WO2002070396A1

WO2002070396A1 - Pump monitoring system

Info

Publication number: WO2002070396A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000220
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Allan Hall; Paul Phillip Brown
Original assignee: Hjp Patents Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Hjp Patents Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2001-03-02
Filing date: 2002-03-01
Publication date: 2002-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2003-09-02

Abstract

A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated (18) fluid delivery pumps (14) for delivering syrup concentrate (15) for a beverage postmix system including a flow or pressure activated signalling means (32) adapted to respond to a difference in pressure or flow to or from a gas operated delivery pump wherein in operation the pressure or flow associated with each pumping cycle activates the signalling means such that the total volume and flow rate of fluid delivered by the pump can be determined from the number and frequency of the signals. In an improved version, the monitoring system can be connected to a computer system for stock control purposes and to provide instructions to a user via a user interface over the Internet or a localised telecommunications network.

Description

PUMP MONITORING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the monitoring of fluid operated devices in particular but not limited to a system for monitoring the activity of a pneumatically operated delivery pump for dispensing syrup concentrates in a beverage post-mix system and system of monitoring stock levels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a problem with recording the amount of syrup concentrate left in bag in box (BIB) syrup containers used in beverage post-mix systems. As a result of this, there is a tendency to over order stock. Stock such as syrup concentrates have a limited shelf-life and over ordering of the same results in out-dated stock. The amount of stock that is disposed of due to the stock being old is apparently very high and an unnecessary wastage. This is a problem, which appears throughout the hotel industry. Prior art monitoring equipment on the market includes load cells, PLC's and flow valves. Such prior art equipment is often electronically based and is very expensive. Furthermore, electronic measuring equipment can often fail simply because of the complexity and the way the systems operate.

The problem faced by remote supply post mix users is that apart from constant vigilance and the fact that a product ran out at the dispensing apparatus, there is no information of existent (BIB) stock levels provided.

A solution was to monitor the product level in all BIBs and raise an alarm when the level was low. While this is effective in a broad sense, there was an absence of flexibility in prior art systems to accommodate different pump sizes, BIB size and configuration. There is a need for not just an alarm where the user can check the overall installation, but a system tool which looked after the installation and the level of stock and inventory control in greater detail and at a more sophisticated

level.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to seek to ameliorate some of the

disadvantages of the prior art or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the invention resides in a monitoring system for

monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps including in combination a flow and/or

pressure activated signalling means, the signalling means adapted to respond to a

difference in pressure and/or flow to or from a gas operated delivery pump wherein

in operation the pressure and/or flow associated with each pumping cycle activates

the signalling means to produce a signal such that the total volume and flow rate of

fluid delivered by the pump can be determined from the number and frequency of the

signals recorded.

Preferably the signalling means is an airflow or pressure sensitive electrical

switch device adapted to complete an electrical circuit when exposed to a flow of gas

or a pressure differential.

In the alternative, the signalling means can be a mechanical marking means

adapted to mark a moving graph when exposed to a flow of gas or a pressure

differential.

Preferably the gas flow and/or pressure is from the exhaust outlet of the

delivery pump.

If there are more than one pump, preferably, the gas flow from the exhaust

outlets of the pumps are vented to the atmosphere through one outlet. Less preferably or in the alternative, the gas flow and/or pressure is of the gas supply to the inlet of the pump.

Preferably there is recording means adapted to record the number of times the signalling means is activated by the gas flow. Preferably the recording means is a microprocessor recording means.

Preferably the recording means is coupled to indicating means adapted to indicate when a predetermined number of signals has been recorded.

Preferably the indicating means is a visual indicating means such as a flashing light or light emitting diode (LED). In addition or in the alternative, the indicating means can be audible indicating means such as beeper that issues a beeping noise.

Preferably the signalling means and/or the recording means can be remotely monitored by either a cable connection or alternatively a wireless system.

Preferably the fluid delivered by the pump is syrup concentrate for use in a beverage post-mix system.

