Hands on Review: Kegland BlowTie Spunding Valve!

BlowTie v2 w/Gauge that has been updated to digital, see below for walk through of that process.

A Spunding Valve allows you to maintain a set pressure. If pressure in the vessel exceeds the set point, it is expelled. It generally consists of an adjustable PRV valve, a tee, a gauge and a way to connect to your keg.

Why a Spunding Valve?

There are loads of homebrew related applications for a Spunding valve ranging from pressurized fermentation to naturally carbonating to fixing over carbonated beers and lots more.  Check out our resource post on the subject.  It’s arguably the go-to resource on the Internet on the subject

BowTie v1 Assembly

BlowTie v1 & v2!

This review covers both the original v1 Kegland v1 BlowTie & v2. Both are DuoTight compatible. The biggest difference is v2 has an integrated gauge, where v1 required an add-on gauge.

Kegland BlowTie v2

Kegland BlowTie v1

BlowTie v1 assembly that has been updated to digital, see below for walk through of that process.

But first, more about DuoTight!

Kegland’s DuoTight Fittings are designed to work with EVABarrier Double Wall Tubing.  They offer quick, reliable connections, easy implementation, a variety of fitting options and feature amazing versatility.  They’re also, generally speaking, very well priced.  DuoTights are push to connect fittings and require no tubing clamps.

Check out my extensive Hands on Review

Check out the end of this review for a list of all of my DuoTight related reviews and resource posts.

Hands on Review Kegland BlowTie Spunding Valve v1

The BlowTie Spunding Valve assembly consists of the BlowTie, a DuoTight Tee Fitting, a DuoTight to flare fitting, a DuoTight pressure gauge and two small pieces of EVABarrier Tubing.

The BlowTie is the heart of this build.  It has DuoTight Push to Connect connections on both side as well as an adjustment knob to set pressure.  Related: DuoTight Hands on Review. Here’s a look from another angle.  If you look closely (click to enlarge) you can see an arrow that indicates flow direction as well as + and – signs on the knob to let you know which direction to turn the knob.Connecting the components could not be any easier.  The DuoTight system is like the Legos of kegerators.

Related!

The front of the BlowTie boxInstructions on the box #1Instructions on the box #2Instructions on the box #3The DuoTight Tee Fitting along with the DuoTight Pressure GaugeSome additional information found on the pressure gauge boxDuoTight to Flare Fitting.  This connects the assembly to a QD.  In my case it’s a ball lock, but you could just as easily swap out a compatible pin lock QD.The completed assemblyAnother photo of the complete assemblyIn comparison to my DIY build.  Pretty similar size.Installed on an AIH 2.5 gallon ball lockClose up of the gauge dial

Testing the BlowTie Assembly for Leaks

A photo taken at 9:24 PMA photo take at 12:05 PM the following day.  The whole setup held rock steady overnight.  Update: I let this sit for a full 10 days and it held rock solid.

BlowTie Compared to the Kegland Inline Secondary CO2

This inline secondary (pictured on the left) has been on the scene for a while now.  I think it’s an amazing little piece of gear, considering it’s price and functionality.  I believe, but am not 100% sure, that it’s also made by Kegland.  This photo compares the Inline Secondary to the BlowTie.  You’ll notice these look similar, however, the connections are a different size.  The inline secondary connection is smaller.  My initial assumption was that the BlowTie could also be used as in inline secondary.  That’s not the case.  Each of these is a purpose built device.

Update: An updated inline regulator has been released that IS DuoTight Compatible. See: Hands on Review Kegland Inline Secondary

Related: Using a Keg as a CO2 Source for Portable Serving!

Finding the Inline Regulator, Compare Prices, Specs & Availability

This is now available in multiple versions including two DuoTight compatible models

Review and Hacks… Hands on Review: Kegland Inline Secondary Regulator! – Use for portable serving!

Utilizing the BlowTie’s Output Port To Use CO2 Produced by Fermentation

Since the the BlowTie has a defined output port, you can use it to capture CO2 produced by fermentation.  The “out” side of the BlowTie is a DuoTight connection, just like the “in” side.  Use compatible EVABarrier tubing and fittings and you can route outgoing CO2 wherever you’d like.  The primary application I can think of for using this is to purge kegs, carboys and fermenters.  The pictured setup shows a 10 gallon keg converted to a fermenter.  The “out” side of the BlowTie is connected to the liquid out side of an empty keg.  That allows incoming CO2 to purge the keg from bottom to top.  The lid PRV valve for the receiving keg is open to allow pressure to vent.  Of course you could tee the “out” side and flush multiple kegs or vessels using the CO2 produced by a single fermenter.

Related: Hands on Review: Torpedo 10 Gallon Ball Lock Homebrew Kegs!

