CA2706807C - Systems and methods for remote tank level monitoring - Google Patents
Systems and methods for remote tank level monitoring Download PDFInfo
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- CA2706807C CA2706807C CA2706807A CA2706807A CA2706807C CA 2706807 C CA2706807 C CA 2706807C CA 2706807 A CA2706807 A CA 2706807A CA 2706807 A CA2706807 A CA 2706807A CA 2706807 C CA2706807 C CA 2706807C
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/30—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats
- G01F23/40—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats using bands or wires as transmission elements
- G01F23/42—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats using bands or wires as transmission elements using mechanically actuated indicating means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/80—Arrangements for signal processing
- G01F23/802—Particular electronic circuits for digital processing equipment
- G01F23/804—Particular electronic circuits for digital processing equipment containing circuits handling parameters other than liquid level
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- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
Abstract
A remote tank level monitoring system for a storage tank having an existing float-based level gauge features an image capturing device and communications device. The image capturing device is arranged to capture digital images that are taken over time and each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the level indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured. The communications device is cooperatively linked to the image capturing device to receive image data therefrom and transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time.
Description
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE TANK LEVEL MONITORING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to float type level gauges for oilfield production tanks in which a cable has opposite ends depending inside and outside the tank so that movement of a float secured to the inside end of the cable under changes in the level of the tank contents moves an indicator at the other end of the cable along a gauge outside the tank to reflect the tank level, and more particularly to an improvement to such systems to enable tank level monitoring from remote locations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional oilfield tank level gauges of the type briefly summarized above make use of simple pulleys as the rollers or cable guides used to support the cable and form the direction changes in the cable's path from its indicator portion depending downward from atop the tank thereoutside to the float portion depending downward through the top of the tank. Typically, a first pulley is mounted atop the tank for rotation about a horizontal axis a short distance above where the cable depends down into the tank. A second pulley is mounted atop the tank for rotation about a second horizontal axis parallel to the first at a position adjacent the perimeter of the top of the tank. Placed over these two pulleys with the indicator and float at its opposite ends, the cable passes vertically upward from the float through an opening in the top of the tank, passes over the first pulley to extend horizontally to the second pulley, which it then passes over to hang vertically downward along the tank periphery to suspend the indicator. Rising of the float under an increase the
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to float type level gauges for oilfield production tanks in which a cable has opposite ends depending inside and outside the tank so that movement of a float secured to the inside end of the cable under changes in the level of the tank contents moves an indicator at the other end of the cable along a gauge outside the tank to reflect the tank level, and more particularly to an improvement to such systems to enable tank level monitoring from remote locations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional oilfield tank level gauges of the type briefly summarized above make use of simple pulleys as the rollers or cable guides used to support the cable and form the direction changes in the cable's path from its indicator portion depending downward from atop the tank thereoutside to the float portion depending downward through the top of the tank. Typically, a first pulley is mounted atop the tank for rotation about a horizontal axis a short distance above where the cable depends down into the tank. A second pulley is mounted atop the tank for rotation about a second horizontal axis parallel to the first at a position adjacent the perimeter of the top of the tank. Placed over these two pulleys with the indicator and float at its opposite ends, the cable passes vertically upward from the float through an opening in the top of the tank, passes over the first pulley to extend horizontally to the second pulley, which it then passes over to hang vertically downward along the tank periphery to suspend the indicator. Rising of the float under an increase the
2 tank contents lowers the indicator outside the tank, which then indicates a higher level value by pointing to a marker labeled with a higher value further down the chart than the indicator's previous position. Lowering of the float under a decrease of the tank contents lift the indicator, which then points to a marker on the gauge corresponding to a lower value reflective of a lower tank content level.
