Remote Fluid Control via Local Command Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for remote monitoring and control of fluid-handling devices, such as SCADA systems, are often unreliable due to network connectivity issues and require specialized software installation, making them cumbersome and costly to operate, especially in geographically distributed settings like oil wells and petroleum pumping stations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a command-center server, site master-controllers, and user devices that enables remote control of fluid-handling devices by translating commands into device-specific protocols, allowing for continuous operation even if network access is lost, and eliminating the need for special-purpose software installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If SCADA systems are used for remote monitoring and control of fluid-handling devices, then remote control capability is achieved, but system reliability deteriorates due to network connectivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a remote user device, a network interface, and a local controller. The local controller operates independently at the fluid-handling site, enabling it to execute commands and monitor devices without continuous network connectivity. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability during network outages while preserving remote control capability when the network is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The local controller stores commands and operational parameters in advance in its memory. When a command is received via the network, it is buffered and prepared for execution. If the network connection is lost, the controller continues to execute previously received commands and operates based on stored parameters, ensuring uninterrupted control of fluid-handling devices.
2Ease of operation
If special-purpose software is installed on computing devices for remote control, then control functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal web-based interface that can be accessed from any standard web browser without requiring installation of special-purpose software. The local controller and server handle the complexity of protocol translation and device-specific configurations, while the user interface remains simple and consistent across different devices and operating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between the user's web browser and the local controller. The server receives commands from the browser, translates them into device-specific protocols, and communicates with the local controller. This intermediary layer shields the user from complexity while enabling sophisticated control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a process, including: receiving, via the network interface, from a remote user device, a command to change a state of the fluid-handling device to a target state; translating the received command into a translated command operative to cause a local controller of the fluid-handling device to drive the fluid-handling equipment to the target state, the local controller being responsive to the command and feedback from the fluid-handling device indicative of whether the fluid-handling device is in the target state; and sending the translated command to the local controller