WO1994007792A1

WO1994007792A1 - System and method for responding to abnormal conditions in a fuel dispensing facility

Info

Publication number: WO1994007792A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/008842
Authority: WO
Inventors: Linda W. Toth; Richard D. A. Wilson
Original assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
Priority date: 1992-10-01
Filing date: 1993-09-17
Publication date: 1994-04-14
Also published as: AU4929393A; CA2146128A1

Abstract

Abnormal conditions in a fuel dispensing facility, including fuel storage tanks and fuel dispensers interconnected by fuel lines, are responded to by electronically storing operator instruction messages, each of which includes a narrative description of operator action upon occurence of an abnormal condition. In response to an electrical signal which is generated by the abnormal condition detecting system, one of the electronically stored operator instruction messages which is associated with the detected abnormal condition is identified. A detected location of the abnormal condition is inserted into the identified stored operator message. The stored operator instruction message including the inserted location of the abnormal condition is printed. Accordingly, upon occurence of an abnormal condition, the fuel dispensing facility operator immediately receives printed instructions which are customized for the particular abnormal condition and the particular location at which the abnormal condition occurred. The operator reads and follows the printed operator instructions to reduce the likelihood of environmental health or safety hazards.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESPONDING TO ABNORMAL CONDITIONS IN A FUEL DISPENSING FACILITY

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to fuel dispensing facilities such as gasoline service stations, and more particularly to systems and methods for detecting abnormal conditions in a fuel dispensing facility.

Background of the Invention Fuel dispensing facilities such as gasoline service stations are highly regulated by federal, state and local environmental protection regulations because of the hazardous nature of fuels. In order to comply with regulatory requirements, and in order to ensure safe and accurate delivery of toxic, highly volatile and flammable fuels, fuel dispensing facilities typically include a system for detecting abnormal conditions at the facility.

As is well known to those having skill in the art, a fuel dispensing facility typically includes fuel storage tanks and fuel dispensers (also referred to as "pumps") which are connected thereto by fuel lines. The abnormal condition detecting system typically includes a tank level monitor, which monitors the fuel level in the fuel storage tanks and detects tank overflow and leaks in the tanks. A leak sensor detects leaks in the interstitial spaces of the tanks adjacent the tanks and adjacent the fuel lines. Finally, a line leak detector module is used to monitor the pressurized underground pipes or lines for leaks.

An example of a state of the art system for abnormal condition monitoring in a fuel dispensing facility is the EECOsystem™ integrated monitoring system which is marketed by the assignee of the present application. The EECOsystem™ is described in a brochure entitled EECOsystem™ Integrated Detection and Monitoring for a Secure Environmental Future, 1990, E co Wheaton, Incorporated, and in product manuals entitled EECOsystem™ Operation & Set-up, publication number Q340-117, December 1991, and EECOsystem™ 2000 Series Installation Instructions, publication number Q340-124, September 8, 1992. These documents are all published by the assignee of the present invention, and the disclosures of these documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

State of the art abnormal condition detecting systems such as the aforesaid EECOsystem™, typically include a microprocessor controller housed in a console which is mounted in the service station building. The console includes a keypad, a display such as a two-line by twenty character vacuum fluorescent display and a printer for printing reports. A tank level monitor interface, a leak sensor interface, and a line leak detector interface are also provided. Other interfaces for other sensors may also be included.

The EECOsystem™ can detect about fifty types of hardware related "trouble" conditions. The system also monitors and reports about thirty types of "alarm" conditions. Trouble conditions generally indicate an equipment failure in the tank level monitor, line leak detector or leak sensor, or in other hardware of the abnormal condition detection system. Alarms typically indicate ah abnormal condition in a fuel storage tank, fuel dispenser or fuel line which is monitored by a tank level monitor, line leak detector or leak sensor. Alarm conditions typically indicate an environmental or safety hazard which has been detected by the abnormal condition detection system.

