Incase anyone else wants to know it does unscrew. But there is a lock tab that holds it on even after unscrewing. I'm sure there is some kind of special tool they use at the brewery to remove it without damage but I had to pry the center section out with the rubber seal. It came out pretty easy with a 2ft pry bar. Then the spring, dip tube, and other spring come out. You will see a small tab on the inside get a screwdriver behind it then pry it out, it's spring loaded so leave the screwdriver behind it and pull up. The rest then lifts out. I'm going to use it as a fermenter so I had no problem damaging the valve. I don't think this type of spear can be removed without destroying it ( unless you have the special tool) so if anyone plans to keg in this you are better off trading for a standard d coupler keg.