Dripping Angram hand pump :(

A Clueless Bloke · Oct 26, 2024

Hi folks.

Basically.

Last week, I purchased an Angram beer pump from an ex pub. It included an check valve. However from the same issue I have here, I presumed the valve was faulty. So I ordered a new one. Only to have the same issue.

I first installed the pump onto my bar top, and hooked it up to one of the corny kegs. Pressurising the keg to around 3-5psi. However within a few minutes, water (keg was filled with water) started dripping.

I filmed a youtube video on this that I am hoping TBF will allow at the bottom of the page.
I HAVE TRIED:
Removing the outlet pipe from the beer engine and hooked the pipe work onto the keg. Pressurising to 2-3psi. However water appears to be pushing its way up the pipe. Again. I have attacked a YouTube video at the bottom of the page for more understanding.

I’m starting to loose hope now. Below are 2 videos I have made for hopefully a better understanding.

peebee · Oct 27, 2024

Haven't looked at the videos, but you said quite enough in the text. [EDIT: Have looked at the videos now!]

There is nothing wrong. But you might misunderstand the workings? [EDIT: You've no need to understand the "workings", it's not the pump, it's the "demand valve"!]

First off: I don't think you've got a handpump [working!] demand valve fitted. You don't think you need one? But you've pressured your beer keg to 3-5PSI, and there is very little in the pump to stop the beer being pushed out. That's what a "demand valve" will fix (aka. "check-valve", but "real" check-valves these days have tiny cracking-pressures and would fail to hold back the beer - improvements are not improvements for everyone!).

[EDIT: Sorry for all that, but I've left it in for others to reference ... Your problem (and you've probably figured out yourself) is the "Demand value" is not functioning as it should. Fix it, replace it, whatever!]

I use LPG regulators 'tween keg and cylinder regulator to get low PSI ... a cylinder regulator alone can't do it (an expensive "two stage" like the aquarium bunch use might get close, but they cost £80 plus!). A Clesse 50-150mbar works a treat and has BSP ports (not POL).

A Clueless Bloke · Oct 27, 2024

peebee said:
Haven't looked at the videos, but you said quite enough in the text. [EDIT: Have looked at the videos now!]

There is nothing wrong. But you might misunderstand the workings? [EDIT: You've no need to understand the "workings", it's not the pump, it's the "demand valve"!]

First off: I don't think you've got a handpump [working!] demand valve fitted. You don't think you need one? But you've pressured your beer keg to 3-5PSI, and there is very little in the pump to stop the beer being pushed out. That's what a "demand valve" will fix (aka. "check-valve", but "real" check-valves these days have tiny cracking-pressures and would fail to hold back the beer - improvements are not improvements for everyone!).

[EDIT: Sorry for all that, but I've left it in for others to reference ... Your problem (and you've probably figured out yourself) is the "Demand value" is not functioning as it should. Fix it, replace it, whatever!]

I use LPG regulators 'tween keg and cylinder regulator to get low PSI ... a cylinder regulator alone can't do it (an expensive "two stage" like the aquarium bunch use might get close, but they cost £80 plus!). A Clesse 50-150mbar works a treat and has BSP ports (not POL).

The demand valve what I though was brand new from a seller on eBay. I am aware RLBS supply them, but I’m worried this may happen again

peebee · Oct 27, 2024

I knew you'd say it was "new" so can't be that. So was ready for you!

It is that!

Though could be something your end: Sucked up some debris that's jamming the valve open? But I've not [EDIT: Oops!] heard of such a thing. Returning might be awkward if eBay? I know RLBS (their Gresford warehouse is just up road), should be okay with them (but I obviously don't pay postage!). The ones with the "CLEAN" lever can be useful.

MashBag · Oct 27, 2024

I am with Peebee it's got too be the demand valve. If not that, the pressure in the corny is not what we think it is?

Can do a picture on the pressure gauge. On pressure and at zero pleae?

Mash Monster · Oct 28, 2024

@A Clueless Bloke
I feel your pain I had exactly the same problem( I was using a RLBS check valve with cleaning lever ) I disassembled the unit but could see nothing wrong washed it in Chemsan and put it back together still the same problem . I reached out to RLBS for advice/service parts but received no response so I purchased another unit without the cleaning lever,problem solved !

AnimatedGIF · Oct 29, 2024

I lent a friend one of my Angram CQ and he bought a demand valve from RLBS - it was faulty like yours appears to be. They exchanged it for a working one with no issues.

One of my second-hand beer engines leaked from the bottom of the cylinder, so I got a spare part to fix it. The engines themselves are easily serviced using basic tools, but from the videos you've shown, the demand valve is the issue.

RoomWithABrew · Oct 30, 2024

Does it leak if you just draw water out of an open bottle or bowl? Without the demand valve in the system.

Callumbo20 · Oct 31, 2024

RoomWithABrew said:
Does it leak if you just draw water out of an open bottle or bowl? Without the demand valve in the system.

I’ve connected it from the corny keg to the pump without the demand valve yes. Course it sprays like a hosepipe

RoomWithABrew · Nov 1, 2024

Callumbo20 said:
I’ve connected it from the corny keg to the pump without the demand valve yes. Course it sprays like a hosepipe

That's no surprise.

My question was
“ Does it leak if you just draw water out of an open bottle or bowl? Without the demand valve in the system."

The Baron · Nov 1, 2024

You could eradicate the possible pressure issue with the corny by just using water in a bucket to see if the same happens

peebee · Nov 1, 2024

RoomWithABrew said:
Does it leak if you just draw water out of an open bottle or bowl? Without the demand valve in the system.

The Baron said:
You could eradicate the possible pressure issue with the corny by just using water in a bucket to see if the same happens

It won't leak then: Says the **** sure, bigoted git that I am.

Place your bets now please ... the ball is rolling.

RoomWithABrew · Nov 1, 2024

Would be odd if it did!

peebee · Nov 1, 2024

(I'll accept Paypal? ... )

MashBag · Nov 2, 2024

peebee said:
It won't leak then: Says the **** sure, bigoted git that I am.

Place your bets now please ... the ball is rolling.

It might if thy bucket if above the hand-pump. So the first pull through sets up a syphon.

@peebee does that change the odds?

peebee · Nov 2, 2024

Hair-splitter.

The keg/whatever is on the floor.

(I'm not sure about the "Troll" "smiley" on this forum ... it looks like it's up for some cross-dressing, or does it have man/troll ****s?).

Dripping Angram hand pump :(

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