When an abnormal condition is detected, an immediate and specific response is often required of the fuel dispensing facility operator in order to prevent or contain environmental or safety hazards. When an abnormal condition is detected, the EECOsystem™ displays an alphanumeric code corresponding to a type of abnormal condition, and an alphantuneric code which indicates the location of an abnormal condition, such as tank #2. An audible alarm is also sounded. The fuel dispensing facility operator refers to an operators manual to determine nature of the abnormal condition. The operator then determines an appropriate action to be performed in response to the abnormal condition.

Service station operators are typically not highly trained in the operation of complex equipment. Moreover, the turnover in service station operator personnel is high. Accordingly, many operators do not have the requisite experience or training for responding to an abnormal condition. Upon occurrence of an abnormal condition, one can imagine a service station operator searching in vain for the operators manual. Even if the manual is found, the manual must be searched to find the appropriate pages for the particular abnormal condition code which was displayed. During a panic situation, it is possible for an operator to look up the wrong code and take the wrong action which may further aggravate the abnormal condition. Moreover, once the code has been decoded, the operator must determine an appropriate action to take, based upon his training and experience. Often, due to the lack of training and experience, an inappropriate action will be taken. Environmental or safety hazards are thereby produced or aggravated. Summary of the Invention It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an abnormal condition detecting system and method for a fuel dispensing facility. It is another object of the present invention to provide an abnormal condition detecting method and system which allows an operator to respond to an abnormal condition quickly and effectively.

These and other objects are provided, according to the present invention, by a system for responding to abnormal conditions in a fuel dispensing facility, which system includes a plurality of electronically stored operator instruction messages, each of which contains a narrative description of operator action upon occurrence of an abnormal condition. The system also includes means, responsive to an electrical signal which is generated by the abnormal condition detecting system, for identifying one of the electronically stored operator instruction messages which is associated with the type of the detected abnormal condition. The electrical signal also provides a location of the detected abnormal condition, and the system inserts the location of the abnormal condition into the identified stored operator message. The system also includes means for printing the identified stored operator instruction message including the inserted location of the abnormal condition.

Accordingly, upon occurrence of an abnormal condition, the operator immediately receives printed instructions which are customized for the particular abnormal condition and the particular location at which the abnormal condition occurred. The operator reads and follows the printed operator instruction message. He need not write down a trouble code from a display. He need not find the operators manual. He need not look up the trouble code in the manual. He need not determine an appropriate action based upon training or experience. He simply obtains the printed instructions and follows them.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, many alarm or trouble conditions require the fuel station operator to contact the proper authorities, either for technical assistance or for environmental assistance. In particular, trouble conditions, which indicate a hardware malfunction, may require the operator to contact service personnel, while alarm conditions may require the operator to contact the fuel company or local emergency authorities. Accordingly, the system also includes a plurality of electronically stored notification messages, preferably including at least one telephone number for operator notification upon occurrence of an abnormal condition. An electronically stored alarm condition notification message and an electronically stored trouble condition notification message may be included. When the system identifies a particular type of abnormal condition, the notification message associated therewith is also identified. The identified notification message is inserted into the operator instruction message. The printing means prints the operator instruction message including the inserted location of the abnormal condition and the inserted notification message.

The system also preferably includes an electronically stored identification header for identifying the location of the fuel dispensing facility. The system preferably prints the electronically stored identification header prior to printing the identified one of the stored operating instruction messages including the inserted location of the abnormal condition. Accordingly, when contacting the authorities, the operator has an accurate name, address and telephone number of the fuel dispensing facility.

A method according to the present invention detects an abnormal condition in a fuel tank, fuel dispenser or fuel line, and generates an electrical signal indicating a type of abnormal condition and a location of the abnormal condition. One of a plurality of electronically stored operator instruction messages is identified based on the type of the abnormal condition which is indicated by the electrical signal. The location of the abnormal condition, and a notification message as appropriate, are inserted into the identified stored operator message. The identified stored operator instruction message including the inserted location and notification message is printed. An identification header is printed prior to printing the stored operator instruction message including the inserted location and the notification message.

