From what I'm reading, usual keg pressures range from 10-12psi for most styles and balancing requires similar resistance to the end of your faucet for foam-free pours. OK, got it.
Now, I understand that you usually get about 1 PSI drop per foot of 3/16" beer line. I also read that most shank/faucet combos give you an additional 4-5PSI drop. That means a 6 foot run of 3/16" line is about right.
I also read that cobra/picnic taps are basically no-drop meaning I'd need about 10 feet of 3/16" line to balance. This got me thinking, what is the PSI drop of 1/8" line? I can certainly force it onto the barbs with a little hot water and cussing.
What says the group?
Also, one tag along question... if going with 3/16", which style would you choose for you beerline from these two choices:
*****This clear PVC tubing has the highest strength and abrasion resistance
of any PVC tubing we offer, plus it remains flexible at low
temperatures. Use with water, air, food and beverage, and ethylene
glycol. Material is FDA compliant. It can be sterilized with gas. 3/16" ID with 1/32" wall thickness, 160psi max. $.16/ft.****** mcmaster 5006K36
or
******Easily monitor whats flowing through your linethis PVC tubing comes in clear as well as a selection of transparent colors
so you can easily identify different lines within your system. Also known as vinyl, PVC is the most common plastic material for
low-pressure conveying applications. Use with water and air; clear tubing is FDA CFR21 175.300 compliant and can also be
used with food and beverage. All tubing can be sterilized with steam (autoclaving) and gas. Not rated for vacuum. 3/16"ID, 1/16" wall, 45 PSI max, $.14/ft******
mcmaster 5233K53
Now, I understand that you usually get about 1 PSI drop per foot of 3/16" beer line. I also read that most shank/faucet combos give you an additional 4-5PSI drop. That means a 6 foot run of 3/16" line is about right.
I also read that cobra/picnic taps are basically no-drop meaning I'd need about 10 feet of 3/16" line to balance. This got me thinking, what is the PSI drop of 1/8" line? I can certainly force it onto the barbs with a little hot water and cussing.
What says the group?
Also, one tag along question... if going with 3/16", which style would you choose for you beerline from these two choices:
*****This clear PVC tubing has the highest strength and abrasion resistance
of any PVC tubing we offer, plus it remains flexible at low
temperatures. Use with water, air, food and beverage, and ethylene
glycol. Material is FDA compliant. It can be sterilized with gas. 3/16" ID with 1/32" wall thickness, 160psi max. $.16/ft.****** mcmaster 5006K36
or
******Easily monitor whats flowing through your linethis PVC tubing comes in clear as well as a selection of transparent colors
so you can easily identify different lines within your system. Also known as vinyl, PVC is the most common plastic material for
low-pressure conveying applications. Use with water and air; clear tubing is FDA CFR21 175.300 compliant and can also be
used with food and beverage. All tubing can be sterilized with steam (autoclaving) and gas. Not rated for vacuum. 3/16"ID, 1/16" wall, 45 PSI max, $.14/ft******
mcmaster 5233K53