Guinness balancing

[timzcat]

I am looking for the calculation to balance a direct draw guiness system.
I have read and understand the balancing as it pertains to regular CO2 beers but obviously Guinness is different gas and different pressure. I am not having pour issues but would like to check my setup for proper flow.

[edramshaw]

I build the same restriction into the systems but increase the pressure of the gas (be sure it is what they call "Guinness Gas")to about 28.

[Scott Zuhse]

Be certain to use a stout faucet!

[timzcat]

My setup has been up and running fine for a while now. I was hoping to find out how to the balancing calculations with Guinness gas. Micromatic instructions state 38 psi and everyone seems to run 32 psi. I'd like to know the actual calculation for the right pressure to achive the optimum pour rate.

[Scott Zuhse]

Micro Matic recommends what Guinness recommends - between 28 and up until you acquire the pour desired. Higher for longer systems and as Ed indicated, 28 or so for the direct draw. This is the balancing for Guinness. Just be certain to use the 25% CO@ / 75% N mix.

Set the system up as you would for an ale or lager. Be aware that you are dispensing this product in a completely opposite fashion than an ale or lager. You attempt to bring the carbonation out of the beer by propelling it through a small screen at the faucet to provide the cascading effect. With an ale or lager, you try to keep the carbonation in the beer as you dispense less a nice dime to quarter size head of froth.

Don't get hung up on balancing! Also, don't be like the goofballs at retail and use the mix on your ales and lagers.