Connect Pub CO2 to Tyre Inflator

[jmc]

I've mentioned in a couple of posts that sometimes I use a tyre inflator to add CO2 to plastic barrels, PET bottles and 5L minikeg via a tyre valve.

I've been asked how I connect the tyre inflator (similar to one below) to my CO2 setup, so I've added this post.


Its not complicated, I just needed to find a way of connecting inflator to 3/8 gas line in an air-tight manner.
Key was using some 10mm ID 16mm OD PVC tube which bridged the two. I've tried to explain in pictures below.


I have a fairly standard CO2 setup. Pub cylinder with primary regulator set to 20psi (the max pressure I use) then 4 secondary regulators for corny kegs.
On the last secondary regulator (on right-hand-side) I have continued line via an isolation valve, as I was worried about leaks in cheap tyre inflator. I needn't have worried as no leaks to-date.


So that I can reach across garage with this, I have about 2m of clear 3/8 line between isolation line and a 1m length of PVC (16mm OD, 10mm ID). Neither are very flexible, but I had them to hand and they work.
Hose clip seals it up nicely.

To connect PVC to tire inflator I needed to soften it a bit in a mug of boiling water.
It then could be pushed on up tothe nut and tightened again with a hose-clip. Job done.



Related Topics:
Mini Cask with Tyre Valve Experiment (+pics)
Low-budget DIY 5L kegging set up
Thin Bags in Boxes - how long?

[mozza]

Thanks for the speedy reply! Great help!

[floydmeddler]

Looks good!

So... if I build the tyre inflator and pvc pipe section, what do I need co2 wise? Presently I have nothing and am completely clueless if I'm honest!

Cheers

[bobsbeer]

You need a co2 source. Pub style co2 cylinder. If not a 16g tyre inflator is a good option or the hambleton bard type cylinders.

[jmc]

Looks good!

So... if I build the tyre inflator and pvc pipe section, what do I need co2 wise? Presently I have nothing and am completely clueless if I'm honest!

Cheers

I use a pub CO2 (10lb / 6kg) cylinder and primary regulator to knock pressure down to about 18psi (max I use)


If space is a premium maybe get one of Norm's converted fire extinguisher CO2 cylinders (if he still sells them) plus a primary regulator.

If you have deep pockets BrewUK have a cornelius keg starter kit
It shows whats needed (except gas bottle) i.e corny, disconnects, 3/8 line, jg connectors, regulator, tap.

[floydmeddler]

You need a co2 source. Pub style co2 cylinder. If not a 16g tyre inflator is a good option or the hambleton bard type cylinders.

Hey Bob. Currently using the 16g method. Looking to upgrade.

[floydmeddler]

Cheers JMC. Really appreciate you taking the time to share this.

[jmc]

Cheers JMC. Really appreciate you taking the time to share this.

You're welcome.

Regulator I got was an SWP 2144


Mine came with a 1/4 hosetail as part of the package, but you could add a 3/8 BSP nut/ 1/4" hosetail like this one (from same seller).

and fit 3/8OD gas line (1/4" ID) to the hosetail using a hoseclamp.

Alternatively you should be able to fit a 3/8" BSP female adapter PI451213S

[floydmeddler]

Thanks again.

[Addled Jim]

I've bumped this old thread I'd bookmarked some time ago.

I'm interested in some advice on filling 1ltr PET bottles, I've got the air gun/hose assembled on my 3rd regulator and added the valves to the lids - my question is really about filling the bottles, should I be extending the beer tap with tubing to reach the bottom of the bottles or just pour directly into the bottles as I would a glass? Also once sealed how much Co2 do I need to add, a few seconds or to reach a desired pressure?

I'm hoping to fill 6 bottles up for fishing trip this weekend but don't want to waste that amount of beer if its flat as a pancake when I open it - any advice greatly appreciated

Cheers,

[subfaction]

I've had success on a few occasions of filling bottles from the tap on my crusader kegs. Once you have a good carb level, stick bottles in the fridge to get them as cold as possible, squirt some co2 into the bottles, jam some tubing onto your serving tap and fill from the bottom up. Cap ideally on foam. If both the bottles and keg is cold this works nicely trapping the co2 in solution. Capping on foam ensures the oxygen is forced out.

[jmc]

I've bumped this old thread I'd bookmarked some time ago.

I'm interested in some advice on filling 1ltr PET bottles, I've got the air gun/hose assembled on my 3rd regulator and added the valves to the lids - my question is really about filling the bottles, should I be extending the beer tap with tubing to reach the bottom of the bottles or just pour directly into the bottles as I would a glass? Also once sealed how much Co2 do I need to add, a few seconds or to reach a desired pressure?

I'm hoping to fill 6 bottles up for fishing trip this weekend but don't want to waste that amount of beer if its flat as a pancake when I open it - any advice greatly appreciated

Cheers,

I use the cap below on PET bottles to maintain existing carbonation.

You'll probably get less foam and therefore lose less fizz, if you fill slowly from the bottom of the bottle and have the beer as cold as possible.

I leave a bit more space than normal at the top, say 3 inches on 1L or 2L pet, to make room for some CO2 to sit.

I just add pressure until it wont take any more , i.e. its at pressure of regulator , say 20psi. This will make PET bottles as tight as a drum.


You can't really use it to force carbonate but I've noticed that I can add some fizz by filling bottle, then storing in fridge and then adding more co2 next day after some of added CO2 has dissolved in beer..

[Addled Jim]

Thanks for the reply, I had to bottle it up on thur afternoon for a Fri 3am departure so only just reading this now
The beer was at serving temp when I bottled it so I capped then added some Co2 then put in the fridge, then added some more Co2 before going to bed - probably didn't get it cold enough to dislove enough Co2?
The beer was carbed fine when I opened one on Friday, however one bottle I brough back on Sunday seemed flat by comparisson - does this normally happen, should pressure remain? How long typically can I expect the beer to remain drinkable?
On the subject of the valves, should I tighten them till they cannot be tightened further or will this compromise the rubber seal, I wonder if perhaps I hadn't tightened enough an a slow leak occured?
Thanks,

[Jambo]

If you already have a Corny setup, the Carbonator Cap is an awesome investment. It is expensive for what it is, but you only need that one component to add to your existing setup to carbonate PET bottles.

[Addled Jim]

Carbonator Caps seem an expensive way to go considering I would need 6 caps, besides I already have the tyre valves

I'm keen to know how tight I should be tightening the tyre valves - can you over tighten them and compromise the rubber washer leading to leaks?
How long does the beer last once charged in the bottle, does the pressure drop over time/is this a matter of days - or does exposing the beer to oxygen when dispensing into the bottle prior to re-carbonating dictate the shelf life of the beer?