WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING FLUID PRODUCTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device and method for determining fluid production/content of a substance (or sample), and in one particular example, for measuring the volume of gas 5 produced by coal. Description of the Background Art The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from o it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Presently, when it comes to determining fluid content several different methods are used. In the example of measuring the volume of gas produced by coal, direct and indirect methods are used. is In direct measurements, a coal sample is usually extracted and enclosed in a container, where the volume of gas which evolves is then measured. In indirect measurements, the gas content of coal is measured through the use of various data such as the gas absorption characteristics of coal under certain pressures and temperatures, and other empirical data obtained from a coal mine (such as coal rank, depth of cover, or gas emission rate). 20 However, these methods have many disadvantages including fluctuations in conditions when determining the gas volume, which can provide incorrect results, and the unavailability of robust equipment which can provide reliable results. The present invention seeks to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements, or to provide alternatives to existing arrangements.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 -2 Summary of the Present Invention In a first broad form, there is provided an device for measuring/determining fluid content. In a second broad form, there is provided an device for measuring fluid content of a substance/sample, the device including a container for holding the substance/sample, and a 5 measuring apparatus for measuring the fluid content of the substance/sample. In a third broad form, there is provided an device for measuring fluid content of a substance/sample, the device including: a tank body, the tank body including a holding mechanism for holding a container including the substance/sample; and, a measuring apparatus for measuring the fluid content of the substance/sample. [0 In a fourth broad form, there is provided an device for measuring fluid content of a substance, the device including: a tank body for holding a container including substance; and, a lid, the lid being removably connected to the tank body, the lid including at least a portion of a measuring apparatus for measuring the fluid content of the substance. In a fifth broad form, there is provided a method for measuring/determining fluid content. 15 In a sixth broad form, there is provided a method for measuring/determining fluid content of a substance, the method including using any one or a combination of the device described herein. In a seventh broad form, there is provided a device for measuring fluid produced by a substance, the device including a container for holding the substance; and, a measuring 20 apparatus, the measuring apparatus being in fluid communication with the container such that release of fluid from the substance displaces measuring fluid in the measuring apparatus, thereby allowing for the fluid produced by the substance to be measured. According to one example, the container is held by a holding mechanism within a tank body, the tank body being configured to maintain a constant temperature. 25 In a further example, the substance is coal, and the temperature maintained is similar to earth temperatures, such that the coal within the container releases gas accordingly.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 -3 According to yet another example, a particular temperature is maintained in the tank body by a heat retaining medium (such as water, or the like) within the tank body, the heat retaining medium being heated by a heating element. In another form, the tank body has a lid attached thereto, the lid being configured to hold the 5 measuring apparatus. According to another aspect, the tank body includes a plurality of containers, and the tank lid includes a plurality of measuring apparatus, each of the plurality of containers being associated with a corresponding measuring apparatus. In yet a further form, the tank body includes at least one handle for movement of the tank 10 body. In another example, the holding mechanism is a bayonet, the bayonet having one or more recesses for receiving one or more containers. According to another aspect, the holding mechanism is removably attachable to the tank body. 15 In a further example, the container is insertable into the recess and snap locks into place. In respect of a further form, the lid includes an overflow and refill system. According to another example, the lid is removably attached to the tank body. In a further form, when in an open position, the lid is substantially ninety degrees to the tank body. 20 According to another example, when in a closed position, the lid is lockable to the tank body. In a further aspect, the lid includes an extendable flange, the flange being extendable to support the lid in an open position. According to a further form, the device includes a temperature control unit, the unit being used to monitor the temperature of the container.