In an attempt to alleviate the shortcomings of manual line cleaning, automated line cleaning systems have been introduced. These systems have dealt with some of the disadvantages of manual cleaning, but they are typically time-based and do not satisfactorily address the problems of wastage and unreliable quality. Moreover, they are still susceptible to human error, and cannot guarantee clean lines.

Use of human resources

• Time-based automated line cleaning systems still require bar staff to flush the remaining water through the lines at the end of the cleaning process.
• These systems cannot clean all of the lines at the same time, resulting in considerable human input.
• This can restrict the time of day when the system can be operated.

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Beer wastage

• Some systems enable the beer present in the lines at the start of the process to be sold, but beer is wasted at the end of the cleaning process as the user must decide when the beer is of a saleable quality.
• The volume wasted depends on the skill and experience of the person cleaning the lines (i.e. how long the taps are run), and the number of taps in the bar.

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Unreliable

• Time-based systems are inherently unreliable as they do not consider how contaminated the lines are, so it is impossible to guarantee the same level of cleanliness every time.
• Many time-based systems do not monitor the quantity of detergent remaining, and may continue to operate without adding detergent during the cleaning process.
• As time-based systems do not know if the lines are clean, the quality of the beer must still be determined at the end of the process, which is notoriously unreliable.

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Inefficient

• The time-based automated cleaning method is a one-size-fits-all solution. If there is not much contamination, it's a waste of time and detergent, but if the build up is severe, the lines may not be cleaned thoroughly.
• There is no guarantee that all the contaminants have been removed, even if the cleaning has been performed for the recommended duration.
• Cleaning solution is usually not allowed to steep in the system, and is flushed out immediately at high pressure, resulting in more detergent being used.
• Time-based systems do not have programmable start times or presets for initialising the cleaning operation.

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Unsafe

• With some systems, the user still has to handle concentrated detergent – a caustic substance that can cause severe burning.
• Previous line cleaning systems do not guarantee that the lines are free from cleaning solution, so there is a risk that the customer can be served contaminated beer.

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The CleverClear LCS1 is the only fully automated, completely reliable line cleaning system. Find out more >>