Keg Coupler Parts: A Rundown of the D-System Coupler

Mankind has been drinking beer for a long time, and we've definitely gotten better at dispensing  it over the years. Keg coupler parts are part of present day equipment that helps beer pour better. More importantly they are essential to a draft beer system.The first kegs came out in 1936, a few years after Prohibition ended. These were the perfect tool for keeping beer cold, fresh, and ready to serve.

Since then, we've come to rely on this classic means of beer storage. The concept is basic enough: you've got your keg, CO2 to prime the system, your beer faucet, and your keg coupler. When you're shopping for a keg coupler for your draft system, there are many types to choose from. Often, you'll choose a D-system coupler, which is the most popular one for American-made brews. But how does the D-system keg coupler work? We've got answers for you right here. Read on for a complete rundown of the D-system keg coupler.

Different Types of Couplers To Know

 Commercial kegs use a cut-and-dried system of labeling with a letter to help you know which to use with the keg.Since American and Import kegs are designed differently. You'll need the right coupler based on the brews you're serving in your establishment.

 Luckily, it's pretty simple to figure out. You can always ask the distributor for the right keg coupler to dispense that beer. Secondly, Here's a list of the different types of couplers and the beers they work with:

• A D-system  fits most of your American beers, such as Coors, Miller, Budweiser, and American-made craft beer
• An A-system fits most German kegs, such as Spaten and Warsteiner
• An M-system  fits select German kegs, such as Schneider and Einbecker
• An S-system fits many import kegs, like Becks and Heineken
• A G-system fits some European kegs, such as Bass and Anchor Steam
• A U-system fits some major European kegs, most notably Guinness and Harp

When you're deciding which keg coupler to use, simply take a look at the beverages you're dispensing, and ask your distributor. Then, you can choose accordingly.

One more type of coupler to be familiar with is the cornelius keg coupler, or corny keg parts.

The D-System Keg Coupler

 Your D-system keg coupler is designed to be used with American kegs, which are also known as Sankey kegs. These work with most North American beers, such as MGD, Bud Light, Coors, Blue Moon, and Pabst Blue Ribbon, and most craft beers.

Here's a picture of the D-system coupler and all of it's parts below.

Parts of a D-system coupler

Here's a video disassembling the D-system coupler.

Keg Coupler Setup

 Once you've got your new keg coupler, installing it is pretty straightforward. 

• Attach your Primary CO2 regulator to the CO2 cylinder, making sure the cylinder is filled and the valve is closed
• Attach one end of the gas line to the "gas out" port on your regulator, securing it with a otiker clamp, or hose clamp. 
• Attach the opposite end of the gas line to the "gas in" port on your coupler. Which is on the front of the keg coupler.
• Attach your beer line to the "liquid out" port on your coupler. This is located on top of the coupler. Pull your keg coupler to its "up" position 
• Turn coupler slightly clockwise until it stops. 
• Pull out your handle, pushing down to tap the keg. Once you've done this, your keg coupler is secured and ready to go. Just (slowly!) turn on your CO2. Then, adjust your serving pressure accordingly.

Shopping for a Keg Coupler

There are a lot of keg couplers to choose from, but choosing the one you need is pretty simple. Now that you know more about systems and the D-system coupler. Click here for best D-couplers.

Remember stainless steel couplers are the way to go simply due to the fact that they last longer, sanitary reasons, and the quality overall is better.

If you want some more in-depth information on how to use a keg coupler check this out. And if you want a more in depth look at how the keg coupler fits in with a draft beer system.

Cheers!