Setup & Operation

KL15868 Mini 360 Core Actuator Regulator | Setup & Operation

Connections

The Mini 360 Core Actuator Regulator is a fantastically versatile regulator. There are two outputs with different orientations, either of which can be fitted with an included MFL fitting or a 6.35mm duoptight barb. To swap outputs please refer to How To Swap Outputs

There are several different ways to connect gas tubing and/or disconnects to the Mini 360. For example, you can use a KL24242 duotight 6.35mm (1/4'') x Ball Lock Disconnect - (Grey + Red Gas) on the 6.35mm barb at a right angle for use (for example) on a 19L cornelius Keg (see below.

Connecting the Mini 360 Core Actuator Regulator directly to a keg in this manner is thus extremely simple to setup.

Connecting Disconnects to Mini 360

Duotight Disconnects

Doutight Disonnects are ideal for the Mini 360. It is recommended to use the included 6.35mm duotight barb fitting. Install this in the desired output first, and blank off the unused output if required.

KL24242 duotight 6.35mm (1/4'') x Ball Lock Disconnect - (Grey + Red Gas) This is directly compatible with the included 6.35mm duotight barb. simply push the disconnect directly onto the barb, ensuring that it is fitted up to the indicator on the disconnect. These are the recommended duotight Disconnects to use with the Mini 360.

KL20756 duotight 8mm (5/16) x Ball Lock Disconnect - (Grey + Red Gas) First, connect a KL42642 duotight - 8mm (5/16'') Male x 6.35mm (1/4'') Female Reducer to the included 6.35mm duotight barb. Then connect the 8mm duotight Disconnect to the corresponding 8mm male barb

KL20770 duotight 9.5mm (3.8) x Ball Lock Disconnect - (Grey + Red Gas) First, connect a KL08648 duotight - 6.35mm (1/4'')Female x 9.5mm (3/8'') Female Reducer to the included 6.35mm duotight barb. Then use a KL45735 Rigid Stainless Steel Joiner 6.5mm ID x 9.5mm OD (3/8) x 60mm Long to connect the 9.5mm duotight Disconnect

MFL Threaded Disconnects

Installing KL02967 Premium Ball Lock Disconnect - MFL (Grey/Gas)

It is generally best to use the output immediately below the gauge when connecting the Mini 360 Core Actuator Regulator to a KL02967 Premium Ball Lock Disconnect - MFL (Grey/Gas). Ensure the FFL outlet is installed in this orientation then thread the disconnect onto the FFL thread. No nylon flare washer is required to seal in this configuration

Installing stainless MFL Disconnects (KL03001 Stainless Gas Lock Disconnect MFL Thread & KL09546 Machined Stainless Ball Lock Disconnect - MFL Thread (Black/Liquid)

It is generally best to use the output adjacent to the gauge when connecting the Mini 360 Core Actuator Regulator to a stainless MFL Disconnect. Ensure the FFL outlet is installed in this orientation then thread the disconnect onto the FFL thread.

A KL03032 nylon flare washer is required to seal in this configuration

Connecting tubing to Mini 360

You may wish to connect the gas ball lock disconnect to the Mini 360 Core Actuator Regulator with a length of tubing rather than directly. This can be useful if using the Mini 360 with a jockey box or similar. It is also generally better when using the Mini 360 to charge PET kegs such as the OXEBAR kegs, as these are much lighter than stainless kegs and thus may not directly support the weight of the regulator.

EVABarrier Tubing

EABarrier tubing is recommended, as it is directly compatible with the included 6.35mm duotight barbed outlet.

1. Install the included 6.35mm duotight barbed outlet in the output of choice

2. Attach a suitable duotight joiner or reducer to the barb. See chart below. Ensure it is firmly seated.

3. Push the end of the correctly sized EVABarrier into the duotight fitting, ensuring it is cut clean and square and is fully inserted.

6.35mm OD EVABarrier - use KL37259 duotight - 6.35mm (1/4'') Female x 6.35mm (1/4'') Female Push In Joiner

8mm OD EVABarrier - use KL07481 duotight - 6.35mm (1/4'') Female x 8mm (5/16'') Female Reducer

9.5mm OD EVABarrier - use KL08648 duotight - 6.35mm (1/4'')Female x 9.5mm (3/8'') Female Reducer

Other Tubing (non EVABarrier)

If you wish to use non duotight compatible tubing (such as vnyl tubing) or if you prefer to use clamps rather than duotight fittings then use the included 6.35mm duotight barb. Once this is installed in the output of choice then push the end of the tubing over the barb and secure with a suitable stepless clamp.

