Most commonly, these include a straight-draw tap, various types of beer towers, pre-assembled systems, and tubular-type taps.
Straight Draw Tap: A straight-draw tap is the classic type of tap used for tapping kegs. In this setup, a valve is simply opened and closed to allow the beer to flow from the keg and out the nozzle. Many beer bars still use this type of tapping system.
Beer Towers: Just as the name implies, beer towers are a tall, cylindrical tubing that holds multiple beer taps, allowing customers to choose from a variety of beers on tap.
Pre-Assembled Systems: This type of tap is usually just a nozzle connected to a valve. The valve is attached to a keg coupler and/or regulator that controls the flow of beer. Some systems come with a built-in CO2 regulator and other added features.
Tubular-Type Taps: Typically used for larger capacity kegs, these types of taps use a tube that is inserted into the keg. These are also commonly used for cask-conditioned beers, as well as nitro-poured beverages.
The beer flows out of the keg through the tube and through a nozzle.
Each of these types of taps come with their own advantages and disadvantages, and are perfect solutions for different specific scenarios. Choosing the right tap for your keg is an important part of ensuring that your beer is served perfectly and always tastes great.
Are all keg couplers the same?
No, all keg couplers are not the same. Keg couplers come in a range of types and are used to connect the beer line to the beer keg. Different keg couplers are used for different types of beer kegs. There is a European Sankey, an American Sankey, and a G-type keg coupler.
The most common and widely used keg coupler is the American Sankey, which is used for most North American beers. The European Sankey is used for a variety of European beers, while the G-type is used for a wide range of German beers.
Beer kegs come in a variety of sizes, so their couplers must be able to fit accurately, securely, and without leakage. Each coupler has its own design, so it is important to select the right coupler for the right beer keg, in order to ensure that the correct pressure is maintained in the beer line.
What size are beer taps?
The size of a beer tap depends on the type of beer you are tapping. The common sizes found in North America are 1/4” barb, 3/16” barb, 5/16” barb, and 3/8” barb. The 3/16” barb is the most common size for beer taps, especially for American craft beers.
Other popular sizes are the 5/16” barb, which is popular for pilsners and lagers, and the 3/8” barb, which is common for stouts and higher-alcohol beers. The 1/4” barb is the smallest tap, and is typically used in homebrewing systems and restaurants.
The size of the beer tap is important, because the beer needs to flow at the right speed in order to be properly enjoyed. Too large of a tap will allow the beer to flow too quickly, making it too bitter, while too small of a tap will restrict the beer and make it come out too slowly.
It is important to pay close attention to the size of the beer tap you are using, in order to get the most out of your beer.
Are all tap handles universal?
No, all tap handles are not universal. Tap handles come in a variety of styles, materials and designs that vary depending on the type of draft beer being served. For example, some of the more common styles of tap handles include wooden, stainless steel, plastic and ceramic handles, with each style having its own unique design.
Additionally, most beer brands will custom design their own tap handles to further differentiate themselves from other brewers. As a result, while there is some level of similarity between different tap handles, the exact shape, size, and material of the handle can still vary significantly.
How do you tighten a keg faucet?
To tighten a keg faucet, you will need to use a pair of adjustable wrenches. First, find the nut on the side of the faucet, then place a wrench over it to secure it from moving. Then place the second wrench over the top of the faucet so that it is aligned against the nut.
Use the wrench to slowly turn the nut clockwise until the faucet is tight. Make sure not to over-tighten it, as this can damage the faucet. Once the nut is secure, replace the keg faucet and it should be properly tightened.
What is a keg Shank?
A keg shank is a type of coupling that connects tubing on a beer or beverage dispensing system. This coupling consists of a male thread which the brewery has placed into the keg and a cylindrical protuberance at the other end of the shank, which fits into a corresponding orifice in the tap system.
The keg shank is typically secured via a plastic nut, which compresses the shank between the tap system’s coupling and a gasket, in order to make a tight seal against the keg. This seal is necessary in order to keep the liquid from leaking from or between the keg and tap system.
Keg shanks are available in varying lengths and can be constructed of materials including brass, chrome-plated brass and even stainless steel, depending upon the desired application.
How do you attach a shank to a beer faucet?
To attach a shank to a beer faucet, you need to first gather the right materials: a shank, a beer faucet, a washer, and a hex nut. Depending on the faucet, you may also require a compression fitting and a gasket.
