The Principle Operation of a Backflow Prevention Device for Beverage Dispensing Equipment – Installation Considerations ASSE 1032 and ASSE 1022
The potable water system connected to a beverage dispenser shall be protected from the backflow of liquids or gases escaping from beverage dispensing equipment by the installation of either an air gap or a vented backflow prevention device conforming to ASSE 1022. The conforming ASSE 1022 BPBDE is designed to be installed on carbonated and non-carbonated beverage dispensing systems. The industry plumbing codes do not recognize the installation of a dual check valve meeting ASSE standard 1032 as an alternative backflow protection on the potable water system connection to beverage dispensers. Beverage dispensers that incorporate non-vented dual check valve (ASSE 1032 BPBDE) as the backflow prevention protection, may be required to install ASSE 1022 compliant BPBDE on the potable water system line connection to the beverage dispensers. The BPBDE is not testable however, the condition of the BPBDE second check valve can be evaluated by observation. If water is discharging for the atmospheric vent, this is an indication that the second check valve is fouled open and not closing tight. For this reason, the ASSE 1022 is the recommended backflow prevention device for beverage dispensers.
The check valves are closed and the atmospheric vent is open when the BPBDE is not subjected to water pressure such as out of the box.