Here at CO2Meter we take pride in our involvement with many beverage dispensing industries, organizations, and establishments. Our hearts go out to the businesses who have to decommission their draught beer systems temporarily for whatever reason.
That's why we asked two of our long-term partners, the Draft Doctor and the IBDEA Draught School, to share some key industry insights on the best practices for cleaning and properly "putting to sleep" your lines.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Decommissioning a Draught Beer System
A step-by-step guide to safely decommissioning a draught beer system is essential to ensure that the process is conducted efficiently and without any safety hazards. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:
1. Turn Off the CO2 Supply
The first step in decommissioning your draught beer system is to safely shut off the CO2 supply. Locate the main CO2 tank and close the valve to stop the flow of gas. This step is crucial to prevent any accidental gas release, which can pose serious health and safety risks.
2. Relieve Pressure from the System
After shutting off the CO2 supply, relieve any residual pressure in the system. This can be done by pulling the pressure release valve on the regulator or opening the taps to allow any remaining gas to escape. Ensuring that the system is depressurized will make the following steps safer.
3. Disconnect and Drain the Beer Lines
Once the system is depressurized, carefully disconnect the beer lines from the kegs and faucets. Drain any remaining beer from the lines to prevent spoilage or contamination. You may also want to flush the lines with water to remove any beer residue.
4. Clean and Sanitize All Components
Thoroughly clean and sanitize all components of the draught beer system, including the taps, lines, and couplers. This will prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, or odors during the period of disuse. Use an appropriate cleaning solution designed for beer systems.
5. Disassemble the System Components
Carefully disassemble the draught beer system, taking note of how each component is connected for future reassembly. Store all parts in a clean, dry place to prevent damage or corrosion. Labeling or organizing parts can help make reinstallation easier.
6. Properly Store or Dispose of CO2 Tanks
If you plan to store the CO2 tanks for future use, ensure they are kept in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If the tanks are no longer needed, contact your gas supplier for proper disposal or recycling options.
7. Document the Decommissioning Process
Finally, document the decommissioning process, including any maintenance performed or parts replaced. This record will be valuable when it’s time to recommission the system or if any issues arise in the future.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively decommission your draught beer system, ensuring it is ready for future use or proper disposal.
How does a Draft Beer System work?
A draft beer system is also referred to commonly as a keg system or tap system. This method is used to serve beer directly from a keg to a glass or container. It is commonly used in bars, restaurants, and at home for serving fresh, carbonated beer. Below, we highlight the importance of cleaning these systems and how to do so safely.
How to Clean my Draft Beer System?
Maintaining cleanliness is of utmost importance when shutting down a draught beer system. A poorly cleaned system can lead to the buildup of bacteria, yeast, and other harmful microorganisms that can negatively affect the taste and quality of the beer. Additionally, an unclean system can result in clogs, foaming, and other issues that can impact the dispensing process and waste valuable beer.
Proper cleaning and sanitization of all components of the system, including the lines, faucets, keg couplers, and regulators, is crucial to ensure the longevity of the equipment. That's why the system should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before shutting it down for an extended period.
What do I need to clean?
- Faucet(s)
- Keg Coupler(s)
- Beer Line(s)
- CO2 Tanks
Now let's get right to it.
How to Clean and Prepare Your Draught System for a Temporary Shut-Down
Step 1: Clean and rinse the entire draft system with water
Step 2: Use clean CO2 to push the water out of the system and displace any oxygen in the pipelines
Step 3: Shut off your gas supply to conserve carbon dioxide
Step 4: Shut off your glycol system
Step 5: Purge your kegs to remove any remaining gases or residue
Step 6: Refill kegs with 12-14 pounds of new CO2.
Step 7: Make sure any remaining kegs of beer are kept cold. A change in temperature can affect the flavor of the beer.
CO2 Safety While Cleaning
During this process, you will likely be working in an enclosed space with carbon dioxide (CO2). Because CO2 can rapidly displace oxygen in a room, you will want to have a portable CO2 detector on our near your employees. This way, you will be alerted to high levels of CO2 before your safety is put at risk. Our partners at the Draft Doctor and IBDEA Draught School keep their CO2 safety monitors on them at all times during this process.
