Setting Brix
Viper — Installation
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Water Flowrate for Brix
Always check for proper flow rate at the water valve prior to brixing the unit, especially when installing the unit or replacing the water valve. The water valve must be set/adjusted to 16-17 oz in 10 seconds – these valves may not be preset and must be checked on every install.
The water flowrate for each of the Vipers barrels is preset at the factory to 1.6 – 1.7 ounces/second. DO NOT ADJUST UNLESS DIRECTED BY A CORNELIUS REPRESENTATIVE. You can confirm the flowrate by manually engaging the water solenoid and capturing the flow rate in 10 seconds, you should achieve 16-17oz/10 sec. Only adjust the syrup flow control on the left-hand side of the assembly to obtain the proper brix.
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Taking a Brix Sample
Checking the Brix determines the amount of sugar in the product. The higher the brix the more sugar, the lower the brix the less sugar.
The BRIX SETUP menu is located in the MAINT menu. The Viper is programmed for a three-second dispense so that brix comparisons can be made between samples. Start by using the up and down arrows to highlight the barrel to be brixed. Next, turn the three-way valve down to brix position and remove the end cap of the sample tube. While holding the tube in a container press the brix button and collect and discard the first three samples. Then using a refractometer measure brix from the fourth sample.
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Making Brix Adjustment
Industry-standard is 13.0 + or – 1.0. Cornelius likes to target 13.5-14.0. If the brix needs adjusting, the syrup should be adjusted to obtain the desired brix, never change the water flow control to adjust brix. Turning the syrup knob clockwise will increase the brix reading and turning the syrup knob counter clockwise will lower the brix reading. After each adjustment, take and discard three samples taking the reading on the fourth sample. After the desired brix has been obtained, purge the sample tube with water by manually pressing up on the water solenoid plunger on the right. Return the sample valve handle to barrel (up) position when done.
