Yes, breweries can fill Corny kegs. Corny kegs are often used by home brewers and commercial breweries to store and dispense craft beer due to their stainless steel construction and the convenience they provide.
They are a specialized type of keg designed specifically for storing beer, and they are available in five, ten, and fifteen-gallon sizes. The most common way to fill a Corny keg is by a method called counter-pressure filling.
This method forces the beer into the keg via a mixture of compressed gas and liquid flow. This works by pushing the beer out of the bottom of the keg using carbon dioxide or nitrogen and then pressurizing the top of the keg in order to quickly and efficiently fill the entire keg without oxygen exposure, allowing the beer to stay fresher for much longer.
Additionally, the Corny keg’s rubberized seal provides an air-tight fit, allowing breweries to store and dispense their beer without the need for costly carbon dioxide gas refills.
How do you keg beer in a corny keg?
Kegging your own beer can be a fun and rewarding experience for the homebrew enthusiast. The process of transferring your beer from a fermenter to a corny keg is fairly straightforward.
First, you’ll need to clean and sanitize your keg, hoses, and all other equipment. Be sure to rinse off any sanitizing solution so that it doesn’t get mixed into your beer.
Once you’ve got all your equipment set up and prepped, attach the racking cane to your keg and drop it into your fermenter filled with chilled beer. Make sure you leave enough head space in the keg. Then, attach the hose from your CO2 tank to the keg.
Next, turn the pressure up on your CO2 regulator to 10-15 psi. This will force the beer in the fermenter into the keg. Once the keg is full, turn off the CO2 and disconnect the hose.
Now you’ll want to make sure the lid is on tight and release any excess pressure that may have built up by opening the pressure relief valve. Once you’ve done this, you can attach the lid and plug up the vent hole.
Finally, attach the gas line to the keg and adjust the pressure to desired levels (usually around 10-15 psi). Now, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor: kegged homebrew!
Can you put a tap on a keg?
Yes, it is possible to install a tap on a keg. If a homebrewer already owns a keg, they can buy various kinds of taps from local homebrew supply stores or online retailers such as Amazon. Depending on the type of keg, the taps will attach to connection points behind the pressure relief valve on the lid.
The installation process for a keg tap is relatively simple, although if the keg does not come with one, it will require a drill to make the hole for the tap.
Kegs have a variety of uses including storing beer, root beer, cider, iced-coffee, kombucha, and more. A tap on the keg will allow a consumer to easily dispense the liquid contained and serve it on the spot, or even serve it out of a serving line with a few hoses and clamps.
When installing a tap on a keg, it’s important to make sure the tap is in the correct position. An experienced brewer will know how to properly position the tap to make sure the keg is completely emptied and pressurized correctly for optimum dispensing.
Additionally, a keg with a tap should be serviced regularly to make sure it is clean in order to properly dispense beverages with little or no contamination.
What PSI should a keg be at?
When storing and dispensing beer from a keg, the ideal pressure for the gas used should be set at 12-14 PSI. You’ll want to set the pressure slightly higher than the desired dispense pressure to allow for some pressure drop when dispensing the beer.
For example, try setting the gas pressure at 12 PSI if your desired pour pressure is 10 PSI. Generally, if you’re needing to carbonate beer that has no natural carbonation, you’ll set the pressure higher than 14 PSI, as much as 16-18 PSI, but be sure to watch the pressure closely to prevent excessive foam.
If using CO2 and nitrogen, 12 PSI is a good starting point, but make sure you check the balance of gas being used (CO2 versus nitrogen). Additionally, be sure the CO2 regulator is properly installed, as this will help ensure consistent and accurate pressure.
How full can you fill a corny keg?
That depends on the size of the corny keg. A typical 5-gallon corny keg can typically hold up to around 5. 16 gallons of liquid. If you are trying to fill it as full as possible, the best suggestion is to fill it with cold liquid since it will reduce the internal volume and allow a bit more liquid to fit.
Also, monitor the pressure of your keg as you fill it to ensure that the keg doesn’t overfill and create a mess.
What is the difference between a ball lock and pin lock keg?
The primary difference between a ball lock and a pin lock keg is the style of the coupler. Ball lock kegs feature a pair of “balls” located on the coupler, which are pulled down when connected to the gas and liquid posts.
These balls create a seal between the coupler and the disconnect, keeping the pressure inside and the liquid inside the keg. A pin lock keg, on the other hand, uses pins which are pressed up into the internal socket.
This design creates a more durable seal between the coupler and the disconnect.
