Labatts, and PBR pressure?

[flytcp]

I just set up a new Micromatic system. It seems to be going well. The temp in the fridge is a little low - 32-33 degrees, and pouring and inititial temp at faucet of 39-40. I have the pressure at 12psi. We're at an elev. of 624' MSL. My question is what pressure would apply for Labatts and PBR?? I have Labatts in in now. Is the fridge temp. being low a problem? I'm trying to keep the faucet cold as it runs 3' outside the fridge through a 3" PVC insulated pipe and through a wall. Seems to be doing pretty well, but may get the 15CFM blower to make it better. Thanks for your help???

[happytappy]

What id hose and length are you running? Temp and altitude affect the pour but that can be adjusted through the regulator. I would recommend the blower to keep the beer cold to the shank.

[flytcp]

As to the blower - does it use a ton of electricity? Is it loud? Can you attach the flex pipe to it without buying the $40 bracket? THANKS for the info!

[flytcp]

I have 3' of 3/8" line, followed by a reducer to 5' of 3/16" line. The temp. I'm getting at the faucet is 39-40 degrees (if it sits overnight and I just take enough beer to get the temp in the line). If I run the beer out of the line, the temp. is 32 - 33 degrees. This is without any blower as of yet. Will keeping the keg this cold harm anything? Thanks for your help!!!

[flytcp]

Also, is 12 psi a good setting??

[edramshaw]

Twelve may be a little low but if it tastes good to you then it should be fine. I would go to 14 myself. I agree that a blower is a good idea. It is not that loud and I am not sure of electricity usage but I can't imagine it is that much. Not sure of other mounting strategies but I am interested in hearing others experience with this.

[Scott Zuhse]

The issue that you may confront is the ability fro your refrigerator to maintain the additional cubic feet of space you added. A recommendation would be to insulate the heck out of the outside of the PVC. Changing it to 2" would be ideal. Purchase a 15 CFM blower and use this bracket to secure. Run the flex tube all the way inside the PVC up to the back of the shank. The air will return through the larger tube. This blower is relatively small and does not emit much noise.

It is critical for you to determine the actual temperature of the beer. With the brands you are dispensing, try targeting 38F @ 14 PSIG. To cold and the flavor will be masked and you have a higher risk of imparting excess gas into the beer. This will result in waste at the bottom of the keg. Never, ever adjust your pressure to acquire a specific flow rate or to compensate for temperature issues. The line you have will suffice for now.

[flytcp]

The beer temp. in the fridge is 32 degrees. The initial temp out of the tap is 39. The beer is excessively foamy for about 1 & 1/2 glasses, them poors great unless you let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then back to foam. Is this due to the cold temp?? Do I need to purchase that $40 bracket to hook the flex hose to the blower? The beer tastes great, just a lot of wasted foam. Thanks!!!