Kegs come in many different shapes and sizes, but they typically have many of the same parts. A keg consists of a barrel, lid, internal fittings, coupler, and beer taps.
The barrel is the main body of a keg. It is made of stainless steel and typically has a double wall made of a sealed inner lining and an outer wall that is strong but not airtight. This allows beer to be kept cold.
The lid is usually fastened onto the barrel by metal rods or bands. It is designed to have an airtight seal and is opened by lifting the handle. Depending on the manufacturer, some lids also feature a built-in pressure relief valve to maintain safety.
The internal fittings are placed inside the keg and connected through a series of tubes. These pieces are used to help regulate the flow of beer and allow for easy dispensing. Examples of internal fittings include dip tubes, bungs, and beerstones.
The coupler is connected to the lid of the keg and is used to attach the keg to a tap or dispenser. It features a valve on the top and comes in different sizes and configurations, depending on the type of tap being used.
Finally, beer taps are used to control the flow of beer. These devices typically resemble a foot pedal and control the flow of beer out of the keg. They come in different sizes and shapes and may also contain screens, shut-off valves, and nozzles.
What is the keg tap called?
The keg tap is a device used to dispense beer from a keg. It is technically known as the “beer faucet,” though it is often simply referred to as the keg tap or keg taps. It connects to the keg in a number of ways including a ball lock or Sankey connection, which is most common.
When the beer is tapped, the valve at the top of the keg is opened and CO2 pressure is used to push the beer out of the keg and up through the beer faucet. This allows the user to enjoy a glass or mug of beer without having to manually pump or otherwise draw the beer out of the keg.
Keg taps vary in size and design, but they all perform the same purpose: dispensing beer from the keg.
What are the different types of beer taps?
There are four main types of beer taps: standard taps, Pressurized Growler, cask taps, and draft towers.
Standard taps are the most common type of tap and feature a hand-operated tap with a tap head covering the opening. The beer is dispensed from the container below the tap with a lever or handle. The handle is moved up or down to regulate flow and pressure, allowing for the dispersion of beer.
Pressurized Growlers are a type of beer taps that feature an airtight container for liquids. The pressure of the gas trapped inside the container forces the beer up through the tap head located at the top.
This type of tap is great for storing large amounts of craft beer and allows for a longer shelf life.
Cask taps are a type of hand-operated tap common in pubs, bars, and breweries. This type of tap uses an external spout that is connected to a cask containing beer. The beer is dispensed when the tap is opened, and the pressure of the cask helps to push the beer out.
This type of tap is popular for serving cask ales.
Finally, draft towers are a type of tap common in bars and pubs. This type of tap consists of a large tap handle connected to a tall metal pole and one or more beer lines. When the tap is opened, beer is forced out at a high pressure and travels through the tube, allowing it to be dispensed from the head.
This type of tap is popular for pouring several types of beer, as each line can be connected to a different beer keg.
What is a beer faucet shank?
A beer faucet shank is the metal piece that connects the beer faucet to the beer line and ultimately to the keg. It is usually made of stainless steel and provides an air-tight seal between the components, to ensure the beer stays fresh and flavorful.
Beer shanks come in several different lengths, typically ranging from 4 to 6 inches, depending on the style and type of faucet and the distance from the keg to the tap. Beer shanks also come in both threaded and barb varieties.
The threaded variety has a thread on the outside that screws into the beer line, whereas the barb type requires clamps for the beer line to secure it in place. Some faucet and shank combinations come preassembled to make installation easier, while others require the shank to be installed separately.
Regardless, it’s important to make sure that you have the correct length of shank for the application to ensure an air-tight seal.
What is a keg coupler?
A keg coupler is a device used to connect a keg of beer to a beer dispenser. Keg couplers come in different sizes and styles, depending on the type of beer being served. Including the Sankey coupler, the European coupler (or G-Style), the Rubeneder and the U Tap, amongst others.
All of these couplers work on a simple hook-and-barrel mechanism as one end of the coupler gets attached to the keg, while the other ends get connected to the beer dispenser. The hook lifts open a valve inside the keg, allowing beer to flow out of the keg, through the lines of the beer dispenser, and eventually to the customer’s glass.
Keg couplers are an integral part of the beer dispensing process, allowing beer to flow out of the keg and into customers’ glasses. Not all keg couplers are the same, as some can only be used with certain kinds of beer, so it is important to have the right keg coupler for the right kind of beer before purchasing and serving it.
How do you attach a shank to a beer faucet?
Attaching a shank to a beer faucet is a relatively simple process but should be done with care to ensure a secure, leak-proof connection. You will need both the shank and faucet, a gasket, and hex nut to secure the connection.
Begin by threading the shank through the refrigerated wall or tower from the inside. Once the shank is through the wall, place the gasket onto the shank. A good quality gasket will ensure a secure, leak-proof connection and should be replaced periodically.
Now it is time to attach the shank to the faucet. Make sure the locknut is secure and correctly positioned against the wall. Place the faucet onto the shank, ensuring the shank is correctly positioned inside of the faucet.
With the faucet securely in place, tighten the locknut until snug. Do not over tighten as this can cause the faucet seal to be compromised.
