Condensation - What's the best way to insulate a tower?

[Skinsfan1311]

My newly installed blower works great, but has presented me with a small issue. Condensation.

The f@ctory insulation isn't cutting it.

I'm sure that I need to put in more,(or better), insulation, but I can't go too thick, as I currently have decent return air-flow back into the unit.

Any tips, or suggestions, would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!

[psychodad]

Go to Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and check out what they have in the way of pipe insulation. You could maybe get by with running the blower only when the compressor runs, but I'd go with better insulation first.

[Skinsfan1311]

Originally Posted by psychodad

Go to Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and check out what they have in the way of pipe insulation. You could maybe get by with running the blower only when the compressor runs, but I'd go with better insulation first.

Thanks! I agree, better insulation over running the blower when the compressor runs. I have this thing wired, and buttoned up. I'm not about to revisit that, unless absolutely necessary.

I had some leftover insulation, from when I insulated under the top. It's basically foil covered bubble wrap. I insulated it last night.

It was a real tight fit. The hard part was leaving enough room for some return air flow. I don't have much, but I do have some air flowing back in the box.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that condensation on the tower this a.m. and a lot more surpriesed this afternoon. (It's 90 degrees + and very humid here in the Baltimore area andThe kegerator is on a screened in porch) This thing is performing like a champ. A pitcher of water was 34 degrees when I got home, very good performance, given the heat & humidity.

I just tapped a 1/6th bbl of Clipper City Gold and I'm waiting for it to cool down,(I'm giving it an assist by having a fan blow on the coils).

The hard part now, is waiting for the keg to settle down, and cool off enough to pull a pint!!!

[lunkhead]

I used some foam floor underlayment in my tower. Is about 1/8" thick and I wrapped up 2 layers over the existing foam in the tower. I'll get some condensation on the faucet on warm humid days, but my unit is in the basement. If you can feel the cold air return out the bottom than you have enough flow, does not need alot.

[Skinsfan1311]

Originally Posted by lunkhead

I used some foam floor underlayment in my tower. Is about 1/8" thick and I wrapped up 2 layers over the existing foam in the tower. I'll get some condensation on the faucet on warm humid days, but my unit is in the basement. If you can feel the cold air return out the bottom than you have enough flow, does not need alot.

Thanks....the return flow was a concern.


The insulation that I added seems to have made a big difference. While it's pretty protected from the elements, the kegerator is located on our screened in porch. It was very hot & humid yesterday and there was a very thin sheen of condensation, but no big rivulets of water, or puddles.

BTW....I measured the liquid temp, utilizing the chug method. 40 degrees. The first pour was foamy, ~ 1/3 of the glass. Subsequent pours were perfect. 1" head with beautiful lacing as the pint was consumed. The beer tastes, and looks, just like it does at the brewery. (I tapped a 1/6th bbl of Clipper City Gold Ale, which is brewed a few miles from my house near Baltimore)

I hope to alleviate the foam, with a colder liquid temp.

I adjusted the thermostat, and should have that bad-boy dialed in to 38 degrees by the time I get home today.

Thanks, again!

[mtlcafan79]

Clipper City has a great tour. Do they sell kegs direct from the brewery? I'm just south of there.

[Skinsfan1311]

Originally Posted by mtlcafan79

Clipper City has a great tour. Do they sell kegs direct from the brewery? I'm just south of there.

I agree about the tour. I've taken it so much that I can give the tour! They've changed the format. You now pay $5.00, and they give you a pilsner glass, to keep, and 6 tickets for beer samples. (The tour is free). They've also started to give the tour every other Saturday,(as opposed to just once a month).

They will sell you beer by the 6-pack, or case, but not kegs. You have to go through a distributor.

The prices are $120.00 for 1/2 kegs & $60.00 for 1/6th bbls.

They don't package their beers in 1/4 kegs.

I contacted them for the optimum CO2 pressure. They e-mailed back and told me that it's 10-11 psi, assuming that the liquid temp is 38.

The Gold Ale is an excellent summer brew. It's light enough to be refreshing, but it has a great flavor. It's one of the craft brews that my friends enjoy drinking. After this keg blows, I'll probably get the Pale Ale....

[mtlcafan79]

I was on a tour recently and discovered the switch to the ticket system. The "malted and roasted" tour guy is halarious. They had cases of their hef for $16. We couldn't break out our wallets fast enough.

[Skinsfan1311]

Originally Posted by mtlcafan79

I was on a tour recently and discovered the switch to the ticket system. The "malted and roasted" tour guy is halarious. They had cases of their hef for $16. We couldn't break out our wallets fast enough.

LOL!! Agreed....the tour is very entertaining.

The Oxford ain't half bad. I bought up a few cases myself. The only reason that they're selling it so cheaply is that they're changing the packaging.

I live, and work, close enough to the brewery, that I buy my beer from them. You can not find it cheaper, anywhere.

I just wish I could talk 'em into selling me kegs directly......