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Author Topic: Will keg co2 volume change by temperature after removed from co2 source?  (Read 1510 times)

Offline jeeyeop

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So if a keg is attached to a co2 tank for carbonation at room temperature then moved into a fridge a few days later, I assume there would be some changes in volume because of absorption.

However, once a keg is fully carbonated at room temperature, if it were moved to a cooler at 38F, would carbonation change? Same with a vice versa scenario? Since the keg is no longer connected to a co2 tank and is completely sealed, where would the carbonation go?

Might be a stupid question, but I appreciate any insight!

Offline jeeyeop

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Re: Will keg co2 volume change by temperature after removed from co2 source?
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2016, 03:40:07 pm »
so far the only changes I could imagine would be:

1) if the keg went from cold to hot, co2 would be released into the headspace in the keg
2) if the keg went from hot to cold, co2 would be absorbed from the headspace in the keg

But I imagine both amounts would be negligible in a filled keg

Offline Joe Sr.

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Re: Will keg co2 volume change by temperature after removed from co2 source?
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2016, 03:49:32 pm »
The difference you will get is that a properly carbed keg at serving temp will be undercarbed at room temp.  The overall pressure stays the same, but the absorption of the gas changes.

It is not a negligible effect, in my experience.

There are charts out there that can help with this, but I have no links.
It's all in the reflexes. - Jack Burton

Offline HoosierBrew

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Re: Will keg co2 volume change by temperature after removed from co2 source?
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2016, 03:57:27 pm »
There are charts out there that can help with this, but I have no links.



Here's a good one:

http://www.kegerators.com/carbonation-table.php
Jon H.