Keg couplers connect to beer kegs and can be used with dispensers and taps to maintain carbonation and pressure. There are six types of couplers, each suitable for certain beers. Different valve types can complicate installation, but couplers with foam detectors are available. Couplers and accessories can be purchased online.
A keg coupler is a device that connects to a keg of beer, tapping into its internal contents. Other brewing equipment such as dispensers and taps can be connected to the coupler, helping to maintain the correct levels of carbonation and pressure depending on the beer. There are generally six types of keg couplers. Each is typically suitable for a certain variety of keg and beer formulation. Brewers around the world often sell these couplers to beer distributors and retailers.
Standard types of keg coupler have generally made installation cost-effective, without taking too much time or spilling significant amounts of beer in the process. Most kegs made in North America use some type of valve that allows you to connect almost any type of coupler. Beer kegs elsewhere in the world, however, may feature one of four valve types where the coupling mechanisms for each are usually different.
In the United States and Canada, a D coupler is often used. The device is typically suitable for use with ales, lagers and stouts, as well as wheat beer. Similar to this variety is the D coupler, except that the stem of the product generally goes further than the stem. An A coupler is commonly used in Germany for low carbonated beer, while a G coupler, generally found in pubs in England and Ireland, is often compatible with low carbonated heavy beer. The U-coupler is also often used with beer from these regions.
It is generally not difficult to change a keg coupler at the end of the beer line. Different configurations of check valves and washers, however, can complicate removal and installation where the gas enters. Gas hoses can often be used with D and S fittings and be threaded on using a hex nut, while other types may require the gas line to be removed when replacing the fitting.
Some types of draft beer keg couplers have extra features. They may include foam detectors that go off as the keg is about to empty, so foam isn’t poured into a glass and doesn’t mix with the beer. Keg couplers and related accessories such as screws, check balls, latches and safety assemblies can often be purchased online for use in bars and homes at gatherings where people are drinking beer.
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