Force Carbonation

[laneto]

I force carbonate by turning my regulator to 30 psi. I then invert my keg and shake until I can't hear any more bubbling then I shake some more, then some more. This is very hit or mis. Is there a more accurate way to force carbonate? Thanks for your input.

[Sunriver]

Yes, in fact there is a better way.

What you need to do is measure the temprature of the keg you are force carbonating. Depending on the volume temprature and the style of beer there are different volumes of gas to use.

2.75-3.25 volumes for High carbonation
2.25-2.75 volumes for normal carbonation
1.75-2.75 volumes for low carbonation

Look up online for a guide to volumes relitive to temp. I use the one inside homebrewing for dummies.

[toneyc]

I normally just leave mine sit at 12-14 psi for a week. I'm too lazy to shake a 5-gallon container of beer.

:)
Toney.

[Sunriver]

I usually put them ontop of my guest bed and push the keg down. Its a hell of alot easier then picking it up and shaking it.

Bouncy keg! I am gonna build a keg trampoleen and sell it to home brewers!

[laneto]

i don't hold it in my arms. I put the top on the floor at an angle and rock it back and forth.

[danno]

I'm with Toney, hook up your co2 at dispensing pressure and let it sit. Beer improves with aging anyways, so why rush it?

That said, last fall I had to quickly carbonate 5 gallons, I set it in my garage, which was about 30º, I had a recliner out there, I just set the corny in the recliner and every couple of hours went out and rocked it a couple of times. For the party the next evening, it was drinkable...

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by Sunriver
Yes, in fact there is a better way.

What you need to do is measure the temprature of the keg you are force carbonating. Depending on the volume temprature and the style of beer there are different volumes of gas to use.

2.75-3.25 volumes for High carbonation
2.25-2.75 volumes for normal carbonation
1.75-2.75 volumes for low carbonation

Look up online for a guide to volumes relitive to temp. I use the one inside homebrewing for dummies.

http://brewingtechniques.com/library/backissues/issue2.1/millertable.html

OR

http://www.liquidbread.com/chart.html

[jmassey]

Follow the temperature/pressure table linked earlier for best results.

I like to put the keg on a 5-gal bucket on its side and wobble it back and forth for about 15 minutes. Makes the process a lot easier.

You can hear the gas moving from the tank. When you can't hear it anymore, it should be done. I still shake it around for the full 15 minutes.

Oh, keg mistake #1 for me: After I force carbonated, I stuck a new gas fitting onto the keg with no line hooked to it and

WHOOOOOOOOOOSH!!!!

I launched foam out of the keg all over one side of the kitchen and myself for about two seconds before I snatched the fitting off.

[HarkJohnny]

Originally posted by toneyc
I'm too lazy to shake a 5-gallon container of beer.

i think maybe smart... not lazy.

I did this last night and man are my arms and stomach sore today! sheesh!