Hello! We just got our first kegerator and are having some issues. We've done a ton of reading but we have some questions. We are currently just running Bud Light through it so we don't waste the good stuff (and good thing since we've poured too much down the drain!). Our beer is pouring almost all foam, it's kind of flatter than most keg beers and it's pouring very fast. Here are the details I have at the moment. I'm sure there is more info needed to help us so just let me know what that is. It's a full sized keg (not sure if that matters) and we got it at a local liquor store. The center of the keg to the tap is 29". Our beer is pouring at 38 degrees. Our line is 3ft (pretty sure that's part of our problem & trying to figure out what length we need at our elevation). We are at 6100 ft. elevation. That's what I know for now. Thank you!
The articles and threads you need to read should be about balancing your system. There are 3 variables, and so far it looks like you might have one of them. You need the volumes of CO2 for the beer (all InBev is 2.7), the temperature using a calibrated thermometer and the proper technique and a force carbonation chart. If you are really at 38F, using 2.7 in a force carbonation chart suggests you have to be around 13.5 psi to maintain balance before accounting for the elevation of the location. The 29" between the keg and tap is irrelevant. If you look at the beer line after a pour and see bubbles moving in the line it is an indication that you are not balanced, it is CO2 breaking out of solution. I don't think you will find anyone who thinks 3' beer line is acceptable. The type of kegerator is also important - with a lower priced consumer / cold plate type unit you will have other things to address like circulation and tower cooling. Commercial units have this covered and it won't be an issue if that's what you have.
These two threads cover most everything you need to know: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/foaming.193492/ https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/help-with-balancing-my-system.248243/
Thanks Port Largo. You are a much better link guy than I am! Cheers. Haven't seen Zero around in while here or on the Micromatic site.
