Micro-matic regulator

[skywarrior]

I am new at this and in the process of building a kegerator system from a chest freezer. I found a good deal on a micro-matic 1206 dual gage regulator. After purchasing it, I have read something about different types of regulators. Are some for soda and others for beer or are they all usable for either type of dispensing?

[cubby_swans]

a co2 regulator regulates co2 gas pressure, not the liquid at the end of the gas line. So it doesn't matter what's at the end of the gas line. You could use the same regulator to dispense beer, soda, motor oil, or baby vomit, if you choose.

There are different regulators for different types of gasses. So if you end up pouring a nitrogenated beer, such as Guinness, then you will need a different regulator (as well as a different gas tank).

[FCSquid]

Baby vomit? What's in your fridge, man?

[Skinsfan1311]

Baby vomit? What's in your fridge, man?

LOL!

Sounds like one of those thick beers......

[squeakr]

A regulator is a regulator is a regulator. For our consumer purposes it doesn't really matter, CO2 vs N2, as long as the pressures being dispensed are within the capabilities of the regulator. Now if you are using needed higher pressure dispenses, then the blow off may be calibrated differently for the higher pressures, so you would need something specialized. Generally the main difference at our consumer level is the type of fittings on them (although you can get a convertor and use an N2 for CO2 and vice versa without a problem,and if your supplier will do it you can get a CO2 cylinder filled with "beer gas", so you wouldn't need a different tank either but depends if your supplier will do it). No when talking commercial, that is a whole different ball game, as the regulator must be able to handle corrosive environments if necessary and other variables, even then, most are interchangeable within reason. Even MFC's (Mass Flow Controllers which measure gas volume movement and are very finicky) are interchangeable, they just may have to be calibrated or adjusted for the different molecular size of the gases being measured, but that is way beyond the scope of the question posed.

[panthermark]

As long as it can handle the pressure, and connect to a 320 valve, you are all good....

[pvs6]

As long as it can handle the pressure, and connect to a 320 valve, you are all good....

Excellent advice but can you learn a novice? What is a 320 valve, fill it out a little more not all beginners have the same knowledge set.

[bonefish]

Tried the Baby Vomit, yuck! I like something with a little more age.

[Scott Zuhse]

I am new at this and in the process of building a kegerator system from a chest freezer. I found a good deal on a micro-matic 1206 dual gage regulator. After purchasing it, I have read something about different types of regulators. Are some for soda and others for beer or are they all usable for either type of dispensing?

One aspect of regulators that may surprise you is the low pressure gauge. With soda regulators, this gauge is often 0-120 PSIG. The 1206 is 0-60. Since gauges are most accurate mid range, a 0-30 PSIG gauge would be ideal for the systems utilizing 100% CO2.

These pressures are often around 14 PSIG @ 38F for kegerators. Hopefully some day we will carry this gauge in the catalog as an optional add on.

[panthermark]

Excellent advice but can you learn a novice? What is a 320 valve, fill it out a little more not all beginners have the same knowledge set.

CO2 tanks use CGA 320 valves. That is nothing more than the handle and nozzle on top of a CO2 tank. Certain gasses use certain valves. The valves may differ in thread or connector type.


Here is a list of them. This is FAR more info than you will ever need. With beer, we are really only concerned with 320 valves (CO2) and 580 valves (Nitrogen)