Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
AUTONOMOUS NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF A PRESSURIZED CONTAINER

Applicant:
Tardid Technologies Private Limited
An Indian company having address as:

No.33 Galaxy Enclave, Plantation Road, Next to Jakkur Flying Club,
Jakkur, Bangalore, 560064. Karnataka, India

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[001] The present application does not claim a priority from any other application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a system and a method for evaluation of a pressurized container. More particularly, to the autonomous non-destructive evaluation of a pressurized container immediately after filling.
BACKGROUND
[003] Currently, the use of Hydrocarbon Gas is very common for household and industrial purposes. The hydrocarbon gas is filled in a container that is generally cylindrical or bottle-shaped. The container must be leakproof to keep the extremely flammable gas confined. Further, the containers filled with the hydrocarbon gas must be checked for leaks before transporting them to supplying stations. It is to be noted that the containers go through multiple cycles of transporting the hydrocarbon gas between the supplying stations and a destination such as a household or an industry.
[004] Generally, the containers are handled roughly by various agencies and unskilled laborers during the container’s lifecycle. Thus, the containers may get damaged during the transportation and handling. It is very important to assess the condition of the container before transporting the containers filled with the hydrocarbon gas. The assessment must be performed quickly without hampering the production rate of a filling station. There are various methods and approaches that are adopted to validate the condition of the container. However, the current approaches are inefficient and time-consuming to achieve the detection of leaks in the containers.
SUMMARY
[005] Before the present system(s) and method(s), are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a system for autonomous non-destructive evaluation of a pressurized container and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[006] In one implementation, a system for evaluation of a pressurized container is disclosed. The system may comprise a housing arrangement through which the conveyer belt passes. Further, a plurality of containers may be placed on the conveyer belt. The containers may be filled with hydrocarbon gas. The system may further comprise a first proximity sensor for detecting a container from the plurality of containers entering the housing. Further, the system may comprise a first pneumatic stopper for stopping other containers from entering the housing upon receiving a signal from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) when the container is inside the housing. Furthermore, the housing may comprise a second proximity sensor to detect the container in the housing. The housing may comprise a second pneumatic stopper to stop the container after receiving a trigger from the PLC. The second pneumatic stopper may be activated when the second proximity sensor detects the container inside the housing. Further, the housing may comprise a camera to capture one or more images of the container inside the housing. The camera may be rotated using a servo motor to capture the one or more images of the container. The camera may comprise at least a thermal camera and an infrared camera. Further, the PLC may log and transmit an identity number of each container entering the housing (220). Further, the system may comprise a pneumatic actuator, installed outside the housing, for eliminating the container having an anomaly. The pneumatic actuator receives a command from the PLC.
[007] In another implementation, a method for evaluation of a pressurized container is disclosed. Initially, a container from a plurality of containers entering a housing may be detected by a first proximity sensor. Further, other containers may be stopped, by a first pneumatic stopper, from entering the housing upon receiving a signal a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) when the container is inside the housing. Furthermore, the container may be detected in the housing by a second proximity sensor. Upon detection, the container may be stopped, by a second pneumatic stopper, after receiving a trigger from the PLC. The second pneumatic stopper may be activated when the second proximity sensor detects the container inside the housing. Subsequently, one or more images of the container may be captured by a camera inside the housing. In one aspect, the camera may be rotated using a servo motor to capture the one or more images. The camera may comprise at least a thermal camera and an infrared camera. Further, an identity number of each container entering the housing may be logged and transmitted by the PLC. Further, the container having the anomaly may be eliminated by a pneumatic actuator installed outside the housing. In one aspect, the pneumatic actuator may receive a command from the PLC, thereby evaluation of a pressurized container.
[008] In yet another implementation, a method for evaluation of a pressurized container is presented. Initially, data from a PLC may be received. The data may comprise an identity number of each container and one or more images of the container. Further, an anomaly in the container may be detected by analyzing the one or more images. In one aspect, the anomaly may be detected based on heat signatures in the one or more images. Subsequently, a user may be alerted upon detection of the anomaly. Finally, the identity number of the container with the anomaly is transmitted to the PLC. In one implementation, the aforementioned method for autonomous non-destructive evaluation of a pressurized container may be performed by a server using programmed instructions stored in a memory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures, however, the invention is not limited to the specific method and system for evaluation of a pressurized container disclosed in the document and the figures.
[0010] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a network implementation of a system for evaluation of a pressurized container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a system for evaluation of a pressurized container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a method for evaluation of a pressurized container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a method for evaluation of a pressurized container at a server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a raw image of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0016] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the detection of an anomaly in the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0017] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment for evaluation of a pressurized container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0018] The figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “receiving”, "detecting," "stopping,” “capturing," "transmitting," "eliminating," "alerting," "analysing," "logging" and other forms thereof, are intended to be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any system and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, system and methods are now described.
[0020] The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0021] The present subject matter discloses a system and a method for the evaluation of a pressurized container. The container filled with hydrocarbon gas should be checked properly. This is because laborers handle the container roughly in its entire life cycle from a filling station to customer and back to the filling station. The rough handling may cause damage or leakage of the hydrocarbon gas from the container. Thus, it is important to check the health condition of the container before shipping the container for transportation. More importantly, the present invention discloses a cost-effective, automatic, and less time-consuming process for autonomous non-destructive evaluation of a pressurized container. Initially, the container entering a housing may be detected. Further, one or more images of the container may be captured using an infrared camera. The one or more images may be further analyzed to detect an anomaly in the container. Once the anomaly is detected, the container may be rejected. Based on the analysis, the present invention recommends whether to ship the container or reject the container based on the health condition of the container.
