ScrapRoomBrewer
Well-Known Member
I just got home to my 2nd empty 5# CO2 tanks in as many weeks. Fortunately I also have a 20# tank for force carbing to use as a backup. Bottled CO2 here in the middle of the Pacific is not cheap, so I am annoyed.
I found the cause of the first leak when my first tank ran empty last Wednesday (PRV on a newly connected keg) and added some keg lube, reseated it, sprayed with dish soap and water - leak solved. After 2 days of testing by turning off the tank, all was good, opened tank, and moved on. Today, same thing. Empty tank. Turns out, somebody (likely me) bumped the PRV on the keg either Tues or Wed, and that re-opened the leak.
I'm sure I can repair this leak. That's not the question. What I would like to know is if there's any way to know that I have a leak before the whole tank is gone? I am comfortable with my fittings at the regulator, manifolds, and QDs. They have been tested many times. The variable is always the kegs. Is there such a thing as an in-line flow meter for the CO2, so I can see how much gas is currently moving through the lines? Or at least the volume of gas that has gone through the lines over a short period of time? Or do I need to slather every keg with soapy water or StarSan every time I hook one up, plus occasionally afterward?
I am aware that I could also weigh the tank at intervals. This seems a bit impractical given my current setup, but if it's the only way, I'd certainly consider it.
Have any of you had similar problems and come up with a solution?
I found the cause of the first leak when my first tank ran empty last Wednesday (PRV on a newly connected keg) and added some keg lube, reseated it, sprayed with dish soap and water - leak solved. After 2 days of testing by turning off the tank, all was good, opened tank, and moved on. Today, same thing. Empty tank. Turns out, somebody (likely me) bumped the PRV on the keg either Tues or Wed, and that re-opened the leak.
I'm sure I can repair this leak. That's not the question. What I would like to know is if there's any way to know that I have a leak before the whole tank is gone? I am comfortable with my fittings at the regulator, manifolds, and QDs. They have been tested many times. The variable is always the kegs. Is there such a thing as an in-line flow meter for the CO2, so I can see how much gas is currently moving through the lines? Or at least the volume of gas that has gone through the lines over a short period of time? Or do I need to slather every keg with soapy water or StarSan every time I hook one up, plus occasionally afterward?
I am aware that I could also weigh the tank at intervals. This seems a bit impractical given my current setup, but if it's the only way, I'd certainly consider it.
Have any of you had similar problems and come up with a solution?