KL06682 10.5mm S.S. Stepless Clamps (suit 7-10mm OD) are generally a good fit, although this can depend on the OD (outer diamter) of the line.

If you find it difficult to get the tubing over the barb you can heat it up in warm or hot water and stretch the internal diameter using needle nose pliers. NOTE: 4mm ID EVABarrier is very difficult to stretch over a 6.35mm barb and is not recommended for that reason. Use duotight fittings instead.

Splitting the Gas Line

When using EVABarrier tubing with the Mini 260 Core Actuator Regulator, it is easy to tee off the gas line to carbonate and/or dispense multiple kegs at once.

Simply use an appropriate tee piece to split the line as required - one tee pice services two kegs, two tee pieces service three kegs etc.

Monotight - 6.35mm(1/4inch) Tee Piece

duotight – 8mm (5/16”) Female x 8mm (5/16”) Female Tee Piece

duotight - 9.5mm (3/8”) Female x 9.5mm (3/8”) Female Tee Piece

Connecting Gas Cylinders to Mini 360

Connecting 16g Disposable CO2 Bulbs

KL06149 16g CO­₂ cartridges are a great portable option for dispensing on the go with smaller volume kegs. They are not suggested for use for both carbonating and dispensing as this will require a large number of gas bulbs to be used, typically with about 6g per litre of CO₂ used for carbonating and 6g per litre of CO₂ used for dispensing.

1. Ensure you have the 16g CO­₂ reducing bush tightened onto the inlet

2. Unscrew the thumb screw. Do not unscrew until there is thread exposed on the thumb screw - we want the actuator pin sufficently retracted so that the bulb can be inserted without piercing the bulb

3. Screw the 16g CO₂ bulb into the reducing bush

4. Screw the thumb screw in to pierce the CO₂ bulb

5. Ensure a seal is formed between the gas bulb and the regulator. Tighten more if needed but do not over tighten the CO₂ bulb into the reducing bush. Over tightening can result in no gas being able to pass through the regulator

6. Perform a leak test to ensure an adequate seal has been formed

Connecting 74g Big Bulb Disposable CO2 Bulbs

KL16889 74g Big Bulb Disposable CO2 Bulbs are perfect for parties, picnics and gatherings where you are dispensing more beer than might be viable with the smaller 16g bulbs.. They are not suggested for use for both carbonating and dispensing as this will require a large number of gas bulbs to be used, typically with about 6g per litre of CO₂ used for carbonating and 6g per litre of CO₂ used for dispensing.

NOTE: Requires an optional bushing KL20213 Mini 360 Core Adaptor for 74gram Cartridge/Bulb (G1/2 Male x 5/8-18UNF Female) NOT INCLUDED

1. Thread the optional KL20213 74g Cartridge Adapter into the Mini 360. You will need to first remove the 16g bulb bushing if installed. Ensure it is snug but not over-tightened

2. Unscrew the thumb screw. Do not unscrew until there is thread exposed on the thumb screw - we want the actuator pin sufficently retracted so that the bulb can be inserted without piercing the bulb

3. Screw the 74g Big Bulb CO₂ bulb into the reducing bush

4. Screw the thumb screw in to pierce the CO₂ bulb

5. Ensure a seal is formed between the gas bulb and the regulator. Tighten more if needed but do not over tighten the CO₂ bulb into the reducing bush. Over tightening can result in no gas being able to pass through the regulator

6. Perform a leak test to ensure an adequate seal has been formed

Connecting Sodastream and Sodastream Compatible Cylinders

If you were looking for a more cost-effective but still portable CO₂ source than CO₂ bulbs a Sodastream cylinder or Sodastream Compatible Cylinder can be used. This doesn’t require an adaptor to be used. Using a Mini 360 Regulator with a Sodastream Compatible Cylinder can also be a great option for kegerators or fermenting chambers if space is limited.

