Portable Beer Dispensing Systems

What type of dispensing should I use? TOP

• Every situation is different. Picnic pumps work fine for short term and low volume parties, etc. Hand pumps are used to pressurize air in the keg and push the beer to the faucet. Air will make the beer go flat over a short period of time, less then 24 hours.
• Coil and cold plate coolers use CO2 to move the beer through coolers filled with ice, and are great for heavy-use dispensing such as weddings or ball games. Care needs to be taken however, since these coolers use higher pressure setting on the CO2 and can over carbonate the beer in less than a day.
• The keg itself needs to be kept cold and out of direct sunlight. Use a keg tub (9C061 or RP141) to hold the keg and surround it with ice.

A dispensing cooler with 120’ coils doesn’t require that the keg be in an ice bath, but it should be protected by a jacket (KGV1 or 651).

Rapids Economy Party Tub (9C061 shown, with keg and hand operated pump FT419)

Why buy a coil cooler or a cold plate cooler? TOP

• These are good for functions where electricity is not available or it’s not convenient or cost effective to have an electrically operated keg cooler available (picnics, receptions, etc).
• A 120’ coil box is for higher volume applications, where the beer may need to be flowing almost continuously. 50’ coil boxes and cold plate boxes are for lower volume situations where there will be breaks between draws that will allow the cold plate or coil to catch up.
• With either a coil or a cold plate cooler, the cooler needs to be filled with ice at all times. Be careful that the ice doesn’t create a bridge at the top, leaving an open air pocket underneath. This exposes the coil or cold plate to open air and will make the beer warm and foamy.
• For a coil box set up, it is best to pour a gallon of water over the ice after the box is filled (always keep the coils covered with ice). This activates the ice and keeps the beer from being cloudy.
• You will need to apply 25 pounds to 35 pounds of pressure to get coil or cold plate coolers to pour properly.
• On a coil box, be sure to run beer through it prior to putting the ice in the cooler. If there is any water or moisture in the coils, it could freeze up and block the beer from coming out the faucet. If this type of blockage happens, remove all the ice and thaw out the coils, start the beer flowing, then reload the ice.
• If you use a 2 or 3 faucet box, you will need a CO2 distributor or hose “T” to split the CO2 after the main regulator (see the multi-keg dispensing hardware requirements listed below).

What do I need to purchase beyond the coil or cold plate cooler? TOP

• One beer line and coupler per faucet (kit RP384, Sankey type coupler*)
• One CO2 tank, regulator and CO2 line (kit BD435 with dual gauge regulator*)
• For coolers with more than one faucet, purchase one CO2 add on line kit per faucet (RP799) or a CO2 distributor and additional CO2 line as described under the "Multiple Keg Dispensing" section below.

RP384	BD435

*other configurations are available but not in kit form

What is the difference between the steel and the aluminum CO2 tank? TOP

• Mainly the weight. They both work and distribute the gas the same way.

Which ever you use, make sure you stand it upright and do not lay it down sideways. There is liquid CO2 in the tank and it will ruin your regulator and beer.

What is the advantage of a double vs. single regulator? TOP

• The single gauge regulator will indicate how much pressure in going into the keg.
• A double gauge regulator will show line pressure and it will also indicate how much gas is left in the tank. A red section on the tank gauge indicates a refill will be needed soon.

How do I change the CO2 bottle mid-keg? TOP

• Shut off the valve on top of the CO2 tank and un-tap the keg.
• Back the screw that regulates the pressure all the way out.
• Put the new tank on the system.
• After making sure every thing is tight, open the valve and turn the screw to the right until the desired pressure is set.
• Re-tap the keg. Once the keg is tapped, double check the regulator pressure to assure the pressure is still holding to the preset.

What causes foamy beer? TOP

There can be many reasons, but here are some of the most common ones.

• Temperature change. (If cold beer hits warm beer lines)
• A system that isn’t balanced correctly. (Wrong size beer hose and/or CO2 pressure)
• The cabinet is holding a temperature that is too high.
• A dirty beer system.

What temperature should the beer be at the faucet? TOP

• Beer temperature is a personal preference, but 36 degrees is the usual high temperature limit. By the way, colder beer takes less CO2 pressure to push than warmer beer. 36 degree beer should take around 12 pounds of pressure. Add 1 pound of pressure for every 2 degrees in temperature rise.

How long will tapped beer last before going flat? TOP

• Different beer companies have differing ideas on draft beer. Some brewers say a keg should only be on tap for a certain amount of time to insure peak freshness and taste. This mainly pertains to a bar or a restaurant.
• If tapped with the proper CO2 pressure and kept cold the beer should last quite awhile and never go flat. If anything beer will get a bite to it, as it is being over carbonated.
• Over carbonation can be prevented by keeping track of when the keg is getting low. If the beer has been on tap for over a month, after drinking your evening beer, un-tap the keg or shut the CO2 off.

