Tried Everything, Still Foamy

[Mattrascal]

Hi all,

I've been a long time lurker and have so far been able to use old threads to answer my questions before needing to ask them. However, after a week of scouring the Internet and experimenting, I'm still stumped with this foam problem.

The history:

I used to have a simple one tap keezer that poured beautifully from day one. I set the PSI in the 10-12 range and used the 6' beer line from the kit.

I recently built a new keezer that is smaller but nicer with a collar that accommodates 2 taps. After using some calculators, I initially put 3' lines on, but found that I had to use a low psi (4-6) to get a decent pour. I was concerned that my beer would lose carbonation over time, so I went to the forums and various calculators which indicated that 4-5' of lines would be more appropriate. To be safe, I tried 6' lines and 10 psi. I was still getting all foam in my first glass, so I went to 10' lines. At this time, I also added another fan to the keezer, giving me one fan blowing air up from the bottom and another fan blowing directly at the faucet shanks. I still get all foam in the first glass.

Questions and Concerns:

1. I understand that it doesn't hurt to go too long on the lines. I.e. If your system is perfectly balanced at 6' and 10 psi, then it would still pour fine, although slowly, at 12' and 10 psi.
2. The beer still pours quickly with 10' lines, maybe 5-8 seconds to pour a pint. Could my regulator meter be broken?
3. I am using one regulator and a splitter to provide CO2 to the two kegs. I didn't think this would impact my pressure settings.
4. After installing the second fan, the temperature is pretty consistent throughout the keezer, however the faucets don't sweat and are only slightly cool to the touch when not being used. After a pour, they are very cold and pour good beers for some time afterward. Could this be the culprit? (they are mounted on the collar with fairly long
shanks)

Other Notes:

1. Right now, I am using commercial kegs, so it isn't a matter of the beer being over-carbonated.
2. I use 3/16" lines.
3. I am dispensing from two kegs simultaneously with foam problems with both of them, so I don't think it's a matter of dirty lines/shanks/faucets.

Beer is being wasted every day; please help!

Thank you in advance.

 

[day_trippr]

"After a pour, they are very cold and pour good beers for some time afterward. Could this be the culprit? (they are mounted on the collar with fairly long shanks)"

Given all you've provided, I think that is likely the key to your problem. If it was caused by your regulator or your lines, it doesn't seem likely the foamy beer would go away with the first pour.

That said, before you pour your next first brew o' the day, open the lid and check your beer lines to see if they appear to be full of bubbles. If not, I'd focus on finding a way to chill those faucets and shanks...

Cheers!

 

[samfoster]

If you havent already seen this (Pages 27-39) I found it very helpful setting up my system.
http://www.kegworks.com/faqs/Draft-Beer-Quality-Manual.pdf

 

[brewmonk]

first beer doesnt count!!!!!!

i bet you have some gas rising in the line. induce a loop.

*(sounds like you are using 1/4 inch lines and need to switch to 3/16)

i use a good amount of pressure, with no issues from a less than 4 foot run. warm.

 

[a_shorething]

"After a pour, they are very cold and pour good beers for some time afterward. Could this be the culprit? (they are mounted on the collar with fairly long shanks)"

Given all you've provided, I think that is likely the key to your problem. If it was caused by your regulator or your lines, it doesn't seem likely the foamy beer would go away with the first pour.
<snip>

Cheers!

I agree. The key is that it's only a problem with the first pour. If all subsequent pints are properly carbed, your system is fine and the pressure is good. That leaves the hardware:

I hadn't heard about the bubbling issue brought up above and I'm not sure how a loop would help but it sounds interesting.

The only thing I've ever heard of (and experienced personally) that affects the first pour is warm lines/tap.

Beer will remain carbed as long as it's in an enclosed space and the temp is constant. Give it more room or higher temp and it will start to foam and since your lines are most likely the same diameter right to the spout, I'd guess the temp is the issue.

You said you've got a fan to blow on the lines but is it ducted so that it's right on them? Maybe you can put a tube or something in there to make sure it's keeping the beer in the lines all the way up to the tap the same temp.

I think one way to test would be to draw off some beer into a glass and immediately check the temp of the first few ounces (and/or foam).

Good luck and please post the results when you get it figured out!