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WO2016120866A1 - Système de surveillance de l'état de bouteilles de gaz propane liquide - Google Patents

Système de surveillance de l'état de bouteilles de gaz propane liquide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016120866A1
WO2016120866A1 PCT/IL2016/050075 IL2016050075W WO2016120866A1 WO 2016120866 A1 WO2016120866 A1 WO 2016120866A1 IL 2016050075 W IL2016050075 W IL 2016050075W WO 2016120866 A1 WO2016120866 A1 WO 2016120866A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
weighing
lpgc
consumption
interrogating
standard deviation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IL2016/050075
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dave ROSENBERG
Zivit BLOOM
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2016120866A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016120866A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/32—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/20—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders (LPGC) and, more specifically, to a system configured for weighing LPGCs and analyzing obtained weight data.
  • LPGC liquid propane gas cylinders
  • process gases may be purchased and/or stored in bulk quantities and supplied via a direct pipeline from the producer. In many cases, however, the quantity of gas required does not warrant purchasing or storing the gases in bulk quantities. In other cases, the gases may not be available in bulk quantities.
  • gas cylinder includes cylinders and tanks used to store liquified gases and gases absorbed or contained in media inside the cylinder or tank as well as cylinders or tanks used to store material in the gas phase.
  • US 5953682 discloses an automated gas cylinder monitoring system includes: a data storage collar associated with a gas cylinder including a resident memory and an insulated housing, the insulated housing being configured for coupling with a gas cylinder; a read/write probe for writing data to and receiving data from the resident memory of said data storage collar; measuring devices for determining the volume of gas in a gas cylinder; and a host computer for transmitting information to and receiving information from the read/write probe.
  • LPGCs constitute a source of potential hazard because of leakage risk and following explosion or LPG poisoning.
  • a system for monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders comprises: (a) at least one weighing mechanism including at least one load cell configured for weighing said LPGC mounted thereon; (b) an interrogating unit configured for periodically interrogating said weighing mechanism; said interrogating unit connected to said weighing mechanism in a wireless manner; (c) database configured for storing weighing data obtained by said interrogating unit; (d) a control unit connected to database and preprogrammed for analyzing said stored weighing data.
  • Another object of the invention is to disclose the standard deviation calculated over measurements at at least 3000 time points. Measurement data indicating zero
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the interrogating unit preprogrammed for interrogating said weighing mechanism with interrogation frequency which is not less than ones every 2 hours.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the predetermined cylinder condition selected from a group consisting of proper functioning, follow-up monitoring; fault and empty cylinder.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the fault condition selected from a group consisting of high rate leakage, moderate rate leakage, gradually increasing consumption and increased consumption.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the high rate leakage identified if consumption measured at two time points exceeds average consumption of a specific customer by two to three standard deviations.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the moderate rate leakage identified if consumption measured at 8 time points exceeds in at least 5 time points (or similar fault ratio) average consumption of a specific customer by standard deviations calculated for a specific customer.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the high rate leakage identified if LPG consumption is detected in a period of normal non-use.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose a method of monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders (LPGC).
  • the aforesaid method comprises steps of: (a) providing a system for monitoring a status of LPGC with at least one weighing mechanism including at least one load cell configured for weighing said LPGC mounted thereon; an interrogating unit configured for periodically interrogating said weighing mechanism; said interrogating unit connected to said weighing mechanism in a wireless manner; database configured for storing weighing data obtained by said interrogating unit; a control unit connected to database and preprogrammed for analyzing said stored weighing data; (b) interrogating said weighing data by said interrogating unit from said weighing mechanism; (c) storing said weighing data within said database; (d) analyzing said weighing data by means of control unit.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a system for monitoring a status of LPGCs
  • Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method of for monitoring a status of LPGCs
  • Figs 3-6 are graphs of time profiles corresponding to recognizable LPGC conditions.
  • Fig. 7 is a graph of standard deviation.
  • System 10 comprises weighing mechanisms 20 carrying LPGCs 30.
  • Interrogating unit 40 is configured for calling over weighing mechanisms 20 and storing obtained data in database 50.
  • Control unit 60 is preprogrammed for analyzing the aforesaid weighing data and calculating standard deviation over the weighing data corresponding to a predetermined time period (for example, one week or one month).
  • system of the present invention provides an option of both monitoring customer's gas consumption and recognizing leaks not only on the side of the gas provider but also on the side of the gas customer.
  • Method 100 begins with step 110 of providing the system for monitoring a status of LPGCs. Then, LPGCs are weighed (step 120) by means of weighing mechanisms, which are interrogated by interrogating unit (step 130). According to an exemplar embodiment of the present invention, interrogation of the weighing mechanisms is performed every 2 hours. The obtained weighing data are stored in database (step 140). Statistical analysis of LPGC condition is based on calculating standard deviation (step 150) from an ordinary time profile of LPG consumption related to a specific customer. According to the present invention, the standard deviation is used as a criterion for recognition specific conditions of LPGCs.
  • the system of the present invention dually functions. Specifically, the system is configured for alarming in the case of empty LPGC and recognizing some emergent LPGC condition, which should be checked by a certified gas technician.
  • the empty LPGC condition is recognized, when the LPGC weight measured by the weighing mechanism is near to a standard tare weight. This alarm is directed to inform the service provider about need of LPGC replacement.
  • Fig. 3 presenting a time profile graph of LPGC weight which is typical of significant leakage.
  • Time and LPGC weight are in relative units.
  • Such leakage can be caused by violation of pipe integrity or LPGC connection failure, specifically, by malfunction of a pressure reducing valve.
