Carbonation

[Kevnlis]

I have a keg which has been naturally carbonated, and another which I plan to force carb, do I have to disconnect the carbonated keg in order to force carb the other keg? I am not sure if I am able to do that without the other connector losing pressure? I don't have time to naturally carb the other keg.

[lethaldog]

If you have a simple T-peice setup to run 2 kegs then it is no problem as this is the system i run, just simply disconnect the gas from the carbed keg while you force the other.

[rwh]

Depends on the method you're using. If you want to force carb at a high pressure over time, then you'd need to disconnect the already carbed keg. If you just want to force carb by upping the pressure and shaking the flat keg, then you probably wouldn't harm the beer in the other keg in the short time it'll take you to do that.

But really, I don't see the problem with disconnecting the carbed keg. The valve in the post and the valve in the quick disconnect keep the CO2 where it's meant to be...

[Kevnlis]

Yeah, I planned on force carbbing with the shaking technique. I am just a bit scared that the unattached post connect will leak at that high pressure if it is not connected to the keg.

Also what pressure do you guys recommend for a 23L keg, I know how to do the 'Ross' method on a 19L but is it different for my 23L?

[Trough Lolly]

In theory it shouldn't matter...it'll just take more CO2 to achieve the necessary pressure.

Cheers,
TL

[KEG]

In theory it shouldn't matter...it'll just take more CO2 to achieve the necessary pressure.

i.e slightly more time shaking the keg, not more pressure.

you can disconnect the naturally carbed keg.. if your seals are working, it's fine.

[rwh]

I am just a bit scared that the unattached post connect will leak at that high pressure if it is not connected to the keg.

Nah. At least it's never happened to me.

[lethaldog]

Nup me either, thats what they are designed for to hold preasure so disconnect and feel safe cos mine have always been fine

[Trough Lolly]

It's not a problem Kev - I've had kegs at 40PSI plus with no problems...if your post is giving you a problem you've either not fitted it correctly or the poppet is stuffed. I used to have leaky poppets until I used food grade silicon on the poppet o-ring and now they work like a charm and save me CO2 and beer....

Cheers,
TL

[Kevnlis]

Should I burp the naturally carbonated keg before I pour from it or is that not necessary?

To burp the keg you just connect the gas in to the beer out and give it a shot of (what pressure?) gas right? Or do you need to let the gas out that you are burping in?

[KEG]

without gas connected, burp the keg til there's not much pressure in it, then connect your gas line, and turn your regulator up to pouring pressure. start at around 5 psi (fairly low) and turn it up or down to get the balance you need. too high=too much froth, too low=no head, beer may go flat.

[rwh]

Should I burp the naturally carbonated keg before I pour from it or is that not necessary?

Not necessary.

To burp the keg you just connect the gas in to the beer out and give it a shot of (what pressure?) gas right? Or do you need to let the gas out that you are burping in?

To burp the keg, you just open the blowoff valve (normally in the middle of the lid on a corny).

[Kevnlis]

Thanks guys... from now on I will not be naturaly carbonating. It just stressed me out a bit because I was not sure how to treat things in that scenario.

[KEG]

Should I burp the naturally carbonated keg before I pour from it or is that not necessary?

Not necessary.

are you sure? depending on his beer line and tap, carbonation pressure could well be enough for the first glass or two to be all foam.

[Kevnlis]

Yeah, I tried to pour from it with the reg set at about 50kpa and it sprayed everywhere! I am gonna let it settle for a bit and try again later.

[rwh]

OK, let me qualify that. If you are running a balanced system it is not necessary.

[Kevnlis]

Balanced?

[rwh]

In a balanced system the beer will not gain or lose carbonation over time, with the gas set at pouring pressure.

Balancing a Draught System

[Kevnlis]

But the gas was set at pouring pressure when I poured and it still sprayed everywhere? I disconnected and burped it like KEG said, let it rest a few hours and then it worked great!

[KEG]

the reg was set to pouring pressure. that means that if the keg pressure drops below pouring pressure, the reg will allow CO2 through. the keg could still be higher pressure though.