Fugitive Emissions Visualization Platform for Faster Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting fugitive emissions in industrial facilities, such as EPA Method 21, are resource-intensive, costly, and prone to safety concerns, with high temporal latency and limited ability to visualize complex data effectively, leading to inefficiencies in leak detection and repair.
Innovation Solution
A smart digital platform that utilizes a sensor network-based emissions monitoring system to collect and analyze data, generating a visual representation of potential source locations and sensor placements, allowing for interactive graphical user interfaces to filter and display information on a GUI, enabling timely and accurate leak detection and prioritization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual leak detection methods (EPA Method 21) are used to monitor components, then leak detection capability is provided, but resource consumption increases and temporal latency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods (EPA Method 21) with an automated sensor network system that continuously monitors for fugitive emissions. Sensors are deployed throughout the facility to detect leaks automatically, eliminating the need for manual inspector intervention while providing continuous monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring of emissions through automated sensor networks that continuously detect and report leaks without human intervention. The sensors autonomously monitor components, detect emissions, and trigger alerts, allowing the facility to self-monitor compliance and detect issues in real-time.
2Reliability
If comprehensive sensor network deployment is implemented, then leak detection coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the facility into multiple monitoring zones with sensors strategically positioned to cover specific areas. Each sensor or sensor group monitors a defined segment of the facility, allowing comprehensive coverage while managing system complexity through modular, zone-based deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor network is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting fugitive emissions, locating leak sources, prioritizing repairs, and providing compliance documentation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single unified platform.
3Loss of information
If detailed emissions data is collected and displayed, then information completeness is improved, but data visualization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent presents different levels of data detail to different users or in different contexts. The system can display comprehensive detailed data for analysis while providing simplified visual summaries for operational decision-making. Data is localized to specific areas or components when relevant, rather than presenting all data uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms complex multi-dimensional emissions data into visual representations that add spatial and temporal dimensions. Heat maps, graphical displays of sensor locations, and time-based trends convert tabular data into intuitive visual formats that reveal patterns and priorities at a glance.
4Loss of time
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then temporal latency is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network operates with periodic sampling at strategically determined intervals rather than truly continuous monitoring. Sensors take measurements at regular intervals, providing near-real-time detection while reducing energy consumption compared to constant continuous monitoring. The sampling rate is optimized to detect leaks promptly while conserving energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart digital computer platform is disclosed that collects, analyzes, and/or renders appropriate information about fugitive emissions identified by a sensor network-based emissions monitoring system in a facility. More specifically to the methods used by the smart digital computer platform to analyze, filter, and transform the collected monitoring data into a visual output that is capable of being rendered on a graphical user interface (GUI) on a screen display with, in some embodiments, a restricted form factor. For example, smart analytics may be used to cull, filter, and transform the data displayed in a pop-up dialog box on a GUI. In another example, the transformed data may be translated into a visual, graphical element that conveys an abundance of appropriate, tailored information to a particular type of user viewing the GUI.