What type of cooling system is described as using a fan to blow cold air into tap towers?

The type of cooling system that uses a fan to blow cold air into tap towers is classified as an air-cooled system. This method relies on ambient air, cooled by a refrigeration unit or other means, to maintain the temperature of the beer within the tap lines and towers. By circulating cold air around the tap towers, the system helps to prevent the beer from warming up as it travels from the keg to the glass, ensuring the beer is served at its optimal temperature.

Air-cooled systems are often easier to maintain and install compared to more complex glycol-cooled systems, as they do not require a chilled liquid to be circulated through the lines. Additionally, they're typically more cost-effective for installations where temperature control is significant but where glycol systems may not be necessary.

Understanding the distinction between air-cooled and glycol-cooled systems is essential for effective brewery operations and draft beer quality, as glycol systems use a more sophisticated method with chilled glycol circulating through the lines, providing potentially more consistent temperature control, especially over longer draws. Indirect draw and direct draw systems refer to different configurations of beer delivery rather than the cooling mechanism, making them less relevant in this context.