Storage Tank Delivery Control Using Product-Type Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing unauthorized delivery of liquid products into storage tanks are ineffective, as they are post-factum, costly, and do not prevent product contamination, and existing remote-controlled valves are not suitable for bulk liquid drops at low hydrostatic pressure, bidirectional flow, flammable environments, or battery operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote-controlled valve (RCV) and a command and control unit (CCU) that uses identification transmitters and product type displays to ensure only authorized deliveries occur by comparing the product type in the tanker truck with the storage tank type, allowing real-time prevention of unauthorized deliveries and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If post-factum monitoring and investigation methods are used to detect unauthorized deliveries, then detection capability is provided, but prevention capability is lost and operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-authorizing delivery vehicles and products before delivery occurs. The authorized vehicle list and authorized product list are established in advance, and the system automatically verifies deliveries against these pre-set criteria, preventing unauthorized deliveries before they can cause contamination or loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the RCV and CCU automatically monitor, verify, and control delivery operations without requiring manual investigation. The system independently compares delivery data against authorized lists and automatically prevents unauthorized deliveries, eliminating the need for post-factum human investigations.
2Reliability
If manual monitoring and investigation processes are implemented, then unauthorized deliveries can be detected, but cost increases and distributor-customer relationships deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring processes with automated electronic systems. The RCV and CCU use electronic data comparison and automated control mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized deliveries, eliminating the need for manual monitoring personnel and investigative procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where delivery data is automatically captured, compared against authorized lists, and used to control the RCV. This real-time feedback mechanism provides reliable detection of unauthorized deliveries while eliminating manual investigation costs.
3Ease of operation
If traditional remote-controlled valves are used for bulk liquid delivery, then flow control is achieved, but reliability fails in flammable environments and low hydrostatic pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes critical parameters by operating the RCV at very low hydrostatic pressures (including near-zero pressure) and in flammable vapor environments. The specialized design allows the valve to maintain reliability under these extreme parameter conditions where traditional valves fail, through specialized sealing and actuation mechanisms.
4Productivity
If product type verification is not implemented, then delivery speed is maintained, but product contamination occurs and quality control fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by checking product type authorization before delivery begins. The CCU compares the delivery vehicle's product against the authorized product list in advance, ensuring only correct product types are permitted to deliver, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining delivery speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary verification step where the CCU acts as a mediator between the delivery vehicle and the RCV. The CCU validates product type information and communicates authorization status to the RCV, ensuring quality control without significantly delaying the delivery process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method prevent product-type contamination in a bulk liquid storage tank. A control unit receives an indication of a storage product type in the bulk storage and a delivery product type in the tanker truck. The control unit compares the delivery product type with the storage product type and controls delivery based on a result of the comparison.