Barrel testing

[Steeley]

Just going to check the pressure on one of my King Kegs, I think I have a leak, I haven’t done this before, but I thought I would fill the keg up to the tap(top tap) with water, fit the top cap tighten and the pressurise with small cartridge and then use a spray bottle to check for any leaks, has anybody done this, this way, or do you have any better ideas to check the barrel for leaks, thanks guys

 

[Buffers brewery]

That's as good a way as any. I have pressure gauges fitted to mine but if I suspect a leak, soapy water spray is needed to find the culprit!

 

[Steeley]

thanks for that, I have noticed that it’s all around the top valve, I have pulled all the rubbers off and cleaned the valve, but I am still getting a leak, so I think I will buy a new pin valve, but thanks at least I know I am checking it correctly

 

[Buffers brewery]

You can buy the rubber washer and rubber bands for the pressure relief and non-return valve separately.

https://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Barrel_Spares.html
Possibly cheaper than buying a new valve. Have you read the "Pressure barrels more than you wanted to know" post?

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/pressure-barrels-more-than-you-wanted-to-know.89344/

 

[Steeley]

Sorry for delay in responding, no I haven’t I will have a look

 

[Sandozer]

You can pressurize with an ordinary foot pump when looking for leaks , save your CO2 bulbs !

 

[Steeley]

Fair point, thanks for that, I will obviously need an adapter, but it will be cheaper

 

[Buffers brewery]

Easiest way is to fit a Schrader valve in your cap and use a foot pump or electric tyre pump.

 

[Steeley]

Cheers, I will invest in one, as you say it will save on using my cartridges

 

[The-Engineer-That-Brews]

I had a very slow leak that was very difficult to track down even with the soapy water; but dunking it cap-side down in the bath worked.

 

[OldGezzer]

Hi Steeley
I had loads of trouble with the S30 pin valve not holding pressure. i fitted a Schrader bike Valve on the lid (so as to add and remove pressure with a bike stirrup pump first. I took the S30 Pin Valve off the lid removed the outer ring with the hole in ,and got a bit of Old bike innertube cut a length off about 2.5 3 inch's long and made it just wider than the Rubber thats over the hole on the valve then i put the S30 valve back in the lid and wrapped the strip of bike innertube around the rubber stretching it tight as it goes around the valve, then placed the outer ring with the hole in over the innertube strip (its a bit tight)so there is no gap on the inside of the outer ring, put the locking nut back on ,put the lid back on the king Keg stick some water in fit the lid tight then put some air in with the bike pump to about 10psi then using soapy water check for air leaks If you find a leak just check your nuts and seals and tighten according. i done this and works a treat. you can buy a new lid from Ballihoo with the Schrader valve already fitted if you want. no need to buy new rubbers

 

[Buffers brewery]

Hi @OldGezzer If I understand your description, you’re disabling the pressure relief valve by wrapping it in a strip of rubber inner-tube? If so, what do you do for a pressure relief valve? Sorry if I’ve misunderstood your post.

 

[OldGezzer]

adoo buddy
Yes your right I monitor the pressure with a tyre pressure gauge if its to high I just take some pressure out with the Schrader Valve I like my pressure around 8-10 psi. You can get the Schrader Valves off fleabay for a couple of quid each there are also some vids on YOUTUBE like this one.
Hope this Helps regards

 

[Steeley]

Hi Steeley
I had loads of trouble with the S30 pin valve not holding pressure. i fitted a Schrader bike Valve on the lid (so as to add and remove pressure with a bike stirrup pump first. I took the S30 Pin Valve off the lid removed the outer ring with the hole in ,and got a bit of Old bike innertube cut a length off about 2.5 3 inch's long and made it just wider than the Rubber thats over the hole on the valve then i put the S30 valve back in the lid and wrapped the strip of bike innertube around the rubber stretching it tight as it goes around the valve, then placed the outer ring with the hole in over the innertube strip (its a bit tight)so there is no gap on the inside of the outer ring, put the locking nut back on ,put the lid back on the king Keg stick some water in fit the lid tight then put some air in with the bike pump to about 10psi then using soapy water check for air leaks If you find a leak just check your nuts and seals and tighten according. i done this and works a treat. you can buy a new lid from Ballihoo with the Schrader valve already fitted if you want. no need to buy new rubbers

 

[Steeley]

Thanks for that, that was very interesting, I might just try that, I feel it just might work for me

 

[BridgeBrew]

I fit Schrader valve's to all my kegs, but I've never blanked off the pressure relief valve. I put a doubled over length of insulation tape round the valve before I put the rubber band on. Depending on the length of the tape, your causing the band to press harder on the relief valve outlet hole. With a bit of messing about you can get can get them to pass at whatever pressure you want. Mine blow off between 12-15 psi.

 

[BridgeBrew]

The old roto keg had a proper brass poppet valve, I suppose it's cost cutting to use the rubber band.

 

[BridgeBrew]

Sorry not the roto keg, the beer sphere had the brass valve.

 

[RoomWithABrew]

I drilled another hole and fitted a gas corny post. Then I can either clip pressure gauge on or put a spunding valve on for real control. I'm still using the old PB gas post to fill with CO2 until I finish the hambledon bard cylinder and sodastream cylinder.

Don't be surprised if you see a pressure drop at an interval after pressuring up and checking with the gauge. The high pressure gas (esp CO2 ) will get absorbed into the water.