In an improved version, the monitoring system described hereinabove is connected to a computer system wherein signals from the signalling means or information from the microprocessor recording means is used in combination with other information communicated to the computer by a user via a user interface means, the other information inclusive of pump volume size, bag-in-box (BIB) size, use by date, usage amount, reorder amount, reorder tolerance, time and date, pump interval time, wherein in operation, the information and other information can be processed by the computer to provide stock control information and provide instructions concerning the monitoring system to the user via the user interface means. Preferably the user interface means includes interactive display means

comprising a series of display screens on a computer monitor that guides the user in

communicating information to the computer.

Preferably the instructions provided by the user interface means via the

display screens includes informing the user of any fault in any part of the monitoring

system and how to rectify the fault.

Preferably stock control information processed by the computer can be used

to order stock at a reorder amount.

Preferably the computer system is connected to a supplier's computerised

supply system wherein depleted stock can be reordered automatically when reorder

tolerances for reorder amounts are reached.

Preferably the connection between the computer system and the supplier's

computerised supply system is via the Internet or a localised telecommunications

network, for example, a local area network (LAN).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention be more readily understood and put into practical

effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations wherein:

Figure 1 is a scheme of a preferred embodiment of the invention according to Example 1 ;

Figure 2 is a drawing of a preferred signalling means according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective drawing of the invention according to Example 1 ;

Figures 4a and 4b show exploded detail of exhaust and inlet gas operated

signalling means according to the invention; and Figure 5 shows a scheme of a preferable improvement to the invention according to Example 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Example 1 Figure 1 shows a scheme of the invention according to Example 1.

In most outlets, for example, hotels, restaurants, etc, it is usual practice to dispense concentrated soft drink beverages from a unit referred to as a post mix dispensing system. Such systems are usually composed of a tubular metal frame or stand. The stand is preferably designed with a series of shelves, enabling syrup stock to be stored in syrup containers 10 which are referred to as B.I.B. (bag in box) containers and usually contain 15 litres of syrup each in assorted flavours or brands, e.g. Coke™, Fanta™, Sprite™, orange juice etc. The stand has provision to support a refrigerated carbonating unit 12 preferably above the B.I.B. containers. On a side frame of the stand there is provision for the mounting of six (6) pneumatic beverage dispensing pumps 14 to service the six (6) syrup B.I.B. containers. Standard beverage pumps used in this application include the Flojet™ N5000 series manufactured by Flojet Corporation of 20 Icon, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610, United States of America and imported and distributed in Australia by Lancer Pacific Pty Ltd of 5 Toogood Avenue, Beverley, 5009, South Australia. There may, however, be the need to apply a different Flojet™ series type pump or other manufacturer's pump occasionally.

The method of operation of the post mix system is as follows: A refrigerated unit 12 is attached to a water line 12a and 240V power source (not shown). The unit has an internal water reservoir, which fills and cools the water. The unit also has a carbonating system, which modifies standard water to carbonated water and then sends the chilled carbonated water 12b to the point of service usually at the bar via a dispensing tower 16 or Pluto. The pneumatic pumps are coupled to the syrup containers and on demand, deliver the syrup 15 to the point of service. The pumps are preferably connected to an air compressor 18 or to a food grade gas cylinder to provide a pump-operating pressure of between 20 to 80 psi. The serving tower or Pluto 16 receiving chilled carbonated water and concentrated syrup is preset to mix the correct volume of water and syrup to comply with the requirements of the relevant industry standards. It is important to note that as the syrup is dispensed, the pump is only supplying the required amount. The pump normally delivers approximately 30ml per operational cycle. The pumps will continue to supply syrup until the B.I.B. container empties and the pump stalls as a result of a vacuum created by the empty container bag. Delivery of the syrup then ceases. Once the empty B.I.B. container has been replaced with a full one, the pump resumes its operation. Every time the piston of the pump is activated by the gas flow it dispenses approximately 30ml of syrup and the exhaust port 17 of the pump disperses unspent air or gas.

