Handheld Device for Automated Hydrocarbon Skid Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current practices for collecting, analyzing, and transmitting data from fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment are inefficient, prone to errors, and costly, particularly due to reliance on manual data entry and lack of wireless communication capabilities, leading to incomplete, inaccurate data and delayed responses to out-of-tolerance readings.
Innovation Solution
The use of a handheld computing device with wireless communication systems, GPS, and graphical user interface to automatically collect, analyze, and transmit data from both wireless-enabled and non-wireless instruments, reducing the need for manual entry and enabling real-time monitoring and alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data collection and entry methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but data accuracy and completeness deteriorate due to human error in reading, recording, and transcribing instrument readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data collection processes (visual inspection, handwriting, transcription) with electronic data collection systems including handheld computing devices, wireless communication modules, and automated data entry software. This substitution eliminates human error in reading and recording while maintaining system simplicity through user-friendly interfaces and automatic instrument identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces handheld computing devices as intermediaries between traditional instruments and central databases. These devices capture data from instruments via wireless communication or manual entry, then automatically transmit it to central systems, eliminating the need for paper forms and manual transcription while improving data accuracy through electronic validation and error checking.
2Productivity
If discrete analog and digital instruments without wireless capability are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual data collection and transcription processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal data collection system that can interface with both traditional non-wireless instruments and modern wireless instruments through a single handheld computing device. The system provides multiple data collection modes (manual entry, wireless communication, photograph capture) to accommodate various instrument types, thereby improving productivity without requiring complete instrument replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld computing device serves as an intermediary that bridges traditional instruments and modern data systems. It captures data from legacy instruments through manual entry or photograph recognition, then automatically transmits it electronically, eliminating time-consuming manual transcription while keeping the original simple instruments in place.
3Ease of operation
If hard-wired instruments with separate displays are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in locating and reading instruments in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld computing device acts as an intermediary that captures instrument data remotely through photograph recognition or wireless communication, then displays it in a centralized, easily accessible interface. This eliminates the need for personnel to physically locate and read instruments in adverse weather, improving ease of operation while maintaining data accuracy through electronic capture and validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically locating and reading instrument displays with electronic data capture methods. Handheld devices use photograph recognition technology or wireless communication to automatically capture instrument readings, then transmit them electronically, eliminating weather-related reading difficulties while maintaining measurement precision.
4Reliability
If immediate feedback mechanisms are implemented, then reliability is improved through real-time error detection, but device complexity increases due to additional validation and alert systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate feedback mechanisms through the handheld computing device that validate data readings in real-time. The system compares captured data against expected ranges, instrument specifications, and historical patterns, then provides instant feedback to the operator about potential errors or out-of-tolerance conditions. This improves reliability through real-time error detection while maintaining simplicity through user-friendly alert interfaces.
5Loss of information
If paper-based data collection forms are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but loss of information increases due to illegible handwriting, misplaced forms, and transcription errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces paper-based data collection with electronic systems using handheld computing devices. Data is captured directly in digital format through photograph recognition, wireless communication, or electronic entry, then automatically transmitted and stored in centralized databases. This eliminates information loss from illegible handwriting and misplaced forms while maintaining simplicity through automated data management and validation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses photograph capture and recognition technology to create digital copies of instrument readings and data forms. Instead of manual transcription, the system photographs the instrument display or paper form, automatically recognizes the data, and converts it to digital format for storage and analysis. This eliminates transcription errors and information loss while maintaining ease of data management through automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for collecting, analyzing, transmitting, and acting on information collected from instruments monitoring and controlling equipment used for natural gas well production collection and pipeline insertion platforms (skids). Said instruments may include handheld computing devices like the Apple iPhone, iPad, or other PDAs; said devices using short or long range, wired or wireless communication. The systems and methods reduce costs, errors, inefficiencies, and increase safety by giving the user simple GUI interfaces for data collection and for action items. The said handheld devices can guide the data collector to the skid location using GPS or other location based services, collect data via wired of wireless methods, guide the data collector through manual data input methods or safety action items, compare current readings to past history and evaluate current safety or out-of-tolerance conditions or entries, among other items.