Pony Keg fitting

[Murpydoo]

Hi all,

Working on my first still build, decided on 30l pot still with a boiler made from 1/4 barrel (pony?) keg.

I am hoping to keep things simple for first setup, and was hoping to find a fitting to thread into the top of the keg that I could solder my column to.

The markings on both of my kegs are PROP/EIG HEINEKEN and then they both have a longer batch or manufacturing number as well.

Could not find specs online for these. Can anyone help with the size, or point me in the right direction?

Cheers

[BlackStrap]

Hey there Murpydoo.

In Canada, 1/4 barrel pony kegs typically utilize the D-System Sankey coupler, which is the standard connection for most American and Canadian domestic beers.

With that being stated.

2" Tri-Clamp fittings are directly compatible with the standard opening of a Sankey Type D keg, as the keg's top port is designed to mate perfectly with a 2" Tri-Clamp (TC) ferrule and gasket.

Gasket Selection: Standard 2" TC gaskets may not seal perfectly due to the keg's flange geometry; half-flat gaskets (flat on one side, grooved on the other)

Fitting Size: While the keg opening is a 2" TC size, the ferrules and fittings used to connect to 2" pipe typically have an outer diameter of approximately 2.5 inches.

Compatibility: The Sankey Type D coupler fits 99% of American commercial kegs, and the 2" TC port is the standard interface for converting these kegs into fermenters or brewing vessels

[Murpydoo]

So it is a 2" NPT thread on the top of my pony keg then?

[Salt Must Flow]

I wouldn't bother with a pony keg and just go with a 15.5 gal keg instead. The main reason is that, if you use an electric heating element, it will require the SAME volume of boiler charge to cover the element in a 7.5 gal keg as it will a 15.5 gal keg. A 15.5 gal keg will perform exactly the same as a smaller keg. A 15.5 gal keg allows you to upgrade to larger boiler charges in the future.

Even if you intend to heat with gas/flame, I'd still prefer a taller keg boiler.

I used to think that a 7.5 gal keg would be better for smaller boiler charges, but it turns out that it isn't. I have 2 of them here in my garage, but only ended up using one for blending my product after a Spirit Run and spigot the product into glass storage jugs.

[MooseMan]

I would echo what Salt has said, go with a full size keg Murphy you will definitely not regret it.

If you already have the pony keg, keep hold of it though, it's handy.

[SW_Shiner]

So it is a 2" NPT thread on the top of my pony keg then?

If the spear has been removed. A standard 2" tri-clamp and ferrule should fit to it with no more modifications needed.