Secondary Keg Fermentation/Extended Lagering

[mmbrew]

I was reading JohnnyMac's post on Keg fermentation - very nice set up indeed. I am planning to brew some Pilsner style Lagers and have limited carboys for extended lagering so hence my question on using kegs (I have 8 PIN lock kegs).

I plan on doing my primary fermentation in a 60L Speidel (love that unit) using Lagering techniques in a cold cellar, with temperature control as best I can, then diacetyl rest, etc... and then would like to rack to 2-3 kegs for extended lagering (so I don't tie up a carboy and it's easier to store in a fridge/keezer at cooler temps for 8+ weeks)

So here's my question or request for feedback:
1) should one week in primary (Speidel barrel), then another two weeks in a secondary (carboys for me) and then transfer to a keg for extended lagering (no force carbonation with CO2 until I plan on serving beer). Or straight into kegs for secondary fermentation and extended lagering.
2) Would I need to release a little bit of fermentation gas pressure from the keg daily or should I source some type of blow off valve to act as a airlock to not over pressurize the keg.

MarcM

[GuingesRock]

Following the diacetyl rest there will be little (for practical purposes, none) pressure build up. If the keg goes from a higher temperature, to a lower one, negative pressure will occur in the keg, which will then suck in air. It might be worth pressurizing the keg with a bit of CO2, if only to make sure the lid stays on tight, could purge the head space at the same time.

[mmbrew]

Thanks GR... Makes sense... Now I can start a few summer time beers with plenty of lagering time. With 5 ft of snow outside it seems counter intuitive to think about summertime beers (going to make a Saaz Bohemian Pilsner and a Jever Pilsner clone with 48 IBUs - loved that beer once upon a time in Germany) but going to plan it out.
Cheers

[GuingesRock]

Historically lagers were brewed during the winter months only, so it makes perfect sense. You'll be all set for the summer.

[bandarker]

I just got thinking about doing a lager - secondary in a corny with a blowoff could be awesome