WO2016120866A1 - System for monitoring status of liquid propane gas cylinders - Google Patents
System for monitoring status of liquid propane gas cylinders Download PDFInfo
- 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
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- weighing
- lpgc
- consumption
- interrogating
- standard deviation
- Prior art date
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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.
Abstract
A system for monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders (LPGC) 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. The control unit is 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.
Description
SYSTEM FOR MONITORING STATUS OF LIQUID PROPANE GAS
CYLINDERS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A wide variety of industrial and domestic operations require the use of various process gases. In some of these operations, the 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.
When it is not desirable to purchase process gases in bulk quantities, or when a particular gas is not available in bulk quantities, the gas is typically supplied in a pressurized cylinder or tank. As used herein, the term "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.
In order to control costs, it is desirable to maintain on hand only the amount of raw materials, including process gases, necessary to insure continuity of operations. On the other hand, unplanned process shutdowns or interruptions resulting from depletion of required raw materials can be extremely costly and detrimental to operations. Thus, there is a need for an improved system to maintain inventory control over process gases supplied in cylinders.
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. Thus, there is a long-felt and unmet need for providing a system configured for analyzing gas consumption and identifying hazards such as leakages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is hence one object of the invention to disclose a system for monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders (LPGC) 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 purpose 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.
Another object of the invention is to disclose the standard deviation calculated over measurements at at least 3000 time points. Measurement data indicating zero
consumption are discarded.
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.
It is another core purpose of the invention to provide the step of analyzing said weighing data further comprising 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
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; and
Fig. 7 is a graph of standard deviation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description is provided, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a system for monitoring a status of LPGCs and a method of doing the same.
Reference is now made to Fig. 1 , presenting a system for monitoring a status of LPGCs 10. 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).
It should be emphasized that the 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.
Reference is now made to Fig. 2, presenting a flowchart of a method 100 of monitoring a status of LPGCs. 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.
It should be emphasized that 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.
Emergent LPGC conditions which require an intervention of the certified gas technician will be specified below.
Reference is now made to 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.
Reference is now made to 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. As seen in in Figs 3 and 4, 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.
Reference is now made to 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.
Reference is now made to 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.
Reference is now made to 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.
Then, 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.
Specifically, if the difference between typical and instant gas flow rate is more than 2-3 standard deviations, 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.
If the difference between typical and instant gas flow rate indicated by 5 of 8 (or similar ratio) in succession made measurements is more than 1 standard deviation, the gas service provider and specific customer are informed about moderate leakage. The gas service provider by its own force repairs the revealed fault.
According to an exemplar embodiment of the present invention, weighing data are interrogated every two hours. Statistical analysis is performed over 3000 weighing points (about 8 months).
The following values are calculated and analyzed:
1. Average consumption profile containing only time periods of LPG consumption (no- operation time periods are omitted.
2. 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.
3. Number of weight measurement indicating no-operation period. This parameter is important for gas service provider's statistics and operations planning.
4. Average daily consumption. No-operation days are omitted.
5. Standard deviation related to average daily consumption.
6. Number of no-operation days.
Summarizing the procedure described above, the following LPGC conditions can be recognized:
1. Sharp increase in gas consumption can be identified after 2 weight measurements. Change in consumption which is more than 2 standard deviations is interpreted as emergent condition of significant leakage.
2. More moderate change in curve slope can be treated alternatively:
a. If 5 obtained weight measurements of 8 are greater than the calculated average profile by standard deviation and obtained day consumption is also greater than calculated average day consumption by day standard deviation, the condition of moderate leakage is recognized.
b. Weight measurement in time periods, which are regularly non-operative, indicate nonzero gas flow rate.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Alternative recognition of the abovementioned can be by means of:
a. Increase in 5 peak hours consumption points above average.
b. 4 out of 6 (or more) daily average consumption are above than the average.
