What size gas line?

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CMcPherson

CMcPherson

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For the first time I am seeing some references to using 5/16" gas lines and 3/16" liquid lines.
How common is this?
I don't see quick disconnects with different size barb fittings.
 
I think that's fairly common. It's how mine is setup. I didn't have an option when I was ordering my liquid disconnects (that I remember), but I could choose the size hose barb I wanted on the gas side.
 
I have no idea where that all started, but it's definitely been a thing for some time.

I run 3/16" ID beer and gas lines onto 1/4" barbs. A few seconds with a heat gun set on Low softens them up enough to ease right on, and they're tight enough that the clamps are only there as insurance...

Cheers!
 
I think you want the smaller size on the liquid side to help with resistance, at least for most runs. You want to use 1/4" line there for really long runs. Perhaps the 3/16" doesn't allow for enough flow of CO2 to hit the pressures needed? Really just a guess there.
 
drgonzo2k2 said:
You want to use 1/4" line there for really long runs.
Click to expand...

1/4" is mostly for commercial use where you may have the kegs in a different room than the taps.

A really good starting point with home setups is 12ft of 3/16" beer line, kegs stored at 38*F and pressure at 12psi. You can always trim it back a foot at a time for more foam if needed. Forget making a line longer that's too short.
 
I like 1/4" ID for co2 because it will work on 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8" barbs with varying degrees of struggle (but no leaks). If you use 5/16, you can't use 1/4" barbs. In any case, using QDs with MFL ports will allow ANY barb size.
 
Bobby_M said:
In any case, using QDs with MFL ports will allow ANY barb size.
Click to expand...


Yes, but don't forget the nylon/soft flare washers where there are metal to metal MFLs. They don't ways make a gas tight seal when metal to metal, as often the case.at the regulator or manifold fittings.

At the ball lock/pin lock connectors is usually no problem since most of them have soft seats.
 
I started my kegging experience with 1/4" beer lines 10 feet long on 1/4" hose barbs. That's what the calculators said to use. Nothing but foam. Switched to 3/16" beer lines 12 feet long on the same 1/4" hose barbs and haven't looked back. Perfect pour every time. Just microwave a cup of water to boiling, dipthe vinyl lines into it and slip it onto the barbs.
 
CMcPherson said:
For the first time I am seeing some references to using 5/16" gas lines and 3/16" liquid lines.
How common is this?
I don't see quick disconnects with different size barb fittings.
Click to expand...

I use 3/16 tubing for both my liquid and gas lines. No issues with pressure or anything. All my ball lock fittings are threaded and require swivel barb connectors. I use the 1/4" barb swivels with the 3/16 line and warm the end in hot water to get the line to fit. I like having one size for both for some reason.
 
Thanks everybody for your help.
I've got my order in for fittings and other goodies.
 

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