Reusing a German Top Keg?

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Ryddarn

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I've found a little 5L one-time keg complete with CO2 cartridge and I'd like to try and reuse it.

Had anyone seen this keg before and knows if it can be done?
 

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Looks to be a proprietary item and from the only product description I can find online: (Transaled): https://www.faztuaceva.com.br/envase/top-keg-5-litros-com-co2-e-torneira I'm gonna assume it's one of those vessels that has an inner bag containing the product.. I'm assuming this because according to the description:
  • Product for single use (not returnable);
  • Resistant and waterproof material to light and gas loss;
  • Cover with system for internal release of CO2;
  • The CO2 system does not add carbonation to beer (beer must already be carbonated at the time of filling);
  • The ideal filling should be done through back pressure;
  • Performing priming on KEG is possible, but the user must have mastery of the technique;
  • After triggering the system, it allows the beer to be consumed within 30 days.
If that's the case then you have nothing to lose by ripping the top off of it to see what kind of spigotry it has on the bare vessel which, itself may not be SS and perhaps something never intended to be in contact with a consumable product.
If you feel like persuing this; Examine all the printing on it and look for stamps that may tell you what it's made of and post mor pics.
:mug:
 
It doesn't look like SS, but common rolled steel, so not fitted to be used without a liner.
I'll just try to pry the top off.

I didn't realise the CO2 was applied to the outside of the liner bag, clever now that I think about it. No sputter when getting low on beer. I like that.

I think I'll give the top a couple of turns first in case it's screwed on, but it's probably just some kind of snap-on system.
 
Indeed, after trying to gently removing the top I gave up and cut away a portion to see what was going on.
20240814_110517.jpg


Still didn't look very complicated so I kept prying to no avail.

I eventually decided to eff it, and went for my crow bar and sure enough, brute force did the trick.
20240815_114238.jpg

No liner bag, and the keg presumably is SS even if it is magnetic.

It is a simple push-in style with barbs, and could presumably be reused with a new CO2 cartridge if one could find a means to exert enough force on the center tap without damaging the plastic top.

The locking bits are 90 degrees apart, maybe the keg could be modified to some sort of bayonett like lock, push in and twist 45 degrees to lock sort of thing
 
My bad! Sorry.. I went and assumed since it was a disposable that it was just another cheap unit with a bag of beer displaced by an air-supply... Although just plastic, that looks a lot more costly for a disposable unit. ...it aslo looks kinda fun to figure out ;)
Now you have the plastic off, what kind of opening does the top of the keg have?
 
Just a circular opening with a small flange.

Maybe a 3/4 triclamp would be possible, I'll have look tomorrow.
20240815_114231.jpg
 
I just looked at your other posts to try and see what kind of brewing/consuming setup you have and only noticed that you just signed up and do an ancient style.. I can relate! (Wlecome to HBT BTW!!) I have a number of friends in historical societies among whom there are varying degrees of reproducing history; Some are focused on the tools and methods and others are focused on the final product, so when you say you'd like to reuse this; For brewing, fermenting or storage/dispensing or just plain undecided but it 'looks reusable for something"? If the use is up in the air; You could get a bung with an airlock that'd fit it for using as a fermenter.
Any specific use you had in mind?
:mug:
 
Indeed, after trying to gently removing the top I gave up and cut away a portion to see what was going on.
View attachment 855552

Still didn't look very complicated so I kept prying to no avail.

I eventually decided to eff it, and went for my crow bar and sure enough, brute force did the trick.
View attachment 855553
No liner bag, and the keg presumably is SS even if it is magnetic.

It is a simple push-in style with barbs, and could presumably be reused with a new CO2 cartridge if one could find a means to exert enough force on the center tap without damaging the plastic top.

The locking bits are 90 degrees apart, maybe the keg could be modified to some sort of bayonett like lock, push in and twist 45 degrees to lock sort of thing
"No liner bag, and the keg presumably is SS even if it is magnetic." all those kegs are made out of Tinplate.
Your keg most likely was made by one of the big German producers, Envases (former name HUBER Packaging) or Kleeman. You may find the manufacturer's name on the bottom rim of the keg.
 

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Any specific use you had in mind?
Well, I was hoping to be able to refill it.

I don't brew myself, but I have friends that does and it would be so nice to have this on hand when they ask if I'd like some of their latest batch.

Someone brought this keg to a party we had and it ended up with all the empties the next day, so I kept it as I kind of liked the format. We've had other types before and they all seemed substandard, especially the kind with the air pump. Horrible!
 
"No liner bag, and the keg presumably is SS even if it is magnetic." all those kegs are made out of Tinplate.
Your keg most likely was made by one of the big German producers, Envases (former name HUBER Packaging) or Kleeman. You may find the manufacturer's name on the bottom rim of the keg.
I'll have a look
 
Well, I was hoping to be able to refill it.

I don't brew myself, but I have friends that does and it would be so nice to have this on hand when they ask if I'd like some of their latest batch.

Someone brought this keg to a party we had and it ended up with all the empties the next day, so I kept it as I kind of liked the format. We've had other types before and they all seemed substandard, especially the kind with the air pump. Horrible!
"Well, I was hoping to be able to refill it." those kegs sell for less than 7 euros new and full with German beers for 12-16 euros. The full ones are a better deal and replacement parts are available.
 
I think a threaded collar might be the best solution if I can find someone to weld it in for me. That could presumably be made to the same height so the top would click down on the rim as designed.

I think that this particular keg is too damaged for actual reuse, but if I can find a new way to make an attachment I'll buy some more of that beer. It was really nice :)
 
I think a threaded collar might be the best solution if I can find someone to weld it in for me. That could presumably be made to the same height so the top would click down on the rim as designed.

I think that this particular keg is too damaged for actual reuse, but if I can find a new way to make an attachment I'll buy some more of that beer. It was really nice :)
A few tap options for those standard 5 L kegs.

Partyfass tap, Partyfass tap 1, Partyfass tap 2
 
"Well, I was hoping to be able to refill it." those kegs sell for less than 7 euros new and full with German beers for 12-16 euros. The full ones are a better deal and replacement parts are available.
Not in Sweden they don't!
Try €50...

If I can buy these kegs empty with the top somewhere, please let me know
 
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Oh, yes I see. Thank you!
But I was referring to the complete setup with the TopKeg system as well

I've found the manufacturers website

https://fass-frisch.com/ausschanktechnik/
The price is great. After installing the top you may end up with a single-use keg because removing it again will give you the same problem as you had with yours. The other tap they show is easily removable.
 
I'm late to the party again.

I used those mini kegs for several years before getting into corny kegs. Four of them was just right for a five gallon batch of beer. The kegs fit nicely in the fridge even with the tap on.

You're already getting great advice here.

Welcome to the Gang!
 
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