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How to Adjust CO₂ for a Perfect Pour: A Compact Guide by FELOM

A perfect pour depends on the balance between CO₂, temperature, and the system. Even small variations can cause excessive foam or a flat drink, so adjusting the pressure regulator and balancing the system are crucial.

The role of the CO₂ pressure regulator

he regulator transforms the high pressure of the cylinder, up to approximately 200 bar, into a stable pressure suitable for dispensing.

It is equipped with two pressure gauges:

  • High pressure: indicates the condition of the cylinder and the amount of remaining CO₂
  • Low pressure: indicates the actual pressure delivered to the beverage

 

The low-pressure adjustment is the key parameter that determines the quality of carbonation.

Temperature: the first factor to check

CO₂ dissolves best in cold liquids. The ideal range is between 2°C and 4°C.

At these temperatures, CO₂ remains more stable in the liquid, reducing foam formation during dispensing and resulting in finer, more uniform carbonation. As the temperature increases, CO₂ is released more rapidly, causing instability in the dispensing process.

Correct pressure for each beverage

The pressure must be adapted to the type of product and the system conditions.

  • Beer: 1.0 to 2.2 bar
  • Soft drinks: 2.0 to 2.8 bar
  • Highly sparkling water: 2.5 to 3.0 bar

 

In a refrigerated system at 2°C-4°C, a value of around 2.5 bar is often a good starting point for stable carbonation and consistent results in the glass.

Importance of system balancing

Pressure alone is not enough — the entire system must be balanced.

The main factors are line diameter, line length, and maintaining a constant liquid temperature.

The standard configuration of the FELOM system includes 4 mm tubing, a length of 1 meter, a temperature between 2 and 4°C, and a pressure of around 2.5 bar.

This balance allows for controlled flow and reduces CO₂ loss during dispensing.

Reading the pressure gauges

The high-pressure gauge indicates the CO₂ present in the cylinder.

The pressure remains nearly stable as long as liquid CO₂ is present and drops rapidly as the cylinder runs low.

The low-pressure gauge is the most important for beverage quality, as it indicates the actual working pressure within the dispensing system.

Most common mistakes

  • Too high a pressure causes excessive foam
  • Too low a pressure results in a flat beverage
  • Too high a temperature reduces CO₂ stability

 

An unbalanced system leads to inconsistent results even with correct settings

Fundamental principle of dispensing

CO₂, controlled temperature, and a balanced system result in a perfect beverage. When these elements are in equilibrium, carbonation remains stable from the system to the glass.

CONCLUSION

CO₂ regulation is a crucial factor in the final quality of the beverage. A well-designed and balanced system allows for consistent, clean, and professional dispensing.

The FELOM system is designed to maintain this balance simply and reliably, even in compact setups.

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