Ask The Brewmasters

Hey all, 

I'm looking for any information on the various types of sanitary/brewery hose fittings you can use in your brewery. We have some fittings on our hoses that are long, short, tapered and even rotate/spin which is quite handy. But what are the technical names or what are they called so we know what we want when placing a new order? Is there a guide somewhere on these fittings?

Also, how can you repair these hoses with a new ferrule if the hose gets damaged and you want to cut off a section and put a new fitting on?

Thanks so much

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Jay Waldner
Co-Founder
Zymurcracy Beer Company
Rapid City SD
(605) 791-0411
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Hi Jay

There are many connection types out there.  Tri-Clamp or Tri-Clover are likely the most common followed by DIN.  I'm sure we could play a good game of "name that fitting" with pictures if available.  I will say that hose fabrication companies are usually very knowledgeable in connections and would be able to help you out identify parts as well as help you with your hose questions. I can recommend someone if you are in search of a vendor.  After identification there are many sites to choose from for ordering with a sometimes wide range of prices depending on vendor and steel quality. 

I will say that it may very well depend on how the hose is damaged, age of the hose, and where the damage is to determine if a new end can be fitted.  Hose barb connections are easy to remove, install, and are less expensive.  They also pose some potential safety and quality risks.  Sanitary ends are a much more secure and sanitary fitting but do get fairly expensive.  We do not bother trying to repair hoses that have shown evidence of blistering as it can be hard to determine where the internal rupture of the hose occurred.  We did host a district Michigan presentation in the spring 2019 that was recorded and available in the district presentations section of the mbaa website.  There is a pdf and an audio recording that can be paired up and I believe will cover some of the different hose connection types

Not sure if these would work if you copy/paste them in your browser
https://www.mbaa.com/meetings/districtpresentations/DistrictPresentations/Discussion%20on%20Hose%20Systems.pdf
https://www.mbaa.com/meetings/districtpresentations/DistrictPresentations/Discussion%20on%20Hose%20Systems.mp3

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Louwrens Wildschut
Pilot Brewery Lead
Bell's Brewery Inc
Galesburg MI
(269) 250-8146
lwildschut@bellsbeer.com
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Hi Jay
I agree with Louwrens on the fittings and attachment methods. (Ferrules, Banding and Clamps) Tri-Clamp is the most common fitting. The long shanks are typically used in very low pressure applications in your brewery and should not be used for high pressure, high temperatures since they do not have a pressure rating. The short shanks can propose an even greater danger. I've worked with Louwrens and the team at Bell's fairly close when it comes to their assemblies. I'd be glad to have a phone chat with you to discuss further and see what we can do about getting you some addition education material(s).
Cheers! 708-932-8386
I also uploaded tool box talk I wrote on attachment methods.

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Rob Williams
Sales Manager
Alliance Hose & Rubber
Elmhurst, Il
708-932-8386
rwilliams@alliancehose.com
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