Once the locknut is securely tightened, connect your beer line to the shank and check for leaks. If all looks good, your shank is securely attached and ready for use. Enjoy!
How does a beer shank work?
A beer shank is a part of a draft beer dispensing system that allows beer to be released from the beer system’s tap. It is usually composed of a metal shaft that extends from the beer system to the tap handle at the top, connected by a set of nuts, washers, and couplers.
In a typical beer shank setup, beer is released from the beer system through a tubing setup into the shank, where it is then regulated by a pressure regulator and controlled by a handle. The handle is used to control how much of the beer is released from the tap.
At the bottom of the shank there is a threaded outlet that connects the shank to the beer keg. The beer is released from the keg, travels up the shank, and then is dispensed from the tap at the top. The handle allows the user to decide how much beer is dispensed each time, making the pressure in the shank important.
It is important to adjust the pressure in the shank to make sure that beer is released at the desired rate.
How do you remove a beer from a shank faucet?
Removing a beer from a shank faucet is fairly simple, but requires some patience and care. The first thing you need to do is locate the shank faucet, which is usually found in the back of a refrigerated kegerator.
Once you have located the shank faucet, you will want to ensure that the keg you want to remove has been properly purged of all gas pressure, as this will make the process easier and more efficient.
To begin, you will want to remove the faucet handle by loosening the hex nut that is holding it in place. The hex nut is located just above the faucet tip and can be loosened with a flathead screwdriver.
Once the hex nut is unscrewed, you can slide the handle off of the shank and set it aside.
You will then need to loosen the locknut and ferrule, both of which are located just below the faucet and can be unscrewed with an adjustable wrench. Once the locknut and ferrule have been removed, you can then pull the shank away from the faucet, which will release the beer showering head, and the beer line leading to the keg.
Once the keg beer line is detached, you can then unscrew and remove the keg coupler. Then, simply lift the keg out of the refrigerated kegerator, ensuring that you are careful with the keg and that you use the handles conveniently located on the sides of the keg.
When you’ve finished, you can then go ahead and reattach the keg coupler to the new keg, and go through the steps outlined above to reattach the shank, faucet handle, locknut, and ferrule.
How are beer Shanks measured?
Beer shanks are typically measured by their length, and also sometimes by their outside diameter. Generally, beer shanks are available in sizes ranging from 4 inches to 8 inches long. The most commonly used size is 6″.
Shanks are also typically either 3/16″ or ¼” in outside diameter. When looking for a particular size, it is important to note what type of beer tower the shank will be attached to, as most manufacturers make shanks to match the beer towers they produce.
Additionally, it is important to note whether the application is for direct drawing (kegerator) or for a draft tower. Beer shanks for draft towers usually require soda line connectors and typically include a tailpiece and nut, while those for direct draw applications may only require the shank itself.
What is a beer dispenser called?
A beer dispenser is typically called a beer tap or a beer tower. This is an apparatus that has the ability to dispense beer from a keg, cask, or other vessel. The beer dispenser, which can be either manual or electric, is connected to a hose that runs down to the keg.
Usually made of stainless steel, the tap and tower help cool and carbonate the beer while allowing it to flow freely and smoothly when the tap is opened. Additionally, the beer tower will sometimes have a nozzle or tube at the bottom to supply some beverages with a flavored and fruity additive.
Beer taps and towers play an important role in serving and delivering cold and delicious beer to those who enjoy a cold pint.
Do kegs come with a tap?
Yes, kegs typically come with a tap. The tap included can vary depending on the style of keg and where it is purchased, but taps are a standard accessory of most keg purchases. Hand pumps are commonly used with beer kegs and must be purchased separately, although electric pumps are available for those who want a more convenient solution.
Some taps may be included for free with the purchase of a keg, but more advanced taps are usually sold separately. Kegs are also sold without taps, and those will need to be purchased separately.
How many parts are there to a coupler?
There are generally three parts to a coupler: a shank, a gasket, and a head. The shank, which is sometimes referred to as a stem or male end, is a threaded piece that fits into the female end of another connection.
The gasket is a rubber or plastic sleeve that fits around the shank and provides a seal to prevent leakage. The head also sometimes referred to as a collar, is a large circular part that covers the gasket and provides a stable connection for the coupler.
How do you put a keg coupler together?
Putting together a keg coupler is a fairly easy process. First, you will need to make sure you have all the parts for the coupler: the keg coupler itself, a beer faucet handle, a beer faucet shank, a washer, and a nut.
Once you have the required parts, you will need to begin assembling the keg coupler. You will first start by attaching the beer faucet handle to the beer faucet shank by screwing it down with the nut and washer.
This provides a secure and durable connection between the faucet handle and the shank.
Next, you will attach the shank to the keg coupler by aligning the shank with the appropriate slot on the coupler. Push down and twist the shank until it securely fits the slot.
Once the shank is in place, you will thread the pressure relief valve onto the keg coupler. This must be done in order to regulate the pressure within the keg.
Finally, you need to insert the keg coupler into the top of the keg until it is securely and tightly in place. Make sure the pressure relief valve and the beer faucet handle are both facing up.
