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What are Fobs Detectors?

Most are forms of in-line float valves which are used to detect draught dispense gas in pressurized dispense system. Fobs stands for Froth-On-Beer and therefore the primary function is to detect froth or gas in pressurized dispense systems.

Where did they originate?

Fobs Detectors originated in the UK and Ireland in the 1970's. Their introduction, by the main breweries, was a result of pressure from bar-owners, who were frustrated by the amount of draught beer wasted every time a keg of beer was changed. In response to this demand, the main breweries began working with the existent equipment suppliers to design a product to resolve this problem.

How do they work?

There should be a Fobs Detector installed on every keg in a pressurized dispense system, ideally where the keg is located at a distance in excess of 5 Meters away from the dispense faucet. The primary function of the Fobs Detector is to detect the dispense gas that is propelling the draught product from the keg to the dispense faucet. At the end of each keg the dispense gas travels through the keg and into the in-line Fobs Detector, as the draught liquid level in the Fobs Detector reduces the float drops and shuts-off the supply line from the keg to the dispense tap maintaining perfect draught product from the shut-off seal to the draught dispense faucet. The draught dispense faucet stops pouring due to the lack of dispense pressure and the bar tender knows that the keg needs changing. When a new keg is tapped the dispense gas which is trapped between the new keg and the Fobs Detector is vented off at the Fobs Detector, by the vent valve, and the float is lifted allowing the system to be re-pressurized and bar tender can return to pouring perfect beer.

What do they do?

By maintaining perfect draught product in the draught dispense line to the dispense faucet the Fobs Detector totally prevents any waste, which is usually associated with pressurized draught dispense systems as no gas enters the supply line, so there is no requirement to draw-off gassy/frothy product at the dispense faucet. This means that the bar owner can sell all of the contents of the keg without any waste and therefore maximizing the profitability of each keg of draught product sold. On average a bar owner can save a minimum of 4 pints per keg on an average draught beer run of 20 meters, the longer the run the greater the savings.

What other benefits do Fobs Detectors create?

As the dispense gas is isolated at the Fobs Detector the Fobs Detector prevents the wasting of dispense gas, particularly important where mixed gas systems are used and gas costs are higher. Additionally the Fobs Detector gives hygienic benefits by maintaining an always full draught dispense supply line, the opportunity for bacterial growth is greatly inhibited.

What are the specific qualities of TRUpour Fobs Detectors?

The TRUpour Fobs Detector is widely recognized as the highest quality construction in the industry. Major materials used are Food Industry approved and consist mostly of AISIS304 stainless steels, PMMA specially treated Acrylic and Polypropylene, the tubing used is pharmaceutical graded with mirror like internal finishes.

TRUpour manufacture 100% of the parts from raw material on precision CNC machinery using the latest technology tooling and materials to ensure that the product has been designed and developed for reliability and longevity.

TRUpour developed their first Fobs in the mid 70's, patented a new design in 1980 and began manufacture of a fifth generation design, the first stainless steel model in 1990. The current seventh generation range of Fobs Detectors was introduced in January 1999 and was introduced to facilitate a 25% reduction in sales price by utilizing a smaller simpler construction and incorporating a unique patented self returning vent valve and a totally new patented spring loaded self returning or cam lever float lifter, which is located below the float reducing potential infection growth associated with previous models.

What are the main benefits of using a Fobs Detector?

• Unique patented self sealing vent valve totally prevents accidental wastage
• Unique self returning float lifter prevents accidental fixing in by-pass mode
• Construction is small, stable and user friendly
• Functioning is precise and consistent, from the first to last pour of every keg
• Unique form of mechanical float valve ensures no waste with every keg

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