Accordingly, upon occurrence of an audible or visible alarm, the operator obtains the printed message. He reads the operator instruction message and performs the actions described in the message. He also calls the identified number for technical assistance or environmental/safety assistance, and provides the exact name, address and telephone number of the facility.

The operator need not transcribe a numeric alarm code, find an operators manual, find the appropriate code in the manual, and determine the appropriate response. He must only read and follow the printed operator instruction message he obtains from the system. Improved safety and reduced likelihood of environmental, health or safety hazards is obtained. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a known system for detecting abnormal conditions in a fuel dispensing facility. Figure 2 illustrates an electrical block diagram of the main console of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a memory map including an identification header, operator instruction messages and notification messages according to the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates operations for responding to abnormal conditions according to the present invention.

Figures 5A-5F illustrate examples of operator instruction messages which are generated according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Referring now to Figure 1, a front perspective view of a known system for detecting abnormal conditions in a fuel dispensing facility will now be described. System 10 includes a main console 11, a tank level monitoring module 12, a leak sensor module 13 and a line leak detection module 14. Main console 11 includes a display 16 such as a two-line by twenty character vacuum fluorescent display. An operator input means 17, such as a sixteen-key keypad, allows operator inputs to the main console 11. Visible indicators 18a, 18b, 18c indicate normal operation, trouble conditions, and alarm conditions respectively. A reset key 19, or other reset means is provided to reset an alarm or trouble condition. Finally, a printer, not shown in Figure 1, prints reports on paper 21 through slot 22. A paper feed button 23 allows the paper to be advanced if necessary. Tank level monitoring module 12 is an electronic tank level monitoring system for use in underground storage tanks. The module provides accurate and automatic product inventory control by continuously monitoring product level, water level and temperature. In one embodiment, the module 12 can interface with up to eight electronic probes installed in the underground storage tanks that serve as the sensing devices. Alarm and trouble conditions such as leaks, high/low fuel levels, high water level, theft and probe failure may be detected.

Leak sensor module 13 detects liquid and hydrocarbon vapors at tank storage sites. Leak sensor module 13 provides accurate and automatic liquid and vapor sensing capabilities while continuously monitoring each sensor channel for abnormal conditions. In one embodiment, up to twenty-four thermistor liquid sensors may be monitored. These sensors, which detect liquids, can be located in various positions around both the storage site and the tanks. The leak sensor detection module can indicate alarms and trouble conditions such as leaks or spills in the inner (interstitial) walls of the tank, or leaks or spills in piping runs.

Line leak detector module 14 is used to monitor pressurized underground pipes for leaks. Up to four sensors may be monitored. The module will detect trouble if excessive air is detected in the lines or if a system problem is detected. Detectable leaks, below a dispenser shut-off threshold, will cause a leak alarm indication. A leak exceeding the dispenser shut-off threshold will cause the submersible dispenser to be disabled. It will be understood by those having skill in the art that other modules may also be provided to support other sensors such as vapor, proximity, discriminating and float sensors.

Referring now to Figure 2, an electrical block diagram of main console 11 is illustrated. As shown, main console 11 includes a microprocessor 25 such as an Intel 80C188 microprocessor including memory 27. Both read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) are preferably provided. Battery 28 may provide battery backup for memory 27. Key pad 17, indicators 18, printer 20 and an audible alarm interface 29 are all attached to microprocessor 25. Console 11 also includes a tank level monitor interface 31, for interfacing with tank level monitoring module 12 (Figure 1) . Line leak detector interface 32 interfaces with line leak detection module 14 (Figure 1) . Leak sensor interface 33 interfaces with leak sensor module 13 (Figure 1) .

