DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a testing of fluid and more particularly to a real time testing of a fluid stored at various locations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, for fluid retailers and dealers, such a petroleum, chemical, cutting fluid, oil etc., having sufficient supply to meet demand is critical. Until now, these retailers have had to rely on antiquated remote monitoring tactics which included sending daily fax messages or calling to communicate critical data such as fluid levels, leaks, water levels and alarms. These outdated methods caused a lack of timely and consistent fluid levels, often resulting in empty tanks. Typically, there is a need to optimize their business and that the cost of servicing tanks is one of their largest expenses. Distributors want simple, reliable, and effective solutions that provide the precision insights needed to manage their business, consistently and effectively. Generally, the problems get multiplied when the storage tank is located in hard to access location such as underground. Conventional system fail to enable retail, gas and oil customers to manage and monitor the Storage Tanks. Convectional system also fails to provide reliable but would be simple to install and configure solutions.
SUMMARY
[0002] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a method for real time testing a fluid. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the present invention nor intended to determine or limit the scope of the present invention.
[0003] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for real time testing a fluid is provided. This method includes calibrating by a processor value of one or more sensors. Data associated with quality and quantity of the fluid in a storage tank is obtained by the processor using one or more sensors. A quantity value and a quality value of the fluid in the storage tank is computed by the processor based on the obtained data. The quantity value of the fluid is compared by the processor with predefined threshold value based on computed quantity value of fluid. The quality value of the fluid is compared by the processor with predefined threshold value based on the computed quality value of fluid. A pump associated with the storage tank is activated by the processor for emptying a storage tank or to fill the storage tank based on the comparison. A cloud diagnostic is provided by the processor that allow for remote trouble shooting based on the comparison.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for real time testing a fluid is disclosed. A calibrating module is coupled with a processor. Calibrating module calibrates value of one or more sensors. An obtaining module is coupled with the processor. The obtaining module obtains data associated with quality and quantity of fluid in a storage tank using one or more sensors. A computing module is coupled with the processor. The computing module computes a quantity value and a quality value of a fluid in the storage tank based on the obtained data. A comparing module coupled with the processor. Comparing module compares the quantity value of the fluid with predefined threshold value based on computed quantity value of fluid. A comparing module is coupled with the processor. The comparing module compares the quality value of the fluid with predefined threshold value based on computed quality value of the fluid. An activating module is coupled with the processor. The activating module activated pump associated with the storage tank for emptying the storage tank or to fill the storage tank based on comparison. A providing module is coupled with the processor. The providing module provides a cloud diagnostic that allow for remote trouble shooting based on the comparison.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0004] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and apparatus disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0005] The present disclosure 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 various features of the present subject matter.
[0001] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a fluid testing system, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0002] Fig.2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a fluid testing system in communication with other entity through network, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0003] Fig.3 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid testing system depicting it’s working, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0006] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for real time testing a fluid.
[0008] In the following description, for purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details.
[0009] One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems. However, the systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Further, structures and devices shown in the figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are meant to avoid obscuring of the present invention.
[0010] Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.
[0011] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0012] In one aspect, the present subject relates to a real-time fluid testing system specifically designed to solve these challenges associated with fluid storage tanks, and needed to connect that solution reliably to their cloud network. The present subject matter enables to write a custom application that sends data from the edge of the network to their cloud. Once installed, to manage data from an underground tank level monitoring console it begins reporting on tank levels, fluid quality and monitoring alarms. Service station operators can access all the data from mobile devices or via a web portal. Further, the management system provides real time insights and alerts, is simple to set up, is trouble free, and intuitive so that anyone can use it with little training. This user friendly, consistently reliable tool enables stations to focus on managing their business while servicing customers. the management system also provides cloud diagnostics that allow for remote troubleshooting of the system so issues are resolved before a retailer even knows there is a problem. Besides saving station operators time, the solution also saves money.
[0013] In one of the implementations, the present invention discloses a system and a method for real time testing a fluid. The method includes calibrating by a processor, value of one or more sensors. One or more sensors measures and communicates periodic data from a storage tank for long term and on-line monitoring. The sensors are selected from a group consisting of Capacitive Level Sensor, Ultrasonic Level Sensor, tuning fork sensor and Smart Sensors. In one example, the sensors may be one or more of capacitive sensor, ultrasound sensor for measuring level of fluid/ content in the storage tank. Further, the sensor may be one or more of tuning fork sensor configured to obtain data associate with quality of fluid in the storage tank. Data associated with the quality and the quantity of the fluid in the storage tank are obtained by the processor. Data associated with the level of fluid in the storage tank is obtained from a simple site glass tube mounted on the side of the tank, to an electronic level gauge which sends reading via a wireless technique. A quantity value and a quality value of the fluid in the storage tank are computed by the processor. The quantity value of the fluid is compared by the processor with predefined threshold value based on computed quantity of the fluid. The quality value of fluid is compared by the processor with predefined threshold value based on computed quality of fluid. A pump associated with the storage tank is activated for emptying a storage tank or to fill the storage tank based on the comparison. The pump is activated for emptying storage tank if quality of the fluid in the storage tank is below the predefined value of threshold. If the quantity of fluid in the storage tank is below a predefined value of threshold, the pump is activated to fill the storage tank. A cloud diagnostic is provided by the processor that allow for remote trouble shooting based on the comparison.
