CO2 and pressure regulators
Carbon dioxide (CO2) pushes the beer from the keg to the tap. The pressure regulator reduces the high cylinder pressure to the working pressure of your dispensing system.
Which pressure regulator?
| Drink | Pressure regulator | Outlet |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | max. 3 bar | 3/4 inch male thread |
| Soft drinks such as lemonade, cola, sparkling water (post-mix) | up to 7 bar | 1/2 inch male thread |
| both from one cylinder | combination regulator 3 + 7 bar | 3/4 and 1/2 inch |
- Multi-way pressure regulators supply several lines from one cylinder.
- Secondary regulators sit behind the main regulator and set a separate pressure for a single line – useful when several drinks are dispensed at different pressures.
- “Cylinder connection right, left, rear or bottom” describes on which side the regulator is connected to the cylinder. Choose it to suit the space on the wall or in the system.
How long does a CO2 cylinder last?
| Cylinder | lasts for (rule of thumb) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 kg CO2 | approx. 150 litres of beer |
| 2 kg CO2 | approx. 500 litres of beer |
The cylinder contents gauge shows the pressure in the cylinder. As long as there is still liquid CO2 inside, this pressure stays almost the same. If the needle drops noticeably, the cylinder is almost empty – have a spare cylinder ready.
The right dispensing pressure
How much pressure is needed depends on the beer, the temperature and the length and height of the line. Typical signs:
- Pressure too high: the beer absorbs additional carbon dioxide and foams heavily when tapped.
- Pressure too low: carbon dioxide escapes from the beer – it goes flat and also foams.
If in doubt, ask the brewery or write to us.
Without CO2: dispensing with an air compressor
Dry coolers with a built-in air compressor generate the dispensing pressure themselves – you need neither a CO2 cylinder nor a pressure regulator. Because air gets into the keg, the keg should be emptied within one to two days.
- Always stand CO2 cylinders upright and secure them against falling over.
- Do not place them in the sun or next to heat sources.
- CO2 is heavier than air and collects at floor level: ensure good ventilation in cellars and small rooms.
- Tighten connections with a suitable spanner and check them for leaks.
Matching products
Questions about your system? Write to us – we are happy to help. More topics under Good to know.
All information without guarantee. The manufacturers’ operating instructions and notes are authoritative.