Cornelius keg

Cornelius Keg

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A typical Cornelius keg used for homebrewing

A Cornelius keg, also known as a "Corny keg," is a type of stainless steel container originally used by the soft drink industry to store and dispense carbonated beverages. These kegs have become popular in the homebrewing community for storing and serving beer, cider, and other carbonated drinks.

History

The Cornelius keg was developed in the 1950s by the Cornelius Company, a manufacturer of soft drink dispensing equipment. The design was intended to provide a reusable and durable container for the beverage industry, allowing for easy cleaning and refilling. The kegs were widely used by major soft drink companies until the industry shifted to using bag-in-box systems.

Design and Features

Cornelius kegs are typically made from stainless steel, which provides durability and resistance to corrosion. They come in various sizes, with the most common being the 5-gallon (19-liter) keg. The kegs are cylindrical in shape and have a removable lid secured by a clamp and an O-ring to ensure a tight seal.

The kegs are equipped with two ports: one for gas (usually carbon dioxide) and one for liquid. The gas port is used to pressurize the keg, forcing the liquid out through the liquid port. This system allows for easy dispensing of beverages.

Use in Homebrewing

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A pin lock fitting used on some Cornelius kegs

Homebrewers have adopted Cornelius kegs due to their availability and ease of use. The kegs allow for precise control over carbonation levels and provide a convenient way to store and serve homebrewed beverages. They are often used in conjunction with a kegerator, a refrigerator modified to dispense draft beer.

There are two main types of Cornelius kegs used in homebrewing: "ball lock" and "pin lock." These names refer to the type of connectors used to attach the gas and liquid lines. Ball lock kegs are slightly taller and narrower, while pin lock kegs are shorter and wider.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper maintenance and cleaning of Cornelius kegs are essential to ensure the quality of the beverages stored within them. After each use, the kegs should be thoroughly cleaned with a suitable cleaning solution to remove any residue or contaminants. The O-rings and seals should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed to prevent leaks.

Advantages

Cornelius kegs offer several advantages for homebrewers and beverage enthusiasts:

• Reusability: Made from durable stainless steel, these kegs can be reused many times, reducing waste.
• Ease of Use: The design allows for easy filling, cleaning, and dispensing.
• Control: Users can precisely control carbonation levels and serving pressure.
• Compact Size: The kegs are compact and can be stored in a refrigerator or kegerator.

Related Pages

• Homebrewing
• Kegerator
• Carbonation
• Ball lock
• Pin lock