Start by determining the size of shank you need to fit your faucet. It is important to get the correct size, as the shank will not fit the faucet if it is the wrong size. Once the proper size has been determined, unscrew the retaining nut on the stem of the faucet, then remove the stem and pull it out.
Next, place the washer onto the stem, then thread the shank onto the threaded end of the stem. Be sure to thread it on completely. After the shank is securely in place, replace the stem in the hole of the faucet.
Thread the hex nut onto the stem, on the outside of the faucet, and tighten it.
If your faucet is a compression model, you will need to thread the compression fitting onto the shank, and then insert the gasket in the top of the fitting. Make sure the gasket is flush against the base of the fitting, then screw the fitting onto the shank by hand.
Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the fitting in place.
Finally, attach the beer hose to the probe of the shank and then to the beer keg. Adjust the hose up toward the ceiling and then tighten the barb on the end of the hose while holding onto the beer faucet.
Check that everything is tight and that there are no leaks. You should now be ready to enjoy a nice cold beer.
What is nut thread size?
Nut thread size refers to the size of the thread on the outside of a nut. This size is typically measured in threads per inch (TPI) and is important in determining which nuts are compatible with which bolts.
Different sizes of threads are used depending on the application and the type of materials being used. Common sizes are #10-32, ¼-20, ½-13—with the fractionally-sized nuts being more common in applications requiring higher levels of strength.
It is important to note that the nut thread size must match the bolt thread size—otherwise the two will be unable to connect.
What is threading a bolt?
Threading a bolt is the process of creating an external thread on a metal fastener such as a bolt, screw, or stud. It is usually done by using a die, a hand tool or a machine. Threading a bolt involves taking precise measurements to ensure the thread is correctly profiled.
In some cases, the threads may need to match an existing thread. This is done to ensure a secure fit for the fastener and to keep the device tightly secured in the proper place. The threading process also ensures that the bolt can handle the load for which it is designed to bear.
The process of threading a bolt can also include coating the thread in lubricant to improve its durability.
What are beer tap handles called?
Beer tap handles are often referred to as bar shafts, draft handles, draw knobs, spigots, levers, pulls, or faucets. The handle varies in size, shape and material depending on the brewery, but they all allow you to dispense beer.
Tap handles are ubiquitous in any beer outlet or bar, and are typically made of wood, metal, ceramic, glass, or plastic. Generally, the handle will have some form of artwork that can represent the brewery, such as a logo, image, colors, initials, and slogan.
Some breweries even feature limited-edition artist-designed tap handles, which can be quite collectible. Tap handles serve to add excitement to the tap tower, and are great conversation starters for anyone in the bar!.
What type of valve is a beer tap?
A beer tap is a type of valve that is used to dispense beer. A typical beer tap is made up of three main parts: the tap, the faucet and the shank. The tap is the piece that is attached to the wall or countertop and arm of the faucet; it’s the part where the beer is released from.
The faucet is the device that controls the release of the beer and is opened and closed when the beer is poured. The shank is a long tube that connects the faucet to the keg or beer source and helps to direct the beer through the other two parts.
Beer taps come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit different kinds of beer kegs.
What tap does Stella Artois use?
Stella Artois has been using the “ Chalice Tap ” system since 2001. The Chalice Tap, also known as the “ Perfect Draft ” system, is a tap system with a closed loop that maintains the beer’s perfect carbonation, temperature and overall taste.
This allows the beer to remain perfectly carbonated and in optimum condition, with a consistently great taste. The system consists of a special keg, a pressurized cylinder and a chalice-shaped glass.
The chalice shape allows for a smooth, creamy texture that produces a large and creamy head. The small drinking opening allows for a slower consumption, allowing customers to fully appreciate the beer’s taste and aroma.
The system also ensures that the beer is always served at the optimal temperature; chilled but not too cold, to preserve the flavors.
How do beer tap handles work?
Beer tap handles work by controlling the flow of pressurized beer from a keg. The tap handle attaches to the tap faucet, then attaches to a “shank” that is connected to the faucet. The shank is a tube with a pin inside the opening.
When the tap handle is moved, the pin is pressed against a stopper inside the keg, which allows beer to flow out. The tap handle is usually connected to a lever, which can be turned to adjust the amount of beer that flows out.