Figures 2 and 3 show detail of a preferred signalling means and a perspective view of the invention, respectively. As shown by Figure 2, the invention preferably comprises a molded block of insulating material 20 with six (6) holes 22 drilled through corresponding to the six pumps. At one end of each of the six (6) holes, there is a set of electrical contacts 24 positioned centrally over the hole. Each of the holes has a metal ball 26 of a diameter as to allow free movement of the ball along the bore of the hole. At the other end of the hole 28 opposite to the contacts is an attachment for a tube 29, enabling a connection to the exhaust of each pump. Each time the piston of the pump is operated, the exhaust pressure and/or flow will move the metal ball along the bore of the hole until the metal ball makes contact with the electrical contacts. One side of the contacts is always electrically active and the other side inputs the power to recording means in the form of a microprocessor 30 when the two contacts touch. The microprocessor 30 counts each time the ball activates the contacts as a pulse. Approximately 15 litres of syrup is pumped by about 500 piston actions or excursions. Therefore, to pump 14 litres of syrup which is approximately 465 piston actions, the microprocessor can be set to send an alarm off at 465 pulses. This would leave approximately 1 litre of syrup in the B.I.B. container. The alarm will preferably also include a flashing lamp 32 or light emitting diode (LED). The alarm can be either in wireless 31 or cable 33 connection with the microprocessor.

An operator notified by the alarm of the usage status can address the situation by replacing the empty B.I.B. container. Once the B.I.B. container has been changed over, a reset button is pushed to restart the counting of pulses by the microprocessor.

Figure 4a shows an exploded view of an exhaust flow and/or pressure signalling means assembly. As exhaust gas from a pump enters block section 20b via hole 21 under pressure, it propels ball 26 to make contact with electrical contacts 24. As the gas dissipates through the hole 23 in block section 20a, the ball drops to its original position away from the contacts under gravity. The closing and opening of the electrical contacts creates a single pulse for recordal by the microprocessor (not shown).

Figure 4b shows an exploded view of another signalling means assembly which works off the supply pressure to the pump and not the exhaust gas. The ball 26 is pushed against the contacts 24 by the soft hollow rubber section 27 under supply pressure. The contacts remain closed while there is enough pressure to expand the hollow rubber section. When the pressure drops as a result of the gas supply failing or running out, the reverse occurs and the ball no longer pushes against the contacts which then open signalling the alarm (not shown). Example 2

Figure 5 shows a scheme of the invention of Example 1 improved by connection with a computer system. By use of a user interface means comprising a number of interactive display screens, information relating to pump volume, B.I.B. size, use by dates, amounts used, reorder amounts, reorder tolerances, time and date, pump interval time, etc can be entered by a user to be processed by the central processing unit (C.P.U.) of the computer. Signals from the signalling means and/or information from the microprocessor recording means (not shown) can be processed by the C.P.U. to display on the display screens, information and instructions to the user. Instructions shown on the representations of the display screens include "REORDER", "CHANGE BIB", "USE BY DATE UP". Information concerning faults with any part of the monitoring system are shown on the display screens with messages such as "LEAK DETECTED" and "NO GAS".

Specifically referring to the diagram of Figure 5, the top left screen (40) is where all data needed by the C.P.U. is entered. As further examples, there are shown various display screens:-

Alarm Screen 1 (42) - This screen is displayed when the C.P.U. registers a pulse or signal (44) from the signalling means wherein the amount set in pump size (millilitres) is added to a previous amount and is output as an alarm when the calculated amount reaches the usage amount. The user is then prompted to change the relevant a BIB (not shown), reenter new use by date and to reset the monitoring system.

Alarm Screen 2 (46) - This screen is displayed when the calculated amount reaches a reorder amount, the C.P.U. (48) will inform the user if any other BIBS on the system are within the reorder tolerances (set in %) and displayed on a screen.

Alarm Screen 3 (50) - This screen is displayed when the real time clock reaches the day, month, year set at the use by date setting.

Alarm Screen 4 (52) - This screen is displayed if the C.P.U. detects a rapid interval between pulses wherein it will be interpreted as a warning that the line is not able to maintain pressure. A threshold setting of one second will result in setting off the alarm if the interval is less than one second.

