Lawrence Brewers Guild

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:



Remove the pressure release valve:



Drill out the hole to 1/2 inch:



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



Insert into the top of lid:



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



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.





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.





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.



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

Jason

I love DIY brewers!

That's awesome. I have a couple pin locks setting out. Can't wait to convert them. Thanks!

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

Matt

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... . 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.



Jason

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



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

Jason

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