Abstract: A CO2-based beverage dispensing system includes a CO2 monitoring unit operative to emit a warning upon detecting excessive consumption of CO2 gas. The CO2 monitoring unit includes a gas input port, a gas output port, a CO2 monitor, an alarm, and in one embodiment a shut-off valve. The CO2 monitor may measure CO2 gas flow rate or pressure, and indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured CO2 gas flow rate is above a predetermined flow rate or the measured CO2 gas pressure is below a predetermined pressure level. The CO2 monitor may include chronological functionality, and only indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured quantity trips a threshold for a predetermined duration.

Abstract: An inert gas Fire Protection System (FPS) uses an inert gas rather than air in a dry or pre-action type FPS. The inert gas inhibits oxidation, galvanic corrosion, and/or bacterial growth, and hence mitigates Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) and galvanic corrosion in the FPS piping. A zone purging valve, which may include a gas purity analyzer, is disposed at the end of each zone in the FPS. A controller over-pressurizes the FPS with inert gas, and bleeds the gas through the zone purging valves to a predetermined supervisory pressure. The pressurize/purge cycle is repeated to ensure inert gas of a predetermined purity level reaches all areas within the FPS. The purity of the inert gas is periodically measured in bleed operations. The inert gas may comprise Nitrogen, which additionally dries out residual water in the FPS due to a low dew point, further inhibiting MIC.

Abstract: 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.