4

If the static relief valve on a pin lock keg has vented pressure (i.e at 130 psi) does the valve cease to work? Does it need to be replaced with a new static relief valve?

Background:

I was watching a video on youtube regarding corny kegs the other day. In the video a statement was made regarding the static relief valves on pin lock corny kegs. Specifically, the statement made was that once a static relief valve has been activated (i.e at 130 psi) it must be replaced. The video did not state what happens if you do not replace it. Perhaps the keg simply does not hold pressure, or worse it no longer automatically vents pressure. Unfortunately I do not remember the link.

Edit: Found the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeHF87wr4hE

|improve this question
3

I contacted CornyKeg.com, the people who created the video. They said that the video they created was erroneous and that static relief valves do not need to be replaced if they have been used.

Here's a quote:

I am not sure why that video is even on the internet anymore. Those static relief valves will reset and usable again. As long as they do not leak there is no need to replace them. Sometimes the get loose and you will need to tighten them with a wide blade flat screw driver in the square recess on the back. Sorry for the confusion.

|improve this answer
1

I've manually popped relief valves countless times with no trouble. As for running the pressure up to the 130 psi range, I don't know why anyone would. I'm not even sure how you would, unless the beer is still fermenting vigorously. My CO2 regulator is only good for 100 psi, and some I've seen only go up to 50. I doubt if I've ever gone beyond 40, even when I was in a hurry to carbonate.

In fact, I had one old Firestone keg with a stemmed, cone-shaped (i.e. irreplaceable) relief valve seal. When that developed a nick, I didn't hesitate to put in a dab of silicone or epoxy--I forget which, it was a long time ago--and continue using it.

|improve this answer
  • Yep I'm talking about that irreplaceable relief valve which is present on pin lock kegs. What was the significance of the epoxy? Just to fill a gash? – fthinker May 3 '14 at 16:13
  • To seal the relief valve entirely, since I keep the pressure well below the danger zone. Of the six Firestone kegs I bought at the same time, four didn't even have pressure reliefs, so I figured one less wouldn't matter as long as I was careful. – Glasseyed May 3 '14 at 20:17
  • 1
    Interesting. Yeah I'm looking to use a corny as a primary fermenter. I'd like to know I have a backup co2 escape plan other than the blow off tubing attached to the gas post. I can't seem to find any information on how to determine if a static relief valve is in working order or not though. – fthinker May 4 '14 at 23:54
  • I don't know why you would want to use a keg as a primary, but if I were forced to do so and the relief valve didn't have a manual trigger (which I assume is the case), I'd simply drop the end of the blow off tube into a jug of e.g. sulphite solution, turning it into a high-capacity airlock. I doubt like heck you'd have to worry about that clogging up, though you might have froth bubbling into the jug along with the CO2. – Glasseyed May 5 '14 at 1:10
  • 1
    See: homebrewtalk.com/f13/… – fthinker May 5 '14 at 2:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.