The Ideal Environment for a Glycol Beer System
No customer wants to be served a room-temperature glass of beer. When it comes to serving draft brews, an effective cooling system is essential to keep beverages crisp and customers satisfied. Glycol beer systems chill beer on its way from the tank to the tap, ensuring it never gets warm. As with any technology, however, environmental conditions are impactful. Here, Northwest Draft Technicians discusses the ideal environment and placement to keep your glycol system performing as it should.
Indoors or Outdoors?
The first question to ask before a glycol system installation is whether to place the chiller indoors or outdoors. Most standard chiller units are designed for indoor use. With limited square footage, however, it may be difficult to find a location inside your business property that meets your chiller’s space requirements. Since these requirements shouldn’t be compromised, it may be necessary to store your chiller outside.
If placing your chiller outside, be sure to purchase an outdoor duty unit. These are built with extra protection and insulation to withstand weather exposure. You may need to pour a concrete pad or install a metal frame to ensure the chiller has adequate support. You should also pay attention to security. If using fencing, use chain links rather than solid slats to allow sufficient airflow. Roof placement is also an option to keep your unit secure while minimizing your business’ horizontal footprint.
Accounting for Airflow
Ample airflow is essential to operating a glycol beer chiller. As with any refrigeration system, glycol systems generate large amounts of waste heat. This must be allowed to dissipate. If heat is trapped near your system, it may impact performance, resulting in ineffective cooling and higher energy bills. Your system may also become vulnerable to burnout.
To provide your system with the ventilation it needs, ensure at least three feet or 36 inches of clearance on all sides. There should be no walls, machinery, or other obstructions within that range. This space should provide enough airflow to allow heat to disperse, protecting your system.
Airflow clearance also delivers the added benefit of maintenance access. If anything goes wrong with your system, service technicians will have plenty of room to operate. Easy inspection, diagnosis, and repair allow emerging problems to be addressed sooner, further improving your system’s lifespan and its long-term performance.
Electricity and Mechanics
Finally, you must also keep mechanical requirements in mind. Your glycol chiller should ideally be located near your tanks. This will minimize the length necessary to reach the trunk line, helping your chiller maintain the necessary pressure. Long-draw glycol systems are also available when proximity is not an option.
Glycol chillers are also designed for a particular electrical supply. Your chiller’s manufacturer will provide information regarding outlets and voltage. Your installers are familiar with the units they use and should help you select a chiller unit to match your facility’s electrical service. Make sure you have the proper wiring, disconnects, and safety equipment to hook your chiller up once installed, ensuring that your unit meets all local codes.
Install Your Glycol Beer System
If you’re planning on opening your own restaurant, brewery, or pub, a glycol beer system is an excellent way to ensure a cold, crisp pour every time. Install yours right with Northwest Draft Technicians. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service and top-of-the-line system components, delivering smooth-running systems for all our Portland, Oregon clients. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help your business maximize profits.
