Guide to Commercial Kegs & Couplers
Series 4 User Guide | Comerrcial Kegs & Couplers
Last updated
Series 4 User Guide | Comerrcial Kegs & Couplers
Last updated
Commercial kegs primarily come in a range of sizes; 20L, 30L and 50L. 50L kegs are the most common size. Commercial kegs come in three main styles: A-type, D-type and S-type. These three types of commercial kegs can be distinguished by the shape of their spear (shown below).
In Australia A-type and D-type kegs are the most common. You will need to buy the specific keg coupler to fit the keg type, make sure that prior to buying a kegerator you know which type of keg you will be using and which keg coupler is required to dispense from this keg.
As a general rule, CUB and related breweries use D-Type Couplers, all other breweries use A-Type Couplers. S-Type Couplers are typically only used for fully imported beers.
The following diagram shows the different ypes of spear available:
Once you have the correct coupler to suit your keg it will need to be assembled and connected to the beer and gas line.
On a keg coupler there is an inlet for gas and an outlet for liquid. The gas inlet is positioned on a 45-degree angle and the liquid outlet is positioned vertically. It is important to connect the gas line and beer line to the correct inlet and outlet.
Inside the KegLand coupler box you will find two types of one-way check valves: a gas duck bill valve and a liquid torpedo check piece.
The duck bill valve is used for the gas inlet and the torpedo check piece or non-return ball is used for the liquid outlet. In a homebrew setting it may only be necessary to use a check valve in the gas inlet to prevent liquid flowing back in to the regulator.
To install the gas duck bill valve, remove the black EPDM washer from inside the 5/8” duotight fitting on the gas inlet and then insert the gas duck bill valve into the opening (as shown below). Then screw the duotight fitting back onto the coupler.
To install the liquid torpedo check piece, remove the 5/8” duotight fitting keeping the black EPDM washer in place, then insert the ball and cage (in the order shown below) and then finally screw the duotight fitting back onto the coupler. NOTE: The closed part of the cage must be at the top to hold the ball in place, otherwise this can block the beer from flowing.
Prior to attaching the keg coupler onto the keg make sure that a gas line is connected to the gas inlet and this gas line is connected to a regulator and a beer line is connected to the liquid outlet and this beer line is connected to a tap. Attaching the keg to the keg coupler is usually the last step of the kegerator setup.
Push the coupler into the opening of the spear and then rotate firmly clockwise to attach the coupler to the spear. Then firmly depress the handle to tap the keg.
More detailed instructions on how to assemble and operate a keg coupler can be seen in this video:
If the EVABarrier has been used previousLY, it is a good idea to cut off 20mm or so as the end may be marred from the teeth in a duotight collet.
Gen 3 duotight fittings are marked with a depth indicator. You can hold the EVABarrier against the fitting up to the line and make a small mark to ensure you have fully inserted the EVABarrier into the duotight fitting. The EVABarrier must be inserted deeply enough that it is engaged by both internal o-rings - approximately 22mm.
Once inserted, pull on the EVABarrier to ensure it is secure. If it comes out easily please follow the above steps again to ensure a good, tight, secure fit.
NOTE: duotight collets are colour coded to represent the appropriate EVABarrier tubing diameter. 6.35mm collets are green, 8mm are black and 9.5mm are blue
To remove EVABarrier from a duotight fitting, push down on the collet of the duotight fitting. The correct sized notch in a 7 in 1 tool is ideal for this as the collet needs to be held down concentrically.
While holding the collet down, simultaneously pull the EVABarrier out of the fitting.
Once the hose is removed cut the burred end off with a tube cutter or Stanley knife to produce a clean straight cut, this aids with forming an airtight seal.
KegLand Commercial Couplers are supplied with duotight fittings that make connecting EVABarrier gas and beer line quite easy.
Slide the keg coupler over the groove on the top of the keg then firmly depress the handle to tap the keg. NOTE: To fit a 50L keg with an A-type keg coupler into a kegerator or if your keg is a DIN style keg (tall skinny style) you will need to use a KL00390
Before connecting EVABarrier ito duotight push fittings, ensure that the EVABarrier is cut at a straight and clean right angle using a sharp utility knife or (ideally) a KL07689
However, if you plan on switching couplers or wish to use an alternative connection method that allows a bit more customisation, we recommend replacing the duotight fittings with Ball Lock Posts. When adding Ball Lock Posts to a coupler setup, it is recommended to also add a KL00390 which will make it easier to fit a 50L keg.
You will also need a KL00840 and a KL00833 which will replace the duotight fittings on the coupler and allow you to use Ball Lock Disconnects on the beer and gas line instead