  • Significant amount of LPG is released into atmosphere. This condition is characterized by high risk of gas-air mixture explosion.
  • the significant leakage condition can be recognized according to pronounced change in slope of the time profile graph.
  • Fig. 4 showing a temporal graph of LPGC weight which is typical of small leakage.
  • This condition can be caused by loose coupling between elements of gas system such as LPGCs, pipes, valves, cooker, water heater or other). Fine cracks in connecting pipes can be also a cause of the aforesaid LPGC condition.
  • the LPGC conditions of significant and small leakage can recognized according to curve slope. Specifically, the heavier leakage takes place, the steeper curve slope results.
  • Fig. 5 illustrating a typical time profile graph of LPGC weight corresponding to gradually increasing leakage.
  • This kind of the LPGC condition for example, can be caused by material fatigue resulting in small but gradually developing with time cracks in connecting piping. In case of disregarding this condition, there can be catastrophic aftermath.
  • Fig. 6 presenting a time profile graph of LPGC weight which is typical of gas home appliance leakage. It is important to emphasize that leakage on the customer's side (within home gas appliance) is characterized by zero gas flow rate during no-operation time periods and can be discriminated from other LPGC conditions. In fact, enlarged presentation of the time profile graphs shows horizontal portions relating to no- operation periods where there is no gas flow, because a leakage location within the home gas appliance is blocked by means of inlet gas cock.
  • Fig. 7 illustrating an algorithm of abovementioned LPGC conditions.
  • the algorithm is based on statistical analysis of weighing data stored in the database. Data collection begins when gas circuitry of the specific customer is certainly in good repair.
  • a temporal weight profile relating to normal LPG consumption from a specific LPGC is plotted.
  • Standard deviation is calculated and depicts variation in consumption of the specific customer with the course of time. In the beginning of system exploitation, standard deviations can be calculated over average data belonging to other customers showing similar consumption behavior.
  • the control unit is preprogrammed for comparing an instant gas flow rate calculated from preceding and succeeding weight values with standard gas flow rate typical of this time period (time of day and day of week). In case of significant difference, an urgent LPGC condition is recognized.
  • the condition of significant leakage is recognized and an alarm signal is generated.
  • the aforesaid alarm signal is can be transmitted to an emergency operations service, to a gas service provider and to a specific customer.
  • weighing data are interrogated every two hours. Statistical analysis is performed over 3000 weighing points (about 8 months).
  • Standard deviation from average consumption profile The standard deviation indicates acceptable variability of the customer's gas consumption which should not be interpreted as emergent LPGC condition.
  • Monotonic increase in consumption can be interpreted as gradually increasing leakage. If statistical results indicate shift of consumption model, the gas service provider has to inspect gas circuitry of the specific customer where increase in consumption was indicated. Increase can be indicated in either in the weight measurements during the calendar day or in average day consumption values.
  • Leakage on the side of the customer within the home gas appliance can be recognized according to increase in consumption and/or slow drift up.
  • a system for monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders comprises: (a) at least one weighing mechanism including at least one load cell configured for weighing said LPGC mounted thereon; (b) an interrogating unit configured for periodically interrogating said weighing mechanism; said interrogating unit connected to said weighing mechanism in a wireless manner; (c) database configured for storing weighing data obtained by said interrogating unit; (d) a control unit connected to database and preprogrammed for analyzing said stored weighing data. It is a core feature of the invention to provide the control unit preprogrammed for calculating standard deviation over said stored interrogated data and recognizing at least one predetermined cylinder condition according to an excess value over said standard deviation.
  • the standard deviation is calculated over measurements at at least 3000 time points.
  • interrogating unit is
  • the predetermined cylinder condition is selected from a group consisting of proper functioning, follow-up monitoring; fault and empty cylinder.
  • the fault condition is selected from a group consisting of high rate leakage, moderate rate leakage, gradually increasing consumption and increased consumption.
  • the high rate leakage is identified if consumption measured at two time points exceeds average consumption of a specific customer by two to three standard deviations.
  • the moderate rate leakage is identified if consumption measured at 8 time points exceeds in at least 5 time points (or similar ratio) average consumption of a specific customer by standard deviations calculated for a specific customer.
  • the high rate leakage is identified, if LPG consumption is detected in a period of normal non-use.
  • a method of monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders comprises steps of: (a) providing a system for monitoring a status of LPGC with at least one weighing mechanism including at least one load cell configured for weighing said LPGC mounted thereon; an interrogating unit configured for periodically interrogating said weighing mechanism; said interrogating unit connected to said weighing mechanism in a wireless manner; database configured for storing weighing data obtained by said interrogating unit; a control unit connected to database and preprogrammed for analyzing said stored weighing data; (b) interrogating said weighing data by said interrogating unit from said weighing mechanism; (c) storing said weighing data within said database; (d) analyzing said weighing data by means of control unit.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de surveillance de l'état de bouteilles de gaz propane liquide (LPGC) comprenant : a) au moins un mécanisme de pesage comprenant au moins une cellule de charge conçue pour peser ladite LPGC montée sur cette dernière ; (b) une unité d'interrogation conçue pour interroger périodiquement ledit mécanisme de pesage ; ladite unité d'interrogation étant reliée audit mécanisme de pesage de manière sans fil ; (c) une base de données conçue pour mémoriser des données de pesage obtenues par ladite unité d'interrogation ; (d) une unité de commande reliée à la base de données et préprogrammée pour analyser lesdites données de pesage mémorisées. L'unité de commande est préprogrammée pour calculer l'écart type au fil desdites données d'interrogation mémorisées et pour reconnaître au moins une condition de bouteille prédéfinie selon une valeur d'excès supérieure audit écart type.
PCT/IL2016/050075 2015-01-27 2016-01-25 Système de surveillance de l'état de bouteilles de gaz propane liquide Ceased WO2016120866A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562108076P 2015-01-27 2015-01-27
IL23694715 2015-01-27
US62/108,076 2015-01-27
IL236947 2015-01-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016120866A1 true WO2016120866A1 (fr) 2016-08-04

