Running a T to two different kegs-Question on CO2

[numsquat]

Be careful using a T to pressurize 2 kegs. If one keg is under pressure and another keg is not under pressure, when you connect the keg that is not under pressure some of the gas (and foam and possibly beer itself) will get sucked into the 2nd keg as it pressurizes. Proper manifolds have check valves to prevent this.

If you are going to use a T to pressurize 2 beers, make sure you fully pressurize one keg, then disconnect it, then fully pressurize the 2nd keg, then re-connect the first keg.

That's good to know, haven't done a second keg yet (is still fermenting.) I have a double gauge and plan on using the second gauge to do the 30psi quick method. I also plan to get a manifold in the future, when budget allows.

[Chris_J]

Let me see if I understand this. Let's say I have one keg that's fully carbonated and a 2nd keg that's just been filled with beer from the fermenter(flat beer). If I were to release the pressure from the carbonated keg and then hooked up both kegs to the gas, would I still have that problem with beer being sucked into the less pressurized keg? I'm wondering if the gas already in solution in the carbonated beer will make a difference? Thanks.

[keggermeister]

any pressure difference between kegs will result in them equalising themselves.
If your beer level in the keg with more pressure is above the gas in tube (full) them it will push beer from one keg to the next through the gas lines. It sucks when this happens! You have to clean all the gas lines and now have blended beer.

when you fill your kegs cut the gas tube; most have a plastic extension peice on them. and only fill it to just below the tube.

[numsquat]

All my gas tubes are metal and short, so don't have to worry about plastic extensions. I fill to about 1/2" below the dip tube. Haven't had any problems...yet. Planning to get a manifold this summer, just to be safe. But only after I get the exterior taps and drip tray first.

[yabodie]

Planning to get a manifold this summer, just to be safe. But only after I get the exterior taps and drip tray first.

I would suggest you get the manifold, with check valves BEFORE you get the other things. It would suck if Murphy's law came crashing down on you and both of your full kegs got messed up because, for example, your RIS contaminated your Pale Ale... Bad beer karma there!!

But it is your cash and your system, just my free $.02...

[Otterbrew]

If you do a web search, there are inexpansive plastic check valves available, and many companies have been quite helpful in sending samples. Find what you are looking for, and call the company requesting samples, you will be surprized how easy it is to get these things. And they are important; before the check valves were installed, I flowed several ounces of Rootbeer into an IPA.
-Otterbrew

[detritus]

If you do a web search, there are inexpansive plastic check valves available, and many companies have been quite helpful in sending samples. Find what you are looking for, and call the company requesting samples, you will be surprized how easy it is to get these things. And they are important; before the check valves were installed, I flowed several ounces of Rootbeer into an IPA.
-Otterbrew

That sounds like a new trend in specialty beers. How did the "Blending" taste?