Beer keg couplers
As we’ve already mentioned, there is no universal coupler for all kegs, so here we’ll explain all the types of couplers we stock and what they’re used for.
The KeyKeg coupler has become very popular since its launch, especially in the craft beer sector. The system is very similar to the type G coupler but with a few small modifications made by the KeyKeg company for its own kegs. The key innovation of KeyKeg kegs was the bag system inside the keg, and the other main feature is that the keg is not reusable. With the KeyKeg, keg cleaning is no longer necessary, but it is very important to follow the company’s guidelines for proper recycling. Another particular feature of the KeyKeg is its inner bag, where the beer or any other beverage is contained. Because this bag sits inside the keg, it allows us to replace CO2 with an air compressor, as the gas will never come into contact with the beer.
The KeyKeg coupler comes with a safety valve in case there is excess pressure in the keg; in that case the safety valve will relieve the pressure by allowing it to escape. The manufacturers of KeyKeg couplers are two companies: DSI and Micro Matic. The KeyKeg coupler made by DSI has been the most widely used coupler by users since the beginning, but a few years ago Micromatic also began manufacturing KeyKeg couplers. The main difference is that, in addition to the safety valve, it also includes a built‑in depressuriser to vent the keg once the drink is finished; on older or DSI‑brand models, the depressuriser is a separate piece.
The KeyKeg format is used mainly for beer, but we should not forget that it is also available with wine, cocktails, cider, kombucha or coffee.
The type A coupler has a circular flange and is very commonly used by German breweries. It is known as the German slider, as it slides over the face of the valve. It is the standard coupler for wheat beers, used by breweries such as Hoegaarden, Paulaner, Spaten, Warsteiner and Weihenstephaner. It connects to the spear by a lateral/horizontal sliding motion.
The type G coupler has a trilobal flange and is widely used in Spain by large breweries. This system owes its name to the English promoter Grundy. The face of the valve can be thought of as a circle with three sides cut off. It is used by breweries such as Bass, Boddingtons, Caffrey, Anchor Steam and Damm. The coupler connects to the spear by turning it slightly until it stops.
The type S coupler is designed to work with well‑type or Sankey spears and is widely used in Spain by large breweries. It is available with 2 or 3 lugs. Many European breweries use this system, also known as the European Sankey. It is distinguished by being longer than the type D or American Sankey. It is used by breweries such as Heineken, Becks, Amstel, Pilsner Urquell, San Miguel and Cruzcampo. The coupler connects to the spear by turning it slightly until it stops.
The type D coupler is designed to work with American‑type or “American Sankey” spears. It is the most common system available in the USA. It is available with 2 lugs. It is used by the main American breweries: Anheuser Busch, Miller, Molson Coors and Labatt, as well as most American craft breweries. The coupler connects to the spear by turning it slightly until it stops.
The type U coupler is similar to the type S coupler, but they are not interchangeable. This coupler is rarely used in Spain, with Guinness being practically the only brand that uses it. This system takes its name from the UEC, an English manufacturer. The coupler connects to the spear by turning it slightly until it stops.
The Micro Matic type M coupler has a circular flange and is designed to work with M spears. The body is the same as the German slider, but the probe configuration is unique. It is used by breweries such as Schneider, Aventinus and Einbecker. It connects to the spear by a lateral/horizontal sliding motion.
The Ball‑Lock coupler is a ball‑lock coupler for Cornelius‑type kegs. It consists of a coupler for the beer outlet (black) and a coupler for the gas inlet to the keg (white). Both connectors have a moulded fitting nozzle for the keg valve. No tools are needed to connect the barbed connector, you simply snap it into place. It is the coupler of choice for homebrewers thanks to its easy cleaning and assembly. A non‑return valve must be fitted to the gas coupler, as it does not include one and beer could otherwise flow back into the regulator or compressor and damage the equipment.
Cornelius keg couplers come in two varieties that have the same use and function: pin‑lock and ball‑lock, and they are not interchangeable. Historically, pin‑lock kegs were used mainly by Coca‑Cola, while ball‑lock kegs were used mainly by Pepsi. On a pin‑lock keg, there are metal posts (pins) that extend horizontally around the valve. When the coupler is attached, these pins hold it in place. The “gas‑in” valve has two pins, while the “liquid‑out” has three, so it is impossible to accidentally swap the couplers (which would result in carbon dioxide bubbling through the drink but no drink coming out). Ball‑lock kegs have ridges on the ports, which are gripped by small metal balls in the connectors.
Cleaning our couplers, just like cleaning beer lines, is essential to avoid contamination and to extend the life of the coupler.
Although it is true that if we use the coupler to clean the lines with the cleaning tank, the plunger or internal part of the coupler is already cleaned, every so often it will be necessary to clean the beer couplers individually. To do this, we recommend scrubbing them with a coupler‑cleaning brush and soaking them in water with TM Clearoxid cleaning powder, a solution of acid and active oxygen that cleans and disinfects the couplers.
Once thoroughly cleaned, we can disassemble them to apply food‑grade petroleum jelly to the plunger; this will ensure smooth up‑and‑down movement of the coupler handle.
Beverage keg couplers can be used on many types of kegs, which may contain anything from beer to wine, cava, cider, coffee, etc.
To choose a connector for beer kegs, it is important to consider the following factors: - Type of connector: there are different varieties, such as Sankey or Type S, A-Type, G-Type, KeyKeg Type, U-Type, M-Type, L-Type, Ball Lock and Pin-Lock. Each has different characteristics and is used for different beer brands. - Quality: look for connectors made from high-quality materials that ensure a secure seal and prevent leaks. - Ease of use: choose a connector that is easy to connect and disconnect to save time and effort.
There are different types of couplers for different types of kegs, but there is no universal coupler that works for all kegs. At Install Beer we stock all the most commonly used couplers on the market, and if you have any questions you can write to us at info@installbeer.com
They do not come with printed instructions in order to reduce environmental impact, but you can find detailed instructions for all models on the manufacturer’s official website. Likewise, if you have any questions, call us so we can advise you and help with anything that comes up.
Only the keg filling couplers are made of stainless steel, because cleaning agents are more corrosive and aggressive than those used for dispensing. For dispensing couplers, it is not necessary for the body to be stainless steel; they have a protective alloy coating and the body is made from a brass and zinc alloy. They can be handled and cleaned without any issues, as they are compatible with the usual cleaning agents used for dispensing.
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