Hey there, I was wondering is there a CO2 usage calculator or estimate of some kind? I need to get a second CO2 tank for all of my CO2 needs other than dispensing on my kegerator but I got a fill a few weeks ago and used it to transfer StarSan around to a couple of kegs, had it dispensing a few beers, and then I burst carbonated a beer. I usually never do that but wanted it ready for a camping trip this past weekend. Got home today and checked out my regulator and the gas was out. Can’t say I am totally shocked but I expected it to last longer. I have never kept a keg on it for 24 hours at 30psi but you know… But I was wondering if there was any way to calculate how much gas that might have used on its own… I will take it to get filled today but I really need to look into that other tank…
It might be temp dependent. Even if it’s not, there are a lot of variables to consider.
In my experience whenever I’ve felt that a CO2 tank has been emptied sooner than it should have been I’ve found a leak. 24 hours at 30psi shouldn’t deplete much.
Agreed. Should be barely noticeable.
That was not the only thing. It’s been in user for maybe 3 or 4 weeks finished off 2 kegs, transferred StarSan in 2 kegs, slow carbonated 2 beers, and a few other things before the last keg. So, I’m not super surprised it’s empty but was wondering if there was a way to estimate the 24 hours of usage. I do all transfers and carbonation cold. 35-38.
Always check for leaks.
You can spund or krausen beer’s in kegs to conserve CO2.
A second, tank will be a good thing. Consider a bigger tank.
Good advice. I have a 5 and a 20.
Yeah, I’ve looked into the but I’d rather just finish the beer then move it. Works better for my work schedule, laziness level, etc.
I used to have two 20lb tanks at various times but got rid of the first because I couldn’t hold it in storage at the time and got rid of the second because I couldn’t get it to Germany without a great deal of annoyance. Haven’t got another one yet… but need to.
I had to get a new tank sooner than expected just last week. I found the culprit. Some jack wagon didn’t tighten the QD posts on the keg after cleaning and assembling it. I found the loose fittings when the keg kicked and needed disassembly and cleaning. Musta been a slow leak.
Luckily, I caught the tank zeroed out before the weekend.
I’m gonna have a stern talk with that guy.
Hell… I just bought new o rings and stuff… let me see if I got them tightened back correctly [emoji51]
Was I working on your kegs? This is all too familiar! 
Sounds too familiar - now I routinely turn off the CO2 at the tank when not actually pouring beers during the dispense period, also I go with “popping” a little CO2 from time to time to keep the carb level up between sessions. Combined with regularly checking kegs for leaks, I have been lucky lately (but it is only a matter of time with me…I’ll surely have a leaker again that I miss). I try to always have a spare tank filled and ready to sub in.
I think a lot of brewers have slow leaks, just because anecdotally we seem to go through much more than would be expected.
If you multiply the keg volume in liters (5 gal, 19 L) by the desired gas volume (say 2.4 vol) and then by 2 (1.97 g/L, but close enough) you get 91 g required to fully carbonate - and roughly a third of that is being provided by fermentation, but we’ll keep the estimate conservative.
If you’re at sea level and serving at 12 psig (~27 psia or 1.8 vol) you then need another 19 * 1.8 * 2 = 68 g to dispense, for ~160 g total, or just over 1/3 lb.
That’s some science right there [emoji28] I’ll need to sit down with it later lol
That’s not a bad idea… Turning the gas off completely… maybe I’ll do that for just a little added security.
I do the same. I just top off my kegs every so often. I always seem to find an empty tank at the worst times.
I always slap a bit of keg lube on my o rings as an insurance policy and that has seemed to help the slow leaks a bit.