Flow metering system
A flow metering system is generally presented herein. The flow metering system is generally configured to measure liquid flow from a liquid dispensing system and to track volume change and other measurable characteristics of the liquid in real time. The flow metering system may include a flow sensor. The flow sensor may be positioned in line with a liquid flow line, or in a separate line where the remainder of the liquid exits via a bypass, where the liquid flow line is connected to and configured to dispense liquid from a pre-packaged liquid volume, or a reservoir. For example, the flow sensor may be connected in-line to a beer line, such as vinyl piping, for a beer keg or soda dispensing tank. However, it will be appreciated that the flow metering system may be used with any type of liquid dispensing system.
1. A flow metering system for a fluid dispensing apparatus, the flow metering system operated by a user, the flow metering system having a reservoir and an exit line, the flow metering system comprising:
a flow sensor positioned in an exit passage configured to allow fluid to pass through the flow sensor, the flow sensor configured to measure a volume of fluid exiting the reservoir through the exit line; and
a control module in communication with the flow sensor, the control module configured to accept a user inputter top-level and a user inputted bottom-level, total volume calculated by the control module as the difference between the user inputter top-level and the user inputted bottom-level,
the control module configured to calculate changes in volume in the reservoir using amount of fluid measured by the flow sensor;
wherein if the amount of fluid measured by the flow sensor approaches the user inputted bottom-level, notification is communicated,
wherein a line splitter is provided in line with the exit line, the line splitter positioned upstream of the flow sensor, the line splitter configured to route some liquid to the flow sensor and the remainder out so as to improve efficiency of the system.
2. The flow metering system of claim 1 wherein the control module includes a display screen displaying information regarding the flow metering system.
3. The flow metering system of claim 2 wherein the display includes a backlight with at least one backlight colors.
4. The flow metering system of claim 3 wherein the backlight color changes based on preset thresholds to provide a simple indicator to the user.
5. The flow metering system of claim 1 wherein the control module is configured to communicate wirelessly.
6. The flow metering system of claim 1 further including a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor in communication with the control module.
7. The flow metering system of claim 1 wherein the notification is displayed to the user.
8. The flow metering system of claim 1 wherein the notification is audibly communicated to the user.
9. The flow metering system of claim 6 wherein if the temperature sensor measures a temperature above or below a predetermined threshold, notification is communicated to the user.