DraftVerify Trust Every Pour.
DraftVerify Standards Library · F-26

Gas Management & Pressure Safety

Version 1.0 · Publication Date: 2025-01-01 · Status: Active
© 2025 DraftVerify™ Standards Initiative. All rights reserved.

This standard defines the gas handling, pressure control, regulator configuration, and safety requirements for non-alcoholic (NA) draft systems operating under the DraftVerify Standard.

NA draft products are highly sensitive to foaming, over-pressurization, and temperature shifts, making gas management critical to preserving service quality and identity integrity.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to:

  • Ensure safe and stable gas delivery
  • Prevent over-pressurization and system damage
  • Maintain consistent pour quality across venues
  • Reduce service disruptions caused by incorrect gas settings
  • Protect staff and equipment from gas-related hazards

Correct gas management is essential for reliable NA draft service.

2. Scope

Applies to:

  • Single-keg NA draft systems
  • Multi-tap systems
  • Mixed towers with alcoholic and NA products
  • Bars, restaurants, stadiums, and multi-venue operators
  • Any system verified under the DraftVerify Standard

Includes requirements for:

  • CO₂, Nitrogen, and blended gas types
  • Tank handling and storage
  • Regulator configuration
  • Line pressure settings
  • Leak checks
  • Safety equipment
  • Staff responsibilities

3. Gas Types Allowed for NA Draft

3.1 CO₂ (100%)

Permitted when:

  • Compatible with product carbonation
  • Pressure kept within manufacturer specs

3.2 Nitrogen (100%)

Used for:

  • Stout-style NA beers
  • Specialty systems requiring nitrogen cascading

3.3 Beer Gas (CO₂/N₂ Blend)

Blends such as:

  • 70/30
  • 60/40
  • 55/45

Must match:

  • Brewery recommendations
  • System design requirements
  • Regulator capabilities

Incorrect gas blends may cause severe NA product degradation.

4. Tank Handling & Storage Requirements

4.1 Cylinder Security (Mandatory)

Gas cylinders must be:

  • Secured by chain or strap
  • Stored upright
  • Kept away from heat sources
  • Not transported or rolled horizontally

4.2 Label Visibility

All gas cylinders must have:

  • Legible gas type labels
  • Pressure certification within valid range

4.3 Separation

Store gas cylinders:

  • Away from electrical equipment
  • Away from corrosive chemicals
  • In a ventilated area

5. Regulator & Line Configuration

For venues serving NA and alcoholic products:

  • Separate regulators prevent crossover issues
  • NA product can be optimized individually

5.2 Regulator Settings

Regulators must be:

  • Clearly labeled with gas type
  • Set within brewery-provided pressure range
  • Adjusted only by trained personnel

5.3 Check Valves (Required)

All NA lines must include:

  • A functioning check valve
  • Installed at or near the coupler
  • Preventing backflow into shared systems

5.4 Pressure Gauges

Must display:

  • Tank pressure
  • Line pressure

If unreadable → system fails compliance.

6. Pressure Safety Requirements

6.1 Safe Pressure Range

Typical operating pressure for NA draft:

  • 10–14 PSI for standard carbonated beers
  • 20–30 PSI for nitrogenated products

Exact values must follow brewery specifications.

6.2 Over-Pressurization Prevention

Signs of dangerous over-pressure:

  • Excessive foaming
  • Violent pour start
  • Whistling at faucet
  • Regulator creep

If suspected:

  • Stop service
  • Shut tank valve
  • Contact system technician

6.3 Emergency Shutoff

Every venue must have:

  • Accessible tank shutoff valve
  • Clear labeling
  • Staff trained to close valve instantly

7. Leak Detection & Maintenance

7.1 Leak Testing (Mandatory)

Check for leaks:

  • At cylinder connection
  • At regulator
  • Along gas lines
  • At coupler

Use:

  • Soapy water solution or
  • Electronic leak detector

7.2 Maintenance Frequency

Minimum:

  • Monthly leak testing
  • Quarterly regulator inspection
  • Annual full-system review

7.3 Component Replacement

Replace immediately if:

  • Regulator creep occurs
  • Gauges flicker or stick
  • Gas smell is present
  • Hissing is observed

8. Service Quality Standards

Correct gas management results in:

  • Stable carbonation
  • Consistent pour rate
  • Reduced foaming
  • Product integrity from keg to glass

Incorrect gas management may cause:

  • Excessive foam
  • Flat or “dead” pours
  • Cloudy or hazy appearance
  • Loss of NA identity quality

Such conditions must be logged and corrected.

9. Staff Training Requirements

Staff must be trained on:

  • Gas cylinder safety
  • Regulator adjustments
  • Identifying over/under carbonation
  • Leak detection
  • Emergency shutoff
  • Product-specific gas needs

Training occurs:

  • During onboarding
  • Annually
  • When equipment changes

10. Compliance Requirements

A system is DraftVerify-compliant only if:

  • Gas type matches brewery requirements
  • Regulators are labeled and safely configured
  • Pressure settings are correct
  • Leak tests are passed
  • Cylinders are secured
  • Staff follow gas safety procedures

Non-compliance triggers:

  • Immediate corrective action
  • Safety lockout if necessary
  • Potential removal from certification

11. Summary

The Gas Management & Pressure Safety Standard ensures:

  • Proper carbonation
  • Safe operation
  • Stable pressure delivery
  • High-quality NA draft service
  • Alignment with DraftVerify identity integrity

Correct gas management protects both product quality and venue safety.