Kegged my single today, quick question.

[3toes]

Went off without a hitch, but just to make sure I have everything straight as far as carbonating goes... I'm cold conditioning it for about a month at 40ºF, and I'm planning on the set-and-forget carbonation method at about 13psi at said 40ºF, which according to the carbonation chart, should give me about 2.5 units of carbonation, once equilibrium is reached.

So basically no matter how long I leave it at 13psi, it shouldn't ever overcarbonate (assuming temperature remains the same), correct?

 

[oljimmy]

That seems to be exactly right. I've had a keg at 12.5 PSI at 42F for over a month now and the carbonation has remained stable for two weeks.

 

[MagicMatt]

So basically no matter how long I leave it at 13psi, it shouldn't ever overcarbonate (assuming temperature remains the same), correct?

Yes. In fact, I would recommend that after ~2 weeks, you disconnect the gas from the keg all together. It should be fully carbed to 2.5vols by then (for me it usually takes 8-10 days), so no need to keep the gas on it.

 

[helterscelter]

Yes. In fact, I would recommend that after ~2 weeks, you disconnect the gas from the keg all together. It should be fully carbed to 2.5vols by then (for me it usually takes 8-10 days), so no need to keep the gas on it.

once it reaches equilibrium/2.5 vols you don't need to keep the gas on it to keep it carbonated -- your sealed keg will ensure that. However, you DO need to keep it on the gas if you intend to serve it.

If you're intending to carbonate and store it for a while, sure take it off the gas when it's done (esp if you have more kegs to carb up and limited gas connections in your rig), but if you're intending to drink it, just leave it on the gas until the keg kicks.

 

[3toes]

Follow-up question... is there any reason to NOT go ahead and carbonate while it's conditioning?

 

[zachattack]

Nope!

 

[3toes]

Awesome, thanks all!