RU2294554C2 - Connecting controller for controlling gas transportation system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: connecting controller may be used in gas transportation systems.

SUBSTANCE: connecting controller contains electric interconnection, which connects a set of input ports to processor and memory. In accordance to invention, marked data may be grouped in time and space by means of central computer using attributes. Processor may utilize aforementioned data to constantly monitor, determine parameters and control the whole gas transportation system.

EFFECT: controller precisely distributes system events in time and space, using marked data for this purpose, resulting in increased efficiency of system, control over repairing of breakdown, capacity for planning of advance technical maintenance and routine maintenance.

5 cl, 6 dwg

Description

This application claims priority from provisional application US serial No. 60/266126, registered February 2, 2001, entitled "Method and system for managing a gas distribution network", and provisional application US, serial No. 60/266264, entitled "Data Transfer Device for a gas distribution system having an electronic identification number "also registered on February 2, 2001.

This invention relates generally to a gas pressure regulator that receives sensor data, marks data with attributes (distinguishing features), and feeds data to a central location. The invention further relates to a system for collecting and processing data from a network of gas pressure regulators located in a plurality of far distributed locations.

The process of monitoring, maintaining and repairing a gas production and distribution system is a complex problem. When properly performed, this task involves processing huge amounts of data collected over a large geographic area. Currently, gas transportation systems such as natural gas transportation systems (i.e. gas production, processing, piping and distribution systems) have very limited ability to collect data, communicate data, organize data and constantly monitor the systems. One reason is the lack of harmonious data collection and transmission systems. For example, collecting data from a gas transportation system from multiple sensors at hundreds of locations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year simply creates large amounts of “unsystematized” data. Non-systematized data is not very useful, because it cannot provide a sufficient overview of the operation of the system, events and phenomena.

A typical gas distribution system is divided into regions. Large pipelines (gas pipelines) supply gas to the districts through manifolds at the regional locations. The collector is essentially a pipe with several openings for making multiple connections. In the middle metropolises, there are hundreds of district locations and hundreds of thousands of supply pipelines are constantly uncontrolled. Most gas companies still use manual data collection systems. They send field specialists to district locations in order to manually measure and record system parameters at various locations. Measurements are often manually recorded in the logbook. Thus, data obtained from various points in the gas system cannot be correlated by location and / or synchronized in time in order to provide a detailed overview of the operation of the system. Although significant sensor technology is available to periodically monitor or detect gas system parameters at regional locations, the data collection and management tools for evaluating the entire gas transportation system are definitely imperfect.

Valuable data can be collected in channels in the transportation system (usually in regional locations). However, at present, there is no efficient way to transfer useful data to a central system. Even if the data was accessible at a central location, there is no effective way to organize or manipulate the data to make it useful. As a result, determining the parameters of a functioning gas system is almost impossible. Due to the lack of useful data, various events in the gas transportation system are not well understood. In addition, coordination of the gas pressure control of the entire system is not feasible. A gas company could maximize system performance, detect leaks, prevent explosions or leaks, and save millions of dollars annually if it could adequately constantly monitor a variety of system events. Currently, data collection and processing management systems for gas transportation systems do not have comprehensive real-time dynamic control capabilities due to insufficiently sophisticated communication, control and data processing systems.

Figure 1 illustrates a hydrocarbon fuel production system, a pipeline, and a gas distribution or transportation system 3. Gas producers take gas from land 1 and deliver gas to distributors. Gas is extracted from well 28, passes through valve 5, processed by station 11, and compressed or increased by pressure using pump 10 for delivery through pipeline 4. Pipeline 4 transports gas to locations where it will be consumed, such as first city 7, a second city 33 or a power plant 9. The second well 30 may also supply gas to a pipeline 4 through a station 111 and a second pump 110. In a gas transportation system, gas ownership can change many times. When ownership changes, counters 6 are used to measure the quantity of gas supplied, sold or purchased. A typical transfer of ownership would include transfer from the manufacturer to the distributor or from the distributor to the consumer. In addition, mechanical pressure regulators 2 are usually present at the guard points of the transmission in order to maintain a predetermined pipeline pressure near the meters 6. Pressure control is important in order to guarantee the accuracy of the meter. Additional pumping substations 24 may be required in order to overcome losses and increase reduced pressures in the gas system 3.

Often a gas producer may use a distribution system (such as a system associated with second city 33) as part of a gas transportation system. Thus, producer gas can flow through a city distribution system (second city 33) and supply a consumer (such as power station 9) outside the distribution system. Distribution system owners usually change the payment for transporting producers in order to transport gas through their distribution system (s).

All United States gas producers and distributors are regulated by either the state-authorized Department of Transportation (DT) or the United States DT. The maximum allowable pipeline pressure and other instructions are precisely implemented by these DTs. Thus, the distributor wants to maximize the transmission volume by maintaining a higher pressure, but must obey the maximum pressure requirements and other DT instructions. Higher piping pressures also create increased system leaks. However, in the absence of an adequate system for collecting diverse data and managing pressure, it is difficult to maximize revenues and obey instructions. Gas companies can collect and store sensor data, but without adequate infrastructure to coordinate these data, sensor data is virtually useless.

When a problem arises in the gas transportation system, maintenance and repair workers usually visit various locations and perform a series of measurements. Based on these measurements, the maintenance worker may be able to detect faulty equipment or other problems. However, often due to lack of coordination of data, these measurements show neither the cause of the problem, nor the solution to the problem.

Mechanical pressure regulators 2 have a short service life due to their moving parts and the aggressive environment in which they must operate. A faulty mechanical regulator located a long distance from the detected problem can be the source of the problem. Manual troubleshooting of a gas transportation system is usually performed using a procedure based on scientific assumptions. This method is unstructured, time consuming and expensive. In addition, control measurements are often recorded manually with a pen and paper and discarded after the problem is resolved. Consequently, recorded or historical data are often inaccessible or unsystematized and therefore useless.

Problems caused by impurities, such as water plugs or sludge entering the system, can cause moving blockages. At present, the detection and elimination of moving blockages is similar to the "cast search". Impurities can cause inefficiencies, such as loss of system bandwidth or premature device failure. Impurities can clog filters, meters, regulators, or even consumer appliances. There is currently no way to monitor events, such as the presence or movement of impurities.