Using the BlowTie as Part of a DIY Build

This post primarily covers a complete Kegland Spunding Assembly, using Kegland’s DuoTight Fittings, the BlowTie and EVABarrier Tubing but… you can also use the BlowTie as part of a DIY Build

The key to connecting the BlowTie to our standard builds (and probably most DIY builds) is using a Duotight 8mm ¼” NPT Adapter.  That connects to a 1/4″ NPT tee.  From there you add a small piece of 8 mm EVABarrier Tubing and the BlowTie valve.  See: Build a Spunding Valve! – How and Why – for more about putting together a DIY Spunding Build

Hands on Review Kegland BlowTie Spunding Valve v2

The big improvement between v1 and v2 is that v2 includes a built in gauge. This makes for a cleaner setup, is more compact and requires fewer parts.A look at v2’s gaugeSide view. If you look close at the body, you can see a flow direction arrow pointing to the right.Mine has a warning printed on the side never to exceed gauge pressureClose up of the adjustment knobBottom view. BlowTie v2 has mounting holes for easy… mounting.A look inside the DuoTight connector. This is the 8 mm size. To my knowledge that’s the only size option, but it’s possible they also make the larger 9.5 mm size.BlowTie v2 compared to v1Like many DuoTight Fittings these are compatible with Valuebrew’s locking clips. I used to think of those as optional, but now use them on every connection. They provide back pressure on the collar making a firmer connection and locking it in.

Upgrading BlowTie v2 w/Gauge to Digital

Kegland has released a digital gauge option that works with their great inline secondary regulator and BlowTie Spunding Valve.  They have also released a DuoTight version.

If you compare the new digital gauge to the analog, there’s no comparison. A rough approximation of PSI verses a 1/10th PSI precision digital readout.Remove screws and pull out the analog gauge.Install KL18388Upgraded BlowTie!

Conclusions

Like a lot of the gear that’s coming out of Kegland these days… the BlowTie is awesome.  It’s super well thought out, feature filled and reasonably priced.  I’ve been championing the use of a Spunding Valve for years.  It’s nice to see a well made, purpose built device.  This is a great piece of equipment.  If you still don’t have a Spunding valve the BlowTie is a great option! If you’re trying to decide between v1 and v2, I generally recommend v2 as it’s an all in one unit that’s ready to go.

Check Prices & Availability, Review Continues Below

Kegland BlowTie v2

Kegland BlowTie v1

Parts List for v1 Build via MoreBeer

Troubleshooting Non-Responsiveness

BlowTie Spunding valves feature a diaphragm that can become non-responsive.

The diaphragm can get stuck. When this the case it’s not being properly adjusted with changes to the dial. There’s a short video that Kegland has produced on cleaning the BlowTie Spunding Valve. This process can free a stuck diaphragm.

Leaks? Troubleshooting EVABarrier/DuoTight Leaks

I’ve done several pressure tests with DuoTight Fittings and EVABarrier Tubing. Each test has proven the tested components were leak free. Having said that, it’s entirely possible that you’ll have a leak. This happens with any tubing system, that’s why we… check for leaks. Some tips…

  • Check for leaks. Liquid liquids are easy to spot. Gas leaks are a little more difficult.
  • I highly suggest picking up a DuoTight Pressure Gauge. You can easily add this to your setup and use this technique for checking for gas leaks.
  • If you have a section of EVABarrier tubing that’s marred or damaged, cut off a couple inches to get a fresh end.
  • Make sure you’re pushing the EVABarrier Tubing completely in to your DuoTight Fitting.
  • Make sure you’re pulling your EVABarrier Tubing out firmly to engage the sealing mechanism.
  • DuoTight Compatible Locking Clips can help protect connections and make sure the collar is engaged and properly sealing.
  • If you have a particular fitting that won’t seal… contact the seller or manufacturer to get a replacement. A leaking DuoTight fitting is not normal and I’m guessing your retailer will take care of you. Out of the dozens of fittings I have I’ve had 1 that was non-functional on receipt.

Upgrading BlowTie v1 to Digital

BlowTie v1 did not have an integrated gauge. It used a tee fitting to connect a keg QD to the PRV.

KL18081 can be used to upgrade BlowTie v1 to digital

My build is also upgraded with a Kegland DuoTight Ball Lock QD

Upgrading this assembly is as easy as swapping out the gauge. Since this is a DuoTight connection, no tools are needed.Side view of upgraded assembly

Buy DuoTight

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DuoTight Reviews, Resource Posts & How-To’s!

DuoTights are so amazing – at least in my book 🙂 – that I have several reviews and related top posts

My DuoTight Review!

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Our Spunding Guide

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Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. review:blowtie tag:tpr rs:5

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