Glycol System Inspection Checklist for Brewery & Beverage Facilities [FREE PDF]

Glycol chiller systems are critical to temperature control in breweries, wineries, and beverage production facilities, directly affecting product quality, fermentation control, and food safety outcomes governed by HACCP Codex Alimentarius principles and FDA 21 CFR 110. Propylene glycol used in food-adjacent cooling systems must be food-grade and maintained to prevent contamination as required by FDA and GMP standards, while glycol concentration must be verified to ensure effective antimicrobial

Industry: Brewery
Frequency: Weekly
Estimated Time: 25-40 minutes
Role: Brewmaster
Total Items: 36
Compliance: FDA 21 CFR 110.40 - Equipment and Utensils, HACCP Codex Alimentarius CAC/RCP 1-1969 Rev.4-2003, FSMA Preventive Controls 21 CFR 117.135 - Preventive Controls, FDA 21 CFR 110.80 - Processes and Controls, GMP Food Processing 21 CFR 110.35 - Sanitary Operations

Glycol Fluid Condition & Concentration

Verify glycol type, concentration, pH, and visual condition to ensure effective cooling and food safety compliance.

Is the glycol used food-grade propylene glycol (not ethylene glycol)?
Is the glycol concentration within the required range for the operating temperature?
What is the current glycol concentration reading (% by volume)?
Is the glycol pH within the acceptable neutral range (7.0-9.0)?
Is the glycol solution clear and free of discoloration, cloudiness, or visible contamination?
When was the glycol last changed or topped up, and is a change due?

Chiller Unit & Refrigeration Equipment

Inspect the chiller unit, compressor, condenser, and refrigeration components for proper operation and safety.

Is the chiller unit operating within its designed suction and discharge pressure ranges?
What is the current glycol supply temperature leaving the chiller?
What is the glycol return temperature entering the chiller?
Is the condenser (air-cooled or water-cooled) clean and free of fouling or scale?
Are the chiller unit safety controls (high pressure, low pressure, temperature cutouts) functional?

Glycol Pumps & Circulation System

Inspect glycol circulation pumps, flow rates, and distribution manifolds for proper operation.

Are all glycol circulation pumps operating without unusual noise or vibration?
Is glycol flow pressure at the distribution manifold within design specifications?
Are pump seals and shaft connections free of glycol leaks?
Is the expansion tank level within the acceptable operating range?
Is the standby pump tested and confirmed functional?

Piping, Fittings & Insulation Integrity

Inspect all glycol distribution piping, fittings, valves, and insulation for leaks, damage, or condensation issues.

Are all visible glycol supply and return pipes free of leaks, corrosion, or physical damage?
Is pipe insulation intact, dry, and free of mold growth or physical damage?
Are all isolation valves, balancing valves, and manifold valves in good operating condition?
Are there any signs of excessive condensation or frost on piping indicating insulation failure?
Are all pipe penetrations through walls or ceilings properly sealed?

Tank Jackets & Heat Exchanger Performance

Verify fermentation vessel jackets, bright tank cooling, and plate heat exchangers are performing correctly.

Are all fermentation vessel glycol jacket zones achieving target temperature setpoints?
Are tank jacket inlet and outlet temperatures consistent with expected delta T?
Are glycol solenoid valves on tank jackets opening and closing correctly on demand?
Are wort or product plate heat exchangers free of leaks and passing pressure tests?
Are bright tank glycol cooling zones maintaining required cold conditioning temperatures?

Temperature Monitoring & Automated Controls

Verify temperature sensors, controllers, alarms, and data logging systems are functioning and calibrated.

Are all glycol system temperature sensors calibrated within the last 6 months?
Are temperature alarm setpoints configured and tested for high and low temperature deviations?
Is the process control system logging temperature data at required intervals?
Have any temperature alarms been triggered since the last inspection, and were they documented?
Is the glycol system automation controller (PLC/BMS) displaying current system status correctly?

Maintenance Records & Corrective Actions

Review maintenance history, document findings, and assign corrective actions for identified deficiencies.

Is the glycol system preventive maintenance schedule current and up to date?
Are glycol system maintenance records retained and accessible for regulatory review?
Have all corrective actions from the previous inspection been completed and verified?
Are there any active deficiencies requiring immediate corrective action?
Additional observations, deficiencies, or corrective actions assigned during this inspection?

Related Food Beverage Checklists

Related Brewery Checklists

Why Use This Glycol System Inspection Checklist for Brewery & Beverage Facilities [FREE PDF]?

This glycol system inspection checklist for brewery & beverage facilities [free pdf] helps brewery teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for brewmaster professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly.

Ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR 110.40 - Equipment and Utensils, HACCP Codex Alimentarius CAC/RCP 1-1969 Rev.4-2003, FSMA Preventive Controls 21 CFR 117.135 - Preventive Controls, FDA 21 CFR 110.80 - Processes and Controls, GMP Food Processing 21 CFR 110.35 - Sanitary Operations. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Glycol System Inspection Checklist for Brewery & Beverage Facilities [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Glycol Fluid Condition & Concentration, Chiller Unit & Refrigeration Equipment, Glycol Pumps & Circulation System, Piping, Fittings & Insulation Integrity, Tank Jackets & Heat Exchanger Performance, Temperature Monitoring & Automated Controls, Maintenance Records & Corrective Actions. It is designed for brewery operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed weekly. Each completion takes approximately 25-40 minutes.

Who should use this Glycol System Inspection Checklist for Brewery & Beverage Facilities [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Brewmaster professionals in the brewery industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.