Inn Doctor

Carlsberg Vortex Tap

Our intrepid reporter has noticed the replacement of the much vaunted “Vortex” tap on Carlsberg dispensers throughout the UK. Introduced sometime ago as part of the “who can serve the fastest pint arms race” the Vortex tap was a high tech response by Carlsberg to the Fosters hit tap.

Apparently capable of serving a pint in under 14 seconds, the Vortex was a good piece of kit, but not without one or two problems. The replacement seems to be a standard Alumasc type tap,with Export and Carlsberg handles fitted.

Here is a tip for those who have had replacement taps fitted and are perhaps experiencing either too fast or too lively dispense problems.Next time your friendly Technician calls make him a cup of tea and get him to check the flow controls on the Carlsberg taps have been readjusted to suit the new taps.

While we are on the subject of designers and drip trays. What about the Carling Font yet another dispenser designed by people who don’t have to work with it. The taps aren’t really designed for hooking bucket handles while cleaning and the tray has one of those slopes that you have to balance the bucket on. So how many of you have had a bucket full, fall to the floor, it has happened to me twice now and I don’t think that will be the final count.

Guinness are such a big company, they must spend millions on Research and Development yet they design a Font with such a flimsy drip tray all it needs is for you to use a large bucket when cleaning the lines and that’s it broken! If the whole world and his dog can see the error of such a flimsy design how come the Guinness Designers can’t! However, one redeeming feature is if you phone Tech Services they will post one out to you straight away.

• When beer stops coming through the tap, this means the keg is empty.
• In the cellar disconnect empty keg and connect a full keg.
• Bleed the fob detector through the small valve that is at the top.
• Make sure the fob glass is full to the top. Close valve after use.
• Then and only then press the release button upwards.
• And check that the ball rises to the top of the fob glass.
• When fob detector glass is full and the ball is at the top, pull the release button back down into the down position.
• Do not leave ball release button in the up position.

Note:

• Some fob detectors have a button on the side. Use as above only push in and pull out, instead of press up and pull down.
• Others types may have a rotary switch. Follow the same procedure, but using the switch in the correct operating sequence as above.

If lager is to be dispensed correctly and without waste it should be served chilled at temperatures between 4 and 6 degrees centigrade. Coolers are used to reduce the temperature of the lager. These are either flash coolers or remote coolers.

You will see flash coolers generally below the lager dispenser. Make sure they are switched on, and that the grill is free from blockage.

Remote coolers are also used, but as well as cooling your lager products, they also cool other products on the bar. These coolers are usually located near the cellar. Make sure they are switched on. Make sure your electric pump is switched on and primed or if you have GasPump make sure that it hasn’t been inadvertently turned off.

Other causes of fobbing lager may be due to poor line cleaning procedures or the lager dispensing too quickly, the dispense speed for lager should be between 13 and 18 seconds per pint depending on the product. Stella is one of the few to have an adjustable tap; otherwise you will have to call your local Tech Services to service it.

• Is the Electric pump switched on and primed. To prime press the prime button on the electric box above the pump, the motor should run and shut off, there should be a small light that will indicate this.
• Is the gas turned on to the keg coupler? (Perhaps it hasn’t been switched back on after cleaning the lines).Gas is needed to push the beer from the container to the pump, if this isn’t happening the pump will not prime and continue running. This will also cause fobbing problems.
• Make sure the keg in use is full and the keg coupler is fully depressed.
• If the motor still runs on contact your local Technical Services.

Make sure the keg is full and the gas is turned on.

This could be caused by a faulty extractor within the keg. Change the keg, and bleed the fob detector, checking if the glass fills up correctly.

If it still fills with gas, the problem may lie with the keg connector.

• Firstly make sure the extractor on the top of the keg is free from dirt or bits of plastic.
• Check that the rubber seal on the bottom of the keg connector is in place and in good condition, free from splits.
• If your local technician has instructed you on how to change these seals, and left you spares, damaged seals should be replaced.

If the float still keeps dropping contact your local Technical Services.

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