09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable and recorded computer software for data modeling; Downloadable and recorded computer software for the validation of model predictions; Downloadable and recorded computer software for scientific data analysis; data, namely, assay data in the field of the petroleum and petrochemical industries, recorded on electronic, optical or magnetic media; magnetic data carriers that are pre-recorded with electronic data and assay data and computer software for data processing and data analysis; recorded compact discs and DVDs that are pre-recorded with electronic data and assay data and computer software for data processing and data analysis; downloadable electronic publications in the nature of manuals, brochures and product information sheets in the field of the petroleum and petrochemical industries; CD-Roms, DVD-roms and computer discs bearing software for the exploration, production, refining and trading of crude oil and crude oil products, and process manufacturing industries and logistics relating to these industries and electronic data, namely, data relating to crude oil in the field of oil refining, petrochemical engineering and gas and oil prospecting, extraction and recovery, and assay data
data processing services; market analysis and research; providing information about the cost assessment of oil fields; database management services for others featuring information relating to crude oil in the field of oil refining, petrochemical engineering and gas and oil prospecting, extraction and recovery
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable and recorded computer software for data modeling; Downloadable and recorded computer software for the validation of model predictions; Downloadable and recorded computer software for scientific data analysis; data, namely, assay data in the field of the petroleum and petrochemical industries, recorded on electronic, optical or magnetic media; magnetic data carriers that are pre-recorded with electronic data and assay data and computer software for data processing and data analysis; recorded compact discs and DVDs that are pre-recorded with electronic data and assay data and computer software for data processing and data analysis; downloadable electronic publications in the nature of manuals, brochures and product information sheets in the field of the petroleum and petrochemical industries; CD-Roms, DVD-roms and computer discs bearing software for the exploration, production, refining and trading of crude oil and crude oil products, and process manufacturing industries and logistics relating to these industries and electronic data, namely, data relating to crude oil in the field of oil refining, petrochemical engineering and gas and oil prospecting, extraction and recovery, and assay data
Compilation and analysis of business data and statistical information for business and commercial purposes; market analysis and research; business management of communication networks; the compilation and analysis of business data and statistical information for business and commercial purposes, market analysis and research and business management of communication networks, and that are also provided via the internet; providing information about the cost assessment of oil fields
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Installation of computer software, relating only to modeling, determining and predicting materials, modelling, scheduling and optimizing processes, all such data, information, materials and processes relating to and used in the exploration, production, refining and trading of crude oil and crude oil products, and process manufacturing industries and logistics relating to these industries; maintenance and technical support services, namely, troubleshooting of computer software problems; installation, maintenance and technical support services, namely, identifying, diagnosing, advising on, correcting, working around, repairing computer software failures, defects, bugs and errors; providing information about the analysis of oil fields; provision of consultancy and advisory services in the fields of oil prospecting, petrochemical engineering, and gas and oil location and surveying all based upon assays featuring detailed analyses and evaluation
7.
Electromagnetic flowmeter empty pipe detection system
A magnetic flowmeter includes a conduit and an electrical coil for generating a magnetic field extending through the conduit. A coil driver is configured to energize the coil and generate a periodically reversing magnetic field. Electrodes are arranged to detect voltages generated by flow of a conductive fluid through the magnetic field. A measurement system measures fluid flow rate using voltages detected by the electrodes. An empty conduit detector receives signals from the electrodes and determines whether or not the electrodes are immersed in the conductive fluid by analyzing the signals from the electrodes. The flowmeter optionally includes a low-flow verification system for distinguishing true low or zero flow rate measurements from measurements caused by the electrodes being exposed above the fluid level in the conduit by assessing whether or not EMF induced by magnetic flux change can be detected.
G01F 1/58 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using electric or magnetic effects by electromagnetic flowmeters
8.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF HIERARCHICAL SMART ASSET CONTROL APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION
Systems and methods of a Hierarchical Smart Asset Control Application development and Integrated Smart Asset Control System optimization are disclosed. In various embodiments, the system may develop a Hierarchical Asset Control Application and corresponding control hardware requirements. This can be used to create an Integrated Smart Asset Control System in order execute various processes for a set of equipment elements. The smart assets associated with the system may utilize intelligent agents to balance operational constraints and operational objects in order to determine real-time optimized operational parameters for a process and implement the appropriate controls to facilitate achieving the improved operational objectives.
Systems and methods of a Hierarchical Smart Asset Control Application development and Integrated Smart Asset Control System optimization are disclosed. In various embodiments, the system may develop a Hierarchical Asset Control Application and corresponding control hardware requirements. This can be used to create an Integrated Smart Asset Control System in order execute various processes for a set of equipment elements. The smart assets associated with the system may utilize intelligent agents to balance operational constraints and operational objects in order to determine real-time optimized operational parameters for a process and implement the appropriate controls to facilitate achieving the improved operational objectives.
