All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(109912 products available)
When considering the variety of beer pumps available, one must not limit such a selection to merely manual or electric. Each type, with its power source and purpose, is tailored to meet precise needs and situations. Therefore, understanding the diverse types of beer pumps is crucial when it comes to serving beer – in any space, efficiency, and taste appeal.
Hand-operated beer pumps rely on physical labour to dispense beer. Usually, steel or brass alloy is the primary block material for this type of pump. These pumps are ideal for locations where beer is dispensed occasionally or for short periods. For example, hand pumps can often be seen at outdoor beer gardens or at breweries that are still part of the craftsman tradition. A hand beer pump can be an asset due to the low initial costs and ease of use. However, demand should be considered.
Electric beer pumps are ideal for commercial breweries and bars because they can pump beer more efficiently using power. They can be simple, requiring a connection to a power source. Still, they are a crucial part of high-capacity beer dispensing operations because of their consistency and speed. Electric beer pumps can be found in large-scale operations. They are preferred for their speed and efficiency when pumping large volumes of beer.
These pumps are immersed in the beer or any liquid they are meant to move. Submersible beer pumps are primarily used for moving beer from one container to another. They are often used in wineries for large storage tank operations before the packaging of the beer. Since all the components of a submersible pump are sealed, it is a good choice for transporting beer with minimum exposure to air. This feature helps maintain the beer's flavour and carbonation, making it ideal for sensitive varieties.
This centrifugal pump has broad applicability due to its speed and efficiency. The main feature of this pump is that its operation depends on a rotating mechanism, which basically helps draw the liquid to the centre, thus pushing it outwards. This type of pump can move large volumes of beer. It finds its use in commercial breweries. Its main attributes are effective preservation of liquid components and the ability to function smoothly.
Beer pumps are employed in various areas within a brewery, including the transfer of ingredients during brewing, moving beer from fermentation tanks to kegs, and the final packaging process. Different beer pumps are chosen depending on the amount of output required for that specific task, and the types of pumps range in size and complexity from hand-operated ones for small batches to large electric pumps for massive production.
Pubs and bars are other common methods of dispensing draught beer. Beer pumps in these places are an essential part of delivering a tasty and cold product to buyers. The type of pump used most often depends on the amount of business conducted by the bar, the size of the space, and how far the beer has to be piped to reach the tap. Automation and variety mean that all pumps can function reliably and have attractive beer for the customers.
When beer is transported and delivered, a pump is used to ensure that the beer's quality is retained throughout its movement. For instance, during tank transfers between breweries and distribution centres or when transporting kegs to retailers/ bars, beer pumps play an integral role. Pumps like submersible and centrifugal types that are congenially suited for long-distance travel are mainly used in this industry.
Events and festivals are other places where beer pumps come in handy, especially when a large crowd is to be served within a short time. Portable beer pumps are convenient for this type of service since they are easy to set up and can dispense beer fast. The kind of beer pumps used for both university-sponsored events and music festivals is usually electric or manual, depending on how many beers are needed for sale in one hour.
Beer pumps are critical in maintaining the quality and flavour of the product during movement within a brewery. Any exposure to air will affect the beer; hence, a good quality beer pump is essential in transferring the beer from one vessel to another. The pumps of choice are generally submersible and centrifugal, helping to preserve the initial composition of the beer with no contact with air.
Maximum flow rate
The flow rates vary widely based on the kind of pump, but common ranges are from 2 to 20 gallons per minute. Bars and breweries, which dispense beer in large quantities, favour pumps with high flow rates.
Power requirements
Manual beer pumps are independent of any electrical power source, while electric beer pumps require varying amounts of electrical energy, from simple outlets mostly found in residential areas to heavy industrial generators.
Materials
Brass, stainless steel, and sometimes, food-grade plastic are common materials of construction applied in beer pumps. Stainless steel or brass is predominantly used because these metals do not corrode and can maintain the hygienic condition of the beer. The types that are intended for outdoor events or situations where they may be exposed to the elements feature durable plastic construction.
Maximum pressure rating
The average range of pump pressure is often between 5 to 15 psi, depending on the type of pump and its intended use. For maintaining beer foam, this pressure is good, and higher pressure levels can improve movement through the system. This is especially desirable in large places where the beer has to travel very far through the piping.
