There are three main types of beer tap systems: direct draw, long draw glycol cooled, and long draw air cooled. Each system has its own unique components and methods for delivering and cooling draft beer from the keg to the tap.
1. Direct Draw System:
The direct draw system is the simplest and most common type of beer tap system. It is typically used in small bars, restaurants, or home setups. In this system, the kegs are stored and dispensed directly from a refrigerated cabinet or cooler located directly below or behind the bar. The beer is pushed by CO2 pressure through short beer lines to the tap faucets.
Components of a direct draw system:
– Refrigerated cabinet or cooler: This is where the kegs are stored, ensuring they are chilled and ready to be dispensed.
– CO2 cylinder and regulator: The CO2 gas is used to pressurize the kegs and push the beer through the lines.
– Beer lines: Short lengths of tubing that connect the kegs to the tap faucets.
– Tap faucets: The handles or levers that are used to pour the beer.
2. Long Draw Glycol Cooled System:
The long draw glycol cooled system is used in larger establishments, such as bars, pubs, or breweries, where the beer needs to travel longer distances from the keg storage area to the tap faucets. This system uses glycol as a cooling medium to maintain the beer at the desired temperature throughout the journey.
Components of a long draw glycol cooled system:
– Walk-in cooler: This is a large refrigerated room where the kegs are stored. The beer lines run through the cooler to keep the beer cold.
– Glycol chiller: A separate refrigeration unit that circulates chilled glycol through a looped system of tubing alongside the beer lines. The glycol absorbs heat from the beer lines, ensuring the beer remains cold.
– Insulated beer lines: These are longer and more insulated compared to direct draw systems, allowing the beer to travel greater distances without losing temperature.
– Secondary gas regulators: Each beer line has its own secondary regulator to control the pressure and ensure proper pouring.
3. Long Draw Air Cooled System:
The long draw air cooled system is similar to the glycol cooled system in terms of beer line length, but it uses air instead of glycol to cool the lines. This system is less common and is typically used in situations where glycol cooling is not available or feasible.
Components of a long draw air cooled system:
– Walk-in cooler: Similar to the glycol cooled system, a walk-in cooler is used to store the kegs and keep them cold.
– Insulated beer lines: Just like in the glycol cooled system, long insulated beer lines are used to maintain the temperature of the beer as it travels from the cooler to the tap faucets.
– Air blower: An air blower is used to circulate cold air from the cooler to the beer lines, keeping them cool.
– Secondary gas regulators: Similar to the glycol cooled system, each beer line has its own secondary regulator to control the pressure.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have encountered all three types of beer tap systems. The direct draw system is the most straightforward and commonly used in smaller establishments. The long draw glycol cooled system is more complex and is often seen in larger bars or breweries where the beer needs to travel longer distances. The long draw air cooled system is less common and is typically used as an alternative when glycol cooling is not an option. Each system has its own advantages and considerations based on the specific needs and requirements of the establishment.