Thank you for purchasing the BLM 2000 Beer Line Maintainer – The New Concept in Beer Line Maintenance.

The BLM 2000 is a new concept in beer line maintenance and we, BLM Technologies, would like you to become familiar with its operation. Please take the time to read the following notes and installation instructions.

How Does it Work?

Inside a keg, beer enjoys a sterile environment whereby optimum quality of the product can be maintained. The moment beer flows from the keg, it enters a world of non-sterile supply lines, valves, joints and taps. This non-sterile environment is a haven in which yeast and bacteria thrive and reproduce, feeding all the while from the nutrients in the beer.

Regular use of chemicals of the correct strength should remove any build-up of contamination, but at a significant cost to the bar owner. Irregular cleaning routines result in thriving yeast and bacteria colonies, which results in foul smelling, tainted beer with poor presentation qualities.

The BLM 2000 is a device that generates an audio signal that is induced into the beer line via a Transponder. The audio signal varies in frequency and amplitude, to create an unfriendly environment for yeast and bacteria cells to grow and multiply within the beer lines.

The result is a retardation of contaminate yeast and bacteria on the inside walls of the beer lines, thereby allowing the beer to flow from keg to tap without deterioration in quality or presentation.

Technically Speaking

1. A complex audio frequency is broadcast from the Control Unit to the Transponder(s) (single, double or both for a triple leaded system) which is/are attached directly to the outside of the beer line(s).
2. This audio signal is induced into the beer line and travels throughout the entire length of the beer line, using beer as the medium.
3. The signal is composed of composite audio frequencies and creates an unfriendly environment for the growth of yeast and bacteria cells. As the signal travels the length of the beer line, it prevents yeast and bacteria bio-film from forming on the inside surface of the beer line.
4. Without a bio-film growing on the inside surface of the beer line, the beer, as it flows from the keg to the bar, enjoys a contamination free journey, resulting in a quality product being served to the customer.
5. The BLM 2000 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is inexpensive to operate. The power source is 16 volts AC and the current draw of a single Control Unit is only 50mA.
6. The action of The BLM 2000 reduces the necessity to chemically clean beer lines by up to 95%, minimizing beer waste, chemical use and labor costs.

The Benefits

By retarding the normal growth patterns of contaminate yeast and bacteria, the need to regularly chemically clean beer lines on a weekly or biweekly basis is negated. Now with the BLM 2000, chemical cleaning need only occur every 8 to 12 weeks, resulting in dramatic cost savings to the bar owner via minimizing beer waste, chemical usage and labor.

BLM 2000 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

BLM 2000 System

The BLM 2000 System can be comprised of any or all of the following:

• Control Unit
• Control Unit Mounting Bracket
• Single Transponder
• Double Transponder
• Power Adapter
• Power Connector Cable (1 Meter)
• Power Extension Cable (5 Meters)

Prior to Installation

The BLM 2000 retards the growth of yeast and bacteria that inherently grow in beer lines, resulting in current weekly or biweekly chemical cleaning cycles being extended to 8 to 12 weeks; Only if the beer lines are contamination free at the start of the each new cleaning cycle.

To achieve the benefit of extended cleaning cycles, it is extremely important that before or immediately after the installation of the BLM 2000 System, all beer lines must be THOROUGHLY CHEMICALLY CLEANED.

The BLM 2000 cannot remove yeast and bacteria already present in dirty beer lines by itself but, when used in conjunction with a chemical cleaning schedule, will eliminate the yeast and bacteria that have built up over the years. Once the beer line is free of contaminants, the BLM 2000 System will maintain this level of cleanliness for as long as the scheduled cleaning cycles are met and the BLM 2000 System continues to operate.

1. Locate a suitable mounting position for the Control Unit. It is advisable to choose a position close to the beer lines that are going to be maintained by the BLM 2000. This position should be away from areas common to spillage or excessive moisture (The BLM 2000 is an electronic device that is resistant to moisture, but is not waterproof) and a position where the Control Unit indicator lights are always visible.

2. Using the supplied screws, attach the mounting bracket in the desired location. An alternative method of attaching the mounting bracket is to use the supplied double-sided tape. However, the suggested method is to attach the mounting bracket using screws.
3. After mounting the Control Unit bracket, attach the Control Unit to the bracket by guiding the 4 mounting bracket arms into their respective slots located on the rear side of the Control Unit.

Note: Removing Control Unit From Mounting Bracket

In a single motion, move the Control Unit in a vertical direction and pull the top of the unit outwards, thereby releasing the top two mounting bracket arms first. The lower mounting bracket arms will release after the top two mounting bracket arms release.