[0022] While aspects of described system and method for evaluation of a pressurized container may be implemented in any number of different computing systems, environments, and/or configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system.
[0023] Referring now to Figure 1, a network implementation 100 of a system 102 for evaluation of a pressurized container is disclosed. Initially, the system 102 may receive data related to the container. The system 102 sends the data to an intelligent system 114. The user may use one or more user devices 104-1, 104-2, …104-N, collectively referred to as user devices 104, hereinafter, or applications residing on the user devices 104 for interacting with the intelligent system 114. Further, the intelligent system 114 may send a command to eliminate the container having anomaly from the conveyer belt.
[0024] It may be noted that the system 102 may be accessed by multiple users through one or more user devices 104-1, 104-2…104-N. In one implementation, the system 102 may be communicatively connected to a cloud-based computing environment. Examples of the user devices 104 may include, but are not limited to, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, a mobile device, a tablet, and a workstation. The user devices 104 are communicatively coupled to the system 102 through a series of networks 106 referred as a network 106-A, a network 106-B, and a network 106-C.
[0025] In one implementation, the intelligent system 114 may comprise the computing environment in which the user may operate individual computing systems configured to execute applications. Examples of the user devices 104 may include, but are not limited to, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, a mobile device, a tablet, and a workstation. The user devices 104 are communicatively coupled to the intelligent system 114 through a network 106-C.
[0026] In one implementation, the network 106-A and the network 106-B may be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network 106-A and the network 106-B can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as an intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The network 106-A and the network 106-B may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, MODBUS, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like, to communicate with one another. Further, the network 106-A and the network 106-B may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like. In one aspect, the network 106-A may be connected to a camera 228. Further, the network 106-B may be connected to a first proximity sensor 206, a second proximity sensor 208, and a third proximity sensor 214 via a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 210.
[0027] The intelligent system 114 may include at least one processor 108, an input/output (I/O) interface 110, and a memory 112. It may be noted that at least one processor 108may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, Central Processing Units (CPUs), state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, at least one processor 108 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 112
[0028] The I/O interface 110 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. Further, the I/O interface 110 may enable the system 102 and the intelligent system 114 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface 110 can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface 110 may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.
[0029] The memory 112 may include any computer-readable medium or computer program product known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, Solid State Disks (SSD), optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory 112 may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The memory 112 may include programs or coded instructions. In one embodiment, the memory 112-, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the programs or the coded instructions.
[0030] As there are various challenges observed in the existing art, the challenges necessitate the need to build the system 102 for the evaluation of a pressurized container. At first, a user may use the user device 104 to access the system 102 via the intelligent system 114. The user may register the user devices 104 using the I/O interface 110 in order to use the system 102. In one aspect, the user may access the I/O interface 110 of the system 102. The detailed functioning of the system 102 is described below with the help of figures.
[0031] Similarly, the intelligent system 114 may also be used for the evaluation of a pressurized container. At first, a user may use the user device 104 to access the intelligent system 114 via the I/O interface 110. The user may register the user devices 104 using the I/O interface 110 in order to use the intelligent system 114. In one aspect, the user may access the I/O interface 110 of the intelligent system 114. The detail functioning of the system 102 and the intelligent system 114 is described below with the help of figures.
[0032] The present subject matter describes the system 102 for evaluation of a pressurized container. The container may be filled with hydrocarbon gas. The container may be a metallic container or a non-metallic container. A conveyer belt may be passed through a housing. The plurality of containers may be placed on the conveyer belt. It may be noted that the conveyer belt is continuously moving. Once the container enters the housing, a camera 228 may capture one or more images of the container. Subsequently, the one or more images may be analysed. In an example, the container may be a pressurized metallic container or a LPG cylinder.
[0033] In one aspect, the intelligent system 114 may receive the one or more images. Further, the intelligent system 114 may analyse the one or more images. Based on an analysis, an anomaly in the container may be detected. The anomaly may indicate that there exists a leak from the container. The leak may occur due to a crack on the container. In one aspect, temperature signatures or heat signatures on the one or more images may indicate the leak. The one or more images are processed using Machine Learning and Deep Neural Network Techniques to extract the information about presence or absence of a leak in the container. In one embodiment, if the leak is detected, the cylinder may be rejected. In the embodiment, a rejection mechanism may reject the container. In an aspect, the intelligent system 114 may notify the system 102 regarding the anomaly in the container.
[0034] Referring now to figure 2, a system 102 for evaluation of a pressurized container is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, a plurality of containers may be received at a filling station 202. The filling station 202 may be configured to fill each container with hydrocarbon gas.
[0035] The plurality of containers may be placed on a conveyer belt 218. The conveyer belt 218 may be moving continuously. In one aspect, the conveyer belt 218 may carry the plurality of containers easily in a short span of time. The plurality of containers may move in line. Further, programmatically an identity number may be assigned to each container. The identity number may be referred to as a serial number of each container. In one example, the identity number of the first container may be 1, the identity number of the second container may be 2, the identity number of the third container may be 3, and the like. Further, the filling station 202 may be connected with a housing 220 via the conveyer belt 218.
