AU2015201420A1

AU2015201420A1 - Liquid Accounting Apparatus, System And Methods

Info

Publication number: AU2015201420A1
Application number: AU2015201420A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Allan Douglas Bougoure; Tyson Ilus Cooney; Guido Stangherlin
Original assignee: Australian Rig Construction Holdings Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Australian Rig Construction Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-06
Filing date: 2015-03-18
Publication date: 2015-04-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bulk liquid accounting apparatus, a liquid accounting system, a method of providing bulk liquid accounting information, a method of operating a bulk liquid accounting apparatus, a bulk liquid accounting method, and a water accounting method. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus may include: an inlet for accepting liquid; an outlet for exiting liquid; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a flow signal corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; data processing means for accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof; and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote data store. Co' C Co 0 Coo nCo co C> co CO Co Co N Co C) Co) Co cio IC4:\j

Description

I LIQUID ACCOUNTING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHODS FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to liquid accounting systems, liquid accounting apparatuses and to methods of liquid accounting. This invention has particular application to water accounting systems and apparatuses, and to methods for accounting for water produced at gas production or other drilling sites, and for illustrative purposes the invention will be described with reference to this application. However we envisage that this invention may find use in other applications such as waste and process water accounting generally. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia. [0003] In mining and drilling sites, for example, it can be very advantageous to accurately account for liquid movements, especially water movements. [0004] In a first example, coal seam gas production may require handling of waste water. Waste water may derive from groundwater encountered during drilling, or may include fracking water components or other entrainment separated from gases during recovery. The water may be contained at the surface by impoundment in surface dams or the like, or may be stored in tanks. Ideally, waste water would be processed at or close to the point of production to a dischargeable and/or reusable standard. However, this is often not the case. It can be advantageous to accurately track any movements and treatment of waste water, especially given that environmental protection agencies are interested in an accounting for water derived from extractive processes. [0005] In a second example, mining and drilling fields may include one or more of: a large number of water storage sites (potentially hundreds); a number of different contractors involved in water transportation, storage and treatment at any field (such contractors typically need to account for volume and/or quality of water); and any one water storage site may have multiple locations at which water may be removed or released. It can be very difficult to accurately track all water movements on such mining and drilling fields. However, accurately tracking water movements may, for example, allow a company/operator running the field to make better informed decisions, reduce running costs, and more easily address environmental compliance. [0006] In a third example, mining and drilling operations can produce water, and it can be advantageous to accurately track the flow rate or volume of water produced. For example, coal seam gas wells may silt up over time, and therefore such wells typically require periodic cleaning (cleaning is also necessary immediately after the well is drilled). There is frequently water within coal seam gas wells, as a well may be in operation for years before it is fully dewatered. Cleaning of coal seam gas wells (for example by air drilling) therefore frequently results in water flowing up a well. The volume of water flowing up a well may be affected by, for example, the number of natural fractures in the coal seam. A reasonable flow of water up a well during cleaning is often a good indicator of how productive the coal seam gas well will be, as if water flows up a well then it is likely that coal seam gas will flow as well. If the flow of water up a well is too low during cleaning, then the well typically needs to be monitored and tracked. Therefore, it can be advantageous to accurately track the volume and/or flow rate of water from a coal seam gas well during cleaning operations, especially as the well engineers may rarely visit the well. [0007] In the examples discussed above, liquid accounting to date has principally been based on indirect means such as on counting tankage for volumes and periodic testing for quality. Liquid movements are also often tracked by users making individual records, such as volume of liquid moved or the flow rate of liquid moved. These individual records then often have to be compiled to calculate, for example, the liquid left at a given location. Such recording systems are inherently inaccurate, open to falsification, and unable to be responded to in real time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] In a first aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a bulk liquid accounting apparatus including: an inlet for accepting liquid; an outlet for exiting liquid; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a flow signal corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; data processing means for accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof; and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote data store (or database). [0009] The flow signal may correspond to the flow rate or volume of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet. In one embodiment, the flow signal is a flow rate signal corresponding to the flow rate of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet. In another embodiment, the flow signal is a volume signal corresponding to the volume of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet. [0010] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a pump (or pump means), especially a pump for delivering said liquid from said inlet to said outlet. [0011] In another embodiment, the bulk liquid accounting apparatus further includes a control means. The control means may allow a user to control components of the bulk liquid accounting apparatus remotely, or from the location of the apparatus. The control means may include a user interface, and the apparatus may especially include a control means having a user interface. The control means may include a user interface providing control of said pump. [0012] The control means may be configured to prevent an operator who is not authorised to use an apparatus from using that apparatus. [0013] The data processing means may be for accepting input corresponding to operation of said control means and said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof. [0014] In one embodiment, the liquid is an aqueous solution, especially water. The liquid may include process water such as gas recovery process water. [0015] In one embodiment, the inlet may be for accepting non-gaseous components of a fluid stream, such as non-gaseous components exiting a separator assembly for separating gas from other non-gaseous components of a fluid stream, such as a well return. The inlet may be adapted to accept non-gaseous components of a fluid stream. The inlet may be for accepting (or be adapted to accept) non-gaseous components (or non-gaseous material) from a degasser. The degasser, for example, may be an impingement separator. Suitable separator assemblies and degassers are discussed in PCT/AU2011/000899, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0016] In another embodiment, the inlet may be for accepting liquid from a liquid storage. In another embodiment, the inlet may be adapted to accept liquid from a liquid storage. The _r liquid storage may be a dam (such as a turkey nest dam), a tank (including fixed tanks (such as water tanks) and moveable tanks (such as water tankers)) or a tank farm. Especially in the case of process water, the liquid storage (process water storage) may be a dam such a turkey nest dam or other earthen impoundment. Alternatively, the process water storage may be a water tank, tank farm or the like. In certain embodiments of the invention the process water storage may include a plurality of road freight-able steel tanks such as tanks configured on a shipping container section. [0017] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bulk liquid accounting apparatus including: an inlet adapted to accept liquid from a liquid storage; a pump for delivering said liquid from said inlet to an outlet; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a volume signal corresponding to the volume of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; control means including a user interface providing control of said pump; data processing means accepting input corresponding to operation of said control means and said volume signal and generating a report in respect thereof, and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote data store (or database). [0018] In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bulk liquid accounting apparatus including: an inlet accepting liquid from a liquid storage; pump means delivering said liquid from said inlet to an outlet; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a volume signal corresponding to the volume of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; control means including a user interface providing control of said pump; data processing means accepting input corresponding to operation of said control means and said volume signal and generating a real time report in respect thereof, and telemetry means associated with said processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote database. [0019] In another embodiment, the data processing means may accept input corresponding to the geographical location of the apparatus, for example, from a positioning system such as a GPS or other satellite or a beacon based positioning system including differential systems. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a positioning system. Data relating to this input may be included in the report. Accordingly, in a further embodiment the present invention provides a bulk liquid accounting apparatus including: an inlet adapted to accept liquid from a liquid storage; a pump for delivering said liquid from said inlet to an outlet; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a volume signal corresponding to the volume of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; control means including a user interface providing control of said pump; data processing means accepting input corresponding to: operation of said control means; said volume signal; and the geographical location of the apparatus from a positioning system; and generating a real time report in respect thereof; and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote data store (or database). [0020] The liquid accounting apparatus may be a fixed or transhippable installation. In the case of process water handling, the accounting apparatus may be either permanently or semi permanently associated with the process water storage. The liquid accounting apparatus may be a trailerable assembly. The liquid accounting apparatus may include a trailer or a trailer mounted assembly which may be vehicle towed from storage site to storage site. The liquid accounting apparatus may be mounted on a skid or may include a skid. The liquid accounting apparatus may include a frame. The liquid accounting apparatus may weigh less than 100 kg, especially less than 80 kg, more especially less than 60 kg. [0021] The inlet may be controlled by an inlet valve, especially an inlet valve operable in concert with the pump. In one embodiment, the inlet includes an inlet valve. The inlet may include a manifold having multiple inlet attachment points each controlled by a respective inlet valve. Inlet valves may be remotely controlled by the control means. In one embodiment, the inlet includes a manifold having multiple inlet attachment points each controlled by a respective inlet valve operable in concert with the pump. [0022] The inlet may be associated with filtration means for controlling the particulate quality of the incoming liquid such as process water. The apparatus (or inlet) may include a filtration means for controlling the particulate quality of the liquid. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a filter for filtering the liquid. [0023] The pump means may be selected from pumps suitable for transfer of the liquid and, in the case of process water, of a given quality and expected quantity. For example, for most process waters centrifugal pumps may be suitable. [0024] The apparatus and/or pump may be driven by any suitable motive means such as an electric motor or internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a power source, such as a battery, solar power cells or internal combustion engine. It is envisaged that in CSG applications a fixed installation may use natural gas to power an engine directly coupled to the pump. In this case the control means may include clutch means (or clutch) to provide control of pump operation, or bypass/recirculation means for control of flow to the outlet. However, in one embodiment the pump is electrically powered. The electric power for the pump and/or apparatus may be provided from the local grid or remote-area e.g. diesel or gas turbine generator means. The electric power for the pump and/or apparatus may be provided by one or more batteries, or by solar power. The apparatus and/or pump may be powered by a combination of a generator, solar power and one or more batteries (in this case, the battery may be used to start the generator, and the generator, once started, may be used to recharge the battery). In the case of self-propelled, trailer mounted or transportable means, the pump may be electric and associated with a co-located power pack including an internal combustion engine and generator assembly. In this case the operation of the power pack may be managed and monitored from the user interface. [0025] The outlet may be controlled by an outlet valve, especially an outlet valve operable in concert with the pump. In one embodiment, the outlet includes an outlet valve. The outlet may include a manifold having multiple outlet attachment points each controlled by a respective outlet valve. Said respective outlet valve may be operable in concert with the pump. Outlet valves may be remotely controlled by the control means. The outlet may be configured as part of a quick release coupling such as for connection to delivery hose such that process water may be delivered to a tanker or the like for transport. [0026] The flow sensor may include a paddlewheel transducer, Doppler sensor or any other flow sensor known for the purpose of providing a signal corresponding to the flow (e.g. flow rate or volume) of liquid (such as process water) passing through a conduit. The flow sensor may be located in the liquid path proper between the inlet and the outlet, or may be located in a parallel shunt path, whereby the measured flow signal (e.g. flow rate signal or volume signal) is proportional to, for example, the actual volumetric flow or actual flow rate.

