FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to custody transfer measurement
system for natural gas fuel. In particular, the present disclosure relates to method and
system for diagnostic and validation of custody transfer measurement system for
natural gas fuel.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The information in this section merely provide background information related
to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
[0003] Gas Pipeline is the backbone of the energy infrastructure of any country and is
going to gain far more importance with the increasing thrust of government towards
energy security and self-reliance. With the increasing geographical area under
coverage, challenges such as safety related issues like third party intrusions & pipeline
leaks are also increasing. For ensuring safety of the pipeline systems from issues like
pipeline leaks, pipeline industry deploys various pipeline leak detection system using
mass balancing or pressure wave or other principles. However, the accuracy of the leak
detection depends upon the accuracy of the associated instrumentation signals like
flow, pressure, temperature and gas quality parameters. More often, false positive or
negative leak alarms are attributed to reliability and authenticity of the data provided
by associated instrumentation system. Accurate determination of the custody transfer
measurement parameters is the cash register of any entity handling/transacting natural
gas fuel. A small mis measurement in custody transfer parameters may result into big
financial losses and thus it is of paramount importance to detect any mismeasurements
on real-time basis and correct for the same.
[0004] Therefore, there is need for development of online validation, audit and
diagnostic systems which track, monitor and predict the health of the instruments on
3
their own without intervention of the operators and keep the operator updated in case
of any deviations from normal course of operation was felt.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional
advantages are provided by the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages
are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and
aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the
disclosure.
[0006] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for diagnostic and
validation of custody transfer measurement system for natural gas fuel. The method
includes receiving, one or more senor data, during a predefined time-interval, sensed
by one or more sensors disposed in a measurement system along a pipeline configured
to transfer the gas fuel. The method also includes receiving a first custody transfer
parameter value indicative of an amount of the natural gas fuel transferred through the
pipeline during the predefined time-interval in terms of volume and mass from a flow
measurement unit connected with the one or more sensors. The first custody transfer
amount value being calculated by the flow measurement unit based on the one or more
sensor data and a first set of predefined standards. Further, the method includes
calculating a second custody transfer amount value based on the one or more sensor
data and a second set of predefined standards and comparing the first custody transfer
parameter value and the second custody transfer parameter value to determine a
deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first custody transfer parameter value
measured by the flow measurement unit. Thereafter, the method includes identifying
at least one of a sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow measurement unit,
responsible for the deviation by analyzing the deviation relative to a predefined
relationship between the one or more sensor data and corresponding custody transfer
parameter value.
4
[0007] According to an aspect, the method also includes identifying at least one of a
sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow measurement unit, responsible for
the deviation by analyzing a deviation relative to a predefined relationship between a
first set of predefined standards and a second set of predefined standards;
[0008] According to an aspect, the one or more sensors comprises at least one of an
ultrasonic sensor, a turbine sensor, a RPD sensor, an orifice sensor, a pressure sensor,
a temperature sensor, or a gas chromatograph sensor.
[0009] According to an aspect, the one or more sensor data includes a gas flow
parameter value sensed by at least one of the ultrasonic sensor, the turbine sensor, the
RPD sensor, or the orifice sensor, a pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor, a
temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor, and gas composition sensed by
the gas chromatograph sensor.
[0010] According to an aspect, the first set of predefined standards comprises at least
one of AGA-3/7/8/9 and API 21.1.
[0011] According to an aspect, the method also includes receiving, from the flow
measurement unit, a first energy value indicative of calorific value flowing through the
measurement system in the pipeline during the predefined time-interval. Further, the
method includes determining a second energy value based on the one or more sensors
data and a third set of predefined standards and comparing the first energy value and
the second energy value to determine an energy deviation indicative of
mismeasurement in the first energy value measured by the flow measurement unit.
Moreover, the method includes identifying at least one of a sensor among the one or
more sensors and the flow measurement unit, responsible for the energy deviation by
analyzing the energy deviation relative to an energy predefined relationship between
the one or more sensor data and corresponding calorific energy value.
5
[0012] According to an aspect, the third set of predefined standard comprises at least
one of ISO 6976, GPA 2172/GPA 2145, ASTM D 1945, ASTM D 3588 and AGA-5.