[0036] Subsequently, the system 102 may comprise a first proximity sensor 206 attached to the conveyer belt 218 outside the housing 220. The conveyer belt 218 may be referred to as a conveyer system. The first proximity sensor 206 may detect a container from a plurality of containers entering the housing 220. In one aspect, the first proximity sensor 206 may detect the container which is going to enter the housing 220.
[0037] Upon detection by the first proximity sensor 206, a first pneumatic stopper 222 may receive a signal from the first proximity sensor 206 via a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 210. In an embodiment, the first proximity sensor 206 may be coupled with a first pneumatic stopper 222 via the PLC. Once the signal is received, the first pneumatic stopper 222 may stop other containers from the plurality of containers from entering the housing.
[0038] In one embodiment, the housing 220 may comprise a size detection sensor 204 which differentiates between the different sizes of the metallic container based on the logic programmed in the PLC. In one example, the size detection sensor 204 may be a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may be at least one of an Optical Proximity Sensor, an Inductive Proximity Sensor, a Capacitive Proximity Sensor, a Magnetic Proximity Sensor, an Ultrasonic proximity Sensor. In one aspect, only one container can enter the housing 220 at a time.
[0039] Further, the housing 220 may comprise a second proximity sensor 208 and a second pneumatic stopper 224. In one embodiment, the second proximity sensor 208 may be coupled to the second pneumatic stopper 224 via the PLC (210). In one example and not by way of any limitation, the second proximity sensor 208 and the second pneumatic stopper 224 may be present at a center of the housing 220. Once the container enters in the housing 220, the second proximity sensor 208 may detect the container inside the housing. The container may be detected at the center of the housing 220. In one aspect, the container may be detected at a predefined location of the housing 220. Upon detection, the second pneumatic stopper 224 may receive a trigger from the second proximity sensor 208 via the PLC. Once the trigger is received from the PLC, the second pneumatic stopper 224 may stop the container. The container may be stopped at the center of the housing 220.
[0040] Subsequently, the housing 220 may comprise a servo motor 212. The servo motor 212 may be configured to rotate a camera 228. In one example, the camera 228 may be one of a thermal camera or infrared camera. The camera 228 may be rotated 360 degrees. In one aspect, the camera 228 may be rotated in a clockwise direction for one container and in an anticlockwise direction for next container. In other words, the camera 228 may be rotated in the clockwise direction and the anticlockwise direction for alternate containers. The camera 228 may be attached to the servo motor 212 via an arm.
[0041] In one aspect, the camera 228 may capture one or more images of the container. The one or more images may be captured from different angles. The one or more images may comprise the 360 degree images of the container. The one or more images may comprise images of a body of the container. In one aspect, the one or more images may be referred as infrared images or thermal images. In one embodiment, the camera may capture 360-degree video of the container.
[0042] In one embodiment, the one or more images may indicate a hot temperature area and a cold temperature area of the container. In one example, the hot temperature area may be indicated in black color and the cold temperature area may be indicated in white color. In another example, the hot temperature area may be indicated in white color and the cold temperature area may be indicated in black color.
[0043] Further, the housing 220 may comprise the PLC 210. The PLC 210 may log the count data and a server may pull the count data from the PLC. The server may be connected to the PLC 210 via a wired or wireless connection. In an aspect, the server may be the intelligent system 114.
[0044] Further, the server may be configured to analyze the one or more images of the container. The server may receive the one or more images from the camera 228. In one aspect, the one or more images may be analyzed using image processing technique. Based on the analysis, the server may identify the presence of anomaly in the container. The anomaly may correspond to a crack in the container. The crack may lead to a leakage of the hydrocarbon gas from the container. In one aspect, the anomaly may be detected based on heat signatures or temperature signatures present in the one or more images.
[0045] Once the anomaly is detected, the system may alert a user. The alert may correspond to a notification. The system may transmit the notification associated with the anomaly in the container. In one aspect, the notification may comprise the identity number of the container.
[0046] In one embodiment, if the anomaly is detected in the container, the server may transmit the identity number of the container to the PLC 210. Further, a third proximity sensor 214 may be present outside the housing 220. Based on the third proximity sensor 214 information the identity number of the container exiting the housing is logged in the PLC 210. Further, a rejection system may get activated when the identity number of the container exiting the housing matches to the identity number of the container having the anomaly as updated by the server. The identity number of the container having the anomaly may be referred to as a rejection number. The rejection number may be updated by the system, from a rejection list, based on the first in- first out principle.
[0047] In one aspect, the third proximity sensor 214 may identify the container with the anomaly. In one aspect, the PLC 210 may match the identity number of the passing container with the identity number of the defected container. Upon matching, the PLC may activate the rejection system. In one embodiment, the PLC 210 may transmit a signal to the pneumatic rejector 226 or the pneumatic actuator 226 upon identification of the container with the anomaly. In other words, the pneumatic rejector 226 may push the defected container to another conveyer line. Further, the conveyer belt 218 may move the good containers.
[0048] In one embodiment, the rejection system may eliminate the container with anomaly. The rejection system comprises a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator may be installed outside the housing 220. In one aspect, the pneumatic actuator may receive a command from the PLC 210. Upon receiving the command, the pneumatic actuator may eliminate the container having an anomaly. In one aspect, the rejection system may comprise a rejection belt connected to the conveyer belt 218. Once the command is received, the container may be moved to the rejection belt by the pneumatic actuator.
[0049] In an embodiment, the intelligent system 114 may log the identity number of the containers which got eliminated because of an anomaly. In yet another embodiment, the intelligent system may store an image from the one or more images of a container which shows an anomaly.
[0050] In one example, construe 100 containers on the conveyer belt. In the example, the container with the identity number 8 is having the anomaly. In the example, the container with the identity number 8 may be referred as container-8. The PLC 210 sends a signal to the pneumatic rejector when the information deduced from the third proximity sensor matches with the container rejection identity number 8 as sent by the server. Further, the pneumatic rejector 226 may push the container-8 to a separate conveyer line. Subsequently, the pneumatic actuator may eliminate the container-8 from the conveyer belt.