An obvious shortcoming of these simple mechanical tank level gauges is that they are only viewable on site at the location of the tank, and accordingly do not provide any feedback on the content level of a tank to an owner, operator or other personnel when no one is on location. A number of remote tank level monitoring solutions have previously been proposed and could likely be employed on these oilfield storage tanks, but these solutions are independent systems that require an entirely new installation on the tank and would likely make the previously installed float gauges on existing tanks redundant or obsolete.
Accordingly, there is a desire for a remote tank level monitoring solution that can make use of conventional float gauge components to minimize waste and maximize ease of installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a remote tank level monitoring system for a storage tank having an existing float-based level gauge comprising a cable, an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank, a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank, at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside
An obvious shortcoming of these simple mechanical tank level gauges is that they are only viewable on site at the location of the tank, and accordingly do not provide any feedback on the content level of a tank to an owner, operator or other personnel when no one is on location. A number of remote tank level monitoring solutions have previously been proposed and could likely be employed on these oilfield storage tanks, but these solutions are independent systems that require an entirely new installation on the tank and would likely make the previously installed float gauges on existing tanks redundant or obsolete.
Accordingly, there is a desire for a remote tank level monitoring solution that can make use of conventional float gauge components to minimize waste and maximize ease of installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a remote tank level monitoring system for a storage tank having an existing float-based level gauge comprising a cable, an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank, a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank, at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside
3 the tank, and an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time, the remote tank level monitoring system comprising:
an image capturing device arranged to capture digital images that are taken over time and each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and a communications device cooperatively linked to the image capturing device to receive image data therefrom and transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a remote tank level monitoring system for a storage tank, the system comprising:
a cable;
an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank;
a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank;
at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank;
an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to
an image capturing device arranged to capture digital images that are taken over time and each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and a communications device cooperatively linked to the image capturing device to receive image data therefrom and transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a remote tank level monitoring system for a storage tank, the system comprising:
a cable;
an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank;
a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank;
at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank;
an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to
4 cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time; and an image capturing device arranged to capture digital images that are taken over time and each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and a communications device cooperatively linked to the image capturing device to receive image data therefrom and transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time.
Preferably the image capturing device is mounted on the indicator to move along the upright gauge therewith.
Preferably the communications device is mounted on the indicator with the image capturing device.
The communications device may be arranged to transmit the image data to a server from which the image data is retrievable for viewing of the digital representation to check the content level of the tank.
Preferably the communications device is arranged to establish a wireless connection to the communications network.
Preferably there is provided a battery power supply operable to power the image capturing device.
Preferably the battery power supply is also operable to power the communications device.
Preferably the battery power supply is rechargeable.
There may be provided solar cells for charging the battery power
Preferably the image capturing device is mounted on the indicator to move along the upright gauge therewith.
Preferably the communications device is mounted on the indicator with the image capturing device.
The communications device may be arranged to transmit the image data to a server from which the image data is retrievable for viewing of the digital representation to check the content level of the tank.
Preferably the communications device is arranged to establish a wireless connection to the communications network.
Preferably there is provided a battery power supply operable to power the image capturing device.
Preferably the battery power supply is also operable to power the communications device.
Preferably the battery power supply is rechargeable.
There may be provided solar cells for charging the battery power
5 supply.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of remotely monitoring content level of a storage tank having a float-based level gauge comprising a cable, an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank, a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank, at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank, and an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time, the method comprising:
capturing digital images over time which each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and transmitting image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of remotely monitoring content level of a storage tank having a float-based level gauge comprising a cable, an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank, a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank, at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank, and an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time, the method comprising:
capturing digital images over time which each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and transmitting image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time.
6 Preferably the method includes capturing the digital images from a view point carried on the indicator.
The method may include transmitting the image data to a server and providing access to the server to facilitate retrieval of the image data therefrom for viewing of the digital representation to check the content level of the tank.
