An Overview of Nitro Coffee
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By RICH LEESON
What is a Nitro Cold Brew System?
The concept is to take a low acid, cold brew extracted coffee concentrate and mix it with cold water and Nitrogen gas. The Nitrogen gas is an Inert gas that does not change the PH balance of the coffee in a negative way yet provides creamy texture to the drink. The drink typically layers into 3 levels in the drink, with the center portion moving in a Cascading motion.
The 2 most common systems of delivery and dispense, are the Keg system and the other being a Bag-in-Box (BIB) system.
How do these systems work?
The Keg System works like a beer keg or soda system where the “ready to drink” Cold Brew coffee is held in either a disposable or reusable keg. A large Nitrogen tank and regulator are used to control the Nitrogen gas pressure to push the coffee and nitrogen to the tap handle. In this system the coffee in the Keg is Nitrogenated as well as the lines to the Tap. The nitrogen inside the keg also acts as a “preservation agent” to help extend the product life of the coffee or product being dispensed.
The BIB system works more like a Concentrate Juice dispenser, where the concentrate is pumped into a mixing chamber where cold water and the Nitrogen are introduced to the concentrate, prior to being dispensed into the cup. This type of machine allows for water and concentrate ratios to be easily adjusted to meet the customer’s needs.
Basic Key Components
With the Keg System the key components are
The keg with coffee
Racking or storage system to house the Kegs
Food Grade Nitrogen Tanks or Nitrogen Generator
Nitrogen gas pressure regulator
Keg -Dispensing box which would be refrigerator and Tap housing
With the BIB system
The cold brew concentrates
Filtered Water supply
Dispenser machine
Nitrogen Tank or Generator or Nitrogen Gas Module
Nitrogen Gas Regulator (for tank use)
Top Service issues and how to address them:
For both types of systems, the Nitrogen delivery process will be key to understand, particularly if a tech is unfamiliar. Tank systems are large and hold Nitrogen Gas under high pressure. Safety is key, so there are regulations requiring tanks be chained in such a way so they do not tip over. The Gas Regulators must be adjusted to a specific pressure and then locked in that set position. Consideration of how the tanks will get changed when empty is a must. Options to consider are tankless systems like Nitrogen Generators which extract and collect Nitrogen from the air around us. The generators can be large and expensive but eliminates the need for tanks. Depending on the manufacturer, Nitrogen Generators require a preventive maintenance schedule, typically occurring every 6 months. Tanks and Generators provide a purity level between 98% -99.5% if this is needed.
Another viable option is an air compressor like BUNN’s Nitrogen Gas Module, which cleans the surrounding air before using as the gas source for nitrogenated beverages. This provides about 78% nitrogen into the drink. This system reduces the need for tanks, regulators and generators, and are quite an inexpensive alternative to generators however, annual service is needed in medium volume applications. Some are also designed specifically to work with only BIB dispensers so check with the manufacturer for exact pressure requirements.
Clean, Fresh Water is needed for the BIB system, so a water filter is a must.
Both types of systems do run a refrigeration compressor for product storage, these systems seem to last well but need maintenance and may require the Tech to be HVAC certified.
#1 service concern will be around the customer-required routine cleanings. The cleanings are critical and will result in non-operating machines due to clogs and blockages in the dispense tubes, valves and faucet assembly.
The Nitro Coffee segment is new, exciting and can be highly profitable. All the product options are not known yet as we experiment with new ideas and products. There are many Coffees, Teas and other beverages waiting to be Nitrogenated. As for Technical support, we need to learn about these systems and be ready to get in there to keep these machines up and running and while you’re there, take a moment to enjoy a Nitro coffee.