Where'd my hops go?

[trans]

Oh, I didn't notice it was so old.

Not a problem. What you said was certainly still applicable and helpful. I'm still an amateur brewer in my eyes, so I appreciate any advice a more advanced brewer can give me.


- joe

[Speyedr]

Just an FYI here, but the length of the tube DOES matter in conjunction with the PSI. Basically you need to counter the pressure of the gas with the restriction of the tube or you will overfoam on the pour.

Dave Miller's "HomeBrewing Guide" is a great source on this. I do not have the book here at work but basically, each foot of 3/16" tubing provides enough restriction for 3psi. So, if you have 11psi, 5ft is more than enough. You also need to keep the height of the tap over the keg (measured mid-keg) in mind. For each foot of lift it is 0.5psi of restriction.

So, if you have 11psi, and the middle of the keg is 4 feet below the tap, you would need 3ft of 3/16 hose to counter the pressure and get a good pour. For your Wheat at 30psi you would need about 9ft of tubing (2psi for the height, and 9ft*3psi=27psi for the tube.) I'll double check these numbers when I get home and re-post if necessary.

I dealt with this problem in my Keggerator by using Beer Line Flare Fittings. I cut the two main lines from the tap to 2ft and 4ft respectively, and put a flare fitting on each so that I can connect either to the disconnects or to additional lengths of tubing with flares on them. This way you can have a Bitter on tap at 8psi and follow it up with a Wit at 20psi and only have to add a couple lengths of line.

I'm sure the Flares add more restriction, and I don't have those numbers, but it's probably not enough to matter.

[trans]

Yeah, I've consulted online sources and BYO to find all about line lengths and what not. I'm currently drinking my own version of Jamil's CHP, although it has a bit too much hazelnut. It's still a good beer though, so I'm drinking it. I'm currently using 5 feet of 3/16 tubing at 9 PSI, which may be a bit much, but the pour is good, so I don't mind.

I should be using about 2 less feet of line, but since the pour is good, all is well.

And yeah, I'm drunk about now. I think next time I'll brew this without the chocolate or the hazelnut just to see what the baseline beer tastes like.

Thanks for the information in any case.

- joe

[Speyedr]

I think you're good with more line, as it will just take longer to fill the glass, and as long as it gets there, who cares?? It is when you have LESS line that you have problems with foam...

[trans]

I agree. Thanks for taking the time for informing me about line balancing though. I am still way on the amateur side of things and appreciate what anybody with some insight has to say.


- joe