Tank Compatibility Monitoring Using Wireless Product Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating the chemical compatibility of products in tanks are prone to human error due to unreadable markings and environmental factors, leading to potential chemical incompatibilities.
Innovation Solution
A tank monitoring device equipped with wireless communication circuitry and a controller to automatically evaluate chemical compatibility by exchanging information with neighboring tanks, providing real-time alerts and integrating with an asset management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual markings on tanks are used to evaluate chemical compatibility, then the evaluation process is simple and relies on basic markings, but human error increases and markings become unreadable due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual markings and manual evaluation with electronic identification systems (RFID tags, barcodes, or camera-based recognition) and automated chemical compatibility databases. The controller automatically retrieves product information from these electronic sources and determines compatibility, eliminating reliance on physical markings that degrade in sunlight, rain, or rough handling conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank monitoring device autonomously performs chemical compatibility evaluation by automatically scanning product identification markers, retrieving chemical information from integrated or remote databases, and determining compatibility without human intervention. The system self-manages the entire evaluation process, from data collection to compatibility assessment and alert generation.
2Reliability
If manual evaluation based on markings is used, then the system is simple to operate, but human error and unreadable markings lead to unreliable results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated electronic identification systems. RFID readers, barcode scanners, or camera-based recognition systems automatically capture product information, while controllers query databases to determine chemical compatibility. This eliminates human error in reading markings and assessing compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary database system that stores chemical compatibility information. Instead of operators directly interpreting markings, the system queries this database using electronic product identifiers, allowing the database to act as a mediator that provides accurate compatibility information without requiring operator expertise or interpretation of physical markings.
3Productivity
If automated wireless communication between tank monitoring devices is implemented, then chemical compatibility is evaluated automatically and frequently, but energy consumption increases due to continuous communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles where tank monitoring devices transmit and receive chemical compatibility information at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. The controller manages these periodic exchanges, allowing the system to maintain up-to-date compatibility information while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous communication modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous chemical compatibility monitoring capability through periodic updates, ensuring the system is always ready to detect incompatible pairings. Rather than continuous active transmission, the system sustains monitoring readiness by periodically refreshing data, balancing continuous safety assurance with energy conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tank monitoring device for monitoring a first tank containing a first product, the tank monitoring device comprising a memory configured to store chemical compatibility information about the first product; wireless communication circuitry; and a controller configured to: receive, using the wireless communication circuitry, from a tank monitoring device monitoring a second tank, chemical compatibility information about a second product contained in the second tank (5b); retrieve, from the memory, the chemical compatibility information about the first product; determine, based on the chemical compatibility information about the first product and the chemical compatibility information about the second product, that the first product and the second product are chemically incompatible; and provide an indication that the first product and the second product are chemically incompatible.