[0014] The system includes a memory and a processor. The memory includes a user space. The processor is coupled with the memory and is configured to store a fluid testing data. In one embodiment, the system for testing a fluid includes a calibrating module coupled with a processor. Calibrating module calibrates a value of one or more sensors. One or more sensors measures and communicates periodic data from a storage tank for long term and on-line monitoring. The sensors are selected from a group consisting of Capacitive Level Sensor, Ultrasonic Level Sensor, tuning fork sensor and Smart Sensors. In one example, the sensors may be one or more of capacitive sensor, ultrasound sensor for measuring level of fluid/ content in the storage tank. Further, the sensor may be one or more of tuning fork sensor configured to obtain data associate with quality of fluid in the storage tank. An obtaining module is coupled with a processor. The obtaining module obtains data associated with quality and quantity of fluid in a storage tank using one or more sensors. Data associated with the level of fluid in the storage tank is obtained from a simple site glass tube mounted on the side of the tank, to an electronic level gauge which sends reading via a wireless technique. A computing module is coupled with the processor. The computing module computes a quantity value and a quality value of a fluid in the storage tank based on obtained data. A comparing module is coupled with the processor. A comparing module compares the quality value of a fluid with predetermined threshold value based on computed quality value of fluid. A comparing module is coupled with the processor. The comparing module compares the quality value of the fluid with predefined threshold value based on computed quality value of fluid. An activating module is coupled with the processor. The activating module activates a pump associated with the storage tank for emptying the storage tank or to fill the storage tank based on the comparison. The providing module provides a cloud diagnostic that allows for remote trouble shooting based on the comparison.
[0015] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0016] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and 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 for real time testing of fluid, 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. The disclosed embodiments for enabling selective access to enterprises applications are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0017] 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. For example, although the present disclosure will be described in the context of a system and a method for real time testing of fluid, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the method and system can be utilized in any situation where there is need to provide filtering and ranking of various submission done by vendors during procurement of content. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0018] While aspects of described system and method for real time testing of fluid, 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.
[0019] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram depicting a real time fluid testing system 102, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention. The computer implemented system 102 includes a network 104 a plurality of user devices 106 (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e), a database 108.
[0020] The network 104 interconnects the user devices (106) and the database 108 with the fluid testing system 102. The network 104 includes wired and wireless networks. Examples of the wired networks include a Wide Area Network (WAN) or a Local Area Network (LAN), a client-server network, a peer-to-peer network, and so forth. Examples of the wireless networks include Wi-Fi, a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network, and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE) network, 802.5 communication networks, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, or Bluetooth networks.
[0021] In the present implementation, the database 108 may be implemented as enterprise database, remote database, local database, and the like. The database 108 may be located within the vicinity of the fluid testing system 102 or may be located at different geographic locations as compared to that of the fluid testing system 102. Further, the database 108 may themselves be located either within the vicinity of each other, or may be located at different geographic locations. Furthermore, the database 108 may be implemented inside the fluid testing system 102 and the database 108 may be implemented as a single database 108.
[0022] Referring now to Figure 2, the system 102 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the system 102 may include at least one processor 202, an input/output (I/O) interface 204, and a memory 206. The at least one processor 202 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor 202 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 206.
[0023] The I/O interface 204 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface 204 may allow the system 102 to interact with the user directly or through the client devices 106. Further, the I/O interface 204 may enable the system 102 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface 204 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 204 may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.
[0024] The memory 206 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, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory 206 may include modules 208 and data 210.
[0025] The modules 208 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In one implementation, the modules 208 may include a calibrating module 212, an obtaining module 214, a computing module 216, a comparing module 218, an activating module 220, a providing module 222 and other modules 224. The other modules 224 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of the system 102. The modules 208 described herein may be implemented as software modules that may be executed in the cloud-based computing environment of the system 102.
[0026] The data 210, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 208. The data 210 may also include a system data 228, and other data 230. The other data 230 may include data generated as a result of the execution of one or more modules in the other modules 224. The detailed description of the modules 208 along with other components of the system 102 is further explained by referring to figures 2.
