Exploring the World of Kegs, A Comprehensive Guide to Types and Applications

Isn't it exciting that reusable stainless steel beer kegs offer benefits for the environment and the economy?

Yes, stainless steel beer kegs are one of the most sustainable options to contribute to the environment.

With a growing environmental consciousness, the demand for stainless steel barrels is expected to increase rapidly with the global keg market growing at a rate of 4% annually. The total value of the Keg Market will reach $780 million by 2027.

With this in mind, INOXCVA brings you a variety of reusable stainless steel kegs so that we can play our part in maintaining our environment.

Have a look at the types of kegs we manufacture:

Sankey kegs, commonly referred to as "D-system" kegs, are frequently used in the beer business for both storage and draught beer distribution. These kegs are so named because they have a standardized Sankey valve system that makes it simple to connect and disconnect from draught beer systems.

The Sankey keg design consists of a cylindrical stainless steel container with a top opening for filling and a bottom opening with a valve for dispensing. The top opening is sealed with a removable lid, which is often equipped with a pressure relief valve for safety. The valve at the bottom of the keg is where the magic happens. It features a check valve system that allows for the flow of beer when pressure is applied, typically with the help of a CO2 gas source. The gas enters the keg through a separate gas-inlet tube, providing the necessary pressure to push the beer out of the keg and through the draft system.

One of the advantages of Sankey kegs is their widespread use and compatibility with various beer dispensing systems. Since the valve system is standardized, it is relatively easy to connect a Sankey keg to a compatible tap or coupler, ensuring a secure and leak-free connection.

For breweries, Sankey kegs offer efficiency in production and distribution. They can be easily filled and sealed, allowing for streamlined operations and minimizing the risk of beer contamination. Additionally, the standardized design enables breweries to interchange kegs among different retailers and establishments, facilitating the supply chain process.

Homebrewers also appreciate the convenience of Sankey kegs. With the availability of adapters and conversion kits, homebrewers can repurpose commercial Sankey kegs for their own creations. This allows them to enjoy the benefits of a professional kegging system without the need for specialized equipment.

Sankey kegs have become a staple in the beverage industry due to their practical design, compatibility, and ease of use. Whether in commercial settings or home brewing setups, these kegs offer a reliable and efficient solution for storing and dispensing draft beer.

Ball-lock kegs, also known as "Corny" kegs, are a popular type of keg used for storing and dispensing beverages, particularly in homebrewing and soda-making communities. They get their name from the distinctive ball lock fittings used to connect the keg's liquid and gas lines.

Ball-lock kegs were originally used by the soft drink industry and have since found their way into the hands of homebrewers and craft beverage enthusiasts. These kegs are made of stainless steel and are available in different sizes, with 5-gallon and 2.5-gallon capacities being common choices.

The key feature of ball lock kegs is the two different types of connectors on the lid, one for liquid and the other for gas. The connectors consist of a post with a ball lock fitting attached to it. The liquid post has a dip tube that extends to the bottom of the keg, allowing for beverage dispensing, while the gas post is used for pressurizing the keg with CO2 or nitrogen. To connect the keg, the ball lock fittings are equipped with small, spring-loaded pins. When the fittings are pushed onto the corresponding posts, the pins engage, securing a tight and leak-free connection. Disconnecting the fittings involves pulling on a small ring or collar to release the pins and remove the fittings.

One of the advantages of ball lock kegs is their simplicity and ease of use. The ball lock fittings are color-coded to differentiate between the liquid and gas posts, making it easy to identify the appropriate connections. This feature simplifies the setup and ensures the correct flow of liquid and gas during dispensing.

Another benefit of ball lock kegs is their versatility. They can be used for carbonated beverages like beer, soda, or sparkling water, as well as non-carbonated beverages. The ability to disassemble the keg for cleaning and maintenance is also advantageous for homebrewers, allowing for thorough sanitation and easy replacement of O-rings and other components.

Ball lock kegs are widely used in the homebrewing community due to their affordability, availability, and compatibility with various homebrewing systems. Many homebrew supply stores carry ball lock kegs and their accessories, making them accessible to all.

Pin Lock Kegs

Pin lock kegs, also known as "Coke" kegs, are another type of kegs commonly used for storing and dispensing beverages, particularly in homebrewing and soda-making communities. They derive their name from the pin lock fittings used to connect the keg's liquid and gas lines.

Originally used by the Coca-Cola company, pin lock kegs have gained popularity among homebrewers due to their affordability, ease of use, and wide availability in the second-hand market. These kegs are typically made of stainless steel and come in various sizes, with 5-gallon and 2.5-gallon capacities being common.

The key feature of pin lock kegs is the two different types of connectors on the lid: one for liquid and the other for gas. The connectors consist of posts with pins on the sides that align with slots on the corresponding fittings. To connect the keg, the pins on the fittings are pushed into the slots on the posts, securing a tight and leak-free connection.

Similar to ball lock kegs, pin lock kegs have color-coded fittings to differentiate between the liquid and gas sides. The liquid side typically has red or black fittings, while the gas side has gray or white fittings. This color coding simplifies the setup and ensures the proper flow of liquid and gas during dispensing.

Pin lock kegs are known for their durability and ease of maintenance. They are relatively simple in design, with fewer components compared to ball lock kegs, making disassembly and cleaning straightforward. The lack of a pressure relief valve on the lid also eliminates the need to periodically replace or service that particular component.

No matter whether you choose a Ball-lock keg, Pin-lock keg, or a Sankey keg they have a longer life span of 30+ years if well maintained, which makes them the ideal choice for bars and restaurants.

Using stainless steel keg also helps in keeping your benerage fresh for longer periods, often extending beer’s freshness agiants oxidation from anywhere between 20 to 120 days.

Reusability makes steel kegs a vital part of the beverage industry and promotes sustainability. By choosing stainless steel kegs instead of plastic kegs you can make the most sustainable choice by removing single-use packages from recycling and landfill streams and retaining the taste and freshness of your beverages for longer.