Page 29 - Beverage MasterFebMarch 2021_Update

Craft Brewery

beer possible for consumers with minimal hassles Choosing the Right Product
for staff. Hoses, tubes, clamps and connections
are all important because, when working correctly, Some of the most common mistakes and over-
they help preserve the intended taste and smell of sights that breweries make regarding these prod-
the beer. The right parts also help staff work in con- ucts are over-use and not regularly checking on
fined spaces without feeling cramped or frustrated. them. Other common errors are settling for the
Having working parts will also help maintain overall cheapest option and making do with multipurpose
equipment investment. When these products aren’t parts that don’t best serve specific needs. It’s also
checked and maintained regularly, serious leaks in vital to remember that brewers will need tools to
the brewing space or tainted beer that is not safe cut tubing and hoses and crimp clamps. Cutters and
or desirable to drink could result. pincers are available in different sizes and should
factor into a brewery’s overall equipment budget.
Williams from Alliance Hose & Rubber Co. said Lutgring from Bayou Teche Brewing said, “The
that the use of various hose and fittings is crucial hoses need to be able to withstand temperatures
since not all hose and fittings can handle the tem- of 220 degrees Fahrenheit, caustics, acids and pres-
peratures, pressures and chemicals present in the sures of up to 200 psi, while also being durable
brewing process. enough to last.”

“There are many safety issues concerning the “Cost is also a big factor when we are shopping for
proper attachment methods – i.e., crimping, bands new hoses,” Lutgring said. “The tri-clamp fittings
and clamps – used with the brewery hoses as well,” are just about the same wherever you get them, so
Williams said. “Brewers suffer a great deal of prod- it usually comes down to price and convenience.
uct loss and also personal injury every year due Some of the valves may last longer than others, but
to the misapplication of hoses, tubes and fittings. you just have to learn that from experience with
Some stages of the brewing process can use the the vendor.”
same type of hoses, such as the transfer of beer
from one vessel to another in either the heating Williams from Alliance Hose & Rubber Co.
stage or to the kegging process. However, brewers said breweries should get their S.T.A.M.P.E.D
who are also making sours, distilled liquors or selt- information to the hose and fitting supplier.
zers will need to use specific hoses for these pro- “S.T.A.M.P.E.D. is an acronym used to get all the
cesses.” correct details of the application so that the safest
and most proper hose and tubing system can be
For example, Williams said that brewers tend to provided,” he said.
use a different cover color and fitting when making Here’s what the acronym stands for to help brew-
sour beers. eries be as safe as possible while using these prod-
ucts:
“This ensures that the same hose is not used in
the regular brewing process and that sour hoses S = Size (i.d. and o.d.) and length.
are only used for sour beers,” he said. “When dis- T = Temperature (product transferred & atmo-
tilling or making seltzers, it is highly recommended sphere).
that brewers use a higher-proof-capable FDA hose A = Application (what is the hose being used for).
with a wire reinforcement so that the hose can be
grounded to the system and not cause a potential M = Media (what is being transferred).
fire hazard.” P = Pressure.

Finally, Williams said that proper tubing and fit- E = Ends (fitting type).
tings should be used when higher concentrations D = Delivery (how soon the product is needed).
of cleaning chemicals are in the brewing system or
when transferring flavorings into the brewing pro- Regarding safety, another resource is the Master
cess. Alliance Hose offers phone consultations – as Brewers Association of the Americas’ Safety
well as on-site visits for breweries in the Elmhurst, Toolbox Talk that discusses hose fitting attach-
Illinois area – to assist in selecting hoses and their ment methods in practical terms with helpful visual
safe use. depictions.

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