Transponder Installation

1. Each Transponder is attached to the outside wall of a beer line. The Transponder is affixed to the beer line by using the two supplied cable ties.
2. The Transponder can be positioned anywhere on the beer line. However, it is recommended that the Transponder be attached to the trunk line after the wall bracket. This will ensure that there is no operational interference and will protect the Transponder from damage. An alternative location is to attach the Transponder to the drop line between the keg and the wall bracket. If an Empty Beer Detector (EBD) or a Draft Foam Control Unit (DFC) is being used, the transponder must be located after the EBD or DFC.  These devices insure that the beer line remains full and therefore will allow the BLM to broadcast it's audio signal.
3. In both cases, locate a position on the beer line as close as possible to wall bracket.
4. Each Transponder has a concave section, which is the contact position for the attachment of the beer line. Position the Transponder onto the beer line, ensuring that the concave section of the Transponder is contacting the beer line. Affix the two cable ties into the channeled sections of the Transponder and secure firmly but not tight (If secured tight, the beer line will tend to be squashed). See figures on next page

5. Connect the Transponder plug into the Control Unit.

 

Note: Maximum Number of Beer Lines per Control Unit

The BLM 2000 has been engineered to accommodate a variety of beer dispensing configurations. Each Control Unit can maintain up to a maximum of 3 beer lines. Therefore, a Control Unit is capable of maintaining 3 beer lines with 3 Transponders; one Transponder per beer line.

Note: Transponder Configurations

A Single Transponder uses a 3-pin plug, which is fitted into the position marked "P1" on the Control Unit. A Double Transponder uses a 6-pin plug, which is fitted into the position marked "P2" on the Control Unit.

Possible Configurations:

Single Transponder connected to "P1" only - Single Line Maintenance Operation

Double Transponder connected to "P2" only - Double Line Maintenance Operation

Single & Double Transponders Connected Triple Line Maintenance Operation

to "P1 & P2" -

Note: Signal Reduction

Each Transponder emits an audio signal into the beer line. When using multiple Transponders, it is important to ensure that Transponders are not positioned too close to each other. A recommended distance between Transponders is 6" inches. If the Transponders are positioned close to each other, their respective signals will interact and result in a reduction in the effectiveness of the BLM 2000 System.

6. Repeat steps 3 -5 for installation of additional Transponders.
7. After all of the Transponders have been installed, gather all excess Transponder cable and bundle neatly and out of the way.

Powering The BLM 2000 System

Power Adapter

The Power Adapter is plugged into an AC outlet (either 100 VAC, 110 VAC, 220 VAC or 24 VAC, depending on the country of operation). The plug of the Power Adapter connects the 16 VAC output of the Power Adapter into either the left or right hand side of the Control Unit.

Power for Multiple Beer Line Configurations

For beer dispensing configurations that have more than 3 beer lines, extra Control Units are needed. The Control units and Transponders can be installed in accordance with the above procedures.

Power for the extra Control Units is supplied from the Control Unit that is connected to the Power Adapter. The 16 VAC outlet from this Control Unit supplies power to the other Control Units, via the use of one or more Power Connector Cables.

BLM 2000 Operating Procedures

After chemically cleaning your beer lines and correct installation of the BLM 2000 System, the System should be operating and will continue to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The BLM 2000 System has been designed for simple operation. There are four LEDs on the Control Unit front panel, one red and 3 green.

The red LED indicates that power is connected. The green LEDs, when flashing, indicate that the correct signal is being sent to the corresponding Transponders.

The green LEDs will only flash when the Transponders are plugged into the Control Unit. For example, when a Single Transponder is plugged into "P1", then the green LED corresponding to Line 1 will flash. If no Transponder is plugged into "P1" then Line 1 will not flash.

When a Double Transponder is plugged into "P2", both Line 2 and Line 3 LEDs will flash. Without a Double Transponder plugged into "P2", neither Line 2 nor Line 3 LEDs will flash.

If a Single and Double Transponder are connected to "P1 & P2" respectively, Line 1, Line 2 and Line 3 LEDs will Flash.

Should Line 1, 2 or 3 LEDs not flash when the Transponders have been connected to "P1 & P2" connectors, as described above, then the BLM 2000 Control Unit is not operating correctly. Please contact your nearest BLM 2000 Distributor for assistance.

Special Usage Note: Beer Lines Must Remain Full at All Times

The BLM 2000 System transmits an audio signal into the beer line and uses beer as the medium for transportation of this signal. If the beer line is not filled, then signal cannot be transmitted and yeast and bacteria can begin to multiply. The use of an Empty Beer Detector or FOB is an effective way of keeping the beer line filled and also for saving lost beer when the keg empties.

What to Expect From

Normal Cleaning

As previously, mentioned in the section "Prior to Installation" section, it is imperative to chemically clean the beer lines prior to the start of each new cleaning cycle.

