keezer...bit if foam in line when have not poured recently?

[monathedog]

Hi,
I have a keezer (if it matters) and regardless of the beer on tap, when I open the tap after not having poured for a while, several hours at least, a bit of foam can be seen coming through the line from inside the keg. This makes the first glass about 1/3 liquid and 2/3 foam. Anybody know why this might be? Anything poured after that is perfect. Here are some specs:

Serving at 11 psi
Approx 10 feet of 3/16 hose
Temp set to 38F +/-3F
Tap is about 8in higher than keg, hose is zip tied into a coil about 10in in diameter.

Could it have something to do with a temperature gradient between the top and bottom of the keg??

Thanks in advance!

 

[JuanMoore]

How was the beer carbed? Could be a couple things, but the most likely is that the serving pressure is lower than the equilibrium pressure for the temperature and carbonation level of the beer.

 

[day_trippr]

Keezers are certainly prone to temperature stratification. If you don't have a constantly-on air mover inside, I'd add one and see if this problem is resolved...

Cheers!

 

[monathedog]

Juan, this is actually a store bought 5gal of new Belgium fat tire. I moved recently and do not have any homebrew on tap yet. I have it at around 11psi and 37F. That sound appropriate?

I could put a computer case fan in there to see if that helps. I don't think they're rated for continuous duty though. What makes a keezer more prone to uneven temperatures than other kegerators? It is only about 8 inches taller than a soda keg...

Thanks for the replies!

 

[monathedog]

Nevermind the temperature stratification question...some digging in the forums explained this to me. I am going to put 1, 2, or 3 computer case fans in to see how that helps. Its a pretty big keezer...

 

[day_trippr]

Start with one 120mm fan, it might be enough.
You're not trying to build a wind tunnel, just stir the air gently...

Cheers!

 

[zachattack]

One fan should definitely do it. I even underpower mine (12V fan running at 9V I believe) and it does the job. You just need to keep the air moving a bit.