Primary Gas Regulators
A primary gas regulator connects directly to a CO2 or nitrogen tank and reduces the high pressure inside the tank to a controlled outlet pressure that a draft beverage system can use. It is required for safely supplying gas to a keg, gas distributor, secondary regulator bank or gas blender.
BeverageCraft carries primary CO2 regulators and nitrogen tank regulators for home kegerators, homebrew systems, bars, restaurants, breweries and commercial beverage installations. Available configurations include standard 60 PSI regulators and higher-range 140 or 160 PSI models for specialized applications.
What Is a Primary Gas Regulator?
CO2 and nitrogen are stored inside gas tanks at pressures that are much higher than a keg or beverage line can safely use. A primary gas regulator reduces this pressure before the gas enters the dispensing system.
The regulator’s adjustment control changes the outlet pressure. The working-pressure gauge shows the pressure being supplied to the keg or downstream equipment.
A primary regulator can be used in several ways:
- Supply one keg directly
- Supply several kegs operating at the same pressure through a gas distributor
- Supply a bank of secondary regulators when different kegs require different pressures
- Supply compatible commercial beverage equipment or a gas blender
CO2 Regulators and Nitrogen Regulators
CO2 and nitrogen regulators perform the same basic pressure-reduction function, but they are designed for different gases and tank connections.
Primary CO2 Regulators
A primary CO2 regulator connects to a standard CO2 tank using a CGA-320 connection. It is the most common type of beer regulator for kegerators and draft beer systems.
CO2 regulators are commonly used for:
- Draft beer and homebrew systems
- Home and commercial kegerators
- Cider and other carbonated beverages
- Sparkling water systems
- Gas distributors supplying several kegs at the same pressure
- Secondary regulator banks
A standard 60 PSI CO2 regulator provides enough adjustment range for most direct-draw beer systems. The actual serving pressure is normally much lower than the regulator’s maximum rating.
Primary Nitrogen and Beer Gas Regulators
A nitrogen regulator connects to a nitrogen or beer gas tank using a CGA-580 connection. Nitrogen and mixed gas are used when the beverage or dispensing system requires a different gas profile from standard CO2 dispensing.
Nitrogen and beer gas regulators are commonly used for:
- Stout and nitrogenated beer
- Beer gas and mixed-gas dispensing
- Nitro cold brew coffee
- Wine dispensing
- Gas blender systems
- Commercial beverage installations requiring a higher outlet pressure
Beer gas normally contains a blend of nitrogen and CO2. The regulator controls the pressure supplied from the tank, but it does not create or change the gas blend.
CGA-320 and CGA-580 Connections
The regulator inlet must match the gas tank connection. In Canada and the United States, the standard connections are:
- CGA-320: Used with standard CO2 tanks
- CGA-580: Used with nitrogen and most beer gas tanks
These connections are intentionally different and should never be forced together. A CO2 regulator cannot be connected directly to a nitrogen tank, and a nitrogen regulator cannot be connected directly to a CO2 tank.
Only use an approved adapter when the equipment manufacturer allows it and the regulator is suitable for the selected gas and required pressure.
Choosing Between 60, 140 and 160 PSI
The PSI rating describes the regulator’s available outlet-pressure range. It does not mean that the beverage should be dispensed at the regulator’s maximum pressure.
60 PSI Regulators
A 60 PSI regulator is suitable for most standard draft beverage applications, including:
- Home and commercial kegerators
- Direct-draw draft beer systems
- Homebrew keg systems
- Single-keg installations
- Gas distributors and standard secondary regulator systems
140 and 160 PSI Regulators
Higher-range regulators are intended for compatible equipment and specialized commercial installations that require an outlet pressure above the range of a standard 60 PSI regulator.
These may include:
- Gas blender systems
- Certain long-draw installations
- Commercial beverage equipment with higher inlet-pressure requirements
- Specialized CO2, nitrogen or mixed-gas applications
Higher pressure is not automatically better. The regulator range must match the requirements of the equipment. A high-pressure regulator should not be used to compensate for an improperly balanced draft system.
Single-Gauge and Dual-Gauge Regulators
A single-gauge regulator displays the controlled outlet pressure supplied to the draft system.
A dual-gauge regulator has two gauges:
- Working-pressure gauge: Displays the regulated pressure supplied to the keg or downstream equipment
- Tank-pressure gauge: Displays the pressure inside the gas tank
The high-pressure gauge on a CO2 regulator does not provide an exact measurement of how much liquid CO2 remains. CO2 tank pressure stays relatively steady while liquid CO2 is present and then falls quickly when the tank is nearly empty.
Weighing the CO2 tank and subtracting its tare weight provides a more accurate estimate of the remaining CO2.
Primary and Secondary Gas Regulators
A primary regulator connects directly to the CO2, nitrogen or beer gas tank. A secondary gas regulator installs downstream and receives gas that has already been reduced to a lower pressure.
