Cornelius Dispensing Equipment
Cornelius Kegs
Cornelius kegs, also known as Corny kegs, are stainless steel containers that are used for storing and dispensing carbonated beverages. They are commonly used in the brewing industry for homebrewing and commercial applications.
The Cornelius keg was originally used in the soft drink industry in the 1950s, but it has become a popular choice for homebrewers in recent years due to its durability and ease of use. The kegs are designed to hold pressure, which makes them ideal for carbonating and dispensing beer, soda, and other carbonated drinks.
The kegs come in different sizes, but the most common size for homebrewers is the 5-gallon keg. The kegs are easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a popular choice for homebrewers who want to avoid the hassle of cleaning and sanitizing traditional glass bottles.
Cornelius kegs are also popular in the commercial brewing industry, where they are used for small-batch brewing and testing. They are also used in restaurants and bars for dispensing beer and other drinks on tap.
One of the advantages of using Cornelius kegs is that they are portable and can be easily transported from one location to another. This makes them ideal for homebrewers who want to take their beer to parties or events.
Overall, Cornelius kegs are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to store and dispense carbonated beverages. They are durable, easy to use, and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for homebrewers and commercial brewers alike.
Types of Cornelius Kegs
Cornelius kegs are a popular choice for homebrewers and beer enthusiasts. These kegs were originally used by the soda industry to transport soda, but they have now been repurposed for beer storage and dispensing. There are several types of Cornelius kegs available in the market, and each type has its own unique features and benefits.
Ball Lock Kegs (most common type in the UK)
Ball lock kegs are one of the most common types of Cornelius kegs. They are named after the ball-shaped locks that are used to secure the connections between the keg and the beer lines. Ball lock kegs are easy to use and maintain, and they come in various sizes, ranging from US2.5 gallons to US5 gallons
Pin Lock Kegs
Pin lock kegs are another type of Cornelius kegs that are commonly used by homebrewers. They are named after the pin-shaped locks that are used to secure the connections between the keg and the beer lines. Pin lock kegs are slightly shorter and wider than ball lock kegs, and they are also available in various sizes.
Converted Kegs
Converted kegs are Cornelius kegs that have been modified to fit additional features, such as a temperature gauge or a pressure relief valve. These kegs are popular among homebrewers who want to customize their kegs to suit their specific needs. Converted kegs can be either ball lock or pin lock kegs.
Stainless Steel Kegs
Stainless steel kegs are a premium type of Cornelius kegs that are designed for long-term use. These kegs are made of high-quality stainless steel, which makes them more durable and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel kegs are available in both ball lock and pin lock styles.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right type of Cornelius keg depends on your specific needs and preferences. Ball lock and pin lock kegs are the most common types of Cornelius kegs, but converted and stainless steel kegs are also popular among homebrewers. No matter which type of Cornelius keg you choose, you can be sure that it will provide you with an excellent way to store and dispense your favourite beer.
Parts of a Cornelius Keg
The main parts of a Cornelius keg include the body, lid, gas-in connector, liquid-out connector, and pressure relief valve. The body of the keg is a cylindrical container that holds the beer. It is made of stainless steel and has a capacity of US5 gallons around 19 litres. The lid of the keg is also made of stainless steel and is held in place by a set of locking rings. The lid has two ports, one for the gas-in connector and the other for the liquid-out connector.
The gas-in connector is used to inject carbon dioxide (CO2) into the keg. This helps to keep the beer carbonated and fresh. The gas-in connector is usually located on the side of the keg and has a threaded fitting that attaches to a CO2 regulator. The liquid-out connector is used to dispense the beer from the keg. It is usually located on the top of the keg and has a barbed fitting that attaches to a beer line.
The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature of the Cornelius keg. It is located on the lid of the keg and is designed to release excess pressure if the pressure inside the keg becomes too high. This helps to prevent the keg from exploding and causing injury.
In addition to these main parts, a Cornelius keg may also have other parts such as dip tubes, o-rings, and poppets. Dip tubes are long tubes that extend from the lid of the keg down into the beer. They are used to draw the beer out of the keg and into the beer line. O-rings are rubber seals that are used to create a tight seal between the lid and the body of the keg. Poppets are small spring-loaded valves that are located inside the liquid-out and gas-in connectors. They help to control the flow of beer and gas in and out of the keg.