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 -4 In accordance with another example, the temperature control unit is configured to communicate with a heating element used with the tank body, to control the temperature of the tank body. In yet a further example, the tank body has a base, the base including at least one lifting strut, 5 for lifting of the tank body. According to an eighth broad form, there is provided herein a method for measuring fluid production by a substance, the method including the steps of placing the substance into a container, the container being in fluid communication with a measuring apparatus; and, measuring the fluid produced by the substance by measuring the displacement of measuring .o fluid in the measuring apparatus as a result of release of fluid from the substance. According to a ninth broad form, there is also provided herein a device for measuring gas desorption or gas content of a sample, the tank including: a tank body, the tank body having a container for holding the sample; and, a measuring apparatus, the measuring apparatus being in fluid communication with the container such that release of gas from the sample displaces 15 measuring fluid in the measuring apparatus, thereby allowing for the amount of gas desorbed by the sample or gas content of the sample to be measured. According to a further example, the tank body includes a holding apparatus for holding the sample, the holding apparatus being removably inserted in the tank body. It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention may be used individually or in 20 combination. Brief Description of the Drawings An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an device for measuring/determining fluid 25 production; Figure 2 is another schematic diagram of the device of Figure 1; WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 -5 Figures 3 to 7 are photographs of an example of the device of Figure 1, with the lid open, showing the measuring apparatus; Figures 8 to 12 are photographs of an example of the device of Figure 1, with canisters inserted into a bayonet; 5 Figure 13 is a photograph of an example of a heating element within the tank body; Figure 14 is a photograph of an example of a front view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 15 is a photograph of an example of a side view of the device of Figure 1; Figures 16 to 18 are photographs of an example of a supporting system for the lid of the device of Figure 1; 0 Figure 19 is a photograph of an example of a back view the device of Figure 1 with the lid open; Figure 20 is a photograph of an example of a back view of the device of Figure 1 with the lid closed; Figure 21 is a photograph of an example of a front view of the device of Figure 1 with the lid L5 closed; Figure 22 is a photograph of an example of a side view of the device of Figure 1 with the lid closed; Figures 23 to 24 are photographs of an example of a lid locking mechanism for the device of Figure 1; and, 20 Figure 25 is a photograph of an example of a temperature control unit. Modes For Carrying Out The Invention An example device 1 for determining/measuring fluid production/content is shown in Figures 1 and 2. In particular, Figures 1 and 2 show the device 1 including a container 5 for holding a 25 substance or sample (not shown), by which fluid content/production is to be measured/determined. The device also includes a measuring apparatus 20, where the measuring apparatus is in fluid communication with the container 5, such that release of fluid from the substance displaces measuring fluid in the measuring apparatus, thereby allowing for the fluid produced by the substance to be measured. According to one particular example, WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 -6 the device described herein can be used to measure/determine gas desorption from coal (that is, the gas content of coal, or amount/ volume of gas). Thus, for example, the release of gas from a coal sample can displace water in the measuring apparatus, where the amount of displacement is indicative of or proportional to the gas released from the sample. 5 Thus, in another example, the device 1 can include a tank body 10, where the tank body 10 can be attached/connected to a lid 12. Notably, the lid 12 can be removably attached to the tank body 10, and in one particular example, is attached via a gate hinge or the like, such that it is easily removable. The tank body 10 includes a holding mechanism 15, for holding the container 5. Furthermore, the lid 10 can include at least a portion of a measuring apparatus 0 20. According to one particular example, the tank body 10 can hold up to forty containers, and the lid 10 can hold up to twenty measuring apparatus 20, however, it will be appreciated that many other forms of the tank body are possible. Thus, it will be appreciated that the device 1 can be used to measure/determine the fluid (which can be liquid, gas, or the like) production .5 of a particular substance. Thus, a coal sample can be placed in the container 5, which can be a canister or the like. The container 5 is then held by a holding mechanism 15 within the tank body 10. The tank body 10 can be filled with fluid (such as water or the like), where the fluid temperature is kept constant such that the coal sample (which has been extracted from the earth and is now placed within the container 5) can release gas as if the coal sample is still 2o within the earth. Accordingly, the temperature of the tank body 10 can be kept close to particular earth temperatures, which will be understood by persons skilled in the art to be temperatures required for gas production or the like. Once the gas has been released from the container 4, the change in pressure can displace the fluid held in the measuring apparatus 20, which can 25 take the form of rectangular vessels. Thus, measurements can be taken from the vessels in accordance with the amount of fluid displaced from the vessels due to the released gas from the coal sample.