Figure 2 illustrates a more detailed view of a typical distribution system, such as the second city 33 system. Mechanical controllers are located at locations 27 of the area (indicated by black dots, not all numbered) to control gas pressure for the area. The gas distribution system provides redundant routes or "supply pipelines" to most locations. Consequently, pressure or flow measurements in the supply pipelines do not provide enough data to understand the characteristics of the gas flow in the distribution system (i.e. which supply pipelines, main pipelines and / or district regulators how much gas is supplied to different areas). The gas company must still consider managing the sheer volume of "uncertain" data. Typically, gas distribution companies cannot coordinate data and identify where, why, and how losses occur. It is also common for a gas company to manually adjust pressure settings in regional locations depending on seasonal demand and other dynamic phenomena.

A typical regional location does not have access to power lines or communications. As a result, electronic communications or management in regional locations is very limited or does not exist. In addition, the implementation of such infrastructure is considered dangerous and prohibited due to the high implementation costs. What is required is an effective way to collect and transmit data and an effective way to manage the data of the gas transportation system so that profits can be increased and disasters can be prevented.

The proposed reporting regulator used in a gas or liquid transport system collects, creates, memorizes, notes and transmits sensor data. In particular, the control controller marks the sensor data with attributes in order to identify a distinguishing feature of the data, such as a data source, and then transfers the marked data to a central location. A database at a central location can organize or compose marked data using labels or attributes to make the database usable by applications that can track gas flow characteristics through the transportation system and to identify problems in the system. Using such applications, it is possible to efficiently determine parameters, evaluate and manage the gas transportation system.

In one embodiment, each reporting regulator includes an electrical interconnect connecting multiple input ports to a processor and memory. Sensor data is received at the input ports and stored in memory. The reporting regulator may mark the sensor data with a fixed attribute, such as a source tag, which may be a unique identification number, such as a UDN (media access control) address, or variable attributes, such as a time stamp and / or date stamp. At a central location, a processor, such as a personal computer, can compose data in time and space by using tags. Events occurring in the gas transportation system can be constantly monitored, their parameters determined and managed using the marked data. Using this collected and compiled data will enable gas companies to improve system performance, emergency management, preliminary maintenance planning and customer billing.

Figure 1 illustrates a conventional gas transportation system;

figure 2 depicts a traditional natural gas distribution system in a city having several areas;

figa is a block diagram of a gas pressure regulator connected to a reporting module;

3B is a block diagram of a reporting regulator;

figure 4 depicts a gas transportation system of figure 1, with communicating regulators included in the gas transportation system;

5 is a flowchart describing a method of installing and operating a network of reporting regulators.

The disadvantages of modern gas transportation systems are addressed by placing communicating regulators throughout the gas transportation system. Each reporting regulator may include commercially available sensors and a gas pressure regulator equipped with a reporting module. A reporting module collects data from sensors in the same common area as a gas pressure regulator, notes data, and then transmits data to receivers. The receiver could be a computer in a central location, another reporting regulator, or other device in a gas transportation system. The reporting module has at least one input, such as a receiving port for receiving communication signals or system variables. The input can receive sensor data of any communication format, such as electrical or fiber optic. In other implementations, the sensors are integral with the reporting module, and the input receives system variables, such as pressure, through a flexible conduit connected to the gas transportation system. Sensor data can indicate parameters, variables, or characteristics of a fluid transport system, and the reporting module marks the data with attributes that define something about the data. Specifically, the attribute may be additional information indicating one or more distinguishing features of the data. For example, a single attribute may indicate a data source (time, date, and location where it was received).

The reporting module then transmits (reports) the marked data to a central location. Marking the sensor data with source information makes it easy to organize a large amount of data in a meaningful way in order to identify the flow structure and characteristics of the transportation system. For example, data can be systematized to constantly monitor events, understand performance, check performance, view historical data, detect emergencies, evaluate improvements, and demonstrate control and gas flow throughout the distribution system.

3A illustrates a block diagram of a reporting regulator 29. As shown, the reporting regulator 29 includes a gas pressure regulator 70 and a reporting module 72. As usual, the gas pressure regulator 70 controls the gas pressure in the outlet channel 39. Therefore, the pressure in the inlet channel 37 of the gas pressure regulator 70 may vary, but ideally the pressure in the outlet channel 39 remains constant.

Any regulator commonly used to control gas pressure can be used as a reporting regulator. For example, a 300 series regulator manufactured by Fisher Controls International may be used. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the reporting module 72 can be manufactured integrally with the controller 70 or as an independent module that can be modified for an existing controller. The reporting module 72 sends information to the central processor 44 through the antenna 48, and the central processor 44 stores data in a central database. If the controller 70 does not have sensors that can supply electronic data to the reporting module 72, then the sensors 74 can be installed in the gas transportation system near the reporting module 72.

Typically, a gas pressure regulator controls pressure by moving a throttling element along a gas flow path. An advanced gas pressure regulator, such as the RF-110 model supplied by Fisher Controls International, uses electronic sensor data, such as inlet and outlet pressure, to improve pressure control accuracy. This electronic sensor data can also be used to calculate additional system or device parameters. For example, the flow volume and device health status can be determined by processing the input signals of multiple sensors. The term "sensor data", as used in the present description, should be understood as any data that can be transmitted to a central system. Although a device, such as a controller or a reporting module, may not be considered a sensor, it can provide sensor data by processing data or calculating parameters using sensor data. Therefore, the term “sensor data” as used herein may be a value computed from a plurality of sensor input signals and provided by a device typically not considered a “sensor”.

FIG. 3B depicts an implementation of a reporting regulator, where the reporting module 72 is integral with the gas pressure regulator 70 in order to create the reporting regulator 29. The reporting regulator 29 provides multiple ports 35 for connecting sensors 12-19. Typically, sensors 12-19 will provide data that directly relates to the operation or status of the controller. However, sensors 12-19 may provide data that is completely unrelated to the operation of the reporting regulator. Consequently, the reporting regulator 29 can act as a “data hub” in order to collect all kinds of data from sensors located in the same common area as the reporting regulator 29. Each sensor 12-19 can supply a different type of data to the reporting regulator 29 .

