Carbon Dioxide (CO2) helps a beverage maintain its taste, scent, and carbonation level. If you recently purchased a pub and will be serving your patrons beer, soda, and other carbonated beverages, upgrading an existing CO2 tank to a larger one will require that your tank is filled. Learn about the filling and replenishment process and the proper way to handle a tank that contains CO2.
A Metal Tank
Aluminum is a metal that is typically used to construct CO2 tanks. Aluminum will not tarnish or compromise the properties of the CO2 that is stored inside a tank. Tanks are rated by the number of gallons that they hold. When CO2 is added to a tank, pressurized gas will be administered through a nozzle.
The gas will remain in a gaseous state unless a tank is overfilled. When overfilling occurs, gas molecules are crowded together and turn into a liquid state. Temperature fluctuations and pressure variations should be monitored closely. A pressure valve is located on the top of most tanks. This valve will help an end-user keep track of the status of the CO2 that is stored inside a tank.
The Refilling Process
A tank should be hooked up inside of the pub and ready for usage with each carbonated beverage that you will be serving. You will be able to determine when a tank needs to be refilled. If dispensed beverages aren't bubbly and have a flat taste, more CO2 is needed. One way to prevent serving your customers stale, flat beverages is by investing in multiple tanks or signing up for a tank exchange program.
Learn how to properly disconnect an active tank and how to install a new one that has recently been refilled. Keep track of how many beverages you are able to serve with the use of one full tank. After you sell a lot of carbonated beverages, inspect the gauge on the CO2 tank. This will help you determine if the CO2 is beginning to run low.
If you have an existing tank refilled or exchanged and notice that the pressure within the tank is higher than normal, adjust the valve that is on the top of the tank. To open the valve, turn it counterclockwise. After doing this, some gas will escape through the opening. Once the tank is at the proper pressure rating, twist the valve in a clockwise direction.
For more information on CO2 refill, contact a professional near you.