Phosphoric acid is the acid most commonly used to clean beer lines. It is weak enough to not damage the beer lines, yet strong enough to dissolve mineral deposits, which are where bacteria, yeast and other organisms live.
Phosphoric acid is also neutral pH, which means that it won’t burden the pipes with corrosion. It is an odorless white crystalline solid that is water-soluble and mixes with most other acids, alcohols and water.
It dissolves in water very easily, so it is particularly advantageous if it is used in a beer-line cleaning process that requires water. It is commonly available in an 85% dilute non-flammable concentration and a concentration of 78%.
It needs to be used in concentration from 10-65% depending on the cleaning task that it is used for. Usually, it’s recommended to use a concentration of 10-20% for regular cleaning and higher concentrations for extreme situations such as for the removal of heavily scaled deposits or for severely contaminated beer lines.
When using phosphoric acid as a cleaning solution, it should be determined whether or not an inhibitor or anti-corrosion compound should be added. A suitable inhibitor should be used in concentrations of 1-10% depending on the task.
Is beer line cleaner acid or alkaline?
Beer line cleaner is a specialized cleaning product specifically created to clean and maintain draft beer systems. The formulation of beer line cleaner varies from product to product, but generally speaking it is alkaline with a pH of between 10 and 11, meaning it’s closer to the alkaline side of the pH scale.
This alkalinity helps to effectively remove proteins and other minerals that accumulate in the beer lines over time, and can impart off tastes and flavors to beer if left unchecked. Additionally, the alkalinity helps to sanitize the beer lines by killing any mold, bacteria, or other micro-organisms that may be present.
It is important to use an alkaline beer line cleaner to prevent any bacterial growth in the lines, as acidic or neutral solutions are not as effective at killing bacteria.
What’s in beer line cleaner?
Beer line cleaner is a highly specialized product designed to clean and maintain draft beer dispensing systems. It typically contains a combination of esters, phosphates, ulphonate, turbiness and other ingredients that act together to remove organic materials, mineral deposits and other residue left behind from beer and other beverages that have been in the lines.
Beer line cleaners will typically contain cleaning agents and detergents which help to remove foam, algae, yeast or other organic buildup that can accumulate over time. In some cases, beer line cleaners may also contain enzymes which will act to break down proteins and other organic residues that can cause off-flavors.
The other ingredients within a beer line cleaner usually act to help balance the pH level of the beer and reduce the chance of bacteria growth.
What substance builds up in beer lines if not cleaned?
If beer lines are not cleaned, various types of yeast and bacteria can build up in them and potentially impact the flavor and smell of the beer that’s being dispensed as well as lead to a decline in its overall quality.
The most common types of bacteria that can build up in beer lines if not cleaned are wild yeast and bacteria, including lactobacillus, clostridium, and pediococcus. These bacteria can contribute to a sour taste, off-flavors, hazy beer, and even spoilage.
Wild yeast can also contribute to a sour and fruity aroma, and can even cause over-carbonation of the beer as it’s being dispensed. If not properly managed, these bacteria can eventually become problematic, so it’s important to clean the beer lines on a regular basis to prevent any issues.
Cleaning beer lines with an appropriate beer line cleaning solution can effectively remove these microorganisms so that the beer being dispensed is of the highest quality.
Can you use baking soda to clean beer lines?
Yes, you can use baking soda to clean beer lines. Baking soda is a natural cleanser and deodorizer that can be used for many different types of cleaning. For cleaning beer lines, you should first remove the lines from the draft system and completely disassemble them.
Then, mix baking soda with warm water to create a paste. Use a brush and the paste to scrub along the inside and outside of the lines to remove any build-up of material, such as yeast, debris, or residue.
Rinse the beer lines thoroughly afterwards. Be sure to completely dry the lines to prevent any bacteria from growing. Finally, reassemble the lines and reinstall them into your draft system. Baking soda is an effective and safe solution to use when cleaning your beer lines.
How long can you leave beer line cleaner in the lines?
It is generally recommended to leave beer line cleaner in the lines for at least 15 to 20 minutes in order to ensure that it has been properly circulated throughout the system. However, it is important to note that the time needed may be more or less depending on the type of beer line cleaner being used and the particular requirements of the system.
It is also important to understand that leaving beer line cleaner in for too long can result in damage to some components of your system, so it is best to follow the specific instructions on the packaging of the particular product being used.
If left unattended for too long, it is advised to flush out any remaining cleaner before using the system again.
What does beer line cleaner remove from beer dispensing lines?
Beer line cleaners are specifically designed to remove a variety of substances, including proteins, yeast, oils, fats, and other organic matter, from beer dispensing lines. Typically, these cleaners will be used on interior surfaces of lines, such as the interior walls of beer towers and tap lines, keg coupler lines, and draft beer systems.
Additionally, tubular lines and faucets are often cleaned to improve flavor and remove any flavor-impacting residue. Beer line cleaners will effectively detach leftover product from the lines and dissolve away residues, breaking them down into more manageable pieces so that they can be completely washed away from the lines.
This helps ensure that beer is dispensed without any off-flavors or odors, allowing for clean, clear taste with each pour.
Do new beer lines need to be cleaned?
Yes, new beer lines need to be cleaned. The process of cleaning a beer line is important to ensure quality beer is served and the taste is not affected by old buildup and bacteria. Cleaning a beer line is not complicated and can be done by in-house maintenance staff, a beer line cleaner, or a professional cleaning service.
The recommended cleaning process will typically include washing the beer line thoroughly with an approved sanitizing agent and then flushing the line with cold water. It is also important to regularly inspect and replace the line’s components, such as hoses and seals.