[0013] According to an aspect, the method includes receiving a first set of diagnostic
parameters indicative of health of the one or more sensors from at least one of the flow
measurement unit or the one or more sensors. The first set of diagnostic parameters
includes at least one of Speed of Sound (SoS) as per the first set of predetermined
standards during the predefined time-interval. The method further includes determining
a second set of diagnostic parameters as per the second set of predetermined standards
based on the one or more sensor data and a first custody transfer parameter value. The
method also includes comparing the first set of diagnostic parameters with the second
set of diagnostic parameters to determine a deviation indicative of mismeasurement in
the first custody transfer parameter value measured by the flow measurement unit.
Thereafter, the method includes identifying at least one of process failure conditions or
sensor malfunction based on the determined deviation.
[0014] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for diagnostic and
validation of custody transfer measurement system for natural gas fuel. The system
comprising an I/O interface, a communication unit, a memory and at least one
processor communicably coupled to the I/O interface, the communication unit, and the
memory. The at least one processor is configured to receive, one or more senor data,
during a predefined time-interval, sensed by one or more sensors disposed in a
measurement system along a pipeline configured to transfer the gas fuel. The at least
one processor is further configured to receive a first custody transfer parameter value
indicative of an amount of the gas fuel transferred through the pipeline during the
predefined time-interval in terms of volume and mass from a flow measurement unit
connected with the one or more sensors. The first custody transfer amount value being
calculated by the flow measurement unit based on the one or more sensor data and a
first set of predefined standards. The at least one processor is further configured to
6
calculate a second custody transfer amount value based on the one or more sensor data
and a second set of predefined standards and compare the first custody transfer
parameter value and the second custody transfer parameter value to determine a
deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first custody transfer parameter value
measured by the flow measurement unit. Also, the at least one processor is configured
to identify at least one of a sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow
measurement unit, responsible for the deviation by analyzing the deviation relative to
a predefined relationship between the one or more sensor data and corresponding
custody transfer parameter value.
[0015] According to an aspect, to identify at least one of a sensor among the one or
more sensors and the flow measurement unit, responsible for the deviation, the at least
one processor is further configured to analyze a deviation relation to a predefined
relationship between a first set of predefined standards and a second set of predefined
standards.
[0016] According to an aspect, the at least one processor is further configured to
receive a first energy value indicative of calorific value flowing through the
measurement system in the pipeline during the predefined time-interval from the flow
measurement unit. The at least one processor is also configured to determine a second
energy value based on the one or more sensors data and a third set of predefined
standards and compare the first energy value and the second energy value to determine
an energy deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first energy value measured
by the flow measurement unit. The at least one processor is further configured to
identify at least one of a sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow
measurement unit, responsible for the energy deviation by analyzing the energy
deviation relative to an energy predefined relationship between the one or more sensor
data and corresponding calorific energy value.
7
[0017] In the above paragraphs, the most important features of the invention have been
outlined, in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better
understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better understood
and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and
which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several
purposes of the invention. It is important therefore that the claims be regarded as
including such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of
the invention.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily
understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying
drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar
elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with the detailed
description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to
further illustrate the aspects and explain various principles and advantages, in
accordance with the present invention wherein:
[0019] Fig. 1 illustrates an environment of diagnostic and validation of custody transfer
measurement system for natural gas fuel in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
8
[0020] Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the system for diagnostic and validation of
custody transfer measurement system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] Fig. 3 an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for diagnostic and
validation of custody transfer measurement system for natural gas fuel, in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0022] Fig. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface of the system, in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0023] Fig. 5a-5d illustrate various graphical user interfaces of the system, in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0024] Skilled person in art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated
for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the
dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring in the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean
"serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation
of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0026] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings
and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not
intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary,
9
the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within
the scope of the disclosure.
[0027] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a
list of components does not include only those components but may include other
components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words,
one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not,
without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional
elements in the system or apparatus or device.
[0028] The terms “custody transfer management system”, “custody transfer system”,
and “measurement system”, may be used interchangeably through the description.
