Plastic Kegs and Carbonation

[mikesmith1611]

Hi guys,
Just after some advice on budget plastic pressure barrels. I have had success in the past with a fairly good carbonation from these barrels. However the last time i used one there was virtually no carb at all, all seemed to be sealed well. Is there a difference in the amount of pressure the barrel can take when using the cap with a co2 bulb adaptor compared to the non co2 bulb cap. The last time the barell was less full as i bottled some, will this affect carbonation?

 

[mikesmith1611]

I guess no one uses plastic kegs!

 

[Ramitt]

Are you talking about the tap a draft systems?

 

[brewit2it]

I'm guessing you're not in the US. We don't have those commonly here. We pretty much bottle or Corny keg here with very few exceptions.

 

[Gear101]

Are you talking about the 1 1/2 gallon party pig kegs?

 

[brewit2it]

Are you talking about the 1 1/2 gallon party pig kegs?

I'm pretty sure he means something like this. They are popular in UK. I think you rack to them then prime the beer to get the carbonation and they are stored in a cold cellar so you get warmer less carbonated beer. Probably still pretty tasty though and some of them have a way to add CO2 cartridges as well to keep them less flat as you draw off the pints.

 

[Ramitt]

Oh, now that would be interesting for cask conditioned real ales. I want one.

 

[mikesmith1611]

Thats the kind I have, in the past ive had no trouble getting carbonation levels up to have a nice head but obviously not 'fizzy' like a real ale.

This time however no carb whatsoever after 4 weeks. Perhaps a co2 injector is a good idea in order to keep up the pressure.

PS I am in the UK