Handheld Device Automating Hydrocarbon Instrument Data Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current practices for collecting and recording fluid hydrocarbon production data from skids are prone to errors, inefficiencies, and high costs due to reliance on manual visual inspection and transcription, which can lead to inaccurate data, increased costs, and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a handheld computing device with wireless communication capabilities, GPS, and graphical user interface to automatically detect and collect data from instruments on skids, reducing manual entry errors and enabling real-time data transmission to a central system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection and transcription methods are used to collect data from instruments, then the system is simple and requires minimal technology, but the data collection time increases and accuracy decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and handwriting with electronic data collection devices that automatically capture instrument readings. The handheld computing device with camera captures images of instrument displays and uses optical character recognition to extract data, eliminating manual transcription and reducing both time and errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of instrument readings through camera images and transcribed data. The system captures visual information from instruments, converts it to digital format, and stores it electronically, replacing physical paper records and enabling automated processing.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual data collection and transcription processes are used, then equipment costs are low, but labor costs and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service data collection where the electronic data collection device automatically captures readings from instruments without requiring manual intervention for each measurement. The device autonomously navigates to instruments, captures images, and transmits data, reducing the need for continuous human labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual labor with automated electronic systems. The handheld device performs data collection, validation, and transmission functions that previously required human operators, thereby reducing labor costs while improving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If discrete analog gauges and manual recording methods are used, then the system is simple and widely compatible, but data completeness and reliability decrease due to human error and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates immediate feedback mechanisms where captured data is automatically validated against expected ranges and patterns. The device provides real-time feedback on data quality, alerting operators to potential errors or out-of-tolerance readings, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex manual verification procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces vulnerable manual processes with robust electronic systems that automatically capture, validate, and transmit data. The electronic device protects against environmental factors affecting manual reading and eliminates human errors in transcription, improving reliability despite increased device complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If visual inspection methods are used in adverse weather conditions, then no additional equipment is needed, but the ability to read instruments decreases due to rain, snow, ice, dust, or other obscuring factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the instrument display through camera imaging. This digital copy can be enhanced, zoomed, and analyzed without being affected by environmental conditions that obscure visual inspection, thereby maintaining reading accuracy in adverse weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct visual inspection with electronic imaging and optical character recognition. The camera captures the instrument display and the system processes the image digitally, eliminating the need for direct line-of-sight reading and protecting against environmental obscuring factors.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for enabling a handheld device to easily collect, analyze, transmit, and act on wireless information transmitted from various instruments on hydrocarbon production and pipeline skids. The handheld device preferentially presents available data streams based on which instruments are closest to the handheld device, as determined using available information such as signal strength or GPS or other location-based services.