Best way to set up for 3 kegs?

[Patirck]

I recently came into a kegerator that is set up for 1 keg (single tap, single regulator from CO2 tank). I can fit 3 corney kegs and the small CO2 tank in this thing and would like to modify it so I can dispense three at a time. I know I'll need a tower with three taps on it and would like to set it up so I can put a stout on tap as well as two other beers (probably a hef and a belgian tripel for starters). I think this means that I need to be able to put the stout under a different pressure than the others - if I have to make the hef and the tripel be a little over / under carbed I can live with that but it seems that it would be easy to over carb the stout. I think I need a dual regulator where one side can be dialed down for the stout and the other be a bit higher for the "non-stout" beers. The side with the non-stout beers can be done with a T connection.

Am I missing anything?

Do I need to worry about back flow from anything to anything else?

Will a small CO2 tank last while providing pressure to 3 kegs? I also have a tall one that won't fit in the fridge, I could drill a hole for a hose but I would rather not if I don't have to.

 

[rmseven4]

I'm guessing by "small CO2 tank" you mean a 5 pound tank so that should easily be able to carb and dispense 3 kegs.

As for carbing the 3 different beers, you can go the easy route and carb them all to the same level and they will still be tasty but if you truly want to carb to style then you will need either a dual regulator to run two pressures or you could use a single primary regulator and two secondary regulators. By using the secondary regulators you can then carb each beer to a different volume, perhaps a stout, a mild and a Belgian... Split the line from the primary and hook one to your secondary regulators and the other to one of the kegs, lines from the secondary regulators then go to the other two kegs. Run the primary regulator at the highest pressure needed and adjust the secondaries for whatever pressure you want for the other two beers but remember that they can never be more than the pressure of the primary.

You will also want a check valve on each gas line to prevent beer from getting back into your regulators or from one keg to the other.

 

[azscoob]

Using your regulator seems like a solid idea, a primary regulator, t-fitting one goes to secondary regulator the other is further tee'd to the higher carb beers, get some quick disconnects, beer line, and a tower adapter so you can have 3 taps without buying a whole new tower.

 

[Patirck]

Thanks for the ideas - I will search for a tower adapter and a secondary regulator. Any particular sources for this kind of thing you recomend?

 

[azscoob]

check out micromatic, kegworks maybe beverage factory, search for secondary regulator and for beer tower adaptor.

 

[airmek]

Using your regulator seems like a solid idea, a primary regulator, t-fitting one goes to secondary regulator the other is further tee'd to the higher carb beers, get some quick disconnects, beer line, and a tower adapter so you can have 3 taps without buying a whole new tower.

I went an even cheaper route. I used a couple of these http://www.homebrewing.org/Chrome-Plated-Elbow-Shank_p_1187.html and drilled 2 extra holes in my existing tower. It's 2.5 inches as opposed to 3. It was a little difficult getting 3 taps in it, but it can be done.

Here it is completed...

 

[tcory77]

what did you drill the holes with and what size bit was it?

 

[azscoob]

I actually did min like that, I used a unibit from harbor freight to drill the hole, quick and easy.

 

[jgourd]

I went an even cheaper route. I used a couple of these http://www.homebrewing.org/Chrome-Plated-Elbow-Shank_p_1187.html and drilled 2 extra holes in my existing tower. It's 2.5 inches as opposed to 3. It was a little difficult getting 3 taps in it, but it can be done.

Here it is completed...

That Northwestern Ale is one mighty fine brew.

 

[HarkinBanks]

I did the same thing as airmek, works great. I used the step-bit from Harbor Freight as well. I got all of my gear from Brewmasters Warehouse when they ran a sale, ended up being the best deal once I knew what I was buying. Keg Connection is also awesome and very helpful people.

 

[tcory77]

I have never used a step bit........I am guessing you used a 3/16" step bit?

 

[HarkinBanks]

I got this from Harbor:

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-high-speed-steel-step-drills-96275.html

I used the bigger one and went down each step until I hit the right one for the shank tower assembly, it was very easy.

 

[azscoob]

that is exactly what I used as well, works perfectly!

 

[kmat123]

I would recommend going with a two tap tower and a 3 way CO2 distributor coming off th primary regulator so that you can serve two and be carbing a 3rd at all times.

 

[tcory77]

ok....you guys sold me, I am adding a tap. I picked up the step drill bit from Harbor Freight for $15.....same thing from sears would have cost me $45.

Do I need to drill a pilot hole or anything like that or will this bad boy just self tap?

Anything else I need to know before I go for it?

 

[kpr121]

I actully just did this yesterday. Added one faucet to my existing tower. Step bit from Harbor Freight.

I would suggest you at least start to predrill the tower, i.e. make an indent with a small drill bit. I just used an old wood bit. Otherwise the step bit will try to crawl left and right around the concave surface.

But other than that its simple. Took me 5 minutes to drill and another 15 to hook up the faucet/shank.

 

[HarkinBanks]

Measure twice and drill once. If you use masking tape, you don't need a pilot hole. The masking tape will keep the step bit in place. I suggest drawing an outline on the masking tape, it works well. Go slow with the step bit and use a lot of pressure.

 

[tcory77]

I never would have thought that I could do this upgrade myself. I got the harbor freight step bit, modified the 1" wrench to take off and put on the elbow taps and jumped right in. Went really smooth, looks great, couldn't be happier. I don't think I saved any money vs buying a double tap tower, but that is because I upgraded components, so it was self inflicted, and totally worth it. Those Perlicks are SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wit on one side and an IPA on the other (Shiner tap is a temp.)!!!!!!!

Thanks for the great info every step of the way.