Beer.
A keg coupler is a device that connects to a beer keg by touching its contents. Other beer equipment such as dispensers and taps can be connected to the coupler, helping to maintain proper carbonation and pressure levels depending on the drink. In general, there are six types of barrel couplers. Each is typically suitable for a certain variety of beer barrels and formulation. Manufacturers around the world often sell these couplers to beer distributors and retailers.
Some keg couplers can detect when a keg is nearly empty so foam doesn’t spill into a cup.
Standard keg coupler types make installation generally convenient without taking a lot of time or spilling significant amounts of beer in the process. Most kegs made in North America use a type of valve that allows almost any type of coupler to be attached. Beer kegs in other parts of the world, however, may feature one of four types of valves where the coupling mechanisms for each are generally different.
A keg coupler connects to a beer keg to extract its contents.
In the United States and Canada, a D-coupler is often used. The device is typically suitable for use with beers, lagers, and stouts, as well as wheat beer. Similar to this variety is the D-coupler, except that the stem of the product generally extends further into the barrel. An A-coupler is commonly used in Germany for low-carbon beer, while a G-coupler, commonly found in pubs in England and Ireland, is often compatible with heavy, low-carbon beer. The U-coupler is also often used with beer from these regions.
It’s usually not difficult to change a keg coupler at the end of the beer line. However, different check valve and grommet configurations can complicate removal and installation where the gas enters. Gas hoses can often be used with the D and S couplers and can be screwed on using a hex nut, while other types may require removal of the gas line when changing the coupler.
Some types of beer keg couplers have additional features. They can include foam detectors that turn off when the keg is about to empty, so foam doesn’t spill into a glass and mix with the beer. Keg couplers and related accessories such as screws, checkballs, retainers and safety kits can be purchased online for use in bars as well as in homes during gatherings where people drink beer.