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Family Applications (1)

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PCT/IL2016/050075 Ceased WO2016120866A1 (fr) 2015-01-27 2016-01-25 Système de surveillance de l'état de bouteilles de gaz propane liquide

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019100126A1 (fr) * 2017-11-27 2019-05-31 Limaco Michela Correa Système de surveillance de gaz
US11976955B2 (en) 2018-09-21 2024-05-07 Ecolab Usa Inc. Portable fluid level monitoring device and method

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5132923A (en) * 1990-02-23 1992-07-21 J.A. King & Company, Inc. System for monitoring storage tanks
US5423457A (en) * 1993-04-30 1995-06-13 Suntronic Technology Group, Inc. Real time tank product loss detection system
US6577988B1 (en) * 2000-08-08 2003-06-10 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for remote gas monitoring
US20090164149A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 Dresser, Inc. (Wayne) Fuel dispenser calibration
US20100283606A1 (en) * 2009-05-08 2010-11-11 Boris Tsypin Building energy consumption analysis system
US20120065789A1 (en) * 2009-09-11 2012-03-15 NetESCO LLC Determining energy consumption in a structure

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5132923A (en) * 1990-02-23 1992-07-21 J.A. King & Company, Inc. System for monitoring storage tanks
US5423457A (en) * 1993-04-30 1995-06-13 Suntronic Technology Group, Inc. Real time tank product loss detection system
US6577988B1 (en) * 2000-08-08 2003-06-10 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for remote gas monitoring
US20090164149A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 Dresser, Inc. (Wayne) Fuel dispenser calibration
US20100283606A1 (en) * 2009-05-08 2010-11-11 Boris Tsypin Building energy consumption analysis system
US20120065789A1 (en) * 2009-09-11 2012-03-15 NetESCO LLC Determining energy consumption in a structure

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019100126A1 (fr) * 2017-11-27 2019-05-31 Limaco Michela Correa Système de surveillance de gaz
US11976955B2 (en) 2018-09-21 2024-05-07 Ecolab Usa Inc. Portable fluid level monitoring device and method

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