Beverage dispensing gas consumption detection with alarm and backup operation

摘要

A mixed-gas beverage dispensing system for driving beverages from a container to a tap with a predetermined ratio of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen (N₂) gas includes one or more monitors to detect excessive consumption of N₂. The system may include a N₂ generator, with a monitor monitoring the N₂ generator to detect excessive operation thereof. The system may include a N₂ reservoir, with a monitor monitoring the pressure in the N₂ reservoir. The system may include a volumetric gas flow meter interposed in one or more mixed-gas distribution lines to monitor the flow of mixed gas. Upon detecting consumption of N₂ gas in excess of a predetermined threshold, a monitor may trigger an audible, visual, or electronic alarm; may shut down operation of the system; and/or may switch to one or more backup gas tanks containing CO₂, N₂ or a predetermined blend thereof, for continued beverage dispensing operation.