DraftVerify Standards Library · F-27

System Modification Protocol

This protocol governs how draft systems may be modified, expanded, repurposed, or updated when serving non-alcoholic (NA) products under the DraftVerify Standard.

Any change to the draft system—even seemingly minor adjustments—can impact NA integrity, verification accuracy, and product safety.
This protocol ensures modifications are performed safely, documented properly, and never compromise DraftVerify’s identity chain.

1. Purpose of This Protocol

The System Modification Protocol ensures:

NA products remain isolated and identifiable
Changes do not invalidate DraftVerify verification or compliance
Lines, faucets, couplers, and towers maintain correct mapping
Gas systems remain safe and aligned with brewery requirements
Venues and distributors retain full traceability after changes
DraftVerify Registry data stays accurate and up-to-date

2. Scope

This protocol applies to all modifications of:

Beverage lines
Towers and faucets
Couplers and keg connectors
Gas systems and regulators
Cooler layout or routing
Tap handles and ID markers
DraftVerify Coupler Tags or Line Tags
Installation of new NA lines
Repurposing alcoholic lines for NA service

It applies to:

Bars
Restaurants
Breweries
Stadiums
Multi-venue groups
Distributors managing on-site installations

3. Authorized Personnel

3.1 Who May Modify a System

Only:

Draft technicians
Brewery-approved installers
Distributor draft specialists
DraftVerify-trained technicians

3.2 Who May NOT Modify a System

The following staff may not make modifications:

General bartenders
Servers
Managers without technical training
Venue owners without certification

Unauthorized modification voids DraftVerify compliance until corrected.

4. Types of Approved Modifications

Modifications fall into four categories:

4.1 Minor Adjustments (Low-Risk)

Allowed with documentation:

Replacing a worn gasket
Tightening clamps
Replacing a faucet washer
Adjusting CO₂/N₂ pressure within brewery limits

4.2 Line Reassignment (Moderate-Risk)

Allowed only after:

Updating Line ID Tag
Updating DraftVerify Registry mapping
Performing full verification scan

Examples:

Switching a line from Lager → IPA
Reassigning a faucet to a different product

4.3 Infrastructure Changes (High-Risk)

Requires technician:

Installing new lines
Changing tower or faucet hardware
Rerouting beverage line pathways
Installing new regulators
Installing additional NA-dedicated lines

4.4 System Expansion (Critical-Risk)

Requires:

DraftVerify pre-approval
Full documentation
Compliance inspection

Examples:

Adding an entire NA-dedicated tower
Converting existing towers to multi-product service

5. Modification Workflow

Every modification must follow this workflow:

Step 1 — Pre-Modification Assessment

Technician must record:

Current faucet → line → coupler → keg mapping
Current gas settings
Current DraftVerify tag IDs
Any existing issues (foaming, contamination, leaks)

If NA lines are mixed with alcoholic lines → flag for required separation.

Step 2 — Perform Modification Safely

All work must:

Follow manufacturer specs
Avoid damaging coupler tags
Avoid removing or covering Line Tags
Maintain sanitary conditions
Prevent coiling, kinking, or crushing lines

Step 3 — Update DraftVerify Physical Identifiers

If anything changes, the technician must:

Replace Line ID Tags if product identity changes
Confirm Coupler Tag zip tie integrity
Ensure Tower Markers (if used) match new configuration

Any broken or removed tag requires replacement.

Step 4 — Update DraftVerify Registry Mapping

Technician must update:

Faucet mapping
Line assignment
Gas type and pressure settings
Product identity per line

Incorrect digital mapping is considered the same as mis-labeling a keg.

Step 5 — Verification Scan (Mandatory)

Each coupler tag must be scanned to confirm:

Correct product
Correct NA category
Correct line assignment
No registry mismatches

A system cannot resume service until mapping is validated.

Step 6 — Post-Modification Testing

Perform:

Flow test
Foaming check
Leak check
Gas pressure validation
Taste-and-clarity check (if brewery allows)

Step 7 — Documentation & Sign-off

Technician must finalize:

Modification report
Updated system map
Updated registry entries
Photos of line tags, couplers, and tower

Venue manager must sign off that:

System is operational
Identity mapping is correct
Staff understand changes

6. Prohibited Modifications

The following actions are strictly prohibited:

Removing or relocating DraftVerify Coupler Tags
Cutting and reusing Coupler Tag zip ties
Repurposing NA lines for alcoholic products without full verification
Mixing NA and alcoholic products on the same gas line when not approved
Using non-brewery-approved gas blends
Changing pressure settings beyond manufacturer limits
Installing unlabelled lines or faucets

Violations result in immediate loss of DraftVerify compliance.

7. Reporting Requirements

After modification, technician must record:

Date of modification
Technician name & certification
Description of change
Product identities affected
Updated mapping
Verification scan results
Any issues discovered

Reports must be kept for 12 months and provided during audits.

8. Compliance Requirements

A venue is compliant only if:

All modifications are documented
Registry mapping is accurate
All tags remain intact and readable
Verification scans are performed
Only authorized personnel make changes

If any modification fails compliance:

System must not serve NA draft
Corrective action must be taken
DraftVerify may require inspection

9. Summary

The System Modification Protocol ensures:

NA identity remains correct after any system change
Draft lines are always properly mapped
Verification remains reliable
Staff and technicians avoid accidental mis-serve
Venues maintain safe, accurate, and compliant NA draft service

Modification without documentation is one of the leading causes of NA mis-serve.
This protocol eliminates that risk through clear rules and mandatory verification.