G05B 13/04 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators
G05B 9/03 - Safety arrangements electric with multiple-channel loop, i.e. redundant control systems
10.
PROCESS OPTIMIZATION USING MIXED INTEGER NONLINEAR PROGRAMMING
Real-time dynamic optimization of a process model in an online model-based process control computing environment. A mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) solver utilizes a switch to activate and deactivate a first-principle model of a process unit. The switch enables MINLP behavior by attaching to the first-principle model.
High availability and data migration in a distributed process control computing environment. Allocation algorithms distribute data and applications among available compute nodes, such as controllers in a process control system. In the process control system, an input/output device, such as a fieldbus module, can be used by any controller. Databases store critical execution information for immediate takeover by a backup compute element. The compute nodes are configured to execute algorithms for mitigating dead time in the distributed computing environment.
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
12.
DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING IN A PROCESS CONTROL ENVIRONMENT
High availability and data migration in a distributed process control computing environment. Allocation algorithms distribute data and applications among available compute nodes, such as controllers in a process control system. In the process control system, an input/output device, such as a fieldbus module, can be used by any controller. Databases store critical execution information for immediate takeover by a backup compute element. The compute nodes are configured to execute algorithms for mitigating dead time in the distributed computing environment.
G05B 9/03 - Safety arrangements electric with multiple-channel loop, i.e. redundant control systems
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G06F 9/50 - Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]
G06F 11/07 - Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance
G06F 11/16 - Error detection or correction of the data by redundancy in hardware
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
A method of and apparatus for calibration of instrumentation and provision of calibration certificates comprises a portable field operable communication device and a remote information management device in wireless communication with one another, a data store comprising information related to each instrument to be calibrated, the portable device being operable to receive calibration requests from the management device and to facilitate input of data from an instrument the subject of calibration, and the management device being operable to facilitate generation of a calibration certificate or error report subsequent to receipt of input data from the portable device.
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
G08B 25/00 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
Providing a fast response to a process step while allowing a sensor response to remain relatively slow. A mechanical component generates a response to a step change in a physical property and an electrical component generates an analog electrical signal indicative of the response generated by the mechanical component over a period of time. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital values and the digital values are used to indicate the final value of the step change in the physical property before the period of time has elapsed.
G01L 9/02 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means by making use of variations in ohmic resistance, e.g. of potentiometers
F17C 13/02 - Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
A method and a system for preparing a plurality of installed field devices for operation in a process control network. In some embodiments, a computing device provides a visual summary of the installed field devices to a user via a user interface. A configuration database stores predefined device preparation scopes, each scope being indicative of one or more of the installed field devices. Based on a user selection of one or more predefined device preparation scopes in the user interface, the computing device implements each of the predefined device preparation scopes by, among other things, retrieving configuration information from the configuration database for each installed field device indicated by each predefined device preparation scope and transmitting the information to each respective installed field device for updating the device configuration.
A net oil and gas well test system for a set of oil and gas wells includes at least two net oil and gas measurement systems and a plurality of valves that are in fluid communication with the individual wells in the set and independently configurable between a first state, in which the valve routes flow to a first net oil and gas measurement system, and a second state, in which the valve routes flow to a second net oil and gas measurement system. Each net oil and gas measurement system suitably has the capability to measure a multiphase flow including oil, gas, and water without separation. For example, each measurement system can include a multiphase Coriolis meter and a water cut meter. Each measurement system suitably includes the capability to provide dynamic uncertainty estimates related to measurement of the multiphase flow.
A net oil and gas well test system for a set of oil and gas wells includes at least two net oil and gas measurement systems and a plurality of valves that are in fluid communication with the individual wells in the set and independently configurable between a first state, in which the valve routes flow to a first net oil and gas measurement system, and a second state, in which the valve routes flow to a second net oil and gas measurement system. Each net oil and gas measurement system suitably has the capability to measure a multiphase flow including oil, gas, and water without separation. For example, each measurement system can include a multiphase Coriolis meter and a water cut meter. Each measurement system suitably includes the capability to provide dynamic uncertainty estimates related to measurement of the multiphase flow.
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
An optical communication system including an optical communication fiber and a plurality of modules. Each of the modules has an optical transceiver that is optically coupled to the optical communication fiber by a corresponding optical drop. And each of the transceivers is configured for transmitting and/or receiving one or more optical signals via the optical communication fiber. The optical signals represent a plurality of individual data streams formatted according to one or more different communication protocols. In this manner, optical communication is enabled among the modules via the optical communication fiber.
