Beer line calculator for 3/16 OD line?

[Gastronaut]

Hi,

I'm wanting to use 3/16 OD (3mm ID) line with a picnic tap to end up with a shorter / less bulky line than using 3/8 OD tubing, but I can't find a calculator anywhere that has an input for this size of tubing.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm looking at serving at around 10c at 16-18 PSI.

Thanks,

Andy

[6470zzy]

http://www.calczilla.com/brewing/keg-line-balancing/

Sorted

[Gastronaut]

Thanks, but I can't see an option for 3/16 OD (3mm or approx 1/8 ID) on that calculator - or am I missing something?

[6470zzy]

Thanks, but I can't see an option for 3/16 OD (3mm or approx 1/8 ID) on that calculator - or am I missing something?

Sorry, I am so familiar with using only inside diameter to gauge tubing, my mistake. Take a look at this page:http://www.brewersfriend.com/2009/07/18 ... -pressure/

There is a formula on the page.

Cheers

[6470zzy]

Looks as though you will have to approximate the line resistance as there is nothing listed for such a small line.

[Gastronaut]

Thanks - does anyone have any idea what that resistance might be? Again, I can't find any figure for this size of line anywhere.

[6470zzy]

http://www.mikesoltys.com/2012/09/17/de ... ator/#calc

should work for you. Put .125 in for your tube.

[Gastronaut]

Brilliant - will give it a try and report back!

[IronBlue]

I've spent ages trying to predict the optimum beer line length for my Cornies, but it depends hugely on the type of tap.

I keep my kegs at carbonation pressure all the time, normally about 10-12 psi:

For Dalex freeflow taps I used about 3 metres of 3/16" line.
I now use Perlick USA-style taps and need just 1 metre for the same keg pressure, giving faster flow and no frothing at all

I strongly recommend freeflow taps as the restrictions in flow-control taps can themselves cause gassing, better to balance the pressure with line length. (Not sure how the picnic tap performs though, sorry! )

[Gastronaut]

Update - tried the calculator at http://www.mikesoltys.com/2012/09/17/de ... ator/#calc - seemed way out with a picnic tap unfortunately. Suggested a line length of a couple of feet which was way too short. Back to trial and error, currently using about 7 feet which is a bit slow, will try reducing and see what happens.

Thanks for all the suggestions!