Which of these will use more CO2?

BierMuncher · Apr 22, 2007

Dispensing a full 5-gallon corny that is already carb'd? (Assuming a serving pressure of 9-11lbs PSI)

Or -

Carbing up a full five gallon corny using the set-it-forget-it method (12-13lbs PSI at ~38 degrees).

I have two CO2 tanks and want to make sure my bigger of the two is assigned the right task. (Understanding that if depends on quantity and frequency of each task...

)

david_42 · Apr 22, 2007

Carbing will take more CO2. Realistically, the capacity of even a #5 CO2 tank is much higher than the volume needed to carb. I'd use the smaller tank to carb, unless it's a long drive to get more. Better to interrupt a set-it-forget-it than not be able to pull one!

BierMuncher · Apr 22, 2007

david_42 said:
Carbing will take more CO2. Realistically, the capacity of even a #5 CO2 tank is much higher than the volume needed to carb. I'd use the smaller tank to carb, unless it's a long drive to get more. Better to interrupt a set-it-forget-it than not be able to pull one!

Okay. I have a chest with a 10# tank that will hold 4 cornies and I keep the temp at around 36-38.

My sanyo has the 20#'r and we dispense probably one full keg every 10 days.

I don't want ever want to be in a a spot where I can't "pull one". :cross:

Rook · Apr 22, 2007

Is there a FAQ for kegging? I'm thinking about building a chest freezer into a kegerator, and I didn't know that you used two different tanks for carbing vs pushing beer through the taps. Don't you just carb at a certain pressure for a few days, then turn up the pressure to tap it?

BierMuncher · Apr 22, 2007

Rook said:
Is there a FAQ for kegging? I'm thinking about building a chest freezer into a kegerator, and I didn't know that you used two different tanks for carbing vs pushing beer through the taps. Don't you just carb at a certain pressure for a few days, then turn up the pressure to tap it?

No need to use two different CO2 tanks. I just happen to have two systems.

One tank will work just fine. Set the PSI to 12-13PSI and hook up your fresh kegs. Leave em be for about 10-14 days and then serve em.

No need to change the pressure. 10-13 PSI is a good serving pressure and with time, it will carb your kegs just fine...so long as they are cold. All ya really need to do is label your kegs with dates so you know how long they've been "charging".

Go to BYO.com and doa search on kegging or CO2. the have a number of articles on carbing options for kegs.