Use a Gas Distributor When
- Several kegs use the same pressure
- All connected beverages require the same gas
- Independent pressure adjustment is not required
Use Secondary Regulators When
- Different kegs require different pressures
- Different beverage styles need independent adjustment
- Each beverage line must be controlled separately
For example, one primary regulator can supply reduced-pressure gas to several secondary regulators. Each secondary regulator can then be adjusted for its connected keg without changing the pressure supplied to the other kegs.
How to Choose the Correct Gas Regulator
Before ordering a CO2 tank regulator or nitrogen pressure regulator, check the complete draft system rather than choosing only by price or maximum PSI.
- Identify the gas. Determine whether the system uses CO2, nitrogen or a nitrogen and CO2 beer gas blend.
- Check the tank connection. CO2 normally requires CGA-320. Nitrogen and beer gas normally require CGA-580.
- Confirm the pressure range. Most standard draft systems use a 60 PSI regulator. Gas blenders and specialized commercial equipment may require a higher range.
- Choose the gauge configuration. Decide whether you need a working-pressure gauge only or both working-pressure and tank-pressure gauges.
- Count the required pressure settings. Kegs using the same pressure can share a distributor. Different pressures require secondary regulators.
- Check the outlet connection. Confirm the gas-hose size, outlet barb, shut-off valve and check-valve requirements.
- Confirm the application. Check that the regulator is approved for the gas, pressure and beverage equipment being used.
How to Use a Primary Gas Regulator
Secure the gas tank upright before connecting the regulator. Turn the adjustment control counterclockwise to remove spring pressure, check the inlet seal and connect the regulator to the matching tank valve.
Keep the outlet shut-off valve closed while opening the tank valve slowly. After the regulator pressurizes, check the connection for leaks. Adjust the outlet pressure gradually and open the outlet valve only after confirming that the downstream equipment is properly connected.
Test every connection after installation or service using a leak-detection solution approved for gas equipment. Never use an open flame to locate a gas leak.
Why Correct Gas Pressure Matters
Gas pressure affects the pour rate, carbonation, foam level and presentation of the beverage.
- Pressure that is too low: Can produce a slow pour and allow beer to lose carbonation
- Pressure that is too high: Can produce excess foam, over-carbonation or unnecessary stress on dispensing components
The correct setting depends on the beverage, storage temperature, carbonation level, elevation, gas blend, beer-line length, line diameter and vertical rise. There is no single pressure setting that is correct for every draft beer system.
Gas Regulator Safety
- Secure every gas tank upright so it cannot fall
- Use the correct regulator and connection for the gas
- Never lubricate the regulator inlet or tank valve
- Open the tank valve slowly while standing away from the gauges
- Do not exceed the rated pressure of the regulator or downstream equipment
- Test all connections after installation or service
- Provide suitable ventilation where CO2 or nitrogen is stored and used
- Replace damaged gauges, seals, valves and fittings before operating the system
Complete Your Draft Gas System
Complete the installation with compatible CO2 and nitrogen tanks, secondary gas regulators, gas distributors, gas regulator parts, fittings and connectors and gas blenders.
BeverageCraft carries primary regulators from UBC, Micro Matic, TapRite and TOF for home and commercial beverage dispensing. If you are unsure which regulator fits your system, contact us with the gas type, tank connection, required pressure range and number of kegs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a primary gas regulator do?
A primary gas regulator connects directly to a CO2 or nitrogen tank and reduces the tank’s high pressure to a controlled outlet pressure that the draft beverage system can use.
What is the difference between a CO2 regulator and a nitrogen regulator?
The main differences are the intended gas and tank connection. CO2 regulators normally use CGA-320, while nitrogen and beer gas regulators normally use CGA-580.
Can a CO2 regulator be connected to a nitrogen tank?
Not directly. CO2 and nitrogen tanks use different connections. Only use a compatible approved adapter when the manufacturer permits it and the regulator is suitable for the gas and required pressure.
Is a 60 PSI regulator suitable for a kegerator?
Yes. A 60 PSI CO2 regulator provides enough adjustment range for most home and commercial kegerators. The actual serving pressure is normally much lower and depends on the beverage and draft system.
When is a 140 or 160 PSI regulator required?
A higher-range regulator is used when compatible commercial equipment, a gas blender or another specialized beverage application requires an outlet pressure above the range of a standard 60 PSI regulator.
Can one primary regulator supply several kegs?
Yes. It can supply several kegs through a gas distributor when every keg uses the same pressure. Kegs requiring different pressures should use individual secondary regulators.
Does a dual-gauge CO2 regulator show how much gas remains?
Not precisely. The second gauge monitors tank pressure, but weighing the CO2 tank provides a more accurate estimate of the remaining liquid CO2.
What pressure should be used for draft beer?
There is no single pressure suitable for every beer. The correct setting depends on beverage temperature, carbonation level, line length, line diameter, vertical rise and gas blend. Follow the brewery recommendation and balance the draft system accordingly.