Another difference between ball lock and pin lock kegs is the size and shape of the disconnects. Typically, a ball lock keg will have disconnects with a slightly larger circumference, making them easier to identify and attach to the keg.
Pin lock kegs feature disconnects with a smaller and more compact shape.
Lastly, ball lock kegs tend to be more common than pin locks. Ball lock kegs are the most widely used type of homebrew beer kegs, designed for use with Cornelius beverage systems and other commercial-style carbonation equipment.
Meanwhile, pin lock kegs are becoming increasingly less popular and may not be compatible with certain home-brewing equipment.
What thread is a ball lock keg?
A ball lock keg is a type of keg commonly used for storing and dispensing carbonated beverages, such as beer, soda, or cider. It is made of stainless steel, and instead of utilizing the traditional “stamped” or “crimped” pins for securely holding the lid onto the top of the keg, ball lock kegs have a threaded design.
This thread design allows the user to quickly and easily open and close the keg by hand. The threads are located in the upper and lower sections of the keg, and lock together when the top of the keg is screwed into the bottom.
This type of threaded connection provides a tight seal while also allowing easy opening and closing of the keg.
Can I convert a pin lock keg to Ball Lock?
Yes, it is possible to convert a pin lock keg to ball lock. Ball locks are the most commonly used type of keg, so converting your pin lock keg will make it easier to move, work with, and store. The process of converting is relatively simple and requires a few tools and parts.
First, you’ll need to purchase a ball lock conversion kit, which typically includes an adapter plate with ball lock posts, o-rings, check valves, retainers, dip tubes, and a PRV. You’ll also need a socket and wrench set, a beer gun, and an air compressor.
Next, you should take apart your keg and carefully remove the pin lock posts. Then, you’ll need to attach the adapter plate that comes with your conversion kit. You’ll use the included screws to secure the plate to the keg.
From there, you’ll attach the ball lock posts to the adapter plate and secure them with the provided screws. Then, you’ll add the o-rings, check valves, and retainer clips. The dip tubes should then be inserted in the posts, and the PRV should be installed on the top of the keg.
Once all the pieces are in place, you can use the beer gun to add gas pressure and CO2. Finally, you should test the pressurization with your air compressor.
Remember to take your time with this project and make sure that everything is firmly attached!
How do I know what type of corny keg I have?
To determine what type of corny keg you have, you will need to inspect the collar at the top of the keg. If the collar is a single-piece design, it is a ball lock style. If the collar is a two-piece design with slots cut into the top and bottom, it is a pin lock style.
Additionally, you can look for manufacturer’s marks on the side of the keg. Older corny kegs often had the manufacturer’s name and logo embossed on the side. If you can’t find any identifying marks, then you can measure the diameter of the connections at the top of the keg (the posts and connected hoses) to determine the type.
Ball lock style kegs typically have connections with a slightly larger diameter than pin lock style kegs.
What is a MFL connection?
MFL (or ‘Mechanical Face Seal’) is a type of connection commonly used to connect tubing and hoses to pumps and other fluid system components. It consists of two parts – the body and the ferrule – both made from metal.
The body is machined to an exact diameter and threads are machined onto the outside of the body. The ferrule is made from thinner material and slides inside the body. When the body is tightened down the threads compress the ferrule and create a strong, tight seal.
This type of connection is commonly used on fuel and lubrication systems, and can provide a reliable, leak free connection.
What are the different types of kegs?
There are a variety of different types of kegs. The most common are:
1. Sixth Barrel Keg (⅙ Barrel): This is the most popular keg size for craft beer serving. It holds 5.16 gallons (about 56 12-ounce servings) and is sometimes called a sixtel or log.
2. Quarter Barrel Keg (¼ Barrel): This type of keg holds about 7.75 gallons (or 82 12-ounce servings). It is also called a “pony” or “stubbie” keg.
3. Half Barrel Keg (⅕ Barrel): This is a very popular keg size, as it holds 15.5 gallons (or 165 12-ounce servings). It is also called a full-size barrel, barrel of beer, or brew barrel.
4. Slim Quarter Keg (1/4 Slim): This type of keg is becoming increasingly popular, as it is more compact than traditional quarter barrel kegs. The slim quarter barrel keg holds 7. 75 gallons (or 82 12-ounce servings).
5. Mini Kegs: These kegs are usually half the size of a quarter barrel keg and hold about 3.8 gallons (or 40 12-ounce servings). They are also sometimes referred to as “bubba kegs.”