A multi-phase fluid is passed through a Coriolis flowmeter and a watercut meter. The multi-phase fluid includes two phases during a first time period and three phases during a second time period. It is determined that the multi-phase fluid includes two phases during the first time period, and a first value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the Coriolis flowmeter during the first time period. A second value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the watercut meter during the first time period. The first value is compared to the second value, and it is determined, based on the comparison, that the first value and the second value are inconsistent with each other.
In a process automation controller, a universal digital input module is provided. The universal digital input module comprises a plurality of digital input channels, each channel to sink a first current at a first voltage level associated with an input having a digital high value and to sink a second current at a second voltage level associated with the input having a digital high value, wherein the first current is greater than the second current and wherein the first voltage is less than the second voltage.
Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a flowmeter method and system. In an implementation, a signal is received a signal from a flowmeter and a value is determined based on the signal. The value is compared to a threshold. A heartbeat value is provided when the value is greater than a threshold value. In some implementations, a flow rate of a fluid is based on the heartbeat value. In some implementations, the heartbeat value is monitored and an alarm is selectively generated based on the monitoring.
G01F 1/32 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow using swirl flowmeters
An adjustable insertion assembly for an electrochemical sensor includes an electrode holder to receive the sensor, having a distal aperture to permit process fluid to contact the sensor. A receptacle slidably receives the holder, for a sliding range of motion extending from inserted to retracted positions. An open distal end portion of the receptacle extends through a wall of a process fluid vessel, so that the aperture is open to the process fluid when inserted, and closed when retracted. A leverage member is releasably movable relative to the receptacle, and moves with a captured extension. An abutment of the receptacle engages the extension so that movement of the leverage member in opposite directions alternately clamps and releases the electrode holder relative to the receptacle to substantially prevent and permit movement at substantially any point within the range of movement.
The invention provides, in some aspects, an improved control network (or portion thereof) that includes a plurality of nodes, each associated with respective control devices (e.g., controllers, actuators, sensors, etc.). Each of the nodes also includes one or more radios supporting wireless communications pathways with one or more of the other nodes, which pathways together form at least part of a mesh network. At least a first one of the nodes wirelessly transmits information simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously, over at least two pathways formed in a mesh network to a second one of the nodes. The radio(s) of the first node, according to related aspects of the invention, sends that information wirelessly at different frequencies along each of those pathways.
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
24.
REPLICATING TIME-SERIES DATA VALUES FOR RETRIEVED SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND MANUFACTURING PARAMETER VALUES IN A MULTI-TIERED HISTORIAN SERVER ENVIRONMENT
A multi-tiered replicated process database and corresponding method are disclosed for supporting replication between tiers. The multi-tiered replicated process database comprises a tier one (T1) database server computer including a process history database and a replication service. The replication service includes a set of accumulators. Each accumulator is adapted to render a summary T2 database tag data structure from a set of data values retrieved from the process history database for a specified T1 database tag. The replicated database system also includes a tier two (T2) database server computer comprising a consolidated database that includes process data replicated from a set of T1 database servers. At least a portion of the process data replicated from the set of T1 database servers is summary T2 database tag data rendered by the set of accumulators.
G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
25.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETRIEVING AND PROCESSING INFORMATION FROM A SUPERVISORY CONTROL MANUFACTURING/PRODUCTION DATABASE
A database server for handling steams of time stamped data points for tagged variables is disclosed herein that supports a set of advanced data retrieval operations/queries invoked by clients of the database server. The advanced data retrieval operations are invoked by client queries to provide, on demand, secondary information by processing previously tabled data corresponding to received data streams rendered by a variety of data sources in a supervisory control/monitoring, process control and/or automated equipment environment. Calculations, on previously stored data, for rendering the secondary information are performed within the database server at the time the secondary information is requested by a client of the historian that maintains a database containing the previously stored data. Moreover, a filtering stage and enhanced time-in-state processing operations are supported.
G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
A system and method is provided for predicting a physical quality such as temperature, the measurement of which tends to be hindered by a time-related impediment. A single sensor is configured to detect, in real time, the physical quality Qdetect, and one or more infinite impulse response filters are configured with time constants correlated to the time-related impediment. The infinite impulse filter(a) are configured to filter Qdetect to output a filtered quality measurement (Qmtered). A processor is configured to calculate, in real time, the estimated or predicted quality Qestimate using Qdetect and Qfiltered.
