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In a professional brewery as well as in a taproom, the quality of the tubing used to carry beer or gas (CO₂/N₂) is a critical factor.
A poor choice of diameter can cause uncontrolled foaming at the tap, while a permeable material may allow oxygen to enter and alter aromas. Modern technical tubing (Evabarrier or John Guest) meets both requirements by offering total versatility for beer/gas and perfect compatibility with quick‑connect fittings.
Discover our guide to choosing the right professional pressure tubes and hoses.
1. Beer/gas versatility and native Push‑Fit compatibility
Unlike old reinforced braided PVC hoses, modern rigid or semi‑rigid technical polymer tubes offer major advantages for brewers:
- One material for both liquid and gas: Whether Evabarrier or John Guest, these tubes are made from high‑purity food‑grade thermoplastics, completely neutral in taste. A single roll can be used interchangeably for beer lines or gas networks (CO₂ / Nitrogen).
- Instant Push‑Fit connection: Thanks to an outer diameter (OD) controlled to a tenth of a millimeter and excellent structural rigidity, these tubes plug directly into Push‑Fit fittings (Duotight, John Guest). No more hose clamps, barbs, or pressure‑leak risks.
- Exceptional oxygen barrier: Multilayer structures (especially in the Evabarrier range) include an ultra‑smooth inner layer (reducing bacterial adhesion) and an oxygen‑permeation barrier, protecting your most sensitive beers from premature oxidation.
2. Dimensions (OD/ID) and line balancing: How to choose correctly?
To make the right choice, two measurements must be considered: the outer diameter (OD), which defines the compatible fitting, and the inner diameter (ID), which determines flow rate and mechanical resistance (restriction).
- For gas networks (CO₂ / N₂): Choose comfortable internal diameters (e.g., 5 mm or 6.5 mm ID for an 8 mm / 5/16" OD). The goal is to avoid any pressure drop when supplying kegs, fermenters, or regulators at the desired pressure.
- For beer dispensing and restriction: The inner diameter slows the beer to eliminate turbulence and foam at the tap. A small‑diameter tube (e.g., 4 mm ID) offers strong natural restriction, allowing a line to be balanced over a very short distance. Conversely, for fast keg‑to‑keg transfers or canning, a larger inner diameter (6.3 mm or 8 mm ID) prevents throttling the flow.
3. Comparison table: Dimensions and recommended uses
| Format (OD / ID) | Restriction level (Flow resistance) | Fitting compatibility | Recommended Brewery Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm OD x 4 mm ID (5/16" x 5/32") | High (Strong restriction) | Push‑Fit 8 mm (5/16") | Short taproom draft lines, anti‑foam balancing, precise dispensing. |
| 8 mm OD x 5 mm ID (5/16" x 13/64") | Medium (Versatile) | Push‑Fit 8 mm (5/16") | All‑purpose format: ideal for general CO₂ networks and medium‑length draft lines. |
| 9.5 mm OD x 6.3 mm ID (3/8" x 1/4") | Low (High flow) | Push‑Fit 9.5 mm (3/8") | Fast transfers between kegs/fermenters, high‑flow CO₂ main feeds, fillers. |
Rolling Beers Technical Team Insight
Take great care when cutting your tubing! To ensure perfect sealing in your Push‑Fit fittings and avoid any risk of gas leaks or micro‑seepage of beer under pressure, never use scissors or a standard utility knife. Always cut your tubes with a dedicated guillotine‑blade tube cutter to achieve a perfect 90° angle without deforming the tube’s circular profile.