how exactly does a keg work?  will it work on its side (horizonal)?

available pictures of a kegs anatomy helpful.

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Clarification of Question by jeffcouch-ga on 31 Jul 2006 14:50 PDT

To clarify I am asking:

How exactly does a BEER keg work?

This is a university page that explains how a keg works, using physics :)

http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Stu/tross/

This is a cross section of a Beer Keg

http://www.ericandtahna.com/Contiki/Images/ImagesByDay/Day35/Netherlands_Amsterdam_Eric_Roll24Img13_600pix.jpg

The gas is pumped in and pushes the Beer out of the other end.

These also are a useful addition for your reading.
http://www.nickelinstitute.org/index.cfm/ci_id/12606.htm
http://www.tejassmokers.com/ez_flow_professional.htm

"In modern beer dispensing, a metal keg is pressurised with carbon
dioxide (CO2) gas or nitrogen (N2) gas or a combination of both.
Pressure in the keg drives the beer to the dispensing tap, or faucet.

Pressurised CO2 in the keg's headspace maintains carbonation in the
beer. The CO2 pressure varies depending on the amount of CO2 already
in the beer and the keg storage temperature. Occasionally the CO2 gas
is blended with Nitrogen gas. CO2 / Nitrogen blends are used to allow
a higher operating pressure in complex dispense systems.

Nitrogen is used under high pressure when dispensing dry stouts (such
as Guinness) and other creamy beers because it displaces CO2 to form a
rich tight head and a less carbonated taste. This makes the beer feel
smooth on the palate and gives a foamy appearance. Premixed bottled
gas for creamy beers is usually 75% Nitrogen and 25% CO2. This
premixed gas which only works well with creamy beers is often referred
to as Guinness Gas, Beer Gas, or Aligal. Using "Beer Gas" with more
common ale and lager styles can cause the last 5% to 10% of the beer
in each keg to taste very flat and lifeless."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draught_beer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keg_beer

Hope this explains it all, I certainly understand how it is dispensed now.

--Keystroke-ga