/
Beer Tap Operating and Cleaning Procedure

Beer Tap Operating and Cleaning Procedure

Owned by Isabella Runge (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Oct 30, 2023
13 min read

Lancer Ice Bank Beer System

Warning

WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THE BEER TAPS WITHOUT OFFICIAL TRAINING

Basic Cellar Procedures

Changing a Keg

CAUTION: KEGS ARE EXTREMELY HEAVY, ENSURE YOU ASK FOR ASSISTANCE WHEN MOVING THEM AROUND THE STORE TO PREVENT INJURY.

If a keg is new and unopened, remove the dust cap from valve.

Before placing the coupling on keg valve, spray Ecolab Quat sanitiser directly on both parts, making sure they are thoroughly sanitised.

Ensure coupling handle is in the upright “disengaged” position.

Position the keg coupler above the keg valve so that the locating lugs align with the slots in the neck of the valve.

Fit the keg coupler and turn clockwise ¼ or 90 degrees. Ensure you do not turn beyond limit.

Connect the CO2 gas line to the connection on the side of the coupler.

Push down on the keg coupler handle until it locks into position.

NOTE: Some keg couplers may require you to pull the handle out before pushing down.

Once you have completed this process you will need to ensure the keg is dated correctly.

The keg has a 4 WEEK use by date from the date of when the keg was tapped and opened.

 

  1. Disengage the handle of the keg coupler on empty keg

  2. Disengage the drop lead from the keg coupler

  3. Remove the coupler from the keg

  4. Check the integrity of the keg seal and spray with sanitiser

  5. Place keg coupler on the new keg and fit the drop lead

  6. Engage the handle

  7. Check the beer flow through the tap, pouring until it is completely full of beer

End of Trade Procedures

  • Disengage keg couplers handles on kegs

  • Leave drop leads connected to keg coupler

  • Turn off CO2 supply

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Daily

  • Check gas system for leaks

  • Check beer system for leaks

  • Check operation of beer taps

  • Inspect and replace as necessary all visible O-rings

Weekly

  • Chemically clean beer lines and equipment as required

  • Rinse any external residues from taps, couplers and fitting with hot water

  • Check temperature of dispensed beer (0.5°C to 3°C is acceptable)

  • Check operation of glass cleaning equipment

Quarterly

  • Service beer taps, keg couplers and other dispense equipment.

  • Chiller and other systems as per manufacturers recommendations

  • Check water level in tank

Half Yearly

  • Have the gas system inspected

Annually

  • Have the refrigeration system serviced

  • Have the gas system inspected as per

Cleaning the System

Regular cleaning of the whole beer system is extremely important, if this is not performed bacteria, yeast, mould, etc. will build up and quickly degrade the quality and taste of the beer.

Daily Cleaning

Good food hygiene practices should be a part of the daily routine – spills wiped up, empty containers disposed of, and equipment kept neat and orderly.
Lift the keg coupler handle to disengage, but do not remove, to prevent over carbonation at the end of the trading day.


Beer Tap

  • With keg coupler disengaged move the beer tap handle towards you to dispense any beer remaining in the circuit.

  • Disengage the tap from the fat-lock adaptor. Loosen the coupling nut of the beer tap by turning it clockwise and remove the beer tap.

  • Tilt the beer tap lever towards you and run tap water through the beer tap.

  • Ensure the coupling seal is in place and refit to the beer tap by turning the
    coupling nut counter clockwise. Engage the tap into the fat -lock adaptor.

Exterior Cleaning

  • Wipe the stainless steel lid, drip tray, and the fount with a soft damp cloth containing a neutral dishwashing detergent to wipe off any dirt build-up, and remove any remaining detergent with a clean soft cloth.

  • Clean the exterior of the chiller whenever necessary.

At the start of the next trading day, push down on the keg coupler handle to re-tap the keg. Move the beer tap lever towards you and dispense product until you have clean product i.e. no froth.

Weekly Cleaning

As per cleaning instructions, ensure weekly sanitisation of the whole beer system is carried out, including keg coupler, beer line, chiller coils and tap. The following instructions are for general applications, breweries may offer alternative cleaners and procedures.
Lift the keg coupler handle to disengage.

 

Beer Line Cleaning

WARNING: Only trained personnel should undertake the cleaning process for this equipment. Never attempt to connect or disconnect any part of a high-pressure gas system without reading and understanding all safety instructions.

CAUTION: Chemicals are classified as hazardous if ingested or when in contact with skin or the eyes. Take proper precautions when handling and wear PPE.

Materials Required:

  • EcoLab Dip-It Plus (dilution rate is 1 scoop)
    or

  • Diversey Liquid Amber Part A & B (50ml each)

  • PPE- Rubber Gloves, Apron, Protective Eyewear

  • Clean Dry Cloth

  • Pressurised Cleaning Bottle

  • Faucet Wrench

  • Nylon Pipe Brush

  • Large Adjustable Wrench

 

Dip-It Plus:

Ensure you’re wearing protective gear. Dissolve one scoop of “Ecolab Dip It Plus” in hot water

Fill drum with 5L of cold water with the dissolved approved chemical (or to the second line)

Disconnect keg by turning anti-clockwise, turn on the gas and open the beer taps to propel beer from lines. Connect chemical-filled drum to keg line.

