Secondary Gas Regulators
Secondary CO2 regulators provide independent pressure control for different kegs in a multi-keg draft beer system. Installed downstream from a primary regulator or gas blender, they reduce the incoming gas pressure to the working pressure required by each beverage.
BeverageCraft carries secondary gas regulators for one to five independently controlled products. Choose a single-body regulator when you need one additional pressure setting, or a multi-body regulator when several beers or beverages must be served at different pressures.
What Is a Secondary Gas Regulator?
A secondary gas regulator is a low-pressure regulator installed between the main gas supply and the keg. It receives reduced pressure from a primary gas regulator or gas blender and lowers it again to the final pressure required by an individual keg or beverage line.
The primary regulator controls the pressure leaving the gas tank. The secondary regulator provides precise downstream control and makes it possible to operate several kegs at different pressures from one gas source.
Important: A secondary regulator does not connect directly to a high-pressure CO2 or nitrogen tank. A compatible primary regulator must reduce the tank pressure before gas reaches the secondary regulator.
When Do You Need a Secondary CO2 Regulator?
A secondary CO2 regulator is useful when one gas tank supplies multiple kegs that cannot all use the same pressure. Different beers and beverages may require different settings because of their carbonation level, serving temperature, beer line resistance or draft system design.
A secondary regulator may be required when:
- Two or more kegs need different serving pressures.
- Highly carbonated and lightly carbonated beverages share one gas supply.
- A commercial draft beer system has several independently balanced product lines.
- A primary regulator is located away from the kegs and final pressure adjustment is needed closer to the dispensing equipment.
- A new keg with a different pressure requirement is added to an existing system.
Primary and Secondary Regulators Explained
Primary Gas Regulator
A primary regulator connects to the gas tank and reduces high tank pressure to a safer, usable system pressure. It is the first pressure-control device in the gas system.
Secondary Gas Regulator
A secondary regulator is installed after the primary regulator. It receives already reduced pressure and allows the operator to set the final working pressure for a specific keg or group of kegs.
The pressure supplied by the primary regulator must be higher than the pressure required by the secondary regulators. The exact settings depend on the equipment, beverage and draft system design. Always stay within the rated inlet and outlet pressure limits of every regulator in the system.
Types of Secondary Gas Regulators
Secondary gas regulators are available in several configurations. The correct option depends on the number of pressure settings required, the number of products being dispensed, the pressure range and the connection layout of the draft system.
Number of Gauges and Pressure Controls
- Single-gauge secondary regulator: Uses one gauge to display the regulated outlet pressure supplied to a keg or group of kegs.
- Multi-gauge secondary regulator: Uses a separate gauge for each regulator body, allowing the outlet pressure for each product or pressure zone to be monitored and adjusted independently.
Important: Gauges on a secondary regulator display regulated outlet pressure. They do not show how much gas remains in the tank because the secondary regulator is installed downstream from the primary regulator and does not connect directly to the gas tank.
Number of Products
Choose the regulator according to the number of independently controlled pressure settings required by the draft system.
- 1-body secondary regulator: Controls one outlet pressure for one product or a group of kegs operating at the same pressure.
- 2-body secondary regulator: Provides two independently adjustable outlet pressures.
- 3-body secondary regulator: Provides three independently adjustable outlet pressures.
- 4-body secondary regulator: Provides four independently adjustable outlet pressures.
- 5-body secondary regulator: Provides five independently adjustable outlet pressures.
BeverageCraft offers secondary gas regulators for one to five independently controlled products. Several kegs can share one regulated outlet through an air distributor when they require the same pressure.
Same Pressure or Different Pressures
- Different pressures: Use a separate secondary regulator body for each required pressure. This configuration is suitable when beers or other beverages have different carbonation and serving requirements.
- Same pressure: Use one regulated outlet with a distribution bar or gas distributor to divide the gas supply between multiple kegs.
A gas distributor divides one existing pressure between several gas lines. It does not allow each connected keg to be adjusted independently.
Pressure Range
Secondary regulators are available with different outlet pressure ranges. Most draft beer applications use a low-pressure secondary regulator, while certain commercial beverage systems may require a higher pressure range.
Always select a regulator with an outlet range suitable for the beverage and verify its maximum permitted inlet pressure. A higher maximum pressure rating does not mean the keg should be served at that pressure.
Connection Configuration
The connection arrangement determines how gas enters and exits the regulator body. Available configurations may include:
- Plug-barb: Plug connection on one side and a barbed fitting on the other.
- Barb-plug: Barbed fitting on one side and a plug connection on the other.
- Barb-barb: Barbed fittings on both sides of the regulator body.
The order of the connection terms identifies the fitting arrangement used on the regulator. Before ordering, confirm the direction of gas flow, gas line size and connection layout shown in the individual product specifications.
Secondary Regulator or Gas Distributor?