Some lines may even require a beer pH test to ensure the proper pH is maintained. Clean beer lines are essential in providing quality beer that customers can trust and will keep them returning.
Why does purple Line cleaner turn green?
Purple Line cleaner turns green when it is exposed to air, specifically when iron oxide, or rust, comes into contact with the pH-sensitive cleaner. This is because the pH-sensitive component of the cleaner changes color when exposed to rust or other acidic substances.
The purple cleaner contains an acid indicator, typically phenolphthalein, which changes to a pink/red when exposed to an acidic solution. When the acid indicator comes into contact with rust, the solution will turn a bright green color due to the indicator dye reacting with the rust to form a green pigment.
The amount of green produced is dependent on the amount of iron oxide and the amount of pH-sensitive component in the Purple Line cleaner.
Do you turn the gas off when cleaning beer lines?
Yes, it is important to always turn the gas off when cleaning beer lines. Beer lines need to be regularly maintained, usually once a month, to keep them clean and clear. In order to do this, it is necessary to disconnect the gas flow and drain the lines of beer.
This is accomplished by slowly loosening the gas input knob and then disconnecting it by completely unscrewing it. This will allow you to attach a hose and drain the beer lines of any beer that has stayed in them since the last use.
Once the beer has been completely drained, the beer lines should be thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate chemical cleaner, rinsed off with fresh water, and then the gas should be reconnected. It is essential to remember to re-tighten the gas input knob once it has been reconnected to ensure that gas reaches the beer taps.
Failure to do this could lead to serious safety issues and potential financial losses. Without the gas, the beer lines will be unable to pour drinks. For this reason, it is always important to make sure that the gas is turned off every time that beer lines are being cleaned.
How much purple line cleaner do I need?
The amount of purple line cleaner you need will depend on the size of the job. Generally speaking, a 16-ounce bottle should be sufficient for most small jobs such as cleaning small equipment like chalk boards or replacing window seals.
If you are doing a larger job, one gallon or multiple bottles may be needed. When using the purple line cleaner, be sure to wear gloves and other protective clothing and use the appropriate amount of cleaner for the size of the area you are cleaning.
Make sure to follow the product instructions closely to ensure you get the best results.
Can you clean beer lines with hot water?
Yes, you can clean beer lines using hot water. This is an important step in the beer dispensing process, as it keeps the beer tasting fresh and clean. Keeping your beer lines clean helps ensure a better-tasting product and healthier employees.
When cleaning beer lines with hot water, you should first use a beer line cleaner (available at most home-brewing supply stores). Cleaners that include special enzymes and acids help remove stubborn beer stone and mineral deposits, as well as yeast, which can form in the beer lines.
After using the cleaner, you can then flush the lines with hot water.
If you choose to use hot water to clean the lines, make sure the water is at least 140°F (60°C). Once the water has been instilled, you should let it run through the line for at least one minute. You can also agitate the line periodically with a brush or similar device for extra cleaning power.
It is important to remember that beer lines should be flushed after every keg, or at least every two weeks. Not only will cleaning the lines with hot water help keep the beer tasting better, but it will also help reduce foam, which costs customers money.
How do I know if my beer lines are clean?
To ensure that your beer lines are clean, you should do a regular line cleaning. This involves using a specifically designed beer line cleaner, which will clean the inside of the lines. Generally, this cleaning should be completed every 2-4 weeks, depending on the beer that is being dispensed.
When cleaning your beer lines, you should make sure to disconnect the lines and any faucets, and then clear out any residual beer. Following that, you should fill the lines with the line cleaner solution and let this sit for about 10 minutes.
Afterwards, flush the line cleaner out with warm water and repeat the process until the water running out of the lines is clear. Once this is complete, detach the faucets and lines from each other, and then thoroughly clean them using either an in-line faucet brush or a bottle brush.
Additionally, make sure to also clean the beer tower and/or faucets using either a damp cloth or a faucet brush.
After your lines have been cleaned, it is always a good idea to taste the beer to check for any off-flavors that could indicate that the lines are dirty. Additionally, you may also want to check the lines for any buildup of beer stones or yeast.
If you can see either of these, it is a sign that your lines need to be cleaned more frequently.
Can you get sick from dirty beer lines?
Yes, it is possible to get sick from dirty beer lines. The buildup of bacteria, yeast, and mold on the lines creates a breeding ground for germs that can cause illnesses. When beer is drawn through the lines, it can pick up these bacteria, which can then be ingested by the consumer.
It is important to keep beer lines clean, as it can be a source of contamination. A regular cleaning regime helps to eliminate any potential sources of contamination, meaning that your beer is fresher and you avoid any potential health risks.
To clean beer lines, a cleaning agent designed for beer lines should be used and the cleaning process should include running a descaling solution through the system and then running clean water through the system.
This helps to eliminate impurities, bacteria, and yeast from the lines. After the cleaning process is completed, beer from a fresh keg should be run through the lines to ensure that no contamination has been left behind.
Ultimately, clean beer lines ensure that good-tasting beer is served and that your customers are not at risk of becoming sick.
What do dirty beer lines taste like?
Dirty beer lines can taste a variety of different ways depending on what is causing the dirtiness. Common causes of dirty beer lines are a build-up of beerstone, yeast, bacteria, and viruses. Beerstone is a calcium oxide material that forms on the inside of brewery tanks and lines and can cause a sour, tart, or harsh flavor.
Yeast can cause a bread-like or fruity taste, while bacteria can cause a sour, fruity, or putrid taste. Viruses can cause a variety of flavors depending on the type of virus, but often result in a bad aftertaste.