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 -7 Notably, it will be appreciated that water (or any other suitable fluid or heat retaining medium), being heated within the tank body by one or more heating elements, can allow for a constant required temperature to be maintained, which can provide numerous advantages. For example, this can allow for ease of reproducibility of results and for the device 1 to be 5 movable out of strict laboratory conditions, and possibly used on site. In this particular example, the tank body 10 is made of polypropylene (PPE). It will be appreciated that PPE can provide numerous advantages (some of which are further described below). PPE can also improve the insulation of the tank body 10 and help to maintain a required/predetermined temperature. 10 The tank body 10 can also include lifting struts 22, which can be used to move the device 1 by forklifts or the like. Furthermore, the tank body 10 can also include handles 24 which can be used to aid movement of the device 1. Notably, the handles can be placed anywhere along the tank body 10, and in one particular example are placed horizontally along the side of the tank body 10 such that the tank body 10 is easily manually moveable. Figure 1 also shows 15 that the tank body 10 can include reinforcements 26, which can be made of a different material (such as steel), and can provide further protection and can strengthen the tank body 10. As shown in Figure 2, the tank body 10 can include a holding mechanism 15 for holding one or more containers 5. The holding mechanism 15 in this example is a bayonet with recesses 20 30 formed in a shape that is able to receive the container 5 (thus the recesses 30 can be formed to correspond to the shape of the containers 5). The recesses 30 in this example are able to hold, engage with and lock in the container 5. It will be appreciated that the holding mechanism can engage with the container 5 in numerous ways, an in one particular example, this can be a snap-lock mechanism which locks 25 the container 5 in place once the container 5 is inserted into the recess 30 and can be twisted to lock into place. Figures 2, and 8 to 11 also show that the holding mechanism 15 can be formed to hold a plurality of containers 5, and that a plurality of holding mechanisms 15 can WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 -8 be used within the tank body 10. Thus, the holding mechanisms 15 can be formed of a modular arrangement, and can also be removably insertable into the tank body 10. The tank body 10 can be removably attached to the lid 12. In one particular example, the lid 12 can be attached to the tank body 10 via a hinging mechanism or the like, and can be held 5 in an open position by a supporting system 35. The lid 12 can include the measuring apparatus 20 which can include an array of vessels 25. Notably, each vessel 25 can correspond to a container 5, and can be used to measure the fluid content of the substance within that particular corresponding container 5. The lid 12 can also include an overflow and refill system 28, which is further described below. 10 Figures 3 to 25 show photographs of further examples of the features of the device 1, which are also further described below. In particular, Figures 3 to 7 show the device 1 with the lid 12 being in an open position, showing the measuring apparatus 20, which can include an array of vessels 25. The lid 12 can also include the overflow and refill system 28. Figures 8 to 12 show the holding mechanism 15 15, which in this example includes a bayonet which is able to receive canisters 5 within respective recesses 30. Notably, as shown in Figure 11, the holding mechanism is completely removable from the device 1, and can be reattached, replaced, or the like. Figures 14 to 22 show various aspects of the device 1 in an open and closed position. In particular, when in the open position, the lid 12 can be supported by a support system 35, 20 which in the examples shown in Figures 16 to 18 can include a flange 40 which is attached to the lid 12 and can open, or be extended at approximately 90 degrees to the lid. Thus, when the lid 12 is opened at approximately 90 degrees to the tank body 10, the flange 45 supports the lid 12 (in it's extended position) at the right angle to the tank body 10. Figures 23 and 24 show examples of a lid locking mechanism 50 which can be used to lock 25 the lid 12 to the tank body 10. This can provide for secure transfer and movement of the device 1, when in the closed position.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 -9 Figure 25 shows an example of a temperature control unit 55, which can be used to monitor/control (either periodically or sporadically) the temperature of the canisters/containers 5. As shown in this particular example, the temperature control unit 55 is an integral unit formed of a robust casing. 5 The temperature control unit 55 can allow for a more accurate measurement to be obtained as the canister (and not the tank) temperature is being monitored in this instance. If the temperature needs to be altered, the temperature control unit 55 may then be able to communicate with the heating element 40 (as shown in Figure 13) to heat the fluid within the tank. Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that the unit 55 is easily reparable/removable. 