Are You Considering Flow Meters In Your Draft Beer System?

Draft Beer System Flow Meters

It is becoming increasingly important for technology to be adapted by the restaurant and bar industry. Flow meters in your draft beer system work as soon as the beer flows, where the flowmeter generates a train of pulses proportional in frequency to the speed of the liquid passing through it. As a bar owner, you receive real-time tracking reporting on what is happening behind your bar, including if the draft beer is being rung into your POS, if your staff is overpouring draft beer (this can include too much foam) and most companies offer a refrigeration report that alarms you when your cooler is not keeping its temperature.

Glacier Design Systems sells, installs, and cleans flow meters, so we are very familiar with them. They are hardened against high-concentration cleaning chemicals, but it is important that we are using the right amount of chemicals. If you are cleaning your own draft beer system, make sure you are paying attention to your flow meters as well as the rest of your equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a flow meter in a draft beer system? It is a device that measures the amount of beer flowing through the system. It can provide accurate measurements of the volume of beer dispensed, which can help bar owners track inventory and ensure that they are serving the correct amount of beer.  There are several types, including mechanical, magnetic, and ultrasonic flow meters. Mechanical flow meters use a rotating wheel or piston to measure flow, magnetic flow meters use a magnetic field to measure flow, and ultrasonic flow meters use sound waves to measure flow.

How does it work? Flow meters in your draft beer system work by measuring the flow of beer through the system. As the beer flows through the meter, it moves a mechanical component or generates an electromagnetic or ultrasonic signal that is used to calculate the volume of beer dispensed.

What are the benefits? There are several benefits, including accurate tracking of beer inventory, ensuring that the correct amount of beer is being served, identifying potential issues with the system, and helping to reduce waste.

How accurate are these meters? The accuracy of flow meters in your draft beer system can vary depending on the type and quality of the meter. However, many modern flow meters are highly accurate, with some capable of measuring flow rates within 1% accuracy.

How are flow meters installed? They are typically installed in the beer line. The installation process can vary depending on the type of flow meter being used and the specific requirements of the system, but it generally involves cutting the beer line and installing the flow meter in-line.

How do you calibrate a flow meter? It involves adjusting the meter to ensure that it is measuring flow accurately. This process can vary depending on the type of flow meter being used, but typically involves measuring the flow rate with a known volume of liquid and adjusting the meter to match the measured flow rate.

How often should they be calibrated? The frequency of calibration for flow meters in your draft beer system can vary depending on the type of meter and the specific requirements of the system. However, many experts recommend calibrating flow meters at least once per year or whenever there is a change in the system that could affect the accuracy of the meter.

Can flow meters be cleaned in a draft beer system? Yes, they should be cleaned to ensure that they are working properly. The cleaning process can vary depending on the type of meter being used, but typically involves flushing the meter with a cleaning solution or disassembling the meter and cleaning the individual components.

Can flow meters be used with different types of beer? Yes, they can be used with different types of beer, including different styles and brands. However, it is important to ensure that the meter is properly calibrated for each type of beer being dispensed to ensure accurate measurements.