Zahm & Nagel Series 6000 CO2 Piercing Device for Cans and Bottles
The Zahm & Nagel Series 6000 CO2 Piercing Device is a mechanical carbonation tester used to measure CO2 levels in sealed beverage cans and bottles. It is designed for breweries, cider producers, sparkling beverage manufacturers and quality control teams that need to check carbonation in finished, packaged products.
The instrument uses a pressure gauge and adjustable dial thermometer to determine carbonation using Zahm & Nagel pressure-temperature charts. It works with suitable cans, glass bottles and PET bottles containing alcoholic or non-alcoholic carbonated beverages.
Available in 1-litre (6001) and 3-litre (6002) configurations, the Series 6000 helps Canadian beverage producers check carbonation consistency during packaging, finished-product inspection and routine quality control.
Ideal Applications
- Craft breweries and commercial beer production
- Canned and bottled beer carbonation testing
- Hard cider and sparkling cider production
- Carbonated ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages
- Sparkling water, soda and soft drink manufacturing
- Beverage packaging line quality control
- Finished-product carbonation checks
- Routine production and QA/QC testing
Why Use a CO2 Piercing Device?
Carbonation affects how a beverage tastes, pours and feels in the mouth. Too little CO2 can leave a product tasting flat, while excessive carbonation can cause foaming or packaging concerns.
For breweries and beverage producers, checking carbonation in the finished container helps confirm that the packaged product meets the intended specification.
The Zahm Series 6000 is particularly useful because it measures the packaged product rather than relying only on carbonation measurements taken earlier in production.
Key Features
- Tests sealed beverage containers: Designed for suitable cans, glass bottles and PET bottles.
- Two instrument sizes: Choose between 1-litre and 3-litre configurations.
- Mechanical operation: No batteries, electronic display or software required.
- Dual-scale pressure gauge: Displays pressure in psi and kg/cm².
- Adjustable dial thermometer: Measures beverage temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- CO2 calculation charts: Uses pressure and temperature relationships to determine carbonation volumes.
- Serviceable design: Replacement needles, seals, gauges, thermometers and other components are available from the manufacturer.
- Packaged beverage testing: Useful for comparing carbonation levels during routine production quality control.
Choose the Right Model: 6001 vs. 6002
The Series 6000 is available in two configurations. The main difference is the maximum beverage container size each instrument can accommodate.
| Specification | 6001 | 6002 |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Size | 1 litre | 3 litres |
| Maximum Container Height | 34.29 cm (13.5 in) | 43.18 cm (17 in) |
| Maximum Container Diameter | 10.16 cm (4 in) | 17.78 cm (7 in) |
| Typical Buyer | Breweries and beverage producers testing standard cans and bottles | Facilities testing larger beverage containers |
Which Size Should You Buy?
Choose Model 6001 if you primarily test standard cans and bottles within the manufacturer's stated size limits. For many Canadian craft breweries and small beverage manufacturers, this is the practical starting point.
Choose Model 6002 if you regularly test larger containers or require the additional height and diameter capacity.
How Does the Zahm 6000 Measure Carbonation?
The Series 6000 uses the relationship between beverage pressure, temperature and dissolved carbon dioxide to estimate carbonation in volumes of CO2.
In simple terms, the test involves securing and piercing a sealed beverage container, recording a stabilized pressure reading and measuring the beverage temperature. The operator then uses the appropriate Zahm & Nagel chart to determine the carbonation level.
View a General Overview of the Testing Process
- Inspect the instrument, sealing surfaces and fittings before testing.
- Secure the appropriate beverage container according to the manufacturer's procedure.
- Pierce and seal the container using the instrument's mechanism.
- Shake the assembly as directed until the pressure reading stabilizes.
- Record the stabilized pressure before inserting the thermometer into the beverage.
- Measure and record the beverage temperature.
- Use the appropriate Zahm & Nagel pressure-temperature chart to determine CO2 volumes.
- Carefully release pressure using the manufacturer's procedure before removing the container.
This is a general overview only. Operators must follow Zahm & Nagel's complete instructions and safety precautions.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | Zahm & Nagel |
| Product Series | Series 6000, D.T. Piercing Device |
| Models | 6001 (1 L), 6002 (3 L) |
| Measurement Application | Beverage carbonation in sealed containers |
| Compatible Container Types | Suitable cans, glass and PET bottles |
| Pressure Gauge Range | 0-60 psi / 0-4.2 kg/cm² |
| Pressure Gauge Diameter | 2 in |
| Thermometer Range | -5 to 55°C / 25 to 125°F |
| Thermometer Type | Adjustable 2-inch dial thermometer |
| Measurement Method | Pressure and temperature with manufacturer CO2 charts |
| Displayed Result | Pressure and temperature; carbonation determined from charts |
| Power Requirements | None |
Note: The 0-60 psi figure is the pressure gauge's measurement range, not a stated maximum safe operating pressure. Always follow manufacturer operating guidance.
Series 6000 vs. Zahm SS-60: Which CO2 Tester Do You Need?
