The “Sankey” Keg System History

The “Sankey” Keg System History
By: Joan Haynes Clifton
Provided by: Jeff Gunn of IDD
Some people (like me) just can’t stop asking questions. Being a draft
beer drinker, I wanted to know what is so special about a Sankey Keg and
all the details behind it.
What is a Sankey Keg and Valve?
A Sankey Keg is a keg with a single integral “two port” valve system
originally developed in the UK during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s by
GKN Sankey, Ltd., from a concept inspired by the late chief engineer of
the Flowers Brewery, Luton, Bedfordshire, (now closed). The original
stainless steel keg with carbon steel chimbs (rims) and later anodized
and epoxy coated aluminum kegs were designed as a reusable container
that could be cleaned, sterilized and refilled under controlled conditions
with flash pasteurized product. The advantage of this process was
the integrity which kept the product in excellent microbial free condition
for months rather than days because it was not subjected to light (UV) or
air contamination (micro organisms) that could spoil the product whilst
in transit and without the use of refrigeration, high hop content
(alfa acids) and finings (fish paste base to settle sediments).
Shown above: sectioned "Sankey" Keg
Today the all stainless steel Sankey keg “international” standard is the
“Euro” 50 liter (13.2 US gallon). In North America the US half barrel
(15.5 US gallon/58.7 liter), “tall” quarter barrel (7.75 US gallon/30 liter)
and one sixth barrel (5.17 US gallon/19.56 liter) are the most commonly
used sizes. All processing is carried out through the integral “two port”
valve providing washing, sterilizing and filling under controlled conditions.
The Sankey keg valve evolved from the original Flowers version and was
later known as the “Whitbread valve” (Whitbread Brewing Group
purchased Flowers Brewery and further developed their own version which
is similar to today's "U" series valve). The MKl Sankey valve developed by
GKN Sankey is the forerunner of all Sankey valves which later evolved into
the Sankey MKll, MKllC, MKlll and the American Sankey valves. The ("D" series)
"American" Sankey is a modified version of the MKlll valve. The Sankey
MKl, MKll and MKllC valves are generically known as the ("S" series) “Euro”
Sankey valve. Both "Euro" and "American" Sankey valve versions are labeled
as “Well Type” valves. The "American" and "Euro" Sankey valves are
NOT compatible with each other. Other valve versions later developed
by companies called Grundy and Alumasc in the UK were labeled “Flat Top”
valves. They exist today as the "G" and "A" series valves respectively.
Shown: Selection of Modern kegs
Who uses the Sankey Keg?
These days, practically everyone! Most of the draft beer is in Stainless
Steel kegs in America and around the world and more than 70% use either
the American or European Sankey valve in the keg. The kegs come in
many various sizes and forms and are also used for malt beverages, wine,
soy, milk, vegetable oil, syrups, soft drinks and chemicals.
Shown above: Kegs out for delivery
When do you use a Sankey Keg system versus another
type of keg?
The main reason to choose the Sankey keg over other styles of “open neck - bung”
kegs and casks is because the Sankey keg keeps the product sealed from the
environment until it is dispensed, it is cleanable, sterilizable and reusable.
There are other styles of keg and cask systems and they each have their
applications but they are almost always limited to local distribution due to
product spoilage issues.
Shown above: Casks out for delivery
Why was the Sankey Keg System developed?
The Sankey Keg System was first developed as a way to provide good
quality beer to British and commonwealth troops in far away remote
places (such as S.E. Asia). IDD’s Jeff Gunn was a member of the original
Sankey Keg System development team.
Shown above: One of the many types of kegs before "Sankey" kegs were developed.
What is a Sankey Keg System?
The Sankey Keg system is a combination of the keg cleaning, sterilizing
and filling machine(s), (small semi-automatic to large fully automatic),
the array of different sized Sankey kegs and valves and the various types
of dispense systems at the end users establishment, (from hand pumps
to sophisticated pressurized mixed gas and pumped systems).
Shown: IDD Mini King "Plus 2" semi-automatic washing,
sterilizing & filling system
How do we clean, sterilize and fill the Sankey
Kegs?
There are many options for cleaning, sterilizing and refilling kegs. As an
expert on the Sankey Kegs and Systems, Jeff Gunn has designed
and manufactured many systems to assist his customers in automating
the cleaning, sterilization and refilling process. Some Keg Systems are listed
in the IDD web page, but speaking with Jeff at IDD Process & Packaging, Inc.
will help determine the best type of system for your environment and market.
Shown above: Super King