The method preferably includes transmitting the image data over a wireless connection to the communications network.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of upgrading a tank level monitoring system to enable remote tank level monitoring for a storage tank having an existing float-based level gauge comprising a cable, an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank, a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank, at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank, and an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time, the method comprising:
setting up an image capturing device and a communications device cooperatively linked thereto so as to be operable to capture digital images over time and to transmit image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital images from a remote location;
The method may include transmitting the image data to a server and providing access to the server to facilitate retrieval of the image data therefrom for viewing of the digital representation to check the content level of the tank.
The method preferably includes transmitting the image data over a wireless connection to the communications network.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of upgrading a tank level monitoring system to enable remote tank level monitoring for a storage tank having an existing float-based level gauge comprising a cable, an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank, a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank, at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank, and an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time, the method comprising:
setting up an image capturing device and a communications device cooperatively linked thereto so as to be operable to capture digital images over time and to transmit image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital images from a remote location;
7 positioning the image capturing device at a position from which the digital images will each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured.
Preferably the method includes positioning the image capturing device on the indicator so as to be movable therewith along the upright gauge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an oilfield storage tank with a conventional float type tank level gauge.
Figure 2 is an enlarged elevational view of a portion of the tank level gauge of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a partial elevational view of a remote tank level monitoring system produced by upgrading the conventional float type tank level gauge of Figures 1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the conventional oilfield tank level gauge of the type briefly summarized in the background section above. A first pulley 10 is mounted atop the tank 12 for rotation about a horizontal axis a short distance above where the cable 14 depends down into the tank's interior. A second pulley 16 is mounted atop the tank for rotation about a second horizontal axis parallel to the first at a position adjacent the perimeter 18a of the top 18 of the tank 12. Placed over
Preferably the method includes positioning the image capturing device on the indicator so as to be movable therewith along the upright gauge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an oilfield storage tank with a conventional float type tank level gauge.
Figure 2 is an enlarged elevational view of a portion of the tank level gauge of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a partial elevational view of a remote tank level monitoring system produced by upgrading the conventional float type tank level gauge of Figures 1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the conventional oilfield tank level gauge of the type briefly summarized in the background section above. A first pulley 10 is mounted atop the tank 12 for rotation about a horizontal axis a short distance above where the cable 14 depends down into the tank's interior. A second pulley 16 is mounted atop the tank for rotation about a second horizontal axis parallel to the first at a position adjacent the perimeter 18a of the top 18 of the tank 12. Placed over
8 these two pulleys with the indicator 20 and float 22 at its opposite ends, the cable passes vertically upward from the float through an opening in the top of the tank, passes over the first pulley to extend horizontally to the second pulley, which it then passes over to hang vertically downward along the tank's peripheral wall 24 to suspend the indicator along the vertical gauge 26 mounted on the wall 24.
Rising of the float 22 under an increase the tank contents lowers the indicator 20 outside the tank, which then indicates a higher level value by pointing to a marking labeled with a higher value further down the chart than the marking at indicator's previous position. Lowering of the float under a decrease of the tank contents lift the indicator, which then points to a marker at a higher elevation on the gauge labeled with a lower numerical value reflective of a lower tank content level.
Figure 3 shows a float type tank level gauge of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2 having been modified according to the present invention to add a battery powered electronic unit 100 that is mounted on the indicator 20 to move therewith up and down the gauge 26 under changes in the content level of the tank.
Within a single housing, the electronic unit incorporates an image capturing device having digital photograph functionality and a communications device operable to wirelessly connect to a mobile communications network to communicate with a computer network, for example the internet, in order to transmit image data from the image capturing device to a server set up to store the images. Tank monitoring personnel can then access the stored digital images captured at the tank site.
The image capturing device is positioned to aim its lens toward the gauge 26 so that images captured each show the "reading point" feature of the indicator (the part of
Rising of the float 22 under an increase the tank contents lowers the indicator 20 outside the tank, which then indicates a higher level value by pointing to a marking labeled with a higher value further down the chart than the marking at indicator's previous position. Lowering of the float under a decrease of the tank contents lift the indicator, which then points to a marker at a higher elevation on the gauge labeled with a lower numerical value reflective of a lower tank content level.
