Keg problem (regulator)

[homebrewkid]

I just got home from work to find the regulator at 50psi.
I know that noone has touched it.
It was fine all night at 12psi.

What would have caused this.

 

[malt junkie]

If this was the one you rebuilt, I'd turf it at this point, a good reg will pay for itself. $60 odd bucks and your golden. Harris, micromatic, and teusco are all quality items.

 

[homebrewkid]

Yep.

Ive turned it off now just incase it decided to spring a leak.

Will the keg be ok disconnected from the gas in the fridge? Im pretty sure that it will be but just making sure.

 

[MHB]

Odds on its what is called regulator creep. Usually caused by a small leak in the needle and seat valve in the regulator (ware or crap).
So instead of shutting off the gas flow, high pressure gas keeps flowing if very slowly.

For the first 12 hours or so most of the gas was probably going into solution, the absorption slows and the pressure goes up.

Disassemble the reg, clean thoroughly, especially the needle and seat valve, wash though with aa solvent that is fully drying (alcohol, acetone, contact cleaner...)
Reassemble and do a static test to see if the pressure holds stable.
Mark

 

[homebrewkid]

Ok cool thanks. i will give that a go this arvo.