Beer line check valve

[steambrew]

The cleaner from A1 beer stuff is called Chaser beer line cleaner sold in 1 gls cans last the home brewer many years as you use a small amount mixed with water you just pull through the pipes engine leave 10 mins wash out job done , we spend time making good beer so use the best cleaner you can

[adamzworld]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm off to order some line cleaner!

[adamzworld]

I've finally got all the right bits now to get my beer engine set up and I was just wondering; when I connect up a pressure barrel to a beer engine via a check valve, do I open up the tap on the pressure barrel fully once it's all connected, or should I just open it partially?

Thanks,


Adam

[Jim]

I've finally got all the right bits now to get my beer engine set up and I was just wondering; when I connect up a pressure barrel to a beer engine via a check valve, do I open up the tap on the pressure barrel fully once it's all connected, or should I just open it partially?

Thanks,


Adam

I open mine fully - you want as few restrictions to the flow as possible because each one causes turbulence.

[adamzworld]

Thanks Jim, appreciate the quick response and I'll make sure the tap's fully open once I've set everything up.

Cheers,



Adam

[adamzworld]

I've finally got hand my pump connected up to my pressure barrel! First came the shed, then the cheap fridge from ebay, followed by my hand built bar. Now the pump is all set up and working. There's nothing quite as satisfying as pulling pint of your own beer!

When I cleaned the pump and line I accidentally used double the amount of line cleaner (aka caustic soda!), but I pulled through 10 litres of cold water before connecting up the pressure barrel. I had a pint from the pump last night and no ill effects today so I'm sure it was all fine.

Thanks to everyone for the tips and I'll try and get some photos up at some point.

Couple of quick questions:

1. When cleaning the lines next time, I assume I draw the line cleaner through once and then chuck it rather than draw it through a second time?

2. Does it make a difference where I mount the check / demand valve? I set up it closer to the pump, but I can move it if necessary.


Cheers,



Adam

[adamzworld]

[adamzworld]

viewforum.php?f=56

[adamzworld]

viewforum.php?f=56

[Jim]

1. When cleaning the lines next time, I assume I draw the line cleaner through once and then chuck it rather than draw it through a second time?

With normal line cleaner you make up a batch, pull some through and leave it for 10 minutes or so, then pull some more through and leave for 10 mins and repeat until it's all been pulled through. Don't put the dirty stuff back though again.

2. Does it make a difference where I mount the check / demand valve? I set up it closer to the pump, but I can move it if necessary.

The usual advice is to place it as close to the beer engine as possible; however I've found little difference.

[adamzworld]

Cheers Jim, I tried to upload some photos of my setup but failed miserably!
I do have one other question; after each night should I close of the tap at the barrel, detach the tube and pump some water through to clean the beer out of the lines. Is it worth doing this, or should I only bother if I'm connecting a new barrel? Cheers, Adam

[adamzworld]

I also meant to ask if its okay to use the line cleaner to sanitize FV's and pressure barrels or is this too harsh? Cheers, Adam

[adamzworld]

Cheers Jim, I tried to upload some photos of my setup but failed miserably!
I do have one other question; after each night should I close of the tap at the barrel, detach the tube and pump some water through to clean the beer out of the lines. Is it worth doing this, or should I only bother if I'm connecting a new barrel? Cheers, Adam

If anyone could advise on the query I have on how regularly I need to clean the lines, or how long it's okay to leave the beer sitting in the lines for then it would be much appreciated. Cheers

[jmc]

Cheers Jim, I tried to upload some photos of my setup but failed miserably!
I do have one other question; after each night should I close of the tap at the barrel, detach the tube and pump some water through to clean the beer out of the lines. Is it worth doing this, or should I only bother if I'm connecting a new barrel? Cheers, Adam

If anyone could advise on the query I have on how regularly I need to clean the lines, or how long it's okay to leave the beer sitting in the lines for then it would be much appreciated. Cheers

I clean the my lines every time I change a keg.
I have 3 taps and 1 beer engine.
Setup below plus a cider font/tap to the left.


This setup is no problem with taps but with the beer engine any beer in the BE cylinder is 'air side' so if you don't pour it out for a day or two the first pull is not right, ( like beer poured in a glass and left for a day or so), so it goes down the drain.

I tend to leave the BE handle in the 'pulled position' (at an angle) at the end of a session to minimise the amount of beer I lose.
If I do it that way I just pour about 1/4 pint next session and mostly throw it before getting to the good stuff again.

BE are nice but the fonts / taps are much easier to look after.

[adamzworld]

Cheers JMC and I'm really liking that setup you've got there!

I did think about leaving the pump in the pulled position to limit the amount of beer left in the glass cylinder, so your suggestion definitely makes sense.

I've got one beer engine set up at the moment and am contemplating setting the other one up too. If not then it will be going on ebay!