Quote:
Originally Posted by jsnook20
I plan on using this system for parties and picnics. No long term use. 1 day/overnite. I used copper to make the coils. (1/2" o.d. x 50') I'm going to use 1/4" i.d. tubing (flex), and hook it to the coil (approx. 10 ft.) then attach that to the tap. I figured I did not have enough resistance in the line with the copper coils. Hopefully this will restrict the flow enough to get a good pour. I plan on icing down the keg as well. How much CO2 pressure should I run for this sytem. Some guys have told me to hook everything up, then slowlly increase the CO2 pressure (from 0) up until you get a good pour, just enough to make the beer flow slowly. I'm just concerned with making the beer go flat, with not enough pressure. But I also dont want a firehose, when trying to pour my beer either, if I increase CO2 pressure. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Agree that you should ditch the copper, not only will you get off flavors, but your ID is too large for proper pouring, and copper is notorious for foaming due to it's internal non-laminar flow characteristics caused by minor internal corrosion. Basically the same as a scratched up glass, imagine all the nucleation sites internal to the copper causing CO2 to come out of solution, even before the beer gets to the glass, this will cause noting but foam.
Also, the temperature the keg is at will determine the pressure needed, if the keg is at room temp, you will need to push with significant pressure that WILL overcarbonate the keg if left in place. In the event that you DO need to push with a higher than "normal" pressure, when you are done dispensing for the day, lower the pressure on your regulator to the proper PSI (probably 12-20 depending on temp) and vent the pressure in the keg, and then decouple the keg... This all seems like a hassle, but is neccessary if you want to take care of the beer.
Also the point about non-pasteurized beer is completely valid, your beer WILL go bad after a short time if you cannot keep it refrigerated, or at least at 55 deg or lower.
Good luck!