[0029] The terms “natural gas fuel”, “natural gas”, “gas fuel”, and “fuel gas”, may be
used interchangeably through the description.
[0030] Disclosed herein is a technique of diagnostic and validation of custody transfer
measurement. The technique utilizes one or more senor data and a first custody transfer
parameter value being indicative of an amount of the gas fuel transferred and being
calculated by the flow measurement unit based on the sensor data and a first set of
predefined standards. The technique further calculates a second custody transfer
amount value based on the sensor data and a second set of predefined standards.
Thereafter, the technique comparison said first and second custody transfer parameter
value to determine a deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first custody
transfer parameter value and thereby identifying at least one of a sensor and the flow
measurement unit responsible for the deviation. Therefore, the technique provides an
effective and efficient technique for diagnosing and validating custody transfer
measurement by the sensors and the flow measurement unit disposed along a pipeline
of nature gas fuel.
10
[0031] Fig. 1 illustrates an environment 100 of diagnostic and validation of custody
transfer measurement system for natural gas fuel in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure. The environment 100 illustrates one or more sensors 102, a flow
measurement unit 104 and a diagnostic and validation system 106 (interchangeably
referred to as “the system 106”).
[0032] The one or more sensors 102 (hereinafter referred to as “the sensors 102”) may
include sensors such as, but not limited to, a gas flow sensor 102a, a pressure sensor
102b, a temperature sensor 102c and a chromatograph sensor 102d. Example of the
sensors 102 may include, but not limited to, an ultrasonic sensor, a turbine sensor, a
Rotary Positive Displacement (RPD) sensor, an orifice sensor and so forth. The sensors
102 may be configured to sense one or more characteristics of the natural gas fuel
flowing through a pipeline. The one or more characteristics of the natural gas fuel may
include, a flow amount, a temperature, gas composition, a pressure and so forth. In an
embodiment, the sensors 102 may be configured to continuously sense the abovementioned characteristics of the gas throughout a custody transfer process. In
alternative embodiment, the sensors 102 may be configured to sense the abovementioned characteristics of the gas after every predefined time-internal during the
custody transfer process.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensors 102 may be configured to monitor
the custody transfer of a gas fuel and generate one or more sensor data. Said sensor
data may be generate in real time during the custody transfer process. Also, in some
embodiments, said data bae time-stamped and/or replicated in one or more systems.
The sensor data may include, but not be limited to, a gas flow parameter value sensed
by at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a turbine sensor, a RPD sensor, or an orifice
sensor, a pressure value sensed by a pressure sensor, a temperature value sensed by a
temperature sensor, and gas composition sensed by a gas chromatograph sensor. The
sensors 102 may be communicably coupled to the flow measurement unit 104 and the
11
diagnostic and validation system 106 and are configured to transmit the sensor data for
further processing.
[0034] The flow measurement unit 104 may be configured to receive the sensor data
from the sensors 102. The sensors 102 may be configured to generate the sensor data
configured to be received by the flow measurement unit 104 by monitoring the custody
transfer processor for a predefined time interval. The flow measurement unit 104 may
be configured to determine a first custody transfer parameter value indicative of an
amount of the gas fuel transferred through the pipeline during the predefined interval.
The amount of the gas fuel may be determined in terms of mass and volume. Further,
the fuel measurement unit 104 may be configured to generate the first custody transfer
amount value by processing the received sensor data and a first set of predefined
standards. The first set of predefined standards may define one or more calculations to
be used on the sensor data to determine the amount of gas fuel transferred or received
during the custody transfer process. The first set of predefined standards may include,
but not limited to, AGA-3, AGA-7, AGA-8, AGA-9 or API 21.1. In some
embodiments, the first set of predefined standards may be determined and/or selected
by one or more parties involved in the custody transfer of the nature gas fuel. In some
other embodiment, the first set of predefined standards may be determined and/or
selected by the government by way polices, or rules and regulations.
