Checking for leaks in CO2 disspencing systems!!

[PetenNewburg]

  I bought a three tap Keggerator setup on line (Beverage Elements) sometime ago, price was Great!  Everything was assembled, a quote tap and go system!  I filled my kegs, force carbonated and allowed the kegs to sit for a few days.
  Thirsty Tapping Time finally arrived and much to my suprise, no carbonation.  Not even a spit.  ?   Bottle had completely emptied in 3 days.  All those nicely taped connections became suspect.  I made a picture of soapy water, dug out the turkey baster and yes, refilled my CO2 tank.  Bubbles coming from several connections and one Corney lid seal.  While re-tapeing ALL the connections, I also discovered the check valves in 2 of the diverter valves had Teflon Tape in them preventing them from working.  nice!

  It's now been several weeks, no leaks.  I've dispensed almost three kegs, pressure is holding steady!  All from the second 5lb co2 bottle!

[wvbrewer]

That is always a good trick for finding leaks.  Its better than finding out somrthing was broken.

Dave

[wvbrewer]

I looked at the Beverage Elements site and I may see a keg system in my future.  (If I can talk her into it) LOL

Dave

[PetenNewburg]

Dave

  Guarantee you will love it!  I bought the three party tap set-up.  I’ve since picked up some odds and end components to put two through the door of side of a small refrigerator.  Nice, Cold, from the tap, anytime!  I love it!  I picked up a set of three Perlic used secondary gauge / psi adjusters on Ebay.    I’ll mount these on the side of the frig so I can adjust each brew separately.  The Coopers Pilsner likes 12 – 15 psi, The Sticky Wicket liked 20 and the Irish stout poured just like a Guinness at 10 - 13 psi.

  I keep the spare frig in the garage.  Also picked up a few plastic beer pitchers and a dozen 16oz bar glasses.  Great for sitting outside enjoying Mother Nature!

Pete

[wvbrewer]

I will see if I get better at brewing, then I will see if I can get the money together to do something like that.  It would be nice just to pull a glass when you want it.  Thanks for sharing that, I put it on my favorites so I won't lose the site.  Its going to seem like a long time waiting on that last batch to be ready.

Dave

[wvbrewer]

I watched a kegging video this one;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKMsc4UtAtY&feature=related

it is starting to interest me more.

Dave

[PetenNewburg]

  CO2 bottle refills.  I recently picked up a 5lb refill bottle from Air-Gas.  I mentioned the bottle felt light.  I cracked it open to find it was empty!!!  The clerk and I checked several more bottles until we found one the seemed full.  I got home, put gauges on the bottle to find it was in the "Order Refill" now range.  I am returning this bottle, now with even lower pressure to Air-Gas.  I PAINTED on the bottle "this bottle leaks".  From now on I will take a set of gauges AND a scale to weigh the "fresh" bottles.

Cheers!
Pete