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DraftVerify Standards Library · F-24

System Design Requirements

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

This document defines the engineering, layout, and operational design requirements for draft beverage systems serving non-alcoholic (NA) products under the DraftVerify Standard.

NA draft introduces unique identity, contamination, and compliance risks.
These requirements ensure that system design supports:

  • Correct product identity
  • NA separation
  • Cleaning accessibility
  • Safe operational conditions
  • Compatibility with the DraftVerify identity chain

F-24 does not replace local engineering or safety codes — it supplements them with NA-specific identity and operational safeguards.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to:

  • Establish uniform design expectations for NA draft service
  • Ensure system layouts support DraftVerify tagging and verification
  • Prevent cross-connection or accidental NA ↔ alcoholic mixing
  • Reduce mis-serve risk through physical and operational design
  • Improve auditability and traceability throughout the system
  • Support maintenance, cleaning, and line switching protocols

2. Scope

Applies to:

  • Bars, restaurants, taprooms
  • Stadiums and high-volume venues
  • Breweries with service systems
  • Multi-venue chains
  • Draft system installers and technicians

Covers:

  • Cooler layout & kegroom organization
  • Line routing & identification
  • Tower design requirements
  • Hardware compatibility
  • Gas system configuration
  • Workflow and access considerations
  • Identity support infrastructure (tags, labels, signage)

3. System Architecture Requirements

3.1 Dedicated NA Pathway

Every NA draft system must maintain a clearly defined pathway:

Keg → Coupler → Beverage Line → Tower → Faucet

At no point may the NA pathway be temporarily or permanently connected to:

  • Alcoholic product
  • Cleaning reservoir without proper sanitization
  • Reassigned lines without documentation (see F-39)

3.2 Physical Layout

System design must allow:

  • Clear visibility of keg collars
  • Easy access to coupler tags for NFC scanning
  • Stable positioning that prevents tag damage

3.3 Technician Access

Installers must ensure:

  • Full access to couplers for scanning
  • Safe access to line tags
  • Service clearance for faucet disassembly
  • Adequate lighting in the kegroom

4. Cooler & Kegroom Requirements

4.1 NA Separation Zone

Kegs must be stored in:

  • A dedicated NA-only rack or
  • A physically separated zone with signage

Mixed stacking with alcoholic kegs is not permitted.

4.2 Identity Visibility

The following must remain visible:

  • Keg collar
  • Coupler tag
  • Sidewall band (if used)

4.3 Environmental Requirements

Design must support:

  • Temperatures safe for NFC tag durability
  • Dry, non-abrasive surfaces preventing tag wear
  • Clean floors free from corrosive chemicals

5. Line Routing Requirements

5.1 Consistency

Each line must have:

  • A clear, uninterrupted route
  • No unnecessary loops or crossings
  • Secure mounting that prevents abrasion

5.2 Line Tag Placement

Must follow F-8:

  • Within first 30–45 cm (12–18 in.) from coupler
  • Readable orientation
  • Clear, fixed attachment

5.3 NA Line Differentiation

NA lines must use:

  • Gold identity color
  • Unique alphanumeric identifier
  • Matching documentation in F-18 venue map

6. Tower & Faucet Requirements

6.1 Faucet Identification

Faucets serving NA must:

  • Be clearly labeled
  • Use optional DraftVerify tower markers where needed
  • Match the identity chain (keg → line → faucet)

6.2 Tower Design

Must support:

  • Adequate spacing to differentiate NA taps
  • Easy visibility of faucet ID
  • No obstruction during service

6.3 High-Volume Venues

Stadiums or festivals may require:

  • Additional signage
  • Redundant labeling
  • Dedicated NA-only towers

7. Coupler Requirements

System must allow:

  • Secure zip-tie attachment of coupler tags
  • NFC scanning before connection
  • No obstruction from system hardware
  • No rotation or interference caused by coupler design

Couplers must be compatible with the DraftVerify coupler tag geometry.

8. Gas System Requirements

8.1 Pressure Safety

CO₂ or blended gas systems must:

  • Meet regional pressure vessel standards
  • Be equipped with functional regulators
  • Be maintained according to safety guidelines

8.2 NA Compatibility

Gas systems must not:

  • Introduce off-flavors
  • Cross-feed between NA and alcoholic lines
  • Use contaminated or oil-lubricated regulators

8.3 Documentation

Technicians must record gas system checks in:

  • Cleaning Logs (F-21)
  • Service Logs (part of F-18)

9. Cleaning System Compatibility

9.1 Access for Chemical Cleaning

System layout must allow:

  • Full recirculation cleaning
  • Faucet disassembly
  • Coupler cleaning without removing identity tags

9.2 NA Safety

Cleaning equipment must:

  • Prevent accidental chemical residue in NA lines
  • Indicate clearly which reservoir feeds which lines

9.3 Post-Cleaning Verification

After cleaning, identity tags must still be:

  • Visible
  • Secure
  • Undamaged

10. Identity Infrastructure Requirements

10.1 NFC Scan Zones

Design must ensure staff can:

  • Access coupler tags without twisting or bending
  • Scan tags in tight cooler spaces

10.2 Signage

Venues must include:

  • NA zone signage
  • NA-only line identification
  • Staff reminders for verification workflow

10.3 Redundant Identity Support

Optional but recommended:

  • Sidewall bands
  • Tower markers
  • Cooler maps

11. System Documentation Requirements

Installers must provide:

11.1 Line Map (Required)

Document showing:

  • Every line’s identity
  • NA vs alcoholic designation
  • Coupler position
  • Tower position

11.2 Installation Report

Includes:

  • Date of installation
  • Technician name
  • Components installed
  • Pressure system settings
  • Any custom modifications

11.3 Venue Identity Packet

Delivered to managers and staff:

  • Product map
  • Line map
  • Verification workflow
  • Coupler tag overview

12. Compliance Requirements

A system is DraftVerify-compliant when:

  • NA lines are physically separated
  • Identity chain supports scanning & visibility
  • Cleaning is compatible with tag retention
  • Tower design avoids mis-identification
  • Documentation is complete
  • Staff can follow verification workflow without obstruction

Non-compliant system design may:

  • Fail DraftVerify audits
  • Trigger reinstallation requirements
  • Increase mis-serve risk

13. Summary

The System Design Requirements ensure:

  • Safe, reliable NA draft service
  • Physical and visual identity integrity
  • Compliance with DraftVerify verification workflows
  • Reduced risk of cross-contamination
  • Clear lines, clean layouts, and predictable operation

System design is the foundation of NA draft safety — and the DraftVerify Standard provides the structure for doing it right.