CleverClear

Why does it matter if beer lines are dirty?
Good hygiene is essential to prevent a food safety hazard. Contaminated lines can lead to hazy beers with a poor palate that can cause sickness.

How often should beer lines be cleaned?
Beer is classified as a food under The Food Safety Regulations (1995) and the same standards of hygiene should therefore be applied to cellars as to kitchens. Cleanliness of dispense equipment is essential to maintain high standards of quality, and The Beer Quality and Safety Panel stress that the objective of line cleaning is to maintain a constant state of hygiene and not to wait for yeast to accumulate. The guidance therefore recommends the cleaning of beer and cider dispenses systems at least every seven days.

Are beer lines normally cleaned according to the guidelines?
The most quality conscious landlords ensure that their lines are contamination
free. However, due to the nature of line cleaning and the related time and expense, these recommendations are often not adhered to.

What if cleaning solution is left in the lines for prolonged periods?
If it is left soaking for more than two hours flavour contamination may occur, and it may damage the lines.

Can you re-use diluted detergent?
No, as it rapidly loses its cleaning properties.

Is the cleaning solution hazardous?
Yes - if you do not adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines regarding dilution and handling. While manually cleaning lines you should always use protective clothing, goggles and gloves. Also, make sure that you add the detergent to the water – doing the reverse can result in severe burns.

How is the LCS1 different to other line cleaning systems?
Other line cleaning systems replicate the traditional manual process. This method of cleaning lines is inherently flawed because it is time-based. i.e. by cleaning the lines for a certain duration you are assuming that the lines are clean. Moreover, if the lines are not very contaminated you are wasting your valuable time and cleaning solution. Equally concerning, is the possibility that cleaning solution can remain the lines at the end of the cleaning cycle. The LCS1 is based on a fundamentally different approach. We believe that the only way to ensure that the lines are free from all contaminants, including line cleaning solution, is to continuously monitor the fluid passing through the lines.

Why do other systems have a range of cleaning programs that can be used?
Time-based systems rely on the user to decide the duration of the cleaning cycle. As it is impossible to know how contaminated the lines are, this approach is based on guesswork, and so is fundamentally flawed. The LCS1 doesn’t require any guesswork – you start the Clean program, and it cleans the lines until they are free from all contaminants, regardless of how dirty they were!

The main feature of some systems is the ability to clean the lines very quickly. Why doesn’t the LCS1 mention the time it takes to clean the lines?
The time it takes to clean a line is dependent on how dirty it is, not how much time you have to clean it! Programs on some time-based systems may well be quick, but there is no guarantee that is has actually cleaned the lines. The PulseFlow™ system, which is unique to the LCS1, is the most efficient way of cleaning lines. This method may take just seconds to clean slightly contaminated lines, but will take as long as it needs to clean heavily soiled lines.

Due to my busy schedule, I must know exactly how long the program will last. Can I set a time limit on the LCS1?
What is the point of running the program if you don’t know if the lines are clean?! We are aware that you lead busy lives, so have designed the LCS1 to be scheduled to run whilst you are not around. For example, at the end of business you can connect the system to all of your taps, and schedule the Clean program to run just before you get back to work. When you come back in, all of the lines will be free from contaminants and cleaning solution - just connect the coupling back to the kegs, and press Resume for the program to flush the water through.

What if I just want to flush the lines during a cask change?
Just connect the LCS1 to the relevant pump, and start the Flush program. This will flush until all beer is removed.

Is it difficult to operate?
No. Unlike other systems, the LCS1 is very easy to operate. There are no programs to learn, and it provides you with information throughout the cycle to let you know what’s going on.

Other cleaning systems use air or gas to clear the cleaning solution out at the end of the cleaning cycle. Why is this not done with the LCS1?
This method for the removal of cleaning solution can be dangerous, and is not recommended. As the air is pushed through the system, it crystallizes the cleaning solution on to the walls of the lines. When the beer is pulled back through the line, the crystalline solution dissolves back into the beer, which you will then be serving to your customers.

Can it clean cider lines?
Yes, the system can clean all beer, lager, cask ales, stout, and cider lines.

Does it interfere with any of the brewery’s equipment?
No. The system is completely standalone. The only connection is a feed from the mains water supply, and a connection to the drainage.

As there are no wires, is it reliable?
There are no wires with the LCS1. It uses state of the art radio frequency communication, and is completely reliable, due to addressing protocols.

What if the water supply stops?
A comprehensive diagnostic system provides information via the display on the bar and cellar modules.

What happens if there is a power failure?
The LCS1 has been designed to store the current cleaning routine in its long term memory. When the power is switched back on the system will simply carry on from when it left off.

Is it safe?
Yes. The user has no contact with cleaning solution or contaminated fluid, so there are no health and safety issues.

Is there any possibility of line cleaning solution remaining in the line?
No. Unlike manual cleaning methods and time-based line cleaning systems, we guarantee that all cleaning solution is removed from the line.

Will the system still operate if I run out of cleaning solution during the cycle?
No. Unlike many other systems, the LCS1 has intelligent sensors in the chemical container, which inform the controller to stop the system. At this point the system informs the user and waits for them to replace the cleaning solution bottle. Once replaced, the system will resume with the clean.

Can I use this system to clean all of the lines simultaneously in my pub?
Yes. Unlike other systems, the LCS1 can clean up to 80 lines at any one time. Even this can potentially be increased if your needs change. This means the LCS1 can grow with your business.

Other cleaning systems allow you to manually pull through the beer at the end of the cycle, can I do this?
Yes, of course. The LCS1 has a manual override for all of the main functions.

How large is the LCS1?
The system has been designed such that it does not require a large tank of water, a high power water pump, or large control system. This makes it the smallest electronic line cleaning system in the world.

How much does the CleverClear LCS1 cost?
The LCS1 is typically supplied on a lease arrangement. The weekly cost is dependent on the number of lines in your premises, but we guarantee that is will be less than it costs to clean the lines using traditional methods. To see how much it costs you to manually clean your lines, check out our wastage calculator.

What if I change my mind and don’t want to keep the LCS1?
We are so confident that you will be happy with the LCS1, that if you change your mind in the first month, we will take out the system at no charge! After this period, we ask that you provide three months’ notice.

Do I need to service the system?
The LCS1 is made with high quality components, and does not require regular servicing. However, we will carry out an annual check of the entire system, and will be on site if you have any problems within 72 hours.

What if it breaks down?
If it breaks down, we will replace it within 72 hours, free of charge. The system has manual override, so that you will never be left with dirty lines.

Is there somebody I can phone if I need help?
We have a dedicated Helpline that is manned within office hours. Out of hours, you can leave a phone message or email, which will be attended to immediately the next day

I already have a time-based line cleaning system installed. Can I still have an LCS1?
You should check the details of any contract you may have in place with your existing provider. As the LCS1 is wireless, and does not interfere with proprietary equipment, it can be easily installed in any premises.

I want an LCS1. What do I do next?
Speak to us. We will come and visit your premises, and offer you a weekly lease that is less than it currently costs to clean your lines using traditional methods.

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