Low flow from CO2 bottle

[klangers]

Hi all,

After losing a keg and a CO2 bottle late last year to a beer line removing itself from a tap shank, I've begun refreshing my beer lines (to be stronger) and got the CO2 bottle refilled yesterday.

A very strange thing is now happening.

The flow directly from the bottle - even with no regulator attached (full 100 bar) - is incredibly slow. Normally simply cracking the bottle valve will shoot off the plastic cap on the outlet thread. As of yesterday, I can wind the bottle handle all the way out and flow is still minimal. So low, in fact, that I doubt it could keep up with a beer pour. When the regulator is attached, it does reach full pressure (ie the bottle isn't empty) but since the flow is so low it takes ages.

Does anyone know how or why this could happen, and how to fix? The issue is definitely the gas bottle and outlet valve, not my gas reticulation system.

 

[MHB]

Well if there is gas in the bottle, then the valve is blocked.
I used to fill a fair few bottles, have seen them come in with beer in them, so much swarf that they rattled, rust, waxy lubricant residue, bits of paper...
Depending on the type of valve the thread might be stuffed or something internal has come adrift.

The only thing I can suggest is to empty the bottle and take the valve out, clean it thoroughly and reassemble and refill it. If you aren't sure you can do this safely I would strongly recommend you take it to a specialist. I always used Zokal locally (Newcastle) but Mark at MKOL should be able to recommend someone in Sydney at need.

Never had any problems with the American made bottles (Air up & MKOL) only with the 'budget" bottles or ones where people have tried to make repurpose other equipment.
Mark

 

[n87]

Assuming it was working fine before it emptied itself, I would take it back to where you got it refilled.
Thats a warranty issue

Was it actually a refill, or a swap?

 

[klangers]

Thanks guys.

It's a kegking 6kg cylinder that I bought new. It's been refilled once. Bloody annoying if something has come loose inside and blocked it.

I got it refilled at a Supagas workshop near me - while it's possible they screwed it, I'd hope they know what they're doing since all they do is fill bottles. They normally just do swaps, so this was a bit of a favour/"off the record" which is why I'm a little hesitant to take it back.

Annoyingly they're only open when I'm at work! I'm confident to fix it myself - after internal pressure is 0.

There appears to be a squashed washer/o ring peeking out between the hexagonal hole and the actual outlet orifice. I'll get a photo tonight.

 

[Grott]

Photo will be handy as problem may be solved without losing all that gas. Strange everything ok until refilled for second time. I mean to refill they just connect up to a filling tank. You state some gas comes out, have you checked if it is enough to dispense your brews?

 

[klangers]

Yeah that's what I thought - very odd.

It'll be enough to carb up the brews - once that's done then the headspace in the kegs should be able to help. I'll check that as well - it could be a non-issue!

 

[n87]

There appears to be a squashed washer/o ring peeking out between the hexagonal hole and the actual outlet orifice. I'll get a photo tonight.

My kk bottle has that too, I was going to ask them about it at on stage.....
Haven't had mine refilled yet tho

 

[Grott]

Is the washer white? I'm just wondering if it's not the washer that goes between the regulator and the bottle.

 

[MHB]

There is a little valve in the outlet, its called a residual pressure valve.
It can be removed with an Allen Key, they aren't a very reliable part and most of them end up getting removed.
Turn off the bottle, remove the Residual and turn the gas back on, odds on that will see you right - only down side is the bottle will need recertifying in 5 years rather than 10.
Mark

 

[klangers]

I think that may be the ticket, MHB. Cheers. I have a feeling it may have come into contact with the white main washer, and been accidentally spun around either when I removed the regulator for refilling or when the guys attached/disconnected the filling equipment.

I'll try it out tonight* and report back.






*Or possibly tomorrow morning, when I'm not tired from work. One must treat such high pressure equipment with respect.

 

[klangers]

After removing the valve I have success. See images.

 

[n87]

Thats what mine looks like.

I had a problem with Co2 last night, turned out there was a block of ice in the line where it rests on the cooler pate.
Im guessing there is some moisture in there from when I built it (testing all the connections by dunking them in water prob didnt help).

Held the blockage for a bit and gave it a little squeeze with some co2 flow promptly broke it up.