Keg Dispensing

By Bob Jones  

Some of you brewers out there with draft systems might want to use your CO2 tank in several different configurations. A quick disconnect for the CO2 line can provide you with much more flexibility in your draft system for little cost.

 I use air disconnects. You can get these at most large hardware stores. I think they are mostly used for high pressure air quick disconnects. I use them everywhere in my system. There is a male piece and a female piece. The female piece seals when disconnected. The male piece is cheap, the female piece is the expensive one. Check you local hardware store for price. Here is a short summary of where I use them. Maybe you can get some ideas.

* Male on CO2 tank, at output of regulator. I also have a checkvalve right before the male connector.
* Male on sanke beer tap.
* Female on gas line to frig.
* Female on CP filler.
* Female on gas line to hose assembly for pushing beer from my fermenter.
* Female on short hose I use to artificial carbonate beer in corni. kegs.

 As you can see I like’em a lot. By using these connectors, you can have a lot more flexibility in how you use your CO2 tank.

 Here is another mind expanding ASCII graphic of my draft system gas plumbing FYI:

 I can adjust the dispensing pressure on any one of my kegs to just the right dispensing pressure. The check valves at the gas manifold are needed to prevent any cross coupling of smells and pressures between kegs. I picked up secondary gas regulators surplus from C&H sales(1-800-325-9465), they are $12 each. They have a 0-60psi range and include a pressure gauge. Stock number RG9350. Call and ask for their catalogue.

I won’t bring my draft system to the next meeting!