The BLM 2000 will maintain the cleanliness of your beer lines for periods up to 12 weeks. After this period of time has expired, the beer lines need to be chemically cleaned in order for a new cleaning cycle to start.

The BLM 2000 will look after the cleanliness of your beer lines. The manufacturer recommends, and in some cases, is mandated by law, that the faucets be cleaned biweekly. We strongly suggest that the interior of the faucet be brushed and cleaned at least once per week. It is also recommended that jumper or transfer leads and keg adapters be cleaned as recommended by the Breweries.

The First to the Third Cleaning Cycles

Depending upon the age of your beer dispensing system, the BLM 2000 audio signals have the ability to remove non-viable yeast and bacteria from the inside surfaces of the beer system. The industry name for this non-viable yeast and bacteria is "beer stone".

This beer stone usually is in the form of brown flakes and are the result of biofilm build-up over the life of your beer system.

The audio signal properties of the BLM 2000 loosen the non-viable yeast and bacteria and after the first chemical clean, small brown flakes can be detected in the chemical flushing solution. This occurrence is normal, so don’t be concerned.

After the second chemical cleaning, the presence of this non-viable yeast and bacteria (brown flakes) is usually greater that the first chemical cleaning, but again this is normal.

At the cessation of the third chemical cleaning, the chemical flushing solution should result in a minimal detection of non-viable yeast and bacteria (browns flakes).

The gradual removal of non-viable yeast and bacteria from your beer system effectively rejuvenates the inside surface of your beer system ultimately resulting in a fresher tasting beer.

As beer dispensing systems around the world vary greatly, the above time frame for removing non-viable yeast and bacteria will also vary. In the majority of test cases, the time frame for removal of such non-viable material was after the third cleaning cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.     Does the BLM 2000 signal affect any other equipment in my bar?

A.     No. The BLM 2000 uses a low frequency, low amplitude signal that will not affect other electronic equipment. The BLM 2000 has been tested and passed all requirements for the CE Mark Approval.

Q.     Does the BLM 2000 operate continuously and do I need to switch it off during chemical cleaning?

A.     The BLM 2000 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It never needs to be switched off.

Q.     How much electricity does the BLM 2000 need?

A.     The BLM 2000 uses very little electricity. Each Control Unit operates on less than 20 mA.

Q.     How do I know the BLM 2000 is working?

A.     After the installation of the BLM 2000 System, the trained BLM 2000 installer will check for the correct operation using a pre-calibrated testing device.

For visual verification of the BLM 2000 operation, check the LEDs on the Control Unit. The red LED indicates that the System is powered. The green LEDs indicate that the audio signal is being sent to each beer line. The green LEDs should be flashing according to the installed configuration. Please refer to the BLM 2000 Operating Procedures section to ensure that you understand which green LEDs should be flashing in relation to the Transponders that have been connected.

Q.     Do I need to clean the BLM 2000 System?

A.     As the BLM 2000 is operating in an environment where beer may get spit on the transponders from time to time, it is recommended to wipe the transponder surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dried beer from the surface. The Control Unit should be mounted in a position whereby beer spillage should not occur, but a quick wipe with a damp cloth of the Control Unit certainly ensures minimal build-up of dust, etc.

Q.     What is the maximum length of beer line that the BLM 2000 will maintain?

A.     The maximum length of beer line that the BLM 2000 system, using one Transponder,  will maintain is 100 feet for non-refrigerated beer lines and 150 to 200  feet for glycol or other types of refrigerated beer lines. For longer beer lines, we recommend placing an additional Transponder on the beer line near the faucet.

Q.     Do the beer lines have to remain full?

A.     Yes, the BLM 2000 can be compared to a stereo system where the audio signal is sent to the speakers via copper wire. In the case of the BLM 2000 the audio signal is broadcast to the beer system using beer as the medium. If the line is not full, then signal cannot be transmitted.

Q.     Is there anything that can help me to make sure that the beer lines remain full?

A.     There is a product on the market called an Empty Beer Detector or FOB. When the beer keg empties, a float drops and shuts off the beer line. The beer line remains full of beer and allows for easier, cleaner and more economical bar operation.

Q.     Does it make difference which direction the Transponder is facing?

A.     Yes and No. Yes, the beer line must be installed inside the concave section of the Transponder and no, the Transponder’s signal is omni-directional. The signal travels in both directions inside the beer line.

Q.     What is the life expectancy of the BLM 2000?

A.     The BLM 2000 is a solid state device that operates much like an AM radio. The life expectancy of the BLM 2000 has not been determined as of yet. However, it does come with a Three-Year Warranty covering parts and replacement.

Q.     Does the BLM 2000 ever need calibration?

A.     The BLM 2000 is a solid state device that will never need to be recalibrated.