Zahm & Nagel makes different instruments for different stages of beverage production. Choosing the right one depends mainly on where you need to take the sample.
| Instrument | Testing Location | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Series 6000 Piercing Device | Sealed cans and bottles | Checking carbonation after packaging |
| Zahm SS-60 / 1000D Volume Meter | Beverage tanks with suitable sampling valves | Checking carbonation during beverage production |
| Series 7000 Air and CO2 Tester | Sealed cans and bottles | Testing carbonation and headspace air |
Our buying guidance: If you need to measure carbonation in finished cans or bottles, the Series 6000 is the appropriate product family. If you mainly sample from brite beer tanks, consider the Zahm SS-60 CO2 Volume Meter.
If your quality program also requires headspace air measurement, ask us about the Zahm Series 7000 before purchasing. The Series 6000 is a carbonation tester, not a headspace air or dissolved oxygen analyser.
Replacement Parts and Maintenance
The Series 6000 is a serviceable mechanical instrument. Routine maintenance helps keep pressure and temperature readings consistent and reduces the possibility of leaks during testing.
Common service and replacement components include:
- ZN6011: Standard piercing needle
- ZN6013: Rubber seal
- ZN6003: Adjustable dial thermometer
- 6008: Thermometer adapter O-ring
- ZN1030: Dual-scale pressure gauge
- ZN5040: Gauge gasket
- Other model-specific base pads, guide rods, valves and fittings
Zahm & Nagel recommends flushing the instrument with warm water after use, checking for leaks, maintaining the seals and verifying pressure gauge and thermometer accuracy.
If you need replacement parts, contact Cambridge with your model number and the component you require. We can help identify the appropriate manufacturer part before ordering.
Canadian Purchasing and Product Support
Cambridge Environmental Products Inc. is a Canadian-owned laboratory equipment and scientific supply distributor serving Canadian customers since 1993.
We work with breweries, beverage manufacturers, food processors and QA/QC laboratories to help select practical testing equipment for their applications.
For Zahm & Nagel equipment, we can help you:
- Compare the 6001 and 6002 configurations
- Confirm beverage container dimensions and suitability
- Understand the difference between tank and packaged beverage CO2 testing
- Identify replacement parts and maintenance accessories
- Request Canadian pricing and availability
- Source related beverage quality control equipment
Explore our Beverage Production and Testing collection for other laboratory and quality control supplies used by Canadian breweries and beverage producers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Zahm Series 6000 measure?
The Series 6000 determines carbonation in packaged beverages using pressure and temperature measurements with the appropriate Zahm & Nagel CO2 charts. Results can be expressed in volumes of CO2.
Can the Series 6000 test canned beer?
Yes. The instrument is designed for carbonation testing in sealed beverage cans and bottles. Confirm that your specific container fits the selected model.
What is the difference between Models 6001 and 6002?
The 6001 is the 1-litre configuration, accommodating containers up to 34.29 cm high and 10.16 cm in diameter. The 6002 is the 3-litre configuration, accommodating containers up to 43.18 cm high and 17.78 cm in diameter.
Can the tester be used for cider, sparkling water or soda?
Yes. Zahm & Nagel identifies the Series 6000 for alcoholic and non-alcoholic carbonated beverages. Use the appropriate pressure-temperature chart and confirm suitability if your beverage contains significant amounts of other dissolved gases or has unusual formulation characteristics.
Does the instrument show CO2 volumes directly?
No. It provides pressure and temperature readings. The operator determines carbonation using the correct Zahm & Nagel chart. It is a mechanical test instrument, not a digital CO2 analyser.
Does the Series 6000 measure dissolved oxygen or headspace air?
No. It is intended for carbonation testing. Facilities requiring headspace air testing should consider the Series 7000, while dissolved oxygen measurement requires an appropriate separate method or instrument.
What is the difference between the Series 6000 and Zahm 1000D SS-60?
The Series 6000 tests carbonation in sealed beverage containers. The Zahm SS-60 / 1000D is used with suitable tank sampling valves to measure carbonation during production. Some facilities may benefit from both types of instruments.
Does this instrument require calibration?
Pressure gauge and thermometer accuracy should be checked periodically according to manufacturer instructions and your facility's quality program. Zahm & Nagel provides maintenance and recalibration guidance for both components.
Can Cambridge help with replacement parts?
Yes. Contact Cambridge Environmental with the Series 6000 model number and required component. We can help identify the appropriate Zahm & Nagel part and check Canadian availability.
How do I know which instrument fits our packaging?
Send Cambridge the container volume, height, diameter and closure type, along with the beverage being tested. We can help review whether the 6001 or 6002 is the more appropriate configuration.
Manufacturer Instructions, Charts and Video
For detailed operating procedures, maintenance and carbonation calculations, refer to Zahm & Nagel's manufacturer documentation.
- Series 6000 Manufacturer Product Information
- Zahm & Nagel CO2 Pressure-Temperature Charts
- Thermometer and Pressure Gauge Maintenance Instructions
- Manufacturer Video Tutorials
Need Help Choosing the Right Zahm CO2 Tester?
Not sure whether you need the Zahm Series 6000 Piercing Device, the SS-60 Volume Meter or another carbonation testing instrument? Cambridge Environmental Products can help Canadian breweries, cider producers and beverage manufacturers select equipment for their production and packaging workflows.
Contact us before ordering if you need help confirming container compatibility, choosing between the 1-litre and 3-litre models, finding replacement parts or checking Canadian pricing and availability.
Contact Cambridge for Zahm & Nagel Support