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View Full Version : 5 Gallon soda kegs



tendermason
12-25-2014, 07:55 AM
Any thoughts on using soda kegs for syrup?

maple flats
12-25-2014, 09:04 AM
I used them for a few years. I found it necessary to convert them to seal on vacuum. At first I tried getting a better seal by using a double twist wire that is used to tie tubing to a support wire, that was not enough. Then I removed the in/out disconnects, put a SS socket head bolt up thru from inside, with an O ring to seal. Then I added a SS flat washer and a SS nut (these were all 1/4-20 thread) leaving the bolt extending about 1" above the nut. Then I made a cross bar to extend from one bolt to the other, a 1/4" hole on one end and a 1/4" slot on the other, spaced to fit the 2 bolt stubs with a 1/4-20 hole drilled and tapped at midpoint. That hole got 2.5" bolt, std. grade 2, with the head (ground smooth on the head) on one end and a nut welded on the other after screwing it onto the bar. The final part, I removed the top, took the latch loop off, sealed the relief vent using a bolt , o ring on one side and a SS flat washer/faucet washer on the other and clamped it tight. (afterwords I thought welding it shut would have been cheaper and better). I then added a SS band clamp to circle the lid and hold the large O ring in place. To use, I filled the corney keg, then put the lid on, O ring down against the outer edge of the top lip. I then put the cross bar on the stubs, using nuts/flat washers and then I used a wrench to tighten the o ring seal. This method allowed the keg to seal and out of 20 that I did like this, I had 1 seal leak. Upon inspection I found that the top lip of the keg had a bent spot on it that I had not seen when filling the keg. All other kegs held the seal perfectly.
While I only use 16 gal, 30 gal and 40 gal SS bbls now, those were real handy to repack syrup from, just 5 gal in a batch.
If interested, I still have 15 or so left that are for sale, all converted. PM me if interested.

brookledge
12-25-2014, 10:03 AM
Like Dave said, you can use them as long as you modify them so they will hold a vacuum seal. They are designed for a pressure seal when used for soda.
Keith

maple flats
12-25-2014, 12:48 PM
One year, before I converted them as described above I bought a set up to pressure seal them using food grade nitrogen and put 35 PSI nitrogen on them. I think the seals or check valves must have been leaking, most of them had no pressure when I opened them, however they had not spoiled nor molded. Before the next season I made the conversions as described above and did not try the nitrogen again. I still have the equipment, but the nitrogen bottle is now empty.

jmayerl
12-25-2014, 12:49 PM
I have 12 that I find the perfect size for rebottling and keeping candy syrup in. I found that I didn't have to go quite as far as flats did. I did the SS bolts in all the ports and when I fill them I go all the way to the top then shake side to side. Some air does suck in as it cools the the syrup seems to dry in the oring. Have been using for 3 years now with no problems. Just opened one yesterday(last one) so it kept fine for 8 months. This is the longest I have ever had to keep syrup in them yet.

220 maple
12-25-2014, 04:35 PM
Have used them for years, found a couple chest deep freezers cheap, after they cool down to room temp., store in frozen state until I need to open them for candy or jugging. Also store all my five gallon plastic syrup buckets in a frozen state until needed.

Mark 220 Maple

wiam
12-25-2014, 07:39 PM
The two I have I store in the freezer. They have the rubber handles on them and it seems to be a hassle pouring out of them without making a mess.

220 maple
12-28-2014, 07:18 AM
Cut half of the rubber handle off with a hack saw, I'll post photo if necessary

Mark 220 maple

220 maple
12-28-2014, 07:18 AM
Cut half of the rubber handle off with a hack saw, I'll post photo if necessary

Mark 220 maple