A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components. A processor captures data from the temperature detector and instruments, using the data with a model of responsivities of various concentrations of the components at various temperatures, to determine a temperature compensated concentration of the components while the liquid mixture flows continuously through the fluid flow path.
B01J 19/00 - Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in generalTheir relevant apparatus
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
G01N 27/26 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variablesInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A method and system are disclosed for deploying a configuration in a process control system wherein at least a portion of the configuration is deployed to a set of field devices. Initially the set of deployment packages are stored within a configuration storage. Thereafter, deployment is initiated on the set of deployment packages from the configuration storage. In response to the initiating deployment step, an automated cascaded deployment is commenced to the set of connected field devices. The automated cascaded deployment includes first deploying the sets of deployment packages to a set of control module assemblies. The method furthermore includes second deploying the received portions of the set of deployment packages to a set of I/O module assemblies. The set of I/O module assemblies maintain and pass the received sub-portions of the set of deployment packages to sets of field devices.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
29.
THERMODYNAMIC PHASE EQUILIBRIUM ANALYSIS BASED ON A REDUCED COMPOSITION DOMAIN
A method of modeling phase characteristics of thermodynamic systems utilizing pseudo-properties strategy and a reduced number of variables is disclosed herein. The method describes a means of determining the probability of phase splitting of mixtures of materials at a given temperature, pressure, and composition by characterizing the functions that describe the system via pseudo-properties, and also by describing the system in n-1 or fewer variables, where n represents the number of components in the system of interest. In an embodiment, a multi-component system is characterized in one variable, thereby providing simplified thermodynamic models in a time-efficient manner. In addition, the information generated by this reduced-variable calculation can further be used as a starting point for calculations of equations of state.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
A modular potentiometric sensor includes a housing having measuring and reference half-cells, a temperature sensor, and solution ground combination assembly. An electrical conductor of the combination assembly extends through the housing, while remaining electrically isolated from the housing and half-cells, terminating at an electrically and thermally conductive end cap. Seals at opposite ends of the housing permit portions of the half-cells and the combination assembly to extend therethrough. The seals, measuring half-cell, and the combination assembly define an electrolyte compartment for the reference half-cell. The end cap provides close thermal coupling to the test fluid while also serving as a test fluid ground that is electrically isolated from the electrolyte compartment. The housing, measuring half-cell, reference half-cell, and combination assembly are modular, with the measurement sensor configurable in a plurality of lengths by altering the length of the housing independently of the half-cells and combination assembly.
G01N 27/26 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variablesInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
31.
THERMODYNAMIC PROCESS CONTROL BASED ON PSEUDO-DENSITY ROOT FOR EQUATION OF STATE
A thermodynamic modeling system comprising a computer, a thermodynamic process simulation application, and a thermodynamic equation of state application is provided. The thermodynamic equation of state application determines a density root based on a first and second point of departure from an equation of state and based on a first and a second extrapolation equation. The first departure point satisfies the equation the partial derivative of pressure with respect to density equals a first constant times the pressure divided by the density plus a second constant. The density root is determined as a pseudo-density in a phase two when the specified pressure is greater than the second departure point pressure and in a phase one when the specified pressure is less than the first departure point pressure. The thermodynamic process simulation application invokes the thermodynamic equation of state application to determine a result based on the density root.
G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
G06F 9/455 - EmulationInterpretationSoftware simulation, e.g. virtualisation or emulation of application or operating system execution engines
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
Flowmeters are described in which a sensor signal received from a sensor that is attached to vibratable flowtube, so as to determine properties of a fluid within the flowtube, contains a drive signal component and a Coriolis mode component. The flowmeters are operable to determine drive parameters of the drive signal component, as well as Coriolis parameters of the Coriolis mode component. By analyzing the sensor signal based on the drive signal parameters, and not on the Coriolis signal parameters, the flowmeters are able to provide stable and accurate determinations of the properties of the fluid.
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
A vortex flowmeter and method includes a conduit for process fluid flow and a shedder disposed within the central bore of the conduit. First and second diaphragms are mounted in inner wall portions of the conduit, on opposite sides of the shedder. A sensor is disposed externally to the conduit, and is coupled to each diaphragm with fill tubes. The diaphragms respond to pressure variations generated by vortex shedding, and transmit pulse trains through the fill tubes to a sensor. The pulse trains, which are substantially out of phase with one another, are effectively synchronized with one another by reversing phase of one pulse train.
G01F 1/32 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow using swirl flowmeters
34.