[0027] There may be provided a sampling sensor means located in the liquid conduit between the inlet the outlet and providing a sampling signal corresponding to the composition of the liquid passing from the inlet to the outlet. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sampling sensor means located in the liquid conduit between the inlet and the outlet and providing a sampling signal corresponding to the composition of the liquid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The data processing means may also be for accepting input corresponding to the sampling signal and generating a report in respect thereof. In another embodiment, the data processing means may accept input corresponding to operation of the control means, the flow signal (such as the flow rate signal or volume signal) and the sampling signal, and generating a composite report in respect thereof. [0028] The sampling sensor means (such as water sampling sensor means) may include any one or more water sensors capable of generating a signal or data corresponding to a given characteristic or quality of the process water. For example, the sampling sensors may include any one or more of sensors detecting turbidity, other suspended-solids measure, salinity, dissolved solids or gases, temperature, pH (including acidity or basicity) or any other characteristic measurable by sensor. Further the sampling sensor may include drawing of liquid sample for automated chromatography, photometry, spectroscopy (including mass spectroscopy) or the like. In one embodiment, the sampling sensor means is one or more water sensors, wherein the one or more water sensors: (i) include any one or more of sensors for detecting turbidity, other suspended-solids measure, salinity, dissolved solids or gases, temperature, pH, chlorine, BOD and petrochemical content; and/or (ii) includes drawing of a liquid sample for automated chromatography, photometry, or spectroscopy (including mass spectroscopy). [0029] The apparatus may further include a solar radiation detector. This may be advantageous as the intensity of the sun may affect rates of water evaporation. The apparatus may also include a motion sensor or camera, for sensing road traffic or personnel movements at the apparatus. Information relating to solar radiation and road traffic or personnel movements may be accepted by the data processing means for inclusion in the report. [0030] The control means may include a microprocessor based control means, and may be permanently or removably associated with the apparatus. For example, the control means may be provided with a secure interface cable connectable to the apparatus via a hardware interface secured permanently to the apparatus. The user interface may include a graphic user interface.

