Part I, Section D: Draft Systems

Question 1

What are the 5 main elements of a draft system?

BES Card #38

Answer 1

1. Keg
2. Coupler
3. Gas propellant (CO2, or CO2 and N2 mix) attached to coupler
4. Foam on beer detector (FOB)
5. Faucet

Question 2

The Keg does what?

BES Card #39

Answer 2

Allows for storage and transport of beer.
Usually made of stainless steel
Sizes vary from 5 gal (1/6-barrel) to 15.5 gal (1/2-barrel).
Has a valve to attach the coupler.

Question 3

The coupler does what?

BES Card #40

Answer 3

Attaches to the keg
Has a fitting for the propellant gas
Has an outlet for beer transmission to the faucet

Question 4

The FOB does what?

BES Card #41

Answer 4

Foam-on-beer detector.
Automatically stops the flow when the keg is low on beer.
Saves beer–and money–by preventing foam from entering the lines when switching kegs.
Can be wall-mounted or part of the coupler.

Question 5

The faucet does what?

BES Card #42

Answer 5

The “tap” that dispenses beer.
Screws onto the shank.
Tap marker (“tap handle”) identifies the beer

Question 6

What is the standard temperature of a draft beer system?

BES Card #43

Answer 6

38 degrees F
3.3 C

Question 7

How long must a keg be refrigerated before dispensing?

BES Card #44

Answer 7

24 hours, or else it will foam

Question 8

Who may adjust gas pressure to kegs?

BES Card #45

Answer 8

Only a draft-trained technician may adjust gas pressure to kegs

Question 9

What are the 4 basic ways to troubleshoot a draft system?

BES Card #46

Answer 9

1. Refrigerate the keg for 24 hours
2. Check that the coupler is engaged
3. Check for kinks or pinches in the beer line
4. Check that the FOB is set for service

Question 10

How often should draft systems be cleaned?

BES Card #47

Answer 10

Every 2 weeks. Every 3 months for a complete FOB and coupler cleaning