Beer FOB Maintenance What You Need To Know

A foam on beer FOB is a piece of equipment that helps you avoid wasting profits. This beer detector will shut off the flow of foam when your keg blows, ensuring the beer lines remain full of liquid. The FOB allows the line to stay packed full of beer instead of foam and helps keep lines flowing at all times. Make sure this piece of equipment is always working correctly. To do this you need to know how to maintain it properly!

Here’s a Draft Beer System Repair and Solutions Checklist for your Bar

Understanding Beer FOB Detectors

Beer FOB detectors, also known as Foam on Beer detectors, are essential components in long-draw beer dispensing systems. These devices are designed to detect when a beer keg is emptied, preventing foam from entering the beer lines and reducing beer waste. The FOB detector operates using a float mechanism that rises and falls with the beer level in the keg. When the keg empties, the float drops, triggering the detector to shut off the beer flow. This simple yet effective mechanism ensures that the beer line remains full of solid beer, minimizing beer loss and maintaining the quality of the beer being served.

How FOB Detectors Work and Their Benefits

FOB detectors function through a combination of a float and a sensor. As the beer level in the keg drops, so does the float. When the keg empties, the float reaches a point that triggers the sensor to shut off the beer flow. This prevents foam from entering the beer lines, which can cause significant beer waste. The benefits of using a FOB detector are numerous: they reduce beer waste, minimize beer loss, and ensure that the beer line remains full of solid beer. Additionally, FOB detectors enhance the overall efficiency of the beer system and reduce the risk of serving contaminated beer, making them a valuable addition to any beer dispensing setup.

Here's a great video talking about the Perlick FOB. There are some great points that apply to all FOBS, and worth the 4 minutes to watch.

Maintaining Beer Lines with a Beer FOB

Maintaining a FOB is pretty simple. You should check your fobs for wear and tear every couple of weeks when cleaning a remote beer system. FOBs should be disassembled quarterly and cleaned completely. To do this, take the FOB off its mounting bracket, break it down, soak it in a caustic solution for at least 15 minutes, rinse, and put it back together.

During regular scheduled beer cleans every two weeks, check the FOB to make sure everything is in working order and there isn't an extreme buildup of yeast or mold. Cleaning with a recirculating pump is best practice when running caustic and acid through a beer system.

How to Clean a Beer FOB to Ensure Proper Beer Flow

• Disconnect the Beer Fob from the draft beer system by unscrewing the beer nuts to the beer coupler and the beer nut to the beer trunkline. Hold a bucket below the FOB to catch beer exiting from the FOB.
• Remove the FOB from the wall mount by pushing up. This will cause the FOB to release from the bracket
• Work over a table or surface when you are disassembling the FOB.
• Loosen the vent assembly on top of the FOB. Pull out the compression spring and Oring. You might need a knife or flathead screwdriver to get this loose.
• Loosen the FOB chamber from the base as well as the O-ring.
• Remove the Cap with pliers. Push the snap lock forward to release it. Remove the cap from the FOB assembly.
• Use a soft cloth if needed to wipe organic matter off the glass. Don't use a hard brush because this could scratch it.
• Mix a 2-3 percent solution of Caustic in warm water. Place all parts in this solution for at least 15 minutes to soak completely
• Take a nylon brush and scrub parts in the solution. Check the gaskets that are in good working order. If they're damaged in any way replace them. Also, check the compression spring.
• After scrubbing rinse the parts thoroughly with cold water. Put FOB back together.
• When you clean a FOB it's also good to look over any other dispensing equipment that may need service. Such equipment as a beer coupler, beer pump, or Flojet reversal valve.
• Lastly, after the FOB is back on the wall mount. Purge the FOB and fill the viewing glass with beer so that the float is up.

The Beer Fob is an essential piece to a long draw or remote beer system. Make sure to run caustic through the FOB every 2 weeks with a recirculating pump. This is the best way to clean a remote beer system. Every quarter take the FOB apart completely and soak in a bucket of 2-3 percent caustic. Rinse the FOB, put it back together, and charge it when it's reinstalled. Doing these things will make sure your FOB stays fully operational for years to come, and your draft beer tastes great.

Choosing the Right Beer FOB Detector

When selecting a beer FOB detector, several factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance. First, assess the type of beer system you have. Long-draw beer systems require a FOB detector that can handle the specific pressure and flow rate of the system. Next, consider the material of the detector. Stainless steel and polycarbonate are popular choices due to their durability and ease of cleaning. Ease of installation and maintenance is another crucial factor; look for a detector that is straightforward to install and requires minimal upkeep. Finally, consider the cost. FOB detectors can vary in price, ranging from under $100 to over $140, depending on their features and quality. Balancing these factors will help you choose the right beer FOB detector for your needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Beer FOB Detectors

To ensure your beer FOB detector operates effectively, avoid these common mistakes. First, ensure the detector is installed correctly. Improper installation can lead to faulty operation and reduced effectiveness. Regular cleaning and maintenance are also crucial; neglecting this can result in contamination and decreased performance. Additionally, make sure to choose a detector compatible with your beer system. Using an incompatible detector can increase beer waste and reduce efficiency. Lastly, train your staff on the proper use and maintenance of the detector. Proper training ensures the detector is used correctly, maximizing its benefits and reducing beer waste.

Conclusion

Beer FOB detectors are vital components in long-draw beer dispensing systems, helping to reduce beer waste, minimize beer loss, and ensure that the beer line remains full of solid beer. By understanding how FOB detectors work and their benefits, choosing the right detector, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your beer system runs efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re a bar owner, brewer, or beer enthusiast, investing in a quality beer FOB detector is a smart move that will improve the quality and consistency of your beer, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for your customers.

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