CONTROL CONFIGURATION WITH CONTROL OBJECTS THAT ARE FIELDBUS PROTOCOL-AWARE AND THAT SELF-DEFINE TRACKED PARAMETERS
The invention provides an improved apparatus for configuring a control system including a model of objects representing devices of such a system. A bus master device controls communications on a network within that system. Objects representing the bus master can include information defining timings, port assignments and/or other aspects of the configuration. A download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system. The download service generates - e.g., for logging by a change tracking system - indicia of the configuration information transferred to the bus master. The download service generates information transferred from the model to other devices in control system. The download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system.
A system and method are described that simplify defining/designing graphical display interfaces for graphically displaying related data elements. The displays provide both depictions of the data elements and the relationships between the data elements in accordance with a pre-defined data element display scheme including both element template (for particular data element types) and relationship view (spatial relationships within a display) definitions. A relationship view displays a set of provided data elements of specified type according to the element template and relationship view definitions.
G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
A self-evaluating process control transmitter system includes a transmitter configured to capture output data from an integral sensor, and a transmitter memory integrally disposed with the transmitter. The transmitter memory is configured to store a plurality of sets of the output data thereon, including an initial as-built data set, and at least one subsequent data set. A self evaluation module integrally disposed with the transmitter, in communication with the transmitter memory is configured to identify one or more variations between the as-built data set and at least one subsequent data set.
A bunker fuel transfer system that includes a multi-measurement metering system and bunkering receipt issuing equipment (BRIE). The bunker fuel transfer system can be installed on either the bunker barge or the ship receiving the bunker fuel. Various implementations can provide for quantity certainty of bunker fuel delivery transactions, and can provide for automated bunker fuel transfer reports. The bunker fuel transfer reports can include details and trends of the bunker fuel transfers to allow for quantity measurement validation. In addition, some implementations may provide for quality validation by including pertinent measurements, which can be included in the reports.
In a 802.15.4 network, each reduced functionality device (RFD) is permitted to communicate with only an assigned full function device (FFD). The present invention allows each of the RFDs to communicate with another RFD upon the RFD determining that the local FFD assigned to the RFD is inoperable or unable to communicate. Under emergency conditions, the RFD is able to communicate with a closely located RFDs such that the closely located RFDs can receive and respond to an emergency situation and/or repeat the message. To satisfy the 802.15.4 standards, communication between the RFDs is allowed only during emergency conditions and when the FFD is inoperative. A comprehensive test procedure is included to insure the integrity of the system is preserved at all times.
A system and method for remotely monitoring a field device includes a console communicably coupled to a field device located remotely therefrom. The console is configured to capture output data from an output buffer of one or more field devices, in which the output buffer is also configured to supply said output data to a field device user interface. The console displays a representation of the field device user interface, and displays the captured output data on the representation in substantially the same manner as displayed on the field device user interface.
A system and method is provided for storing hierarchical inputs for a field device in a control system, including upper level inputs in the form of data relating to the process under control, received from a plurality of input devices, and lower level inputs generated by the field devices using the upper level inputs. A record of dependencies among the hierarchical inputs is maintained, along with the status of each of the hierarchical inputs, which is transformed into a graphical status tree representation thereof, including the dependencies shown as one or more hierarchical flow paths. The status of the hierarchical inputs in the graphical status tree is identified by applying a visual marker to inputs having a normal status, and applying other visual markers to inputs having an error status to highlight erroneous flow paths.
A system for the customization of user settings on a target instrument includes a configuration module configured for the customization of user settings on a target instrument, and a representation module communicably coupled to the configuration module. The representation module includes a duplicate of firmware from the target instrument. A method of production of a system for the customization of user settings on a target instrument, includes configuring a configuration module for the customization of user settings on a target instrument, communicably coupling the configuration module to a representation module; and disposing a duplicate of firmware from the target instrument in the representation module.
A computer system and method are described for enforcing a locale-based license restriction by a process visualization application program. A locale-based license configuration is read from a license file associated with the process visualization application program. An operating system application program interface is called to identify a current locale of the operating system. The current locale affects a language utilized to present text via a graphical user interface display. Thereafter, a locale specified by the locale-based license configuration is compared to the current locale of the operating system. Thereafter, a licensing result is generated representing success or failure based upon whether the locale specified by the locale-based license configuration matches the current locale of the operating system. The aforementioned steps are carried out in a computer system including a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for carrying out the above-described steps.
G06F 21/00 - Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
G06F 9/06 - Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
G06Q 20/00 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
43.
