GEAR FLOW METER WITH OUT OF PRODUCT SENSOR

摘要

Embodiments of the invention are directed toward methods and systems including a flow meter. The flow meter can include one or more sensors and be capable of detecting parameters of the fluid flowing therethrough. One or more sensors can include capacitive sensors having a plurality of electrodes and configured to detect capacitive properties of a fluid flowing through the flow meter. Detected changes in detected properties of the fluid can be evidence of important changes in the fluid, such as an out of product event or a contamination of the fluid.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a flow meter comprising
(i) a housing defining a chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet wherein at least a portion of the housing is substantially transparent to a first wavelength of light; and(ii) a first rotating element within the chamber configured to rotate as fluid travels through the housing, wherein the first rotating element comprises a detectable area which reflects light of the first wavelength differently than portions of the first rotating element that are not the detectable areas; an optical assembly comprising an optical emitter configured to emit light of at least the first wavelength into the chamber via the transparent portion of the housing and an optical detector configured to detect light of at least the first wavelength reflected from inside the chamber; and a capacitive sensor positioned proximate the housing, the capacitive sensor comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first insulator separating the first and second electrodes.