CO2 coming out of solution in serving line

[jeeppilot]

I know this isn't a new topic but I do have specific questions to address this issue.

This is my first attempt at kegging. I started with a 6' line of 1/4" ID vinyl serving line with a picnic tap. I was pouring all foam and as the pictures show, the CO2 bubbles out, and leaves a large void in the serving line. I tried serving at 12 psi, 5 psi and about everything in between. At 12 psi with a 6 ft line, pouring a pint was almost impossible the flow rate was so high. At the recommendation of my local HBS, I shortened it to 3' and set the pressure to 5 psi. This is fairly inline with the "balanced system" idea. However, it is still pouring the same way, bubbles coming out, etc.

Am I totally overcarbonated? At 5 psi, will the carbonation level maintain itself over a couple months? I'd like to set 12 psi and forget it, so I'm not constantly dorking with the regulator, but with a picnic tap and 1/4" line, I'm not sure how to do that.View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1476728375.602172.jpg

 

[wapitiscat]

I had similar issues a while back. Going from 6' to 10' lines has pretty much taken care of the foamy pours.

Todd

EDIT: I just saw the picture and you may be having other issues besides serving line length. I'm sure someone here can help with the diagnosis.

 

[schatzke]

1/4 line is usually just for really long runs. I suggest starting with 3/16 line, 15 feet. If it pours good you can cut a foot off and test. I run about 12 feet and get a great pour. You might be careful with the advice from your LHBS if they are telling you 3 feet of 1/4 line is "balanced".

 

[brandonnys]

Did you purge the 12PSI of CO2 sitting in the headspace when you reduced pressure to 5PSI?

Longer lines will calm down the foam. I'm not sure why your LHBS told you to shorten them.

When I carb my beers, I set the regulator to the PSI I want (according to style vols calculations) and let it set for a week or more. The solution will reach equilibrium at some point, and you'll have achieved the correct level of volumes for your beer without any fuss.

 

[jeeppilot]

I thought it seemed backwards, but if I knew what I was talking about, I probably wouldn't be having such problems. I may try a 10' line of 3/16" line.

I did vent the headspace when I reduced to 5 psi. I feel like I may have overcarbonated it because after about 24 hours at 30 psi, then 2 weeks at 12 psi, it seemed flat. So I ramped it back up for a while and may have over done it.

 

[day_trippr]

Let's start at the beginning.

First, decide what temperature you want to dispense your beer.
Second, decide the level of carbonation you desire (hint: middle of the road ales are carbed around 2.4 to 2.5 volumes of CO2).

Then, use our favorite carbonation table, plug in your temperature on the Y-axis, scan across that row to find your carbonation level, then run up that column to find the proper CO2 pressure to use for both carbonation and dispensing.

Next, use the only beer line length calculator worth using to find the minimum line length for the CO2 pressure determined earlier. Definitely use 3/16" ID beer line, adjust the other inputs as needed, and out pops the correct minimum length.

Or, use 1 foot of 3/16" ID per PSI and you'll definitely be good to go.

And find a new LHBS...

Cheers!

 

[abrew2u]

I'm having same issue I have 1/4" beer lines that are 10 ft long
So I just ordered 3/16 line that are 10 ft long this should take care of the problem I'll let you know what happens

 

[milldoggy]

Any chance you could be slightly freezing you lines? That caused the c02 to come out of mine. I had beer slushy in my lines.

 

[day_trippr]

Another LHBS with zero clue on setting up a dispensing system.
Sad...

 

[Dr_Jeff]

Additionally, keep most of that ten feet coiled up on top of the keg, the two foot drop, and rise of the hose hanging down creates additional problems as well. I found that at 38 degrees and 12psi, 8"9" of 3/16 hose worked great for most beers.

 

[jeeppilot]

The 10ft line made all the difference. And I did slightly over carb the keg, so letting that settle out a bit helped even more. Thanks for the ideas.