0 Preferably the graphic user interface is accessed via a touch screen I/O means to avoid using input devices such as keyboards and mice in the industrial environment. The control means may be configured to be operated by operators who are also the customer's representative. The control means may for example be initiated by a swipe card (such as an RFID tag) or other secure means. The control means may control the operability of the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be inoperable until an operator initiates the apparatus, such as by swiping a card or other secure means. [0031] The data processing means may be integrated with the microprocessor based control means or may be connected thereto via an interface. The composite report generated by the data processing means may include a digital file compatible with a program such as a word processor, spread sheet or database management software. Alternatively, the composite report may include a proprietary data format, encrypted data and/or ASCII data. The report may be in the form of an email. Alternatively the data processing means may utilize the telemetry means to form a web interface. The report may be a real time report. [0032] The report generated by the data processing means may include data corresponding to or relating to one or more of: - the geographical location of the apparatus (for example GPS position or coordinates, such as longitude, latitude, altitude, speed and course); - time and date of operation of apparatus; - operator details (this may include, for example, one or more of. the identity of the operator (including the identity of the company and/or individual operating the apparatus), capacity of operator's vehicle and/or amount of material currently on operator's vehicle); - the flow of the liquid through the apparatus (for example, flow rate or volume of liquid transferred, processed or produced); - the time that liquid flowed through the apparatus (this may correspond to, for example, the running time of the pump); - the composition of the liquid (as sensed by the sampling sensor means, for example); - local inferred solar radiation levels; - count of road traffic or operations at apparatus; - the volume levels of the liquid storage (for example, the residual volume of a dam, tank farm or the like); and - machine maintenance information (including one or more of: run hours, fuel/oil levels, power system voltage, power system currents, system pressure, flow rates, condition monitoring vibration analysis, and alarm conditions). [0033] The data processing means may include a log function that interfaces with water transport means, whereby RFID or other electronic logging means associated with a water transport vehicle may be updated to log the load taken on from the outlet. [0034] The telemetry means may be a modem. The telemetry may include a digital signal on the licensed spectrum for two-way radio such as f/MF, VHF or UHF. The telemetry may include an interface with a mobile telephony network such as CDMA, 3G, 4G, GSM or GPRS networks. The telemetry may include a subscription to a satellite phone system such as IRIDIUM and INMARSAT. The telemetry may include two or more different telemetry systems to provide redundancy and coverage. For example, the data processing means may select a digital mobile phone network where available, and the more expensive to use satellite phone/data system where necessary. The telemetry means may include an interface with a digital mobile phone network and/or a satellite phone/data system. The telemetry may be operated by the data processing means to transmit the report (or composite report) on either a continuous or intermittence basis. For example, the telemetry means may be configured to transmit a report at the end of each transaction, or periodically (e.g. once or twice a day). The report may be transmitted by the telemetry means by email, for example in SMTP packets. The data processing means may include an accumulative log which may be periodically uploaded for audit purposes. [0035] In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid accounting system, including a bulk liquid accounting apparatus as defined in the first aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment, the liquid accounting system includes a plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses as defined in the first aspect of the present invention. The system may include at least 3, at least 5, at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90 or at least 100 bulk liquid accounting apparatuses. [0036] In one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention there is therefore provided a liquid accounting system, wherein said system includes a plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses, each said apparatus including: an inlet for accepting liquid; an outlet for exiting liquid; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a flow signal corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; I "I data processing means for accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof; and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote data store (or database). [0037] The system may further include a data store (or database) for receiving the report (or reports) transmitted from the bulk liquid accounting apparatus (or plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses). In one embodiment, the data store is associated with a SCADA system. [0038] A database administrator or operator may be able to modify the parameters associated with any apparatus, such as permission to operate, and/or restricting how much liquid may be transferred, produced or processed by at a site or apparatus. [0039] Data for individual operators/users/customers may be stored in separate locations (and may require access using a software key). This may enhance security. [0040] The system of the second aspect may further include a user interface for interrogating said data store (or database). The user interface may display data with reference to a geographical map. For example, the data may be presented in geographical terms, such as using GIS software. The user interface may display data with reference to any of the information provided in the report generated by the data processing means. The user interface may display data and/or generate a report with reference to one or more of the following: - Geographical position (or location) of the apparatus (e.g. region or site); - Volume of liquid transferred, processed or produced by the apparatus; - Flow rate of liquid transferred, processed or produced by the apparatus; - Total amounts of liquid transferred, processed or produced over a defined period (e.g. day, week, month, year) in a defined geographical location (e.g. at a site or region), and optionally net amounts of liquid remaining at that geographical location; - Amounts of liquid held at a site; - Composition of liquid transferred, processed or produced by the apparatus; - Fuel and material (e.g. oil, power) consumption levels at a site; - Personnel movement information at a site (e.g. time in motion studies of operator positions and motion over a defined period); - Security information (e.g. security breaches or attempted unauthorised access at a site); and - Maintenance information (e.g. machine run hours, service schedule information).

1 1 [0041] The system may further include a processor for processing data from the data store (or database). For example, the processor may determine or compile one or more of the information in the preceding paragraph. The processor may also run algorithms to predict liquid parameters (e.g. flow rate, volume of liquid, composition of liquid) at planned well sites based on similar or neighbouring sites. [0042] The data store (or database) may also be analysed using a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software to identify various key performance indicators (such as production, downtime, energy, overall equipment effectiveness, inventory, cost) at each site/apparatus, or for all or a subset of sites/apparatuses. [0043] The user interface may be in the form of a website or computer program. [0044] In one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid accounting system, wherein said system includes: a plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses, each said apparatus including: an inlet for accepting liquid; an outlet for exiting liquid; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a flow signal corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; data processing means for accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof, and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report; A data store (or database) for receiving said reports transmitted from said plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses; and A user interface for interrogating said data store (or database). [0045] In another embodiment, the system includes a liquid storage. The liquid storage may be as defined for the first aspect of the present invention. In a further embodiment, the system further includes a degasser. The degasser may be for separating gas from non-gaseous components of a fluid stream (such as from a coal seam gas well). The degasser may include: A vessel; I /_ A fluid stream inlet for introducing the fluid stream into the vessel; An outlet for non-gaseous components of the fluid stream located at a lower end of the vessel; and A gas outlet located at an upper end of the vessel. [0046] The inlet of the bulk liquid accounting apparatus may be in fluid communication with the degasser outlet. Therefore, in one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid accounting system including: A degasser including: A vessel; A fluid stream inlet for introducing the fluid stream into the vessel; An outlet for non-gaseous components of the fluid stream located at a lower end of the vessel; and A gas outlet located at an upper end of the vessel; and A bulk liquid accounting apparatus including: an inlet for accepting liquid, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the degasser outlet; an outlet for exiting liquid; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a flow signal corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; data processing means for accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof, and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote data store (or database). [0047] In a further embodiment, the system includes a well such as a coal seam gas well. [0048] A system including a degasser and the bulk liquid accounting apparatus may be particularly advantageous for accurately monitoring the flow rate (or volume) of liquid exiting the degasser when cleaning coal seam gas wells (for example by air drilling). As discussed in the background section, when coal seam gas wells are cleaned, water frequently flows up the well. The volume of water flowing up a well may be affected by, for example, the number of natural fractures in the coal seam. A reasonable flow of water up a well during cleaning is often a good indicator of how productive the coal seam gas well will be, as if water flows up a well then it is likely that coal seam gas will flow as well.