The design and operation of an abnormal condition detecting system similar to system 10 is more fully described in the above cited manuals and brochures published by the assignee of the present invention, and describing the EECOsystem™, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In the EECOsystem™, upon occurrence of any trouble or alarm condition, the appropriate visible indicator 18b or 18c, respectively, is illuminated and an audible alarm is sounded. An alphanumeric alarm or trouble code, and an alphanumeric location code is displayed on display 16. The storage facility operator must write or memorize the code and location, find the appropriate manual, determine an action to be performed and perform the action. If the manual cannot be found, the wrong code is read, or an error in judgment is made as to the proper action, serious health, safety and environmental hazards may be created. According to the present invention, microprocessor 25 causes appropriate operator instruction messages to be printed upon occurrence of a trouble or alarm condition. Operator instruction messages, header messages and notification messages are electronically stored in memory 27. It will be understood by those having skill in the art that these messages can be electronically stored in RAM and/or ROM as appropriate, or can be stored on removable or hard disk, or in any other storage media. Referring now to Figure 3, a memory map for memory 27 (Figure 2) according to the invention will now be described. As shown in Figure 3, memory 27 includes other instructions and data 41 for performing existing functions of the abnormal condition detecting system, which need not be described further herein. According to the invention, memory 27 also includes abnormal condition responding instructions 40 which are executed by microprocessor 25 to produce the operational steps described in connection with Figure 4. Preferably, abnormal condition responding instructions 40 and other instructions and data 41 are stored in ROM, because they cannot be changed by a user.

Also contained in memory 27 is an electronically stored identification header 42 which typically provides the name, address and telephone number of the fuel dispensing facility. This information, or other appropriate identification header information, may be set by the user, and is preferably stored in memory 27 at the time of initialization. The identification header 42 is preferably stored in RAM, so that it can be changed by the user. An example identification header will be illustrated below.

Still referring to Figure 3, memory 27 also includes a plurality of operator instruction messages 43a-43n. Messages 43a-43n are preferably stored in ROM because they cannot be changed by the user. Each message provides a narrative description of operator action upon occurrence of an abnormal condition associated therewith. Examples of operator instruction messages will be provided below. It should be noted, however, that the operator instruction messages typically include a location indicator ("loc") 44a-44n for indicating the location of the abnormal condition. Possible location indicators are "line number 3", "tank number 4" or the like. As can be seen in Figure 3, each message 43 may be include different numbers of location indicators 44 and the location indicators may be located at different places in the operator instruction message, depending on the contents of the message. Accordingly, operator instruction message 43a includes two location indicators 44a, message 43b includes three location indicators 44b, and message 43b includes a single location indicator 44n.

Still referring to Figure 3, some of the operator instruction messages include a location for a notification message ("notif") 45. Two notification messages are provided: a trouble condition notification message 45a and an alarm condition notification message 45b. As described above, trouble conditions indicate a hardware or system malfunction. For certain trouble conditions, a service technician must be notified. Trouble condition notification message 45a includes a name and telephone number of the appropriate service technician. Alarm conditions indicate an abnormal condition which has been detected in the fuel dispensing facility. Some alarm conditions require appropriate company personnel to be contacted. Accordingly, alarm condition notification message 45b contains the name and telephone number of the appropriate company personnel. Other alarm conditions may use the trouble notification message 45a. Other formats of notification messages may be set by the user, as appropriate. Notification messages 45a and 45b are preferably stored in RAM, to allow customization for the particular facility. Default notification messages 45a and 45b may be stored in ROM, and may be used if customized notification messages are not set.

Referring now to Figure 4, the operations for responding to an abnormal condition will now be described. These operations are preferably implemented by a stored program which is executed by microprocessor 25 (Figure 2) to provide a method and system for responding to abnormal conditions in a fuel dispensing facility.

As described in Block 46, an electrical signal indicating the type and location of the abnormal condition is received. Typically, signals from sensors are analyzed by tank level monitor interface 31, line leak detector interface 32 or leak sensor interface 33 (Figure 2) in order to determine whether an alarm or trouble state exists. If an alarm or trouble state exists, a flag is set. The location of the flag may define the type and location of the abnormal condition if each sensor has a location in memory 27 associated therewith. Accordingly, the electrical signal may be an analog or digital signal which is generated by a sensor, a digital signal which is produced upon analysis of the sensor signal, a flag which is set, or any other signal which indicates abnormal condition detection. The signal will typically include two identifiers. The first identifier is the abnormal condition type. The second identifier is the location of the abnormal condition. For example, excessive air in fuel line three will be indicated by the trouble code "41 03".