A properly sealed tap handle will prevent air from entering the keg and beer from leaking out.
How do you install a beer Shank?
Installing a beer shank can be done in a few simple steps.
First, you’ll need to buy the appropriate size shank for the keg you’re using; most homebrewers will have a 3/16” shank. You’ll also need to buy a “tailpiece,” typically sold in most homebrew supply stores.
Next, assemble the shank and tailpiece. You’ll want to make sure that the threads on the tailpiece match the threads on the shank, and that the shank is tightened fairly firmly against the tailpiece, but not overly tight.
Third, you’ll want to drill a 7/8” hole in the wall or face where the shank will be installed, ensuring you avoid any electrical wiring or plumbing behind the wall. Make sure the hole is deep enough to accommodate the shank and tailpiece.
Fourth, put the gasket (usually sold with the shank) onto the flange of the shank and slide the shank and tailpiece through the hole in the wall, making sure the gasket is firmly against the surface of the wall.
Fifth, use screws to attach the flange of the shank to the wall surface. If you don’t have screws with long enough thread for the shank, you can use plastic anchors to secure the shank.
Once the shank is securely installed to the wall, you can attach the tap line from the beer keg to the shank and start serving your fine beer creation.
How long should my beer Shank be?
The ideal length for your beer shank should depend on several factors, including the size of your keg and countertop, as well as how it will be used. A general rule of thumb is to add 6 inches to the height of your keg + 3-4 additional inches, meaning a standard 5 gallon keg should have a shank of 9-10 inches in length.
If you plan on using a pressurized keg, then you should also include the height of the gas regulator when calculating the length of your shank. The shank should be long enough to reach from the keg to the faucet without overstretching it.
It is also important to note that overly long shanks can compromise beer quality, so be sure to find the right balance.
How do you remove a beer from a shank faucet?
Removing a beer from a shank faucet is a relatively simple task. First, shut off the main water supply to the keg by turning off the shut off valve. Next, unscrew the collar of the shank faucet, which is typically the plastic piece surrounding the faucet that holds it in and helps keep it securely in place.
After the collar is unscrewed, lift the faucet out of the shank, being careful not to damage the shank seal or the washer, which may also be present. Finally, unscrew the beer line attached to the faucet in order to completely remove the beer line and faucet.
After removing the faucet, you can clean and sanitize it before reinstalling.
How do you keep a beer tap from sticking?
To prevent a beer tap from sticking, there are a few steps you should take. First, it is important to properly clean and sanitize your lines. This can involve using a beer line cleaning kit that includes a hose, beer line cleaning solution, and a faucet wrench, which allows you to disconnect the lines and clean them.
Additionally, you should use a beer line cleaning solution, such as a foaming cleaner, to ensure that any remaining debris is removed from the lines. Secondly, you should keep the lines lubricated and check for any kinks or leaks.
This can involve using vegetable oil or food-grade lubricant on the faucet and ensuring that there are no kinks in the hose. Thirdly, be sure to use a flow regulator in the beer line so that you can adjust the pressure and flow rate of the beer.
This will help to reduce the risk of your beer tap sticking. Finally, it is important to keep an eye on the temperature of your beer. If the temperature is too high, it can cause the beer to foam, which can then cause the tap to stick.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to keep a beer tap from sticking.
How do you clean a keg without a kit?
Cleaning a keg without a kit is relatively straightforward and requires a few simple steps.
1. Start by bringing a pot of water to a near-boil. This water should be enough to fill the keg.
2. Once the water is ready, disassemble the keg and soak the keg pieces in the near-boil water. Make sure the pieces are completely submerged and let them soak for at least 20 minutes.
3. After the pieces have soaked, use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to scrub away any residue that may have accumulated during storage or use. Pay special attention to the spigot, where bacteria can accumulate.
4. Thoroughly rinse the parts with warm water from a safe and sanitary source.
5. Sanitize the keg parts and interior. To do this, dissolve a small amount of sanitizing solution (such as chlorine dioxide, iodophor, and/or a homebrew oxygen cleaner) in the near-boil water and submerge the keg parts in the solution for at least five minutes.
6. After the five minutes are up, rinse the parts once more with warm water.
7. Finally, reassemble the keg and check for any leaks.
Cleaning a keg without a kit is easy and should be done on a regular basis when using a keg, as proper maintenance will ensure that your brew tastes great.