Pneumatically coupled fluid control system and process with air detection and elimination

A fluid control system for delivery of a fluid, comprising:

• a fluid flow path comprising an inlet valve configured for fluid communication with a fluid source and an outlet valve configured for fluid communication with a fluid sink;
• a chamber comprising a fluid-side chamber and a gas-side chamber, the fluid-side chamber and the gas-side chamber separated by a flexible membrane, the membrane configured so that there is no pressure differential between the fluid-side chamber and the gas-side chamber across the membrane;
• the fluid-side chamber disposed on the fluid flow path downstream of the inlet valve and upstream of the outlet valve such that pressure changes in the fluid-side chamber are communicated to the inlet valve and the outlet valve;
• a pneumatic drive in communication with the gas-side chamber to provide known incremental positive or negative volume changes that cause positive or negative pressure changes in the gas-side chamber, and wherein said pressure changes in the gas-side chamber are communicated to the fluid-side chamber via the flexible membrane;
• and
• an air elimination mechanism comprising hydrophobic filter comprising a first side disposed in communication with the fluid-side chamber, and a second side disposed in communication with a one-way valve, the hydrophobic filter blocking flow of liquid therethrough and allowing passage of air therethrough.