Testing Glycol System

[happytappy]

I am a newbie with enough knowledge to be dangerous. I am working with an older glycol system that doesn't want to cool below 46 degrees F. That is temp temp of the beer at the faucet. It is circulating glycol and is adjusted to the coldest setting. The glycol level is okay and the walkin/product temperature is 34-36 degrees. My questions are as follows.
1. What temp should the glycol resevoir (bath) be if ambient is 60 F.?

2. How can you test efficiency of the glycol itself (hydrometer, lab) ?

To make matters worse, the new owners of this system know nothing about it and with out a dissasembly, I can not tell if the towers (2 X 4 product) are true glycol units or how long the run is. I am assuming 40-50 foot.

Thanks for the help

Beer is good

[Beer Dr]

What is your glycol temp? You seem to have taken the temp. in the cooler, at the faucet, and the ambient air but noticably left out the glycol temp.

[happytappy]

I did not take a reading, at least did not write it down, of the glycol bath. It was much colder than the ambient but seemed warmer than the cooler. Should the glycol be at dispense temp ? or should it be slightly warmer due to heat exchange.
Thanks for the previous reply.

Beer is good

[happytappy]

I might have found my own answer, glycol is supposed to be 32 F+/- 2 F. Is that correct.

Beer is good

[wineglow]

Anheuser - Bush says 29 degrees. Most new chain restaurants set them at 30F.

[Scott Zuhse]

The glycol chiller should turn off at 29 degrees and turn back on about 32. Be certain that the condenser is clean with no dust accumulation. Also, be certain that the thermostat bulb is submersed in the bath and not against the coils. Hopefully the bath is not freezing against these coils.

Use a refractometer to test the glycol freeze point. You should have around a zero to five plus degree bath freeze point on most units less thin plate heat exchangers (no coils).

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[happytappy]

Scott and All,
Thank for the input. Glycol bath is not even near that cold. I checked the condensor coils (automotive background) and made sure it is breathing properly. I have a refractometer from wine making and pop brix-ing days and will check. Thank again.
Jim

Beer is good