TapCooler Hands Free

WARNING: You are dealing with pressurized systems using stuff you 3d printed in your own house designed by some guy on the internet. Please pressure check your system before first use, and wear safety glasses. I am not liable for any damage/harm to you, those around you, and/or your property. 

Hello Folks,

Here is a way to secure the TapCooler counter pressure bottle filler to the bottle without having to hold it the whole time it is filling.

Additionally if you are using the extension tube instead of mounting the filler directly to the tap there is an optional mount to mount it to a bit of wood so that you can mount it to your kegerator or whatever you like to make the whole process easier. I have tested this with standard neck bottles, and the ones with the shorter flare like you find on Abita bottles. That is why the setup offers adjustability.

If you still want to use the TapCooler directly inserted into your faucet you can still use most of this design to clip the bottle to the filler so that you don't have to stand there holding the filler to the faucet while filling under pressure. The mounting piece is completely optional, and the rest of the parts slot into the mount via dovetails so the whole thing is as flexible as you want your process to be.

Extra hardware required 

#10-24 x 1/2" pan head screw 

#10-24 Nut (Should insert into the nut knob so that you have a knurled knob for making the adjustments)

Kreg 1-1/4" screw to attach the mount to the wood. 

Right Angle Bracket - I used this bracket on the back of my piece of wood to keep it from sliding down. 

I find that the offering from TapCooler for the remote line is a bit jank. You can use this adapter to go from the M10 thread where the faucet adapter threads in to a 1/4" Flare. You can get a duotight or John guest fitting that goes from the flare fitting to a push to connect fitting that fits whatever tube you want, from there feel free to adapt the other end of your tubing to attach to whatever you like. I am personally using a ball lock disconnect to attach it to the ball lock adapter on my Intertap Faucet, this way I don't need an extra valve.

Amazon.com: Podavelle 4AN Male to M10x1.0 Male Stainless Steel Brake Fitting Adapter Connector : Automotive

Some Useful Info

I have printed this in PETG using the Bambu 0.2" Strong preset. Aim for 6 walls and try to keep the flow rate below 8mm^3/s.

I have printed the Nut Knob on a textured PEI sheet, it gives the bottom of the knob the texture which ends up working like a lock washer.

See image for how to orient the top section on the build plate to avoid supports. See overall diagram on how to put it together. 

UPDATE: After a bit more testing I found that in some cases while loading in a new bottle, it is possible for the whole assembly to pop out of the mount. To remedy this I have added a hole in the mount and the bottom piece where you can insert a short piece of filament or a screw to prevent the issue. I am going with the filament route as it is easy to reverse.

I am currently holding the wood to my keezer using  a clamp, however I am working on a vise type setup. As I assume everyone's setup is a bit different. Feel free to use the mount to put together what works for you.

Instructions For Use

1. Separate your sanitized bottles so that you use ones with similar type necks together so that you don't have to keep adjusting the depth between bottles. 

2. Sanitize everything

3. Connect your liquid and gas supply.

4. Loosen the adjustment nut/knob

5. Crank down the relief valve on the TapCooler down enough so that it can hold your purge pressure without relieving. (10-12 psig)

6. Have the straw/tapcooler pivoted forward so that you can raise the bottle up onto the stopper on the filler. 

7. Pivot the filler/bottle assembly back so that the bottle clicks into the lower part of the assembly.

8. While pressing down on the tap cooler so that it is secure to the bottle, tighten down the adjustment knob.

9. Pressure check your bottle to filler seal by pressurizing the bottle using the button on the TapCooler

10. Check for leaks using Star San or other soapy liquid.

11. Once you have the depth set so that you aren't seeing leaks start filling your bottle and loosen the relief on the TapCooler until you are flowing at your desired rate without foaming.

12. Once your bottle is sufficiently filled, tip the bottle forward to remove.

13. Clip in your new bottle, purge, and fill to your hearts content.

NOTE: Please use the general best practices for filling your bottles, pre chill your bottles if you can, before your first fill, purge out a bit of beer through the lines to get everything cold to reduce foam, cap on foam when possible.

This is a work in progress, I am working on adding a way to direct the liquid out from the relief valve to make less of a mess. As these additions come in I will be adding them here, stay tuned.

If you like my design or found it helpful, please rate, share a make, or toss up a like. Happy Printing!