Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

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Tomp
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Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by Tomp » Mon Jun 19, 2017 3:59 pm

Once the beer is carbed, can the gas cylinder be turned off until dispense is required? Should I disconnect the connector or just turn off at the cylinder?

I have to go away for work and don't want to come home to find an empty cylinder - for whatever reason.
It started with kits to save money and now look........!!!

Lots of kit, too many ingredients and not enough time, but a patient wife.... who loves my beer...........

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Raize
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Re: Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by Raize » Mon Jun 19, 2017 7:28 pm

Yes, it's OK to turn it off at the cylinder if the beer is carbed.

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Mashman
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Re: Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by Mashman » Mon Jun 19, 2017 8:40 pm

Turn it off. Better a beer that needs re carbing than an empty cylinder

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Kev888
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Re: Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by Kev888 » Mon Jun 19, 2017 9:41 pm

It is generally better to turn the cylinder off between being needed for increasing carbonation or dispensing. Leaks won't then lose all your gas, and drops in temperature won't allow the beer to become over-carbonated.

In an ideal world, disconnecting shouldn't matter either way. But in practice, there are 'some' instances where a dodgy line can lose keg pressure or even beer, but also 'some' instances where a dodgy keg seal can do exactly the same (especially with corny poppets), so there is no definitive answer there. Personally, if all had been connected for some time and nothing was leaking beer then I'd leave well alone except for turning the cylinder off.
Kev

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IPA
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Re: Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by IPA » Tue Jun 20, 2017 7:57 am

Turn it off and only turn it on when beer stops coming out of the tap.
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Kev888
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Re: Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by Kev888 » Tue Jun 20, 2017 8:53 am

Well, as ever, each to their own. FWIW I prefer to maintain consistent pressure rather than let it drop when dispensing, in order to preserve the level of carbonation (and in the case of some cornies, avoid risk of their lid seal failing).
Kev

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PeeBee
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Re: Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by PeeBee » Wed Jun 21, 2017 12:32 pm

You can go for complete paranoia like me. I have an "aquarium" primary regulator which, as is their way, has a solenoid valve to open and close it. The valve is powered via one of those delay off switches often see in shared hallways. And then there are solenoid valves powered off the same switch that isolates the beer lines and CO2 lines for the kegs. So I have to hit the switch, pour a beer, and three minutes later everything switches off again.

Shh... what's that noise? I think they are coming for me. Got to go now...

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orlando
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Re: Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by orlando » Thu Jun 22, 2017 7:28 am

Tomp wrote:Once the beer is carbed, can the gas cylinder be turned off until dispense is required? Should I disconnect the connector or just turn off at the cylinder?

I have to go away for work and don't want to come home to find an empty cylinder - for whatever reason.
Sourcing a gas management board with gas cocks is worth doing as you can turn the gas off, isolating the cylinder, avoiding the problem.
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vacant
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Re: Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by vacant » Thu Jun 22, 2017 7:50 am

orlando wrote:Sourcing a gas management board with gas cocks is worth doing as you can turn the gas off, isolating the cylinder, avoiding the problem.
Why doesn't turning the gas off at the cylinder isolate the cylinder?
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orlando
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Re: Is it okay to turn the cylinder off?

Post by orlando » Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:42 am

vacant wrote:
orlando wrote:Sourcing a gas management board with gas cocks is worth doing as you can turn the gas off, isolating the cylinder, avoiding the problem.
Why doesn't turning the gas off at the cylinder isolate the cylinder?
It does, just simpler with a board and gives you other options too, such as variable pressures and a dedicated carbonator. :D
I am "The Little Red Brooster"

Fermenting:
Conditioning:
Drinking: Southwold Again,

Up Next: John Barleycorn (Barley Wine)
Planning: Winter drinking Beer

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