U.S. patent application number 15/923176 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-20 for monitoring system for floating roof storage tank.
This patent application is currently assigned to Chevron U.S.A. Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Chevron U.S.A. Inc.. Invention is credited to Jacobo Rogelio Archuleta, Cole Thomas Brinkley, Ronald Derane Goodwin, Monica Suman Krishnan, Heath Evan Lynch, James Daniel Montoya.
Application Number | 20180266874 15/923176 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63520611 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180266874 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Montoya; James Daniel ; et
al. |
September 20, 2018 |
MONITORING SYSTEM FOR FLOATING ROOF STORAGE TANK
Abstract
A system for monitoring a floating roof of a liquid storage tank
and a method for use of the system are described. The system
includes linear position measuring devices to determine the
vertical location and orientation of the floating roof within the
storage tank and one or more transmitters to relay such information
to a monitoring, recording, or control device, or to a remote
computer network location. Typically, three measuring devices are
used, positioned at or near the top of the storage tank and
generally equally spaced around the perimeter of the tank. The
system and method are useful to monitor the position and
inclination of a liquid storage tank floating roof, such as may be
used in the petrochemical, chemical and other industries where such
storage tanks are in use.
Inventors: |
Montoya; James Daniel;
(Santa Fe, NM) ; Archuleta; Jacobo Rogelio; (Santa
Fe, NM) ; Lynch; Heath Evan; (Houston, TX) ;
Brinkley; Cole Thomas; (Santa Fe, NM) ; Krishnan;
Monica Suman; (Sugar Land, TX) ; Goodwin; Ronald
Derane; (Lucedale, MS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chevron U.S.A. Inc. |
San Ramon |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
San Ramon
CA
|
Family ID: |
63520611 |
Appl. No.: |
15/923176 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62472710 |
Mar 17, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01F 23/68 20130101;
G01F 23/0023 20130101; B65D 88/34 20130101; B65D 90/48
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01F 23/68 20060101
G01F023/68 |
Claims
1. A system for monitoring a floating roof of a liquid storage tank
comprising: at least three linear position measuring devices for
measuring the vertical distance from a proximal reference location
for each measuring device to a vertically-aligned distal location
at a top of the floating roof, wherein the measuring devices are
spaced around and installed at or near a top perimeter of the
storage tank, and wherein each measuring device is configured to
provide vertical distance measurement information to a monitoring,
recording, or transmitting device; a support structure for
attaching each measuring device to the storage tank at or near the
top perimeter of the storage tank, wherein each measuring device
connects to the support structure and the support structure
connects to the storage tank; and a transmitter for receiving the
vertical distance measurement information from one or more of the
measuring devices and for transmitting the information.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring device provides
vertical distance information to determine the floating roof
position and the inclination of the roof relative to horizontal
level.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring device comprises an
extendible wire or cable that extends substantially vertically
downward from the measuring device and is connected to the roof at
the distal location at the top of the floating roof.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring device is a wire
drawn linear position transducer that optionally includes a sleep
mode of operation.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring device provides an
electrical output value that is linearly related to the vertical
distance measurement from the reference location to the distal
location at the top of the floating roof.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring device reference
location is the zero position of the measuring device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring device reference
location is a proximal location at the top of the storage tank.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring device reference
point is a proximal location at the top edge of the storage
tank.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring devices are
substantially equally spaced around the top perimeter of the
storage tank.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the support structure has a
length adjustable from about 0.5 m to about 2 m.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the support structure has a
length adjustable from about 0.5 m to about 1 m.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the support structure is
configured for distal attachment of the support structure to the
top of the storage tank.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the support structure is
configured for proximal attachment of the measuring device to the
support structure.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to
transmit the vertical distance measurement information to a
monitoring, recording, or control device, or to a computer network
gateway.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to
receive an output value from the measuring device and to transmit
the value to a monitoring, recording, or control device, or to a
computer network gateway.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is externally
wireless and is configured to transmit the vertical distance
measurement information wirelessly to a computer network
gateway.