The processor 38 controls the functions performed by the reporting controller 29 by executing a plurality of user-defined instructions 45 (eg, software) stored in the memory 40. The memory 40 may be integral with the processor 38 or may be a separate device. The concept of "memory", as used in the present description, should be given its broadest possible meaning. For example, a simple buffer or input register, such as devices needed for electronic communications, is considered a “memory”, as well as logic circuits with permanent connections or directly programmed or specialized integrated circuits (ICs).

The processor 38 may be a programmable logic device, it may be an ICU, or it may have the equivalent architecture of a universal processor, such as in modern personal computers. The term "processor", as used in the present description, means any device that can receive electronic signals, convert electronic signals and provide electronic signals other than electronic signals received in another device. The processor 38 selects and executes a plurality of instructions 45 and controls the multiple functions of the reporting regulator 29. For example, the processor 38 can change the position of the throttling element 47 in order to control the pressure in the output channel 39, and the processor 38 can control the input and output communications. The reporting regulator 29 receives data from the sensors 12-19 in ports 35 and stores the sensor data in the memory 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the air temperature is determined using the sensor 12, the gas temperature is determined using the sensor 13, the pressure is determined using sensors 14, 16, 17, 18 and the position of the regulator plug is determined by sensor 15. Sensors 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, which can be installed on the outside of the housing of the communicating regulator, can be connected to the communicating regulator through electrical, fur of sul or radio connection.

After the sensor data are obtained and marked by the processor 38, the data can be transmitted to the central computer 44 via the communication circuit 42 and the antenna 48. The central processor 44 can store the sensor data in a central database 46. The reporting regulator 29 uses an electrical interconnect 33, such as a circuit board, integrated circuit, or wires to interconnect the components that connect the ports 35, processor 38, power supply 36, memory 40, real-time clock, and communication circuit 42, typically as pictured.

A plurality of instructions 45 determines how the processor 38 receives, manipulates, processes, cleans and transmits data received from sensors 12-19. For example, a plurality of 45 instructions determines a sampling frequency (the frequency at which the sensor output is read and stored) for each sensor 12-19. The processor 38 may also control, for example, input and output communication methods, communication synchronization, data compression methods, and pre-generation of sensor data (i.e., digital signal processing).

Most importantly, a plurality of 45 commands determines how sensor data is marked with attributes. Attributes of sensor data, such as time, date, and location of data acquisition, can be combined with sensor data in order to create marked data. Many methods for combining digital data are known and described in various publications describing data processing in digital communication. Other attributes that may be noted on the sensor data are units, type of sensor data, model number of the sensor, and / or serial number of the sensor. For example, sensor data can be marked with units such as psi or Kra. In a preferred embodiment, the processor 38 reads the data from the sensors, and then marks the sensor data with attributes before storing the data in the memory 40.

FIG. 3B shows a reporting regulator 29, which supplies constant gas pressure to the manifold 41. The manifold 41 then distributes gas to the communicating district regulators 43. The communicating district regulators 43, in turn, supply gas to areas (not shown). In one embodiment, each reporting regulator is assigned a unique identification number and it stores its identification number in memory. Alternatively, the central processor 44 at a central location may store identification numbers for reporting controllers in central memory. In this embodiment, data is marked based on a communication channel from which data is received. The central computer 44 may include a central processing unit, a central memory, and a central plurality of instructions (not shown separately). There may be multiple central computers, and the term "central computer" simply refers to a computer that can receive data from more than one reporting regulator and process such data. The assignment of identification numbers to individual reporting regulators 29 can be performed at the factory or after the reporting regulator is installed in the gas transportation system. The identification number assignment can be manually downloaded to the reporting controller via port 35. Alternatively, the identification number can be transmitted by the central processor 44 at a central location, and then received and stored by the reporting controller 29.

In one embodiment, the reporting regulator is installed in the gas transportation system, and then the reporting regulator 29 is "automatically initialized" during its first "power-up". During an automatic initialization or start-up procedure, the reporting controller 29 is assigned an identification number and / or is provided with a plurality of 45 commands. The central computer 44 can automate the procedure for assigning a number, downloading a number, and turning on the power. Alternatively, a local specialist may download the identification number and carry out the initialization procedure. The relationship between the set location of the reporting controller 29 and the identification number can be set and stored in the central database 46.

A unique identification number and timer 34 provide attributes for these sensors. Sensor data can be marked with these attributes so that no matter when and where the sensor data is received or required by the central system, their source can be determined in time, space and type.

In another embodiment, the installer (typically gas company personnel) loads the identification number into the memory 40 of the reporting controller 29 by connecting a portable tool to one of the ports 35 of the reporting controller 29. According to this embodiment, a portable global positioning receiver (GLP) can be integrated into port 35 and latitude-longitude coordinates can be stored in memory 40. The GLU device can also calibrate timer 34. In this embodiment, the marked sensor data can be synchronized in time and space using accurate GLP data.

Alternatively, the electronic identification number may be a physical address downloaded to the reporting regulator 29 by the installer using, for example, a keyboard. The installer could enter the street address, district number, node number, value, or other pointer that can be used to distinguish or identify the reporting regulator. In one implementation, each port 35 of the reporting controller 29 has an identification number that is associated with the identification number of the reporting controller 29. With this installation, each sensor will have its own name, and the data source of all sensors can be identified with great accuracy.

Additional benefits are obtained by assigning an arbitrary identification number to the reporting regulator at factory 45. In this embodiment, a table, such as a relational database, is used to cross-reference the location of the reporting regulator to the identification number. For example, a unique Media Access Control Address (UDM) can be assigned to each reporting controller 29 in a factory. The relational database can then associate the location in which the reporting regulator is installed with the assigned address of the UDN. The address system of the UDN allows the reporting regulator 29 to interact using the Internet radio system. The Internet radio technical and software may be contained in the communication circuit 42. Many methods for assigning an electronic identification number are currently available and almost all of them can be effectively used by the reporting regulator system.