[0051] In one example, construe 50 containers on the conveyer belt. In the example, the container with identity numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4. The containers may be referred as container-1, container-2, container-3, and container-4. Once the one or more images associated with each of the container are analyzed, the PLC 210 may receive information indicating the container-1, the container-2, the container-3 and the container-4 has no anomaly.
[0052] In one embodiment, the system 220 may analyze each container from the plurality of containers. The system 220 may use fast and efficient process to analyze the container. The analysis may help to reduce providing cracked or leaked containers to users.
[0053] Referring now to figure 3, a method 300 for evaluation of a pressurized container is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 300 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
[0054] The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method 300 or alternate methods for evaluation of a pressurized container. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method 300 without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method 300 for evaluation of a pressurized container can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below the method 300 may be considered to be implemented in the above-described system 102.
[0055] At block 302, a container from a plurality of containers entering a housing may be detected. The container may be detected by a first proximity sensor.
[0056] At block 304, other containers may be stopped from entering the housing upon receiving a signal from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) when the container is inside the housing. The other containers from the plurality of containers may be stopped by a first pneumatic stopper.
[0057] At block 306, the container may be detected in the housing by a second proximity sensor via the PLC.
[0058] At block 308, the container may be stopped by a second pneumatic stopper after receiving a trigger from the PLC. The second pneumatic stopper is activated when the second proximity sensor detects the container inside the housing.
[0059] At block 310, one or more images of the container may be captured by a camera. The camera may be rotated using a servo motor to capture the one or more images. The camera may be one of a thermal camera or an infrared camera.
[0060] At block 312, an identity number of each container entering the housing may be logged and transmitted by the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Further, the identity number of the container may be pulled by the sever.
[0061] At block 314, the container having the anomaly may be eliminated by a pneumatic actuator installed outside the housing. The pneumatic actuator may receive a command from the PLC, thereby autonomous non-destructive evaluation of a pressurized hydrocarbon filled container.
[0062] At block 314, the container having the anomaly may be eliminated by a pneumatic actuator installed outside the housing. The pneumatic actuator may receive a command from the PLC, thereby autonomous non-destructive evaluation of a pressurized hydrocarbon filled container.
[0063] Referring now to figure 4, a method 400 for evaluation of a pressurized container by an intelligent system is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 400 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
[0064] The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method 400 or alternate methods for evaluation of a pressurized container. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method 400 without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method 400 for evaluation of a pressurized container can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below the method 400 may be considered to be implemented in the above-described system 102.
[0065] At block 402, data comprising an identity number of each container and one or more images of the container may be received.
[0066] At block 404, an anomaly may be detected in the container by analyzing the one or more images. In one aspect, the anomaly may be detected based on heat signatures in the one or more images.
[0067] At block 406, a user may be alerted upon detection of the anomaly.
[0068] At block 408, the identity number of the container with the anomaly may be logged in the PLC by the server.
[0069] Referring now to figure 5, a raw image of the container is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the system 102 may capture an infrared image 502 of the cylinder. Further, the infrared image 502 may be analyzed by the intelligent system 114. Based on the analysis, the intelligent system 114 may detect that no anomaly is present in the cylinder.
[0070] Referring now to figure 6, an embodiment of detection of anomaly is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the embodiment, the system 102 may capture an infrared image 602 of the cylinder. Further, the infrared image 602 may be analyzed by the intelligent system 114. Based on the analysis, the intelligent system 114 may detect the anomaly 604 in the cylinder. The anomaly 604 may be referred as a leakage.
[0071] Referring now to figure 7, an exemplary embodiment for autonomous non-destructive evaluation of a pressurized container is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, at block 702, a cylinder may enter the system 102. The system 102 may be referred as a Smart Platform for Indicating Cracks and Anomalies (SPICA®) scanner. The cylinder may be filled with a hydrocarbon gas. It is to be noted that multiple cylinders may be moving on a conveyer belt of the system 102.
[0072] At block 704, a first proximity sensor may detect the cylinder before entering a housing. Upon detection, the cylinder may be allowed to enter the housing.
[0073] At block 706, a first pneumatic stopper may get triggered. Further, the first pneumatic stopper may stop other cylinders from entering the housing.
[0074] At block 708, a second proximity sensor may detect the cylinder inside the housing. In one aspect, the second proximity sensor detects the cylinder in position and activates a second pneumatic stopper to the cylinder inside the housing.
[0075] At block 710, a servo motor may be activated. The servo motor may rotate a camera. Further, the camera may capture multiple images of the cylinder.
[0076] At block 712, the images may be analyzed. Based on the analysis, an anomaly associated with the cylinder may be detected.
[0077] At block 714, the second pneumatic stopper may allow the cylinder to move further. In one aspect, if the anomaly is detected, the cylinder may move across rejection system at block 718. When the anomaly is detected, the rejection system may reject the cylinder from the conveyer belt. In another aspect, if no anomaly is detected, the cylinder may be moved further at a capping station. In an example, when the first cylinder is moved outside the housing the first pneumatic stopper allows the second cylinder to enter the housing.
[0078] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[0079] In some embodiments, the system and method help a hydrocarbon gas plant in saving time for checking plurality of metal containers for leaks using image processing techniques.
[0080] In some embodiments, the system and method reduce man power required to stop and start the conveyer belt using proximity sensors and pneumatic stoppers.
[0081] In some embodiments, the system and method enable remote operation of a hydrocarbon gas plant, reducing the risk to human life as hydrocarbon gases are highly flammable.
[0082] In some embodiments, the system and method enable easiest management of containers as the containers with anomalies are discarded.
[0083] In some embodiments, the system and method prevent wastage of expensive hydrocarbon gas through cracks in containers.
[0084] In some embodiments, the system and method prevent harmful and dangerous situations that may arise due to leakage of hydrocarbon gas from the containers.
[0085] Although implementations for a system for evaluation of a pressurized container have been described in a language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for evaluation of a pressurized container.

, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. An intelligent system (114) for evaluation of a pressurized container, the intelligent system (114) comprising:
a memory (112); and
a processor (108) coupled to the memory (112), wherein the processor (108) is configured to execute program instructions stored in the memory to:
receive, from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (210), data comprising an identity number of each container from a plurality of containers and one or more images of the container from a camera (228);
detect an anomaly in a container by analyzing the one or more images, wherein the anomaly is detected based on heat signatures in the one or more images;
alert a user upon detection of the anomaly; and
transmit the identity number of the container along with the anomaly to the PLC (210).

2. A system (102) for evaluation of a pressurized container, the system comprising:
a conveyer belt (218) passing through a housing (220), wherein a plurality of containers is placed on the conveyer belt (218), and wherein each container is filled with a hydrocarbon;
characterized in that
a first proximity sensor (206) for detecting a container from the plurality of containers entering the housing (220);
a first pneumatic stopper (222) for stopping other containers from entering the housing (220) upon receiving a signal from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (210) when the container is inside the housing (220);
the housing (220) comprising:
a second proximity sensor (208) to detect the container in the housing (220);
a second pneumatic stopper (224) to stop the container after receiving a trigger from the PLC (210), wherein the second pneumatic stopper (224) is activated when the second proximity sensor (208) detects the container inside the housing (220);
a camera (228) to capture one or more images of the container inside the housing (220), wherein the camera (228) is rotated using a servo motor (212) to capture the one or more images; and
the PLC (210) to log and transmit an identity number of each container entering the housing (220); and
a pneumatic actuator (226), installed outside the housing (220), for eliminating the container having an anomaly, wherein the pneumatic actuator (226) receives a command from the PLC (210).