[0049] The flow (such as flow rate or volume) of water at a well is typically monitored by the operators running the cleaning operation, as these operators typically need to know if the flow rate is high enough. Well engineers are frequently remote to the well, and the engineers historically would receive flow rate information from the well cleaning operators by telephone, for example. When assessing a well, the well engineers are more likely to wish to review changes in flow rates over particular time periods. Using the system of the present invention the well engineers advantageously may be able to obtain accurate data without the potential for inaccuracies which may be encountered when obtaining flow data by telephone. [0050] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid accounting system, including: A data store (or database) for receiving a report from a bulk liquid accounting apparatus, wherein said report is in respect of data corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from an inlet to an outlet of said bulk liquid accounting apparatus; and A user interface for interrogating said data store (or database). [0051] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid accounting system, including: A data store (or database) for receiving reports from a plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses, wherein said reports include data corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from an inlet to an outlet of each said bulk liquid accounting apparatus; and A user interface for interrogating said data store (or database). [0052] The reports received by the data store of the third aspect of the present invention may be as described for the reports transmitted by the telemetry means of the first aspect of the present invention. [0053] The data store (or database) and user interface of the third aspect of the present invention may be as described for the second aspect of the present invention. The apparatus in the third aspect of the present invention may be as described for the first aspect of the present invention. [0054] In a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing bulk liquid accounting information, the method including: 1 -r (a) Maintaining a data store (or database) which receives a report from the bulk liquid accounting apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein said bulk liquid accounting apparatus is operated by a customer; and (b) Providing a user interface for access by the customer, wherein the user interface allows the customer to interrogate the data store (or database) for bulk liquid accounting information relating to their use of the bulk liquid accounting apparatus. [0055] The method of the fourth aspect may include the step of providing the bulk liquid accounting apparatus (or the separator assembly) to the customer. The apparatus may, for example, be leased or purchased by the customer. [0056] The bulk liquid accounting apparatus (or the separator assembly) may be a plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses (or separator assemblies). The customer may be provided (or operate) at least 3, at least 5, at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90 or at least 100 bulk liquid accounting apparatuses (or separator assemblies). [0057] The customer of the fourth aspect may be a plurality of customers. In some embodiments, the customer is at least 2, at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 50 or at least 100 customers. Each customer may operate different bulk liquid accounting apparatuses (or separator assemblies). [0058] The data store and the user interface of the fourth aspect of the present invention may be as described for the second and third aspects of the present invention. [0059] The reports received by the data store of the fourth aspect of the present invention may be as described for the reports transmitted by the telemetry means of the first aspect of the present invention. The apparatus in the fourth aspect of the present invention may be as described for the first aspect of the present invention. [0060] In a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a bulk liquid accounting method, the method including: Receiving input from a user defining a geographical region of interest; Retrieving a subset of data from a data store (or database) relating to the geographical region of interest, wherein said subset of data includes bulk liquid accounting data associated with a geographical location within the defined geographical region of interest; and Generating a report relating to said bulk liquid accounting data according to the geographical region of interest. [0061] The geographical region of interest may be defined with reference to latitude and longitude, especially by the user entering the latitude and longitude. Alternatively, the geographical region of interest may be defined by the user selecting the region of interest on a map. In another embodiment, the geographical region of interest is defined by the user selecting a mining or drilling field. [0062] The bulk liquid accounting data may relate to data obtained from one or a plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses according to the first aspect of the present invention, or from a system according to the second aspect of the present invention. The bulk liquid accounting data may include any one or more of the following: - the geographical location where the data was obtained/liquid moved (for example GPS position or coordinates, such as longitude, latitude, altitude, speed and course); - time and date of liquid movement; - operator details (this may include, for example, one or more of: the identity of the operator (company or individual) responsible for the liquid movement, capacity of operator's vehicle and/or amount of material currently on operator's vehicle); - the flow of the liquid (for example, flow rate or volume of liquid transferred, processed or produced); - the duration of liquid movement (this may correspond to, for example, the running time of the pump); - the composition of the liquid; - solar radiation levels (especially local inferred solar radiation levels); - count of road traffic or operations at the geographical location; - the volume levels of a liquid storage (for example, the residual volume of a dam, tank farm or the like); and - machine maintenance information (including one or more of: run hours, fuel/oil levels, power system voltage, power system currents, system pressure, flow rates, condition monitoring vibration analysis, and alarm conditions). [0063] The method may also include the step of receiving input from the user defining a time period of interest (e.g. day, week, month, or year). In this case, the step of retrieving a I %J subset of data from a data store (or database) relating to the geographical region of interest may be a step of retrieving a subset of data from a data store (or database) relating to the geographical region of interest and within the time period of interest. [0064] The method may also include the step of processing the subset of data. The step of processing may include, for example, calculating or compiling one or more of: - Total amounts of liquid transferred, processed or produced within the defined geographical region of interest; - Averaged amounts of liquid transferred, processed or produced within the defined geographical region of interest. For example, this may include averaged amounts of liquid transferred, processed or produced (across the defined geographical region of interest, or at a geographical location) per period of time (e.g. average amount of liquid transferred per day, week, month or year) or per fluid movement (e.g. average amount of liquid transferred per fluid movement). This may also include averaged amounts of liquid transferred, processed or produced across a defined geographical region per geographical location. - Changes in flow rate in a period of time (e.g. day, week, month or year) at a geographical location; - Amount of liquid remaining at a geographical location; - Amounts of liquid held at a geographical location; - Changes in fuel and material consumption levels at a geographical location; and - Machine run hours and/or service schedule information for apparatuses at a geographical location. [0065] For the avoidance of doubt, the term "bulk liquid accounting data" includes both processed and unprocessed data. [0066] The step of generating a report may include displaying said bulk liquid accounting data with reference to said geographical location on a map of the geographical region of interest. The step of generating a report may also include displaying any one or more of the bulk liquid accounting data referred to above, or the processed information referred to above. The report may be in the form of an interactive map, especially on a computer monitor. The report may also be non-interactive, such as a hard-copy report including tabulated data. [0067] In a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of bulk liquid accounting including using the bulk liquid accounting apparatus of the first aspect, or the system I / of the second or third aspects of the present invention. [0068] In a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of bulk liquid accounting, the method including: flowing a liquid past a flow sensor in a liquid conduit such that the flow sensor provides a flow signal corresponding to the flow of the liquid; accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof at a data processing means; transmitting said report via a telemetry means associated with said data processing means; receiving said report at a remote data store (or database); and interrogating said data store (or database) via a user interface to thereby provide a report on the flow of liquid past the flow sensor. [0069] In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a method including: providing a bulk liquid accounting apparatus including an inlet for accepting liquid; an outlet for exiting liquid; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a flow signal corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; data processing means for accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof, and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote data store (or database); flowing a liquid past the flow sensor such that the flow sensor provides the flow signal; accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof at the data processing means; and transmitting said report via the telemetry means to the remote data store (or database). [0070] The bulk liquid accounting apparatus defined in the eighth aspect of the present invention may be as defined for the first aspect of the present invention. The method may be for providing bulk liquid accounting information or for operating a bulk liquid accounting apparatus. [0071] In one embodiment, the liquid accounting system of the second aspect may be used in the seventh aspect of the present invention. Features of the bulk liquid accounting apparatus provided in the method of the seventh and eighth aspect of the present invention may be as defined for the first aspect of the present invention. Therefore, the methods may include, for example, an operator logging into the apparatus (and including these details in the report); logging the time that liquid flowed through the apparatus (and including these details in the report); passing (especially pumping) liquid from a liquid storage (such as via a pump); controlling the pump (and/or inlet valves or outlet valves) using a control means; controlling the particulate quality of the incoming liquid via a filtration means (or filtering the liquid via a filter); providing a sampling signal corresponding to the composition of the liquid passing from the inlet to the outlet via a sampling sensor means located in the liquid conduit (in which case the data processing means may accept input corresponding to the sampling signal and generate a report in respect thereof); and/or obtaining the geographical location of the apparatus and generating a report in respect thereof at the data processing means. [0072] The bulk liquid accounting apparatus provided or used in the methods of the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention may form part of a liquid accounting system. The liquid accounting system may be as defined in the second aspect of the present invention. Therefore, the method of the eighth aspect may include, for example, receiving the report at a remote data store (or database), and interrogating the data store (or database) via a user interface to thereby provide a report on the flow of liquid past the flow sensor. The report provided by the user interface may also display data with reference to any of the information detailed in respect of the second or third aspects of the present invention. [0073] In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing bulk liquid accounting information, the method including; Providing the bulk liquid accounting system of the second aspect, including a bulk liquid accounting apparatus; Flowing a liquid past the flow sensor such that the flow sensor provides the flow signal; Accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof at the data processing means; Transmitting said report via the telemetry means; Receiving said transmitted report at the data store (or database); and Interrogating said data store (or database) via a user interface to provide bulk liquid accounting information relating to use of the bulk liquid accounting apparatus. [0074] Features of the ninth aspect may be as described for the eighth aspect of the present invention. [0075] In a tenth aspect the invention resides broadly in a method of bulk liquid accounting including the steps of: transferring said liquid by means of a pump and automated valves selectively operable by a human interface over a PLC; monitoring said transferred liquid for a parameter selected from one or more of salt, acidity, chlorine, BOD, suspended solids and petrochemical content; monitoring the volume of said liquid transferred; terminating the transferring of said liquid at a selected point; optionally, monitoring the location of the apparatus; capturing data corresponding to the monitored parameter and volume (and optionally location of the apparatus) to data storage associated with said PLC; and transmitting said data to a data store (or database). [0076] The transfer of liquid may be from bulk storage to a truck tanker or pipeline. [0077] The data capture may be an event that results in one or more signalling steps. For example, as a matter apart from the capture of audit data, the event may trigger the sending of an automatic email or the like, such as would assist the carrier in billing. [0078] The method may include further inputs. For example, especially where the storage permits, the method may include monitoring a storage of said bulk liquid by a level sensor. The signal of an ultrasonic detector, probe, or infra-red may provide an input. The method may further include monitoring the location of the system, such as by GPS or the like, with or without a differential system. [0079] The selective operation may be initiated by secure means. For example, operation of the human interface may be initiated by an operator by means selected from a swipe card /touch tag and touch screen. [0080] The system can be used for monitoring liquid transport via tankers or to pipeline. The modularization allows the use of multiple systems on any given site. The liquid containment can be either in-ground pits, tanks, bores or wells, dams or the like. The containment on one site may include several containments which may be of varying types of liquids. [0081] Data may be uploaded on a regular basis from the system to the data store (or database). The data within the data store may be reviewed and distributed to the operator by, for example, a report sent to a gas company showing the volumes and type of liquids moved from a site. [0082] In an eleventh aspect the present invention resides broadly in a water accounting method including: accepting process water into a process water storage; batch mode delivering said process water to water transport means; continuously monitoring said batch mode delivery for volume of flow and generating a volume signal; data processing said volume signal to generate a report (or real time report) in respect thereof; and transmitting said report to a remote data store (or database) to permit accounting of said process water. [0083] The continuous monitoring may include monitoring composition, whereby a sampling signal is generated, and whereby the data processing means processes the sampling signal with the volume signal to produce a composite report. [0084] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0085] Examples of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: [0086] Figure 1 is an overview of a fixed installation in accordance with the present invention; [0087] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a process in accordance with the present invention; [0088] Figure 3 is a plan view of mobile apparatus in accordance with the present invention; [0089] Figure 4 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 3; [0090] Figure 5 is a rear view of the apparatus of Figure 3; [0091] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 3; [0092] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 3; [0093] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further exemplary liquid accounting apparatus of the present invention; [0094] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary liquid accounting system of the present invention including a degasser for separating gas from non-gaseous components of a fluid stream and a bulk liquid accounting apparatus; [0095] Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary report transmitted to the database by the telemetry means; [0096] Figure 11 is an exemplary user interface (a website) showing all wells in Queensland; [0097] Figure 12 is an exemplary user interface (a website) which has been interrogated to show water source information; [0098] Figure 13 is an exemplary user interface (a website) which has been interrogated to show well information; and [0099] Figure 14 is an exemplary user interface illustrating the wells in a petroleum lease. [00100] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The following Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [00101] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 14. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features. [00102] In Figure 1 there is provided an overview of a transportable (but not mobile) modular tank farm 10 designed be used in situations where turkey nest or other earthen impoundments are not feasible or allowed due to environmental restrictions. The individual tank units 11 are associated with a transportable liquid transfer pumping and water accounting assembly 12, pumping water with monitoring to a water tanker 13. The liquid transfer pumping and water accounting assembly 12 provides data monitoring on the contractor receiving/distributing liquid, the amount of liquid being transferred, and the geographical location of pumping system. The information includes notification emailed from system to contractor and operator on each transaction, pre-determined checks on liquid transfers (for monitoring invoicing and liquid losses in transit), the ability to monitor tank levels in real time through remote access, and the ability to use data for waste tracking certificate, trending, incident and similar data post processing. The equipment used to gather and generate reports includes swipe cards and reader, and a touch screen display. [00103] In the process flow chart of Figure 2, the key is as follows: 1. Liquid Sampling a. Monitor liquid entering and exiting the system b. Monitors for salt, acidity, chlorine, BOD, Suspended Solids, petrochemical. 2. Flow Sensor a. Used to monitor volume of liquid flow into and out of system 3. Automated Valves a. Air, electric or hydraulically actuated b. Controlled by the HMI/ PLC 4. Level Sensor a. Can be ultrasonic, probe, infra-red etc. b. Used to monitor liquid levels within Liquid Containment 5. GPS receiver a. Global positioning system receiver fitted to allow real time tracking of system location 6. System can take liquid from or pump out liquid transport, there may also be multiple systems on any given site 7. Liquid transport can be either through liquid tanker or piping from point to point 8. Liquid containment a. can be either in-ground pits, tanks, bores or wells, dams etc. b. containment on one site may include several containments which may of be of varying types of liquids 9. Pump is controlled by the HMI/PLC 10. HMI/PLC a. Stands for Human Interface / Programmable Logic Controller b. Interface with operator is through swipe card /touch tag and touch screen c. PLC monitors and controls the sensors throughout the system 11. Email / Database a. On completion of each transaction or event, for example, a truck takes on a load of liquid, an email is sent to the operator and the subcontractor for billing purposes b. Data is uploaded on a regular basis from the system to the database. The data within the database is reviewed and distributed to the operator by, for example, a report sent to a gas company showing the volumes and type of liquids moved from a site. [00104] In the mobile apparatus of Figures 3 to 7, there is provided a rolling chassis 14 having a trailer hitch 15 and jockey wheel 16 to form a stable platform. The rolling chassis 14 supports a power pack including a diesel engine 17 and alternator 20. A DC accumulator 21 including a 24V lead acid wet or glass fibre mat cell bank provides for self-starting and, through a regulated power supply, electrical power to the control means, data processing means and telemetry means. [00105] An AC electric motor 22 powered by the alternator 20 direct drives a centrifugal pump 23 via a flexible coupling 24. The pump has an axial inlet 25 and a radial outlet 26 as is the nature of such pumps. The axial inlet 25 is connected to an inlet manifold 27 having three rearward and two sideward directed inlet stubs 30 each having a respective electrically operated inlet valve 31 and terminated by respective hose connection couplers. The radial outlet 26 is connected to an outlet manifold 32 having three rearward and two sideward directed outlet stubs 33 each having a respective electrically operated outlet valve 34 and terminated by respective hose connection couplers.

