Simple Closed Transfer from Conical Fermentor to Keg

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dschiller

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I thought I'd share my equipment and process for transferring from my Blichmann Fermenator to my Corny keg with minimal oxygen exposure. I'm sure this can be used for other fermentors as well. The key is I replace the rubber stopper used for venting with a rubber stopper outfitted with a CO2 fitting. You attach a CO2 tank/line to this and run 1-2 psi of CO2 into the fermentor. I only do this for 5-10 seconds every minute or two so I don't build up too much pressure. I also put a little weight on my relief valve (perhaps not necessary). I recommend putting your hand on the CO2 fitting when you do this to prevent it from blowing off. And be careful not to over-pressurize the fermentor (I did this once and had to replace the lid's seal).

I fill my Corny keg completely with a Star Sans solution and then use a CO2 tank/line and liquid out line to drain that out. So the closed Corny keg starts with CO2 instead of air. I run a line from the fermentor's racking arm to the liquid side of the Corny keg. I attach a CO2 fitting to the inlet side of the Corny keg to vent out the CO2 while filling the keg. By doing this I can fill the keg in about 10 minutes. Since I cold crash the fermentor, I can see a condensation line slowly rise up the keg, which gives me an indication of the fill line. I also put the keg on a scale - about 49 lb is a full fill.

Sorry if this method is well documented in other posts. Attached is a picture of the setup. I bought the stopper/fitting and liquid line from Bobby at brewhardware.com, but I'm guessing a lot of folks on this forum can DIY it.

Suggestions for improvement are always appreciated :). Cheers.
 

Attachments

  • Transfer from fermenter.jpg
    Transfer from fermenter.jpg
    1.6 MB
I'm just wondering why you don't save your CO2, connect your corny gas-in to the disconnect on your FV lid and let gravity do it?
return-Transfer-from-fermenter.jpeg
 
I thought I'd share my equipment and process for transferring from my Blichmann Fermenator to my Corny keg with minimal oxygen exposure. I'm sure this can be used for other fermentors as well. The key is I replace the rubber stopper used for venting with a rubber stopper outfitted with a CO2 fitting. You attach a CO2 tank/line to this and run 1-2 psi of CO2 into the fermentor. I only do this for 5-10 seconds every minute or two so I don't build up too much pressure. I also put a little weight on my relief valve (perhaps not necessary). I recommend putting your hand on the CO2 fitting when you do this to prevent it from blowing off. And be careful not to over-pressurize the fermentor (I did this once and had to replace the lid's seal).

I fill my Corny keg completely with a Star Sans solution and then use a CO2 tank/line and liquid out line to drain that out. So the closed Corny keg starts with CO2 instead of air. I run a line from the fermentor's racking arm to the liquid side of the Corny keg. I attach a CO2 fitting to the inlet side of the Corny keg to vent out the CO2 while filling the keg. By doing this I can fill the keg in about 10 minutes. Since I cold crash the fermentor, I can see a condensation line slowly rise up the keg, which gives me an indication of the fill line. I also put the keg on a scale - about 49 lb is a full fill.

Sorry if this method is well documented in other posts. Attached is a picture of the setup. I bought the stopper/fitting and liquid line from Bobby at brewhardware.com, but I'm guessing a lot of folks on this forum can DIY it.

Suggestions for improvement are always appreciated :). Cheers.
Seems like a lot of co2 being used.
 
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