Beer Keg Fermenter... How to?

[chipmonk]

Homegrown. Center spear? That's the best bud. Is this a hops or cousin question?

[Homegrown Hops]

Homegrown. Center spear? That's the best bud. Is this a hops or cousin question?

You are about as funny as a dead horse. The spear is the terminology that is used for the valve system that Sanke kegs utilize. Now if you want to refer (no pun intended) to Botanical terms the word you are looking for is apical meristem( plants), leader (trees), or as some say "cola" when speaking of cousin.

I was really hoping homegrown would weigh in on this.

I forgot this awesome link that I found when deciding to go with Sanke fermenters Sanke Key link<<<<click here

HH

[Who is John Malt?]

When not splitting 10 gallons to pitch different yeasts, I use the same method as Homegrown. Works like a charm if you have a method to clean it out. I built a keg washing unit like Doc's and run heated PBW through it for 15+ minutes. To sanitize prior to filling with wort, I dump about a half gallon of water in it and boil for 5 minutes, cap, and set aside for filling wort (dump water first).

[Lars]

Please be sure to release any pressure in the keg so that the spear (valve assembly) does not become a projectile.

I'll be the voice of experience here. I was removing the center spear from a keg so I could cut the lid out and forgot to release the pressure. When I got the retainaing spring out and tapped the spear around to align the tabs the f-ing thing shot out of the keg like a rocket launching for Jupiter. It would have caused some serious damage if it had hit me. Especially since I was leaning over the keg face first. Once I realized what happened I began to look around for the spear. I was beginning to get a bit worried that it hit someone's roof when it clanged down about 15 ft in front of me. The damn thing must have gone 50+ ft into the air.

I have not forgotten to release the pressure since then.

[brewsters millionths]

the guy i bought my sankey kegging setup from warned me about this. he was ex navy and one of their po's had tried to make a bit of money on the side by opening the kegs they bought in and watering down the beer. he forgot to depressurise first and the spear shot out and killed him outright. a stark warning.

[Petedadink]

I made a fermenter just like this . I used a weldless type fitting inside and all I can say is it is chaper than a conical and it works great. I have done several beers so far in it and I love it. I still use glass from time to time. cool idea![/img]

[Rups0815]

I have 3 kegs and was removing the spears from them. The first twohad the standard retaining ring and you twist to line up the tabs with the holes. The 3rd one didnt have any of those parts. It had the tabs that go in to lock the tap to the keg but thats it. It is a Sanke Style keg. I was just wondering if anyone had any info on this style? Thanks a bunch.

[beer_bear]

Has anyone ever used a corney keg as a fermenter? I have one that absolutely will not seal and am looking for uses. I found out that the pressure release valve has the right size hole for a clear tube to fit in. I figure I'll drill out the bottom to match the hole on top so it won't clog too easy. Anyone know why this wouldn't work? I'll wait for responses before I try anything.