A keg is a cylindrical container used to store and dispense beer, cider, and other beverages. The parts of a typical keg are:
Drum/Keg – This is the cylindrical body of the keg itself. It’s usually manufactured from stainless steel and is the main pressure vessel of the keg.
Lid – This sits on top of the keg and is secured by a latch or a key. It seals the keg and prevents any product escape.
Spear – The spear is a metal tube (or dip tube) that goes from the lid down to the bottom of the keg. It’s used to draw off the product from the keg.
Valve – This is attached to the spear and is used to control the flow of product from the keg. Depending on the type of keg, the valve can be either a spear thread (external) or DIN (internal) valve.
Pressure Release Valve – The pressure release valve is connected to the keg and is used to allow the release of pressure from the keg. It’s normally coupled with a pressure gauge to measure how much pressure is inside the keg.
Cap – The cap sits on top of the valve and holds all the valves and gaskets in place.
Gaskets – These are fitted under the lid and around the spear and valve to form a tight seal.
Tap – This is connected to the end of the valve and is used to dispense the product into glasses and other containers.
What is the top of the beer tap called?
The top of the beer tap is called the faucet (or sometimes the tap head). This piece fits over the output shank and is the part you actually use to pour the beer. It is the most important part of a beer tap system and can come in a variety of styles, and even materials.
The most common style of faucet seen in bars and restaurants is the lever faucet, which simply features a handle that users pull down to open the tap and release the beer. Other styles of tap heads include the Perlick 425SS Flow Control Faucet, which uses a screw-like nob to adjust the flow of beer, and the VSR Air Actuated Faucet, which uses a button-activated valve to start and stop the flow of beer.
What is a beer dispenser called?
A beer dispenser is a device used to chill and dispense beer. It can be either a standalone unit, often referred to as a kegerator, or incorporated into a larger beverage dispensing system. Beer dispensers come in various sizes and types, from tabletop to full size, and are designed to store and dispense almost any style of beer.
Most beer dispensers have an adjustable thermostat that allows users to set the temperature of the beer inside. They also often include additional components, such as a stainless steel tower, optional coupler and carbonation stone, and a built in drip tray to catch any spills.
Some models of beer dispensers also come with beer lines that can be cleaned and sterilized to maintain cleanliness and taste.
What is a keg spear?
A keg spear is a device that is used to help seal a keg of beer or other beverage. It consists of two parts: the coupler, which attaches to the keg, and the spear, which pierces a hole in the top of the keg.
The spear is secured to the top of the keg with a bolt or screw, and sealed with a gasket. Once the keg is tapped, the tanker may be used to dispense the beverage. In many cases, the keg is tapped with either a hand pump or a gas system in order to force the beverage through a tap.
Keg spears are designed to be durable and provide a tight seal to prevent leaks. Often, companies will purchase customized and branded spears in order to ensure that their kegs are properly monitored and tracked.
This can help to reduce the chance of untapped kegs going to waste. In addition, it can help protect the quality of the beverage, since it will be kept at a consistent temperature throughout the dispensing process.
How do you spike a keg?
To spike a keg, you will need some equipment, namely a keg tap, a CO2 regulator, and a CO2 tank.
First, attach the regulator to your CO2 tank, making sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, attach the regulator to the keg tap. Next, open the valve on the top of the CO2 tank and attach the valve to the regulator.
Turn the regulator up to the desired PSI, usually around 12-14.
Once the regulator is set up, the next step is to pour the beer into the keg. You’ll usually need a beer line to attach the keg to a beer tap for easy pouring. Then, attach the keg tap to the spout. After that, open the regulator valve, and wait a few minutes for the beer to settle in the keg.
Finally, attach all remaining hoses and lines to the keg tap, and then you’re ready to start serving!.
How do you change a keg coupler?
Changing the keg coupler is a simple process, but one that needs to be done correctly so that the beer can flow properly from the keg. First, make sure that the keg is disconnected from any other hardware, such as line connectors or a CO2 tank.
If the keg is still connected, loosen and disconnect the hardware before continuing. Next, remove the retaining ring from the collar of the coupler by unscrewing the knurled nut from the outside of the collar that holds it in place.
The ring should easily come off when you pull it. From there, you will pull the coupler off the head of the keg.
