Reducing keg pressure via Taprite secondary?

[CButterworth]

I want to drop my keg pressure from around 13psi to 12psi. My serving temp fluctuates between 54 and 57F. With a 20ft 3/16 line, the pour was on the flat side, but with a 15ft line, it is almost too frothy at 13psi.

I read a post about Taprite secondaries that had a picture of how the regulator works, but I cannot remember how to find it. Anyway, the implication of the workings implied that if the keg pressure was at a higher pressure than the setting on the Taprite secondary, the regulator would leak CO2 until it hit the regulator-set pressure.

Is this actually the case? If so, then to reduce keg pressure from 13psi to 12psi, I'd simply need to res-set the Taprite secondary and allow the excess CO2 to slowly bleed out via the regulator???

Thanks,
Charlie

 

[Golddiggie]

What do you have for a regulator currently?? I think you need to address the serving temperature fluctuation first, since that can impact carbonation level (if the pressure remains constant).

I would simply vent the keg until it equalizes at the new serving pressure. Or vent it 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days then put it back onto the gas feed (at the new pressure setting). IMO, adding another regulator to the mix won't solve the issue and only lighten your wallet.

 

[AnOldUR]

A secondary regulator is only needed if you are serving two beer styles that require different volumes of CO2.

 

[Golddiggie]

A secondary regulator is only needed if you are serving two beer styles that require different volumes of CO2.

Even then, a dual body regulator will do the job. I have one on my 20# CO2 tank (outside the brew fridge) feeding two manifolds (a 2 port and 3 port) inside the fridge. Lets me have any of the 4 kegs inside on either pressure set. I can even set the regulator bodies to the same pressure level when needed/wanted. IMO, a far more flexible option/solution. Especially since a secondary will only be able to reduce the pressure fed to it. A dual body can do two very different pressure sets.

 

[CButterworth]

I have a Taprite primary as well as a secondary. I figure that I'll not need anything more than that, but could have some ales with 1.8 volumes (or less) and others with higher.

The fluctuating temperatures is simply due to my lack of a dedicated keggerator. Until I source a cheap freezer and invest in a controller, my basement utility room sits between 54 and 57F. I certainly don't mind this as serving temperatures.

When I get a freezer/controller, I'll likely set it at 50F at the coldest, and I think I'll use 55F as my set temp, as this is pretty much what I got used to, drinking pub ale as a spotty youth in northern Britain!

Anyway, I wish I could remember where I saw the details of how the Taprite regulators work, as it seemed that they leak CO2 past the valve from the keg side.

Charlie

 

[Golddiggie]

When I adjust mine, it will lower slowly. It does so more/faster if I pull the pressure release on the keg lid though.

 

[AnOldUR]

the implication of the workings implied that if the keg pressure was at a higher pressure than the setting on the Taprite secondary, the regulator would leak CO2 until it hit the regulator-set pressure.

Is this actually the case?

Not if you have a check valve.

And you do want a check valve to prevent back flow into your regulator which could not only damage the regulator, but migrate to other kegs and cross contaminate.

 

[Golddiggie]

Not if you have a check valve.

And you do want a check valve to prevent back flow into your regulator which could not only damage the regulator, but migrate to other kegs and cross contaminate.

Probably why I see very little change as I turn the knob on mine (when reducing). Well, at least until I hit the relief on one of the kegs on that feed. My manifolds also have check valves on them, so things don't go up past that point.