Keg question for Justin(or anybody)

[2DogAle]

Justin,

I know you keg your beer and it sounds like you got the entire kegerator/gas/carbonating thing down, so I figured you would be the man to ask this question.

I got the carbonation level to where I wanted it a few days back. I left preasure on the keg and line and shut off the C02. I poured a glass today and it didn't seem as carbonated as the first time. I don't seem to have any leaks because my gage reading on the line going into the corny stayed right where it was a few days back and the tank gage didn't move either.

What I wonder is do I keep the gas on or off? Will the beer lose carbonation without having the gas on all the time?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rob

[SunkenBier]

As you take beer from the keg the gas needs to equalize. If there is no new co2 pumped into the keg the co2 will bleed from the beer to equalize with the larger hedspace created.

By pumping in co2 the headspace is filled with co2 to match the pressure set on the regulator. This will allow your beer to stay nice and bubbley.

[Bugeater]

I only turn my gas off about once a year. That's about how long the CO2 lasts. If you turn the gas off and pour a beer, you lower the pressure in the head space. The CO2 will then try to equalize the pressure in the beer and in the head space by coming out of solution. Thus you lose carbonation in the beer.

If your system is properly balanced and you have no leaks, there is no reason to ever shut your gas off if all you are doing is serving.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewng Company

[2DogAle]

Thanks you guys, I figured out everything else but that was confusing me as I thought I had heard somebody say they shut off the gas after they dispensed a glass.

I have no leaks so I guess I'll be leaving the gas on.

Love going to that refridgerator and pouring a draft!!!


Cheers,

Rob

[Mr. Big]

I put a shut-off valve right before the keg. This way, I can shut off the gas and leave the beer sit without worry. Hard to believe, but sometimes I'll go a week or 2 without drinking off the tap. That is also why I went with the forward sealing faucets on my beer tower.