17. A method for monitoring a floating roof of a liquid storage
tank comprising: deploying at or near a top perimeter of a liquid
storage tank at least three linear position measuring devices for
measuring the vertical distance from a proximal reference location
for each measuring device to a vertically-aligned distal location
at the top of the floating roof, wherein each measuring device is
configured to provide vertical distance measurement information to
a monitoring, recording, or transmitting device; deploying a
transmitter at the top of the storage tank for receiving the
vertical distance measurement information from one or more of the
measuring devices and for transmitting the information to a
monitoring, recording, or control device, or to a computer network
gateway; obtaining linear position output information from the one
or more measuring devices and providing said information to the
transmitter; and transmitting the information received by the
transmitter to a monitoring, recording, or control device, or to a
computer network gateway.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising applying the
information received to determine position or inclination values of
the floating roof within the storage tank.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising comparing the
position or inclination values to pre-determined set point ranges
for alarm status changes to determine if the values are within or
exceed the set point ranges; and updating the alarm condition
status for the floating roof position or inclination.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/472,710, titled
"Monitoring System For Floating Roof Storage Tank" and filed on
Mar. 17, 2017. The entire contents of the foregoing application are
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] A monitoring system for a floating roof of a liquid storage
tank and a method for use of the system are provided. The system
and method are useful to monitor the position and inclination of a
liquid storage tank floating roof, such as may be used in the
petrochemical, chemical, and other industries where such storage
tanks are in use.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Liquid storage tanks frequently contain floating roofs that
float on top of the liquid contained in the tank. Such roofs are
vertically displaceable with the addition of liquid to, or removal
of liquid from, the tank. Certain industries, such as those
associated with petrochemical processing or storage, including
refineries, tank terminals and the like, often use floating roofs
to minimize product economic losses and for environmental reasons
to reduce the emission of volatile hydrocarbons. Floating roofs
also protect the product contained within the tank from debris,
excess water addition, or other contaminants. For those storage
applications involving flammable liquids, floating roofs are used
to reduce the risk of fire and/or explosion by reducing the exposed
vapor space in the tank above the flammable liquid. Floating roof
rim seals and shunts are also frequently used along with a floating
roof to minimize the risk of rim fires.
[0004] The risk of a severe roof failure accident can be associated
with several potential causes, including the lack of adequate
overfill warning or notification of an alarm condition. The
floating roof may also get stuck at one or more rim locations
during filling or emptying of the tank due to icing, the
accumulation of debris, or an obstruction at the rim seal.
Improperly monitored floating roofs may also experience leaks,
excessive snow or water load on the top of the roof, freezing of
accumulated or pooled water on top of the roof, or excessive wind
pressure. These and other such conditions may lead to failure of
the roof or improper position and/or inclination (tilt) of the
roof. Safe operation of the storage tank therefore requires a
reliable and accurate way to monitor the status, particularly the
position and inclination, of a floating roof.
[0005] An additional concern for the storage of flammable and/or
explosive liquids within the tank, and the monitoring of the
floating roof, relates to the use certification for any monitoring
or measurement devices used on or near the tank. Importantly, such
devices must generally meet the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) Class 1, Division 1 or more stringent
certification requirements where, along with other conditions,
ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable
liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors can
exist under normal operating conditions.
[0006] Due to the importance of monitoring floating roof operation,
including providing accurate and current position and inclination
information for floating roofs, and the absence of cost-effective
and reliable means for monitoring such roofs, a continuing need
exists for improved systems and methods for the cost-effective
monitoring of floating roofs in liquid storage tanks.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present application is directed to a monitoring system
for a floating roof of a liquid storage tank, as well as to a
method for using the system. The system comprises at least three
linear position measuring devices for measuring the vertical
distance from a proximal reference location for each measuring
device to a generally vertically-aligned distal location at the top
of the floating roof. The measuring devices are spaced around and
installed at or near the top perimeter of the storage tank, each
measuring device being configured to provide vertical distance
measurement information to a monitoring, recording, or transmitting
device. The system also includes an adjustable support structure
for attaching each measuring device to the storage tank at or near
the top perimeter of the storage tank. Each measuring device
connects to a separate support structure specifically for that
device and the support structures are then connected to the storage
tank. The system further includes a transmitter for receiving the
vertical distance measurement information from one or more of the
measuring devices and for transmitting the information.
[0008] The method of the application relates to monitoring a
floating roof of a liquid storage tank through the use of the
system. The method comprises deploying at or near the top perimeter
of a liquid storage tank at least three linear position measuring
devices for measuring the vertical distance from a proximal
reference location for each measuring device to a
vertically-aligned distal location at the top of the floating roof.
Each measuring device is configured to provide vertical distance
measurement information to a monitoring, recording, or transmitting
device. A transmitter is also deployed at the top of the storage
tank for receiving the vertical distance measurement information
from one or more of the measuring devices and for transmitting the
information to a monitoring, recording, or control device, or to a
computer network gateway. The measuring devices obtain linear
position output information from the one or more measuring devices
and provide that information to the transmitter. The transmitter
then transmits the information received by the transmitter to a
monitoring, recording, or control device, or to a computer network
gateway.
[0009] The present application is further directed to a method for
determining an alarm condition status or status change of a
floating roof of a liquid storage tank comprising applying the
method of monitoring the floating roof described herein to
determine position or inclination values of the floating roof
within the storage tank, comparing the position or inclination
values to pre-determined set point ranges for alarm status changes
to determine if the values are within or exceed the set point
ranges, and updating the alarm condition status for the floating
roof position or inclination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings provided herein are for the purposes of
illustration only, and are not intended to limit the disclosure or
scope of the claimed invention. The elements and features shown in
the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example
embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may
be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the
drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but
not necessarily identical, elements.
[0011] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a floating roof
tank system having a floating roof monitoring system attached to
the top of the floating roof tank, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of the floating roof tank
system of FIG. 1A, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of a floating
roof monitoring system having a measuring device and support
structure attached to a floating roof tank edge, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the
floating roof monitoring system of FIG. 2A, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a floating roof
monitoring system having a measuring device and support structure
attached to a floating roof tank edge, according to another
exemplary embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The present application is directed to a monitoring system
for a floating roof of a liquid storage tank, as well as to a
method for using the system. Specific embodiments and benefits of
the invention are apparent from the detailed description provided
herein. It should be understood, however, that the detailed
description, figures, and any specific examples, while indicating
beneficial embodiments, including some that are preferred, are
intended for purposes of illustration only and are not to be
considered as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0017] The disclosure may be better understood by reading the
following description of non-limitative, exemplary embodiments with
reference to the attached drawings, wherein like parts of each of
the figures are identified by the same reference characters. In the
following description of the representative embodiments of the
invention, directional terms, such as "above", "below", "vertical",
"radial", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", etc.,
are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying
drawings.
[0018] The monitoring system and method utilize at least three
linear position measuring devices to measure the vertical distance
from a reference location for each measuring device to a
vertically-aligned location at or near the top of the floating
roof. The reference location is generally proximal in that the
reference point location is based on the connection point of the
measuring device to the support structure. The vertically-aligned
location at or near the top of the floating roof is generally
distal in that this location is farther away from the measuring
device and the reference point location. The term
"vertically-aligned" generally means that the reference location
and the corresponding vertical measurement location at or near the
top of the floating roof are substantially in vertical alignment,
where the term "substantially" means to the extent possible
according to normal practices for aligning the measuring devices
with the roof top locations during installation.
[0019] The measuring devices are spaced around and installed at or
near the top perimeter of the storage tank. Typically, the storage
tank is cylindrical, and in exemplary embodiments, the devices are
equally spaced around the top circumference of the tank. The use of
three measuring devices is generally sufficient to monitor the
floating roof position and allow the roof position and inclination
to be determined. More than three devices may be used if desired,
however; for instance, in order to provide an additional
measurement of the floating roof location or to provide a backup
measurement in the event of a device failure.
