What's the best % mix for nitro/beer gas?

[doug293cz]

The equations are a bit over my head, but based on the CO2 chart that I have, maintaining 1.6 volumes of CO2 at 40ºF would take 2PSI of pure CO2 (this is based on the CO2 chart given to me at a LHBS - I assume it's universal). If I take that 2 PSI, add 14.7 atmospheric pressure, I get 16.7. 16.7 divided by 0.25 (the amount of CO2 in my beer gas) yields 66.8 PSI, which I remove 14.7 from and get 52.1 PSI. This seems unbelievably high and, by your calculations, you're getting an even higher 54.1?

Based on this carbonation chart, maintaining 1.6 volumes @ 40˚F requires 2.5 psi (interpolated value.) 2.5 psig+ 14.7 psi = 17.2 psia. 17.2 / 0.25 = 68.8 psia. 68.8 psia - 14.7 psi = 54.1 psig. If I use the equations in my previous post, I get 54.2 psig.

Brew on

 

[Gustatorian]

Based on this carbonation chart, maintaining 1.6 volumes @ 40˚F requires 2.5 psi (interpolated value.) 2.5 psig+ 14.7 psi = 17.2 psia. 17.2 / 0.25 = 68.8 psia. 68.8 psia - 14.7 psi = 54.1 psig. If I use the equations in my previous post, I get 54.2 psig.

Brew on

Thanks for this – can totally follow that logic. What if I wanted to put on an IPA at 2.5 volumes? That would mean I would need well over 60psi (which is the max of my low pressure gauge on the regulator), I assume that's unsafe considering that's the max the gauge reads...

 

[doug293cz]

Thanks for this – can totally follow that logic. What if I wanted to put on an IPA at 2.5 volumes? That would mean I would need well over 60psi (which is the max of my low pressure gauge on the regulator), I assume that's unsafe considering that's the max the gauge reads...

If you want to put something at 2.5 volumes on nitro, you'd need 40% N2, 60% CO2 to keep gauge pressure at ~30 psi. 50/50 would require 39 psig. I don't think I would run above 40 psi.

Brew on

 

[day_trippr]

lol! I can't even imagine what blowing a 2.5 volume beer through a stout faucet would look like, but I'm guessing it wouldn't be a pretty sight...

Cheers!

 

[Gustatorian]

If you want to put something at 2.5 volumes on nitro, you'd need 40% N2, 60% CO2 to keep gauge pressure at ~30 psi. 50/50 would require 39 psig. I don't think I would run above 40 psi.

Brew on

So is it unsafe to keep my 1.5 volume stout on at 54 psi? It seems like anyone running beer gas of 25/75 would have to keep there pressure above 40 to maintain an adequate carb level

 

[doug293cz]

So is it unsafe to keep my 1.5 volume stout on at 54 psi? It seems like anyone running beer gas of 25/75 would have to keep there pressure above 40 to maintain an adequate carb level

I doubt it would be unsafe. Most kegs are rated for 130 psi. The weakest link is your gas line. If a gas line fails, you'll lose all your beer gas pretty fast, but the regulator will keep the flow rate below a dangerous level.

I don't run nitro myself, but I believe the folks that do typically have lower than 1.5 volumes of carb.

Brew on