[00106] Two sets of comparative sensor arrays are an inlet side array 35 and an outlet side array 36 in the liquid flow from the pump and sense both volume flow and composition data. The sensor arrays 35, 36 transmit their signals via cables 37. [00107] A console 40 securely contains control means operating the power pack 17, 20, electric motor 22 for the pump and electric valves 31, 34, to effect the gross functions of transfer of water from storage tanks to tankers. The console 40 includes a card swipe reader 41 to free the operations. The console 40 contains a data processor accepting inputs from the sensors 35, 36, and a telemetry unit having a mobile network antenna 42 and a satellite network antenna 43. A strobe light 44 and audible alarm 45 provides distance indication of operation. Data and operations are entered via a touch screen graphical user interface 46. [00108] The monitoring system ensures that operators can monitor and control all events associated with handling large volumes of liquids. The monitoring is used to ensure the risk of spillage of liquid is mitigated by measuring inflow, outflow and tank levels. Data collected from monitoring is uploaded to a server at each event (truck fill operation) or on demand. This information can be used for invoicing, contractor performance monitoring, investigation (liquid losses during transport) and trending of well performance. [00109] Intended Operation 1. 15 inch touch screen will display the company name, registration details of trailer and the capacity size of trailer. The capacity will be an editable field allowing the driver to change the amount of liquid received. 2. SMS will be sent to owner/operator to inform them that driver has logged into system for collection. Modem will be dual NextG/Satellite. 3. Touch screen will also display on another page the tank levels, valve status, pump status etc. 4. Once driver logged in, pipe connected and capacity selected then driver can touch fill button and process will start until capacity reached, then automatically stop. 5. Once driver logged in, pipe connected and capacity selected then driver can touch fill button and process will start until capacity reached, then automatically stop. 6. The database can be accessed remotely by the company to allow them to gather information about the company's transactions. Access will be through a Web interface and a log in will be required, this will only allow access to the company information.

