Keg Froze

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by sooners3210, Oct 15, 2013.

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  1. sooners3210

    sooners3210 Initiate (0) Jun 15, 2006 Texas

    I had my keg in my kegerator and it froze the other night. I took it out and let it warm up to warm temp, cooled it back down to serving temp and reconnected the gas. When I pour now all I get is foam. What should I do to correct this issue?
     
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    It sounds like your beer spent a significant amount of time at a lower than intended temp before it froze, thus dissolving more CO2.

    Burp the keg every chance you get, until the CO2 reaches its original level. It will take a while.
     
  3. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    I guess as the keg was hovering at near freezing temps, it was able to absorb more gas. You ought to be able to release pressure via the pressure release valve. This will eliminate most of the gas in the head space. Then the dissolved CO2 will equilibrate over time. Then you can release the pressure release valve again. Repeat, etc., until you can serve without tons of CO2 coming out of solution. This process should speed up if you allow the keg to warm, as the dissolved CO2 will more readily equilibrate with the head space. Someone can check me to see if I am thinking about this right, because I am not describing something I have learned from experience.

    EDIT: Vikeman's post seems to confirm my thinking.
     
  4. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    You can take the keg out and let it warm up. Burp the hell out of it and put it back in. Slap the CO2 back on and set it/forget it.
     
  5. premierpro

    premierpro Savant (1,060) Mar 21, 2009 Michigan

    As others have said take off your gas line and burp it every time you are able. You should still be able to pour yourself a pint from the pressure in your keg.
     
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