[0027] In one implementation, at first, a user may use the user device 106 to access the system 102 via the I/O interface 204. The user may register themselves using the I/O interface 204 in order to use the system 102. In one aspect, the user may access the I/O interface 204 of the system 102 for testing the fluid, the system 102 may employ the plurality of modules 208 i.e., a calibrating module 212, an obtaining module 214, a computing module 216, a comparing module 218, an activating module 220, a providing module 222 and other modules 224. The detailed working of the plurality of modules 208 is described below.
[0028] The calibrating module 212, is coupled with the processor 202. The calibrating module calibrates value of one or more sensors 112. An obtaining module 214 is coupled with the processor 202. Obtaining module 214 obtains data associated with quality and quantity of the fluid in a storage tank using one or more sensors 112. Data associated with the level of fluid in the storage tank is obtained from a simple site glass tube mounted on the side of the tank, to an electronic level gauge which sends reading via a wireless technique. In one embodiment, the obtaining module 214 may obtain data from one or more sensors 112. In one example, the sensors 112 may be Capacitive Level Sensor, Ultrasonic Level Sensor, Smart Sensors. In one example, the basic principle of a capacitive sensor is that it converts a change in position, or properties of the dielectric material, into an electrical signal. These properties of capacitor can be used to measure the liquid level in storage tanks. In one more example, Ultrasonic level sensor works on the basic time-10 of-flight principle which states that sending a sound wave from a piezo electric transducer to the contents of the vessel, which may contain liquid, solid or slurries level. This liquid level sensor comprises two elements such as an associated electronic transceiver and a transducer with relatively high efficiency. In case of a liquid level controller, the fluid level can be determined by measuring the trip time difference between a transmitted ultrasonic pulse and a reflected echo. In one implementation, the one or more sensors 112 measures and communicates periodic data from the site for long term and on-line monitoring. The one or more sensors 112 sensor also transmits immediate alerts for events. Alerts are also available for low power supply. The sensors 112 have multiple physical properties allowing simultaneous sensing of the quality, condition and contaminant of the liquid. Installed directly on the equipment, this sensor helps to determine the correct time to change the liquid and detects system issues that could lead to higher damages. The sensors directly and simultaneously measure the viscosity, density, dielectric constant, pressure and temperature of non-conductive oil.
[0029] A computing module 216 is coupled with the processor 202. The computing module 216 computes a quantity value and a quality value of a fluid in the storage tank based on the obtained data. In the embodiment, the computing module 216 may upon obtaining data, compute one or more of the level of fluid in the storage tank, the quality of fluid in the storage tank, temperature of the fluid in the storage, rate of fluid usage based on comparison of the data with historical data and predetermined thresholds.
[0030] A comparing module 218 is coupled with the processor 202. The comparing module 218 compares the quantity value of the fluid with predefined threshold value based on computed quantity value of fluid. The comparing module 218 compares the quality value of the fluid with predefined threshold value based on computed quality value of fluid. An activating module 220 is coupled with the processor 202. Activating module 220 activates a pump associated with the storage tank for emptying the storage tank or to fill the storage tank based on comparison. The pump is activated for emptying storage tank if quality of the fluid in the storage tank is below the predefined value of threshold. If the quantity of fluid in the storage tank is below a predefined value of threshold, the pump is activated to fill the storage tank. In one implementation, an alarm may be generated if the temperature is higher or lower than the predefined threshold value of the temperature of fluid.
[0031] A providing module 222 is coupled with the processor 202. The providing module 222 provides a cloud diagnostic that allow for remote trouble shooting based on the comparison.
[0032] In one embodiment, the present subject matter allows a simplification of oil quality management, a higher capability detection of slow and rapid oil contamination or quality and an economic and environmentally friendly optimization of oil change intervals.
[0033] Referring now to Figure 3, a method 300 for content management, particular level and quantity measurement is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 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. The method 300 may be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.
[0034] 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. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method 300 without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the method 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 in the fluid testing system 102.
[0035] In one embodiment the method 300 comprises the steps of initializing the sensors 112, and calibrating the sensor. In one example, the calibration is executed automatically. Upon calibrating, obtain data from the sensor and compute a liquid/fluid level in the storage tank. Also, fluid quality is computed. If the quality of the fluid is inferior or the quality of fluid is below the threshold value of quality value of fluid, the alarm is generated and pump is activated to empty the storage tank. If the quantity of the fluid is below the level of the storage tank, pump is activated to fill the storage tank. Upon computing, switching one of ON or OFF the pump based on the level of the storage tank.
[0036] 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.
[0037] Some embodiments enable a system and a method to provide an intelligent way for testing the fluid.
[0038] Although implementations for methods and systems for testing the fluid in real-time have been described in 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 testing the fluid in real-time. ,CLAIMS:1. A method (300) for real time testing a fluid, wherein the method comprising:
Calibrating, by a processor (202), value of one or more sensors (112);
Obtaining, by the processor (202), data associated with quality and quantity of the fluid in a storage tank using one or more sensors (112);
Computing, by the processor (202), a quantity value and a quality value of the fluid in the storage tank based on the obtained data;
Comparing, by the processor (202), the quantity value of the fluid with predefined threshold value based on computed quantity of fluid;
Comparing, by the processor (202), the quality value of fluid with predefined threshold value based on computed quality of fluid;
Activating, by the processor (202), a pump associated with the storage tank for emptying a storage tank or to fill the storage tank based on the comparison; and
Providing, by the processor (202), a cloud diagnostic that allow for remote trouble shooting based on the comparison.

