Q - There's no gas coming out of my blender, what is the problem?
A - Check that an adequate supply of both Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Nitrogen (N2) gases. The Trumix® Gas Blender is designed to shut down if either the CO2 or the nitrogen run out. Running just CO2 or just nitrogen through the blender will ruin the beer, though this is not possible under normal operating conditions.
1. Ensure that the supply gases have adequate pressure of panel operation adjust as necessary.
2. Locate the input gas connection tubes: (2) one for CO2 one for Nitrogen (N2.) They are normally the tubes closest to the wall. Locate the label that is affixed to gas connection face (normally bottom facing the ground.) This label lists the minimum and maximum inlet pressures for the blender as well as the unit’s serial number. Adjust the supply gas regulators to the appropriate minimum setting to ensure proper function. A good “rule of thumb” is to set the supply gas pressure to about 10 psi higher than the minimum recommendation on the panel and provide plenty of gas to the internal input pressure regulators.
3. Locate the mixed gas outlet pressure gauge(s) on the panel (TM-1, TM-2) face. The panel face labeling indicates their location.
a. New blender units come factory preset to 15 psi.
b. Installed and functioning units will be adjusted by the installing technician to meet the requirements of the draught system. In some cases, the installing technician will write the pressure setting with a marker close to the appropriate output pressure gauge. If not, pressure is indicated on the gauge and supply pressure is adequate. Pull the gray knob adjacent to the gauge out (away from panel.) Tt should move about 1/8” and make an audible click. Increase the pressure by turning the knob clockwise (either blend).
c. It is best if the mixed gas outlet ball valve(s) are closed during this procedure.
4. Locate the outlet ball valve(s) on the panel assembly (the front panel labeling indicates their location. Make sure they are on and supply gas to the rest of the draught system.
Q - I think I have the wrong blend. How do I change it?
A - Our blends are calibrated in house and can not be changed in the field. However, if your beer is pouring flat or foamy, it's likely that your blend or your applied pressure is wrong. Many of our national distributors sell a preset blender of 60% CO2, which generally works well for Ale and Lagers. However, this may not be the right blend for some applications. For example, if you are a brew pub pouring from a serving vessel, you are probably limited to 15 psi to push the beer. In that case, you probably need 80-85% CO2 rather than 60%.
There are two ways to determine the correct blend for your system.
- Use our Blend Calculator.
- Contact us and we'll help you calculate your blend.
Please contact our Sales Department toll-free at 888.735.5607 to discuss your options.
Q - My Beer is foamy and everything was working great until…. What happened?
A – Sudden changes in the pouring quality of your draught beer system are usually attributed to a temperature problem rather than a gas blend problem. Following are some troubleshooting tips for common draught system problems:
1. Check the liquid temperature of the beer in the keg storage area. Then, check the liquid temperature of the beer at the dispense location. In a properly designed and functioning draught system, the beer temperature at the dispense point should be within one degree (F) of the storage location. If the temperature between locations increases much more than two degrees (F,) excessive foaming can occur. Work with your local draught system technician or refrigeration company to correct the temperature situation. Please note in glycol cooled systems, the glycol needs to checked and replaced periodically to maintain efficiency. If the glycol does not appear to be circulating and the temperature is correct, the glycol pump may be malfunctioning.
2. Check the flow rate of the beer at the faucet. A “regular” (not nitrogenated) beer should pour at a flow rate of about 2 fluid ounces per second (2 oz/sec).
a. If the beer pours faster than 2 oz/sec, the agitation of the liquid pouring into the glass can cause excessive foaming. Check to make sure that the applied pressure to the keg has not been increased or that the system restriction is correct for the applied pressure. If using flow control faucets, check that the faucet adjustment is correct.
b. If a beer pours slower than 2 oz/sec, the beer may also be foamy. In this case, the cause may be incorrectly applied pressure to the keg (not enough pressure to overcome line restriction.) Check design pressure of the system and make sure the applied pressure to the keg is, at the minimum, equal to the system restriction. Beer in this condition may appear to trickle or cup as it comes out of the faucet. It may also appear as a stream of foam with little liquid beer. If using flow control faucets, check that the faucet adjustment is correct.
3. Check the cleanliness of the glassware that is being served. Improper washing, rinsing and storage processes can lead to beer pouring problems.
4. Consider if there has been recent changes that effect the draught system.
a. Were either of the gases changed recently? Are they on and at the proper setting to maintain system pressure?
b. Have the draught beer lines been cleaned recently?
c. Was the beer delivered within 24 hours? has it had time to cool to the correct temperature for dispense?
d. Have you been having problems with any element of refrigeration in the beer storage system?
e. Is the beer storage area used to store other food items? Is there foot traffic in and out of the cooler that may affect cooler temperature?
If the gas blend is still suspected after eliminating other possibilities, verify that the foaming problem occurs in the last 1/3 or less of the keg, depending on how long it has been in service. Keep in mind, the slowest moving product will show the effects of incorrect applied pressure and/or blend.
Q - How do I get a McDantim Trumix® Blender?
A - Jump to our Distributor's Page and find a representative near you or contact us.
Q - Can I use compressed air instead of nitrogen.
A - McDantim does not recommend using air in your draught beer systems because the quality of the flavor of the beer is greatly compromised. Even perfectly filtered air will ruin beer because of its oxygen content. It has been our experience that the cost of nitrogen vs. compressed air is comparable, so why risk contaminating your beer supply with air.
Didn't find the information you were looking for? Contact us at 1-888-735-5607.