7. The tanks will fill and unload in an automatic sequence. The tanks will be bought in and out of service depending upon the level in the tanks. [00110] Figure 8 provides another exemplary bulk liquid accounting apparatus 100. This apparatus includes an inlet 110 for accepting liquid, and an outlet 112 for exiting liquid. The inlet 110 and outlet 112 define the ends of a liquid conduit 114. A flow sensor 116 is positioned in the liquid conduit 114. The flow sensor 116 is configured to provide a flow signal corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from the inlet 110 to the outlet 112. The apparatus 100 also includes a data processing means 122 for accepting an input corresponding to the flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof. The apparatus 100 also includes a telemetry means 124 adapted to transmit said report to a remote database. [00111] The apparatus 100 may act passively (by simply recording fluid movements past the flow sensor) or actively (by controlling fluid movements past the flow sensor). The apparatus 100 is configured to act actively, and it includes a control means 120 and a user interface 126 for controlling the apparatus 100. A pump is not illustrated in Figure 8, but a pump may be associated with the apparatus 100 to control fluid flow past the flow sensor 116 (the pump may be, for example, a four inch diesel transfer pump). In this case, the control means 120 may control the pump. Alternatively, if the apparatus is configured to act passively, then a control means 120 and pump need not be present. [00112] The apparatus 100 of Figure 8 also includes a power supply 128 in the form of a battery. [00113] The apparatus 100 of Figure 8 includes a frame 130, and the apparatus 100 is configured so that it can be lifted by 2 men; weighing less than 80 kg. The apparatus 100 is designed to be portable and may be left at water sources such as dams and the like. There may be potentially hundreds of apparatuses 100 at a single mining or drilling field. [00114] The apparatus of Figure 8 may be used by taking the following steps: - Connect the inlet 110 and the outlet 112 to the desired pipes, and place a pump in liquid communication with the liquid conduit 114. - Connect the pump to the control means 120. - Log into the user interface 126 and activate the pump. - Flow liquid past the flow sensor 116 such that the flow sensor provides a flow signal corresponding to the flow of the liquid. - The data processing means 122 accepts input corresponding to said flow signal (especially volume signal) and receives the geographical location (GPS position) of the apparatus, and then generates a report in respect thereof - The telemetry means 124 is associated with the data processing means 122 and the telemetry means 124 transmits said report to a remote database. - The database may be interrogated remotely via a website to obtain a report on the flow of liquid past the flow sensor 116. [00115] Figure 9 illustrates a liquid accounting system including a bulk liquid accounting apparatus 200 and a degasser 250 for separating gas from non-gaseous components of a fluid stream. The degasser 250 includes a vessel 252, a fluid stream inlet 254 for introducing the fluid stream into the vessel 252, an outlet for non-gaseous components of the fluid stream located at a lower end of the vessel 252 (not shown, as the outlet is hidden from view), and a gas outlet 256 located at an upper end of the vessel 252. The apparatus 200 includes an inlet for accepting fluid and which is in fluid communication with the degasser outlet, an outlet for fluid exiting the apparatus 200, and a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said apparatus 200 inlet and said apparatus 200 outlet and providing a flow signal corresponding to the flow of liquid (especially flow rate of liquid) passing from the apparatus 200 inlet to the apparatus 200 outlet. [00116] The flow signal is transmitted from radar 202 to a data processing means 210. The data processing means accepts input corresponding to the flow signal and generates a report in respect thereof. Associated with the data processing means 210 is a telemetry means 212 associated with the data processing means 210 and adapted to transmit the report to a remote database. [00117] The system of Figure 9 may be used by taking the following steps: - Connect the degasser 250 fluid stream inlet 254 to the outflow of a well prior to cleaning a coal seam gas well (for example via air drilling). - Connect the outlet of apparatus 200 to a desired outflow pipe for the liquid outflow from the coal seam gas well. - Commence air drilling (for example) the coal seam gas well. This drives gaseous and non-gaseous substances up the coal seam gas well and into the fluid stream inlet 254 of the degasser. - The degasser may be an impingement separator. As gas is separated from the non gaseous components in the degasser, the gaseous components exit via gas outlet 256. The non-gaseous components move to the lower part of the vessel 252 and pass through degasser outlet and into apparatus 200 inlet.

