Converting Corny Keg into Fermentator

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Jdl973
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Converting Corny Keg into Fermentator

#1 Post by Jdl973 » Sat May 15, 2010 11:19 pm

I had several Pin Lock kegs that were not being used for beer. There are several in the Guild who use kegs for fermentation. So I converted a lid to allow blow-off and transfter of the finished beer under CO2.

Parts:

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Remove the pressure release valve:

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Drill out the hole to 1/2 inch:

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Thread the coupler into the union. Add a steel washer followed by a rubber washer:

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Insert into the top of lid:

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Insert a rubber followed by a steel washer. Secure and tighten with a 1/2 nut.

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Took the female end of the coupler and added a valve to it. This will allow you to turn the off the blow-off after the beer is done and pump in CO2 pressure in order to transfer the beer to a clean corny under CO2.

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The lid must be placed on the keg first, then the valve connected. If the valve is connected before, the lid will not be able to be inserted in the keg.
Pressure was added and the rig was tested for leaks with soapy water via a spay bottle.
There is enough clearance in the end of the valve, it can be turned all around the keg and placed in any position.

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A dip tube was attached and a 2L soda bottle was added. This way the blow-off collection container will be attached to the keg.

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I think I will brew tomorrow and give this a try.

Jason
BEFORE THERE WAS MATHEMATICS, RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY OR CULTURE...THERE WAS BEER.

In Primary:............. None (how sad is that?)
In Secondary:..........None...see above
On Tap: ..........Barley Wine from 2006, BGSA from 2006...

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Blktre
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Re: Converting Corny Keg into Fermentator

#2 Post by Blktre » Sat May 15, 2010 11:37 pm

I love DIY brewers!
Just call me Andy!

Lupulin Threshold Shift
lupulin threshold shift \lu·pu·lin thresh·old shift\ n
1. When a once extraordinarily hoppy beer now seems pedestrian.
2. The phenomenon a person has when craving more bitterness in beer.
3. The long-term exposure to extremely hoppy beers; if excessive or prolonged, a habitual dependence on hops will occur.
4. When a "Double IPA" just is not enough

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sam
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Re: Converting Corny Keg into Fermentator

#3 Post by sam » Sun May 16, 2010 1:16 pm

That's awesome. I have a couple pin locks setting out. Can't wait to convert them. Thanks!
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Matt
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Re: Converting Corny Keg into Fermentator

#4 Post by Matt » Sun May 16, 2010 2:27 pm

Really nice instructions too, Jason. You have a future on Instructables.com (assuming you're not a regular poster there already!).

Matt
Matt Bechtold
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Jdl973
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Re: Converting Corny Keg into Fermentator

#5 Post by Jdl973 » Sun May 16, 2010 9:19 pm

Just brewed some beer to test out the Pin Lock Fermentators (Hell of a good reason to brew...right?).

Hope they work...if not I will be in a pinch for Pints for Pets... :shock: . I may have filled them a bit much, but I just HATE wasting wort.

Using the leftover bucket of Star San for the blow off for now.

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Jason
BEFORE THERE WAS MATHEMATICS, RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY OR CULTURE...THERE WAS BEER.

In Primary:............. None (how sad is that?)
In Secondary:..........None...see above
On Tap: ..........Barley Wine from 2006, BGSA from 2006...

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Jdl973
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Posts: 569
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Re: Converting Corny Keg into Fermentator

#6 Post by Jdl973 » Mon May 17, 2010 9:41 pm

Well the beer had a day to do its thing and the kegs are preforming like champs...just bubbling away.

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Heck if this works out, I may have a bunch of 6.5 gallon glass carboys for sale

Jason
BEFORE THERE WAS MATHEMATICS, RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY OR CULTURE...THERE WAS BEER.

In Primary:............. None (how sad is that?)
In Secondary:..........None...see above
On Tap: ..........Barley Wine from 2006, BGSA from 2006...

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Bill
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Re: Converting Corny Keg into Fermentator

#7 Post by Bill » Wed May 19, 2010 5:44 pm

I may as well do this, since I have 2 keg lids that came w/ my pin locks that have no pressure relief valves, I may as well drill them and fit them for blow-off tubes. Besides, I could also use the lid to serve with if I put a valve on it like you did :D
Thanks!

--Bill

all your mash are belong to us

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