SCADA Landfill Equipment Control for Real-Time Remote Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for data collection and analysis in landfill and recycling facilities are inefficient and time-consuming, lacking effective remote monitoring and control capabilities for equipment such as flares, air compressors, and liquid storage tanks.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for remote monitoring and control that includes a processor, memory, and a display for real-time data collection and analysis, allowing automatic adjustment of flare gas and air compressor operations based on pre-set thresholds, and remote control of liquid storage tanks, using a SCADA platform for centralized management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual data collection and analysis methods are used in landfill facilities, then equipment can be operated, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidtime for data collection and analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-monitoring and self-adjustment of landfill equipment. Sensors continuously collect data from flares, air compressors, and liquid storage tanks, while the control system automatically analyzes this data and adjusts equipment operations without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data from equipment is constantly monitored, analyzed against pre-set thresholds, and used to automatically adjust equipment operations. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures optimal performance and immediate response to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If remote monitoring and control capabilities are added to landfill equipment, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal centralized control platform that can monitor and control multiple different equipment types (flares, air compressors, liquid storage tanks) through a single interface. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into one system rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized control system acts as an intermediary between various sensors and equipment. It receives data from multiple sources, processes this information centrally, and sends control signals back to equipment, simplifying the overall system architecture by introducing a single mediating layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11221138B1System and method for remote monitoring and control of landfill and recycling operations

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 WM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A system and method for remote monitoring and control of landfill and recycling operations provide an intelligent centralized platform for remote, real-time industrial data gathering and process control for management of landfill and recycling operations such as leachate, gas, water and other liquids. The system and method can directly upload machine data (such as liquid volumes, flows, level, equipment runtime, sorter data, status, etc) into a centralized platform. This data can be used for analytics and automation of processes and equipment control.