4,/ - As the non-gaseous components move through the apparatus 200 inlet to the outlet and past the flow sensor, the flow sensor measures the flow (especially flow rate) of liquid. The flow sensor then provides a flow signal corresponding to the flow of the liquid, which is transmitted to data processing means 210 via radar 202. Avoiding a physical connection between the data processing means and the flow sensor may be advantageous, as it allows the data processing means 210 and telemetry means 212 to be positioned further away from the degasser 250, which may be important for safety. This is why data processing means 210 and telemetry means 212 are positioned on a trolley that may be easily positioned away from the gas exiting the degasser 250. - The data processing means 210 accepts input corresponding to said flow signal (especially flow rate signal) and receives the geographical location (GPS position) of the apparatus 200, and then generates a report in respect thereof - The telemetry means 212 is associated with the data processing means 210 and the telemetry means 212 transmits said report to a remote database. Shown in the apparatus of Figure 9 are a Wi-Fi aerial 214a and a 3G aerial 214b mounted to the trolley. - The database may be interrogated remotely via a website to obtain a report on the flow of liquid past the flow sensor. [00118] Unlike the previous example, the bulk liquid accounting apparatus 200 in Figure 9 does not require a pump. The apparatus 200 in Figure 9 acts passively rather than actively. Report, database and user interface [00119] The liquid accounting system may include a plurality of liquid accounting apparatuses, a database and a user interface. Customers may rent the apparatuses and using the database and user interface of the system, those customers can monitor and remotely access the apparatuses they have hired and their operation. Report [00120] The report transmitted by the telemetry means may be in SMTP packets. The data in these packets needs to be made available for representation on the website. Figure 10 provides an exemplary format of such a packet. [00121] In each report, each value is preceded by a descriptor, and a colon. GPS longitude and latitude are stored as 64 bit floating point variables. Should the apparatus fail to be able to establish a GPS location, the text "No Valid GPS Data" may replace the longitude and latitude variables in the report. In this situation the GPS Longitude and Latitude values of the record Z-0 may hold NAN (= Not A Number) a representation of a 64bit real that denotes invalid data. [00122] Similarly should the apparatus fail to register a user, the text "No Valid ID." may appear in place of the Operator, Company and RFID tag values. Null strings may be recorded for this situation, with the RFID tag variable holding OxOO in all 8 bytes. The Operator and Company may be stored as 20 character strings. The RFID tag number consists of 8 bytes, and should be represented in hexadecimal format. [00123] The Amount Transferred may be stored as a 32bit unsigned long. Should no Valid GPS Data or Valid ID be presented to the machine, it may still register and send an SMTP packet identifying such along with the amount transferred. [00124] The Transaction Start Time may be held in the record as an Unsigned Long as per Microsoft time formats, with the standard PC epoch of 00:00 6/1/1980. [00125] Each record may also hold the transfer mechanism (e.g. "3G").. Database and User Interface [00126] The user interface (e.g. website or computer program) can be accessed in two modes. First, a customer can access data relating to liquid accounting apparatuses that they have hired. Secondly, an administrator can modify information and view apparatuses across customers. [00127] The user interface enables reports to be generated. These may be generated to provide, for example: 1. Operational information. This may include totalised volumes of water by: a. Field or fields - geographical regions within petroleum leases, overseen by the operations of one of the gas companies, are divided up into fields (see Figure 14 this figure illustrates a well site and lease layer in Google Earth. Within the boundaries of the petroleum leases are one or more fields. Wells are grounded by the name of the field (for example, "Berwyndale South 98" refers to well 98 in the Berwyndale field)). Within each of these fields are a number of wells which are either developed, in development of for planned development. The wells within a field are given names, for instance "Berwyndale South 98". b. Project - A project would involve a subset of wells within a field. c. Well site - A particular well site within a field or project study.

2. Environmental compliance - This may include information relating to volumes of liquid unaccounted for in a defined region. 3. Cost control - this may include: a. Volume of water purchased; b. Total fluid moved from all water sources; and c. The volume of water collected and delivered by a contractor over a period. [00128] An example manner in which a user may interrogate the database is now provided. When the customer first logs into the website a map showing Australia or Queensland (for example - see Figure 11) showing all apparatuses in the field is displayed. [00129] In a first example, a customer wishes to investigate where and how much water was moved by the apparatuses over a defined period. [00130] An exemplary user interface (in the form of a website) is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 illustrates water source information. Figure 13 illustrates well information in the field. This website has a menu along the left side. Within this menu: - The "Region" box allows the user to define a geographical region of interest by: o Adjusting the viewing window to define a region of interest. For example, the map in the viewing window may be panned, zoomed and mapped to define the region of interest. All apparatuses located within this defined region which are active in the field then appear. o Selecting a region from a list. For example, a customer may select a region from categories including: petroleum leases, fields, well sites and water sources. - The "Flowtrac units" box updates the map so that bulk liquid accounting apparatuses in the defined area are selected (i.e. this retrieves a subset of data from the database relating to the geographical region of interest, in which the subset of data includes bulk liquid accounting data associated with a geographical location within the defined geographical region of interest). This box also allows additional apparatuses to be manually selected. - The "Operators" box may allow the customer to view or select the operators of interest who were moving liquid at each site. - The "Period" box allows the customer to define the period over which they wish to view the data. - The "Company" box is for administration purposes only, and allows the administrator to view data for different customers.

-Y "I [00131] On the map, thumb tacks at each location may appear, illustrating some basic details. This may include "In" (liquid delivered); "Out" (liquid collected); and "Dif" (difference: collected minus delivered). Each value provides totalised values over a period (this map may be considered to be a report in the form of an interactive map). [00132] Now a non-interactive report may be generated from the scenario set up in Figures 12 or 13. The report may include a summary report, a detailed report and a transaction report. [00133] The Summary report may include: - Description: A user defined field. - Period: Provides the period over which the data is provided. This may be as defined above. - Duration: Provides the number of days in the period. - Region: This may be a standard region name, or a user defined region. Latitude and longitude coordinates defining the boundaries of the region may be provided. - Map panel: A map illustrating the region, for example as shown in Figures 12 or 13. - Summary Totals: may provide total volume of liquid collected/delivered, total numbers of collections/deliveries, liquid unaccounted for, and may provide a breakdown for each site. Average amounts of liquid collected/delivered per day or per collection/delivery may also be provided. These results may be provided in graphical format. [00134] The Detailed report may include a report on how much fluid was collected/delivered over a defined period at given locations. The detailed report may also include reports by: - location/date/operator - location/operator/period - location/operator/apparatus Further information within these options may also be included such as: - total volume collected - total volume delivered - number of collections - number of deliveries - average volumes collected (e.g. per day, per week), - average volumes delivered - total volume unaccounted - composition of liquid - flow rate of liquid collected/delivered, and changes in flow rates over a defined period. The above information may be provided for each individual apparatus, well site, or field. [00135] The Transaction report may provide receipts for each data package sent from each apparatus. These may be grouped chronologically by apparatus. [00136] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [00137] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described includes preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. [00138] It will of course be realised that while the above 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 set forth in the claims appended hereto. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION [00139] Advantages of the preferred embodiment of the present invention may include: - Customers may rent, hire or buy liquid accounting apparatuses. These customers may use their apparatuses in any given location as needed, and then they may access the database via the user interface to obtain information on the use of all apparatuses under their control. - The administrator is able to access the database via the user interface, modify information where needed, and view apparatuses used by different customers. The administrator may -Y / access maintenance information to ensure that all units are serviced appropriately, and determine an optimal servicing schedule. The user interface may be interrogated to provide information: o by field, project (a subset of wells within a field) and well site. o relating to environmental compliance (e.g. how much liquid is unaccounted for across fields, projects or wells). o relating to cost control (e.g. volume of water purchased, total fluid moved from all water sources; volume of water collected and delivered by a contractor over a period). This may enable customers to: make better informed decisions; reduce time taken to obtain information needed for, for example, environmental compliance; reduce running costs; determine billing information for contractors; and use the information to assist in future planning. Furthermore, the system may remove room for errors and inaccuracies in liquid accounting data, and enable trend analysis.

Claims

1. A bulk liquid accounting apparatus including: an inlet for accepting liquid; an outlet for exiting liquid; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a flow signal corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; data processing means for accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof; and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote data store.

2. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow signal corresponds to the flow rate or volume of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet.

3. A bulk liquid accounting apparatus including: an inlet adapted to accept liquid from a liquid storage; a pump for delivering said liquid from said inlet to an outlet; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a volume signal corresponding to the volume of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; control means including a user interface providing control of said pump; data processing means accepting input corresponding to operation of said control means and said volume signal and generating a real time report in respect thereof; and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote database.

