What pressures are typical in beverage dispensing?

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What pressures are typical in beverage dispensing?

In a typical beverage dispensing installation, the required pressures can vary depending on factors such as the type of beer being dispensed.

Typically, CO₂ and N₂ for beer dispense are supplied to a BSL gas mixer at around 5.5 to 6 bar g and available from the mixer up to 4 bar g. However, mixed gas lines for beer dispense have pressure safety restrictions. 

Each line is fitted with two safety relief valves at a standard 55 psi, and CO₂ lines have an additional two safety relief valves at a standard 45 psi. These safety levels are set according to the UK Code of Practice and are related to the maximum working pressure of the downstream equipment, especially kegs. 

In theory, the kegs should never be exposed to more than 55 psi or 45 psi for CO₂. The exact final pressure setting used for beer dispense depends on factors such as the natural CO₂ content in the beer, the temperature of the settled keg in the cellar, the pressure drop involved in moving it and the type of mixed gas used to move it from the keg to the point of dispense. 

BSL offers a simple slide rule style calculator to help determine the final settings for your specific conditions, which is available on request.