Overview
Pressure issues on BeerBlast™ and N2-GEN™ systems typically fall into one of three categories: low nitrogen storage pressure, insufficient CO2 inlet pressure (BeerBlast™ models with blender only), or incorrect output pressure at the kegs. This article walks through each in sequence. Identify your model before beginning and refer to the correct pressure values throughout — setpoints differ significantly between models.
Pressure Reference by Model
| Model | N2 Storage (Run) | Standby Cut-Out | Run Cut-In | CO2 Inlet (BeerBlast™ only) | Blender Output Min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1KPH / 3KPH | 60–70 PSIG | 65–75 PSIG | ~60 PSIG | 60–80 PSIG (80 PSIG recommended) | 40–50 PSIG |
| 7KPH | 70–85 PSIG | 75–85 PSIG | ~70 PSIG | 70–100 PSIG (75 PSIG recommended) | 40–50 PSIG |
| 14KPH | 70–85 PSIG | 75–85 PSIG | ~70 PSIG | 75–100 PSIG (75 PSIG recommended) | 40–50 PSIG |
| 14KPH-HO | 85–95 PSIG | 90–95 PSIG | ~85 PSIG | 85–100 PSIG | 50 PSIG min |
Step 1 — Check Nitrogen Storage Pressure
Locate the N2 storage tank pressure gauge on the cabinet. Refer to the N2 Storage column in the pressure reference table for your model's normal operating range.
If the storage pressure is low, check the following in order:
- Confirm the system has power and the power switch is on. A power loss will allow storage pressure to gradually drop as gas is consumed. See the Power Troubleshooting article if the system has no power.
- Check for leaks throughout the system. A downstream leak will prevent the storage tank from reaching or holding pressure. Refer to the BlastOff™ Leak Detection System article for the full leak isolation procedure.
- If the system has power and no leaks can be found but pressure remains low, contact South-Tek Systems support. Do not attempt to adjust the pressure switch.
Step 2 — Check CO2 Inlet Pressure (BeerBlast™ Models Only)
This step applies only to BeerBlast™ models equipped with an integrated gas blender. N2-GEN™ models do not have a CO2 inlet — skip to Step 3.
Locate the CO2 regulator pressure gauge on the customer-supplied CO2 source. Compare the reading to the CO2 inlet range for your model in the pressure reference table above.
If CO2 pressure is low:
- Check the CO2 storage tank or bulk supply to determine if it needs to be refilled or exchanged.
- If the tank has gas remaining, check the CO2 pressure regulator for correct adjustment. The recommended inlet pressure is listed in the pressure reference table for your model.
- Confirm the CO2 supply line is open and free of obstructions.
Step 3 — Check Blender Output Pressure (BeerBlast™ Models Only)
This step applies only to BeerBlast™ models equipped with an integrated gas blender. N2-GEN™ models do not have a blender output — skip to Step 4.
If both N2 and CO2 are present at correct inlet pressures but the blender is not producing output at the correct pressure, a regulator in the output circuit may need inspection or adjustment. The mixed gas output from the blender should fall within the blender output range shown in the pressure reference table for your model.
The output gas distribution system typically includes two regulator stages:
- A primary regulator on the output lines from the generator that steps pressure down to the distribution system.
- Secondary regulators further downstream that allow individual keg pressure to be tuned. Pressure requirements vary by beer style — consult the brewer's recommendations for each product.
If regulators are present and correctly set but output pressure is still incorrect, contact your Draft Beer System Technician to inspect and adjust the regulator circuit.
Step 4 — Check for Foaming or Poor Pour Quality
If gas pressures are within spec but beer is foaming or pouring poorly, the cause is often temperature rather than pressure. Beer temperature issues are very common and are frequently misdiagnosed as gas pressure faults.
Beer in the keg should be maintained between 36–38°F and delivered to the tap at the same temperature. If beer temperature at the glass exceeds 40°F, the pour will foam regardless of gas pressure settings.
To check for a temperature issue:
- Take the temperature of the beer at the glass. If it is above 40°F, the issue is thermal rather than gas-related.
- If a warm keg is suspected, replace it with a properly chilled keg and resume service.
- If glycol line cooling is in use, verify the glycol system is operating correctly. Contact your refrigeration technician for glycol system issues — the BeerBlast™ / N2-GEN™ generator does not influence beer temperature.
Step 5 — System Not Reaching Standby
If the system runs continuously without reaching Standby pressure, this indicates that gas is leaving the system faster than the generator can replace it. The BlastOff™ alarm will trigger on PLC-equipped models after 9 consecutive hours of runtime. Common causes include:
- A downstream gas leak — most likely cause. See the BlastOff™ Leak Detection System article for the full isolation procedure.
- An internal cabinet leak — follow the cabinet leak procedure in the BlastOff™ article.
- System undersizing — if the number of kegs being served exceeds the generator's rated capacity, the system will not be able to maintain pressure. Contact South-Tek Systems support to discuss system sizing if this is suspected.
Related Articles
| Article | Applies To |
|---|---|
| BlastOff™ Leak Detection System | All models |
| Power Troubleshooting | All models |
| Installation & Startup — 1KPH / 3KPH | 1KPH, 3KPH |
| Installation & Startup — 7KPH | 7KPH |
| Installation & Startup — 14KPH / 14KPH-HO | 14KPH, 14KPH-HO |
| Product Overview & Model Guide | All models |
Contact South-Tek Systems
Phone: (910) 415-1880
Email / Ticket: support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com