A reporting regulator 29 may transmit sensor data to a central processor 44 in response to executing instructions received from a plurality of 45 instructions. Moving data from memory 40 to CPU 44 is often referred to as “loading” data. When the sensor data is downloaded, the processor 38 retrieves the data from the memory 40 and sends the data to the communication circuit 42. The communication circuit 42 sends the data to the central processor 44 through the antenna 42, the continental communication line 49, or other necessary communication network.

The reporting controller 29 must have sufficient memory in order to store a certain amount of sensor data, which the reporting controller 29 will receive between data loading intervals. For example, if reporting regulator 29 downloads sensor data to central processor 44 once a month, a minimum memory capacity / capacity of one month should be set in reporting regulator 29. Methods for efficient use of memory and data compression methods can be used to increase memory capability of reporting regulator 29.

In addition to the systematic loading of data, the reporting controller 29 can transmit sensor data upon request from the central computer 44. A plurality of commands 45 can instruct the reporting controller 29 to process the sensor data before storing data in the memory 40. Alternatively, a plurality of 45 commands can instruct the reporting controller 29. to mark the sensor data before transmitting the sensor data to a central location 44.

A power source 36 is connected to ports 35 via an electrical interconnect 33. A reporting regulator 29 can supply power to the sensors through ports 35. The power source 36 can be a battery, a fuel cell, a permanent connection to a generator or power plant, a solar cell, or any other source capable of providing several milliwatts of power. The real-time timer 34 provides time and date information (date attributes) that can be used to mark or mark sensor data. Sensor data can be marked with more than one time and date stamp, if necessary. For example, the data may be marked in accordance with the time and date at which the sensor data was received, with the time and date at which the data was sent by the communication circuit 42 and / or with the time and date at which the data was received by the central processor 44. Date-marked data takes into account the synchronization of past and present data in order to detect events in the gas transportation system.

In one embodiment, the reporting regulator 29 may function as a central location or as a central processor. The reporting regulator 29 can receive data from other reporting regulators and organize the data in the memory 40. The reporting regulator 29 can also control other reporting regulators using the marked data in its database. An input / output device, such as a keyboard and monitor, can be connected to port 35, and data and parameters (information) from the entire fluid transport system can be selected and viewed. The reporting controller 29 may store data for the entire system, or it may only store data from controllers that are downstream. In addition, the reporting regulator 29 can only control devices that are downstream of it.

Now, referring to FIG. 4, a gas transport system 3 is illustrated similar to the system described in FIG. 1, except that communication regulators 300-310 are installed throughout the gas transport system 3. Gas transportation system 3 can span thousands of miles. For example, reporting regulator 300 may be located 1000 miles from reporting regulator 309, and gas from well 28 may or may not reach reporting regulator 309. In addition, it may take weeks for a portion of low quality gas to go from well 28 to power plant 9 The reporting regulator system described herein can track this type of operating effect as well as the effects of any anomaly when it travels through the gas transport system 3.

Mechanical regulators are worn out and must be constantly repaired or replaced by gas companies. One of the advantages of the reporting regulator system described herein is that the reporting regulators 300-310 are a direct replacement for existing mechanical regulators. Consequently, the existing gas transportation system can be modernized over time, when the mechanical pressure regulators fail and require replacement.

The central computer 44 receives the noted sensor data from reporting regulators 300-310. The central processor 44 encodes the data in the relational database 46 by creating keys and logical links using labels in the sensor data. The relational database can compose data in time, space and form in order to display past and present events in the gas transportation system 3. The relational database is "sortable" based on user preference. Existing database sorting methods can be used to detect and display current and accumulated events.

If the user wishes to view current events as they develop, he / she can connect a data input device, such as a keyboard and monitor, to a reporting regulator 310 or to a central computer 44 and create data requests from specific reporting regulators or from specific sensors. This implementation enables the user to view the current process in the gas transportation system. For example, a user may instruct reporting regulators 302, 304, and 306 to continuously transmit inlet and outlet pressure and flow volume data. Thus, in response to a request, reporting regulators 300-310 can provide real-time streaming data from selected sensors. Real-time data enables the user to witness the development of a moving event, such as a pressure anomaly in the gas transportation system 3. Viewing events as they develop enables workers to provide corrective measures and to witness system responses in real-time. It is preferable to be able to control the number of real-time data transmissions from each reporting regulator so that the communication system is not, does not become overloaded.

In the example in Table A below, the column field entitled "Region" defines the source or location of the data source. The “Data Type” column defines the type or type of data contained in the record (ie flow volume, pressure, temperature, etc.). The "Time" data field displays the time when the sensor data was received. Table A may be representative of the search and sorting by the user of the time and location of the lowest pressure records in the gas transportation system 3 on a given day. Attributes or supporting data, such as units, accuracy, or other data, such as pit temperature at a specific location, can also be displayed after a user-controlled request.

Table a date of Time Area Data type Measurement 02/01/01 21:20 253 pressure 1.9 ft lbs 02/01/01 21:40 256 pressure 2.0 ft lbs 02/01/01 21:20 251 pressure 2.1 02/01/01 21:08 253 flow 30 ft ³ / min 02/01/01 21:20 253 temperature 30 ° C 02/01/01 21:40 256 flow 20 ft ³ / min 02/01/01 21:20 256 temperature 30 ° C

Searches and sorts in order to identify trends and problem areas can be performed quickly by performing a sort function in the database 46. Enabling the user to reconfigure the order of the data in the database 46 to show maximum and minimum values over a period of time will present the user with trends, events, leaks, inefficiencies and dangerous conditions.

Additional possible fields for the gas transportation system database include any effects that the sensor can measure, any parameters that can be calculated, and diagnostic or calibration information. For example, the state of the sensor device, external temperature, gas temperature, detected leaks, amount of leakage, detected inclusions, number of detected inclusions, gas quality factor, gas composition, flow rate, flow volume, device drive position, input control signal, inserted filter, opening exhaust valve, pit water level are several possible fields. The list discussed above should not be construed as a complete list, but simply as examples of possible fields or potentially useful data. 4, only one central computer 44 is shown. However, multiple central computers could be used (not shown). In fact, many gas company employees could store or access the same database 46 and have a laptop in order to manipulate a locally stored database.

