Small Refirg Conversion (away from frig)

[Danny]

Hello, I am looking to install a keg system in a smaller bar fridge, where the tap is in the bar top a few feet away (aka not connected to the fridge). I would like to tap the fridge on the side, then mount the tap in the bar. Any advice on how to find the connections to put on the fridge to connect hose inside and outside? thanks, Dan Dallas TX

[cedarstripe]

Hello
I'm wondering how far I can run a hose from fridge to tap tower. THe bar I'm building will have keg fridge in adjacent room about 15 feet or maybe 20. Is this too much hose to run without getting warm yukky beer? Thanks in advance for any possible help!

BB

[mmwmike]

We are always asked how far away from the fridge the tower can be mounted. Please keep in mind: beer is a food product and needs to be refrigerated. That being said, the beer needs to be kept cold from the keg all the way to the faucet. Both of you want to build what is referred to as a "remote system." The simplest remote system is with an air shaft and a blower. Please see this diagram: http://www.micromatic.com/category.php?cid=530
This shows a double duct system, unfortunately our diagram of a single duct system has not been posted to the site yet. The objective of both systems is to have a continuous flow of cold air from the refrigerator circulating around the beer line. If you just wrap the beer line with insulation, the beer will heat up in the line and you will have foam in every glass.

You can create an air shaft from PVC wrapped with insulation. Mount a blower (http://www.micromatic.com/category.php?cid=151) in the refrigerator. You will need to use 3/8" I.D. hose for most of the run from the keg, and then splice on 3' of 3/16" I.D. for the final run to the faucet.

Mike Godwin, Micro Matic USA, Inc. Northridge, CA

[Pain in a Dirty Glass]

Hi I wanted to set up a remote dispensing system about 3 or 4 feet away from the refrigerator similar to a real Bar set up. However, I work for a living and would like to forgo the additional expense of a remote cooling system . Building the refrigerator under the Bar and passing it straight up is not an option I want to consider due to the construction of my Bar. Are their alternative methods for remote cooling at a minimum expense such as insulated lines, or a glycol chiller plate with a circulator incorperated into the refrigerator unit which can be used . I would like to use the remote system for special occasions and then possible blow the line clean of all beer and sanitize the line .........

[Scott Zuhse]

Exactly how far do you need to route the line from the refrigerator to the faucet?

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[Pain in a Dirty Glass]

[quote]Originally posted by mmcscott

Exactly how far do you need to route the line from the refrigerator to the faucet? The line would pass 2 ft to a cold plate in a stainless ice box. Then to the tower about a foot away. I could insulate the line to keep the beer cold while in use. the blow the remote line clean and use a tower connected to the refgerator.

[Robocop]

I am also installing the fridge under my counter, I will have the line come out the rear-top of the fridge, then run up to the top of the bar counter, I will have approx, 15-16" going from the back of the fridge to the faucet. Do you need to find away to cool it. It isn't a very long run.

[Scott Zuhse]

Beer has gas. If you set the CO2 pressure at the keg temperature (preferably 38F) but the temperature at the tower is 44F you will have a significant amount of waste when you attempt to dispense. The 38F beer will eventually chill this area and waste will cease. Unfortunately, this is called a beer chilled system. Search prior posts to find solutions to this issue.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute