Bowser Fridges
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( Click on the pictures for a better view - images open
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A reconditioned tap was purchased for $35 complete with about 3m. of line. The long line is required to drop the pressure between the keg and the tap to prevent foaming. |
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A CO2 fire extinguisher is used for the gas supply as the rent on commercial bottles
is too expensive. A CO2 regulator was fitted straight on to the outlet of the
extinguisher (7/8 UNF) - Make sure you get an extinguisher that has a removable
nozzle with a 7/8 UNF thread. Use a new fibre washer in the regulator
fitting and a couple of drops of thread sealant (Loctite brand). Also, have the syphon tube removed
so that CO2 vapour is drawn from the head space in the extinguisher and not liquid.
Maybe make a label for the extinguisher that says something like "No
syphon tube - Not for fire use" so that no one tries to reinstate it as
a fire extinguisher later on.
8mm air line was used to feed the regulated gas supply into the fridge via a
'Norgren' filter and a 'York' non return valve. The non return valve
protects you from beer shooting everywhere if you disconnect the regulator
while the keg is still connected.
I've added a second regulator set to about 50psi for regassing soft drink bottles.
Just fit a tubeless valve to the lid.
A non locking tyre chuck is used.
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A 'Post Mix' keg (used for soft drink) was purchased from a home brew shop. Second hand connectors were used. Be careful purchasing the connectors. The gas in and product out connectors look the same but they are different. |
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Fermented beer filling the keg. Use a length of plastic hose from the tap to the bottom of the keg to stop the beer from frothing up. |
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An exhaust silencer for pneumatic tools can be used to
aid carbonation. It is fitted to a length of tube to allow it to sit near the bottom of the keg and is connected to the gas line inside the keg. |
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The beer will need to be chilled before starting carbonation as liquid at room temperature won't accept carbonation easily. |
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Bowser Fridge using a "Wayne 605 duo Bowser" |
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Progress so far...... |
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Trial fitting the fridge after cutting about 4 inches from the rear of the fridge. This mod. left nowhere for the compressor, so the floor was cut leaving enough room for the keg and a new hump was glassed in. |
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A new aluminium panel was made to finish off the rear of the fridge. The rear panel of the bowser should fit over the back of the fridge. |
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Trying to line up the fridge door was a bit tricky. |
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A stainless steel panel is used to finish the rear of the display door. |
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Here is the finished cabinet showing the all important beer gun. You can also see the line on the right with a tyre chuck for re-gassing soft drink bottles with CO2. |
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This shows the refrigerant plumbing & fan and it's speed control. |
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Here is the keg and gas bottle.
The two regulators only just fit.
A 2Kg. CO2 fire extinguisher is used as it's a lot cheaper than renting a gas bottle. Some CO2 extinguishers have a 7/8 UNF thread which is the same as the fitting on a CO2 regulator. Use a new fibre washer in the regulator fitting and a couple of drops of thread sealant (Loctite brand). The syphon tube has been removed from the extinguisher so that vapour is drawn from the head space in the bottle instead of liquid. |
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This is what the finished bowser looks like ! Dispensing the beer through the nozzle is the next trick ! |
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Lounge constructed from an HT Holden |
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This page was last updated 07/02/05
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