In another embodiment, each central system provides service to a portion of the gas transportation system. When distributed central systems are used, redundant communication routes and redundant data enable the database to be used simultaneously by many users. The multi-user configurations and limited access software currently available for computer networks will work efficiently in the reporting regulator system. In addition, the reporting regulators 300-310 can communicate with each other, which may be useful if communication with the central computer 44 is not possible. Thus, the reporting regulators 300-310 can store and then transmit information to other locations.

Now, methods and procedures for determining the performance and characteristics of a gas transportation system and the implementation of such systems will be discussed.

In order to implement a system for determining the effect of the system, the central computer receives data from communicating controllers and stores data in the central memory. The central computer has a processor that uses many instructions in order to process or manipulate received data. The processed data can provide useful information to the system user.

Event recovery and statistical comparisons

In one example, a reporting regulator system can recover events from stored data. For example, data from a plurality of sensors scattered hundreds of miles apart will typically be received at a central location at different time intervals, maybe separated by a month. The central computer may use labels or attributes, such as a time and date stamp, to organize data. Events can be restored whenever necessary. In addition, the central computer can recover an entire system event from start to finish using tags in the data. The reporting regulator system also allows the user to compare the current state of the gas system with the states that existed in the past, for example, a year ago. For example, one could observe and determine the parameters of an event such as a leak in past years. The user may witness a small leak in previous years and an increase in leak or gas loss in recent months. The user can determine the difference in states (the magnitude of the change) in order to illustrate how the leak has become significant enough to detect and eliminate. The user can also determine if the system has changed or deviated from the normal or desired operating mode and condition.

Remote data viewing and remote control of the gas transportation system

A portable computing device, such as a personal digital assistant or a compact portable computer, may be connected to a central computer 44 or to a reporting regulator via a radio connection. Gas company personnel with connected portable computing devices can select data, sort, and view important parameters of a working gas system at any time almost anywhere via the Internet radio connection.

When the gas company’s maintenance staff cannot solve the problem, they often contact the manufacturer of the device, which, in their opinion, is faulty and explain the circumstances. Typically, the gas company and the manufacturer try to solve problems in lengthy telephone calls. If the problem cannot be resolved by telephone, then the manufacturer will try to correct the problem by visiting the damaged location. In one embodiment, the digital camera is connected to the port of reporting regulator 29 by an employee of a gas company. Photos or video or audio recordings of the location or installation are then sent through the reporting regulator to the manufacturer or management of the gas company.

Thus, using a reporting regulator connected to the Internet, a “teleconference” can be conducted. The sensor data and video recording of the installation allows the decision maker to analyze the problem from his office, without wasting time traveling and being outside the access zone.

This advantage will save the travel time of the manufacturer and the gas company and other costs regarding installation and maintenance and maintenance. Video recording often reveals incorrect wiring, incorrect installation, incorrect settings, and other problems in place. Thus, troubleshooting can be performed remotely using the reporting regulator as a communication hub.

System performance calculation

A central computer can measure parameters and can organize data in order to provide system characteristics. System characteristics can be used to determine performance indicators. Sorted sensor data can be processed or used in mathematical formulas to provide additional measurements of system performance. For example, the gas flow rate in various parts of a gas transportation system can be determined by controlling individual communicating controllers and performing mathematical functions on the resulting sensor data. By turning on the reporting regulator in order to create an instant increase in pressure, and then monitoring how quickly the increase in pressure propagates through the gas transport system, the average flow rate of the gas can be determined. The reporting regulators downstream of the turned-on reporting regulator can measure and report the time required for the increased pressure to move from sensor to sensor.

The gas velocity, such as the average gas velocity, can be calculated using the central computer 44 using the equation: velocity = distance × time. In addition, appropriate data sorting will show the magnitude and direction in which the higher pressure travels through the gas transportation system. In addition, attenuation of variables both in magnitude and duration will show the response of the system to various input influences.

Diagnostics

The propagation of the pressure jump, as discussed above, can be used to determine or characterize the parameters of the gas flow in the gas transportation system. A pressure surge can also enable the user to see how the regulators act when dynamic conditions are present. If the regulator does not compensate for the increase in pressure, it can be assumed that the regulator has failed and, therefore, requires maintenance. Self-diagnosis data from each reporting controller can also be stored in a central location, as well as in the memory of the reporting controller.

Dynamic flow detection and compensation

The central computer can quantify and compensate for dynamic flow. Specifically, a central computer can identify areas that need dynamic compensation. Dynamic consumption occurs in most systems due to changes in consumption. Dynamic flow can be periodically repeated daily or seasonally. Dynamic flow can also occur at any time. For example, dynamic consumption or consumption may occur as a result of the operation of a drying or blowing furnace in a factory from 8:00 to 17:00 every day. Dynamic consumption may also result from seasonal changes resulting from colder or warmer weather. The central computer can make control adjustments by interacting with individual reporting controllers. Control adjustments can be made in response to dynamic costs or expense forecasts. System control can achieve better compensation by regulating reporting regulators.

Using graphical tools, installation points, and alert conditions

Many commercially available programs for organizing and processing databases (many commands in order to systematize sensor data) can create graphs based on data in the database. In certain applications, graphical display of data in a database will provide additional flexibility in understanding the operation of the gas transportation system. For example, a gas company may set thresholds based on a graph of “typical” or nominal operating points or parameters. Detection of quantities outside the graphical norm would be transformed into anomalous conditions of the system. Thus, when data having a value that exceeds the corresponding threshold is detected, the central computer can generate an alert. The system of reporting regulators is well adapted to warn gas company personnel that there are anomalies in the system based on user-selected boundary conditions (threshold values). Thresholds can be easily set on a graphical display that depicts normal operating conditions.

Alarms can be triggered using reporting regulators 300-310 or using a central computer 44 that responds to data from reporting regulators. When the alarm is turned on, the central computer 44 may notify emergency personnel via a network of pagers, email, or a web browser. Once notified, emergency response personnel can select data from the database to assist them in their critical decisions. It will usually be possible to correct problems from a remote location using the data collection and device access system described herein.