RETRIEVING AND NAVIGATING THROUGH MANUFACTURING DATA FROM RELATIONAL AND TIME-SERIES SYSTEMS BY ABSTRACTING THE SOURCE SYSTEMS INTO A SET OF NAMED ENTITIES
A software agent is described that receives an information request to retrieve information based on a name defined by a configured manufacturing data model. The agent serves the request by relating data coming from one or multiple backend systems and adding contextual data (Metadata). A result set is prepared to correspond to the format and filtering criteria defined in the information request, and the agent produces a response in a normalized format. The response contains the requested data and metadata used for navigation and contextualization purposes. The response in the normalized format is transmitted by the agent synchronously or asynchronously based on criteria specified in the request.
A method and apparatus is provided for concentration determination of at least one component in an acid catalyst for hydrocarbon conversion containing an unknown concentration of an acid, an acid-soluble-oil (ASO), and water. An instrument configured for measuring a property of the acid catalyst, has responsivities to concentrations of one of the acid, ASO, and water, substantially independent of the concentrations of the others of the acid catalyst, ASO, and water. A temperature detector is configured to generate temperature data for the acid catalyst. A processor is configured to capture data generated by the temperature detector and the instrument, and to use the data in combination with a model to determine a temperature compensated concentration of the one of the acid, the ASO, and the water. Optionally, one or more other instruments configured for measuring other properties of the liquid mixture may also be used.
The invention provides, in some aspects, systems for interaction with a control environment that includes controlled equipment along with control devices that monitor and control that controlled equipment. According to some of those aspects, such a system includes first functionality that generates output representing an operational status of the controlled equipment, as well as second functionality that generates output representing an operational of one or more of the control devices. An engine coordinates the first functionality and to the second functionality to generate an operational status of the control environment. A virtual reality environment generates, as a function of that operational status and one or more physical aspects of the control environment, a three-dimensional (“3D”) display of the control environment. The virtual reality environment is responsive to user interaction with one or more input devices to generate the 3D display so as to permit the user to interact with at least one of the control devices and the controlled equipment at least as represented by the 3D display of the control environment. The engine applies to at least one of the first and second functionality indicia of those interactions to discern resulting changes in the operational status of the control environment. It applies indicia of those changes to the virtual reality environment to effect corresponding variation in the 3D display of the control environment—i.e., variation indicative of the resulting change in the control environment.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
46.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMMERSIVE INTERACTION WITH ACTUAL AND/OR SIMULATED FACILITIES FOR PROCESS, ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONTROL
The invention provides, in some aspects, systems for interaction with a control environment that includes controlled equipment along with control devices that monitor and control that controlled equipment. According to some of those aspects, such a system includes first functionality that generates output representing an operational status of the controlled equipment, as well as second functionality that generates output representing an operational of one or more of the control devices. An engine coordinates the first functionality and to the second functionality to generate an operational status of the control environment. A virtual reality environment generates, as a function of that operational status and one or more physical aspects of the control environment, a three-dimensional ("3D") display of the control environment. The virtual reality environment is responsive to user interaction with one or more input devices to generate the 3D display so as to permit the user to interact with at least one of the control devices and the controlled equipment at least as represented by the 3D display of the control environment. The engine applies to at least one of the first and second functionality indicia of those interactions to discern resulting changes in the operational status of the control environment. It applies indicia of those changes to the virtual reality environment to effect corresponding variation in the 3D display of the control environment — i.e., variation indicative of the resulting change in the control environment.
A system is disclosed that simplifies configuring an MES entity corresponding to a SCADA system object representing plant equipment. The system includes an equipment model builder (EMB) that receives a set of configured UCO information for a modeled piece of plant equipment in a SCADA system. The EMB extracts relevant MES information from the utilization capability object and invokes an application interface on an MES database to create a corresponding entity (e.g., a database element). Another aspect of the disclosed system and methods involves the enhancement of a SCADA system object, through a new MES facet, to support acquiring and reporting equipment status received via the SCADA system to a corresponding MES entity. A raw reason code configuration interface is provided by UCO configurator computer software executed on a computer. Each raw reason code is associated with a prioritized logical expression defining circumstances under which the reason code becomes true.
