Changing Co2 Mid keg

[swzine]

Hey guys. My Co2 tank is almost empty and I still have about 3/4 of a keg. Would there be any problem taking it off the Co2 for a short time to change it? I don't have a dual pressure regulator so it's kind of hit or miss knowing when it'll be empty. I just noticed today that the keg pressure has dropped slightly and there is a little bit of air in the beer line. This tank of Co2 has lasted me a loooong time. About 2 years! Probably about 10 kegs, but I really haven't counted. I am the only one that drinks in the house so a keg lasts me about 2-3 months. Shorter when there are parties.

Any precautions I should take when refilling the Co2? The keg is losing a little bit of pressure, but it should regain once there is a full tank, right? It's down to about 7psi and i usually run it around 12.

[danno]

jut pull the tap, it will shut off the co2. And the beer, unfortunately, so don't take too long...

As far as refilling, just make some calls to welding supply shops, fire extinguisher shops, etc. You may be given the opportunity to swap tanks instead of getting your very tank filled. One benefit to that, you don't have to pay to get the tank hydro tested, which I believe is a once every 4 year obligation.

[swzine]

haha!! I know that part. I was wondering more whether it would harm the beer! I am not sure how much time i can let it go at only 7psi and whether the changes in pressure from normal to low, to zero, back to normal causes any problems.

[brewmonkey]

Biggest thing here would be to keep the beer cold and not pour from that keg. If your keg is sealed you should have no worries about being disconnected for several days. If the beer should happen to go flat from a leak in the keg, simply recarbonate once you have the tank back.

[swzine]

Thanks for the info. I guess I didn't have too much to worry about, but I just wanted to be sure. I would have definitely kept it cold and stopped pouring. It's a regular store bought keg, not homebrew or anything, so it should be sealed.

I guess I asked a stupid question, but I just wanted to make sure I did't waste a drop of good beer!