Overview of Instant Consumption and Leakage

In modern gas systems, mechanical meters can determine what goes into the gas transportation system and what goes out of the system every month. However, this resolution is not good enough to accurately analyze leaks in the gas transportation system. In contrast, a reporting regulator system can determine the rate at which gas leaks, and therefore how much gas has leaked over a period of time. The reporting regulator system can also determine how much gas has leaked at a given pressure. All these definitions can be performed with a high degree of accuracy, which was unattainable before.

System parameters that are not directly available in the sensors can be determined using mathematical functions (equations), such as functions based on the laws of physics. For example, using sensor data and the energy conservation equation (what goes in and goes out), flow rates for unmeasured pipelines can be determined. If it is determined that a certain amount (volume of flow) of gas enters the pipeline, and less than this quantity leaves the pipeline, the amount of gas loss can be calculated. In addition, the location of the leak can be determined and displayed to the user using the energy conservation equation. The central computer, when sending many commands, can also determine how much a gas company’s leak costs daily by determining how much lost gas could be sold for. The “Search and Elimination Plan” can be confirmed based on the results of calculations using the marked data. Other laws of physics, such as superposition (whatever enters the collector or intersection, it should exit), can be used to calculate the flow in unmeasured pipelines.

Leak Locations

Other physical and mathematical laws may also be used by the central computer. For example, if there is a known leak and the user wishes to determine the location of the leak, the user can systematically increase the pressure at various locations. This determination can be made by controlling reporting regulators 300-310 responsive to control signals containing the identification number of the controlled controller. After increasing the pressure at the suspected location, the user will check to see if there has been an increase in gas loss per unit time (unaccounted gas). Higher pressure in the leaky area will cause more gas to leak out over a given period of time. Leaks can also be detected using the law of conservation of energy. In addition, problems, such as faulty meters, unauthorized valves, faulty sensors, faulty regulators, and faulty pumps or compressors, can be detected using the laws of physics.

Maximize Transmission

By controlling pressure from a central location by increasing pressures in certain areas and lowering pressures in other areas, "transmission" can be maximized. By changing the pressure in the fluid transport system, turbulence or "gas flow back to the desired direction" can be eliminated. The elimination of vortex flows maximizes the amount of "transmission". Managing a system that responds to data made available through managing regulators will enable the gas transportation company to maximize revenues while complying with state regulations. If government reports are required, the central computer can print reports by extracting and configuring the data contained in database 46.

Determining the cause of leaks

In some cases, the regulator system can determine the likely cause of a gas leak. If there is a sudden change in pressure and gas loss after a pressure peak, it is most likely that a leak has been detected due to a failure to close the pressure relief valve. If there is a sudden change in pressure and loss of gas without evidence of an increase in pressure, then the leak is most likely due to a rupture caused by the structural equipment. If a leak develops slowly and increases over time, the leak is most likely due to corrosion in the pipeline, pipe or valve in the gas transportation system. The central computer can detect the rate of change in the amount of leakage and can predict or determine the cause of the leakage. The rate of change of the threshold value can be set and, if the calculated rate of change exceeds the threshold value, the central computer indicates that the gas pipe is broken or that the valve or regulator is stuck in the open position.

Determining the source of impurities and tracing impurities

A reporting regulator can receive data from an impurity sensor or detector and transmit data to a central processor. An impurity sensor can detect the presence of impurities, such as paraffin, sludge, carbon dioxide or water, in the gas transport system. Using data from reporting regulators, the central processor can determine the likely location of the element or impurities in the gas transportation system. Data from reporting regulators can also be used to track the movement of impurities in the gas transportation system 3. In addition, impurity data received by the central computer 44 can be used to determine the effect of impurities on system performance (i.e., volume, pressure, lost delivery volume, etc.) by comparing historical data with current data .

Additional features of the reporting regulator system include the ability to determine the optimal location for installing filters based on historical data. Optimum locations for installing the filter may be where, based on the history of the impurities, they entered the system or where impurities caused problems. The financial justification for installing the filter can be obtained from the operating costs associated with problems or maintenance and repair caused by impurities.

Maintenance Planning

The reporting regulator system enables gas companies to perform maintenance and repair work on an “when necessary” basis. Currently, gas companies perform maintenance and current repairs on a periodic basis or in critical mode. The central computer may notify the user of upcoming problems or potential problems. For example, when the pressure drop across the filters exceeds a user-selected or predetermined threshold, it can be assumed that the filter is clogged. Based on this definition, the central computer 44 may schedule someone to replace the filter. Additional “non-gas-related” data systems, such as the temperature of the motor for the motor that drives the compressor, and the water level in the district pit, can create a priority on the maintenance and repair list for the gas maintenance and repair team. Thus, the central processor can announce and schedule maintenance and repair based on the marked sensor data.

Pressure control and automatic meter reading for industrial and home use

In another application, the reporting regulator 29 can be effectively used to measure home consumption. In this embodiment, a reporting regulator can replace a bulky mechanical meter, a mechanical pressure regulator, and a communication cabinet (if present). A reporting regulator can significantly reduce the hardware and labor required for installation. More importantly, the reporting regulator system can eliminate the monthly costs of physical visits, reading and writing meter output from each family in the community. In this way, the central processor can automatically generate bills for home consumption.

An additional advantage of the reporting regulator system is the highest accuracy in billing for the actual energy supplied to the consumer. Currently, the quality of energy supplied is estimated based on the volume of gas supplied. The true energy content of the delivered gas is determined using many unmeasured factors, such as the energy content of the gas (BTU (British thermal unit)), the amount of impurities in the gas (water, carbon dioxide), gas temperature, and other variables. All of these options are currently being evaluated.

Determination and minimization of friction loss

The central processor can calculate friction losses in the flowing gas due to pipe walls, filters, and other restrictions. The pressure, speed, temperature or kinetic energy provided at the inlet of the pipeline, minus the kinetic energy that exits the pipeline, will provide friction loss through the pipeline. This information is valuable for understanding inefficiencies and for justifying larger pipelines, higher pressures, or system development. The central processor, using the appropriate set of instructions, can plan the development of the gas distribution system by using data such as pressure, volume, and using the laws of physics, such as energy conservation, in order to determine pipeline losses, planned flow requirements and other variables, to evaluate the required pressure and the dimensions of the pipeline needed for the development of the system.