Some pumps may require a little assembly before their first use. This is especially so for electric pumps, where parts such as the motor and pump casing need to be joined together. Other components such as hoses and connectors must be integrated before the apparatus is placed on the tap or beer containers.)
Mounting the pump
The pump should be placed near the container or tap to limit the length of beer lines. If it is an electric pump, the electricity must be connected to power sources such as sockets or generators. Manual pumps need nothing in terms of operation beyond where they will be placed to all users, which will be where the users are comfortable using them.
Connecting beer lines
Attach a hose or a beer line to both the inlet and outlet of the pump. Seal the connections tightly using appropriate tools. The other end of the outlet line goes to the tap or keg, and the inlet line comes from the keg or the beer tank. Ensure all connections are tight and there is no risk of leaking.
Priming the pump
This means forcing a little liquid through it before using it; doing this is important as it prevents the pump from getting damaged through usage without any liquid being put through it. For electric pumps, ensure a little beer is drawn into the pump.
Testing
The last thing to do after doing all these is to turn on the pump to test when using electric beer pumps. Let them dispense some beer to see if they dispense beer properly. There is little to no wrong with manual pumps; all users should prepare the presidency.
Draught beer
The pump should be placed within the keg or container that holds the beer, and then the lever or button should be activated to commence the flow of beer. Pumps dispense beer through the tap while manual ones require the user to pull a handle to draw the beer.
Cask ale
A distinct characteristic of cask ale is that it contains naturally formed carbon dioxide within it. The beer is poured from the cask to the hand pump and the user must draw back the lever located on the hand pump to pull a cask of the beer from the cask to dispel. There is no need for a lot of air pressure.
Bottled beer
To dispense bottled beer, a fermentation attachment is attached to the pump and the beer bottle is placed in the attachment. The lever on the pump is then engaged to dispense beer, thus equalising pressure and allowing the beer to flow through the attachment. The bottle was protected from direct contact with air during this process.
Keg beer
When a connector that is attached to a keg of beer is attached to a pump, the beer flows right through the pump and out of the tap. The pump is turned on to allow the beer to flow out of the tap. This is done by creating a channel from the keg to the tap through which the beer can flow.
Regular cleaning
All parts of a beer pump should be regularly cleaned after every use in a sanitation process to prevent beer contamination and the growth of bacteria. The pump and all lines connected to it should be rinsed with warm, soapy water, and a proper cleaning solution should be used to rinse all parts that come into direct contact with beer.
Checking for leaks
Users are advised to routinely examine the beer pump for potential signs of leaking at the connected lines and joints. Minor leaking can be a problem because it can trigger wastage of resources and changes in beer taste. Replace lines or tighten connections to fix a detected leak.
Replacing worn parts
Wear gaskets, seals, and hoses, which could affect the total effectiveness of beer pumps with time. Make it a point to change any worn-out parts immediately so as not to compromise functionality. A sure sign that a part needs to be replaced is that it is either showing signs of wear and tear or the performance is declining.
Checking electrical connections
There is also an electrical beer pump, which is essential to ensure that all connections are in good condition to dispense beer. Check wires for stubby and dry connections. Other machines, including generators, are used with which the pump should be electrically connected so that dispensation can occur.
Lubricating moving parts
Motors, wheels, and bearings in electric and some centrifugal pumps have to be lubricated with appropriate pump lubricants. It increases efficiency. Lubricants should only be used on devices that need them, as stated in the manufacturer's manual. This would also lead to a reduction in friction and wear on the parts, increasing their life span.
A1. Yes. Beer pumps are usable outside, especially kinds of portable ones that are designed explicitly for outdoor use, as they are durable, compact, and easy to move around.
A2. To make a beer pump work better, ensure it is regularly serviced, cleaned, and maintained to ensure optimal performance and beer quality.
A3. The average lifespan of a beer pump differs, depending on how frequently and commonly it is used. Most pumps can last from three to eight years before they must be replaced. This is, however, subject to the frequency of use and level of maintenance.
A4. All beer pumps are manufactured to aptly dispense beer while maintaining its carbonation. However, a champagne or any other beer pump is formulated to fit the specifics of a beer, especially with a higher carbonation level, to ensure the stability of that champagne pump.
A5. A manual beer pump requires physical labour to push beer out of the pump, which is often done by pulling a handle or lever. That varies from a few ounces to several pints, depending on the efficiency of the operator.
