Prepared by the Technical Committee of the Brewers Association. The Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality Working Group began focusing on draught beer quality at retail in 2007. Under the guidance of Ken Grossman, Founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and 2008 Chair of the Brewers Association Technical Committee, the brewing community came together to develop a set of best practices and standards to help brewers, wholesalers, retailers, and draught system installers improve and maintain the quality of available draught beer. The Draught Beer Quality Manual continues to evolve through collaborative efforts within the brewing community.

Chapter 7:

System Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning Guidelines

Common Issues

Cleaning Safety

System Design and Cleanliness

Other Line Cleaning Methods

Sponge Cleaning

Sonic Cleaning

Automatic Cleaning Systems

Line Replacement and Materials

Detailed Recommendations

Cleaning Frequency and Tasks

Cleaning Solutions and Their Usage

Caustic-Based Cleaners

Acid-Based Cleaners

Water Rinsing

Cleaning Methods and Procedures

Before You Start

Electric Recirculating Pump Cleaning

Key Considerations When Setting Up

Electric Recirculation Pump Cleaning Step-By-Step Procedure

Pressurized Cleaning Canister

Key Considerations

Pressurized Cleaning Canister Step-By-Step Procedure

Unusual Situations When Cleaning with a Recirculation Pump

Pneumatic Beer Pumps

Split or Y'd Lines

Challenging Cooler Connections

Testing for Cleanliness

Sensory Evaluation

ATP Testing

Color-Indicators

Plating

Visually Inspecting for Cleanliness

Summary of Draught System Cleaning and Service Recommendations

Draught Beer Line Cleaning Log

Chapter 8:

Troubleshooting

Off-Flavors in Draught Beer

Appendix A:

ISBT Guidelines for Beverage Grade Carbon Dioxide

Appendix B:

CO2 Equilibrium Gauge Pressure Reference Chart

Figuring Ideal Gauge Pressure When Carbonation Level is Not Known

Converting Volumes of CO2 to Grams per Liter

Appendix C:

Carbonation, Blended Gas, Gas Laws, and Partial Pressures

Carbonation

The Dispensing Gas Blend Affects Carbonation

Calculating Gas Blends and Pressures

Determining the Ideal CO2 / N2 Blend

Determining the Correct Pressure for a Fixed CO2 / N2 Blend

Appendix D:

Notes on Serving Cask Ale

Temperature

Carbonation

Dispensing Cask Ale

Beer Engines

Cask Ale Best Practices

Cask System Hygiene

Pouring Cask Ale with a Head

Draught Beer Glossary

Index