floating dip tubes in kegs

[Minbari]

just a thought from someone who apparently did it wrong!

if you use floating dip tubes in your kegs, which I think is a great idea, dont cut the original diptube too short and leave the hose for the floating part long! it seems like a good idea, but it will cause the floating part to bind and push the tube out of the liquid, even if it is still half full! all three of mine have done this!

the solution was to leave the dip tube long, and bend it slightly (so the tubing doesn't kink) This did require me buying new diptubes. (call it a learning experience, this is why I am sharing!) then cut the tubing long enough to reach about half way up. it will be submerged for more than half the volume of the keg, but will still serve the function of not sucking up sediment. this has been much more reliable than the first method.

I actually had to put in a new diptube on a keg that still had product in it. not fun, hopefully it doesnt go bad!

 

[soccerdad]

I'm not sure I understand. I have 2 kegs that I am experimenting with fermenting and serving in the same keg with no transfer. I just pulled the long dip tube and replaced it with a gas tube and fastened the floater to that. Seems to work fine. Did you cut a long beer out tube and fasten the floater to that?

 

[Minbari]

I'm not sure I understand. I have 2 kegs that I am experimenting with fermenting and serving in the same keg with no transfer. I just pulled the long dip tube and replaced it with a gas tube and fastened the floater to that. Seems to work fine. Did you cut a long beer out tube and fasten the floater to that?

that is exactly what I did, and left the silicon tubing long enough that the float could sit on the top when full. the problem is when it gets half full or so the silicon tubing bunches up on the bottom and the float kinda tips over and the inlet for the tubing sits out of the liquid, thus nothing but air comes out.. Has happened to all 3 of my kegs that I did this way.

leaving the beer diptube long and the silicon tubing short seems to have solved it

 

[Sunfire96]

I'm not sure I understand. I have 2 kegs that I am experimenting with fermenting and serving in the same keg with no transfer. I just pulled the long dip tube and replaced it with a gas tube and fastened the floater to that. Seems to work fine. Did you cut a long beer out tube and fasten the floater to that?

Mine are the same. Each one came with a gas dip tube that the silicone tubing attaches to. No issues with bunching tubing

 

[HighVoltageMan!]

I have seen the problem of just gas coming out, but I never knew what really caused it. I always thought the floater was flipped or stuck to the side.

Extending the dip tube seems to make a lot sense. Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[soccerdad]

I get it now. Thanks for both the tip and the explanation.

 

[Minbari]

I have seen the problem of just gas coming out, but I never knew what really caused it. I always thought the floater was flipped or stuck to the side.

Extending the dip tube seems to make a lot sense. Thank you for pointing that out.

that is what happened. no beer, just gas.

 

[Box of Rocks]

Not seeing the benefit of a medium length dip tube. Does yours get tangled while at the top?

I use the short replacement tube with the floater, and cut the tube so that it hangs at the bottom. Just high enough so the pickup (with filter) leaves a couple pints of muck behind. (Should probably measure exactly how much.)

Had initial issues with my setup (lack of kegging knowledge mostly to blame), but seems to work fine now.

I use a worm clamp to secure the dip tube, since I once blew the tube off once connecting the gas (don’t ask). Presents a bit challenge for cleanup and setup - ultimately need an all stainless clamp with a “key” to grip for easy on/off.

 

[Donoroto]

I don't quite understand. A long dip tube means you need long flexible tubing, and this causes a problem? Or?

And a mid-length dip tube with just enough hose to stay a bit off the bottom is best?

Having a hard time visualizing the problem.

 

[Minbari]

ok, hopefull I am a better artist, lol (im not!)

second picture show what I am saying. it flips the float and then dispenses nothing but gas. the longer diptube with shorter tubing seems to work better.

NOTE: I did exaggerate the issue to illustrate the point

 

[GFHomebrew]

ok, hopefull I am a better artist, lol (im not!)

second picture show what I am saying. it flips the float and then dispenses nothing but gas. the longer diptube with shorter tubing seems to work better.

NOTE: I did exaggerate the issue to illustrate the point

View attachment 18483

Mate a picture speaks a thousand words.
I'm happy I've not gone the floating dip tube route it seems troublesome at times.

 

[Josh Hughes]

Had no issues until a few batches ago. Had to shake it to get it to get more out. The following batch I had to siphon a gallon off. Last time I used, no issues.

 

[Minbari]

Mate a picture speaks a thousand words.
I'm happy I've not gone the floating dip tube route it seems troublesome at times.

when it works, it does exactly what you want. clear beer with no goo. hopefully I have solved the issue with getting no beer.

 

[Minbari]

Had no issues until a few batches ago. Had to shake it to get it to get more out. The following batch I had to siphon a gallon off. Last time I used, no issues.

the shake thing worked a couple times. I wish I had taken a picture when I opened the last time it did it. you could see the float tipped over and the tubing out of the liquid.

 

[Sunfire96]

I cut the tubing so that the float rests on the bottom from the dip tube, plus an inch maybe two. Haven't had any tangles yet, but I've only used it in a couple of batches. Knock on wood

 

[Minbari]

I cut the tubing so that the float rests on the bottom from the dip tube, plus an inch maybe two. Haven't had any tangles yet, but I've only used it in a couple of batches. Knock on wood

hopefully it stays that way.

 

[Donoroto]

ok, hopefull I am a better artist, lol (im not!)

second picture show what I am saying. it flips the float and then dispenses nothing but gas. the longer diptube with shorter tubing seems to work better.

NOTE: I did exaggerate the issue to illustrate the point]

Perfect. A picture really is 1000 words.

Ok, so I just won't use yellow tubing ...

Just kidding, perfectly clear now. Thanks!

 

[Box of Rocks]

Thanks, your method makes sense now that I’ve seen the graphics. Guess I’ll be be prepared to shake if necessary with my setup!

 

[soccerdad]

My dilemma with cutting either a dip tube or the flexible line from the floater is that I use 2 keg sizes .. 3 gallon and 5 gallon. Since I mostly brew 3 gallon batches, I am actually using the 5 gallon kegs more than I used to. That way I can ferment 3+ gallons and assure that the line just reaches to the bottom. When it sucks trub, it's done. So far, I don't overthink this.

What I DO overthink is yeast capture. I find myself wondering if I should transfer to a 3 gallon keg when I want to save yeast, essentially using the smaller keg as a secondary which I will drink from using the floating dip tube. I would then save the yeast from my primary fermenter whether it be keg or carboy.

 

[Minbari]

For the $5-7 that yeast costs, i just buy fresh. Haven't gotten on the harvesting yeast train yet