6. European Barrels: This type of keg is used mostly for imported beers from Europe. It holds about 13.2 gallons (or approximately 140 12-ounce servings).
Do all taps fit all kegs?
The answer to that question is no, not all taps fit all kegs. Different types of taps are designed to work with specific style kegs. Most keg styles require a particular type of tap as an attachment.
For example, there are taps designed to work with American Sankey ‘D’ Kegs, European Sankey Kegs, and Cornelius Kegs. Additionally, many beer suppliers will have their own brand of keg that the taps need to be matched for.
In general, the types of taps are determined by the keg’s type of valve. In most cases, the type of tap will be printed on the keg itself. Common types of taps include a “standard faucet”/Beer Tap, a ball lock tap, and a pin lock tap.
The more exotic kegs may need more specialty taps with unique connections, like the Gund lock tap.
If you’re unsure of the keg type, you can always enlist the help of an experienced beer specialist who can certainly identify what type of tap will work with your keg.
How long does a keg last once tapped?
Once a keg has been tapped, its freshness depends on a few factors. It can last anywhere from 8-12 weeks if kept at a consistent temperature of 36-38°F. Generally, the higher the temperature, the shorter it will last.
Keeping the keg in a cold area and using a gas regulator to maintain carbonation can help the keg stay fresh for longer. Additionally, the seal on the CO2 connector should be kept tight and checked regularly.
And lastly, the keg should be tapped or moved as little as possible to delay the oxidation process. With proper care, a keg can last the full duration of 8-12 weeks.
Do I need to add priming sugar when Kegging?
Yes, adding priming sugar to your beer when kegging is essential to getting the desired level of carbonation. Priming sugar is added to your beer before bottling or kegging to provide additional nutrition for the yeast, which in turn leads to carbonation.
When kegging your beer, you should give it a primer that corresponds to the final desired carbonation level. Generally, for light or low-carbonation beers, aim for about 1/3 cup of priming sugar for 5 gallons of beer.
For beers that tend to be more highly carbonated, about 2/3 cup of priming sugar is needed per 5 gallons of beer. You may also use pre-measured dry or liquid priming sugar for convenience. Add the desired amount of priming sugar to the beer in the keg and then gently stir or swirl the keg to mix the sugar into the beer.
Finally, seal the keg and attach the gas line; slowly open the valve while gently shaking the keg to evenly disperse the CO2. Do this over the course of several days until the desired carbonation level is reached.
Do you carbonate beer before Kegging?
Yes, you can carbonate beer before kegging. The process of forcing carbon dioxide (CO2) into your beer is referred to as force carbonation. This process can be done using a special keg that has a carbonator cap or a counter-pressure filler.
The advantage to carbonating your beer before kegging is that you can do it quickly and easily without having to wait for the beer to naturally carbonate. By carbonating your beer ahead of time, it can be conveniently tapped, served, and consumed with minimal effort and lose very little carbonation.
When force carbonating your beer, you can choose the level of carbonation you prefer, from light to very highly carbonated. The process is relatively simple, but some experience and knowledge will help you maximize the taste of your brew.
Should I cold crash before Kegging?
Yes, you should cold crash before kegging if your goal is to produce a beer with a clear and bright appearance. Cold crashing is a step in the beer making process that involves dropping the temperature of the fermenting beer.
By doing this, you can lower the temperature of the beer to cause the formation of suspended particles and yeast cells to form large particles that will sink to the bottom of the fermenter. This settling process can take anywhere from 24-48 hours, so it is best done when you are close to bottling or kegging your beer.
Cold crashing helps achieve an extra clear and bright beer when you bottle or keg, due to the removal of particulates from the beer. Another benefit of cold crashing is that it can reduce the chill hazing of the beer, an issue that arises when the chill of the beer causes large particulates to form and create a haze in the beer.
Overall, cold crashing before kegging can help you achieve a clearer and brighter beer, as well as helping to reduce chill hazing.
Should I carbonate before or after lagering?
This is a matter of preference and there is no single right answer. Generally, carbonation should be done after lagering, as the cooler temperatures are beneficial for the carbonation process. Also, carbonation can take longer in a cooler environment, so that could give the beer more time to clear up.
On the other hand, some brewers prefer to carbonate before lagering for the opposite reason. Carbonating before lagering gives the beer more time at the serving temperature to build up a good head and improve the mouthfeel of the beer.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual brewer to decide if they want to carbonate before or after lagering. Both methods can be used to create a flavorful, well-carbonated beer.