Figure 3 shows a float type tank level gauge of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2 having been modified according to the present invention to add a battery powered electronic unit 100 that is mounted on the indicator 20 to move therewith up and down the gauge 26 under changes in the content level of the tank.
Within a single housing, the electronic unit incorporates an image capturing device having digital photograph functionality and a communications device operable to wirelessly connect to a mobile communications network to communicate with a computer network, for example the internet, in order to transmit image data from the image capturing device to a server set up to store the images. Tank monitoring personnel can then access the stored digital images captured at the tank site.
The image capturing device is positioned to aim its lens toward the gauge 26 so that images captured each show the "reading point" feature of the indicator (the part of
9 the indicator used as the to indicate a particular level on the gauge by aligning with or pointing to a level marker thereon) and the portion of the gauge behind this feature, including the particular value marking on the gauge that is being referred to by the indicator. Accordingly, when the owner, operator or other party responsible for the tank accesses the server using a desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, PDA or other device operable to access the network, they will be able to visually see the latest reading on the gauge that was recorded by the image capturing device.
The devices are setup to take and transmit digital photographs at regular intervals of time so that the image stored on the server is updated regularly to reflect the most currently captured reading of the level gauge. File transfer protocol (FTP) may be used to transmit image data from tank level gauges at multiple tanks to an FTP server, and web pages may be constructed to link to the collected images for easy viewing using a conventional web browser. Further details of the unit for capturing and transmitting the digital images are not disclosed herein, as existing equipment capable of the required functions is already known and commercially available. For example, Colorado Video of Box 928, Boulder, Colorado 80306, USA (http://www.colorado-video.com) has produced remote mobile wireless internet cameras under the names Observer IV and Lookout V that have features and functionality suitable for use in the present invention. These units are battery powered and use the Global System for Mobile Communications network (GSM), thus being suitable for oilfield applications where on-site power and wired access to communications networks may not be available. The battery pack of the Lookout V can be connected to a panel of solar cells for recharging. It may be possible to mount a solar panel on the indicator to move therewith, or with a long enough cable between the solar panel and unit providing sufficient slack to accommodate the movement of the electronic device up and down the gauge, the 5 solar panel may be mounted elsewhere on the tank or in a nearby area. The aforementioned cameras can take and transmit pictures at selected intervals and turn off between scheduled image capturing and transmission events to conserve power. The cameras also provide the alternative of connecting to an email server to enable sending of the digital images as email attachments instead of transferring
The devices are setup to take and transmit digital photographs at regular intervals of time so that the image stored on the server is updated regularly to reflect the most currently captured reading of the level gauge. File transfer protocol (FTP) may be used to transmit image data from tank level gauges at multiple tanks to an FTP server, and web pages may be constructed to link to the collected images for easy viewing using a conventional web browser. Further details of the unit for capturing and transmitting the digital images are not disclosed herein, as existing equipment capable of the required functions is already known and commercially available. For example, Colorado Video of Box 928, Boulder, Colorado 80306, USA (http://www.colorado-video.com) has produced remote mobile wireless internet cameras under the names Observer IV and Lookout V that have features and functionality suitable for use in the present invention. These units are battery powered and use the Global System for Mobile Communications network (GSM), thus being suitable for oilfield applications where on-site power and wired access to communications networks may not be available. The battery pack of the Lookout V can be connected to a panel of solar cells for recharging. It may be possible to mount a solar panel on the indicator to move therewith, or with a long enough cable between the solar panel and unit providing sufficient slack to accommodate the movement of the electronic device up and down the gauge, the 5 solar panel may be mounted elsewhere on the tank or in a nearby area. The aforementioned cameras can take and transmit pictures at selected intervals and turn off between scheduled image capturing and transmission events to conserve power. The cameras also provide the alternative of connecting to an email server to enable sending of the digital images as email attachments instead of transferring
10 them to the FTP server, thereby allowing the monitoring party to check the images whenever they check their email, instead of having to perform a separate routine of checking the FTP server or a website linked to the images thereon. In a normal fashion, a "new email" notification on the user's computer or mobile device may inform them of an incoming message containing a tank level image attachment.
