Glycol Chiller – What the Heck is This Thing?

The heart of a glycol chilled system is the power pack, a refrigeration unit chilling food grade anti-freeze (glycol). The chilled glycol is then pumped through insulated trunk line containing the beer lines. Power packs are sized for the length of run between the cooler and the faucet. If your tower is sweating – your glycol system is doing its job!

Why do you need it? Let's look at the basic physics. Beer & gas in solution are very reactive to temperature changes.

Any variation from cooler temperatures running in the 36F-38F causes the gas to rapidly expand. That means huge foaming at the tap, warm beer, and unhappy customers. A glycol chiller mishap can cause the whole system to go down, and along with main unit problems, add up to an expensive repair job. Sadly, this is often the case and could have been prevented with reasonable maintenance!

Tip:

Glycol freeze point should be 0-15 degrees F

Every glycol system needs to be looked over at least quarterly.

That means:

• Checking glycol dilution with a refractometer

• Cleaning condenser coils & grate

• Check thermostat

• Inspecting pumps and insulation.

Some companies charge extra for this, but if you have a monthly service account, Tap Works includes this with your quarterly visit!