Tank to tap distance?

[Montucky Brew]

Does anyone know if there is a MAX Distance that you can run lines from bright tanks to the tap? Also, if the lines have to go up over something and then back down does this cause any issues like excessive foam?

As it sits now, from the furthest Bright Tank to tap would be about 53ft.

Thanks.

[TGTimm]

If you're using glycol-cooled beer trunk, beer pumps, and a chiller pack, you can go a couple of hundred feet, at least. Our longest run is a little over 90 feet, 8 taps, and it pours better than anything else around. It also goes from ground-level kegs up ten feet, through the floor/ceiling space, and down to taps set about 5 feet off the ground.

[Montucky Brew]

If you're using glycol-cooled beer trunk, beer pumps, and a chiller pack, you can go a couple of hundred feet, at least. Our longest run is a little over 90 feet, 8 taps, and it pours better than anything else around. It also goes from ground-level kegs up ten feet, through the floor/ceiling space, and down to taps set about 5 feet off the ground.

Thanks Timm!

We were planing on using the glycol cooled trunk lines and tap tower. Will the CO2 not push the beer though? Chiller pack?

[gungadin]

long draw

The Chiller Pack is just a small refrigeration unit with a reservoir that keeps the glycol running through your lines cold. The only reason you would not be able to use CO2 to push the beer is if you have a really long run. With a 53' run, even with some up and down sections, you would be fine with just CO2 pushing. There is some math to do to figure out the right pressure and the restriction at the end of the line. I think you could find that math in the BA draft beer quality manual, otherwise just ask Mr. Google.

[Montucky Brew]

The Chiller Pack is just a small refrigeration unit with a reservoir that keeps the glycol running through your lines cold. The only reason you would not be able to use CO2 to push the beer is if you have a really long run. With a 53' run, even with some up and down sections, you would be fine with just CO2 pushing. There is some math to do to figure out the right pressure and the restriction at the end of the line. I think you could find that math in the BA draft beer quality manual, otherwise just ask Mr. Google.

Oh ok.

This might be a dumb question but can the lines and tap tower run off the same glycol system that the Bright Tanks use or does it have to be a separate smaller system?

[TGTimm]

If you want your served beer at the glycol temp of your brite chiller system, and it has the capacity for the extra load (not really much), then you're fine.

[nohandslance]

Make the investment

Get the chiller pack. And do all the math to make your system perfectly balanced. Technology today will give you a perfect pour with, even long runs. If you have a good brewery glycol system and it does not warm up during summer months at knock-out you could use it. I would recommend the Chiller pack.

Lance
Tonopah Brewing Co.
Nevada USA

[a10t2]

You should absolutely get a dedicated line chiller. Even a properly-sized primary glycol unit will see a reservoir temperature rise under heavy loads (crashing a couple tanks the same day, for example). Plus, if the primary goes down you can at least keep the doors open for a few hours while frantically coordinating a very expensive repair or replacement. They're really inexpensive, as brewery equipment goes.

[TGTimm]

My concern is actually that the main glycol chiller is too cold. We shoot for a pour temp of around 40 F for our beers, and our brewery glycol system runs at about 25 F. Running the chiller pack at 32 F just about hits our goal.

Our line chiller is for an outside serving kiosk. Since our winters get below 0 F, we shut down fall-spring. I turn off the refer unit of the chiller pack and run the glycol pump, which keeps the lines, tower, and water chiller at around 40-50 F, which is some peace of mind. Couldn't do that if I was using brewery cooling.

[Montucky Brew]

Great stuff guys, thanks!

Im not worried about having to pick up the chill pack if thats what it needs.