NOTE: Gas should not be set above 300Kpa.

With a bucket under the taps, clear the lines of beer until you see chemical begin to come through tap. Allow chemical to sit in the beer lines for 1 hour.

Release pin to remove gas and then disconnect keg line from drum.

Re-fill empty drum with water all the way to the top

Reconnect water-filled drum to keg line

Run the entire contents of water through the beer lines to flush them of any chemical. Toggle the tap on and off while flushing.

Repeat the clean water process 3 times

Once this is done, disconnect the empty drum, repeat blow drying in step 3 and reconnect your beer keg. Pull beer through line until it pours from taps. Allow the system to settle for 10 minutes then open the tap again and pour off until beer is clear.

Liquid Amber Part A & B:

 

Add 50ml of Liquid Amber Part A and 50ml of Liquid Amber Part B to the 5L drum.

Fill drum with 5L of cold water with the dissolved approved chemical (or to the second line)

Disconnect keg by turning anti-clockwise, turn on the gas and open the beer taps to propel beer from lines. Connect chemical-filled drum to keg line.

NOTE: Gas should not be set above 300Kpa.

With a bucket under the taps, clear the lines of beer until you see chemical begin to come through tap. Allow chemical to sit in the beer lines for 1 hour.

Release pin to remove gas and then disconnect keg line from drum.

Re-fill empty drum with water all the way to the top

Reconnect water-filled drum to keg line

Run the entire contents of water through the beer lines to flush them of any chemical. Toggle the tap on and off while flushing.

Repeat the clean water process 3 times

Once this is done, disconnect the empty drum, repeat blow drying in step 3 and reconnect your beer keg. Pull beer through line until it pours from taps. Allow the system to settle for 10 minutes then open the tap again and pour off until beer is clear.

 

WARNING: FAILURE TO REMOVE ALL CHEMICALS AND LIQUIDS BEFORE RECONNECTING THE KEG WILL RESULT IN TAINTING THE BEER AND POTENTIALLY POISIONING THE CUSTOMER.

NOTE: Store chemicals away and dispose used waste safely in your waste drain. For further chemical information and safety refer to SDS

 

Beer Tap

  1. With keg coupler disengaged move the beer tap handle towards you to dispense any beer remaining in the lines.

  2. Disengage the tap. Loosen the coupling nut of the beer tap by turning it clockwise and remove the beer tap. (Fig. 1).

  3. Loosen the cap nut of the beer tap and remove the handle (Fig. 2).

  4. Remove the valve shaft from the beer tap (Fig. 3).

  5. Clean the beer tap and valve by using Viva Detergent and the accessory cleaning brush.

  6. Rinse the thoroughly with clean water.

  7. Re-assemble the beer tap properly.

  8. At the start of the next trading day, push down on the keg coupler handle to
    re-tap the keg. Move the beer tap lever towards you and dispense beer until you have clean beer i.e. no froth.

Monthly Cleaning and Checks

Cleaning the condenser
Disconnect the machine’s electrical plug from the mains outlet before cleaning the condenser. Use a brush to remove any dust or foreign matter, which may prevent air from circulating around the condenser fins.
Caution: always wear protective gloves for this operation.
Overflow
Check that the hole and the overflow and drip tray outlet pipes are not blocked with dirt or ice.
Check the tank water level, fill if necessary.
Checking efficiency
Check that the condenser motor fan is free from any obstructions and dust. Check that the agitator blade has no scaling due to the limestone in the water. Remove any scaling by carefully scrubbing or use of a descaler. Check agitator and condenser fan operate without noise or obstructions.
Gas and beer hoses
Check the gas and beer hoses for damage, deformation, and water leak marks (stains). If any problem is found, contact 1300 551 361 Lancer - National Service Centre.

PPE Requirements

WARNING: THE CORRECT PPE MUST BE WORN WHEN CLEANING/WORKING WITH THE BEER TAPS, GAS AND BEER KEGS

Reminder here:

https://minordkl.atlassian.net/l/cp/h2yFkQbH

Gas Safety

  • Symptoms of exposure to dangerous levels of CO2 are:

increased or rapid breathing

increased heart rate

nausea

dizziness

If any of these symptoms are experienced, leave the area immediately.

  • Gas cylinders should be stored securely and operated in a cool, well ventilated space.

  • All gas cylinders; whether they are full or partially full, empty, or not in use, should be secured and restrained properly.

NOTE: Every morning you should check the gas level. This will ensure you do not run out of gas during service. If you notice the gas level is too low please alert your management team members.

Gas Regulator Gauge

CAUTION: The following should only be performed by Management Team members.

Materials Required:

  • Large Adjustable Wrench

 

  • Regulator settings should not exceed the maximum safe operating pressure.

  • The gas pressure required to dispense the beer will be pre-set by the installer. The ideal range is between 260-300KPA.