What kind of coupler should I purchase? TOP

• This depends on the type of beer you are tapping. Most American beers use Sankey couplers. Some may take the 2-probe coupler. Import beers take a different coupler, depending upon where the beer is coming from. You should confirm the keg coupler type with your local beer supplier.

Following is a listing of some common keg coupler and beer brand combinations. Please be aware that local brewer’s kegs may not always conform to these suggested couplers.

How big is a keg of beer (in inches)? TOP

• They can vary a little. Standard straight walled Sankey kegs are generally between 15” to 17” in diameter and 23” to 25” high. You will need approximately 28” in height to make this work in a converted refrigerator beer system. Local and micro brewers and regional brewers may use different cooperage. Please consult your beer provider for further details.
• Half kegs contain 16 gallons of beer; Quarter kegs (pony kegs) contain 8 gallons of beer.
• Micro brewers and home brewers will often use 5 gallon bulk tanks (often called Cornelius tanks) that measure 8-1/2” in diameter and 25-1/4” tall.

What is the best CO2 tank size to purchase? TOP

• A 5 pound tank is the most common. This will dispense approximately six to eight 16-gallon kegs with the regulator set for 12 pounds of pressure.

FOR MULTIPLE KEG DISPENSING TOP

For CO2 applications with multiple kegs, it is best to purchase these additions to the kits listed above:

• One coupler for each keg (catalog number depends on choice)
• One 3/16” beer hose assembly for each keg-to-tower connection (PC176D)
• CO2 hose for each coupler, usually 4 to 5 feet each. (171R, sold by the foot)
• Clamps for each end of the CO2 hose (2379, two required per hose length)
• For same pressure CO2 applications use one CO2 add on line kit per faucet (RP799) or a CO2 distributor as follows:

2 keg (204)
3 keg (204A)
4 keg (204B)

• For systems needing different pressures from the same CO2 bottle:

2 keg (3N122)
3 keg (3N133)
4 keg (3N144)

• Another length of CO2 hose (171R) plus clamps to run from the CO2 distributor to the CO2 tank.
• A regulator of your choice
• A CO2 tank of your choice.

The CO2 tank shipped empty, where do I purchase CO2? TOP

• CO2 tanks always ship empty due to transportation regulations against shipping pressurized containers.
• Your CO2 tank can be filled by most welding supply houses, or from your beverage provider.

In many areas, expect to exchange your empty tank for a filled one, much like a gas grill LP bottle exchange. Exchange programs are desirable because the gas provider is responsible for testing and maintaining tank integrity.

HAND OPERATED BEER PUMPS (PICNIC PUMPS) TOP

Rapids sell over two dozen different hand operated beer pumps. Is one style better than another? TOP

• As you might expect, price indicates durability of construction when it comes to picnic pumps.
• All picnic pumps operate on the principle of pressurizing the beer keg with air to move beer up through the line to the faucet.
• Each picnic pump consists of a pump handle, pump chamber and a built-in keg coupler. (Please see the “Brands of Beer and Keg Fitting” chart in the coil / cold plate cooler section above to select the correct pump for your beer brand.)
• The type of pump purchased can depend on the application.
• Most Caterers and Banquet facilities will select rod style pumps for their cleaner look and function.

Do hand operated “picnic” pumps ship complete? TOP

• Hand operated picnic pumps do ship complete and ready to use.

For All Portable Dispensers:

• Always keep the keg out of direct sun, wrap the keg in keg jacket (KGV1 or 651) and keep it iced.
• Remember, kegs draw beer from the bottom. Keep the keg iced on the bottom 1/3 and an insulating jacket on the top.
• Check and replace the air piston gaskets and rings frequently. Use pump lube to help keep a good seal and minimize damage from pumping action.
• Clean out the beer lines, coils or cold plate, and the pump’s faucet hose after each use to prevent bacterial growth. For coil and cold plate clean out, use a cleaning assembly similar to our 3K623 and our beer line cleaner BLC1 for best results.
• After cleaning and before storage, make sure to clear any liquid out of the coils or cold plate by blowing CO2 through the assembly.

Why does the faucet drip? Is there a rebuild kit? TOP

• For coil / cold plate coolers and rod type picnic pumps: The shaft seat (110032) is worn out or the internal parts of the faucet are dirty and need to be cleaned. See the diagrams at the end of this booklet for part names and catalog numbers.
• For “cobra head” style picnic pumps purchase a new assembly 5R124 with coupler nut or 5R124 for clamp type attachment.

Most parts for the coil / cold plate coolers and the hand pumps are available for repairs or reconditioning. Please see the “Parts Lists and Diagrams” section at the end of this document.