Beer Forum

hodlofski · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2005, 06:30 PM

I have built a kegerator from a new refriderator that holds two sixtles (sorry abou spelling) side by side. THere is a 20# co2 tank outside the unit with a two gauge regulator and a line and a splitter. Currently there is one single sankey tap on a keg of Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale, with a tap coming out the front door of the unit. I am about to add a second tap, with a sankey and a keg of Smuttynose Shoals pale ale...these will alternate with Yards IPA and some homebrew...and who know what else.

I have the fridge turned up to "max" but it seems to be running about 38 degrees on the thermometer inside...i just put a NSF instaread therm into a glass of water inside...i'll get back to you...I'm running at about 14 PSI on the regulator...

The first glass is ALWAYS really foamy...too foamy...second glass is okay..but then loses its head pretty quick...doesnt seem flat.

The beerline is about 4 feet or so...not long at all.

HELP! HELP! HELP!

topgun3208 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 07:52 AM

I got my kegerator in april and still have to mess around with the psi on the regulator. I have been using coors light for the summer, and I run it around 8psi. anything above 10psi it will blow nothing but foam.

USMC - Retired · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 12:40 PM

not an expert or anything but from what I've been able to figure, your lines should be at least 5 feet long.

topgun3208 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 04:04 PM

just to give you an example, I got a fresh keg today, put in the fridge for 2 hours to settle down,hooked up the coupler and nothing but foam. came back awhile later and got it down to 8 psi. ahhhh a nice cup of suds with a 1/2" head and 38f. works for moi [

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Scott Zuhse · #5 (**permalink**) 10-16-2005, 05:37 PM

No such thing as "seems like" when it comes to temperature. Calibrate the thermometer in a glass filled with ice, then water. Thermometer should read 32 F. If the product is carbonated at 2.5 vols, 14 PSIG will be fine at 38F. The four feet of 3/16" line will give you 128 oz./min. flow. If you desire a slower flow, use five feet.

Normally, when you start with foam and then the beer clears, the temperature at the faucet/shank area is warmer and the beer is degassing in this area. Or, you temperature is incorrect, thus your pressure is incorrect.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

hodlofski · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-2005, 11:34 AM

I wonder if it is the issue is the warm faucet shank area. any cure for that? Or just take the first glass as is. If temp is at 39 what is psi for these two beers?

Is there a standard carb volume for american craft beers in the american pale ale catagory?

So i hear that to slow down the flow, which is i think way to fast...increase the hose length to 5 feet...without changing psi. The guy at the homebrew store swears by 4 or 5 psi...but that will flatten beer correct? I dont drink it that fast usually 60 days for a keg.

USMC - Retired · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2005, 11:52 AM

60 days for a keg?! You need to drink more and faster or get smaller kegs, American beer in kegs is generally unpasturized and really shouldn't be held for more than 45 days. Past that you start to lose quality and most importantly flavor. Your definately right on the hose length a longer line lets you run a higher PSI without foam so you keep the CO2 volume in your beer correct and still get a nice smooth pour. Use this link to figure your PSI by a formula that works perfect for me.

http://kegman.net/tap_info.htm

hodlofski · #8 (**permalink**) 10-18-2005, 11:53 AM

Should I replace the hoses? With 5 feet of brewery hose? I have the hoses i got from the homebrew shop.

USMC - Retired · #9 (**permalink**) 10-18-2005, 12:40 PM

I would

Scott Zuhse · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 09:21 AM

Be certain that the inside dimension is 3/16" I.D. Start with six feet if you like. Trim back until you acquire the flow desired. Do not attempt this procedure until you know the correct temperature thus pressure. Get this right first and then worry about flow speed.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

hodlofski · #11 (**permalink**) 10-28-2005, 04:09 PM

Okay. I have currently 39 degrees in the fridge in a glass of h20 and a calibrated instaread thermometer. I'm running a Yards product and a new keg of Smuttynose IPA. I'm using 3/16 inch micromatic hose at about 3 feet long...thats what the guy sold me and i havent replaced it yet...but will ASAP. Still very foamy (but its the first glass.) and looking to work this. I'm going to order it now actually.

USMC - Retired · #12 (**permalink**) 10-28-2005, 05:04 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by hodlofski

Okay. I have currently 39 degrees in the fridge in a glass of h20 and a calibrated instaread thermometer. I'm running a Yards product and a new keg of Smuttynose IPA. I'm using 3/16 inch micromatic hose at about 3 feet long...thats what the guy sold me and i havent replaced it yet...but will ASAP. Still very foamy (but its the first glass.) and looking to work this. I'm going to order it now actually.

Once you get at least 5 feet of beer line set your PSi to 14 and you should be golden... good luck!

Semper Fi,
The Gunns

"Beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin

topgun3208 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-28-2005, 09:30 PM

no wonder ur blowin foam with 3' of hose. I would increase that thing @ least 2'. hell i'm blowin kegs every 2 weeks and foam isnt that much of an issue, burrrrrrrrrp [xx(]