2" or 3" connection to the keg

[WalkingWolf]

I just acquired 3 15.5 gallon kegs. All three have a 2 inch opening with a tri-clamp fitting. I am considering cutting out the 2 inch and putting in 3 inch as I am building a 3 inch column. How much difference in performance will I see between running the column on the two inch connection verses changing to a 3 inch connection on the keg?

thanks
WalkingWolf

[tater-shine]

Do you already have the 3 inch column? It's going to cost you alot more money. I'm not sure what performance difference you will see.

[WalkingWolf]

Yes, I have all of the material for the column.

[bstinga]

Because of the nature of gas their will really be no noticible difference in performance between the two sizes of conection. That is, this won't cause a bottle neck type problem for you to have a 2 inch reducer and a 3 inch column. Having said that if you push it with too much power and wash volume this could cause some choking, but my preference is not to push things this hard as quality and safety can be compromised. The main advantage in a larger opening size would be for cleaning purposes.

[tater-shine]

3 inch would be nice for cleaning, I thought about doing a bigger weld in triclover and then adapt it down to my 2 inch column. still might do it. I'd say use the 3 inch sence you already have it.

[bstinga]

This is what I did with my keg, makes it really easy to clean. these were standard dairy fittings from the scrap metal yard.

[tater-shine]

Thats a great idea. I see that stuff at my local scrap yard too! Did you remove the handles on your keg also?

[WalkingWolf]

thanks b-stinga,
What size hole is that on your boiler?? I was actually considering removing the 2" and replacing with a 4" then using a 4" to 3" to connect the column.

thanks for all of the input

ww

[bstinga]

Sorry can't remember the exact sizes was along time ago and it is at home. It must be about 5 inch hole, I can get my big mits in easily, it reduces to a compression fitting, slightly machined out. The extra copper reducer is used here for my 2inch column or it fits directly to the smaller 40mm approx / 1.5 inch glass column as seen in background - fits all my contraptions. I would like to add a s.s. botanicals basket (gin basket) but need to source the identical thread coupling to put in between the s.s. reducer and keg fitting. I saw some last time I was at the local scrapy but didn't have my bits to compare. Per kg for parts is alot cheaper that $120.- a part new.

Yes, I cut off the handles on the top of keg and polished it up. So it doesn't look like a keg, it is only 30L so not hard to move without them.

PS. I use mm so these sizes are approx.