2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump is activated for emptying storage tank if quality of fluid is below a predefined value, wherein the pump is activated to fill the storage tank if the quantity is below a predefined value.

3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors (112) are selected from the group consisting of Capacitive Level Sensor, Ultrasonic Level Sensor, tuning fork sensor and Smart Sensors.

4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data associated with the level of fluid in the storage tank is obtained from a simple site glass tube mounted on the side of the tank, to an electronic level gauge which sends readings via a wireless technique.

5. The method (300) as claimed in claim1, wherein the one or more sensors 112 measures and communicates periodic data from a storage tank for long term and on-line monitoring.

6. A system 102 for real time testing a fluid, wherein the system comprising:
a calibrating module (212), coupled with a processor (202), wherein the calibrating module is configured to calibrate value of one or more sensors (112);
an obtaining module (214), coupled with the processor (202), wherein the obtaining module is configured to obtain data associated with quality and quantity of the fluid in a storage tank using one or more sensors (112);
a computing module (216), coupled with the processor (202), wherein the computing module is configured to compute a quantity value and a quality value of a fluid in the storage tank based on obtained data;
a comparing module (218), coupled with the processor (202), wherein the comparing module is configured to compare the quantity value of the fluid with predefined threshold value based on computed quantity value of fluid;
a comparing module (218), coupled with the processor (202), wherein the comparing module is configured to compare the quality value of the fluid with predefined threshold value based on computed quality value of fluid;
an activating module (220), coupled with the processor (202), wherein the activating module is configured to activate a pump associated with the storage tank for emptying the storage tank or to fill the storage tank based on comparison; and
a providing module (222) coupled with the processor (202), wherein the providing module is configured to provide a cloud diagnostic that allow for remote trouble shooting based on the comparison.

7. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump is activated for emptying storage tank if quality of fluid is below a predefined value, wherein the pump is activated to fill the storage tank if the quantity is below a predefined value.

8. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors (112) are selected from the group consisting of Capacitive Level Sensor, Ultrasonic Level Sensor, tuning fork sensor and Smart Sensors.

9. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data associated with the level of fluid in the storage tank is obtained from a simple site glass tube mounted on the side of the tank, to an electronic level gauge which sends readings via a wireless technique.

10. The system (102) as claimed in claim1, wherein the one or more sensors (112) measures and communicates periodic data from a storage tank for long term and on-line monitoring.