A method and system for automatically generating process control databases and process graphics for a distributed control system is disclosed herein. Programmed process control database and process graphics generators automatically render output in a target process control system environment (e.g., InFusion Engineering Environment - or IEE) from an intermediate (e.g., XML) representation of process control and process graphics definitions.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
49.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOGENERATING SIMULATIONS FOR PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM CHECKOUT AND OPERATOR TRAINING
A method and system for automatically generating simulations for a distributed control system is disclosed herein. A programmed process model generator automatically incorporates a variety of process model data from pre-defined model libraries into descriptions of process equipment including control devices to render simulation models of various degrees of fidelity.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
38 - Telecommunications services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer software, computer programs, computer databases; computer software for use over computer networks and by remote computer access; computer software for the extraction, analysis, management and manipulation of information from small and large data sets by the application of mathematical and data visualisation techniques; computer software for the validation and reconciliation of data, including assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; computer software for data modelling; computer software for the validation of model predictions; computer software to enable searching of data and detailed viewing and reporting of data; computer software for use in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, engineering and scientific industries; computer software for scientific data analysis; data, including crude oil data and crude oil assay data, recorded in electronic, optical or magnetic form; apparatus for the recording, transmission, reception, processing and/or reproduction of data and/or assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; electronic publications; CD-ROMs and other media for the recording of or bearing software and/or electronic data, assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data. Compilation, storage, analysis, retrieval and provision of business data; data processing services; data management services; computerised information storage and retrieval services; market analysis and research; compilation, storage, analysis and retrieval of statistical information relating to assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; information, advisory and consultancy services relating to all the aforesaid services, including such services provided on-line from computer databases or extranets or the Internet. Management of communication networks. Computer programming; research, design, development, writing and upgrading of computer software; installation of computer software, maintenance of computer software and technical support of computer software; installation, maintenance and technical support of computer software providing detailed viewing and reporting of data, assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data, including such software operating as a client/server arrangement across a network; research, design, development, writing and upgrading of computer software providing detailed viewing and reporting of data, assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data, including such software operating as a client/server arrangement across a network; provision of technical consultancy and advisory services to the oil refining, petrochemical, gas and oil industries; provision of data modelling consultancy and advisory services; provision of consultancy and advisory services relating to assays, including assays of minerals and oils; provision of statistical information relating to assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; computerized information dissemination services relating to assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; information, advisory and consultancy services relating to all the aforesaid services; all the aforesaid services provided on-line from databases or extranets or the Internet.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
38 - Telecommunications services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer software, computer programs, computer databases; computer software for use over computer networks and by remote computer access; computer software for the extraction, analysis, management and manipulation of information from small and large data sets by the application of mathematical and data visualisation techniques; computer software for the validation and reconciliation of data, including assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; computer software for data modelling; computer software for the validation of model predictions; computer software to enable searching of data and detailed viewing and reporting of data; computer software for use in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, engineering and scientific industries; computer software for scientific data analysis; data, including crude oil data and crude oil assay data, recorded in electronic, optical or magnetic form; apparatus for the recording, transmission, reception, processing and/or reproduction of data and/or assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; electronic publications; CD-ROMs and other media for the recording of or bearing software and/or electronic data, assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data. Compilation, storage, analysis, retrieval and provision of business data; data processing services; data management services; computerised information storage and retrieval services; market analysis and research; compilation, storage, analysis and retrieval of statistical information relating to assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; information, advisory and consultancy services relating to all the aforesaid services, including such services provided on-line from computer databases or extranets or the Internet. Management of communication networks. Computer programming; research, design, development, writing and upgrading of computer software; installation of computer software, maintenance of computer software and technical support of computer software; installation, maintenance and technical support of computer software providing detailed viewing and reporting of data, assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data, including such software operating as a client/server arrangement across a network; research, design, development, writing and upgrading of computer software providing detailed viewing and reporting of data, assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data, including such software operating as a client/server arrangement across a network; provision of technical consultancy and advisory services to the oil refining, petrochemical, gas and oil industries; provision of data modelling consultancy and advisory services; provision of consultancy and advisory services relating to assays, including assays of minerals and oils; provision of statistical information relating to assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; computerized information dissemination services relating to assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; information, advisory and consultancy services relating to all the aforesaid services; all the aforesaid services provided on-line from databases or extranets or the Internet.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
38 - Telecommunications services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer software, computer programs, computer databases; computer software for use over computer networks and by remote computer access; computer software for the extraction, analysis, management and manipulation of information from small and large data sets by the application of mathematical and data visualisation techniques; computer software for the validation and reconciliation of data, including assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; computer software for data modelling; computer software for the validation of model predictions; computer software to enable searching of data and detailed viewing and reporting of data; computer software for use in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, engineering and scientific industries; computer software for scientific data analysis; data, including crude oil data and crude oil assay data, recorded in electronic, optical or magnetic form; apparatus for the recording, transmission, reception, processing and/or reproduction of data and/or assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; electronic publications; CD-ROMs and other media for the recording of or bearing software and/or electronic data, assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data. Compilation, storage, analysis, retrieval and provision of business data; data processing services; data management services; computerised information storage and retrieval services; market analysis and research; compilation, storage, analysis and retrieval of statistical information relating to assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; information, advisory and consultancy services relating to all the aforesaid services, including such services provided on-line from computer databases or extranets or the Internet. Management of communication networks. Computer programming; research, design, development, writing and upgrading of computer software; installation of computer software, maintenance of computer software and technical support of computer software; installation, maintenance and technical support of computer software providing detailed viewing and reporting of data, assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data, including such software operating as a client/server arrangement across a network; research, design, development, writing and upgrading of computer software providing detailed viewing and reporting of data, assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data, including such software operating as a client/server arrangement across a network; provision of technical consultancy and advisory services to the oil refining, petrochemical, gas and oil industries; provision of data modelling consultancy and advisory services; provision of consultancy and advisory services relating to assays, including assays of minerals and oils; provision of statistical information relating to assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; computerized information dissemination services relating to assay data, crude oil data and crude oil assay data; information, advisory and consultancy services relating to all the aforesaid services; all the aforesaid services provided on-line from databases or extranets or the Internet.
