Beer Forum

I know another carbonation woes story.
 
I’ve been kegging for over a year now and I never seem to get consistent results. Well that’s not true I get consistent results but not what I’m looking for. I use the set it and forget it method. I hook a keg to 10 PSI at 40 degrees. I usually leave it alone for a week or two or three. When I go to pour the first pint it’s usually under carbonated. Doesn’t matter if it’s hooked up a week or three. As I move along in the keg the carbonation improves. Finally I start getting some great pints. Then… things go south. Pours become more and more carbonated. This is usually when I start getting frustrated and start playing with the PSI to try and improve the carbonation level. Sometimes this works but usually by the time I get a good pour again the keg is gone.
 
What the heck am I doing wrong?
 
Here is my system set up
 
Freezer with Johnson Temp Controller set about 35 to give me 40 degree beer
Beer is tested many times by pouring a pint in the glass then dumping and pouring again… always 40.
2 Way regulator outside the freezer. PSI does not creep that I can tell and basement is consistent mid to low 60s
4 way regulator inside freezer
Usually have 2 beers on tap with another 2 on deck either carbonating or waiting their turn.
All 4 kegs are at 10 PSI always hooked up to the 4 way regulator.
The two serving are always hooked up to the two way tower until they blow or I clean the line.
If it matters the serving lines are about 5 feet. Next time I replace them I will probably go to 6 feet. Foam is a little more then I want but not too much.
 
 
 

I know I don't have the full answer/solution to this, but I do have a couple of thoughts.

1. It's my exerience beer in the serving line will always be under carbonated. The first half of a pint or so isn't quite right after sitting for a day or two. I just discard these. Subsequent poors within the same day are good.

2. Is it an analog controller? I know thost can go through larger swings than the digitals. I'm wondering if (over time) the keg is dipping below 40 and absorbing more CO2. If it's getting down to 35 or 36 it would pick up more co2 than you're expecting. The times when it gets over 40 probably aren't long enough to equalize. This could explain why it gradually gets over carbed.

dj_carlson wrote:If it matters the serving lines are about 5 feet. Next time I replace them I will probably go to 6 feet. Foam is a little more then I want but not too much.
 
 

Everything you are doing sounds OK.

It could be you regulator and/or pressure gauge aren't accurate. It could also be your beer line. Is it 3/16" beer line? If it's 1/4" you'll get too much foam.

Quin wrote:

dj_carlson wrote:If it matters the serving lines are about 5 feet. Next time I replace them I will probably go to 6 feet. Foam is a little
more then I want but not too much.
 
 

Everything you are doing sounds OK.

It could be you regulator and/or pressure gauge aren't accurate. It could also be your beer line. Is it 3/16" beer line? If it's 1/4" you'll get too much foam.

I believe it's 3/6 and really foam is not my main issue. Its the actual carbonation of the beer. That turns it from tasting great to a fizzy mess. I feel like I'm doing everthing right but the results are not agreeing.

stadelman wrote:I know I don't have the full answer/solution to this, but I do have a couple of thoughts.

1. It's my exerience beer in the serving line will always be under carbonated. The first half of a pint or so isn't quite right after sitting for a day or two. I just discard these. Subsequent poors within the same day are good.

2. Is it an analog controller? I know thost can go through larger swings than the digitals. I'm wondering if (over time) the keg is dipping below 40 and absorbing more CO2. If it's getting down to 35 or 36 it would pick up more co2 than you're expecting. The times when it gets over 40 probably aren't long enough to equalize. This could explain why it gradually gets over carbed.

It is analog and I often thought the controller might be the culprit. But anytime I check the actual beer I get 40. Plus wouldn't the board have a ton if similar post like mine from other people having the same problem. But I'm still skeptical that it is the problem. But with no swings in the beer it's hard to justify buying another controller. I've also suspected the 4 way regulator but have no idea how to check it.