Corny/Regulator question

[Theoriginalrich]

I’m about to get my second Corny and I was wondering if you can add a ‘y’ and feed Co2 to two kegs instead of getting a new regulator.
I know I would have to serve at the same psi but for the brews inside that wouldn’t be a problem.
This would only be a short term fix.

 

[labrewski]

Get one of these on Ali express think it's called a manifold

 

[The Baron]

Yep That's what I do the only downside is you can only carbonate at the same pressure if you leave it connected

 

[gyurmaember]

If you put a y don't forget to add a non return valve, it can save your regulator. If you go for a manifold, they're usually have the non return valves built-in, but worth to double check with the seller.

 

[Rwilts]

I have a full CO2 distribution board. Don't use it simple Y from the regulator on the cylinder feeding two kegs ( currently) does the job for the moment. Will have to look into the non return valve gyiurmaember

 

[Theoriginalrich]

Thanks everyone. By the looks of it both are viable but I think I’ll go down the manifold route. They look quite cheap and are a bit more adjustable.

 

[DocAnna]

The manifold has built it non return valves - which is great… but it does steal some of the pressure so if you are being careful about carbonation you need to add 2-3 psi extra on you main regulator per keg being supplied. Even better is to add secondary inline regulators after the manifold to calibrate the carbonation. ( ok I’m doing my usual make it complicated bit )

 

[Theoriginalrich]

Thanks Anna, nice advice. I might just look into them.

 

[DocAnna]

Thanks Anna, nice advice. I might just look into them.

This is how my manifold is combined with the inline regulators, they are each labelled by colour which follows through to the ball lock connectors and taps.

 

[Theoriginalrich]

Very neat Anna, much better than the picture I had in my head.

 

[gyurmaember]

This is how my manifold is combined with the inline regulators, they are each labelled by colour which follows through to the ball lock connectors and taps.

View attachment 74765

I would blank that unused port on the manifold, or if you don't have a blanking plug, just put some cling film on it, because as it's facing upwards debris can get into it, and it could compromise the seal of the push fit connector.

 

[AnimatedGIF]

… but it does steal some of the pressure so if you are being careful about carbonation you need to add 2-3 psi extra on you main regulator per keg being supplied.

I did not know that. Does the same go for in-line check-valves?

 

[DocAnna]

I would blank that unused port on the manifold, or if you don't have a blanking plug, just put some cling film on it, because as it's facing upwards debris can get into it, and it could compromise the seal of the push fit connector.

I have a separate tube and inline valve I attach for counter pressure filling - and have clearly forgotten on this picture to replace the blanking plug as you are quite right !

I did not know that. Does the same go for in-line check-valves?

Short version, yes, long version it depends on the check valve type how much that pressure drop is. All check valves rely on a pressure difference between the inlet and outlet to keep them open, if there wasn't a pressure difference then the valve would close, so by definition there has to be a small pressure drop across a non return valve. There's a difference between the cracking pressure which is the amount required to open the valve in the first place, and the pressure at which the valve closes - which may be reverse pressure. The non return JG inline valves I've seen are diaphragm check valves with springs, so there is a constant pressure differential required to keep them open. How much is likely to be very little, I've seen 1.5psi quoted but that was for a different form of valve.

 

[Braufather]

@DocAnna I take it having the individual presure value allows you to set different carbonation levels for each keg. Are there any other benefits? Also is that all connected to inside of fridge/ kegerator door?

Thinking of converting one of my brew fridges to a proper keggerator or just buying a kegerator.

 

[SMP Brewery]

I bought 4 secondary regulators gs005 I think they are for 30 odd quid off eBay added a pressure gauge to 3 of them, the 4th I leave at the main regulator pressure and adjust with the leaver for pressure filling or purging kegs.
Attached them to some chip board and fixed to the garage wall.

 

[gavp1979]

This is how my manifold is combined with the inline regulators, they are each labelled by colour which follows through to the ball lock connectors and taps.

View attachment 74765

Much neater than mine that are just shoved behind the kegs, I really need to sort it out because they are a pain in the arse to get to when the fridge is full!

 

[White Rose Al]

This is how my manifold is combined with the inline regulators, they are each labelled by colour which follows through to the ball lock connectors and taps.

View attachment 74765

@DocAnna how do you find the Keg Land secondaries? I have the digi ones and finding it a nightmare to dial in the pressure.

My ODL reg is almost Rolls Royce in comparison.

My setup looks similar to yours except for the digi displays

 

[DocAnna]

@DocAnna I take it having the individual presure value allows you to set different carbonation levels for each keg. Are there any other benefits? Also is that all connected to inside of fridge/ kegerator door?

Thinking of converting one of my brew fridges to a proper keggerator or just buying a kegerator.

There were several reasons for adding the secondaries, and yes one of which is allowing me to have highly carbonated lager or a soft drink on tap next to a bitter or ale. The issue I found was the pressure at the regulator which is a few meters of piping away didn't seem to translate into the carbonation I was expecting, so having the secondaries is about both control and having confidence in the pressure I'm using.
The link to my build is below, the picture shows all manifold and regulators attached to the left side of the fridge rather than the door.
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/another-kegerator-build.94829/post-1047007

@DocAnna how do you find the Keg Land secondaries? I have the digi ones and finding it a nightmare to dial in the pressure.

My ODL reg is almost Rolls Royce in comparison.

My setup looks similar to yours except for the digi displays

You are right they aren't the easiest to adjust - sadly I use a second pair of glasses and a torch to adjust them as the dials are TINY . I'd prefer a regulator with a much lower range but the Keg Land ones are inexpensive which is a major part of their attraction.

 

[White Rose Al]

The digi ones are supposed to over come this as they offer higher accuracy on serving PSI, most of mine after carbing drop to the 4-5 mark to lower fobbing etc.

To be honest I have set and forget the ones for serving, it's the ones I use for carbing that are the problem.

I expect co2 absorption but around the 12psi range (room temp and volume dependent) the smallest turn runs away 5-6 psi in difference. Its a nightmare to accurately control.

Think I will just order an ODL secondary and bite the bullet

 

[AnimatedGIF]

The digi ones are supposed to over come this as they offer higher accuracy on serving PSI, most of mine after carbing drop to the 4-5 mark to lower fobbing etc.

My query is whether they are in fact more accurate, or whether as I suspect they are simply more precise.