Alarm Screen 5 (54) - This screen is displayed when one input on the system is always allocated to monitor the pump supply gas. If this input is not on an alarm is set off and the screen prompts that there is no gas. ADVANTAGES

The advantages of the present invention include the following:

The alarm can be in wireless communication with the microprocessor monitor or can be hard wired. Radio communication for retrofitting to existing sites is preferred as the system can plug into a 240V electric supply and is ready to use. The remote flashing alarm can be a great advertising feature. It can be a light, which is permanently on and flashes only when in the alarmed mode. A reason for the light being on permanently is that the user is informed that the lamp is functioning.

The flashing light will be in public view and could easily be used in other forms of advertising according to the client's wishes. The present invention also dispenses with the need for automatic change over valves. Although changeover valves are not expensive, they require constant servicing. The present invention is also very cost effective compared to other systems.

This system not only sends an alarm to attract attention but is also totally flexible, it tells the user what is wrong and what to do, and when connected to the appropriate network, order stock at reorder amount.

VARIATIONS It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps including in combination a flow or pressure activated signalling means, the signalling means adapted to respond to a difference in pressure or flow to or from a gas operated delivery pump wherein in operation the pressure or flow associated with each pumping cycle activates the signalling means to produce a signal such that the total volume and flow rate of fluid delivered by the pump can be determined from the number and frequency of the signals recorded.

2. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the signalling means is an airflow or pressure sensitive electrical switch device adapted to complete an electrical circuit when exposed to a flow of gas or a pressure differential.

3. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the signalling means is a mechanical marking means adapted to mark a moving graph when exposed to a flow of gas or a pressure differential.

4. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as

claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gas flow or pressure is

from the exhaust outlet of the delivery pump.

5. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as^* claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the gas flow or pressure is of the gas supply to the inlet of the pump.

6. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as

claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein there is one or more pumps and the gas flow from the exhaust outlets of the pumps are vented to the atmosphere through one outlet.

7. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein there is recording means adapted to record the number of times the signalling means is activated by the gas flow.

8. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the recording means is a microprocessor recording means.

9. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the recording means is coupled to indicating means adapted to indicate when a predetermined number of signals has been recorded.

10. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as

claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the indicating means is a

visual indicating means such as a flashing light or light emitting diode

(LED).

1 1. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as

claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the indicating means is

audible indicating means such as beeper that issues a beeping noise.

12. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the signalling means or the recording means is remotely monitored by a cable connected system.

13. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in any of one claims 1 to 11 , wherein the signalling means or the recording means is remotely monitored by a wireless system

14. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the fluid delivered by the pump is syrup concentrate for use in a beverage post-mix system.

15. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as

claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the monitoring system is

connected to a computer system and wherein signals from the signalling

means or information from the microprocessor recording means is used in

combination with other information communicated to the computer by a

user via a user interface means, the other information inclusive of pump

volume size, bag-in-box (BIB) size, use by date, usage amount, reorder

amount, reorder tolerance, time and date, pump interval time, wherein in

operation, the information and other information can be processed by the

computer to provide stock control information and provide instructions

concerning the operation of the monitoring system to the user via the user

interface means.

16. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as

claimed in claim 15, wherein the user interface means includes interactive

display means comprising a series of display screens on a computer

monitor that guides the user in communicating information to the

computer.

17. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as

claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the instructions provided by the user interface means via the display screens includes informing the user of any fault in any part of the monitoring system and how to rectify the fault.

18. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein stock control information processed by the computer is used to order stock at a reorder amount.

19. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as claimed in claim 18, wherein the computer system is connected to a supplier's computerised supply system wherein depleted stock is reordered automatically when reorder tolerances for reorder amounts are reached.

20. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps as

claimed in claim 19, wherein the connection between the computer system

and the supplier's computerised supply system is via the Internet or a

localised telecommunications network.

21. A monitoring system for monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps

substantially as hereindescribed with reference to the accompanying

illustrations.