[0035] In further embodiments, the flow measurement unit 104 may be configured to
determine a first energy value indicative of calorific value flowing through the custody
transfer measurement system in the pipeline during the predefined time-interval. The
flow measurement unit 104 may be configured to determine said first energy value
based on the received sensor data and a third set of predefined standards. The third set
of predefined standards may define calculations to be performed on the received sensor
data to determine the energy transfer through the custody transfer management system.
In an embodiment, the third set of predefined standards may include, at least one of
12
ISO 6976, GPA 2172 or GPA 2145, ASTM D 1945, ASTM D 3588 and AGA-5. In
alternative embodiments, the third set of standards may include any suitable standards
standard defining calculation of energy value of the gas fuel flowing through the
custody transfer measurement system.
[0036] The flow measurement unit 104 and/or sensor 102 may also be configured to
generate a first set of diagnostic parameters indicative of health of the one or more
sensors. The flow measurement unit 104 may monitor the one or more sensors during
the custody transfer process to generate said first of diagnostic parameters or sensor
102 may communicate the first set of diagnostic parameters indicative of health of the
one or more sensors to system 106. In an embodiment, the first set of diagnostic
parameters may include, but not limited to, Speed of Sound (SoS) as per the first set of
predetermined standards during the predefined time-interval. The first set of diagnostic
parameters may further include diagnostic parameters pertaining to overall sensor and
its constituents like individual path related information (e.g., AGC/GAIN, Signal to
Noise Ratios, Velocity Profiles, Velocity ratios, SoS spread, Profile and Turbulence
information). The first set of parameters may further include calibration related
information like Response time, retention factors unnormalized totals etc.
[0037] The flow measurement unit 104 may correspond to a computing devices include
all the suitable components required to perform the desired functionality of the flow
measurement unit 104. Further, the flow measurement unit 104 may be communicably
coupled to the diagnostic and validation system 106 and configured to transmit the
determined first custody transfer parameter value, the first energy value and the first
set of diagnostic parameters to the diagnostic and validation system 106. Sensor 102
may also be configured to communicate the first set of diagnostic parameters indicative
of health of the one or more sensors to system 106.
[0038] The system 106 may be configured to receive the sensor data from the sensors
102. The system 106 may also be configured to receive the first custody transfer
13
parameter value from the flow measurement unit 104. Thereafter, firstly the system
106 may be configured to calculate a second custody transfer amount value based on
the received sensor data and a second set of predefined standards. In an embodiment,
the second set of predefined standards may be same as the first set of predefined
standards. In another embodiment, the second set of predefined standards may be
different as compared to the first set of predefined standards.
[0039] Secondly, the system 106 may be configured to compare the first custody
transfer parameter value and the second custody transfer parameter value to determine
a deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first custody transfer parameter value
measured by the flow measurement unit 104. In an embodiment, the system 106 may
be configured to identify at least one sensor among the one or more sensors 102 and
the flow measurement unit 104 responsible for the deviation by analyzing the deviation
relative to a predefined relationship between the sensor data and corresponding custody
transfer parameter value. The predefined relationship between the sensor data and the
corresponding custody transfer parameter value may include a dataset defining various
exemplary values of the one or more sensors and corresponding custody transfer
parameter value in ideal/Realtime scenarios. For example, the predefined relationship
may define, for a gas flow parameter value X, a pressure value Y, a temperature value
Z, and gas composition C, the value of custody transfer parameter value will be A.
Embodiments either cover or intend to cover, any suitable value for the variables X, Y,
Z, C and A. Further, the predefined relationship may include any number of such
scenarios required to implement the functionality of the system 106.
[0040] Now, in view of said predefined relationships, the system 106 may be
configured to compare to received sensor data, a first custody transfer parameter value
and the determined second custody transfer parameter value to identify at least one of
a sensor 102 or the flow measurement system 104 responsible for the deviation in the
first custody transfer value.
14
[0041] In other embodiment, the system 106 may be configured to analyze the
deviation relative a predefined relationship between the first set of predefined standards
and the second set of predefined standards. For example, the predefined relationship
between the first set of predefined standards and the second set of predefined standards
may define one or more values of custody transfer parameter value which may be
obtained in ideal scenarios while utilizing the first set of predefined standards or the
second set of predefined standards.
