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Air tool regulator - can this be used?

Discussion in 'Bottling/Kegging' started by Rhino17, Jan 22, 2007.

 

  1. #1
    Rhino17

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 22, 2007
    Hi all,

    I currently have my keg set up with 1 dual guage regulator from the tank, and then branched off to 6 lines inside the fridge to supply pressure to all of the kegs.

    Since I usually make ales, all requiring about the same level of carbonation (my preference), this cheap set up works very well for me.

    However, I have some friends who have requested a dry stout, and like a good little brewer, I have obliged. But I don't want to serve it at the same pressure.

    Do you think an air tool regulator like in the link below could be added in-line to step down the 13 psi to around 5 for my dry stout? I just can't justify purchasing a secondary regulator at this time, and this would be a cheap solution.

    http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/mtn6182.html

    Any thoughts?

    Rhino
     
  2. #2
    Orfy

    For the love of beer!  

    Posted Jan 22, 2007
    I have never given it a though. Mainly because if you get gas and regulators wrong then it can be lethal.
     
  3. #3
    Flyin' Lion

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 22, 2007
    I'd definitely research this more, but this sounds like a good, cheap alternative to the expensive dual gauge setups.

    Hope it works out for ya.
     
  4. #4
    david_42

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 22, 2007
    I think it would be worth trying, but as a secondary only. My main concern is gas volume, an air tool regulator is intended to run at cubic feet per minute rates, but a CO2 setup's requirement is more like pints per hour.
     
  5. #5
    rdwj

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 22, 2007
    ya, for a secondary, that seems like a great option!
     
  6. #6
    lustreking

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 22, 2007
    Some air tool regulators will work, but there are basically a valve that just regulate air flow rather than pressure. These inexpensive ones won't work for our purposes. I can't really tell for sure, but from the picture of the one you linked, I don't think it will work. If there isn't constant flow of air, the pressure will build up to be the same on both sides.

    I bought 4 of these when they were recently on sale for $4.99. They are the least expensive air tool regulator that will work for pushing beer. I haven't used them yet, because I need new gauges (see note below).

    Another thing to keep in mind about any air tool regulator. You will need to get a new gauge for it. The ones that come with them generally go up to 150-200 psi. They don't have the resolution to work in the area (generally under 15psi) that we want.

    I have found some good deals for gauges on ebay. I should be able to get them for a little less than $5 each.

    -S
     
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