How many 16 gallon soda kegs with 5 lb Co2 tank?

[zegster2006]

I'm reading people are getting about 5-8 beer kegs out of a 5 lb Co2 tank. Now adding in carbonating soda at 20-30 PSI, how many 16 gallon kegs would you get from one 5 lb Co2 tank? I'm getting 3-4 and wanted to make sure I don't have a leak.

 

[zegster2006]

I found this article in the forums. Going off it, it looks about correct. If my math checks out.

Kegging CO2 Use Estimations and Calculations

How Much CO2 Does It Take to Pressurize a Keg?​

.5 grams of CO2 x 15.5 gallons x 25 PSI = 193.75 grams (6.834 ounces)

How Much CO2 Does it Take to Carbonate Your Beer?​

(Read soda, is carbonated at 4 volumes)

4 x 14.7 x .5 x 15.5 = 455.7 grams (1 lb)

How Much CO2 Does it Take to Serve Your Beer?​

(25 + 14.7) x 1/2 x 15.5 = 307.675 grams (10.85 ounces)

Conclusion​

6.845 oz + 1 lb + 10.85 oz = 2.2 lb/keg

5 lb / 2.2 lb = 2.2727 kegs/5 lb Co2 tank

 

[IslandLizard]

Looks like you answered your own question.

Those are large kegs you're using (half barrel). Most homebrewers use 5 gallon corny kegs, and a few use Sanke sixtels, of similar size.
Obviously, a 5# CO2 tank is too small for your application.

Look into using larger CO2 tanks, 20# minimum I'd say, which is also about the maximum for easy portability, when serving on location, if that's your goal.

50# or larger CO2 tanks would be more economical. Good for carbonating the soda in your shop, but harder to move to events, or for exchanges or refills. You'd (almost) need 2 people to lift a 50# tank, same for half barrel (15.5 gallon) kegs.

Larger tanks can be used in your shop, but those will likely require truck delivery for filling, pumping liquid CO2.