about to start kegging...need some input please

[sputnam]

ok, i got new kegs and new tower/lines, etc...i'm thinking i need to put some sanitizer in each keg (1/2 gallon or so?) shake, pressurize (to what i don't know...10#?) and run through lines and out tap. Then put my beer in and set pressure on 8-10 for a couple of weeks and drink. after the beer is gone i'm not really sure what to do then. Do i really need to buy a cleaning kit? can i just use cleaner in the keg, pump thru lines, then sanitizer, then water, then beer?

 

[StLouBrew]

I was just about to start my own thread, but thought I could just glom onto this one. I'm basically in the same spot as Sputnam. Got a brand new kegerator and a batch of beer that's ready to be kegged. Here are the steps I planned to go through to sanitize and test the integrity of the system:

1. StarSan the keg and all connectors
2. Fully assemble the keg and with some StarSan still in the keg, attach the gas in and beer out lines
3. Turn on regulator at around 5 PSI and inspect for leaks
4. Run StarSan through the line and tap
5. Purge out all the StarSan by running /CO2 through the line
6. Turn off CO2, release the pressure and proceed to kegging

After reading some of the other sticky posts, I think I'm on the right track. I just don't want to screw up this first effort.

Thanks!

 

[raouliii]

On the right track. A few comments. Neither of you mentioned the origin of your kegs so I'll assume used.

Sometimes used kegs haven't really been thoroughly cleaned before sale. Take them apart and soak everything if it appears there is any soda syrup residue or smell. Make sure to separate the poppets from the posts for cleaning. Be sure to put posts and dip-tubes back in their original location.
All 5 O-rings should be replaced on used kegs unless you know it has already been done. Use a food grade lube product on the 0-rings like keglube.
Sometimes it takes more than 10-15psi to seat the lid on cornys. I use about 30psi to seat my lids and check for leaks, then dial back regulator to carbing pressure.
Be sure to securely attach the disconnects to the correct posts.

When filling the keg with beer, use tubing that reaches the bottom and don't splash.
Apply CO2 pressure to seat the lid and then pull the pressure release a few times to dilute the air/oxygen in the headspace. If you don't have pressure relief valves, alternately remove the disconnect and depress the gas in poppet and re-pressurize a few times.

 

[StLouBrew]

On the right track.

Thanks for the reply. Yup, used kegs and I cleaned and replaced all the gaskets. Yesterday I did the steps that I outlined, and most of what you suggested.. except I didn't seat the lid while under pressure. I tested with some StarSan around the seal and didn't see any bubbles, so I should be ok.

I kegged and put in the kegerator overnight. Gonna force carb today and see how it all turned out.

Cheers

 

[Bigscience]

Using a keg and CO2 to push cleaner/sanitizer around is wasteful. Do yourself a favor and make a garden sprayer setup and/or a fountain pump recirculator. Also, make sure you CLEAN your lines regularly with liquid line cleaner. If you don't, you'll be surprised at the crud that comes out the first time you do.

 

[sputnam]

sounds like buying the cleaning kit would be a good plan. how often is regularly when CLEANING the lines? every time i empty a keg?

 

[DAJDive]

On the right track. A few comments. Neither of you mentioned the origin of your kegs so I'll assume used.

Sometimes used kegs haven't really been thoroughly cleaned before sale. Take them apart and soak everything if it appears there is any soda syrup residue or smell. Make sure to separate the poppets from the posts for cleaning. Be sure to put posts and dip-tubes back in their original location.
All 5 O-rings should be replaced on used kegs unless you know it has already been done. Use a food grade lube product on the 0-rings like keglube.
Sometimes it takes more than 10-15psi to seat the lid on cornys. I use about 30psi to seat my lids and check for leaks, then dial back regulator to carbing pressure.
Be sure to securely attach the disconnects to the correct posts.

When filling the keg with beer, use tubing that reaches the bottom and don't splash.
Apply CO2 pressure to seat the lid and then pull the pressure release a few times to dilute the air/oxygen in the headspace. If you don't have pressure relief valves, alternately remove the disconnect and depress the gas in poppet and re-pressurize a few times.

+1 with this. I purchased two used kegs once. The previous owner said they had been cleaned. When I got them home, both smelled like soda. They got long soaks and multiple cleanings with PBW.

I only have two kegs. One keg I keep the same beer in all the time. I clean the lines on that one about every other kegging. I clean the other after each kegging. My keg system is very simple, so cleaning the frequently isn't much of a big deal.