Keeping a constant pressure for draft beer is essential for proper taste, presentation, and storage.
A constant and uniform pressure should be maintained in the barrel while beer is on tap to prevent loss of carbonation in the beer. A pressure of twelve to fourteen pounds of C02 gas is usually most satisfactory to protect the carbonation and original brewery-fresh taste of the beer.
When the beer in the barrel is at 38 degrees, it has an internal pressure of 12 to 14 pounds per square inch. When 12 to 14 pounds of gauge pressure is applied to the barrel that is enough to keep all the natural carbonation in the beer and force it through the lines "brewery fresh".
When the pressure gauge is set too low, carbonation will seep out of the beer and into empty keg space. This creates flat beer. If the gauge is set to high, as the keg diminshes, beer will have too much carbonation and have an unnatural taste.
The proper operation of any compressed gas system revolves around it's regulator. For maximum efficiency, the correct regulator for the specific application is a necessity. The pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in the cylinder is approximately 875 lbs. per square inch at 70 degrees. This pressure must be reduced by regulating the flow of gas from the cylinder into the beer barrel.
You must watch the pressure regulator because turning the adjusting key of the regulator with the shut off valve closed will set the pressure anywhere from 0 to 60 pounds.
Monitor your regulator to make sure it's performing properly. Make sure the needle holds constant as beer is drawn to the barrel. If the needle appears sluggish, and creeps downward as beer is drawn, it will create flat beer. If the needle tends to creep upward, it will produce over carbonated beer on tap. If you notice either extreme, immediately contact the manufacturer. You may need to send the regulator back for maintenance.
Keep your pressure system safe. When installing or replacing your C02 gas pressure regulator or air pump, be sure it is equipped with a pressure-relief device, preferably a release valve. Excessive pressures can develop from carelessness or pressure regulators that are not operating properly, which could result in the barrel bursting and causing serious injury or damage.
Pressure release tapping devices and vents that release excessive pressure at the barrel should be a part of every draught beer system.
A constant and uniform pressure should be maintained in the barrel while beer is on tap to prevent loss of carbonation in the beer. A pressure of twelve to fourteen pounds of C02 gas is usually most satisfactory to protect the carbonation and original brewery-fresh taste of the beer.
When the beer in the barrel is at 38 degrees, it has an internal pressure of 12 to 14 pounds per square inch. When 12 to 14 pounds of gauge pressure is applied to the barrel that is enough to keep all the natural carbonation in the beer and force it through the lines "brewery fresh".
When the pressure gauge is set too low, carbonation will seep out of the beer and into empty keg space. This creates flat beer. If the gauge is set to high, as the keg diminshes, beer will have too much carbonation and have an unnatural taste.
The proper operation of any compressed gas system revolves around it's regulator. For maximum efficiency, the correct regulator for the specific application is a necessity. The pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in the cylinder is approximately 875 lbs. per square inch at 70 degrees. This pressure must be reduced by regulating the flow of gas from the cylinder into the beer barrel.
You must watch the pressure regulator because turning the adjusting key of the regulator with the shut off valve closed will set the pressure anywhere from 0 to 60 pounds.
Monitor your regulator to make sure it's performing properly. Make sure the needle holds constant as beer is drawn to the barrel. If the needle appears sluggish, and creeps downward as beer is drawn, it will create flat beer. If the needle tends to creep upward, it will produce over carbonated beer on tap. If you notice either extreme, immediately contact the manufacturer. You may need to send the regulator back for maintenance.
Keep your pressure system safe. When installing or replacing your C02 gas pressure regulator or air pump, be sure it is equipped with a pressure-relief device, preferably a release valve. Excessive pressures can develop from carelessness or pressure regulators that are not operating properly, which could result in the barrel bursting and causing serious injury or damage.
Pressure release tapping devices and vents that release excessive pressure at the barrel should be a part of every draught beer system.
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