1. Unscrew the 16g bulb reducing bush on the inlet Iif fitted)

2. Unscrew the thumb screw. Do not unscrew until there is thread exposed on the thumb screw - we want the actuator pin sufficently retracted so that the bulb can be inserted without engaging the poppet of the Sodastream cylinder

3. Screw the Sodastream cylinder into the regulator, making sure to hold the neck of the Sodastream cylinder in place while attaching and detaching

4. Screw the thumb screw in to depress the valve on the Sodastream cylinder

5. Ensure a seal is formed between the cylinder and the regulator. Tighten more if needed but do not over tighten the Sodastream cylinder into the reducing bush. Over tightening can result in no gas being able to pass through the regulator

6. Perform a leak test to ensure an adequate seal has been formed

Connecting M10 Disposable Nitrogen Cylinders

The Mini 360 Core Actuating Regulator is a fantastic option for regulating nitrogen from a KL25317 2.2L Nitrogen Disposable Gas Cylinder (N2).

NOTE: Requires an optional bushing KL32087 Nitrogen Adaptor for Mini 360 Core Regualtor NOT INCLUDED

1. Thread the optional KL20213 74g Cartridge Adapter into the Mini 360. You will need to first remove the 16g bulb bushing if installed. Ensure it is snug but not over-tightened

2. Unscrew the thumb screw. Do not unscrew until there is thread exposed on the thumb screw - we want the actuator pin sufficently retracted so that the bulb can be inserted without engaging the poppet of the Sodastream cylinder

3. Screw the disposable M10 threaded N2 cylinder into the regulator, making sure to hold the neck of the cylinder in place while attaching and detaching. Do not overtighten. These are a face sealing bushing so do not need to be super tight to seal. Over tightening the bushing or the cylinder can cause damage to the seal and can also block the flow of gas.

4. Screw the thumb screw in to depress the valve on the N2 cylinder

5. Ensure a seal is formed between the cylinder and the regulator. Tighten more if needed but do not over tighten the N2 cylinder into the reducing bush. Over tightening can result in no gas being able to pass through the regulator

6. Perform a leak test to ensure an adequate seal has been formed

Regulating Pressure

Turn the adjustment dial on the regulator clockwise to increase the set pressure.

To decrease the set pressure turn the adjustment knob completely anti clockwise and then release the pressure downstream of the regulator (by pulling on the PRV of the keg). Then turn the dial clockwise to reset the pressure at the desired pressure.

Always ensure the pressure on the regulator is equal to or higher than the pressure of the keg to avoid liquid flowing back into the regulator. It is highly suggested to use a check valve in your system (KL07047) to prevent this from occurring in the event that your gas cylinder becomes empty and you are unaware of a pressure drop in the regulator. If liquid flows back into the regulator it may result in the regulator becoming damaged, hence, this should be avoided.

If the regulator does get liquid inside for any reason, this will likely result in pressure creep. Pressure creep is when contamination or something else has got into the seat and seat cap assembly and the flow of gas doesn’t stop even when the set pressure is reached. You will see the indicated gauge pressure increase until the PRV starts venting, irrespective of the regulator knob position - this is pressure creep.

If this happens repeatedly then it’s likely you will need to replace the Seat and Seat Cap Assembly.

Performing A Leak Test

It is essential that a leak test is performed every time a gas bulb or Sodastream cylinder is connected to the Mini 360 Core Actuator Regulator. This can be performed via the methods described below.

Pressure Decay Test

1. Ensure a disconnect is connected to an output of the Mini 360, and that the other output is sealed.

2. Attach the CO₂ source to the regulator

3. Turn the adjustment dial on the regulator to register 5-10 psi on your pressure gauge

4. Turn the adjustment dial to the off position (anti-clockwise) and leave the regulator to sit for a few hours. Then check if the pressure on the gauge has decreased noticeably from the set pressure. NOTE: Pressure will fluctuate a small amount depending on ambient temperature, so a small (~1psi) drop is not indicitive of a leak.

   If the pressure has decreased noticeably on the gauge then there is a leak in the system and the source of the leak should be identified via a soapy water/stellarsan leak test.

Soapy Water/StellarSan Leak Test

1. Ensure a disconnect is connected to an output of the Mini 360, and that the other output is sealed.

2. Attach the CO₂ source to the regulator

3. Turn the adjustment dial on the regulator to register 20-30 psi on your pressure gauge

4. Spray every connection with soapy water or stellarsan solution.

• Between the gas bulb/cylinder and regulator

• Between the regulator body and the 360° FFL fitting or 360° 6.5 mm duotight compatible barb

• Between the regulator body and the output end cap

• Between the 360° FFL fitting and ball lock disconnect (if applicable)

• Between the 360° 6.5 mm duotight compatible barb and the 8mm OD hose

• The ball lock posts and lid on the keg