Unsure how to setup regulator for kegerator

[NiagaraBrewer]

This will probably come off as a silly question for most, but this system has been causing me grief for the past few months. First, a little intro.

I purchased a 2 keg kegerator conversion kit and assembled it. 10lb. tank along with two corny kegs, and 5 ft. of beer line a piece. I thought I set the regulator correctly, I dialed it into 12psi at the regulator and left it alone for a week. Nothing but foam. Frustrated, I did a bit more research on how to properly balance a keg system.

For 2.6 volumes of CO2 (I drink primarily american ales) at 34F, it says to set my regulator for 10.2 psi. Now, my question is, do I unhook all my kegs and then dial in the regulator to 10.2, or do I set it for 10.2, hook up my kegs, and then adjust the regulator until I see 10.2?

This time around, I set my regulator to 10psi before hooking anything up, put the keg on, opened the valve, and the regulator sits at aroun 2psi.

 

[Reelale]

Adjust your beer line length. 5' is too short. My taps, kegs, regulator are all in the same compartment and I run 10' of beer line. The difference between 10 lbs. and 12 lbs. wouldn't cause all foam. Oh yeah, hook up the kegs then set the regulator.

 

[Zen_Brew]

Your foaming problem is from too short a beer line length. As Reelale says you are going to need about 9 or 10 ft to balance the system. As to when to set your regulator pressure it does not really matter a whole lot when you set it. It's probably easier to hook the kegs up then set the system pressure with the kegs in place, but if you set it beforehand it can be tweaked after your kegs are hooked up if it drifts a bit up or down.

 

[NiagaraBrewer]

I hooked up 10' lines and now one tap foams, and the other doesn't.

 

[polo_check]

What is the diameter of your beer lines? Most people assume 3/16" but if it's larger you'll need longer lines. You may need to clean your faucet.

 

[Zen_Brew]

It is odd that one of them foams and the other doesn't. I assume you have similiar pressure on both lines. You can try swapping lines which may tell you if the issue is with the beer, or a problem with the line like a restriction in the line or keg attachment.

Sometimes a very light beer will also foam a bit more than a heavier one at the same pressure. ie porter on one line, wheat beer on the other at the same pressure. The wheat will often come out a bit foamier as the porter takes more energy to push through the line.

Other things to look at are keeping the lines chilled, and also the orientation of the line. Most people coil their lines. It is best to set the coil on top of the keg so the coils are oriented horizontally. If the coil is oriented vertical it can creaet a pressure differential in the line as the beer runs down half the coil with the assistance of gravity, but comes up the other half against gravity causing some foaming from the activity of it free running down, or needing to be pushed up several times in the coil.

Hope this helps.
Cheers

 

[cactussam]

Sometimes a very light beer will also foam a bit more than a heavier one at the same pressure. ie porter on one line, wheat beer on the other at the same pressure. The wheat will often come out a bit foamier as the porter takes more energy to push through the line.

Other things to look at are keeping the lines chilled, and also the orientation of the line. Most people coil their lines. It is best to set the coil on top of the keg so the coils are oriented horizontally. If the coil is oriented vertical it can creaet a pressure differential in the line as the beer runs down half the coil with the assistance of gravity, but comes up the other half against gravity causing some foaming from the activity of it free running down, or needing to be pushed up several times in the coil.

This is some really good information here, I'm glad you posted it. I'd like to set up a keg system at some point, but the fiance seems pretty dead set against having anything more in our place, lol. It might happen someday though. Anyways, you mentioned a few things like the coils being horizontal that really opened my eyes a bit.

Thanks for the lesson ;-)

 

[Zen_Brew]

This is some really good information here, I'm glad you posted it. I'd like to set up a keg system at some point, but the fiance seems pretty dead set against having anything more in our place, lol. It might happen someday though. Anyways, you mentioned a few things like the coils being horizontal that really opened my eyes a bit.

Thanks for the lesson ;-)

You are most welcome. Glad to help. I learn so much here it is astounding. Keep working the fiance on the keg system. Maybe show her some pics of really nice furniture grade units that some members here have built. Tell her how much time bottling it would save that you can spend with her. You'll wear her down eventually.

Cheers

 

[polo_check]

Just finished mine this weekend. My wife let me put it into the laundry room. Not furniture grade but does just fine behind the laundry room door. Total cost: $240 including 2 kegs. And enough room for 3 more taps.

 

[NiagaraBrewer]

I installed 15' of line on the tap that was foaming, and it still continues to foam. I have cut off air to the keg and have let off the pressure to see if it was over-carbonated. I will burp it a few more times tomorrow, and then try to pour again tomorrow night. The line is 3/16 ID from the LHBS for those who were asking.

This is quite a frustrating process, but at least I have one tap going.

 

[Sleepyemt]

If that doesn't work , maybe take a look at the QD's? I've had some foaming issues from hop particles in the past

 

[NiagaraBrewer]

Progress!

I switched the QD's and now the tap that was pouring foam works properly, and the other tap starts to foam. So there must be something with the QD. I'll try soaking the both of them in some hot water.

 

[Zen_Brew]

Glad to hear you are making some progress. You have it down to just a few components now. Soon the beer will flow, and all will be well in the world.