Keeping King Keg's Cold.

[Titanium Tone]

Hi all,
I have 3 KK in the garage the only place i am allowed to brew i have sorted fermentation temps ok in the cold weather but now need ideas as the weather is getting warmer .Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep them cool without using a fridge. As allways any advice welcome.

[Lillywhite]

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=23648

[Titanium Tone]

Thanks Lilywhite but not sure how this will keep things cool. I need something to wrap the KK in to cool them down as the temp in the garage will increase as the weather improves.

[mac]

You could sit the keg with a tight fitting T shirt on, in a bowl of water. As the water soaks in and rises up the shirt it will evaporate and take some of the heat with it. You could also add a fan.

[Titanium Tone]

T-Shirt idea sounds good. I had thought of a fan but did not want it running all the time. I could add ice to the water sounds better all the time. Thanks.TT.

[myke2008]

Try sandwiching ice between 2 wet tshirts. It'll should stay cool for a bit longer. Also if they are not already try standing them on the cold floor to help. All the best

[adypyk]

How about wrapping the kegs with pipe, (like a wort chiller but on the outside) and a layer of insulation.
Then all you'd need is a water supply, tap or pumped from a water butt.

[Lillywhite]

Thanks Lilywhite but not sure how this will keep things cool. I need something to wrap the KK in to cool them down as the temp in the garage will increase as the weather improves.

Insulation works both ways. A bit like a thatched roof on a cottage. Cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Therefore once you've insulated your kegs as the heat rises in your garage then your kegs will stay cool.

[Titanium Tone]

Thank's for all the sugestions. Will let you all know how it goes. TT.

[sewob]

I have built an insulated box from rigid foil backed foam, simply used gaffer take to fix together; I use this with a thermostatically controlled immersion heater to maintain temps during primary fermentation. I use the same box with the immersion suspended in a large bottle of water to maintain teps during SF. I intend to fill the box with ice packs this weekend to trial as cooler.

[Lillywhite]

I have built an insulated box from rigid foil backed foam, simply used gaffer take to fix together

Out of interest, what thickness did you use because I'm specifying this material all the time when producing plans for house extensions etc?
It has marvellous insulation properties.

[sewob]

I used 2 inch, simply for logistical reasons because it came in small sheets and easy to transport in the car, but as a bonus there is no need to build a timber frame as the material is strong enough for the application. The lager sheets 1 inch I think are cheaper….. I will inform you of the cooling results .

[Lillywhite]

I used 2 inch, simply for logistical reasons because it came in small sheets and easy to transport in the car, but as a bonus there is no need to build a timber frame as the material is strong enough for the application.

Good thinking. 50mm thick will give you a really good level of insulation and with a roll of silver gaffer tape, job done.

[sewob]

With the box full with approx 40 pint bottles and 3 one litre plastic bottles containing frozen water, within 10 hours I managed to achieve temperature of 10 degrees C.