Bringing Your System Back Online
If you have taken the above steps, you should be able to simply turn the system back on. Be aware that because you have used CO2 to push the water out of the system, your lines may be slightly pressurized. Don't be alarmed if a valve, clamp, fitting, or hose ruptures or disconnects.
Preventing Mistakes During Draught Beer System Decommissioning
Preventing mistakes during draught beer system decommissioning is crucial to ensure safety and protect the integrity of the equipment.
One common mistake is failing to properly depressurize the system before beginning the decommissioning process. This oversight can lead to dangerous gas releases, which pose serious health risks and can damage the system components. Always ensure that the CO2 supply is turned off and that the system is fully depressurized before disconnecting any lines or removing parts.
Another frequent error is neglecting to thoroughly clean and sanitize the system components after decommissioning. Beer residue left in the lines, taps, or kegs can lead to mold, bacterial growth, and unpleasant odors, making the system difficult to recommission later. To prevent this, make it a priority to clean and sanitize all parts of the system immediately after draining and disassembly. Additionally, proper storage of the equipment is key—store parts in a clean, dry environment to avoid corrosion or damage, which could result in costly repairs or replacements when the system is needed again. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a smooth and safe decommissioning process.
CO2 Safety Monitoring for Draught Beer Systems
While CO2 is a critical element in many beverage applications it can also be a hazard in regards to personal exposure and CO2 leak points. Investing in proper carbon dioxide safety devices is always vital and provides further protection for your workplace. In the beverage industry it is important to educate workers on the hazard areas such as fermentation, walk-in draft coolers, brite tanks, and beverage dispensing areas.
If you have employees around areas where CO2 may be stored or produced, a fixed wall-mounted device or personal safety monitor is always a priority. The Remote CO2 Storage Safety 3 Alarm is an ideal choice for fixed devices, in detecting carbon dioxide levels in the ambient air and alerting employees should an incident occur.
With audible and visual alarms, as well 3 relays, this device meets all local fire codes and can send an immediate alarm to the fire department or monitoring companies.
Final Checklist: Ensuring a Safe and Thorough Draught Beer System Decommissioning
A final checklist for ensuring a safe and thorough draught beer system decommissioning is essential to confirm that all steps have been properly completed. Here’s a comprehensive final concluding list to follow:
1. CO2 Supply Shut Off
- Confirm that the CO2 supply has been fully turned off.
- Ensure that the main valve on the CO2 tank is closed securely.
2. System Depressurization
- Verify that the system has been completely depressurized.
- Check that all pressure release valves have been activated, and no residual gas remains.
3. Beer Lines Disconnected and Drained
- Ensure all beer lines are disconnected from kegs and faucets.
- Drain any remaining beer from the lines and consider flushing with water.
4. Thorough Cleaning and Sanitization
- Confirm that all system components, including taps, lines, and couplers, have been cleaned and sanitized.
- Use appropriate cleaning agents designed for draught beer systems.
5. Disassembly and Storage
- Disassemble the system components carefully, noting the order and connections for future reassembly.
- Store all parts in a clean, dry location, ideally labeling or organizing them for easy access later.
6. CO2 Tanks Properly Stored or Disposed
- If storing CO2 tanks, ensure they are kept in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
- For disposal, contact your gas supplier for proper recycling or disposal options.
7. Documentation
- Document the entire decommissioning process, including any maintenance performed, parts replaced, and storage conditions.
- Keep this documentation for future reference, especially if the system will be recommissioned.
8. Final Inspection
- Conduct a final walk-through to ensure that all components have been handled correctly.
- Double-check that all safety protocols were followed throughout the process.
By following this final checklist, you can ensure that your draught beer system is decommissioned safely and thoroughly, preventing future issues and maintaining the integrity of your equipment.
Trust the Experts
If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your own draft lines, you can reach out to your local draft beer installer like the Draft Doctor. They will be happy to assist and get your taps in "tip-top" shape for your reopening.
If you would like more information about the IBDEA draught school, please contact David Whitney at the Draft Doctor or Dave Lincicome with Leonard's Syrup's - who would be delighted to share their industry wisdom and experience with you!
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