Need advice-two kegs

[tdogg0413]

I have two kegs, but only one CO2 line. I want to have one on tap, and the other one conditioning. Question on the steps:
1) carb the first batch on the first keg (AHS Green Belt Pale Ale)
2) start drinking
3) carb second batch in second keg, then remove back to first keg
4) Continue drinking

Couple questions: for the second batch should I (can I) carb the beer and then remove the gas line? How long will the CO2 stay in the keg pressurized? Will this cause any problems?

Any other advice / methods appreciated.

 

[kapbrew13]

I got a 2 line manifold from morebeer.com. Each gas line has its own shut off. Works good. I have two beers going and no leaks.

 

[Seven]

I would get a gas manifold/splitter so you can have both kegs connected to the gas at the same time. Then you can drink one while the other carbonates.

If this isn't possible, another option is to naturally carbonate the second keg with priming sugar while you have the first keg hooked up to the gas line. You'll need to have the keg you are drinking on the gas line to push the beer through your taps.

 

[tdogg0413]

I looked at the double manifold, seems like a good idea. couple questions though. I only have one regulator. I'm assuming I would need another regulator as well, or have the same amount of pressure in both kegs (I suppose I could regulate with the manifold check valve).

also, what I meant for the second keg, was just pressurize it, let it sit, while switching the gas line back to the first keg to finish drinking. Can I just pressurize the second keg, put the gas line back on the first keg and continue drinking, or do I need to have pressure on both kegs?

 

[lschiavo]

You really need a splitter of some sort. A tee will work or get a gas manifold. Make sure you have a check valve installed somewhere after your regulator to prevent beer being pushed back to the regulator.

 

[lschiavo]

I looked at the double manifold, seems like a good idea. couple questions though. I only have one regulator. I'm assuming I would need another regulator as well, or have the same amount of pressure in both kegs (I suppose I could regulate with the manifold check valve).

also, what I meant for the second keg, was just pressurize it, let it sit, while switching the gas line back to the first keg to finish drinking. Can I just pressurize the second keg, put the gas line back on the first keg and continue drinking, or do I need to have pressure on both kegs?

Once your keg is fully carbed and if you have no leaks it does not need to be connected to the gas anymore. You can even draw off of it without gas. If you do though bring it back up to pressure or it will loose carbonation to the headspace.

 

[tdogg0413]

Once your keg is fully carbed and if you have no leaks it does not need to be connected to the gas anymore. You can even draw off of it without gas. If you do though bring it back up to pressure or it will loose carbonation to the headspace.

So with that said, should I carb at the recommended pressure for the style of beer, or just force carb with 15psi or so, and let it sit until ready to drink? At this point, I'm really only interested in having 1 at a time available to drink anyway.

 

[rcrabb22]

Once your keg is fully carbed and if you have no leaks it does not need to be connected to the gas anymore. You can even draw off of it without gas. If you do though bring it back up to pressure or it will loose carbonation to the headspace.

To a point yes but one will not be able to drink the whole keg without giving it more pressure to push out more beer. Absent of a manifold or splitter you have to share time with the single gas line or as suggested, prime the keg. Same procedure as for bottling, except use about 1/2 as much sugar to water. I find 1/2 cup corn sugar to 1 cup water does the trick in about 3 weeks at room temperature.

 

[lschiavo]

So with that said, should I carb at the recommended pressure for the style of beer, or just force carb with 15psi or so, and let it sit until ready to drink? At this point, I'm really only interested in having 1 at a time available to drink anyway.

You can do either. Most people prefer the set and forget method. I have force carbed at 30psi with good results. Just be careful to not overcarb. I guess it depends on how soon you need the beer ready.

 

[tdogg0413]

Cool! My norm is to carb at 15-18 for a week to 10 days, then dial down to serving pressure (5-8). Likely just set the second keg to 15 and let go. Maybe hook it back up in a couple weeks and see where the pressure is at.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[JuanMoore]

Cool! My norm is to carb at 15-18 for a week to 10 days, then dial down to serving pressure (5-8). Likely just set the second keg to 15 and let go. Maybe hook it back up in a couple weeks and see where the pressure is at.

Thanks for all the help!

Why such a low serving pressure? The serving pressure should correlate to the desired carbonation level, otherwise you'll lose carbonation over time. For example, I keep my keezer at 40F, and shoot for ~2.5 volumes of carbonation, which requires 12 psi. All of my beers stay at 12 psi from the 10-12 days it takes them to carb all the way through the time they're emptied. If it pours too fast or foamy at the proper pressure, your system isn't balanced, and you might need longer beer lines. I suggest using a $0.99 tee to split the gas, balancing your system, and then using the set and forget method to carb your beers. IMHO it's the cheapest, easiest, and most reliable way to do what you're wanting to do.

 

[tdogg0413]

Mainly because it works for me. The last 2 kegs I've kept the same method and have enjoyed it, and have not had noticeable loss in carbonation of the beer. Good suggestion wrt the tee. Thanks.

 

[JuanMoore]

Mainly because it works for me.

Fair enough, but your method does have a few drawbacks, which it seems you are now discovering.