BierMunchers Rolling Kegerator (BYO Published)

**BierMuncher** · 07-08-2008, 06:38 PM

Portable Kegerator is underway...

Well, the anniversary party is 3 1/2 weeks away and I'm on the hook to bring and serve up three kegs of beer (Cream Ale, Irish Red Ale and maybe my sterling Gold).

A while back I posted this concept...wanting something better than just the usual picnic taps and cornies in an ice bucket.

Well I have time to decide on exactly the model of garbage can I use

but primary to the project was putting together a good CO2 dispensing system. Rather than dismantle one of my two CO2 systems at home I figured that the Kobalt Portable CO2 system would work well, and owning a pneumatic stapler and brad nailer, I could put it to good (normal) use around the house anyway.

Anyway, here's Phase I of the Rolling Kegerator system:

The basic kit comes with one empty 9Oz bottle inside the package, and then they give one 9Oz full bottle included in the price ($84.00)
I went ahead and purchased a one pound bottle as well, knowing I'd use it one way or another.

I also picked up some fittings for the hose connection:

Picked up a barb fitting and an additional male quick connect.

I'm not worried about different serving PSI so I just installed a splitter for three gas lines. I also installed a check valve in the main line. Note the black electrical tape around the ends. I didn't like the tightness of the fit I got when I clamped down the otikers, so I built up the thickness of the hose with about 8" of tape. The clamps have a nice solid bite now.

Here, everything is ready to hook up. Notice the thread tape on the splitter. I actually decided against this, thinking that I would lose the "bite" of those barbs and didn't want to risk a disconnect.

More to follow....

**BierMuncher** · 07-08-2008, 06:38 PM

Here are the lines completely assembled. I gave everything a good underwater test once I hooked up the gas:

Now it's time to test dispensing. I hooked up to a room temperature, flat keg (one of six) that is conditioning in the brew shop.

Notice the PSI reading is zero. I actually know that these regulators don't read real accurate at low PSI's, so I just dialed up the gas until I heard it flowing and held it there....but the gauge did not register.

Regardless of a non-reading on the gauge, you can see it's a nice smooth pour from a flat keg.

I decided to move the rig over to the kegerator and try serving off of a chilled, carb'd keg. Again....a perfect pour. (My next project is to swap out these 4' lines for 8'

)

**EdWort** · 07-08-2008, 06:42 PM

I've got two of those stainless crosses and don't use any tape at all. Just worm clamps and no leaks. Smart move on the check valve.

findthefish · 07-08-2008, 06:45 PM

That looks awesome. Great idea.

**BierMuncher** · 07-08-2008, 06:45 PM

So here's the rig...ready to serve. Now it's on to a holding vessel for the kegs.

**EdWort** · 07-08-2008, 06:52 PM

What is the black stuff under the clamps? Oetker clamps?

98EXL · 07-08-2008, 06:53 PM

/subscribed

**claphamsa** · 07-08-2008, 06:54 PM

holly crap!

**conpewter** · 07-08-2008, 07:03 PM

I use oetiker clamps, they are really nice, but I don't know what the black stuff is, maybe he had clamps that were too large so put another piece of thin hose over the connections before clamping?

hollowdp · 07-08-2008, 08:33 PM

I was wondering what the black stuff was also. I usually get hose that's just one size too small for the barb so it's really tough to get on and off and then clamp it if it's permanent.