BTU Calculator for Glycol Beer Dispensing Systems
Why BTUs Matter — Not Just Horsepower
The most effective way to size a draft system chiller is by calculating the total BTU (British Thermal Unit) load it must handle — not by relying on chiller horsepower ratings alone.
While horsepower gives a general idea of compressor strength, it does not directly indicate how much cooling a unit can deliver. A properly rated chiller should be selected based on the system's actual thermal load — measured in BTUs — which represents the total amount of heat that needs to be removed from the glycol as it circulates through the draft system.
Every draft system exerts a unique BTU load on the glycol power pack. If the system demands more than 60% of the chiller’s BTU capacity, the compressor will run longer, reducing efficiency and shortening the compressor’s life. Oversizing based on horsepower alone can lead to inefficient cycling, while undersizing risks system failure in warm or high-demand environments.
By calculating your exact BTU load — factoring in the number of faucets and the heat load of the trunkline — you ensure the system is matched with a chiller that performs reliably and efficiently under real operating conditions.
Use Our Calculator to Select the Right Power Pack
This tool helps you determine your system’s BTU demand with precision, so you can choose a glycol chiller that’s sized for performance, efficiency, and longevity. Enter your faucet count and trunkline specs, and we’ll do the rest.
Ultra Flow Power Pack Models
UF22 | 1,850 BTU/H
The Ultra Flow UF22 Glycol Chiller is a high-performance, 1,850 BTU unit designed for short-distance beer dispensing systems, making it an excellent choice for small establishments and homebrew setups. This compact chiller excels at maintaining optimal beer temperatures with efficiency and reliability.
UF36 | 3,250 BTU/H
The Ultra Flow UF36 Glycol Chiller is a 3,250 BTU/H unit designed to provide efficient cooling for long-distance beer dispensing systems. This unit is ideal for medium to large establishments that require reliable cooling over extended distances.
UF36DP | 3,250 BTU/H
The Ultra Flow UF36DP Glycol Chiller is a 3,250 BTU/H unit equipped with dual pumps, engineered to provide efficient cooling for long-distance beer dispensing systems. This configuration ensures consistent beer temperatures over extended runs, making it ideal for medium to large establishments that require reliable performance.
UF58 | 5,800 BTU/H
The UF58 Glycol Chiller is designed for high-efficiency cooling over longer distances, making it an ideal choice for larger establishments or systems with higher cooling demands.
UF58DP | 5,800 BTU/H
The UF58DP is designed for larger or more demanding systems that require enhanced glycol circulation. Built to provide superior cooling over extended distances, this unit is ideal for medium to large establishments that need reliable, high-performance glycol chilling for beer dispensing systems.
UF2020 Series | 10,000 BTU/H
The UF2020 Series Cold Blast Glycol Power Packs are engineered to provide efficient cooling for long-distance draft beer systems. Designed for high-demand, remote, or long-draw glycol-cooled draft systems, this unit delivers cold draft beer from the walk-in cooler to the faucet with unparalleled efficiency. Available in 1, 2, and 3 pump configurations.