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the container is a pressurized metallic container.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the camera (228) comprises at least a thermal camera and an infrared camera.

5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the servo motor (212) rotates the camera (228) in a clockwise direction and an anticlockwise direction for alternate containers.

6. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the anomaly is leakage of hydrocarbon from the container.

7. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more images indicate hot temperature area and cold temperature area of the container.

8. The system as claimed in claim 2, comprises a third proximity sensor (214) to detect the container departed from the housing (220).

9. A method for evaluation of a pressurized container, the method comprises:
detecting, by a first proximity sensor, a container from a plurality of containers entering a housing (220);
stopping, by a first pneumatic stopper (222), other containers from entering the housing (220) upon receiving a signal from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (210) when the container is inside the housing (220);
detecting, by a second proximity sensor (208), the container in the housing (220);
stopping, by a second pneumatic stopper (224), the container after receiving a trigger from the PLC (210), wherein the second pneumatic stopper (224) is activated when the second proximity sensor (208) detects the container inside the housing (220);
capturing, by a camera (228), one or more images of the container, wherein the camera (228) is rotated using a servo motor to capture the one or more images;
logging and transmitting, by the PLC (210), an identity number of each container entering the housing (220); and
eliminating, by a pneumatic actuator (226), the container having an anomaly, wherein the pneumatic actuator (226) receives a command from the PLC (210).

10. A method for evaluation of a pressurized container, the method comprises:
receiving, by a processor, data from a PLC (210), wherein the data comprises an identity number of each container from a plurality of containers and one or more images of the container from a camera (228);
detecting, by the processor, an anomaly in the container by analyzing the one or more images, wherein the anomaly is detected based on heat signatures in the one or more images;
alerting, by the processor, a user upon detection of the anomaly; and
transmitting, by the processor, the identity number of the container along with the anomaly to the PLC (210).

Dated this 16th Day of June, 2022