4. A bulk liquid accounting apparatus including: an inlet for accepting liquid from a liquid storage; a pump for delivering said liquid from said inlet to an outlet; a flow sensor in a liquid conduit between said inlet and said outlet and providing a volume signal corresponding to the volume of liquid passing from said inlet to said outlet; control means including a user interface providing control of said pump; data processing means accepting input corresponding to: operation of said control means; said volume signal; and the geographical location of the apparatus from a positioning system; and generating a real time report in respect thereof; and telemetry means associated with said data processing means and adapted to transmit said report to a remote database.

5. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the pump is driven by an internal combustion engine.

6. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the inlet includes a manifold having multiple inlet attachment points each controlled by a respective inlet valve operable in concert with the pump.

7. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the outlet includes a manifold having multiple outlet attachment points each controlled by a respective outlet valve operable in concert with the pump.

8. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the control means includes a microprocessor based control means including a secure interface cable connectable to the apparatus via a hardware interface secured permanently to the apparatus.

9. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the control means is initiated by a swipe card or other secure means.

10. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the data processing means is integrated with the microprocessor based control means.

11. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus includes a trailer or skid.

12. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus weighs less than 80 kg.

13. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, further including a sampling sensor means located in the liquid conduit between the inlet and the outlet, the sampling sensor means providing a sampling signal corresponding to the composition of the liquid passing from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the data processing means is also for accepting input corresponding to said sampling signal and generating a report in respect thereof

14. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the sampling sensor means is one or more water sensors, wherein the one or more water sensors: (i) include any one or more of sensors for detecting turbidity, other suspended-solids measure, salinity, dissolved solids or gases, temperature, pH, chlorine, BOD and petrochemical content; and/or (ii) includes drawing of a liquid sample for automated chromatography, photometry, or spectroscopy (including mass spectroscopy).

15. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus according to any one of claims I to 14, wherein the telemetry means includes an interface with a digital mobile phone network and/or a satellite phone/data system.

16. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus according to any one of claims I to 15, wherein the telemetry means is operated by the data processing means to transmit the report on either a continuous or intermittence basis.

17. The bulk liquid accounting apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet is adapted to accept non-gaseous material from a degasser.

18. A liquid accounting system, including the bulk liquid accounting apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2 and 17.

19. The liquid accounting system of claim 18, wherein the system further includes a degasser for separating gas from non-gaseous components of a fluid stream, wherein the degasser includes: A vessel; A fluid stream inlet for introducing the fluid stream into the vessel; An outlet for non-gaseous components of the fluid stream located at a lower end of the vessel; and A gas outlet located at an upper end of the vessel; and wherein the inlet of the bulk liquid accounting apparatus is in fluid communication with the degasser outlet.

20. The liquid accounting system of claim 18, wherein the bulk liquid accounting apparatus is a plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses.

21. The liquid accounting system of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the system further includes a data store for receiving a report from said bulk liquid accounting apparatus.

22. The liquid accounting system of claim 21, further including a user interface for interrogating said data store.

23. A liquid accounting system, including: A plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses, as defined in any one of claims 3 to 10; and A database for receiving said reports from said plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses.

24. The liquid accounting system of claim 23, further including a user interface for interrogating said database.

25. A liquid accounting system, including: A data store for receiving reports from a plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses, wherein said reports include data corresponding to the flow of liquid passing from an inlet to an outlet of each said bulk liquid accounting apparatus; and A user interface for interrogating said data store.

26. The liquid accounting system of any one of claims 22, 24 and 25, wherein the user interface displays data with reference to a geographical map.

27. The liquid accounting system of any one of claims 22 and 24 to 26, wherein the user interface displays data with reference to one or more of the: - Geographical location of the apparatus; - Volume of liquid transferred, processed or produced by the apparatus; - Flow rate of liquid transferred, processed or produced by the apparatus; JY / - Total volume of liquid transferred, processed or produced over a defined period in a defined geographical location; - Amounts of liquid held at a site; and - Composition of liquid transferred, processed or produced by the apparatus.

28. A method of providing bulk liquid accounting information, the method including: (a) Maintaining a data store which receives a report from the bulk liquid accounting apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2 and 17, wherein said bulk liquid accounting apparatus is operated by a customer; and (b) Providing a user interface for access by the customer, wherein the user interface allows the customer to interrogate the data store for bulk liquid accounting information relating to their use of the bulk liquid accounting apparatus.

29. The method of claim 28, further including the step of providing the bulk liquid accounting apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2 and 17 to the customer.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the apparatus is leased or purchased by the customer.

31. The method of any one of claims 28 to 30, where the bulk liquid accounting apparatus is a plurality of bulk liquid accounting apparatuses.

32. The method of any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the customer is a plurality of customers.

33. The method of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the user interface displays data as defined in claim 26 or 27.

34. The method of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the user interface displays data with reference to maintenance details of the bulk liquid accounting apparatus.

35. A method of operating a bulk liquid accounting apparatus, the method including: Providing the bulk liquid accounting apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2 and 17; Flowing a liquid past the flow sensor such that the flow sensor provides the flow signal; Accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof at the data processing means; and -Y 0 Transmitting said report via the telemetry means to a remote data store.

36. A method of providing bulk liquid accounting information, the method including; Providing the bulk liquid accounting system of claim 22, including a bulk liquid accounting apparatus; Flowing a liquid past the flow sensor such that the flow sensor provides the flow signal; Accepting input corresponding to said flow signal and generating a report in respect thereof at the data processing means; Transmitting said report via the telemetry means; Receiving said transmitted report at the data store; and Interrogating said data store via the user interface to provide bulk liquid accounting information relating to use of the bulk liquid accounting apparatus.

37. A bulk liquid accounting method, the method including: Receiving input from a user defining a geographical region of interest; Retrieving a subset of data from a data store relating to the geographical region of interest, wherein said subset of data includes bulk liquid accounting data associated with a geographical location within the defined geographical region of interest; and Generating a report relating to said bulk liquid accounting data according to the geographical region of interest.

38. The bulk liquid accounting method of claim 37, wherein the step of generating a report includes displaying said bulk liquid accounting data with reference to said geographical location on a map of the geographical region of interest.

39. A method of bulk liquid accounting including the steps of. transferring said liquid by means of a bulk liquid accounting apparatus including a pump and automated valves selectively operable by a human interface over a PLC; monitoring said transferred liquid for a parameter selected from one or more of salt, acidity, chlorine, BOD, suspended solids and petrochemical content; monitoring the volume of said liquid transferred; -Y -/ terminating the transferring of said liquid at a selected point; monitoring the location of the apparatus; capturing data corresponding to the monitored parameter, volume and location of the apparatus to data storage associated with said PLC; and transmitting said data to a database.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein said transfer of liquid is from a bulk storage to a truck tanker.

41. The method according to claim 39 or 40, further including monitoring storage of said bulk liquid by a level sensor.

42. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein said selective operation is initiated by an operator by means selected from a swipe card /touch tag and touch screen.

43. A water accounting method including: accepting process water into a process water storage; batch mode delivering said process water to water transport means; continuously monitoring said batch mode delivery for volume of flow and generating a volume signal; data processing said volume signal to generate a real time report in respect thereof, and transmitting said report to a remote database to permit accounting of said process water, wherein said method is carried out using the bulk liquid accounting apparatus as defined in any one of claims I to 16. Date: 18 March 2015