Resource management

The electronic identification number and marking features of the reporting regulator system described herein provide additional benefits, such as improved resource management. The marked resource management data in database 46 will allow gas companies to track all types of data regarding performance, maintenance and repair, calibration, testing and repair of the reporting regulator and sensor. For example, resource management data regarding the reporting regulator, such as repair history, alarms, malfunctions / malfunctions, past locations, data sent, repairs performed, data removed from service, data service performed, maintenance personnel who repaired the location repairs or maintenance may be marked with an identification number and time stamp. A very accurate measure of Mean Time Between Failures (CBMO) can be calculated for reporting controllers and sensors. Reporting regulators that have a history of problems can be removed from the gas transportation system and returned to the manufacturer in order to determine what caused less than acceptable performance. The maintenance and repair costs of the entire system can also be accurately determined.

The central computer 44 may detect a failure of the reporting controller through low performance or from diagnostic data from the failed controller. A central computer that responds to a failure can schedule personnel or parts of a sequence to replace a failed reporting regulator. Information about the failure can be placed in the database 46 or it can be downloaded and stored in the memory of the reporting regulator using the mark identification number. When the technician starts the repair, the technician can select historical data regarding the malfunction. The technician can then load the repair history data back into the memory of the reporting controller before putting the device back into service. Thus, the background “from the beginning of the action to the last moment” with respect to each reporting regulator can be easily maintained using the identification number mark described above.

Pipeline balancing

The database 46 can be sorted to display low pressure locations using the central computer 44. The reporting regulators outputting the low pressure locations can be adjusted to increase their output pressure. This control will reduce the number of gas transmission system areas that have problems resulting from low gas pressure. In addition, the central computer, using many commands and pressure data of the entire system, can adjust the pressure in specific areas in order to compensate for the pressure of the supply piping. Viewing the flow volume data from a series of reporting regulators may indicate that one reporting regulator provides a disproportionate amount of gas to a specific area (unbalance state). The user can then make appropriate adjustments in order to improve the balance of the system.

Although the above paragraphs describe the many uses for a reporting regulator system, these examples should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention.

Now referring to FIG. 5, a high level block diagram for use in controlling a gas transportation system is shown. In step 1, as illustrated in block 52, an electronic identification number is assigned to the reporting controller. It is preferable to store the identification number in the memory of the reporting controller. Please refer to the description of FIG. 3B for methods for assigning and storing electronic identification numbers.

Then, in step 2, as shown in block 54, the relationship (ratio) between the assigned identification number and the working location of the reporting controller is determined. In one implementation, the relationship is established by creating a relational database. The database can be created using existing gas company location data (usually already in the form of a database) and adding the identification numbers of reporting regulators to the corresponding columns in the existing database (databases). As discussed in the description of FIG. 3B, many different correlation methods could be used by the reporting regulator system, and step 54 may not be necessary if the assigned identification number directly indicates the location of the reporting regulator.

In step 3, as illustrated in block 56, the reporting regulator operates in accordance with a variety of user-defined instructions (software) in order to receive and store sensor data. For example, many commands determine the frequency at which sensor data is read from each port. Many commands also determine when, where, and how data is stored in memory. In addition, many commands will determine the type and format of the sensor data that will be received at each port. For example, pressure data in digital format or temperature data in analog format can be received and stored using a reporting regulator.

Then, at step 4, as shown in block 58, the reporting regulator processes the sensor data in accordance with many commands. Many manipulations, calculations, or processing could be performed on sensor data. However, the reporting regulator marks the sensor data with attributes in accordance with a plurality of commands so that the data can be organized and manipulated. It is preferable to mark each piece of sensor data with a time stamp, a date stamp and the identification number of the reporting controller that receives the data. The marking can be done after receiving the data or before transmitting the data by the reporting regulator. For example, the location in the memory in which the sensor data is stored may be correlated with an interval of time and date. In this method, data should not be marked after receipt, since the location in memory determines the data and the time the data was received. In this way, data can be marked when it is transmitted to a central location.

Processing may also include calculations by the processor using data from multiple sensors. For example, the flow rate through the regulator can be calculated using the position of the throttle body, the pressure difference through the throttle body, and the stored operating profile. Processing may also include compressing the sensor data before storing the data in memory.

In step 5, as shown in block 60, the marked data is then transmitted to a central location. Transmission can be initiated from a data request by the central processor. Alternatively, the processor may initiate data transmission in response to a predetermined “load time” command found in a plurality of instructions.

Then, at step 6, as illustrated in block 62, if the reporting regulator was instructed to stop operation, the process will end at block 64. If no change occurs or if no commands are received to stop operation, the method returns to step 3 (block 56) and the reporting regulator continues receive, mark and transmit sensor data.

The central computer 44 may provide part or all of the plurality of instructions to the reporting controller. Thus, the central computer 44 can set a message schedule for all reporting regulators in the fluid transport system. The central computer 44 may schedule the message so that the download (message) from the reporting controllers can be performed in a “round-robin” manner. It will be understood that each of the operations described above, performed using a processor or computer, is actually performed by one or more subprograms, programs, applications, or another set of instructions stored or otherwise implemented by the processor or computer. These proposals may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. The fluid transport system described herein solves the heavy and burdensome problems associated with installing and operating a system for collecting and managing data from a gas transport system. The proposed system and method provides an integrated system for regulating pressure, collecting data, marking data, transmitting data and managing recordings. The preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above in detail. Various modifications and additions can be made without going beyond the essence and scope of this invention. Thus, it is intended that this description be taken by way of example only and in no way should limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims below.