10 Example Materials In one particular example, the device 1 is made of 10mm thick polypropylene (PPE) weldable plastic, instead of (for example) steel or the like. PPE can provide many advantages, such as being light weight, thermally insulating, and corrosion free. It will be appreciated that by being made of PPE, the device is able to work in conjunction with the heat control unit in 15 order to ensure constant temperature within the tank. Additionally, greater temperature control can allow for better occupational health and safety (OHS) manual handling of the device. Furthermore, constructing the tank, inserts and array can make the construction of the device generally cheaper. Modular Array in Lid 20 As shown in the examples described herein, according to one particular example, the measuring array and the water supply for the array is built into or forms a part of the lid of the modular device 1. Accordingly, in this particular example, a mounting mechanism can be used such that the measuring array is built into the lid of the device 1, where the measuring array is approximately 90 degrees to the tank body. According to yet a further example, the 25 measuring array can include a plurality of vessels which can be inverted measuring cylinders or rectangular measuring prisms.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 - 10 Having the measuring array forming a part of the lid can provide numerous advantages, including providing an device 1 that is easier to transport, avoiding equipment damage, having a measuring array that is easy to reach and read, having a plurality of measuring vessels in the tank (and hence a greater number of measuring vessels per tank), and providing 5 the ability to easily replace individual vessels. Accordingly the measuring array can provide a decreased carbon footprint during use and storage as well as ease of use and replacement parts. Furthermore, the lid can be completely removed and/or replaced as a separate unit, where the arrays can be manufactured separately and retrofitted to existing tanks. Array Support 0 Although the lid can be supported by numerous methods, in one particular example the lid can be held at approximately 90 degrees to the tank body by the use of one or more array supports (or supporting system) which are designed in this particular example to swing away from the tank body or lid and lock in place in order to support the measuring arrays at 90 degrees to the tank body. It will be appreciated that these can be built into or form a part of 15 the device 1 and can formed such that they are easy to use, safe, and do not easily corrode. Furthermore, the array supports can provide for a modular design of the device 1 and to also reduce the carbon footprint of the use of the device 1. Lifting Struts One end of the tank body (referred to herein as the base of the tank) can include lifting struts 20 which can be used to forklift and/or pallet lift the device 1. In this particular example, the lifting struts are welded onto the tank body. Notably, the device can also include handles which can be used to move/lift the tank body. It will be appreciated that the lifting struts can provide the ability to lift a loaded or empty tank with lifting equipment rather than using personnel to lift the device. Thus, the lifting struts can increase the ease of transport from one 25 location to another.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 - 11 Rectangular Section Measuring Prisms An example vessel that can be used to measure the gas volume during directed gas content measuring technique are the rectangular measuring prisms. The vessels are generally filled with water or the like, from the measuring array reservoir, where the water is displaced by the 5 gas liberated from the coal that is typically within the canisters shown. The rectangular measuring prisms in this particular example have a volume of two litres and are constructed from clear Perspex. The prisms are built for the direct measurement technique and can include thicker wall construction for the addition of various valves and fittings. The vessels shown can provide numerous advantages, for example, the vessels are more 10 robust, have better fitting connections to reduce the chances of leakage, can fit more readily in the array, increase longevity of the device 1, can be easily used for reading of measurements and the modular design can allow for ease of replacement in the chance of a faulty vessel. Furthermore, the measuring cylinders are made to fit exactly into the array/lid of the device 1. Notably, standard laboratory measuring cylinders may be used for the 15 vessels. Bayonet Canister Securing System The canisters used to hold the coal can be stabilised and locked into place in the tank body with the use of small bayonet lugs fitted to the aluminium canisters and the dual level desorption tank. 20 The Bayonet securing system can ensure that the canisters are held securely, so that the canisters don't move or float (i.e. so that canister movement is controlled/limited), so that the shorter canisters do not sink, the canisters can be inserted and removed easily from the tank body, the canisters are separated from one another to allow for easier reading, and can also reduce water evaporation (through thermal insulation). Furthermore, the particular structure 25 of the Bayonet system (also referred to herein as the holding mechanism), can allow for the heat retaining medium to flow easily around the canisters.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 - 12 According to further examples, the inserts of the bayonet system can be manufactured in various sizes in order to accommodate different diameter aluminium canisters, and in half tank width sizes so that the tank can have half large canisters and half small or all in one size, if required. 