Frequently Asked Questions

Your quick reference guide. Get the essential details right here. Alternatively get in touch and we’d be happy to talk through your needs with you.


Compressor
Why use a compressor?

Using a compressor in the cellar to drive the beverage pumps reduces your running costs. Typical payback on purchasing a beverage compressor is 6-12 months, depending on current CO2 usage. From then on you are saving money.

It will also reduce the time used in changing CO2 tanks at the pub or restaurant. As well as reducing the environmental impact of discharging CO2 into the atmosphere.

What applications are these compressors used for?

Supplying air for:

  • Beverage pumps
  • Carbonated drinks dispensing
  • Tank beer dispensing
  • Fast food restaurants – ketchup dispensing
  • Mixed gas panel air source
What are the main advantages of an Absolute Beverage compressor?
  • Compact design
  • Quiet in operation
  • Oil free / Low power consumption
  • Optional auto-drain
  • Internally coated air tank
  • Simple wall mounted bracket
What is the warranty of an Absolute Beverage compressor?

The Absolute Beverage compressors comes with a 5-year warranty.

What is the life expectancy on an Absolute Beverage unit?

The life expectancy is typically 10 years.

Where do I put the compressor in my cellar?

The compressor ideally should be located close to a power supply and wall mounted using the wall bracket. It is easy to fit and comes with mounting bolts. The compressor is secured to the frame through the feet of the compressor being bolted in position.

Usually mounting 1 metre from the ground on the wall would be sufficient to ensure the compressor is protected from any direct water jets from cleaning hoses.

Will the compressor run all the time?

No, the compressor unit is designed to fill the air tank. Once it gets to 8 bar pressure, the compressor will switch off. As the pressure falls in the tank to 6 bar it will switch back on and fill the tank back to 8 bar before switching off.

If your compressor does not switch off, please contact a member of your maintenance team or our technical line 01527 557006

What pressure should I set the outlet regulator to on the compressor outlet?

This does depend on the application and preferred pressure settings. Typically for beverage pumps the outlet regulator is adjusted to 3 Bar (0.3kpa or 45 psig). This is easily adjusted using the knob at the top of the regulator. Simply pull the knob up and adjust clockwise or anticlockwise to achieve the required pressure. The regulator has a pressure gauge to indicate the outlet pressure. Push down the knob which locks it at the set pressure.

What are the maintenance requirements?

Minimum maintenance is required for the compressor. Simple weekly checks ensure best practice. Checking for air leaks, ensuring the air tank is free of any moisture and checking the pressure in the air tank will ensure trouble free long life. The inlet air filter & filter regulator filter should be changed every two years.

Do I need CO2?

You will still need CO2 for beer use within the cellar.

It is standard practice to have a standby cylinder of CO2 and a changeover valve, so that in the unlikely event of a compressor not working, you can simply use the changeover valve to operate the beverage pumps while the fault is investigated.

What is the changeover valve & why should I use this?

The Gas changeover valve is a brass valve purposely designed to work with compressed air and CO2.

The valve is robust and does not leak. It is not prone to breaking or leaking like plastic valves.

It comes with duplex safety valves and is designed to wall mount. You then bring a feed from the compressor to one side of the valve and CO2 feed into the other side. It is easy to changeover the valve from one either Air or CO2 by using the lever to select the correct source.

If CO2 is not being used it should be isolated and the main tank gas valve closed to ensure safe gas use.

Can I link compressors together in a large restaurant / pub or large public venue?

Yes, the compressors can be linked easily to operate multiple beverage pumps.

Who do I contact in the event of a fault?

Firstly, contact your provider, if supplied by a Beverage service provider or Brewery technical services. Our technical support team can also deal with any technical questions regarding the compressor  +44 (0)1527 557006

Beverage Dispensing
Why do I need to use mixed gas for beer dispensing?
Mixed gas is required when the dispensing pressure is higher than what the beer naturally prefers, or when you are serving nitrogenated (“nitro”) beers. Using the correct CO₂/N₂ blend ensures the beer stays in balance, neither over-carbonated nor flat.
When is mixed gas essential?
Mixed gas is essential in two main situations:
• When serving nitro beers like Guinness, which contain dissolved nitrogen.
• When a higher dispense pressure is needed, but pure CO₂ would over-carbonate the beer.
Why can’t I use pure CO₂ or pure nitrogen on nitro beers?
Pure CO₂ will cause nitrogen to escape from the beer, and pure nitrogen will make CO₂ come out of solution. A precise CO₂/N₂ blend is required to keep both gases in equilibrium and maintain the beer’s intended texture and mouthfeel.
What role does CO₂ play in the gas blend?
The CO₂ component maintains the beer’s original carbonation level as defined by the brewer. It ensures the beer keeps the same taste, aroma, and appearance throughout its time on tap.
What role does nitrogen play in the gas blend?
Nitrogen provides the additional pressure needed to push the beer through long or complex beer line systems, without dissolving into the beer and causing over-carbonation.
How do I choose the correct gas blend?
The right mix depends on two main factors: dispensing temperature and dispense pressure. By matching these to the beer’s carbonation level, you maintain the proper balance and avoid quality issues.
What happens if I use too much CO₂?
Using too much CO₂ will over-carbonate the beer. This results in excessive foam, harsh mouthfeel, and wasted beer.
What happens if I use too little CO₂ or too much nitrogen?
This will under-carbonate the beer, making it taste flat, dull, and lifeless. Nitrogen alone cannot maintain the beer’s natural CO₂ volumes.
How does mixed gas reduce waste?
By keeping the beer properly carbonated and stable over time, mixed gas prevents foam problems, over-carbonation, flat beer, and unnecessary purging, reducing both beer waste and gas waste.
What is the overall benefit of using mixed gas?
Mixed gas keeps the beer exactly as the brewer intended, from the brewery all the way to the glass. It maintains carbonation, purity, texture, and consistency during the entire dispensing process.
General
What is the life expectancy on an Absolute Beverage unit?

The life expectancy is typically 10 years.

Who do I contact in the event of a fault?

Firstly, contact your provider, if supplied by a Beverage service provider or Brewery technical services. Our technical support team can also deal with any technical questions regarding the compressor  +44 (0)1527 557006

Delivery
What are the delivery charges for our Beverage Air Compressors?

UK Mainland (*excluding Northern Ireland, Scottish Highlands, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands)

All orders over £100 qualify for Free next day delivery. Orders below £100 will incur a delivery charge. Saturday delivery available for additional fee, please contact.

Please contact us for any destinations not listed, we ship goods worldwide.

UK Mainland Only
Free Delivery over £100

£5.00 ( Under £100 spend )

Ireland & NI
Free Delivery over £100

£17.99 ( Under £100 spend )

Scottish Highlands
Free Delivery over £100

£20.00 ( Under £100 spend )

Channel Islands
Free Delivery over £100

£25.00 ( Under £100 spend )

Isle of Man
Free Delivery over £100

£20.00 ( Under £100 spend )

Isle of Wight
Free Delivery over £100

£15.00 ( Under £100 spend )

How long will it take for my items to arrive?
We keep stock of all compressors and accessories. If ordered before 15:00 the goods will be despatched the same day and will be delivered the next working day. We ship all our items with DPD which ensure a fast and reliable service. Worldwide shipping is available on all online orders.

Can’t find what you’re after?

If you can’t find what you’re after get in touch with our team today and they would be happy to help.