[0042] In further embodiments, the system 106 may be configured to receive the first
energy value from the flow measurement unit 104 and/or sensor 102. The system 106
may further configured to determine a second energy value based on the one or more
sensors data and a fourth set of predefined standards. In an embodiment, the fourth set
of predefined standards may be same as the third set of predefined standards. In another
embodiment, the fourth set of predefined standards may be different then the third set
of predefined standards. In some embodiments, the fourth set of predefined standards
may be defined by the user as per the requirements. In some other embodiments, the
third and the fourth set of predefined standards may be defined as per government
policies, or rules and regulations. The system 106 may further configured to compare
the first energy value and the second energy value to determine an energy deviation
indicative of mismeasurement in the first energy value measured by the flow
measurement unit. Thereafter, the system 106 may be configured to identify at least
one of a sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow measurement unit,
responsible for the energy deviation by analyzing the energy deviation relative to an
energy predefined relationship between the one or more sensor data and corresponding
calorific energy value. The predefined relationship between the sensor data and the
corresponding calorific energy value may include a dataset and/or algorithms with
definite Input - Output relationship defining various exemplary values of the one or
more sensors and corresponding calorific energy value in idle scenarios. The system
15
106 may use said dataset and/or algorithms with definite Input - Output relationship to
identify the at least one of a sensor or the flow measurement unit responsible for the
deviation.
[0043] In some embodiment, the system 106 may be configured to receive the first set
of diagnostic parameters indicative of health of the one or more sensors from either the
one or more sensors or the flow measurement unit 104. The system 106 may be
configured to determine a second set of diagnostic parameters as per the second set of
predetermined standards based on the one or more sensor data and the first custody
transfer parameter value. Therefore, the system 106 may compare the first set of
diagnostic parameters with the second set of diagnostic parameters to determine a
deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first custody transfer parameter value
measured by the flow measurement unit 104. Based on the determined deviation, the
system 106 may be configured to identify at least one of process failure conditions or
sensor malfunction based on the determined deviation.
[0044] In an illustrated embodiment, only one validation and diagnostic system 106 is
shown. However, embodiments intend to cover or otherwise cover any number of such
validation and diagnostic system, as per the requirements. Such systems may be
interconnected with each other or any of the component/system illustrated in Fig. 1 by
any suitable network such as, wireless network or wired network.
[0045] Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the system 200 for diagnostic and validation
of custody transfer measurement system in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure. The system 200 corresponds to the system 106, as illustrated in Fig.
1.
[0046] The system 200 may include an Input/Output (I/O) interface 202, one or more
processors 204 (hereafter referred to as the processor 204), a memory 206, a
communication unit 208 and one or more units 210.
16
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the I/O interface 202 may be configured to enable
connection of the one or more sensors 102 and the flow measurement unit 106 with the
system 200. The I/O interface 202 may also be configured to enable a user to interact
with the system 200. In an embodiment, the I/O interface 202 may be configured to
enable a user to select one or more predefined standards, monitoring condition, gas fuel
characteristics and so forth. Examples of the I/O interface 202 may include various
input/output ports of the system 200. In other embodiments, the I/O interface 202 may
include components such as, but not limited to, a display, a keyboard, a touch-screen,
a microphone, a speaker and so forth. The I/O interface 202 may be operatively coupled
to the processor 204.
[0048] The processor 204 may be configured to receive and process the one or more
sensor data received from the one or more sensors 102 and information such as custody
transfer parameter value, energy value and diagnostic parameters from the flow
measurement unit 104 and/or sensor 102. The processor 204 may be configured to
perform one or more operation as explained in reference to the system 106. The
processor 204 may be operatively coupled to each of the components of the system
200. The processor 204 may include any suitable processing unit such as, but not
limited to, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), a
microprocessor, a microcontroller and so forth.