[0020] The system also includes a support structure for attaching
each measuring device to the storage tank at the top perimeter of
the storage tank. Each measuring device connects to a separate
support structure specifically for that device. The support
structures provide a means of attaching the measuring devices to or
near the top of the storage tank so that a vertical measurement can
be obtained directly to the top of the floating roof. In exemplary
embodiments, the support structure is adjustable in length. In
certain embodiments, the support structures are adjustable from
about 0.5 meter (m) to about 2 m (1.6 feet (ft) to about 6.6 ft) in
length. In certain embodiments, the support structures are
adjustable from about 0.5 m to about 1 m (1.6 ft to about 3.3 ft)
in length. Other lengths may be used, if necessary, in order for
the support structure to provide a vertical measurement to a
desired location at the top of the floating roof. The measuring
devices are typically connected to the support structure through
the use of a bracket and/or mounting plate to hold the device in
place, or by bolting the device to the support structure. Any other
appropriate means for connecting the devices to the support
structures may also be used. The mounting bracket components may be
machined from stainless steel or coated with the same coating as
the tank exteriors to prevent long term corrosion and rusting.
[0021] The support structure also generally includes means for
secure and non-permanent attachment of the structure to the storage
tank. While not limited thereto, one suitable and convenient means
to attach the support structure to the tank includes an adjustable
bracket that allows the structure to be attached to differing tank
wall and rim thicknesses, and without modification to the tank
whatsoever.
[0022] Suitable measuring devices include any device capable of
directly measuring the vertical distance from the reference
location to the vertically-aligned location on the top of the roof.
Typically, a mechanical measurement device is used. Such devices
are cost-effective, reliable, relatively maintenance-free, and
provide an accurate measurement over the entire vertical range of
motion of the floating roof. While not necessarily limited, the
vertical displacement of floating roofs over a range of up to about
12 m (about 40 ft) or more means the corresponding measurement
range of the measuring device should be from about 0 m to about 20
m (0 ft to about 65 ft), and more particularly, from about 0 m to
about 15 m (0 ft to about 50 ft). Other types of measuring devices
to measure the vertical distance to the roof top may also be used,
including those based on optical or acoustic measurements.
[0023] A particularly useful mechanical measuring device is a wire
or cable drawn linear transducer. Such devices provide an energy
efficient, potentiometric absolute linear position measurement.
While the devices may be powered from an outside electrical source,
they are typically battery powered, intrinsically safe, and thereby
simplifying installation and service, particularly where NFPA Class
1, Division 1 service rating is required. They also allow a sleep
mode of operation, an important power saving capability that
enables a means to power on and off the device and to provide
intermittent position information when a status update is
requested, for example, from a computer network monitoring program.
Useful wire drawn transducers are available from commercial
suppliers, for example, see linear position device supplier
UniMeasure, http://www.unimeasure.com. In certain alternative
embodiments, an optical encoder may be used in lieu of a
potentiometric measuring device.
[0024] The measuring device is generally configured to provide
vertical distance measurement information to a monitoring,
recording, or transmitting device. Typically, such configuration
means the device provides an electrical output value that is
linearly related to the vertical distance measurement from the
proximal reference location to the distal location at the top of
the floating roof. In the case of a wire drawn transducer, the
output usually varies linearly with distance over a 4 milliampere
(mA) to 20 mA range. The device may also provide digital or other
output rather than an electrical analog output. Useful monitoring
or recording devices include dedicated devices such as strip or
other chart recorders, or an external computer system. Useful
measuring devices include those that are wired or wireless with
regard to external transmission of output values from the measuring
device. Although the measuring device typically provides a wired
output connection to the transmitting device, it may also be
connected wirelessly.
[0025] The system further includes a transmitter for receiving the
vertical distance measurement information from one or more of the
measuring devices and for transmitting the information. Such
devices are available commercially and typically receive output
information from measurement devices and relay that information by
transmitting it to another transmitter, or to a monitoring,
recording, or computer network system. It is generally preferred to
transmit output information from the measuring devices to a
computer network gateway so the information can be used in a
computer system monitoring program to determine position and
inclination values for the floating roof. The transmitter
interfaces with the 4-20 mA output of the cable transducer
directly, thereby conveying the tank level information to a remote
monitoring computer for monitoring and assessment.
