Keg Tubing Size

[drksky]

How much does the ID of the gas and beverage line matter? I was given a kegging kit for Xmas and the gas a beverage lines that were included are the same size, 3/16" ID and 7/16" OD. I've seen references to using 5/16" ID for the gas line.

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

I have 3/16" on my system. Believe that is the standard unless you're running long distances from keg to tap then you'd want larger ID lines but for a normal kegging setup 3/16" is the way to go.

 

[Grannyknot]

All the gas lines I've ever bought are 5/16" ID.

 

[thadius856]

ID of the beer line matters. 3/16" is fine if you have enough. Search for "beer line restriction" here and you'll find the formulas to determine the length you need for your setup.

ID of the gas line does not matter within reason. I'm using 0.170" ID, 1/4" OD gas line, and it works wonderfully. Your gas line is fine. Only difference is during times of high flow (e.g., sealing kegs), I get a little moan from the regulator as it battles line resistance. And I get a lot more flexibility in my lines.

The 5/16" gas line you always see referenced is BevLex 200, mostly because it's so easily identifiable in pictures. It's not any better than plain polyethylene line at the pressures and temperatures we use. Maybe if you keezer served 100 psi and was 150F all day long.

 

[drksky]

ID of the beer line matters. 3/16" is fine if you have enough. Search for "beer line restriction" here and you'll find the formulas to determine the length you need for your setup.

ID of the gas line does not matter within reason. I'm using 0.170" ID, 1/4" OD gas line, and it works wonderfully. Your gas line is fine. Only difference is during times of high flow (e.g., sealing kegs), I get a little moan from the regulator as it battles line resistance. And I get a lot more flexibility in my lines.

The 5/16" gas line you always see referenced is BevLex 200, mostly because it's so easily identifiable in pictures. It's not any better than plain polyethylene line at the pressures and temperatures we use. Maybe if you keezer served 100 psi and was 150F all day long.

I know whomever set up the beverage line didn't know what they were doing cause the picnic tap and black QD were on a length of line about 3 ft. long, and there was another 7ft. length for the gas. The did it backwards.

Probably the same idiot that gave me grain with such a crappy crush that I got 50% efficiency on my last batch. I don't usually go to this place for my stuff, but I thought I'd give him a chance. Not again, at least until I can afford a grain mill.

 

[solbes]

Agree, the beverage line matters. 3/16" is standard and a 10 foot length is usually sufficient to avoid foamy pours.

The gas line ID really matters very little. A smaller ID might have a slight loss in pressure as you are pouring, but it would only be an issue if it were really tiny. After the tap is closed, it would maintain the regulated pressure and the carbonation would remain the same.

 

[rawlus]

Beer line can be used for gas line in home setups without issue. The length and size of gas line is very forgiving, the length and size of liquid line must be considered in your build to achieve either proper balance or proper restriction to control foaming. Better to have too long a line and a slightly slower pour than too short a line and foamy pints.