Laser Scanner Alignment for Accurate Storage Tank Volume Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating storage tanks in the oil and gas industry are inefficient, invasive, and prone to errors, leading to infrequent and inaccurate volume measurements, which can be costly and pose safety risks due to the need for tank downtime and manual, time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous vehicle coupled with a laser scanning device is used to align and measure the volume of storage tanks by determining alignment angles and scanning horizontal offsets, allowing for quick, non-invasive, and accurate volume calculations, including consideration of tank thickness and internal structures, using LIDAR technology to automate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual strapping or optical techniques are used for tank calibration, then volume measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process requires tank downtime and is time-consuming (one to two days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical strapping methods and complex optical techniques with an automated laser scanning system mounted on a mobile platform. The laser device automatically scans the tank interior surfaces and collects measurement data, eliminating the need for manual operations and reducing calibration time from one to two days to a much shorter automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platform with laser scanning device is designed to autonomously navigate and position itself within the tank. The system self-adjusts to capture comprehensive measurements of the tank interior without requiring external manual intervention, enabling the calibration process to serve itself and significantly reducing the time required.
2Productivity
If laser-based techniques are used for tank calibration, then calibration can be performed more frequently, but positioning errors of laser devices introduce measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the mobile platform continuously monitors its own position and orientation within the tank. The laser scanning device adjusts its measurements based on real-time positional data, and the system uses reference points and alignment procedures to correct any positioning errors, ensuring measurement accuracy even when performed frequently by mobile operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary reference elements and alignment procedures that mediate between the mobile laser device and the tank structure. These intermediaries provide stable reference frames that allow the mobile platform to accurately locate itself and perform precise measurements regardless of minor positioning variations, enabling frequent calibration without sacrificing accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If invasive calibration techniques are used to access internal tank volume, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but safety risks and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a detailed digital copy or three-dimensional model of the tank interior through laser scanning. Instead of requiring physical access to internal components or invasive measurement procedures, the laser device captures optical images and point cloud data that replicate the tank's internal geometry, allowing accurate volume calculations without physically disturbing the tank or exposing workers to hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical measurement methods with non-contact optical laser scanning. The laser device measures distances and surfaces through light reflection without physical contact, eliminating the need for workers to enter the tank or manipulate internal components, thereby removing safety risks associated with invasive techniques while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables frequent, accurate, and cost-effective tank volume measurements, reducing downtime and safety risks while improving precision and efficiency by automating the calibration process and allowing for real-time data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
using LIDAR technology to automate the process
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for aligning a laser scanning device for measurement of a volume of a container. A method includes: causing an autonomous vehicle coupled to the laser scanning device to move to a location at a known distance from a reference circumference; generating data indicative of locations of points along a portion of the reference circumference; determining, based on the data, an alignment angle by which the autonomous vehicle is to steer such that an axis of the laser scanning device that intersects the container passes through a center axis of the container; causing the autonomous vehicle to steer by the alignment angle, such that the laser scanning device is thereby aligned normal to a tangent plane of a wall of the container; and measuring a plurality of horizontal offsets of the wall relative to the reference circumference for use in determining the volume.