Whether you are a homebrewer or pouring beer in a commercial setting, a Nitrogen or CO2 regulator is a crucial piece of equipment for beer dispensing.
In the brewing process, the quality of carbon dioxide plays a huge role, which affects the taste and foaminess of the drink, as well as its stability during storage.
The contents of gas tanks are under very high pressure. During production, storage or bottling situations often arise when the pressure needs to be corrected.
That is why you need a regulator: it lowers pressure to a safer level before carbon dioxide or nitrogen reaches the keg.
It remains only to choose the optimal type of regulator. For more details keep reading our article.
CO2 Regulator Instructions
Start by connecting the CO2 regulator to your carbon dioxide cylinder.
- In simple draft configurations, the air line runs from the regulator to the keg coupler.
- If you are pouring several kegs from one gas tank, the air line might pass through a gas mixer or secondary regulator before it reaches the coupler.
As you can see, the pressure in the tank plays a huge role. Experienced brewers recommend setting it within 10-12 pounds per square inch (for carbon dioxide cylinders). This will help you achieve the right level of carbonation.
If the pressure is too low, you’ll get a very foamy drink. Too high pressure often leads to over-pressurized foamy beer.
To correct the problem you need:
- Remove the lid on the regulator. There is a spring under it and a dial with an adjustment screw.
- To lower, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise.
- To increase, turn the adjustment screw clockwise.
How Do You Use a Nitrogen Regulator?
Nitrogen Regulator is required in case you want to dispense Guinnes or any other nitro beverage.
It is designed to moderate gas pressure within 30-40 PSI.
This equipment has its installation features:
- Like a CO2 regulator, it connects directly to the gas tank to moderate its pressure.
- Unlike a CO2 regulator, it attaches to the tank with a female stem piece.
The pressure level is regulated in the same way as with the carbon dioxide regulator. Just turn the screw clockwise to increase the pressure, or counterclockwise to lower it.
Nitrogen Regulator vs CO2 Regulator
Do you know which equipment is best suited for your production?
We are ready to help you in choosing this device:
- Decide what kind of beer you are to brew. As we said above, some varieties need a nitrogen regulator.
- Unlike the carbon dioxide regulator, nitrogen one is attached to the external thread with conical fittings.
- These two devices are not interchangeable. Because the nitrogen regulator is designed for higher pressure.
If you want to try nitro beer brewing without buying a new Nitrogen Regulator, you can instead buy a CO2 nitrogen adapter.
Do you know what you need and where to buy suitable equipment?
Visit the Beverage Craft online store. Here you will find a wide selection of various regulators, shut-off valves, and other products.
Beverage Craft experts will gladly help you understand how to adjust and maintain the required gas pressure to produce the most delicious and fresh beer!
