Keg unsealing - problem?

[Trail]

I bought a kegging kid from a vendor who will remain nameless - they may yet make some of these issues right. My gas line doesn't have crimps (dunno the technical name) and even with keg lube, the end that connects to the gas disconnect leaks CO2 when under pressure.

As a result, I pressurized the Star San-filled keg to 10PSI or so and disconnected it from the tank. At this point, I pushed down on the keg lid and it wouldn't budge.

Over an hour later when I stepped outside to check on something else, I pressed down on the lid only for it to unseal with a gentle hiss. So I figure one of the following is true:

a) the CO2 was absorbed into the star-san, and pressure dropped to near the seal's threshold pressure

b) 10PSI isn't enough to pressurize a ball-lock keg

c) I have a leak

When the keg arrived it was pressurized, and all I've done is replace the (outer) gas disconnect o-rings and lid gasket o-ring. I also applied some keg lube to these seals at the same time. I don't see how this could have damaged the keg, but there's a lot I don't seem to understand right now. :/

 

[brew_ny]

try 20 psi and see what happens

all the best

S_M

 

[Trail]

I don't really want to run more gas until I have a clamp for the gas hose - I lost 25% of a $20 fill to the connection already, and I don't want to lose any more gas than I have to.

I did spray the lid with star-san before I left it the first time, and I didn't see any bubbles forming.

 

[glick]

10 Psi isn't really all of that much pressure. I would imagine that if you pressed hard enough or in the right spot you could unseat the lid. I have to put a band clamp around where my CO2 hose attaches to the regulator too. It's no big deal, you can get a 10 pack at lowes for about 2 dollars.

 

[Trail]

I didn't push on the lid real hard when it came out... and I certainly pushed way less hard than I did when I first pressurized the keg.

 

[glick]

hmm... If it's not leaking gas through the lid when your not pressing on it, then the only advice I can give is don't press on the lid!

 

[Trail]

...Right, but if it had more pressure before and less pressure later, then either CO2 is escaping and it'd unseal on its own eventually, or it's getting absorbed into the Starsan really quickly and lowering the overall pressure. One of these problems would be fixed by keeping it under line pressure, the other will simply waste gas. That's why I need to figure out which is going on.

 

[stpug]

I bought a kegging kid from a vendor who will remain nameless - they may yet make some of these issues right. My gas line doesn't have crimps (dunno the technical name) and even with keg lube, the end that connects to the gas disconnect leaks CO2 when under pressure.

As a result, I pressurized the Star San-filled keg to 10PSI or so and disconnected it from the tank. At this point, I pushed down on the keg lid and it wouldn't budge.

Over an hour later when I stepped outside to check on something else, I pressed down on the lid only for it to unseal with a gentle hiss. So I figure one of the following is true:

a) the CO2 was absorbed into the star-san, and pressure dropped to near the seal's threshold pressure

b) 10PSI isn't enough to pressurize a ball-lock keg

c) I have a leak

When the keg arrived it was pressurized, and all I've done is replace the (outer) gas disconnect o-rings and lid gasket o-ring. I also applied some keg lube to these seals at the same time. I don't see how this could have damaged the keg, but there's a lot I don't seem to understand right now. :/

Yes, the co2 absorbed into the starsan and left not enough pressure inside to provide a solid seal on the keg lid. Yes, you definitely need clamps on the disconnect barbs since you'll likely use up to 30psi to set the keg lids. The company you bought the kit from should provide the clamps, and oetiker(sp?) clamps should be what you want.

Don't waste your gas. Get clamps form the company (for free) and oetiker clamp tool (also for free). Clamp your hose to disconnect. Seal the keg lid with 30psi and be happy

 

[Trail]

Great, thanks. I was hoping that was the case but wasn't sure it was a reasonable conclusion to draw.

I ordered it online and if I don't get the beer kegged tomorrow I won't be able to show it off to my brewer relatives a week and a half hence.

I'm going down to Lowe's to buy the clamps, and I'm suggesting to the vendor that they should provide store credit for the expense. The existing clamps they did include for other connections are kind of suspect - not adjustable, and applied with pliers. Not impressed so far, but the keg itself and CO2 tank are in good condition... I don't think I had to replace the o-rings, but I decided to play it safe.

On the other hand, i don't have a good answer to the picnic tap problem. It's worthless, leaks starsan like crazy. I may try reassembling it and applying some keg lube - some folks on these forums said that worked for them - but I chafe a bit at that because I really, really shouldn't have to dick around with that on a new part.

Finally, is it reasonable to be irritated that the screw fittings on the gas and liquid disconnects weren't lubed? I might not mind so much but the whole kit arrived assembled, and if it's prebuilt it's my feeling that I shouldn't have to take it apart to apply lube (which I bought separately.)

 

[Yooper]

Finally, is it reasonable to be irritated that the screw fittings on the gas and liquid disconnects weren't lubed? I might not mind so much but the whole kit arrived assembled, and if it's prebuilt it's my feeling that I shouldn't have to take it apart to apply lube (which I bought separately.)

You lube the QDs? I never considered anybody would. Why would you do that? I am trying to picture where the lube would go.

 

[stpug]

The disconnects are a flare fitting that does not require lube.

The unadjustable clamps applied with specialized pliers are actually preferable, IMHO (oetiker clamps).

I can't explain the leaking picnic tap but if lube works then go with it. You are right though, you shouldn't have to mess with a new kit.

 

[Trail]

You lube the QDs? I never considered anybody would. Why would you do that? I am trying to picture where the lube would go.

I smeared around the, uh, length. Beneath the flared part at the top. I've rephrased this three times and this is as non-porny as I can make it.

As to why I did it... you know, it felt awkward even at the time. I just put it down to how I always feel weird lubing things up. But at that point I was still hearing hissing when I knew I shouldn't and I was trying everything.