How Beer Nitrogen Generators Work

A beer nitrogen generator separates nitrogen from compressed air, producing a continuous supply of nitrogen gas for beverage dispensing systems. Generators typically operate using one of two technologies:

• Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA): PSA systems use carbon molecular sieve material to separate nitrogen from oxygen. Compressed air enters the system and the sieve traps oxygen molecules while nitrogen passes through. The process cycles between two towers to produce a steady flow of nitrogen.
• Membrane Nitrogen Generators: Membrane generators push compressed air through hollow fiber membranes. Oxygen, moisture and other gases permeate through the membrane while nitrogen remains concentrated, exiting the system at the required purity. 

Both technologies produce nitrogen purity levels between roughly 95% and 99.5%, appropriate for beverage applications. The produced nitrogen then feeds into the draft beer system or a gas blender that couples nitrogen with carbon dioxide. 

Generator sizing is dependent on several elements:

• Number of draft lines
• Average beer throughput
• Required pressure levels
• Distance between kegs and taps
• Desired nitrogen purity

Proper sizing is integral to stable dispensing pressure across the draft system.

Benefits of On-Site Nitrogen Generation

Installing an onsite nitrogen generator offers various advantages for breweries, bars and large entertainment venues.

Reduced Dependence on Nitrogen Cylinders
Traditional systems rely on nitrogen bottles that require frequent replacement. A generator produces nitrogen continuously, taking cylinder logistics and supply disruptions out of the equation.

Consistent Gas Supply
Since nitrogen is generated on demand, operators avoid the risk of running out of gas during peak service periods.

Improved Beer Quality
Nitrogen helps stabilize serving pressure, improving the mouthfeel of certain beer styles. Nitro beers such as stouts and porters need nitrogen to create the characteristic cascading pour and creamy head.

Lower Long-Term Operating Costs
Although nitrogen cylinders can work well for small systems, larger operations often see lower long-term costs with onsite generation.

Operational Simplicity
Staff no longer need to handle heavy nitrogen tanks or track inventory levels.

Nitrogen vs CO₂ in Beer Dispensing

Carbon dioxide plays an important part in beer carbonation, but nitrogen serves a different function in draft beer systems. 

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) dissolves easily into beer and creates carbonation. It gives beer its signature bubbles and contributes to the sharp mouthfeel found in many styles.

Nitrogen gas, by contrast, is far less soluble in beer. When nitrogen is used in a draft beer system, it produces smaller bubbles that create a smoother texture and thicker head. That’s why nitrogen is commonly used for:

• Stouts
• Porters
• Nitro ales
• Long-draw draft systems 

In many setups, nitrogen is blended with carbon dioxide to strike the correct balance for different beer styles. 

Blended Gas Systems, Explained

A blended gas system combines nitrogen and carbon dioxide to produce specific gas mixtures for draft beer dispensing.

Common blends include:

• 25% CO₂ / 75% nitrogen for stouts and nitro beers
• 60% CO₂ / 40% nitrogen for certain ales and lagers in long-draw systems

These blends help maintain proper carbonation levels while providing the pressure needed to push beer through long draft lines. A gas blender precisely mixes the two gases so that each beer pours as intended by the brewer.

Broward Nelson installs gas blending systems alongside nitrogen generators to support multi-tap beer programs throughout South Florida. For businesses that prefer delivered gas mixtures, Broward Nelson also supplies beer gases in a range of cylinder sizes. 

Selecting the Right System

Choosing the correct nitrogen generator comes down to the scale and configuration of the draft system. Crucial considerations include:

Flow Rate Requirements
Large venues such as stadiums and arenas require higher nitrogen output than smaller bars or breweries.

System Pressure
Draft systems require consistent pressure to move beer from kegs to taps without excessive foaming.

Nitrogen Purity Level
Beverage systems typically need nitrogen purity between 95% and 99.5%. 

Duty Cycle and Runtime
Some generators operate continuously while others cycle based on demand.

Space Constraints
Compact membrane generators might be preferred where installation space is limited.

Broward Nelson works closely with breweries, bar operators and equipment suppliers to determine the correct generator capacity for each application.

Installation and Integration Considerations

Installing a nitrogen generator calls for integration with several other components of the draft beer system. Typical installations include: 

• Compressed air supply connection
• Nitrogen storage tank or buffer tank
• Gas blender for nitrogen and CO₂ mixing
• Pressure regulators and monitoring gauges
• Integration with existing draft beer piping

Larger venues can also incorporate automated controls and telemetry monitoring systems to track gas levels and system performance. Broward Nelson technicians handle the installation process and confirm that the generator integrates correctly with the existing draft beer system.

Maintenance and Service Programs

 Nitrogen generators require routine care to maintain performance. Regular service helps prevent downtime and preserve proper nitrogen purity levels.

Typical maintenance tasks:

• Inspecting air filters and replacing them periodically
• Checking pressure levels and system gauges
• Monitoring nitrogen purity levels
• Inspecting valves and connections for leaks
• Cleaning internal components and removing moisture

Filter replacements usually take place every few thousand operating hours, depending on usage. Broward Nelson provides maintenance support across South Florida, including routine inspections and emergency service as needed.

Safety and Compliance Considerations

Although nitrogen is an inert gas, proper safety practices are paramount when installing gas generation systems.

Be sure to follow these best practices: 

• Adequate ventilation in mechanical rooms
• Oxygen monitoring systems where large volumes of nitrogen are present
• Pressure relief valves and regulators
• Compliance with local building and gas safety codes 

Taking these steps helps you protect your staff, as well as the continued operation of the draft beer system.

Partnering With Broward Nelson

Broward Nelson has supported South Florida’s beverage systems for decades. We provide nitrogen generators, bulk CO₂ systems, gas blending equipment and service support for restaurants, bars, stadiums and breweries.

Our services:

• System assessments and generator sizing
• Installation of nitrogen generators and gas blenders
• Bulk CO₂ system integration
• Emergency refills and service support
• Ongoing maintenance programs

With an expansive delivery fleet and experienced technicians, Broward Nelson makes sure operators can maintain consistent beverage quality while mitigating operational disruptions. 

Call Broward Nelson for Nitrogen Generator Installation

A beer nitrogen generator can boost draft system reliability, cut down on cylinder dependency and support consistent dispensing across high-volume operations.

To learn more about installing an onsite nitrogen generator or blended gas system in South Florida, call 800-262-8265 or contact Broward Nelson for a system consultation.