[0026] The monitoring system and method of the present application
provide certain advantages for monitoring floating roofs in liquid
storage tanks. Such benefits include: low equipment, installation,
operational, and maintenance costs, simplicity of design and
maintenance, high accuracy and reliability of information for the
location of the floating roof, and high in-service reliability of
the system. In addition, the monitoring system and method of the
present application provides for near-real-time indication of
floating roof health.
[0027] Installation of the monitoring system is straightforward.
The measuring device may be pre-connected to the support structure
so that the on-tank installation entails locating and deploying the
measuring devices at appropriate locations around or near the top
perimeter of the tank. For example, one convenient location is to
attach the support structure to the top edge of the tank so that
the measuring device proximal reference location is at or close to
the top of the tank. The distal location at the top of the roof can
be located in conjunction with the spacing of the support
structures around the tank top perimeter so that any structures or
obstructions on the roof are avoided. The roof location is
typically kept in substantially vertical alignment with the
reference location for the measuring device. Installation of wire
drawn transducers as the measuring devices includes extending and
attaching the device measuring wire to the floating roof top. Any
attachment means may be used, including, e.g., a magnetic coupling
base, bolting the wire to a corresponding attachment point, or
adhesively bonding the wire or an attachment connector to the roof.
Advantageously, the installation may be performed without
interfering with the use or operation of the storage tank and
normal storage tank work safety precautions may usually be
maintained during installation.
[0028] FIGS. 1A-1B show a floating roof tank system 100
illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the general configuration
of a monitoring system 102 coupled to a storage tank 106 having a
floating roof 108. The monitoring system 102 includes three
measuring devices spaced around a top edge perimeter 112 of the
storage tank 106. In certain exemplary embodiments, each measuring
device is equally spaced around the perimeter 112 using support
structures (shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and 3).
[0029] FIGS. 2A-2B show a floating roof monitoring system 200
having a measuring device 210 and support structure 214 for
attachment to a floating roof tank edge (not shown). In certain
exemplary embodiments, the measuring device 210 is a wire drawn
cable transducer having a cable or wire 216 that extends from the
cable transducer measuring device 210 to a magnetic attachment disk
212 for coupling to a top of a floating roof 108 of a tank 106
(FIGS. 1A-1B). The wire 216 is generally positioned as vertical as
possible and is away from contact with any obstruction or object
within the tank 106. The measuring device 210 is shown attached to
the support structure 214 using a mounting plate 220. The mounting
plate 220 includes two mounting brackets 222 (FIG. 2A)
corresponding to and configured to engage cantilever supports 224
of the support structure 214. In certain embodiments, the mounting
brackets 222 are welded to the mounting plate 220. In other
embodiments, the mounting brackets 222 may be configured to slide
over and be pinned in place to accommodate varying tank sizes. In
certain exemplary embodiments, the cantilever supports 224 can be
extended to a desired length to align with the mounting position of
a cable attachment base (not shown) on top of the floating roof 108
of tank 106. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cable attachment
base may be magnetically coupled to the floating roof if the roof
contains magnetic materials. The measuring device 210 may be
secured to the mounting plate 220 using any suitable fastening
means, such as screws 228 (FIG. 2A). The mounting brackets 222 of
the mounting plate 220 may be secured to the cantilever supports
224 of the support structure 214 using any suitable fastening
means, such as clevis pins 230 (FIG. 2A).