  • DO NOT adjust gas without consultation.

  • Never tighten or adjust any equipment on the gas board with the gas bottle/bulk gas turned on.

 

 

Gas Cylinder Connection

  1. Remove all plastic covering from the gas bottle, remove any plastic caps covering the gas bottle.

  2. Place the gas bottle in the correct place, ensuring it is secured correctly.

  3. Connect the gas regulator CO2 inlet nut to the gas bottle outlet valve.

  4. Tighten gas regulator inlet nut to finger tightness.

  5. If the gas regulator has a shut off valve, ensure this is in the OFF position.

  6. Using the wrench, tighten the gas regulator inlet nut.

  7. Once the nut is tightened, turn the gas bottle until it is fully open, then turn it 1/4 of the way back.

  8. Both gas pressure gauges should now show the high and low gas pressures. If the gauges do not move, check the gas bottle is fully opened.

  9. Turn gas valve to the ON position. Gas will now flow to the beer keg and it will be ready for use.

You can check for gas leaks by spraying the area with a bottle of soapy water. You will notice soap bubbles forming if any leaks are present. If there are any leaks, turn off the gas and check the inlet nut is connected correctly.

Gas Cylinder Disconnection

  1. Turn gas off by turning the gas regulator shut off valve to the OFF position.

  2. Turn the gas bottle off until fully closed.

  3. Release gas pressure in regulator by opening the pressure release valve shown in the gas regulator gauge figure.

  4. Both gas pressure gauges should now read as zero pressure. If there is still a gas pressure showing, check that the gas bottle tap and regulator valve are off.

  5. Using the wrench, untighten the gas regulator inlet nut. Do not overtighten as this can cause damage to the inlet nut.

  6. Remove gas regulator from the gas bottle and place the bottle in a secure position.

  7. Unsecure gas bottle and replace as required.

CAUTION: The gas system is always under high pressure and care must be taken to ensure the gas pressure is released before disconnecting any items.

 

For more Gas Safety information, refer to the Australian Standard AS5034.

Troubleshooting

Service Issue

Explanation

Solution

Service Issue

Explanation

Solution

 

 

 

Beer is pouring heady

Faulty Keg Coupler

If the seal on the shaft of the coupler fails it will allow CO2 past and into the drop lead, filling the line with CO2.

Beer temperature is too warm

Check the Ice bank Bath Temperature.

Over Carbonated Beer

Check CO2 pressures are as per settings recorded on the Commissioning Sheet. The keg may have also been tapped for too long.

 

 

 

Beer is not pouring

Keg Coupler is not engaged

Check the keg coupler in the cool-room to see if the coupler handle is fully engaged. Damaged handle pivots sometimes prevent this.

Gas System turned OFF

Check if the bottle is turned on and ensure there is CO2 in the bottle.

Beer Frozen in the Stainless Steel Coils

Check the coils are clear of the Ice bank. If it is in the ice, turn off the unit and call your refrigeration mechanic.

Beer is pouring flat

Beer temperature is too cold

Indicated by having to really work the beer to form a head. If beer temperature in the glass is too cold, the CO2 will want to stay in solution.

Beer glasses are too cold

The beer glasses are being kept in sub zero conditions - Increase temperature of the Glass Chillers.

Beer glasses are dirty

The beer pours into the glass fine but the head does not last very long - check your cleaning procedure of glasses.

Faulty Keg

The seal on the keg has let all CO2 out and the beer in the keg is flat.

 

 

Beer is pouring slow

Gas System is turned OFF

Check to see if the bottle is turned on.

Gas Bottle Empty

Confirm there is adequate pressure in the bottle.

Beer may be starting to freeze

Usually only happens with the Low Alcohol Beers with ice crystals forming. Check the coils are clear of the Ice bank. If it is in the ice, turn off the unit and call your refrigeration mechanic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss of condensation on the founts

Ice bank tank has increased in temperature

Check power supply to chiller if OK, check the following :

  1. Check the water level in the Ice bank tank.

  2. Check for Ice In the Ice bank tank.

  3. Pump has been Turned Off - check to see if Agitator/pump is running on the Ice bank Tank. If the pump is not working & pump is turned on - contact Lancer Service on 1300 551 361 immediately.

Change of environment in the bar area

Changing weather conditions effect the formation of condensation. Warm breezes in summer and no humidity in winter have a deteriorating effect.

Dirty / greasy font

f dirty hands have been rubbing the font it may affect the formation of condensation. Clean with a dry clean cotton cloth to remove any dirt or grease.

Ice bank tank temperature increase

No power to Tank/Ice bank control.

Tank has recently been filled with warm water.

Using excessive amounts of gas

Gas leak on system

Check over gas system as per Weekly Checks/ Gas Leaks

Higher than usual turnover of kegs

This is to be expected.

Hoshizaki Lancer provides a warranty period of twelve (12) months from the date of final invoice for workmanship after the completion of any installation work, provided the parts and labour are completed by Hoshizaki Lancer or its sub-contractor.

Related content