Now you are ready to attach the new coupler. Take the new coupler and slide it on to the head of the keg. To secure it in place, you will need to put the retaining ring back on the coupler and tighten it down with the knurled nut.
Once it is snug, you can now attach all of the necessary hardware, such as the CO2 tank and line connectors, to the coupler.
Finally, make sure that the new coupler is properly connected by carrying out the appropriate leak tests before you start pouring beer. Once you are sure that it is in good working order, you can start serving the beer!.
How do keg taps work?
Keg taps work by using pressurized air and gravity to dispense the beer from the keg. The pressure forces the beer through the tube and nozzle at the end of the tap and out into your glass. The nozzle converts the pressurized beer into a downward draft, allowing the beer to be poured out smoothly.
Inside the keg there is a tap to release the pressurizing air and open the flow of beer. The tap is connected to a CO2 or nitrogen supply that regulates the pressure, ensuring that the beer is dispensed evenly in the glass.
For some, there is a manual tap to open and close the flow of beer. To open the tap, you pull the handle down, which opens the release valve, allowing the pressurized air to escape and the beer to flow into your pint glass.
The pressure of the beer is usually set to a specific PSI which also affects the flow. Certain taps also have a regulator to control the rate of the flow. When you are done pouring, you can close the tap by pushing the handle up, ceasing the flow of beer.
How do you remove a beer line from a coupler?
Removing a beer line from a coupler is an easy task that involves a few simple steps.
First, you will need to locate the coupler on your keg system, which is usually on the side of the keg and should have two levers. Once you have located it, make sure that the lever next to the beer line is in the up position.
This will help release the air pressure from the line and make it easier to remove.
Next, remove the small plastic cap from the line where it meets the coupler. This should be easy to identify due to its small size and the fact that it requires a simple twist to unlock.
Once the plastic cap is removed, you can then disconnect the beer line from the coupler. To do this, push the metal connector on the beer line against the coupler and turn it counter-clockwise until it releases.
Once it has been disconnected, you can remove the beer line from the coupler completely.
Finally, you will want to make sure that all the fittings on your keg system are secure and that the pump is tightly fastened and ready for the next time you use the system.
Removing a beer line from a coupler is easy and quick, and should only take a few moments to complete. With these steps, your beer line should be removed from the coupler in no time!
Why is a full keg called a half?
A full keg is called a half because the term “half” refers to a half-barrel, which is the size of a full keg. Generally, a keg holds 15.5 gallons, or 1,984 ounces, of any given liquid, such as beer. Most kegs are made of stainless steel or aluminum and they can either be mounted or free standing.
A full keg is a half-barrel, which is equal to 7.75 gallons, or 99.84 ounces. It is important to note that a “half-barrel” in the United States is not the same as a “quarter-barrel. ” A “quarter-barrel” in the United States is equal to 5.
17 gallons, or 66.56 ounces. Therefore, a full keg is referred to as a “half” because it is equal to half of the standard barrel size.
How many beers are in a full keg?
A full keg of beer typically holds 15.5 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to approximately 1982 ounces of beer. This amount of beer yields approximately 165 twelve-ounce servings or 124 sixteen-ounce servings.
In addition, a typical full keg also weighs around 160 pounds when filled. Depending on the beer and the size of the keg, the number of beers in a full keg can vary somewhat. Therefore, it is important to check the size and weight of the keg in order to determine the exact number of beers that are in a full keg.
How many ounces is a 1/4 keg?
A keg is a container used to store, transport, and serve beer. Kegs can be made of steel, aluminum, or wood, and are often pressurized. A typical keg holds between 14 and 26 gallons (53 and 98 L) of beer.
Different types of beers are served in different size glasses. For example, an ounce of liquid is typically served in a shot glass, while a 12-ounce (370 ml) can or bottle is common for nominally serving an entire beer.
A pint glass is common for craft beer and other larger beers.
The ounce measurement is a unit of volume. One ounce is equal to approximately 28.41 ml. A 1/4 keg, therefore, is equal to approximately 7.1 gallons (27 L) or 196.2 ounces (5.61 L).
How much is a quarter keg?