The option of sending the captured images as email attachments demonstrates that the tank level monitory system of the present invention is not limited to storing the captured images on a server for later access. As another example, SingTel (http://www.singtel.com) has released a product called the Mobile LIVECam which could be used in the present invention. The camera uses a 3G SIM
card and a rechargeable battery and allows a user to place a video call to the camera using a 3G compatible cellular phone, and once the video call connection is made the user can view real time video being captured by the camera and operate various controls of the camera, including pan, brightness, tilt and record controls.
The option of sending the captured images as email attachments demonstrates that the tank level monitory system of the present invention is not limited to storing the captured images on a server for later access. As another example, SingTel (http://www.singtel.com) has released a product called the Mobile LIVECam which could be used in the present invention. The camera uses a 3G SIM
card and a rechargeable battery and allows a user to place a video call to the camera using a 3G compatible cellular phone, and once the video call connection is made the user can view real time video being captured by the camera and operate various controls of the camera, including pan, brightness, tilt and record controls.
11 Accordingly, the remote tank level system of the present invention may have an automated image capture component that automatically records images based on preconfigured or selected schedules or intervals for later retrieval of an image by a user of the system, or may alternatively employ a user-activated input-reliant image capture component that only records images when remotely instructed by a user.
Other user-activated systems could feature a unit that relies on an incoming voice call or short message service (SMS) call from an authorized user as an input signal to capture an image. The captured image may be sent to an email address previously programmed into the unit, forwarded through the multimedia messaging service (MMS) to a mobile device's assigned number previously programmed into the unit, or sent to a server for storage and subsequent retrieval by a user. The cameras briefly summarized above not only feature the required combination of image capture and data communication devices useful for the present invention, but additionally offer automatic night mode activation that senses a lack of available visible light for image capture and accordingly activates an infrared light source to allow image capture in dimly lit ambient conditions.
Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can be used day or night in various weather conditions.
Battery operated image capture and wireless communication devices are used in the above described systems to facilitate use of the remote tank level monitoring system at sites where mains power and wired access points to communication networks are not available, as is typically the case for oilfield storage tanks. However, other storage tanks using float type gauges in power and landline
Other user-activated systems could feature a unit that relies on an incoming voice call or short message service (SMS) call from an authorized user as an input signal to capture an image. The captured image may be sent to an email address previously programmed into the unit, forwarded through the multimedia messaging service (MMS) to a mobile device's assigned number previously programmed into the unit, or sent to a server for storage and subsequent retrieval by a user. The cameras briefly summarized above not only feature the required combination of image capture and data communication devices useful for the present invention, but additionally offer automatic night mode activation that senses a lack of available visible light for image capture and accordingly activates an infrared light source to allow image capture in dimly lit ambient conditions.
Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can be used day or night in various weather conditions.
Battery operated image capture and wireless communication devices are used in the above described systems to facilitate use of the remote tank level monitoring system at sites where mains power and wired access points to communication networks are not available, as is typically the case for oilfield storage tanks. However, other storage tanks using float type gauges in power and landline
12 equipped regions may similarly be modified or upgraded to add remote monitoring functionality, without necessarily having to use battery power or wireless communication. For example, the communications device could be provided by a computer that has a wired internet connection and is coupled to an external image capture device such as a webcam mounted on the gauge indicator. This computer could be operated as a server which can be accessed from remote locations over the internet to access the stored image, or could alternatively be equipped with software that captures an image frame from the webcam and then automatically uploads the image to a remote server over the internet. The remote server can be used to store images from multiple tank level gauges. Even where the communication device is relying on a wired telephone or internet network connection, a wireless link may still be used between the communication device and the image capture device, for example using wireless data transfer protocols used by commercially available wireless webcams.