[0049] The system 200 also includes the memory 206 configured to store one or more
instructions and/or data, to be executed by the processor 204 or used by the processor
204 to implement the desired functionality of the system 200. In an exemplary
embodiment, the memory 206 may be configured to store the one or more predefined
standards, custody transfer values, one or more predefined relationship among various
parameters involved in implementing the functionality of the system 200. In other
embodiment, the memory 206 may be configured to store one or more sensor data
sensed by the one or more sensors, a custody transfer parameter values determined by
17
the flow measurement unit, custody transfer parameter values determined by the
system 200, predefined relationship between one or more sensor data and
corresponding custody transfer parameter value. The memory 206 may also be
configured to store a predefined relationship between one or more predefined
standards. In some other embodiments, the memory 206 may be configured to store
energy value determined by the flow measurement unit, energy value determined by
the system 200, predefined relationship of one or more sensor data and corresponding
calorific energy value. In yet another embodiment, the memory 206 may be configured
to store diagnostic parameters generated by at least one of the sensors, the flow
measurement unit or the system 200.The memory 206 may include any suitable storage
medium such as, but not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only
Memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard-disk, and so forth.
[0050] The system 200 may also include the communication unit 208 configured to
enable communication of the system 200 with one or more external entities. The one
or more external entities may include any suitable computing device. The
communication unit 208 may include devices such as, but are not limited to, antennas,
modulators, demodulations, multiplexers, demultiplexer, amplifier, data
communication interfaces with different protocols and so forth. According to an aspect,
the at least one communication unit 208 may further configured to communicate the
timestamped data set which may comprise at least one of the sensors data, first and
second custody transfer value first and second custody transfer energy value, first and
second set of diagnostic values to a remote diagnostic and validation system (on cloud/
on premises) (similar to 106) using various communication protocols. The Remote
diagnostic and validation system may act as a repository to the data and/or may perform
all functions similar to system 106 on enterprise level.
18
[0051] The system 200 also includes one or more units 210 such as, but not limited to,
a custody transfer parameter value calculation unit 212, a comparison unit 214, and a
deviation identification unit 216. Said units 210 may be configured to implement one
or more functionalities of the processor 204. Said units 210 may work independently
or jointly to perform the one or more functionalities of the processor 204. In an
exemplary embodiment, the custody transfer parameter value calculation unit 212 may
be configured to determined custody transfer parameter value based on sensor data and
predefined standards. The comparison unit 214 may be configured to perform one or
more comparison of data required to implement the functionality of the present
disclosure. The deviation identification unit 216 may be configured to identify the
deviation in one or more parameter values determined by the flow measurement unit
104 and the system 200. The system 200 may also include an alarm and event unit 218
which may be configured to generate an event and/or alarm signal upon detecting any
malfunction of the process or the sensors.
[0052] While the illustrated embodiment is exemplary in nature, the system 200 may
include any additional component or omit any of above-mentioned component,
required to implement the desired functionality of the system 200.
[0053] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 for diagnostic and validation
of custody transfer measurement system for natural gas fuel. This flowchart is merely
provided for exemplary purposes, and embodiments are intended to include or
otherwise cover any methods or procedures of performing gesture recognition for sign
language processing. Fig. 3 is described in reference to Figs. 1-2.
[0054] At block 302, the method 300 includes receiving, one or more senor data, during
a predefined time-interval, sensed by one or more sensors disposed in the custody
transfer measurement system 100 along a pipeline configured to transfer the natural
gas fuel.
19
[0055] At block 304, the method 300 includes receiving a first custody transfer
parameter value indicative of an amount of the gas fuel transferred through the pipeline
during the predefined time-interval in terms of volume and mass from a flow
measurement unit 104 connected with the one or more sensors 102. The first custody
transfer parameter value being calculated by the flow measurement unit based on the
one or more sensor data and a first set of predefined standards.
[0056] At block 306, the method 300 includes calculating a second custody transfer
parameter value based on the one or more sensor data and a second set of predefined
standards.
[0057] At block 308, the method 300 includes comparing the first custody transfer
parameter value and the second custody transfer parameter value to determine a
deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first custody transfer parameter value
measured by the flow measurement unit 104.
[0058] At block 310, the method 300 includes identifying at least one of a sensor
among the one or more sensors and the flow measurement unit, responsible for the
deviation by analyzing the deviation relative to a predefined relationship between the
one or more sensor data and corresponding custody transfer parameter value.
