Force Carbonating with a Fire Extinguisher

[Middo]

I upgraded to a corny setup a few days ago but without a CO2 supplier nearby I've had to resort to using a fire extinguisher. I haven't used it yet and I'm wondering if the gas from a fire extinguisher is OK to use for force-carbonating and dispensing beer?

[turbo 2011]

Thats what I use mate fire extinguisher I've been told it's fine I'm not dead yet any how . I did a lot of reading on this before I went ahead and from what I can find out it's as good as food grade co2 as they don't want any impurities in the co2 incase it helps fuel the fire and not put it out. But that's just what I've read and asked a few people and I do think it's the common thing to do ie use fire extinguisher.
Beer gas is a mix of co2 and nitrogen ,the nitrogen does not get obsorbed as well in the beer as co2 and it also produces smaller bubbles good for Guinness the co2 mainly carbonates the beer the nitrogen sits on top of the beer this is the gas that is used to push it along the beer lines .if you use only co2 is just doing the job of both but you get bigger bubbles and not such a creamy head . (I think that's how it works)
I've only had my corny keg for 4 weeks mind but I've emptied it twice now and I find my beer taste great with good head love it .
I carbonate my by pushing 30 psi of co2 in keg lying keg on the floor I rock it back and forth for 1 minute then shut the gas off after a couple of hours release the pressure in keg and push 2 psi back in for serving carbonation sorted .
I think I've went on a bit here and if any one else reads this please correct me on the co2 fire extinguisher and beer gas .
Hope this helps .

[GrowlingDogBeer]

I use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher and have done for a few years.

There are 2 types of gas commonly used for beer, one is CO2, this is generally used for lager and cider and craft beers. This is the classed as food grade unlike what is in a fire extinguisher. As far as I'm concerned CO2 is CO2 and I know my cylinders are filled with the same supply as is used to fill pub gas bottles.

The other gas is a mix of nitrogen and CO2. This is generally used in smoothflow (crap) beer and guinness.

Fire extinguishers have dip tubes in them so they pull the liquid from the bottom of the cylinder. You don't want the liquid as it will freeze your regulator. If you want to use a fire extinguisher you must use it upside down so you don't get the liquid but only get the vapour.
Storing one upside down is awkward. The alternative is to get your fire extinguisher supplier to convert the cylinders for you by removing the dip tubes. That's what I have done and my supplier now stocks converted fire extinguishers without the dip tubes especially for us Homebrewers.

[woblylegs]

im the same understanding and always thought co2 was co2. i use a fire extinguisher too and manage no problem. i dont have it turned upside down and haven't had any freezing problems and my beer tastes fine. i will take note of that though and look more closely. i dont leave it conected up though and just give it a boost when the pour slows down a little. works for me

[turbo 2011]

Have a lol at link
http://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/BN-Arm ... and-Rumors

The chap that supply's my co2 fire extinguisher also sells them to people that keep fish I think we all be fine.

[Middo]

Thanks for the info, it's good to know others use this method with no problems. With regards to actually using it, how do you keep the gas flowing when carbonating/serving? I've been told to just use a cable tie to keep the handle depressed - can you see any problems with this and do you have a better method?

[turbo 2011]

Thanks for the info, it's good to know others use this method with no problems. With regards to actually using it, how do you keep the gas flowing when carbonating/serving? I've been told to just use a cable tie to keep the handle depressed - can you see any problems with this and do you have a better method?

That's it middo cable tie you will love your corny keg mate