Regulator/Distribution Manifold For 6 Cornys

[Montanaandy]

I searched the archives but I could not find the answer to my question. I have a 14+ cu ft chest freezer that I would like to fit 6 corny's into. I have a dual gauge pressure regulator that feeds into a "T" and will allow me to pressurize 2 cornys with the same pressure. I would like to be able to pressurize all 6 cornys but I would also like the option of being able to keep at least one of the cornys at a different pressure than the rest (i.e. serving pressure vs. set and forget pressure). What would be the best way to achieve this and will my existing pressure regulator be obsolete in the described setup? Thanks, Montanaandy

 

[bendavanza]

You want a manifold to distribute the common pressure.
For an extra pressure you will need a pair of secondary regulators, or add a second primary regulator body to the one you have now.

 

[Snausages01]

I'm planning on doing exactly what you described; I’ve got everything, but just don’t have enough kegs filled yet. I have a dual gauge regulator and two gas manifolds (4-way and 6-way). One is for serving pressure and the other is for force-carbing or serving at a different pressure.

A lot of places have different sized manifolds, so you should be able to find exactly what you are looking for. Just hook up the manifolds to your regulator and you'll be good to go. Here is the manifold that I have: http://stores.kegconnection.com/Detail.bok?no=137

 

[bendavanza]

To be more specific, look at the regulator body you have. it should look like a + on the back, the horizontal is high pressure, and the vertical is low pressure. You can remove the high pressure gauge, note if it is right or left hand thread, and get a pipe nipple with the same threads and thread another primary regulator inline. you would put the high pressure gauge on the end and add an extra low pressure and shutoff for the new body.
This is what I have planned when my other regulator body comes back from the shop. Mine was left hand thread on the primary side.

 

[Montanaandy]

Chris & bendavanza - thanks for the input. At this point the decision comes down to whether to get another co2 tank (I can fit 2 on the bump out in the freezer) and use single regulator and 3 way manifold to run 3 kegs at serving pressure off of this regulator and 3 kegs at conditioning pressure off the other existing co2 tank + regulator. The alternative is to get a dual gauge regulator and then to attach a 3 way manifold to each of the individual regulator lines running off of one co2 tank. The only advantage that I see to the 2 x co2 tank system is that it will place less demand on a single co2 tank - is a single co2 tank even sufficient to run a 6 tank setup and for how long? Thanks, Montanaandy

 

[eriktlupus]

for this to work right you need a second regulator. take this 6way manifold http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/regulator/distributors/aluminum_six_way_air_distributor.shtml a piece of high pressure tubing from your primary reg, connect gas to in side of secondary connect out side to manifold, install another shut-off valve where the second pressure gauge would go on the secondary. this will enable you to have 6 kegs at serving pressure and 1 line for force carbing by setting your primary gauge at say 30psi and your second at 7-10psi. the extra valve will remain at primary pressure rather than be stepped down with the secondary reg.

 

[pjj2ba]

I bought this as an add on regulator so I can serve at two pressures (or force carb). I like it's simplicity of use. I have a manifold (2 & 3 lines) attached to each low pressure reg.

Add on regulator

 

[bendavanza]

A single co2 tank can handle as many kegs as you want it to. An extra tank can be handy, but I'd prefer to use one big tank over 2 small ones. I have 3, a 20lb, a 10lb and a 5lb.
The 10 I get filled with beergas, the other 2 are co2. A double regulator on the 20lb allows me 2 serving pressures, and the beergas is for my stout faucet. The 5lb is a backup and allows me to purge etc outside of the kegerator.
I'm borderline obsessed with the beer thing, though.

 

[Montanaandy]

I need to look into whether I can get a larger tank easily filled. The LHBS swaps out the 5# and fills it for $15. I also like the fact that I can easily fit a couple of 5 gal tanks on the bump out in the chest freezer so I may just go with 2 x 5 gal tanks.

The Micromatic add on is a really good idea. I think that I will go the add on regulator + 2 x 3 way manifolds too. Thanks to all for the great input. Montanaandy