[0059] In some embodiments, the method also include executing an analytical engine
to generate dynamic deviation control band of operation based on historical and
fingerprint operational data to generate operational alerts/early detection to prevent
malfunction and to identify reasons for deviation and probable mitigation measures.
Further, the method includes storing time stamped data/parameters on the system 200
and /or an image of the data on remote diagnostic and validation enterprise servers
using different communication modes.
20
[0060] Fig. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface 400 of the system 106 and/or the
system 200, in accordance with the present disclosure. The user interface 400 may
enable a user to interact with the system 106 and/or the system 200. Specifically, the
user interface 400 may enable the user to write, select, edit, modify, and save one or
more characteristic parameters required to implement the functionality of the system
106 and/or the system 200.
[0061] Fig. 5a-5d illustrate various graphical user interfaces 500a-500d of the system
100, in accordance with the present disclosure. Specifically, the user interfaces 500a500d illustrates various deviation in sensor data identified by the system 106 and/or the
system 200. Said deviations may be used to identify the at least one of a sensor or the
flow measurement unit responsible for malfunctioning of the system 100.
[0062] The foregoing description of the various embodiments is provided to enable
any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications
to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from
the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be
limited to the embodiments shown herein, and instead the claims should be accorded
the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
[0063] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred
embodiment, it is apparent that variations and modifications will occur without
departing the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the
present disclosure covers any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall
within the scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed above.

We Claim:
1. A method for diagnostic and validation of custody transfer measurement system
for natural gas fuel, the method comprising:
receiving, one or more senor data, during a predefined time-interval, sensed by
one or more sensors disposed in the custody transfer measurement system along a
pipeline configured to transfer the natural gas fuel;
receiving, from a flow measurement unit connected with the one or more
sensors, a first custody transfer parameter value indicative of an amount of the gas fuel
transferred through the pipeline during the predefined time-interval in terms of volume
and mass, wherein the first custody transfer parameter value being calculated by the
flow measurement unit based on the one or more sensor data and a first set of
predefined standards;
calculating a second custody transfer parameter value based on the one or more
sensor data and a second set of predefined standards;
comparing the first custody transfer parameter value and the second custody
transfer parameter value to determine a deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the
first custody transfer parameter value measured by the flow measurement unit; and
identifying at least one of a sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow
measurement unit, responsible for the deviation by:
analyzing the deviation relative to a predefined relationship between the
one or more sensor data and corresponding custody transfer parameter value.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising identifying at least one
of a sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow measurement unit, responsible
for the deviation by:
analyzing a deviation relative to a predefined relationship between the first set
of predefined standards and the second set of predefined standards.
22
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors comprises
at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a turbine sensor, a Rotary Positive Displacement
(RPD sensor, an orifice sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a gas
chromatograph sensor.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensor data
comprises:
a gas flow parameter value sensed by at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a
turbine sensor, a RPD sensor, or an orifice sensor,
a pressure value sensed by a pressure sensor,
a temperature value sensed by a temperature sensor, and
gas composition sensed by a gas chromatograph sensor.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of predefined standards
comprises at least one of AGA-3, AGA-7, AGA-8, AGA-9 or API 21.1.
6. The method as claimed claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, from the flow measurement unit, a first energy value indicative of
calorific value flowing through the custody transfer measurement system in the
pipeline during the predefined time-interval, wherein the first energy value being
calculated by the flow measurement unit based on the one or more sensor data and a
third set of predefined standards;
determining a second energy value based on the one or more sensors data and
a fourth set of predefined standards;
comparing the first energy value and the second energy value to determine an
energy deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first energy value measured by
the flow measurement unit; and
identifying at least one of a sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow
measurement unit, responsible for the energy deviation by:
23
analyzing the energy deviation relative to an energy predefined relationship
between the one or more sensor data and corresponding calorific energy value.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the third set of predefined standard
comprises at least one of ISO 6976, GPA 2172 or GPA 2145, ASTM D 1945, ASTM
D 3588 and AGA-5.
