Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method that may include identifying at least one metric for a fluid flowing through a line from a vessel to a dispenser. The method may include identifying a reference value for the at least one metric for the fluid. The method may include performing an analysis of the fluid based on the at least one metric for the fluid. The method may include comparing results of the analysis with the reference value. The method may include performing at least one action based on determining that there has been a change in the at least one metric relative to the reference value.

A drink station is provided with an alkaline filter cartridge in fluid communication with an ambient temperature water line provide alkaline water, and with a chilled water mixed with the alkaline water at a spigot to provide chilled alkaline water. A hot water heating element is located below the spigot so hot water flows upward for dispensing from the spigot, with a vent line between the heating element and spigot helping hot water to flow from the spigot to the heating element. A refrigeration system and a carbonation system is also provided. The refrigeration system uses the ice-bank technology. A submersible agitator pump improves heat exchanged between ice-bank and water by forced convection. The agitator pump operating based on the temperature of the drinking water. A figure eight evaporator coil can provide two cylindrical ice banks and two chilled water coils to increase the chilled water capacity.

A water dispenser includes a filter unit filtering raw water supplied from a raw water supply unit to produce purified water, a cold water tank assembly cooling purified water to produce cold water, a refrigerating cycle device maintaining cooling water filled in a cooling water accommodation unit at a low temperature, a cooling water flow channel supplying water to the cooling water accommodation unit, a flow rate sensor measuring a flow rate of water supplied to the cooling water accommodation unit, a stirrer to stir the cooling water filled in the cooling water accommodation unit, and a controller determining whether cooling water has been filled up to a reference water level on the basis of a rotation speed of the stirrer per unit time.

Provided is a ready-to-install apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages and/or beverages on draught that incorporates a flow sensor and a pinch valve and may be coupled to the end of a beer line (or any other tubing used for beverage dispensing) without having to be integrated within the line (i.e. eliminating the need to make multiple cuts for the valve, the flow sensor, etc.) The beverage dispensing apparatus reduces foaming by reducing the number of components that come into contact with the fluid and/or interfere with flow. For example, the beverage dispensing apparatus may utilize an external flow sensor to reduce the creation of nucleation sites where CO.sub.2 bubbles may form. In another example, a pinch valve may be used to prevent excessive foaming in place of conventional valves that must be placed proximal to the keg.

The present system generally relates to a fluid flow system where a controller and motor pump assemblies are used to optimize the control of fluid flow through the system. The controller samples the back electromotive force of the motor and pump assemblies and is able to utilize the sampled back electromotive force in conjunction with predefined target back electromotive force values, preferably empirically determined and tuned to an induvial motor and for a select fluid, to tune the voltage applied to the system, control the back electromotive force of the system and, by extension, control the flow of fluid.

A flow material reporting system comprising a flow material measuring device and at least one a computing device communicatively coupled to the flow material measuring device, with the computing device comprising a flow material monitoring portion, a flow material measuring portion, and a flow material reporting portion.

A multi-sensor device is disclosed, for monitoring in real time a flowing fluid substance, the device comprises a main body structure having at least one fluid port and fluid passage for receiving a stream of the fluid substance and flowing it through the fluid passage, and one or more openings for establishing fluid communication with the fluid passage, a sensing foil/film having one or more sensor elements, wherein each portion of the sensing foil/film having at least one of the sensor elements is in fluid communication with at least one of the openings, to thereby enable the sensing element to measure at least one property of condition of the fluid and generate sensor data/signals indicative thereof. The main body structure and the sensing assembly attached to it constitute an integrated component configured as an insertable and removable/exchangeable element of the device.

A device according to the present invention is of the post-mix type for dispensing beverages on a user's premises and mixing at least a first component (10) and a second component (20) to obtain a beverage. The device comprises a flow measuring means (100) configured to produce measurement information relating to the flow of the first component; a flow rate adjustment means (250) configured to vary the flow rate of the second component; a control means (300) configured to receive the measurement information (32) and to control the flow rate adjustment means (250) on the basis of the measurement information and a predetermined parameter; and a mixing means (400) disposed downstream of the flow rate adjustment means and configured to mix the first (12) and second (22) components.

A system and method for the automated dispensing of bulk keg wine is provide having, in combination: integrated temperature control; pressure monitoring; automated purging; and integrated point of sale data acquisition for determining inventory usage statistics for each keg of wine dispensed. The system provides for precise measurement of each portion. An error alarm system warns an operator about beverage tank low level. A system for forcing the flashing of poor quality beverage. Recording of all delivery process events allows for operator or management review and control.

Apparatuses and methods for liquid control are provided. A liquid control apparatus may be for selectively treating and/or substituting a liquid flow from at least one of a plurality of supply lines. The ultimate liquid flow is for dispensing to a user by way of a liquid supply fixture such as a tap. The apparatus comprises a liquid conditioning module for connection in-line with at least one of the plurality of supply lines. The liquid conditioning module receives a diverted liquid flow of the at least one supply line from an upstream portion of the supply line. It then outputs a selectively treated and/or substituted liquid flow for returning to a downstream portion of the supply line for dispensing to the user. The apparatus has at least one flow sensor, each flow sensor associated with one of the plurality of supply lines. It has a controller, the controller configured to receive information indicative of the liquid flow of at least one of the plurality of supply lines from the at least one flow sensor. The controller, upon the occurrence of a predetermined flow characteristic, is operable to activate the liquid conditioning module to treat and/or substitute the liquid flow from one or more of the liquid conditioning module connected supply lines in order to provide a treated and/or substituted liquid flow at the liquid supply fixture.