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How to determine how long to carb?

Discussion in 'General Homebrew Discussion' started by itsjared, Jun 18, 2012.

 

  1. #1
    itsjared

    Member

    Posted Jun 18, 2012
    I just kegged my Belgian ale and curious to know how long I should carb it for and at what psi? It's in my old fridge which keeps it at about 52.

    What factors influence carb time for each beer?
     
  2. #2
    BryceL

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 18, 2012
    You will want to look up what volume of CO2 is typical for your particular ale and then use a temperature vs volume chart to see what your psi should be set at. Here is one, there are others out there also. Just do a search.

    http://sdcollins.home.mindspring.com/ForceCarbonation.html

    Typically if I set my psi at 12 it will take about 2 weeks to fully carb. If you have a higher gravity beer it can take longer, lower gravity can be shorter. Also, the lower the temperature the faster it will carb.
     
  3. #3
    dgez

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 18, 2012
    PSI and temp are the factors...and I suppose volume of the liquid as well.

    For 5 gallon kegs, I set to 30PSI for 48hrs at around 40ish degrees. Generally this PSI/time/temp works great for me, the beer is ready to drink in 48hrs. If it needs a little more, I let it sit at 15-20PSI for another day.
     
  4. #4
    dgez

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 18, 2012
    You might as well bottle....I want to drink my beer in 2 days, not in 2 weeks :)
     
  5. #5
    BryceL

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 18, 2012
    Nah, kegging is way easier for me...I do bottle some though :) I just of it as a clearing/conditioning period as well, so I don't mind waiting the two weeks. If for some reason I am in a hurry and need it ready faster I do crank up the psi for a couple days.
     
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