5 Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the bayonet inserts can be removable and retrofitted to other tanks. Further still, it will also be appreciated that the tanks can be separated by other means (such as, for example by steel bar fish bones) where they are not necessarily locked in place. Overflow and Refill System 0 In this particular example, the system 1 is a modular unit that can include a diaphragm water pump, float switch, relay switch with 12V connections which tops up the water supply to the measuring array and allows for the overflow of water when the water in the measuring vessels has been displaced by the gas from the coal within the canisters. Accordingly, the overflow system takes water which has been displaced by the released gas 15 to the tank body. The pumping system in this example is modular, easy to replace, more reliable, less time consuming, does not need manual handling, and is cleaner with a professional appearance. Furthermore, as shown in the figure examples, the overflow system is generally included at one end of the array within the lid of the device I and generally takes up the equivalent space to one rectangular measuring vessel. 20 False Floor The false floor for protecting the device 1 can be removed and converted to a manual handling and transport aid. This can occur by removing the floor, screwing in/attaching one or more wheels, and lifting the tank onto the false floor. Thus, the false floor can allow for the device 1 to be easily manoeuvred around a lab, shed, or building by one person. It will be 25 appreciated that this can lessen the OHS concern, and as a part of the tank is used to create the false floor, where the wheels are screwed in, the device 1 remains modular. Notably, this feature can be used to move other heavy equipment in the lab.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 - 13 Temperature Control Unit An electronic temperature monitoring and device control unit can be used as a standalone piece of equipment with respect to the device 1. The unit can be used to control one or more heating elements within the tank body. 5 In this particular example, the temperature control unit controls the temperature of the water bath by sensing the internal temperature of the canisters. Accordingly, the temperature control unit can allow for the ability to set the tank temperature to 1 degree increments/decrements, provides improved temperature monitoring and control by electronic sensors and thermostats, does not require a high level of user interaction, is more robust, does .0 not require hard wiring to the tank (which allows for easy replacement), includes an alarm for overload safety and prevention, the parts are replaceable and readily obtainable and can also provide digital (instead of analogue) control. Furthermore, the temperature control unit can include numerous safety features, including but not limited to being operable at low voltages, and having the ability to isolate power 15 automatically if the tank is opened (which can be implemented via internal circuit breakers or the like). According to a further example, the unit is placed on the side of the tank and the various electrical elements are plugged from the unit into the tank. Thus, the temperature control unit can minimise the temperature fluctuations within the tank 20 by controlling the temperature of the water in the tank by sensing the temperature of the canisters (which is generally enhanced through the use of the thermal insulating properties of the PPE tank). Removable and Replaceable Lid The removable/replaceable lid of the device 1 can provide many uses including a protecting 25 lid for the tank body, housing of the rectangular measuring prisms and acting as a water array, and housing of the overflow and refill system.
WO 2010/031139 PCT/AU2009/001247 -14 Generally, the lid can be made from plastic which is lighter, and is typically not susceptible to corrosion. Additionally, the lid can also be retrofitted to other tanks, and is able to fit the overflow and refill system within the lid. Thus, the lid can be easily removable and replaceable, modular, easy to set up, light, connected to the tank body without the need of an 5 external bracket table or shelf, can be purchased off the shelf (so that the lid can be interchanged, removed and also form a part of the device) and can also be lockable to the tank body. Notably, it is possible that the lid can be made of other materials such as steel, is not connected to the tank body or is permanently attached. .0 It will be appreciated that the device described herein can be used to perform direct measurement of the volume or gas content of coal. The device described herein can also provide numerous advantages, including but not limited to providing stable levels of internal canister/container temperature, controlling/limiting the movement of the canisters within the tank body (due to the holding mechanism, which can prevent/limit floating or sinking of the 15 canisters), providing constant water level in the measuring cylinder array reservoir, increased reliability in measurements of fluid content, minimising the chance of leaks in the measuring apparatus, and also providing a tank that is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture, relatively easy to move and transport, and relatively easy to use, setup, and store. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the features of the device described herein are 20 modular in that they can be removed/replaced easily and can also be retrofitted to other systems. The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. 25 In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or "including", and not "consisting only of'. Variations of the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied meanings.