Seeking Confirmation on CO2 Regulator Valves

Hi all,

I'm about to place an order for my 3 keg system but am hoping for your all's confirmation regarding CO2 regulator valves.

A photo of my dual regulator is attached to the post.

I would like to make this usable for 3 kegs w/ 2 unique pressures.

The suggested pieces:

-3 x Gas Shut-off valve - 1/4 NPT x 5/16 Hose Barb with check valve ( http://www.ritebrew.com/product-p/843684.htm )
-1 x Y-Splitter ( http://www.ritebrew.com/product-p/843471.htm )

The idea would be to first remove the current threaded valves and then replace one with a gas shut-off valve, the other with the y-splitter. Y-splitter would be furthest from tank hook-up as it'll be lower pressure at all times, non-split valve may force carbonate at times.

Although it may seem obvious, if you all could chime in to make sure this approach is the most direct and cost effective, I'd be super appreciative. If anything doesn't make sense, I'll be happy to clarify.

Thanks!

sounds good. you can also buy 1/4" stainless steel 'T's and just have one end going to the regulator, and the other two go out to your gas disconnects.

that Y splitter is essentially the same thing, but you would have to also buy hose barbs with it.

audger said:

sounds good. you can also buy 1/4" stainless steel 'T's and just have one end going to the regulator, and the other two go out to your gas disconnects.

that Y splitter is essentially the same thing, but you would have to also buy hose barbs with it.

Click to expand...

Thanks so much for taking a look and the advice.

If I were to go stainless T with barbs, it would be cheaper but I'd lose the check valve functionality, correct?

As this is my first time kegging, I think I want to pay the premium for some check valves and protecting my regulator, if I understand their role correctly.

as long as one check valve between the regulator and any kegs, it doesnt matter very much if there isnt one between the kegs themselves. it is nice to have one ball valve and check valve on each gas line, but if you are trying to do it cheaply- the same thing can be done with a $4 tee

the only major instance where you need a check valve is if you overfill your keg to a level that is above the short gas dip tube. only then can beer travel up the gas line. if you dont overfill your kegs, you wont have problems. and as long as there is one between the kegs and the regulator, if beer travels up the gas line of one keg and gets into the other keg, its not the end of the world.

http://stores.kegconnection.com/Categories.bok?category=*Parts:Tees

audger said:

as long as one check valve between the regulator and any kegs, it doesnt matter very much if there isnt one between the kegs themselves. it is nice to have one ball valve and check valve on each gas line, but if you are trying to do it cheaply- the same thing can be done with a $4 tee

the only major instance where you need a check valve is if you overfill your keg to a level that is above the short gas dip tube. only then can beer travel up the gas line. if you dont overfill your kegs, you wont have problems. and as long as there is one between the kegs and the regulator, if beer travels up the gas line of one keg and gets into the other keg, its not the end of the world.

http://stores.kegconnection.com/Categories.bok?category=*Parts:Tees

Click to expand...

Fantastic. Thanks for the advice and clarification. Re: dip tube, etc., that makes a lot more sense about when the check valve comes into play.