For the production of quality beverages with long shelf life, and to prevent corrosion of boiler and piping systems, water needs to be deaerated.

In a regenerative heat exchanger the water is first heated to 161°F (72°C) or more. Heating reduces the oxygen solubility and simultaneously disinfects the water. The hot water is then dispersed at the top of the column. The column contains densely packed, thin stainless steel sheets arranged in such way that the water takes multiple paths as it flows down through the column. This maximizes the transfer surface and the contact time between the water and the strip gas (CO₂ or N₂). The strip gas is fed into the bottom of the column and flows upwards inside it in counter current to the water.

The large partial pressure difference of O₂ forces the oxygen out of the water into the gas phase. At the top of the column the removed oxygen leaves the system as a gas, together with the undissolved strip gas. The O₂ content of the deaerated water is permanently monitored.

The virtually oxygen free water is collected at the bottom of the column and further processed.