A secondary regulator and a gas distributor perform different jobs.
Use a Secondary Regulator When
- Different kegs require different pressures.
- Each product needs its own pressure adjustment.
- You want to change one pressure without affecting the rest of the system.
Use a Gas Distributor When
- Several kegs can operate at the same pressure.
- You only need to divide one regulated gas supply between multiple lines.
- Independent pressure adjustment is not required.
An air distributor divides one pressure between several gas lines but does not create separate pressure settings. A multi-body secondary regulator provides individual pressure adjustment for each connected pressure zone.
Compact and Standard Secondary Regulators
Standard secondary regulators are suitable for most wall-mounted and commercial draft beer installations. Compact regulators provide the same basic pressure-control function in a smaller body and may be a better option inside a kegerator or another space with limited clearance.
Before ordering, check:
- The regulator outlet pressure range.
- The maximum permitted inlet pressure.
- The number of independently controlled outlets.
- The inlet and outlet connection types.
- The required gas line and barb size.
- The available installation space.
- The gas compatibility specified by the manufacturer.
Connections and Gas Line Compatibility
Secondary regulators may be configured with barbed fittings, plug connections, pass-through connections or individual shutoff valves. The correct configuration depends on the direction of gas flow and the layout of the draft beer system.
Match the regulator fittings to the gas tubing size and installation layout. BeverageCraft carries compatible fittings and connectors, gas line components and replacement regulator parts.
Do not assume that every secondary regulator is suitable for every gas. Confirm the manufacturer's gas compatibility, inlet pressure rating and connection requirements before using a regulator with CO2, nitrogen or blended beer gas.
How to Install a Secondary Regulator
- Secure the gas tank upright and close the tank valve.
- Back off the adjustment controls on the primary and secondary regulators.
- Connect the correct primary regulator to the gas tank.
- Run the regulated gas supply from the primary regulator to the inlet of the secondary regulator assembly.
- Connect each secondary outlet to the correct keg or gas distributor.
- Check that all fittings, clamps and shutoff valves are secure.
- Open the gas supply slowly.
- Set the primary regulator high enough to supply the required downstream pressures without exceeding the equipment ratings.
- Adjust each secondary regulator to the pressure required by its beverage.
- Test every connection with an approved leak-detection solution before dispensing.
Never use an open flame to check for gas leaks. Install gas equipment in a ventilated location and follow the instructions supplied with the regulator and gas tank.
Why Correct Draft Beer Pressure Matters
Correct gas pressure keeps the beverage properly carbonated and helps maintain a consistent pour. Pressure that is too low can cause slow dispensing and allow carbonation to leave the beer. Excessive pressure can contribute to over-carbonation, fast pours and excessive foam.
The correct setting is based on the beverage's carbonation level, product temperature, beer line resistance and the design of the dispensing system. A higher maximum regulator rating does not mean the beverage should be served at that pressure.
Build the Correct Multi-Keg Gas System
Start with the correct primary gas regulator, then select a secondary regulator for each independently controlled pressure. Add an air distributor when several kegs will share one pressure setting.
For larger commercial installations, explore BeverageCraft's regulator panels. If you are unsure which configuration fits your system, contact BeverageCraft before ordering. Our team can help match the regulator, pressure range, fittings and number of outlets to your draft beer setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a secondary CO2 regulator do?
A secondary CO2 regulator receives reduced gas pressure from a primary regulator and lowers it to the final working pressure required by a keg or beverage line. It is commonly used when multiple kegs require different pressure settings.
What is the difference between primary and secondary regulators?
A primary regulator connects directly to the gas tank and reduces high tank pressure. A secondary regulator is installed downstream and provides individual pressure control for a keg or group of kegs.
Do I need a secondary regulator for multiple kegs?
You need secondary regulators when the kegs require different pressures. If every keg operates at the same pressure, one primary regulator and a gas distributor may be sufficient.
Can one CO2 tank supply several secondary regulators?
Yes. One CO2 tank and primary regulator can supply several secondary regulators when the system is properly sized and every component is operated within its rated pressure and flow limits.
How many secondary regulator bodies do I need?
You generally need one regulator body for each independent pressure setting. Several kegs can share one regulated pressure through a gas distributor if they have the same pressure requirement.
What pressure should a secondary beer regulator be set to?
The correct setting depends on the beverage's carbonation level, temperature, beer line resistance and draft system design. There is no single pressure setting that is correct for every keg or installation.
Can a secondary regulator connect directly to a CO2 tank?
No. A secondary regulator is designed to receive already reduced gas pressure. A compatible primary regulator must be installed between the high-pressure gas tank and the secondary regulator.
Can secondary regulators be used with nitrogen or beer gas?
Only when the regulator is approved by its manufacturer for the selected gas, inlet pressure and application. Check the product specifications before using a secondary regulator with nitrogen or blended beer gas.