and cold glycol. Which then circulates through the beer trunk lines. These lines are all encased in a moisture-proof barrier jacket and are referred to as a trunkline. When balanced correctly the system will serve beer. Beer for larger bars and properties.

Picture of a Beer Trunk Line

Beer Trunkline

Picture of a Glycol Chiller

Glycol ChillerThe power pack maintains the temperature of the beer from the keg to the beer tower, which allows for efficient cooling that keeps the beer at the perfect serving temperature. Customers will enjoy the quality beers from this type of system when the installation is done correctly. If the installation isn't done correctly expect a large supply of foam on these long distances.

4. Remote Draft Beer System vs Direct Draw System Which is better?

There is no easy answer when it comes to deciding which type of beer dispensing system is better. A remote draft beer system or a direct draw system.Both systems have their own benefits and drawbacks. A direct draw system, or air cooled beer system is a type of beer dispensing system that uses a refrigeration unit to keep the beer cold from the keg to the beer tower.This could be a kegerator which is air cooled to deliver beer. Or a system mounted on a walk-in cooler. These systems usually have a short distance from the keg couplers to the beer tap. They don't use a glycol system or beer trunk lines like a remote beer system. Direct Draw systems will usually have less waste when it comes to cleaning the beer lines routinelyThe benefits of a direct draw system or air-cooled systems for a bar include:-Less waste due to short draw distances-A great tasting beer that is cold and refreshing-Efficient cooling that keeps the beer at the perfect serving temperature.The drawbacks of a direct draw system include:-The need for a refrigeration unit or beer cooler that can take up a lot of space in the kitchen or basement area of the facility.-Limited designs for systems because the beer tower needs to attach to the beer cooler or kegerator.-Won't be able to dispense beer to locations all throughout the property. Would need multiple direct draw systems to do this.

4. Things to Consider When Purchasing and Installing a Remote Draft Beer System

When purchasing and installing a remote draft beer system, there are a few things to consider:

  • The distance the beer will need to be dispensed from the kitchen or basement area of the facility
  • The amount of space the refrigeration unit will take up in the kitchen or basement area of the facility
  • Whether you want to be able to dispense your beer remotely or not
  • The type of beer you will be dispensing
  • The budget/cost you have for the system
  • The aesthetics of the Draft Beer Tower How elaborate?
  • Maintenance of the beer system

5. How to Maintain a Remote Draft Beer System

To maintain a remote draft beer system, and deliver quality beer you will need to:

  • Clean and sanitize the beer lines on a regular basis. This also includes the other dispensing equipment like beer faucet and keg couplers. Only use stainless steel products. Recommended cleaning the draft beer system every 2 weeks according to the Brewers Association. The cost is worth it in the end to keep a healthy beer tap system.
  • Clean glycol chiller condenser and make sure that there is no dust build-up. Use a brush to clean this area every couple weeks. Replace Glycol every 18-24 Months. Ensure the right mix is inside the glycol chiller.
  • Monitor the serving temperature of the beer at the faucet and inside the beer walk in cooler. The target temperature is 38 degrees. This includes all draft beer systems
  • Check applied pressure to the kegs in the walk-in. Make sure the right pressure is applied on a new keg. Know your restriction values of the system so you can match the right applied pressure. On more complex systems or using a blended gas the pressure will be different on the kegs. If this is wrong there will be a healthy amount of beer waste or foam.

Conclusion

A remote draft beer system is a great way to dispense your beer at the perfect serving temperature. These systems are becoming more popular because they are reliable and can dispense beer up to 500 feet away from a beer cooler.When purchasing and installing a remote beer system, there are a few things to consider with these beer dispensers. Such as the distance the beer will need to be dispensed from, the amount of space the refrigeration unit will take up. This will determine the type of beer you will serve whether it's at a brewery, restaurant, casino or stadium.It is also important to maintain a remote beer system and direct draw systems by cleaning beer lines on a regular basis and checking applied pressure to the kegs in order to ensure that your system is running smoothly.

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