[0030] The system 200 also includes a wireless transmitter 240 that
is attached to the support structure 214 to allow the output
information from the cable transducer measuring device 210 via
cable connector 244 to be relayed to a monitoring location, e.g., a
computer network gateway (not shown). The wireless transmitter 240
is shown attached to the support structure 214 using a mounting
plate 250. The wireless transmitter 240 may be secured to the
mounting plate 250 using any suitable fastening means, such as
nuts, bolts, rivets, welded brackets, studs, glue, or other
suitable adhesive. The mounting plate 250 includes two mounting
brackets 252 corresponding to and configured to engage cantilever
supports 224 of the support structure 214. The mounting brackets
252 of the mounting plate 250 may be secured to the cantilever
supports 224 of the support structure 214 using any suitable
fastening means, such as clevis pins 260 (FIG. 2A). The mounting
plate 250 also includes vertical clamps 264 (FIG. 2B) and radial
clamps 266 (FIG. 2B) positioned on a side opposite the mounting
brackets 252 for attaching to a tank edge.
[0031] One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the
components of the support structure can be designed and configured
any number of ways to allow for attachment of a measuring device to
the tank edge. In addition, the mounting bracket components may be
machined from stainless steel or coated with the same coating as
the tank exteriors to prevent long term corrosion and rusting.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a floating roof monitoring system 300 having a
transducer measuring device 310 and support structure 314 for
attachment to a floating roof tank edge (not shown). The floating
roof monitoring system 300 is the same as that described above with
regard to floating roof monitoring system 200, except as
specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the
similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. Referring now to
FIG. 3, a wireless transmitter 340 is attached to an extendible
bracket 370 coupled to a mounting bracket 364 of the support
structure 314. The wireless transmitter 340 may be secured to the
extendible bracket 370 by any suitable means, such as nuts, bolts,
rivets, welded brackets, studs, glue, or other suitable adhesive.
The height of the extendible bracket 370 may be adjusted to elevate
the position of the wireless transmitter 340 for improved radio
communications (reception/transmission). The support structure 314
is located at the top perimeter of the tank and attached to an edge
by adjusting a mounting bracket 364 to firmly attach the support to
the tank perimeter.
[0033] The use of wire drawn transducers as the system measuring
devices may also provide advantageous electrical bonding of the
roof structure to the tank shell to prevent a charge difference
creating potential for a spark between the two separate metal
structures. While such bonding may already be accomplished through
several different mechanical connections typically in place for
storage tanks, e.g., a rolling roof ladder that touches both
structures, bonded roof drain hoses that connect to both
structures, and metal shunts on the secondary seals that make
contact with the tank shell, the wire drawn connection may
nonetheless provide additional electrical bonding and protection
against charge differences.
[0034] Installation of the measuring devices around the perimeter
of the storage tank may include calibration of the measuring device
to establish a zero position for the device. The zero position may
correspond to any location of the floating roof or the reference
location for the measuring device and allows for the relative
position of the roof to be determined during operation. In the case
of a wire drawn transducer, the zero position may be the extended
wire length when the roof is at the upper extent of the roof
travel, i.e., when the storage tank is full, or at the lowest
extent of the roof travel, i.e., when the tank is operationally
empty. It may also be the output value from a wire drawn transducer
measuring device when the wire is fully retracted into the device
housing.
[0035] During normal operation of the monitoring system, the output
value from the measuring device varies linearly in relation to
movement of the floating roof. Output values from the device are
provided to the transmitter and then to a monitoring, recording, or
control device, or to a computer network gateway. A computer
monitoring or control program may be used to log the device
measurement information and to perform calculations to determine
the roof position and inclination based on the measurements.
Pre-determined set points or ranges based on roof position or
inclination values may also be associated with one or more alarm
conditions and may be integrated with control actions for operation
of the storage tank.
[0036] For example, since storage tanks are frequently required to
have independent high level alarms as a backup to a primary level
gauging system, the invention may be used to provide secondary or
tertiary level alarms to warn of potential tank overfill. The
system and method may also be used to provide alarms for other
conditions where the roof position exceeding a set point range may
present certain risks and potential for damage to the roof or tank
equipment, e.g., including low level roof operation or excessive
inclination.
[0037] The foregoing description of the invention, including
specific embodiments, is primarily for illustrative purposes, it
being recognized that a number of variations might be used which
would still incorporate the essence of the invention. Reference
should be made to the following claims in determining the scope of
the invention.
* * * * *
References