Then, as shown at Block 47, an appropriate operator instruction message 43 is identified, using pointers, table look-up, or other techniques which are well known to those having skill in the art. In particular, a table may be included which includes an operator instruction message number which is associated with each received abnormal condition type. Then, referring to Block 48, when a location identifier is also included in the received electrical signal, the location identifier is inserted into the identified message at the appropriate place or places. At Block 49, the table which associates the operator instruction message with the abnormal condition type may also include an indication of the appropriate notification message 45a or 45b which is to be sent. The notification message is inserted into the identified operator instruction message. Finally, referring to Block 50, a print queue is assembled which contains the identification header 42, the identified operator instruction message 43 with the inserted location, and the notification message 45 as appropriate. Instructions are then sent to printer 20 to print the print queue on paper 21.

It will be understood by those having skill in the art that upon receipt of an abnormal condition signal by microprocessor 25 (Figure 2) an audible alarm 29 and/or a visible alarm 18 are also activated. Upon occurrence of the alarm, the operator approaches console 10 (Figure 1) and will find the appropriate printed operator instruction message waiting. The feed button 23 may be depressed to feed the entire message and the paper 21 (Figure 1) including the message is removed from slot 22. The operator follows the instructions shown in the message. He performs the actions shown in the message and notifies the telephone number shown in the notification message. When the telephone number is called, the operator will have available an accurate listing of the name, address and telephone number of the fuel dispensing facility. Referring now to Figures 5A-5F, examples of operator instruction messages which are generated by the present invention will now be described. Figure 5A illustrates a trouble report which is printed on paper 21 in response to an indication of a line leak detector sensor malfunction on line four. As shown, header 41 precedes the operator instruction message 43. As also shown, the location 44 has been inserted at two places in the operator instruction message 43. The trouble condition notification message 45a is also included. Figure 5B illustrates a trouble report for air in line two. The location 44 has been inserted two times in the operator instruction message 43. The trouble notification message 45a has also been placed at the end of instruction message 43. Figures 5C and 5D illustrate alarm reports including the appropriate notification messages 45b. Figures 5E and 5F indicate alarm reports without notification messages. In all cases, the operator responds to the abnormal condition in the fuel storage facility by reading and following the printed operator instruction message. Improper responses caused by operator error or lack of experience are minimized so that health, safety and environmental damage is minimized. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typical preferred embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. A system for responding to abnormal conditions in a fuel dispensing facility including fuel storage tanks and fuel dispensers connected thereto by fuel lines, said system comprising: abnormal condition detecting means, for detecting abnormal conditions in at least one of a fuel tank, a fuel dispenser and a fuel line, and for generating an electrical signal indicating a type of an abnormal condition and a location of the abnormal condition; a plurality of electronically stored operator instruction messages, each of which includes a narrative description of operator action upon occurrence of an abnormal condition; means, responsive to said electrical signal, for identifying one of said electronically stored operator instruction messages which is associated with the indicated type of an abnormal condition; means, responsive to said identifying means, for inserting the indicated location of the indicated type of abnormal condition into the identified one of said stored operator messages; and means for printing the identified one of said stored operator instruction messages including the inserted location of the abnormal condition; whereby an operator responds to an abnormal condition in the fuel storage facility by reading and following the printed operator instruction message.

2. The system of Claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of electronically stored notification messages, each including operator notification instructions upon occurrence of an abnormal condition; wherein said identifying means further comprises means for identifying one of said electronically stored notification messages which is associated with the indicated type of abnormal condition; wherein said inserting means further comprises means for inserting the identified one of the electronically stored notification messages into the identified one of said stored operator instruction messages; and wherein said printing means further comprises means for printing the identified one of said stored operator instruction messages including the inserted location of the abnormal condition and the inserted notification message.