As an alternative to mounting of the image capture device directly on the indicator of the float gauge, the device could alternatively be mounted at a fixed location from which it is operable to capture an image of the entire gauge, or at least enough of the marked portion thereof reflecting the possible range of tank level values that may be experienced during use. That is, the camera may be positioned a distance away from the tank and the gauge components thereof at a suitable height and angle for capturing images of the gauge markings at a sufficient resolution to enable clear reading of the marked gauge values when the images are reviewed. Accordingly, in an embodiment where a computer station forms a part of
As an alternative to mounting of the image capture device directly on the indicator of the float gauge, the device could alternatively be mounted at a fixed location from which it is operable to capture an image of the entire gauge, or at least enough of the marked portion thereof reflecting the possible range of tank level values that may be experienced during use. That is, the camera may be positioned a distance away from the tank and the gauge components thereof at a suitable height and angle for capturing images of the gauge markings at a sufficient resolution to enable clear reading of the marked gauge values when the images are reviewed. Accordingly, in an embodiment where a computer station forms a part of
13 the system, it may employ a built-in webcam as the image capture device is the computer station is suitably positioned. In such an embodiment, both devices may be protected from the weather and elements in a protective housing or shelter.
In another example employing a local computer station, the image capture device may be an IP camera installed on a wired or wireless network with the computer station and cooperable with a router of the network to allow access to the IP camera from remote locations via the internet. The Colorado Video devices mentioned herein not only benefit from their wireless, battery powered functionality for maximum flexibility in use at remote sites, but are also already designed to withstand environmental exposure. Outdoor use IP cameras suitable for use in weather exposed environments are also commercially available. As described above in terms of a solar panel, slack in power or data cables for embodiments in which the image capturing device is mounted on the indicator for movement therewith can be used, but wireless installations provide a simpler, cleaner and more reliable system in which catching or tangling of a cable, or cable management equipment intended to eliminate such complications, are avoided.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
In another example employing a local computer station, the image capture device may be an IP camera installed on a wired or wireless network with the computer station and cooperable with a router of the network to allow access to the IP camera from remote locations via the internet. The Colorado Video devices mentioned herein not only benefit from their wireless, battery powered functionality for maximum flexibility in use at remote sites, but are also already designed to withstand environmental exposure. Outdoor use IP cameras suitable for use in weather exposed environments are also commercially available. As described above in terms of a solar panel, slack in power or data cables for embodiments in which the image capturing device is mounted on the indicator for movement therewith can be used, but wireless installations provide a simpler, cleaner and more reliable system in which catching or tangling of a cable, or cable management equipment intended to eliminate such complications, are avoided.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (13)
1. A remote tank level monitoring system for a storage tank having an existing float-based level gauge comprising a cable, an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank, a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank, at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank, and an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time, the remote tank level monitoring system comprising:
an image capturing device arranged to capture digital images that are taken over time and each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and a communications device cooperatively linked to the image capturing device to receive image data therefrom and transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time;
wherein the image capturing device is mounted on the indicator to move along the upright gauge therewith.
an image capturing device arranged to capture digital images that are taken over time and each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and a communications device cooperatively linked to the image capturing device to receive image data therefrom and transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time;
wherein the image capturing device is mounted on the indicator to move along the upright gauge therewith.
2. A remote tank level monitoring system for a storage tank, the system comprising:
a cable;
an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank;
a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank;
at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank;
an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time; and an image capturing device arranged to capture digital images that are taken over time and each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and a communications device cooperatively linked to the image capturing device to receive image data therefrom and transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time;
wherein the image capturing device is mounted on the indicator to move along the upright gauge therewith.
a cable;
an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank;
a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank;
at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank;
an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time; and an image capturing device arranged to capture digital images that are taken over time and each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and a communications device cooperatively linked to the image capturing device to receive image data therefrom and transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time;
wherein the image capturing device is mounted on the indicator to move along the upright gauge therewith.