Once all the components are assembled and in place, your keg coupler is ready to use and you can begin enjoying your favorite beverage.
What does the check ball do in a keg coupler?
The check ball in a keg coupler is a small device used to limit the flow of beer from the keg and regulate the pressure ensuring that beer is poured at the right rate. The check ball is located in the top portion of the coupler, which is the device connected to the beer keg and the draft beer lines.
When the beer is tapped, the check ball will close off the flow of beer until the pressure in the keg has been increased to propel the beer through the line at the right speed. The ball will then remain open until the pressure has been completely released and the beer has stopped flowing.
This helps to prevent beer from spilling from the keg as well as over-pour, which can waste beer and lead to a decrease in profits. Additionally, the check ball prevents any air from entering the keg and its lines, which can lead to oxidization and an overall reduction in beer quality.
How do you keep a keg from sticking to the tap?
The key to keeping your keg from sticking to the tap is to properly clean and sanitize the tap and the keg. This should be done regularly and after each use.
Before connecting the keg to the tap, ensure that all parts of the keg coupler and the tap are clean and sanitized. To sanitize the keg coupler, submerge it in a sanitizing solution or spray it with sanitizer, then rinse off any remaining sanitizer and let the part air dry.
To sanitize the tap and the keg, use a no-rinse sanitizer or soak the parts in a sanitizer solution. An outdoor keg cooler should be sanitized as well to prevent buildup of any contaminants.
Keep the keg and the tap at the proper temperature before use. The correct temperature will depend on the type of beer in the keg, but ideally, it should be kept between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit for lagers and between 42 and 46 degrees for ales.
Keeping both the keg and the tap at the proper temperature will help to prevent sticking. Check the temperature regularly to ensure that it has not changed, as this can indicate a thermostat or cooling problem.
Lastly, use a keg coupler that fits the keg properly. A coupler that is too large or too small can make it difficult to properly connect the keg to the tap, which can lead to sticking.
How do you clean a keg tap pump?
Cleaning a keg tap pump is a simple process that should be done every week or so to ensure the tap is correctly dispensing beer.
To clean the tap, you’ll need a few tools and supplies, including a hand pump with a sanitizing solution, a plastic or stainless steel brush, a tasting glass, and towels.
Start by unscrewing the nozzle and taking off any removable parts. Soak the parts in warm water and dish soap, using a brush to remove any buildup. If your pump is especially used, you might want to use a beer-safe cleaner.
Make sure to thoroughly rinse the parts and set them aside. Then, mix two tablespoons of sanitizer with five gallons of cold water in a separate container and submerge the keg pump in the solution for about five minutes.
You should then rinse off the nozzle and parts with either hot or cold water. Use a tasting glass to test the alcohol content in the beer, as well as check for any off-flavors. The beer should taste clean and free of any off flavors.
Once you have completed the cleaning process, place any removable parts back and screw the nozzle on the tap. Wipe each surface with a cloth or paper towel and you’re good to go.
How does a ball lock valve work?
A ball lock valve is a type of quarter-turn valve. It consists of a circular ball with a threaded shaft and an attached handle, along with a body that contains a seat. When the valve is in the open position, its ball is rotated so that a hole in the ball is lined up with the two ends of the body, allowing fluid to flow through.
When the valve’s handle is turned to the closed position, the ball is rotated so that the hole in the ball is blocked off by the body, preventing fluid from flowing. This motion is known as quarter-turn shut-off and is a very common type of valve used in many industrial and commercial applications.
Ball lock valves are primarily used to control the flow of liquids and gases in a wide variety of applications because of their straightforward design and reliable operation.
How do I know if my keg coupler is bad?
If you suspect that your keg coupler is bad, it is important to test it in order to identify the problem and make a replacement if necessary. To test your keg coupler, start by checking all of the coupler’s parts for any cracks, leaks or unusual wear.
Check the hoses and coupler’s seals for any degradation or breakage. If you find any signs of damage, it is a good indication that your coupler is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Next, test the coupler’s functionalities. Make sure that when the keg is connected with the coupler, it is secure and the tap handle is tight. Try tapping the keg and make sure that the beer is properly flowing.
If you are not seeing any beer pouring out of the tap, then it is an indication that the coupler is faulty.
If these tests point to a faulty keg coupler, it is important to replace it as quickly as possible. Otherwise, beer will continue to flow out of your keg and you may be losing beer unnecessarily. By taking the time to test and inspect your keg coupler, you can make timely repairs, save yourself money on wasted beer, and be assured that your beer is being poured properly.
What is a foam on beer detector?
A foam on beer detector is a type of device that can be used to detect any foam at the top of beer before it is served. This type of device works by measuring the surface tension at the top of the beer and alerting the bartender or brewer when there is too much foam.
A foam on beer detector can also be used to help monitor proper beer carbonation levels and identify any potential problems with the beer before serving. This type of device helps ensure that the beer is served at the correct temperature and carbonation level, and with the desired amount of foam.
Foam on beer detectors are used by professional brewers and bartenders to increase the quality and consistency of their beer and ensure the best experience for their customers.
