Inline Flow Restrictor

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orangehero

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I'm in the process of setting up a kegging system and I've decided to go with the Accuflex Bevseal Ultra tubing. There is a negative in that the tubing has very low resistance compared to vinyl tubing and requires longer lengths to get the flow right. It's also stiff and a bit unwieldy, so I figure the shorter length the better.

I've been looking at ways to increase resistance so that shorter lengths can be used.

Does anyone have experience with inline flow restrictors?

Such as these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/INLINE-BEER-FLOW-CONTROL-HOME-MOBILE-BAR-PUB-COOLER-KEG-/111172555495

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beer-pipe...563?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4614828c03

It seems like inline ones for RO systems might work as well:

http://www.waterfilters.net/flow-restrictors.html

Micromatic used to sell one but it seems to be discontinued.
 
I haven't used those flow restrictors, but I have used mixer sticks in the keg dip tube with success. I've just been using about 20 feet of Ultra barrier tubing per keg, and at times it can be cumbersome when moving things around in the keezer, I haven't had any other issues.
 
How many taps do you have?

An easy but expensive method is to change your faucets to Perlick 650ss flow control faucets. This is the simplest way to me.

I have thought about going to the bevseal tubing, but all my fittings are for 3/8'' OD tubing, and the bevseal is 5/16'', so I would have to change all of that out, and that would be a pain since I've been working to standardize to 3/8'' for years now. The tubing is supposed to be excellent tubing though. Once I change out all my faucets to 650ss, I may then consider changing to bevseal ultra tubing, but until then, I'll wait and settle for my pvc tubing.
 
I placed an order from Marcus in the UK to test out one of the adjustable flow restrictors. One issue I see is the ability to clean it, although with the pushfit fittings it should be no problem to pull it out and tear it down for a PBW soak.

The John Guest or DMfit Pushfit fittings are great. They are both equal quality and interchangable, certain types of fittings are just less expensive from one manufacturer or the other. I'm setting my system up with pushfit all around both for liquid and gas.

I don't know what fittings you have, but you you can get a 5/16" Pushfit x 3/8" Pushfit or get a hose barb adapter. The easiest is if you have flare fittings then you can get female flare adapters. Also I recommend getting the flow bend clips, they let you make a very tight radius in the Bevseal tubing without having to splice in pushfit elbows.

http://www.freshwatersystems.com/p-2456-john-guest-reducing-union-38-x-516.aspx

http://www.freshwatersystems.com/p-2482-john-guest-stem-barb-connector-516-od-stem-x-38-id-barb.aspx

http://www.freshwatersystems.com/p-2571-john-guest-flow-bend-clip-516.aspx

http://www.freshwatersystems.com/p-...e-adapter-516-push-in-x-716-20unf-v-type.aspx
 
When I say I've been standardizing, I meant to also say that I've standardized to the push to connect fittings. I have the acetal for my disconnects, and I've been testing some metal ones for gas distribution. That is why I don't plan on going with 5/16'' tubing, because I'd have to buy all new fittings.

I did just find some bev seal ultra 3/8" OD tubing though. I need to first change out all my faucets for the 650ss, so that I can adjust the flow at the faucet, rather than get a tremendous amount of line. I need to get another 13 faucets though, as only 1 out of my 14 are the 650ss right now (I have another two 650ss, but they are for direct keg sampling setups that I've made). Spending the money for 13 of those faucets will take me quite a while, so I don't see myself upgrading to the bev seal ultra tubing anytime soon.
 
Why do they only sell the JG and DMfit inline valves only in the UK? Strange. Orange hero, please keep us posted on how the one you ordered works. If all is good I wouldn't mind getting a few myself
 
So I got one of the inline flow restrictors from Marcus at http://www.bar-and-cellar-solutions.co.uk/. There was a minor issue with shipping, but I would not hesitate to do business with him again.

So far I've tested it with 10' of 3/16" Bevseal Ultra line with a picnic tap and it seems to work great serving beer at 42°F and 14 psi. I can dial it down to a good flow rate with minimal foaming. I may try cutting the length of line down to see how it'll do. The only negative is that it seems you can't disassemble it for cleaning (at least I don't think, it didn't come with a manual and I don't want to break it yet).
 
I tried out the plastic inline flow restrictor from CHI. So far it is a waste of money. They break before they get all the way in the tube.
 
Why do they only sell the JG and DMfit inline valves only in the UK? Strange. Orange hero, please keep us posted on how the one you ordered works. If all is good I wouldn't mind getting a few myself

WE have been selling the DM line for years and years. Let us know what you need and this sponsor will stock it for you!

Russ
 
Great! So you can get the inline beer flow restrictors?

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I like the look of the John Guest 802991KS as it comes with a mounting bracket, but apparently they aren't manufactured any more.

mic-802991ks.lg.jpg
 
Ah, no I don't think it's genuine DMFit brand. Sorry I see now that's probably what you meant. I think what @callacave meant is that they don't sell these inline flow restrictors with pushfit fittings (like JG or DMFit) here in the US. Kinda like saying Kleenex when you mean tissue paper.

The flow rate is adjustable so you can set up a kegging system and dial in optimal flow rate with one of these despite short line length and/or high serving pressure.
 
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