Claims (36)

1. Reporting regulator for controlling pressure in the gas pipeline, containing a flow control element with a throttle to control gas pressure; a reporting module for distributing data from sensors of the fluid transport system to a plurality of receivers, comprising an input for receiving data from sensors from the fluid transport system; a memory connected to the input and providing storage of received data from sensors, a plurality of commands and an identification number, the identification number representing the location of the reporting module; a processor adapted to execute a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions instructing the processor to mark the sensor data with an identification number; a communication circuit connected to the processor and memory and adapted to transmit marked data to a plurality of receivers. 2. The reporting regulator according to claim 1, wherein the reporting module is further adapted to process the sensor data and generate a control signal responsive to the sensor data that can be used by the fluid pressure regulator to control the fluid flow through the fluid pressure regulator . 3. The reporting regulator according to claim 1, wherein the reporting module is further adapted to calculate at least one parameter of the gas transportation system and a characteristic of the gas transportation system using the received sensor data. 4. The reporting regulator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of receivers further includes at least one computer adapted to create a database. 5. The reporting regulator according to claim 4, in which the communication circuit is adapted to transmit the marked sensor data to at least one computer using a radio connection. 6. The reporting regulator according to claim 4, in which the communication circuit is adapted to transmit marked sensor data to at least one computer using the Internet protocol. 7. A reporting regulator for controlling the pressure of the gas pipeline and transmitting data from the sensors of the gas transportation system, comprising: an element that controls the flow rate with a throttle; a processor adapted to execute a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions issuing instructions to the processor to receive data from the sensors and to control an element controlling the flow in response to data from the sensors; a memory adapted to memorize data received from the sensors and memorize the attribute, the attribute representing a sign of received data, in which a plurality of instructions instruct the processor to mark the stored sensor data with an attribute; a communication circuit connected to the processor and adapted to transmit marked data to a computer. 8. The reporting controller of claim 7, wherein the plurality of instructions and the processor are adapted to calculate one system parameter and a system characteristic using the received data of the gas transportation system. 9. The reporting regulator of claim 8, wherein the characteristic of the system is a gas flow through a predetermined location. 10. The reporting regulator according to claim 7, in which the attribute is one of: identification number, location, time, date, data type, sensor type, priority, UDN (medium access control) address and signaling status. 11. A data management system for a gas transportation system, comprising: a central computer adapted to create a database; a plurality of communicating regulators, each communicating regulator including an element controlling the flow with a throttle for controlling the gas pressure in the gas transportation system, and a processor adapted to receive data from at least one sensor of the gas transportation system, mark the received data with a unique identification number and for data transmission, depending on the set of commands, while the central computer is able to create a database using marks on yes GOVERNMENTAL sensor. 12. The data management system according to claim 11, in which a unique identification number is the beginning of the sensor data. 13. The data management system according to claim 11, in which the Central computer is adapted to calculate one of the characteristics of the system and the system parameter using the received data. 14. The data management system according to claim 11, in which the central computer is adapted to sort the marked data depending on user commands. 15. The data management system of claim 11, wherein the first of the plurality of reporting controllers is adapted to control the functions of a second reporting controller of the plurality of reporting controllers. 16. The data management system of claim 11, wherein the sensor data indicates a system state as determined by at least one control regulator in a plurality of control regulators. 17. The data management system of claim 11, wherein the central computer is adapted to prepare a consumer invoice using data in a database. 18. The data management system of claim 11, wherein the central computer transmits a plurality of instructions to at least one reporting regulator from among the plurality of reporting regulators, wherein the plurality of commands configure the operation of the at least one reporting regulator. 19. The data management system of claim 11, wherein the central computer is adapted to issue a command to at least one reporting controller in order to transmit marked data to the database. 20. The data management system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of reporting controllers are adapted to transmit resource management information, and in which the central computer is adapted to use resource management information in order to generate a maintenance and repair report . 21. The data management system of claim 11, wherein the central computer is adapted to generate a graphical representation of the events of the gas transportation system and provide a graphical representation to the display device. 22. A data management method for a gas transportation system, comprising the steps of assigning a unique electronic identification number to a reporting regulator, receiving data from a sensor adapted to operate in a gas transportation system on a reporting regulator, using a reporting regulator to control at least one pressure in gas transportation system using the data received from the sensor, mark the data received from the sensor with an attribute on the reporting controller, and transmit from the reporting said controller marked sensor data to a central location. 23. The method of managing data of a gas transportation system according to claim 22, wherein the transmission step further includes transmitting data using the Internet radio connection. 24. The method of data management of the gas transportation system according to item 22, which further creates a database in a central location using the marked data. 25. The method of data management of the gas transportation system according to paragraph 24, which further creates keys and communications in the database when the marked data is stored. 26. A reporting regulator for controlling a fluid pressure in a gas transportation system and for transmitting data of a gas transportation system to a central location comprising an electrical interconnect connected to a reporting regulator; at least a first port connected to said electrical interconnect, the first port being for receiving data from sensors of the gas transportation system; a memory connected to said electrical interconnect for storing data received from the sensors with at least one attribute; a communication circuit connected to an electrical interconnect for transmitting marked data to a central location. 27. The reporting controller of claim 26, further comprising a time timer connected to the electrical interconnect in order to create a time stamp in which at least one attribute is a time stamp. 28. The reporting regulator according to item 26, which further comprises an element that controls the flow rate using a throttle connected to the processor, and the element that controls the flow rate is designed to control the gas pressure in the liquid outlet channel of the reporting regulator. 29. The reporting regulator of claim 26, further comprising a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor and a position sensor of the flow control element, wherein the first and second pressure sensors and said position sensor of the flow control element are connected to said processor, which calculates a volume flow through said reporting regulator using data from said first and second pressure sensors and said position sensor of a flow control element and creates flow volume data marked by regulator-rotating. 30. The reporting controller of claim 26, wherein said communication circuit is adapted to transmit sensor data to a central location in response to a request for information by the central location. 31. The reporting controller of claim 26, wherein the plurality of instructions are adapted to instruct the processor to conduct at least one mathematical process with respect to the received sensor data. 32. The reporting controller of claim 26, wherein the communication circuit transmits the marked data at a predetermined time in response to a plurality of commands. 33. The reporting regulator according to claim 26, which further comprises a port identification number assigned to at least the first port, in which the reporting regulator is also adapted to mark sensor data with a port identification number corresponding to the port in which the data is received. 34. The reporting controller of claim 26, wherein the processor is adapted to mark sensor data before storing data in memory. 35. The reporting regulator of claim 26, further comprising an initialization device in which the initialization device is adapted to load an identification number into memory before installing the reporting regulator in a gas transport system. 36. The reporting regulator of claim 26, further comprising an initialization device in which the initialization device is adapted to load an identification number into memory after the reporting regulator is installed in the gas transportation system.

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