Single Check Valve

[Rigsby666]

Just a quick question. I have corny's with gas bottle and regulator connected. I have heard mention of a single check valve between corny and regulator which I think stops fluid from coming up the gas line to the regulator. Is it recommended that one of these is fitted or are they unnecessary? They seem to be priced about £10+, so didn't want to waste money on one if it is not needed. Thanks.

 

[RGeats]

I bought some after some beer got back into the regulator after I was rocking the keg. However I don't think you need them if the kegs are in a kegerator at stable temp and pressure and you aren't moving them around all over the place.

When I did get beer into the regulator I just took it apart, washed it, let it dry, put it back together and its been absolutely fine since

 

[AnimatedGIF]

I've got one ready for my keezer build, and bought it as my own risk-management strategy. I have read of people ruining regulators (I forget how, but they ended up with beer in them) and so I plan to use this as a safeguard against silly mistakes I may make in the future.
With a little care it shouldn't be essential that you use one I don't think.

 

[Graz]

Got these on mine: Kegland 3/8” push-fit check valve

£5 a piece though sold out currently. I have a secondary regulator on each keg so have 3 of them. I too was of the opinion that I didn't need them but still managed to fill my regulator with beer back when I was only using the one regulator on the gas bottle. Just hadn't thought things through, had filled a keg so the dip tube was slightly immersed, burst carbonated it for a day and then decided to reduce the pressure by winding back the screw on the regulator until the gas started coming out of the regulator followed by the beer

So far I'm still using that regulator on my cylinder as a primary without issue, I was quick to blow a load of CO2 through it after my screw up. When my cylinder runs out though I plan to strip it down and give it a clean up. There's a few YouTube videos explaining how to do this and looks easy enough.

 

[RGeats]

Got these on mine: Kegland 3/8” push-fit check valve

£5 a piece though sold out currently. I have a secondary regulator on each keg so have 3 of them. I too was of the opinion that I didn't need them but still managed to fill my regulator with beer back when I was only using the one regulator on the gas bottle. Just hadn't thought things through, had filled a keg so the dip tube was slightly immersed, burst carbonated it for a day and then decided to reduce the pressure by winding back the screw on the regulator until the gas started coming out of the regulator followed by the beer

So far I'm still using that regulator on my cylinder as a primary without issue, I was quick to blow a load of CO2 through it after my screw up. When my cylinder runs out though I plan to strip it down and give it a clean up. There's a few YouTube videos explaining how to do this and looks easy enough.

That's basically what I did. Stripping the regulator down was really easy. It's amazing how few parts they have!

 

[Saisonator]

Got these on mine: Kegland 3/8” push-fit check valve

£5 a piece though sold out currently. I have a secondary regulator on each keg so have 3 of them. I too was of the opinion that I didn't need them but still managed to fill my regulator with beer back when I was only using the one regulator on the gas bottle. Just hadn't thought things through, had filled a keg so the dip tube was slightly immersed, burst carbonated it for a day and then decided to reduce the pressure by winding back the screw on the regulator until the gas started coming out of the regulator followed by the beer

So far I'm still using that regulator on my cylinder as a primary without issue, I was quick to blow a load of CO2 through it after my screw up. When my cylinder runs out though I plan to strip it down and give it a clean up. There's a few YouTube videos explaining how to do this and looks easy enough.

I did that, then realised that you need to ALWAYS release gas via the dump valve on the keg.
Lucky ther keg was only carrying 14L.

 

[umfana]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001238510088.html
I use these liberally. Also my gas manifolds have non return built into them which is useful too.

 

[Rigsby666]

Thanks for the replies guys - very helpful.

I bought some after some beer got back into the regulator after I was rocking the keg. However I don't think you need them if the kegs are in a kegerator at stable temp and pressure and you aren't moving them around all over the place.

@RGeats. My setup isn't moved about and is at a stable temp. I also tend to switch off the gas bottle after use (paranoid that at some point I will lose all my gas). I think I saw someone comment somewhere that the regulator by default is a check valve, as it only lets gas out to the keg above a certain pressure (that you set), therefore no liquid should ever get back up into the regulator.

Got these on mine: Kegland 3/8” push-fit check valve
£5 a piece though sold out currently. I have a secondary regulator on each keg so have 3 of them. I too was of the opinion that I didn't need them but still managed to fill my regulator with beer back when I was only using the one regulator on the gas bottle. Just hadn't thought things through, had filled a keg so the dip tube was slightly immersed, burst carbonated it for a day and then decided to reduce the pressure by winding back the screw on the regulator until the gas started coming out of the regulator followed by the beer

@Graz. They are better priced, might wait until they restock and just get one to be safe. Your scenario is one where the liquid could possibly get back into the regulator. Never thought of that.

I did that, then realised that you need to ALWAYS release gas via the dump valve on the keg.
Lucky the keg was only carrying 14L.

@Saisonator. And that is the solution to that scenario. Very true, always use the dump valve to reduce pressure. There are some simple but valuable lessons and rules brought up here guys - Thank you.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001238510088.htmlI use these liberally. Also my gas manifolds have non return built into them which is useful too.

@umfana. They look like 8mm (5/16), my gas pipe is 3/8, are you using 5/16 for your gas pipe?


Thanks guys for all your help and advice.

 

[BlackRegent]

@umfana. They look like 8mm (5/16), my gas pipe is 3/8, are you using 5/16 for your gas pipe?


Thanks guys for all your help and advice.

@Rigsby666
All the Kegland stuff seems to be built around 5/16 standard tubing (which they sell as Evabarrier) so all their Duotight connectors are based on 5/16. However, they also do a 3/8 to 5/16 connector if you wanted to integrate their stuff around a more traditional 3/8 setup.

 

[cheeseyfeet]

I'd get on the Aliexpress Kegland store and replace all of your tubing with the 5/16 evabarrier stuff to be honest.

Its marvellous - really flexible.