3. The system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the communications device is mounted on the indicator with the image capturing device.
4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the communications device is arranged to transmit the image data to a server from which the image data is retrievable for viewing of the digital representation to check the content level of the tank.
5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the communications device is arranged to establish a wireless connection to the communications network.
6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising a battery power supply operable to power the image capturing device.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the battery power supply is also operable to power the communications device.
8. The system of claim 6 or 7 wherein the battery power supply is rechargeable.
9. The system of claim 8 further comprising solar cells for charging the battery power supply.
10. A method of remotely monitoring content level of a storage tank having a float-based level gauge comprising a cable, an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank, a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank, at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank, and an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time,, the method comprising:
capturing digital images over time which each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and transmitting image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time;
wherein the digital mages are captured from a view point carried on the indicator.
capturing digital images over time which each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured; and transmitting image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital representation from a remote location to check the content level of the tank as measured at the respective point in time;
wherein the digital mages are captured from a view point carried on the indicator.
11. The method of claim 10 comprising transmitting the image data to a server and providing access to the server to facilitate retrieval of the image data therefrom for viewing of the digital representation to check the content level of the tank.
12. The system of claim 10 or 11 comprising transmitting the image data over a wireless connection to the communications network.
13. A method of upgrading a tank level monitoring system to enable remote tank level monitoring for a storage tank having an existing float-based level gauge comprising a cable, an upright gauge mounted outside the storage tank, a float secured to a first end of the cable inside the storage tank, at least one cable guide atop the tank over which the cable passes from the first end to change direction and hang a second end of the cable in front of the upright gauge outside the tank, and an indicator secured to the second end of the cable to move along the upright gauge as the float moves with changes in content level of the tank to cooperate with markings on the upright gauge to indicate the current content level of the tank at any point in time, the method comprising:
setting up and image capturing device and a communications device cooperatively linked thereto so as to be operable to capture digital images over time and to transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital images from a remote location; and positioning the image capturing device at a position from which the digital images will each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured;
wherein the image capturing device is positioned on the indicator so as to be movable therewith along the upright gauge.
setting up and image capturing device and a communications device cooperatively linked thereto so as to be operable to capture digital images over time and to transmit the image data over a communications network to enable viewing of the digital images from a remote location; and positioning the image capturing device at a position from which the digital images will each include a digital representation of at least a part of the upright gauge that includes a position at which the indicator is situated at a respective point in time at which the digital image is captured;
wherein the image capturing device is positioned on the indicator so as to be movable therewith along the upright gauge.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2706807A CA2706807C (en) | 2010-06-14 | 2010-06-14 | Systems and methods for remote tank level monitoring |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2706807A CA2706807C (en) | 2010-06-14 | 2010-06-14 | Systems and methods for remote tank level monitoring |
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| CA2706807A1 CA2706807A1 (en) | 2011-12-14 |
| CA2706807C true CA2706807C (en) | 2018-07-24 |
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| CA2706807A Expired - Fee Related CA2706807C (en) | 2010-06-14 | 2010-06-14 | Systems and methods for remote tank level monitoring |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CN102865906B (en) * | 2012-09-06 | 2017-06-20 | 浙江吉利汽车研究院有限公司杭州分公司 | Fuel tank liquid level height measuring device |
| US10533549B1 (en) * | 2017-10-10 | 2020-01-14 | Alexander Bush | Bilge pump safety system |
| CN110595575A (en) * | 2019-10-18 | 2019-12-20 | 北京均友欣业科技有限公司 | Automatic metering instrument for storage tank |
| CN113503941A (en) * | 2021-06-28 | 2021-10-15 | 中国地质科学院岩溶地质研究所 | Underground water level monitoring device and underground water level monitoring method |
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