CO38 Tapping Head Kit is a compact kegging accessory designed to turn a compatible PCO38 vessel into a practical ball lock dispensing system. It is a convenient option for homebrewers, cocktail makers and beverage enthusiasts who want a lightweight and economical alternative to a traditional stainless steel keg.

The tapping head is designed for standard PCO38 bottle necks, including compatible 8L PET kegs. Once fitted, the gas and liquid ball lock posts allow the vessel to connect to common homebrew disconnects, regulators and beverage lines.

This kit includes the main tapping components required for gas input and liquid pickup. The keg shown in product images is not included and must be purchased separately.

An Affordable Entry into Kegging

The PCO38 keg system provides a straightforward way to begin kegging without investing in a full-size stainless steel setup.

It is useful for:

• Small homebrew batches
• Test recipes
• Portable serving systems
• Wine
• Cocktails
• Beer
• Cider
• Soft drinks
• Sparkling water
• Other compatible beverages

Its light weight and compact size also make it suitable for parties, camping, picnics and temporary draught setups.

Fits Standard PCO38 Bottle Necks

The PCO38 Tapping Head Kit is designed to screw onto compatible PCO38 bottle necks.

These necks are commonly used on selected PET keg vessels, including 8L Oxebar-style kegs and other compatible containers.

Before purchase, confirm:

• Neck thread type
• Vessel pressure rating
• Cap compatibility
• Maximum working pressure
• Temperature limits
• Beverage suitability

Do not install the tapping head on an unapproved container.

Gas and Liquid Ball Lock Posts

The tapping head includes separate gas and liquid ball lock posts.

This allows connection to standard homebrew ball lock disconnects.

The usual configuration is:

• Gas post for regulated CO₂ input
• Liquid post for beverage dispensing

A complete system may also require:

• Grey gas ball lock disconnect
• Black liquid ball lock disconnect
• CO₂ cylinder
• Gas regulator
• Beverage line
• Gas line
• Tap or picnic faucet

These items are not included unless stated separately.

2.5 Bar Pressure Relief Valve

The kit includes a 2.5 bar pressure relief valve.

The valve is designed to release excess pressure if the vessel exceeds the valve’s set limit, helping protect the kegging system during normal use.

Important points:

• Never block the pressure relief valve
• Inspect it before each use
• Confirm it moves freely
• Do not exceed the vessel’s rated pressure
• Use only regulated gas
• Replace damaged pressure-control components

The pressure relief valve does not remove the need for careful pressure management.

Silicone Elbow and Dip Tube

The kit includes a silicone elbow and dip tube for drawing beverage from inside the keg.

The dip tube directs liquid from the vessel to the liquid ball lock post.

Depending on the final configuration, it may be used with a weighted or filtered pickup arrangement.

Correct tube length is important. A tube that is too long may curl or interfere with liquid flow, while one that is too short may leave beverage behind.

Trim only if required and test the pickup before use.

Beverage Filter

A filter is included to help reduce larger particles entering the dip tube.

This can be useful when dispensing beverages that may contain:

• Hop matter
• Fruit particles
• Yeast
• Sediment
• Spices
• Other suspended solids

The filter does not replace proper settling or clarification.

Very heavy sediment may still restrict flow, so avoid disturbing the vessel immediately before dispensing.

Engineered Plastic Construction

The tapping head is manufactured from quality engineering plastics.

These materials are designed to offer:

• Low weight
• Good chemical resistance
• Robust everyday performance
• Compatibility with common brewing chemicals
• Suitability for repeated assembly and removal
• Cost-effective kegging

The plastics are described as capable of tolerating a wide range of brewing chemicals and relatively high temperatures.

However, always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and temperature instructions. Do not expose the complete assembled system to heat beyond the lowest-rated component.

Suitable for Many Beverages

The tapping head may be used with compatible vessels for:

• Beer
• Wine
• Cocktails
• Cider
• Ginger beer
• Hard seltzer
• Soft drinks
• Sparkling water
• Kombucha
• Other suitable beverages

Sweet, acidic and strongly flavoured drinks require thorough cleaning to prevent residue and flavour carryover.

General Assembly Guide

A typical setup may include:

1. Clean and sanitise the tapping head and internal parts.
2. Inspect the PCO38 vessel and neck.
3. Fit the dip tube and filter.
4. Connect the silicone elbow where required.
5. Check the gas and liquid posts.
6. Inspect the pressure relief valve.
7. Screw the tapping head onto the vessel.
8. Tighten securely by hand.
9. Connect the gas and liquid disconnects.
10. Apply low regulated pressure.
11. Check all fittings for leaks.
12. Increase pressure only as required.

Follow the manufacturer’s assembly instructions where supplied.

Pressure Testing

Before filling with a valuable beverage, complete a water test.

A general check includes:

1. Fill the compatible vessel with water.
2. Install the tapping head.
3. Connect a regulated gas supply.
4. Apply low pressure.
5. Check the cap, posts, PRV and tubing for leaks.
6. Increase pressure gradually within the vessel’s rated limits.
7. Release pressure before disassembly.

Never pressure-test with an unregulated gas source.

Cleaning and Sanitation

Clean the tapping head after every use.

Recommended cleaning steps include:

• Release all pressure
• Remove the tapping head
• Disassemble compatible parts
• Rinse the dip tube and filter
• Wash with suitable brewery cleaner
• Flush the gas and liquid pathways
• Rinse where required
• Sanitise before reuse
• Allow parts to dry fully

Use only cleaning chemicals and concentrations suitable for the plastic, silicone and seal materials.

Chemical and Heat Resistance

The engineering plastics used in the tapping head are designed to tolerate many chemicals used in brewing.

Even so:

• Follow cleaner dilution instructions
• Avoid indefinite soaking
• Do not mix chemicals
• Inspect parts after strong cleaning cycles
• Replace swollen, cracked or discoloured parts
• Do not assume every component has the same heat rating

The assembled tapping head should be used according to the lowest temperature limit of all connected parts.

Portable Kegging Applications

The PCO38 system is particularly useful for portable setups.

It can be used for:

• Camping
• BBQs
• Picnics
• Parties
• Homebrew club events
• Small tasting batches
• Fridge-door keg systems
• Compact bench-top dispensers

Keep the connected vessel cold and secure during transport.

Important Notes

• The 8L keg shown in photos is not included.
• A compatible PCO38 vessel must be purchased separately.
• Ball lock disconnects are not included.
• CO₂ cylinder and regulator are not included.
• A beverage tap or faucet is not included.
• Confirm the vessel’s pressure rating before use.
• Use regulated gas only.
• Never block the pressure relief valve.
• Clean and sanitise before use.
• Check all gas and liquid connections for leaks.
• Replace damaged or worn components immediately.

PCO38 Tapping Head Kit is a versatile and cost-effective way to add standard ball lock connections to a compatible PCO38 keg or bottle. Its gas and liquid posts, 2.5 bar pressure relief valve, dip tube and filter make it a practical choice for small-batch and portable beverage dispensing.