Remote Brine Dispensing Control for Pre-Storm Transfer Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brine application methods for snow and ice management are inefficient due to the need for manual pretreatment, limited 24/7 access, and the ineffectiveness of brine when temperature drops below freezing or if rain precedes snow, leading to increased costs and equipment wear.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application and method for remotely controlling and automating a brine making and dispensing system, which includes connecting to a controller to initiate brine transfer from storage to external storage, allowing for wireless monitoring and control of brine density, salinity, and dispensing, enabling on-demand brine production and distribution without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pretreatment with brine is performed before snowstorms, then snow and ice accumulation is reduced, but labor costs and equipment wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically transferring brine to storage tanks before snow events occur, based on weather forecast data. This eliminates the need for manual pretreatment operations while maintaining the effectiveness of pre-snow brine application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated brine production and transfer operations. The brine making system automatically monitors its own brine levels and initiates transfer operations without human intervention, reducing labor costs and equipment wear associated with manual operations.
2Ease of operation
If brine is stored in on-site tanks, then 24/7 access to brine is ensured, but brine may freeze or be washed away if conditions are not monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring weather conditions, brine temperature, and storage levels. This data feeds back to the control system, which automatically adjusts brine transfer and application operations to maintain brine effectiveness while ensuring 24/7 availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively transferring brine to storage tanks based on forecasted weather conditions before critical events occur. This ensures brine is available when needed while preventing freezing or washaway issues through advance preparation.
3Productivity
If post-treatment with brine is performed after snow events, then pretreatment costs and equipment wear are eliminated, but additional passes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically transferring brine to storage tanks and application equipment before snow events occur, based on weather forecasts. This eliminates the need for post-treatment passes while maintaining effective snow and ice control, thereby reducing both time loss and operational costs.
4Productivity
If automated brine transfer is implemented, then labor requirements are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating weather data reception, brine production control, and automated transfer operations into a single unified platform. This reduces the need for separate manual operations and monitoring systems, ultimately simplifying overall system management despite the added automation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a brine dispensing system of a brine making system includes connecting remotely to a controller of the brine making system with a control application. A brine transfer from brine storage of the brine making system to an external storage is initiated with the control application.