Most are forms of in-line float valves which are used to detect draught dispense gas in pressurized dispense system. Fobs stands for Froth-On-Beer and therefore the primary function is to detect froth or gas in pressurized dispense systems
Where did they originate?
Fobs Detectors originated in the UK and Ireland in the 1970’s. Their introduction, by the main breweries, was a result of pressure from bar-owners, who were frustrated by the amount of draught beer wasted every time a keg of beer was changed. In response to this demand, the main breweries began working with the existent equipment suppliers to design a product to resolve this problem.
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How Do Beer FOBs Work?
A Beer FOB should be installed on every keg in a pressurized draught system, especially when the keg is located more than 5 meters from the tap.
The FOB detects when a keg becomes empty. As gas enters the unit, the internal float drops and automatically shuts off the beer line before gas can enter the system. This keeps the supply line full of beer all the way to the tap.
Once the empty keg is replaced, the trapped gas is vented through the FOB valve, the float rises, pressure is restored, and beer can immediately begin pouring again.
What Do Beer FOBs Do?
Beer FOBs prevent the foam, gas, and beer waste normally caused when a keg empties in a pressurized draught system.
Because gas never enters the beer line:
- No foamy beer needs to be poured off
- Beer lines stay full of product
- Fresh beer pours immediately after keg changes
- Every keg becomes more profitable
On average, bars can save approximately 4 pints per keg on a typical 20-meter beer run — with even greater savings on longer draught systems.
Additional Benefits
Reduce CO₂ & Mixed Gas Waste
By stopping gas at the FOB, less dispense gas is wasted during keg changes — especially important in mixed gas systems where gas costs are higher.






