Keg carbonation

[Federalman]

Just started brewing and have a stout that’s nearly ready to keg. I shall be using bottles so thanks to Terrym that offered the advice on doing that but I wondered if anyone can offer advice on carbonating the stout in the keg

 

[terrym]

You need to tell us the size of PB. If its 25litres, I would use 95g sugar max. If it's the 10 litre PB you mentioned elsewhere I can't really advise since I don't have one, but if nobody else responds I suggest the normal priming level for ales/stouts provided you have nearly filled it . You certainly don't want to overprime or you will overpressurise the PB.

 

[Federalman]

It’s a 10 litre corny keg so it’ll be co2 I’m carbonating with. Just not sure on the pressure and length of time I should leave it

 

[kelper]

Try 10psi for one day and then adjust up or down. Is it in a fridge? Because it will carb quicker if it is.

 

[Federalman]

Great I’ll give it a go. No it’ll be in a cool store as I don’t like my beer too cold

 

[Federalman]

I take it once it has been carbonated enough I can remove the gas line and reconnect when serving?

 

[phildo79]

Easiest method I have found is:

1) put the keg in the fridge for a day.
2) ramp up the gas to 25 psi and connect.
3) place the keg on its side and roll the keg back and fourth with your foot whilst counting to 200.
4) pour yourself a sample.

Some would advise to rest the keg for an hour before sampling but I don't have the patience for this. Yes, the head might be a bit big but the keg will rest as you enjoy your sample.

 

[Federalman]

I can’t fault the logic there if I’m honest. It will be ready for a second pint then. Do you disconnect the gas once it’s been carbonated?

 

[phildo79]

It isn't totally necessary but judge it on your sample. So long as that is alright, remove the gas and reduce to 10 psi. Then pop the keg back in the fridge and reconnect...just in case you want a second sample. If you are happy with the second and plan on having no more, then disconnect. I have lost count of the amount of times that I have forgotten to disconnect the gas and left it on overnight. However it has never had a detrimental impact on the beer. But if you left it hooked up for a couple of days, you could over carbonate your beer.

 

[Federalman]

Many thanks I shall give it a go

 

[phildo79]

Forgot to mention something; disconnect your gas after you've rolled the keg and reduce your psi to 10 before pouring your sample. You can leave it connected whilst you reduce the psi but you risk beer going up the line and into the regulator.

 

[Federalman]

Yeh I had thought that might happen but it’s worth pointing out in case

 

[woody1959]

I have Corny 19l kegs, I usually just fill them with beer, give them 10psi then shut gas off, check in 24 hours, turn gas back to bring up top 10 psi if needed then turn gas off, rinse and repeat.

 

[ssashton]

Presumably it is recommend to carbonate before conditioning, rather than after? Especially if you roll the keg around!

Or why not just keep it at serving pressure (usually about 8PSI) with the gas bottle and regulator connected during the entire conditioning period?

It does make sense to roll it around though, since it will greatly speed up absorption of CO2, just like shaking an already carbonated drink speeds up the release of gas.

I read where a recommendation to give it 2 days at 40PSI, then reduce to serving pressure. I'm unsure if one is supposed to simply wait while that CO2 is absorbed and the head pressure reduces, or leak off the gas?

 

[Brew_DD2]

I go to 40psi for 36 hours then reduce to serving pressure. Maybe go 24 hours for a stout. No need to vent during the burst phase.

 

[pms67]

Why do people turn the gas off?

 

[Drunkula]

Why do people turn the gas off?

Paranoia after having a leak that used a whole bottle of gas in a few hours.

Or to see what the pressure actually is inside the beer because as the gas absorbs into the beer that 40psi in the headspace will drop to whatever's actually in the gas. So you'd do like this:

40psi -> shake like a maniac -> 40psi still on regulator -> shut off gas -> drop regulator pressure down so it doesn't just gas it back to 40 when you open it -> wait long time -> open and the regulator pressure guage will show you the carbonation pressure.

 

[ssashton]

I go to 40psi for 36 hours then reduce to serving pressure. Maybe go 24 hours for a stout. No need to vent during the burst phase.

In what way do you reduce to serving pressure? That 40psi in the headspace must go somewhere, either in to the beer by absorption or out a valve.

 

[Brew_DD2]

In what way do you reduce to serving pressure? That 40psi in the headspace must go somewhere, either in to the beer by absorption or out a valve.

After the 36 hours, I adjust my regulator down to serving prassure and vent off the excess from the pressure relief valve on the keg. You could pour off a few beers to vent off the excess but it'll be very foamy.

 

[Brew_DD2]

Why do people turn the gas off?

I don't turn mine off, even though when I first started, I had a leak and lost a whole bottle of CO2. Now I am satisfied I am leak free and have been on the same bottle for 9 months. I like knowing that my beer is permanently under a consistent pressure.