Series 4 User Guide | Leak & Pressure Testing
Performing a CO2 leak test is important to ensure that your system will hold pressure and that there are no leaks in any connections in the system.
If there are any leaks this can result in the CO2 cylinder becoming empty in a short period.
Initial pressure testing can be performed in two different ways. If leaks are detected an Isolation Test can help determine the location of he leak.
Set the pressure on the CO2 regulator to 20psi. Wait for the empty keg to fill with CO2 to 20psi to ensure the system is properly pressurised
Once pressurised, turn the valve handle on the CO2 cylinder clockwise until the valve is turned off
Wait for at least two hours then check the pressure reading on the right hand (low pressure) gauge of the regulator
If the pressure reading has not changed (so is still reading ~20psi) then there are no leaks in the system
If the pressure has dropped a noticeable amount then it is very likely there is a leak in the system. Use Method 2 - Detergent Bubble Test to locate the leak. Note: Even if this test is passed it is quite a good idea to perform this test in any case
Attach all disconnects to an empty keg. If there is liquid in the keg this will give a poor reading as CO2 will become absorbed into solution
Set the pressure on the CO2 regulator to 40-50psi. Wait for the empty keg to fill with CO2 to ensure the system is properly pressurised. Note: We use a higher pressure in order to make any leaks easier to detect. Ensure there is no beer in the keg as it may become over-carbonated
Using a soapy water solution (washing up liquid and water is perfect for this) in a spry bottle or simply dabbed on, check for leaks at all connections. The soapy water spray will slowly bubble if there are any leaks.
If any CO2 leaks are detected, if can be helpful to perform an Isolation Test to determine where the leak is in the system
Attach all disconnects to an empty keg. If there is liquid in the keg this will give a poor reading as CO2 will become absorbed into solution
Set the pressure on the CO2 regulator to 20psi. Wait for the empty keg to fill with CO2 to 20psi to ensure the system is properly pressurised
Once the system is pressurised, isolate each part of the system.
Connections to check include:
• The connection between the CO2 cylinder and the regulator • All duotight connections including the 8mm x FFL duotight connected to the regulator, ball lock disconnects and keg coupler, the 6.5mm x 8mm duotight reducers connected to the short shanks and the 8mm duotight tee pieces • Around ball lock disconnects and keg couplers when they are connected to the keg • Around the lid of a Cornelius keg • Make sure to remove the ball lock disconnects from the posts of the ball lock keg and check the post itself for leaks
IMPORTANT: Do not spray any duotight fittings with StellarSan or phosphoric acid solution to perform a leak test.
Turn valve of CO2 cylinder fully off.
Fully unwind the (anti clockwise) the regulator knob
Remove Gas Disconnect from the keg
(If using) Remove Gas Disconnect from gas inlet of kegerator
(If possible) Weigh the CO2 cylinder
Wait at least 12 hours
After at least 12 hours, if there is a leak in the system we can determine roughly where the leak is after isolating
If the weight of the CO2 cylinder has gone down noticeably, the cylinder possibly has a leak
If the pressure on the regulator has gone down, the regulator, gas line or fittings may have a leak
Test the keg(s) by pulling the PRV. If no CO2 is released then the keg may have a leak.
Once the general location of the leak has been determined by isolation testing, perform a in order to locate the leak precisely.
NOTE: It is safe to submerge duotight fittings and EVABarrier in water when locating leaks. Regulators cannot be safely immersed