A quarter keg, also known as a pony keg, is typically the smallest obtainable size barrel of beer. It is equal to 7.75 gallons, or 82 twelve ounce beers. Depending on which brand, type, and local taxes, the cost of a quarter keg varies from as low as $50 and up to around $200.
In addition to the cost of the keg, you also have to factor in the cost of renting a tap (which varies from $30–$50) and the cost of any other supplies you may need such as cups and ice. Plus, there may be a deposit on the keg depending on the supplier, so be sure to clarify before purchasing your keg.
Are keg taps universal?
No, keg taps are not universal. Keg taps differ depending on what kind of keg you are using. The tap mechanism used by domestic kegs—those used by homebrewers and the kind you might find in a party store—are not compatible with the taps used for commercial kegs.
Both of these types of kegs hold the same amount of beer, but the equipment needed to tap them is totally different. The coupler used for domestic kegs is similar to a flow control valve, while commercial kegs require a spear-style tap.
That said, some of the newer commercial keg taps are designed to fit both commercial and domestic kegs, so you could opt for a more universal solution if desired.
Are beer taps interchangeable?
In general, beer taps are interchangeable, meaning they can be used with different types of beer. However, the specifics of the type of beer tap and its compatibility with different types of beer will vary depending on the beer, the design of the tap, and the type of beer keg.
For instance, some beer taps are designed specifically for specific types of beer, such as stout beers, lagers, ales, and more. Other taps may not be compatible with different types of beer at all, as the shanks and fittings may not fit properly.
The most common type of beer taps are American sankey taps, which are designed to fit a variety of kegs and usually fit all of the most popular types of beer.
It’s important to take into account the type of beer keg you have and the specifics of the tap before deciding to replace them. A grey area exists when it comes to using different taps on different beer kegs, such as using a sankey tap with a European-style keg.
The best practice here is to consult a professional beer supplier to verify that a particular type of keg and tap system meets the standards of a certain type of beer.
Can you put a tap on a keg?
Yes, you can put a tap on a keg. A tap, or faucet, is needed to dispense the beer from a keg. Typically, a beer keg is made of stainless steel and requires an external system for dispensing the beer.
There are different types of taps that can be used with a keg, such as a standard bar tap with a lever, a jockey box with a hand pump, or a pressurized keg system with a CO2 tank. In all cases, you must have a tap that fits the type of keg you are using.
Some taps are designed to fit different sizes of kegs. When installing the tap, you should make sure it is securely tightened to prevent any leaks. It is important to check the tap periodically to make sure it is clean and functioning properly before serving any beer.
How soon before a party should you tap a keg?
It’s best to tap a keg about one to two hours before a party. Ultimately, the exact time needed to properly chill and carbonate the keg varies depending on a few factors. For instance, the size of the keg and the temperature it was prior to chilling will dramatically alter the amount of time it needs to be ready for consumption.
If the keg is relatively small (1/4 barrel for example) in size and was brought to the event cool, there is a good chance it won’t need more than an hour or two to chill it to the ideal temperature. On the other hand, if the keg is large (1/2 barrel) and was brought in warm, then it may require a full two hours – even up to three hours – to get to the right temperature.
To ensure the keg is properly chilled, you should plan to tap it a minimum of an hour ahead of time. However, it’s always better to be safe and tap it early. That way, if it takes a bit longer to cool, you still won’t be caught off guard.
Keep a bottle opener, beer tap and draft line handy, and proceed to tap the keg. Once the keg is tapped, you can move it to the cooler or wherever else you need it. If you’re using a jockey box or some other type of serving apparatus, then you’ll need extra time to get that set up.
In that case, you should plan to tap the keg around 2 hours before the party.
How long does a tapped keg last?
A tapped keg can last up to 6-8 weeks, depending on a few factors. If the keg is kept in a cool environment and the tap is sealed well, the keg can remain drinkable for up to 8 weeks. Other factors that can affect the lifespan of the keg include how often the tap is opened, how much pressure is used when tapping the keg, and how much ventilation is allowed into the keg.
Generally, the more frequently and loosely the tap is used, the shorter the lifespan of the keg will be. If the keg is exposed to too much air or light, the beer can become stale and unpalatable in as little as a few days.
Therefore, if you’re looking to preserve your keg of beer for longer, making sure it is stored and tapped correctly and not exposed to oxygen is key.