Piercing of cans with fixed nitrogen widgets

Nitrogen widgets are an innovative technology commonly used in beverage cans, particularly for beers and other nitrogenated drinks, to enhance product quality and elevate the consumer experience. These small, sealed devices are designed to release a controlled burst of nitrogen gas upon opening the can.
This mechanism is especially important for beverages such as stouts and nitro beers, which require fine, stable bubbles to create a creamy and smooth mouthfeel – distinct from the larger, sharper bubbles by carbon dioxide in traditional beverages. When the can is opened, the sudden pressure drop causes the widget to release its stored nitrogen, initiating the nucleation process. This rapidly generates a cascade of tiny bubbles resulting in a dense, persistent foam head that closely mimics the texture and visual appeal of a draft-poured beer.

Additionally, nitrogen widgets contribute to beverage stability and flavor preservation. Nitrogen is less soluble in liquids than carbon dioxide, and helps maintain a consistent texture while lowering perceived acidity. This makes nitrogen-infused beverages smoother and less harsh on the palate. In the case of canned products, where presentation and quality must remain stable over time, widgets help ensure a fresh, high-quality consumer experience regardless of storage duration.

This application report outlines methods for piercing beverage cans equipped with fixed nitrogen widgets.

While cans are typically pierced from the bottom for sampling, this approach is not feasible for cans with fixed widgets attached to the inner bottom. Consequently, alternative approaches – such as piercing from the top – must be employed to effectively sample the contents.