The Importance of Sealing Your Valves - Brewery Edition
You've probably seen the video. A Minnesota brewery worker had an unexpected surprise when a stream of beer exploded out of a brewery container, sending him flying backwards. Brendan Babcock, a brewer at Back Channel Brewing Co., was checking a brewery container in January when ale suddenly shot out of a tank valve.
The stream pushed him backwards, sending him barrelling to the floor, where he landed on his back. Babcock leapt to his feet and ran back to the container. He attempted to close the leak as beer sputtered out of the hole, spraying everywhere.
As he struggled, another employee rushed to help, avoiding the stream himself.
The video, posted in early February, quickly racked up millions of views. With the viral video making the rounds, Back Channel Brewing Co took the opportunity to market their brew - "Blow Back" - a 6.5 percent New England IPA.
'The best beer of the weekend is now on tap,' the brewery wrote, adding: 'It's limited.'
Babcock took the moment in stride as he left his own comment under the company's online post. 'I had to get a sneak peak of how good the beer tasted,' he laughed.
Back Channel Brewing Co. is located in Spring Park, a city nestled on the bank of Lake Minnetonka. The brewery advertises itself as a 'family-friendly taproom experience' and regularly hosts food trucks and live music events.
The video shows the importance of sealing your valves and equipment as well as proper installation.
First and foremost: Safety
The selection of your seals and gaskets is imperative to the safety of your employees and wellbeing of your equipment. Ensuring you have the proper material and correct size can help maximize the overall safety of your operation.
Second, the installation of your seals in your equipment is imperative to the safety and longevity of your machinery. The seals are in place to help prevent contamination, specifically from dirt and debris getting into the machine, and prevent leaks.
Lastly, if required, ensuring both the proper amount of lubrication is adhered to, and the correct amount of torque is administered on any gaskets installed on flanges or other pieces of equipment.
Should you have any questions about sealing your equipment, or if your team needs training, Gallagher Fluid Seals can help. Contact us today.