Single Danby Kegerator -> Dual ?

[skokott]

I'm rapidly becoming stupid question guy but here goes:

I have an older style Danby DKC445BL which I've got setup for 1 corny with 1 gas tank.

I've googled a bit but I'm still not finding information that a hardware nob like me can digest.

If I wanted to put one more corny in there and another beer line I know how to pop an extra line up the tower but in terms of the gas line would I need an extra gas tank and an extra regulator or can I replace the regulator with some kind of dual output thing?

Also I would obviously need two inputs to the gas lines of the Corny so I guess I would have to make the hole in the back of the kegerator bigger to accomodate 1 more red hose, but then I run the risk of not sizing it properly such that air escapes or (god forbid) I drill into something I shouldn't.

 

[m00ps]

You have 3 options as I see it
- get a Y fitting for your current one to split the line after the valve
- get 2-line regulator. 2 gas lines, 1 kknob for controllign pressure (couldnt find a pic of one on the site)
- get a dual regulator. 2 gas lines, 2 knobs for different pressures on each
- get an secondary regulator *only would work if there is a fitting on one end of your current one

I probably dont have the exact correct terminology for each type but here's your options:
http://www.taprite.com/t742-2-t742-2
http://www.taprite.com/t5752hp-05-t5752hp-05
http://www.taprite.com/t1661st-t1661st

 

[YeastMode]

If I wanted to put one more corny in there and another beer line I know how to pop an extra line up the tower but in terms of the gas line would I need an extra gas tank and an extra regulator or can I replace the regulator with some kind of dual output thing?

You will not need an extra tank and regulator. You will need to decide if you want to serve both kegs at the same pressure (many people like myself do). If so, you can make the split and new connections within the fridge. If not, you will need to either (a) add a secondary regulator to your current regulator, or (b) buy a regulator with two secondaries.

To split the line, the proper would be to buy a 2-way gas distributor so you can shut off the gas to each keg, but you can technically also use a plastic T fitting (but then you won't have the ability to independently turn off the gas to one keg only.)

Also I would obviously need two inputs to the gas lines of the Corny so I guess I would have to make the hole in the back of the kegerator bigger to accommodate 1 more red hose, but then I run the risk of not sizing it properly such that air escapes or (god forbid) I drill into something I shouldn't.

You don't need to make a second hole unless you decide to go with the secondary regulator.

Below is a picture of one of my setups so you get an idea.

 

[skokott]

Thanks again guys for all your help. I really love the HB community.

I pledge once I learn something to do likewise.

 

[day_trippr]

fwiw, secondary regulators have a minimum input-to-output pressure differential requirement, typically 5 psi.
This could cause issues wrt running a secondary regulator at a useful dispensing pressure when it is being fed by the output of a primary regulator that is also being used for dispensing.

Hence I would strike the "add a single secondary regulator" option.

- A wye or tee is the cheapest solution, limited to a single dispensing pressure.
- A 1:2 manifold provides the incremental benefit of a shut-off per line.
- You can daisy-chain another primary regulator ("add a body") and drill another gas line hole.
- You can add a pair of secondary regulators inside the compartment...

Cheers!

 

[skokott]

I'm thinking of getting the manifold.

Now the hard part is putting a hole in the default beer tower. I may probably have to spring for a new one, right?

 

[YeastMode]

That all depends, again, on what your plan is and how much work you want to do. Drilling stainless, if that is the material of your tower, is not impossible, but it can be difficult for some people. I suggest you do a quick search on google or better yet on this forum and you will see several examples of how people solved that particular problem. i would say that the most common is to drill a second hole slightly offset from the original hole (assuming a 2.5" diameter tower). The second most popular option would be to replace the tower with one that has two holes installed. A third option would be to add an extension piece with one hole, but I think your unit is a 2.5" tower and I only recall seeing extensions for the 3" tower. But I could be wrong.

Perhaps you can start here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=28885

Other threads on the topic:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=311334

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=459247