Friday, 7 June 2013

The Importance Of Maintaining Draft Beer Pressure

By Kanyon Walker


Proper draft beer storage, taste and presentation relies on maintaining constant pressure.

A constant and uniform pressure should be maintained in the barrel while beer is on tap to prevent loss of carbonation in the beer. A pressure of twelve to fourteen pounds of C02 gas is usually most satisfactory to protect the carbonation and original brewery-fresh taste of the beer.

To keep beer pressure maintained at 12 to 14 pounds per square inch, it's temperature must be kept at 38 degrees. This will keep it brewery fresh with carbonation.

If the pressure gauge is set to low, the natural carbonation will diminish as the keg is dispensed. This will give you flat beer and unhappy beer drinkers. If the pressure gauge is set too high, too much carbonation will be in the beer, giving it an unnatural taste.

The proper operation of any compressed gas system revolves around it's regulator. For maximum efficiency, the correct regulator for the specific application is a necessity. The pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in the cylinder is approximately 875 lbs. per square inch at 70 degrees. This pressure must be reduced by regulating the flow of gas from the cylinder into the beer barrel.

If the shut off valve is closed, you can use the adjusting key to set any pressure from 0 to 60 pounds.

If the regulator is sluggish and the needle tends to fall downward, this permits a drop in pressure when beer is drawn. This allows for flat beer at the end of the barrel. An overactive regulator, where the needle creeps upward, allows for increasing pressure as beer is drawn creating over carbonated beer. If you notice the regulator acting either sluggish or creeping higher, return it to the manufacturer for repair.

Keep your pressure system safe. When installing or replacing your C02 gas pressure regulator or air pump, be sure it is equipped with a pressure-relief device, preferably a release valve. Excessive pressures can develop from carelessness or pressure regulators that are not operating properly, which could result in the barrel bursting and causing serious injury or damage.

Every draft beer system should include a pressure relief valve.




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