Applications of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Quick Service Restaurants

From beverage dispensing and carbonated drink systems to kitchen storage areas and CO2 cylinders, carbon dioxide (CO2) plays an important role in operations. Aerosphere® CO2 monitoring systems provide continuous tracking and automatic alerts to help protect staff and customers while meeting federal and local code requirements.

Why CO2 Monitoring Is Essential for Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs)

CO2 is widely used in QSRs for beverage carbonation, soft drink dispensing, and sometimes in food preservation or cleaning systems. However, leaks from storage cylinders or piping can lead to elevated CO2 levels, especially in small or poorly ventilated back-of-house areas.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 5,000 ppm over an 8-hour period, meaning that unnoticed leaks can pose a real safety risk to employees. Continuous monitoring not only protects worker health but also ensures operational uptime, compliance with local fire and building codes, and a safer environment for staff and customers alike.

Benefits of Aerosphere® CO2 Monitoring Solutions

Aerosphere® provides everything quick service restaurants need to maintain smooth, compliant, and efficient operations. Our complete CO2 monitoring and control solutions are designed to simplify compliance, enhance safety, and minimize downtime, all while supporting day-to-day restaurant workflows.

Aerosphere One: Ideal for most QSR applications. This standalone CO2 monitor reads one sensor input, making it perfect when your beverage rack and CO2 tank are located together or when your tank is stored outdoors. In these setups, only one monitoring point is required, keeping installation simple and cost-effective.
Primary and Secondary Units: Recommended when your CO2 tank and beverage rack are located in separate indoor rooms. The Primary communicates with the Secondary to provide full coverage across both areas, ensuring accurate readings and compliance in every enclosed space.
Level Indication Unit (LIU): Displays real-time tank levels, helping staff stay aware of CO2 supply status and schedule timely refills before interruptions occur.
Tank Cabinet: A durable, weather-resistant solution for safe and compliant outdoor storage of bulk CO2 tanks.

Our team has extensive experience with CO2 system design, installation, and documentation for the QSR industry. We understand every step of the compliance process including permits, fire inspections, and annual recertifications, ensuring your operation remains up to code and worry-free.

Need further assistance finding the setup that works best for you? Contact us today at 1(833) SENSOR4!