8. The method as claimed claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, from at least one of the flow measurement unit or the one or more
sensors, a first set of diagnostic parameters indicative of health of the one or more
sensors, the first set of diagnostic parameters includes at least one of Speed of Sound
(SoS) as per the first set of predetermined standards during the predefined timeinterval;
determining a second set of diagnostic parameters as per the second set of
predetermined standards based on the one or more sensor data and the first custody
transfer parameter value;
comparing the first set of diagnostic parameters with the second set of
diagnostic parameters to determine a deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the
first custody transfer parameter value measured by the flow measurement unit; and
identifying at least one of process failure conditions or sensor malfunction
based on the determined deviation.
9. A system for diagnostic and validation of custody transfer measurement system
for natural gas fuel, the system comprising:
an I/O interface;
a communication unit;
a memory; and
at least one processor communicably coupled to the I/O interface, the
communication unit, and the memory, the at least one processor is configured to:
24
receive, one or more senor data, during a predefined time-interval, sensed by
one or more sensors disposed in the custody transfer measurement system along a
pipeline configured to transfer the natural gas fuel;
receive, from a flow measurement unit connected with the one or more sensors,
a first custody transfer parameter value indicative of an amount of the gas fuel
transferred through the pipeline during the predefined time-interval in terms of volume
and mass, wherein the first custody transfer parameter value being calculated by the
flow measurement unit based on the one or more sensor data and a first set of
predefined standards;
calculate a second custody transfer parameter value based on the one or more
sensor data and a second set of predefined standards;
compare the first custody transfer parameter value and the second custody
transfer parameter value to determine a deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the
first custody transfer parameter value measured by the flow measurement unit; and
identify at least one of a sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow
measurement unit responsible for the deviation by:
analyzing the deviation relative to a predefined relationship between the
one or more sensor data and corresponding custody transfer parameter value.
10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein to identify at least one of a sensor
among the one or more sensors and the flow measurement unit, responsible for the
deviation, the at least one processor is further configured to:
analyze a deviation relative to a predefined relationship between the first set of
predefined standards and the second set of predefined standards.
11. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more sensors comprises
at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a turbine sensor, a Rotary Positive Displacement
25
(RPD) sensor, an orifice sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a gas
chromatograph sensor.
12. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more sensor data
comprises:
a gas flow parameter value sensed by at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a
turbine sensor, a RPD sensor, or a orifice sensor,
a pressure value sensed by a pressure sensor,
a temperature value sensed by a temperature sensor, and
gas composition sensed by a gas chromatograph sensor.
13. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first set of predefined standards
comprises at least one of AGA-3, AGA-7, AGA-8, AGA-9 or API 21.1.
14. The system as claimed claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is further
configured to:
receive, from the flow measurement unit, a first energy value indicative of
calorific value flowing through the custody transfer measurement system in the
pipeline during the predefined time-interval, wherein the first energy value being
calculated by the flow measurement unit based on the one or more sensor data and a
third set of predefined standards;
determine a second energy value based on the one or more sensors data and a
fourth set of predefined standards;
compare the first energy value and the second energy value to determine an
energy deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first energy value measured by
the flow measurement unit; and
identify at least one of a sensor among the one or more sensors and the flow
measurement unit, responsible for the energy deviation by:
26
analyzing the energy deviation relative to an energy predefined
relationship between the one or more sensor data and corresponding calorific
energy value.
15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the third set of predefined standard
comprises at least one of ISO 6976, GPA 2172 or GPA 2145, ASTM D 1945, ASTM
D 3588 and AGA-5.
16. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is further
configured to:
receive, from at least one of the flow measurement unit or the one or more
sensors, a first set of diagnostic parameters indicative of health of the one or more
sensors, the first set of diagnostic parameters includes at least one of Speed of Sound
(SoS) as per the first set of predetermined standards during the predefined timeinterval;
determine a second set of diagnostic parameters as per the second set of
predetermined standards based on the one or more sensor data and the first custody
transfer parameter value;
compare the first set of diagnostic parameters with the second set of diagnostic
parameters to determine a deviation indicative of mismeasurement in the first custody
transfer parameter value measured by the flow measurement unit; and
identify at least one of process failure conditions or sensor malfunction based
on the determined deviation.