Kegs arrived, 30l

[barneey]

When this thread was started there was very little information about using kegs in the UK, most videos were from the US showing details of how to get a "d" style spear out.

D type spears aren't that popular over here so by chance a "s" type spear was chosen which turned out to be easy to use / remove.

Whether a "d" type stem can be used with a spacer on an "s" type spear so that it can also dispense beer is to me unknown / I`ve never tried.

By coincidence the poly kegs also turn out to be "S"

Perlick do produce a nice low profile "d" but again I`ve never tried one.

Not all "s" coupler stems are the same length some are much shorter than others, the standard UK are approx. 100mm however there are a few that measure 90mm, I use the shorter type which when engaged give an overall additional height of 80mm to the keg (including JG fitting).

If you are buying new kegs from say crusader they can be supplied with any type of spear, so I think it would be possible to buy a "d", you would need to check. + then experiment on how easy it is to remove the spear.

[DeadFall]

D'oh moment. They don't do D spears so it's a moot point.

[alexlark]

Decision made, S Type it is

[barneey]

I`m still however waiting for "someone" to get a few of the other spears to try out.

BUTTTTTTT.......

I don't think height wise any of the others (available) in the UK would be the low profile of the "s" - a "u" might be the closest.

[DeadFall]

In the US you can get stainless steel 90 degree connectors for top tap, they want $18 a piece though, so you'd need to be desperate to lose a small amount of head height. Anyways, time to do the financial maths and see what I need to pay vs max budget.

[barneey]

I have some of those 90 degree connectors BUTTTTTTT (always a but) they have an American Beer (5/8) thread NOT a 1/2" BSP.

All the "s" stems with the American beer thread are longer than the standard UK BSP ones so you wont gain anything. So would advise not to buy them, unless you already have a US stem and are struggling for height.

Also if you are buying from the US everything will have a 5/8 thread, JG 5/8 to 3/8 PF are at least £3.50 each x 2 so that will add another £7.00 per fitting. If you were thinking it doesn't matter I`ll use the American ones as they are you would then need to convert US to UK beer line.

Have fun.

[DeadFall]

A sticky thread on couplers would be very useful here! There is a lot of hidden knowledge such as the difference between US and UK systems, and it seems to be spread around quite a few threads.

[LeeH]

That's a great colour.

[LeeH]

Been playing around with the pressure settings for a 20ltr keg and think I`ve finally found a good flow rate V gas V pipework - pipework approx. 1m of 3/8 + 300mm of 3/16

Clicky on picture below for video - (for pouring a half) - maybe not the most exciting video but a fair example of my "now" preferred setup.

That's a great colour.

[dirtymonkey29]

Im giving up home brewing due to lack of time. I have 5 brand new unused 30l sankey kegs with the correct spear for easy removal (basin wrench to undo and 5p under coupler) if anyone is interested.

Still have kegs available if anyone wants any.

[polypusher]

I'm looking into kegging in the coming months and these 20L corny size crusaders look spot on!
Looking on the website prices come to: £159 for 2 20L kegs or £225 for 3 20L kegs.
With the cost of the couplers for each keg its getting pretty close to the price of a corny set up.
Not sure which to go for as cornies seem to be really easy to clean albeit with more parts to go wrong.
any thoughts?

cheers

[LeeH]

If I was setting up again I would go with these, as you say, a lot less to go wrong.

The cleaning argument is pretty thin IMO as all the crap just rinses out. The only time you need to get your hands in a keg is when you have not left it full of Co2 when it's empty, and it's gone green.

Keep them gassed up until you clean them and all you have yo do it rinse, soak in a little oxy, put some star san in them and gas them back up for storage. They will be ready for the next brew.

I have 4 brand new cornies but I will swap to them in the next 12 months as I prefer the connections.

[polypusher]

LeeH, that's some beltin info there fella. Ta very much!
Just been reading what I can about kegging and I've never thought of keeping them gassed until cleaning! Makes sense!
The crusaders do seem a great option, just need to find a good coupler supplier and read up a bit more on how to set up for serving two kegs at different pressures whilst at the same time carbing another two kegs, on one regulator.....if that's possible....

[LeeH]

Micromatic make the best regs and couplers I've seem. I have 2 of there regs and will but their couplers when I change.

[polypusher]

Cheers, was thinking something like this for three crusaders
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbee ... ator.shtml
Then if I was too add a fourth just use a splitter and have two at the same serving pressure.