3. The system of Claim 2 wherein the type of abnormal condition includes a plurality of alarm conditions and a plurality of trouble conditions, and wherein said plurality of electronically stored notification messages include a trouble condition notification message and an alarm condition notification message.

4. The system of Claim 1 further comprising: an electronically stored identification header, for identifying the location of the fuel dispensing facility; and wherein said printing means further comprises means for printing said electronically stored identification header prior to printing the identified one of said stored operator instruction messages including the inserted location of the abnormal condition.

5. The system of Claim 2 further comprising: an electronically stored identification header, for identifying the location of the fuel dispensing facility; and wherein said printing means further comprises means for printing said electronically stored identification header prior to printing the identified one of said stored operator instruction messages including the inserted location of the abnormal condition and the inserted notification message.

6. The system of Claim 1 further comprising alarm means, responsive to said electrical signal, for activating an alarm upon detection of an abnormal condition.

7. The system of Claim 1 wherein said identifying means, said inserting means and said printing means are implemented by a computer system operating under stored program control.

8. The system of Claim 1 wherein said abnormal condition detecting means comprises: tank level monitoring means, for monitoring fuel storage tanks at a fuel storage facility; line leak detecting means, for detecting leaks in lines between fuel storage tanks and fuel dispensers at a fuel storage facility; and leak sensing means, for detecting leaks adjacent fuel storage tanks, and adjacent lines between fuel storage tanks and fuel dispensers at a fuel storage facility.

9. The system of Claim 1 in combination with a fuel storage facility including fuel storage tanks and fuel dispensers connected thereto by fuel lines.

10. The system of Claim 8 in combination with a fuel storage facility including fuel storage tanks and fuel dispensers connected thereto by fuel lines.

11. A method for responding to an electrical signal indicating a type of an abnormal condition and a location of an abnormal condition in a fuel dispensing facility including fuel storage tanks and fuel dispensers connected thereto by fuel lines, said method comprising the following steps which are performed by a computer system: electronically storing a plurality of operator instruction messages, each of which includes a narrative description of operator action upon occurrence of an abnormal condition; upon receipt of the electrical signal, identifying one of said electronically stored operator instruction messages which is associated with the type of abnormal condition; inserting the location of the abnormal condition into the identified one of the stored operator messages; and printing the identified one of the stored operator instruction messages including the inserted location of the abnormal condition; whereby an operator responds to an abnormal condition in the fuel storage facility by reading and following the printed operator instruction message.

12. The method of Claim 11 further comprising the step of: electronically storing a plurality.of notification messages including operator notification instructions upon occurrence of an abnormal condition; wherein said identifying step further comprises the step of identifying one of said electronically stored notification messages which is associated with the type of abnormal condition; wherein said inserting step further comprises the step of inserting the identified one of the electronically stored notification messages into the identified one of the stored operator instruction messages; and wherein said printing step further comprises the step of printing the identified one of the stored operator instruction messages including the inserted location of the abnormal condition and the inserted notification message.

13. The method of Claim 12 wherein the type of abnormal condition includes a plurality of alarm conditions and a plurality of trouble conditions, and wherein the plurality of electronically stored notification messages include a trouble condition notification message and an alarm condition notification message.

14. The method of Claim 11 further comprising the steps of: electronically storing an identification header, for identifying the location of the fuel dispensing facility; and wherein said printing step further comprises the step of printing the electronically stored identification header prior to the identified one of the stored operator instruction messages including the inserted location of the abnormal condition.

15. The method of Claim 12 further comprising the steps of: electronically storing an identification header, for identifying the location of the fuel dispensing facility; and wherein said printing step further comprises the step of printing the electronically stored identification header prior to printing the identified one of the stored operator instruction messages including the inserted location of the abnormal condition and the inserted notification message.

16. The method of Claim 11 further comprising the step of activating an alarm in response to the electrical signal.