Page 25 - Beverage MasterFebMarch 2021_Update

Craft Brewery
Craft Brewery

All About Hoses, Tubes,

Clamps and Connections

By: Alyssa l. Ochs
I n the brewing industry, many different between 1 and 4 inches, while hose lengths can be

small parts play a significant role in pro-
anywhere from 5 to 50 feet.
ducing beer. While hoses, tubes, clamps
and connections are often overlooked, it is Meanwhile, tubes connect pieces of brewhouse
never a good idea to use worn-down or ill-fitting equipment and work in conjunction with various
parts that could compromise the product’s quality. piping components. Black pipes carry water into
Brewers can benefit from learning about different the brewhouse and out into the wastewater sys-
types of hoses, tubes, clamps and connections to tem, while stainless-steel pipes are used for many
determine whether an upgrade is needed now or in parts of the brewing process. Galvanized pipes
the near future. coated with zinc are important for corrosion resis-
tance. Copper pipes, ABS plastic pipes and polypro-
Types of Brewery Connection Products pylene-R pipes are all common in breweries. For
tubing, thick-walled vinyl tubing is the top choice of
There are various hose types and sizes that brew- many brewers because of its kink-resistance, taste
eries use for different purposes. Commonly used protection and flexibility even while cold.
hoses for beer operations include beer transfer
hoses, washdown hoses, crush-proof hoses and One-inch crimped stainless-steel tri-clamp ends
general-purpose hoses. Hose widths are often are useful in breweries, with typical sizes being a

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