According to the present invention, a system for monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders (LPGC) 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.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the standard deviation is calculated over measurements at at least 3000 time points.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, interrogating unit is
preprogrammed for interrogating said weighing mechanism with interrogation frequency which is not less than ones every 2 hours.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined cylinder condition is selected from a group consisting of proper functioning, follow-up monitoring; fault and empty cylinder.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fault condition is selected from a group consisting of high rate leakage, moderate rate leakage, gradually increasing consumption and increased consumption.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, 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.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, 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.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the high rate leakage is identified, if LPG consumption is detected in a period of normal non-use.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders (LPGC) is disclosed. 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.
It is another core feature of the invention to provide the step of analyzing said weighing data further comprising 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.
Claims
1. A system for monitoring a status of liquid propane gas cylinders (LPGC)
comprises:
a. at least one weighing mechanism including at least one load cell configured for weighing a 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;
wherein said control unit is preprogrammed for calculating standard deviation over said stored interrogated data and recognizing at least one predetermined LPGC condition according to an excess value over said standard deviation.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said standard deviation is calculated over measurements at at least 3000 time points.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said interrogating unit is
preprogrammed for interrogating said weighing mechanism with interrogation frequency which is not less than ones every 2 hours.
4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein measurements indicating zero
consumption are discarded.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined LPGC condition is selected from a group consisting of proper functioning, follow-up monitoring; fault and empty LPGC.
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said fault condition is selected from a group consisting of high rate leakage, moderate rate leakage, gradually increasing consumption and increased consumption.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said 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.
8. The system according to claim 6, wherein said moderate rate leakage is identified if consumption measured at 8 time points exceeds in at least 5 time points average consumption of a specific customer by standard deviations calculated for a specific customer.
9. The system according to claim 6, wherein said high rate leakage is identified if LPG consumption is detected in a period of normal non-use.
10. A method of monitoring a status of LPGC; said method comprising steps of: a. providing a system for monitoring a status of LPGC with at least one
weighing mechanism 20 including at least one load cell configured for weighing said LPGC 30 mounted thereon; an interrogating unit configured for periodically interrogating said weighing mechanism 20; 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 50 connected to database and preprogrammed for analyzing said stored weighing data;
b. weighing LPGC;
c. interrogating said weighing data by said interrogating unit from said weighing mechanism;
d. storing said weighing data within said database;
e. analyzing said weighing data by means of control unit;
wherein said step of analyzing said weighing data further comprises calculating standard deviation over said stored interrogated data and recognizing at least one predetermined LPGC condition according to an excess value over said standard deviation.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said standard deviation is calculated over measurements at at least 3000 time points.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said step of interrogating is performed with interrogation frequency which is not less than ones every 2 hours.
13. The method according to claim 10, wherein measurements indicating zero consumption are discarded.
14. The method according to claim 11, wherein said predetermined cylinder condition is selected from a group consisting of proper functioning, follow-up monitoring; fault and empty LPGC.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said fault condition is selected from a group consisting of high rate leakage, moderate rate leakage, gradually increasing consumption and increased consumption.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said 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.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said moderate rate leakage is
identified if consumption measured at 8 time points exceeds in at least 5 time points average consumption of a specific customer by standard deviations calculated for a specific customer.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201562108076P | 2015-01-27 | 2015-01-27 | |
| US62/108,076 | 2015-01-27 | ||
| IL236947 | 2015-01-27 | ||
| IL23694715 | 2015-01-27 |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2016120866A1 true WO2016120866A1 (en) | 2016-08-04 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2016/050075 WO2016120866A1 (en) | 2015-01-27 | 2016-01-25 | System for monitoring status of liquid propane gas cylinders |
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| Country | Link |
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| WO (1) | WO2016120866A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019100126A1 (en) * | 2017-11-27 | 2019-05-31 | Limaco Michela Correa | Gas monitoring system |
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| US6577988B1 (en) * | 2000-08-08 | 2003-06-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and system for remote gas monitoring |
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| WO2019100126A1 (en) * | 2017-11-27 | 2019-05-31 | Limaco Michela Correa | Gas monitoring system |
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