An apparatus for measuring a level of a fluid and detecting water in a storage container is provided. The apparatus comprises a signal-based fluid level measurement apparatus and a water detection device. The signal-based fluid level measurement apparatus has a first multistatic probe conveying a first signal and a second multistatic probe conveying a second signal. The first and second multistatic probes are electrically coupled by a float-coupler. The signal-based fluid level measurement apparatus determines the level of the fluid in the storage container based at least in part on a time delay between the first and second signals. The water detection device is operably coupled to the fluid level measurement apparatus. The water detection device monitors at least one of conduction and a dielectric constant between exposed ends of the first and second multistatic probes. As such, a presence of the water in the storage tank is detected.
G01F 23/30 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
An apparatus for determining a level of a liquid in a tank is provided. The apparatus comprises a probe and electronics. The probe passes into the tank and is immersed in the liquid. The probe includes a fiducial in spaced relation with a distal end. The electronics are operably coupled to the probe. The electronics include a signal generator propagating a signal along the probe and a signal receiver receiving the signal propagated along the probe. The electronics determine a velocity of propagation and/or an amount of time for the signal to travel between the fiducial and the distal end. The level of the liquid in the tank is then determined using the velocity of propagation and/or amount of time.
G01F 23/26 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
A system includes a first shedder that is at least partially disposed in a fluid conduit and that generates vortices within the fluid conduit, a first flow sensor system that is responsive to the vortices generated by the first shedder and a second flow sensor system that is responsive to the vortices generated by the first shedder. The system further includes a second shedder that is at least partially disposed in the fluid conduit, that generates vortices within the fluid conduit, and that is separated from the first shedder by a distance. A third flow sensor system is responsive to the vortices generated by the second shedder.
G01F 1/32 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow using swirl flowmeters
56.
Method of communication between reduced functionality devices in an IEEE 802.15.4 network
In a 802.15.4 network, each reduced functionality device (RFD) is permitted to communicate with only an assigned full function device (FFD). The present invention allows each of the RFDs to communicate with another RFD upon the RFD determining that the local FFD assigned to the RFD is inoperable or unable to communicate. Under emergency conditions, the RFD is able to communicate with a closely located RFDs such that the closely located RFDs can receive and respond to an emergency situation and/or repeat the message. To satisfy the 802.15.4 standards, communication between the RFDs is allowed only during emergency conditions and when the FFD is inoperative. A comprehensive test procedure is included to insure the integrity of the system is preserved at all times.
A first apparent property of a multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube. One or more apparent intermediate values associated with the multi-phase process fluid are determined based on the first apparent property. A measure of wetness of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on a mapping between one or more of the apparent intermediate values and the measure of wetness. A second apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid is determined using the differential pressure flowmeter. One or more phase-specific properties of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the measure of wetness and the second apparent property.
A first apparent property of a multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube. One or more apparent intermediate values associated with the process fluid are determined based on the first apparent property. One or more corrected intermediate values are determined based on a mapping between the apparent intermediate values and the corrected intermediate values. One or more phase-specific properties of the multi-phase process fluid are determined based on the corrected intermediate values. A measure of wetness of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the one or more phase-specific properties that are determined based on the corrected intermediate values. A second apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid is determined using the differential pressure flowmeter. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the measure of wetness and the second apparent property.
Motion is induced in a conduit such that the conduit vibrates in a major mode of vibration having a major amplitude and a minor mode of vibration having a minor amplitude. The major amplitude is larger than the minor amplitude, the major mode of vibration has a first frequency of vibration and the minor mode of vibration has a second frequency of vibration, and the minor mode of vibration interferes with the major mode of vibration to cause a beat signal having a frequency related to the first frequency of vibration and the second frequency of vibration. The frequency of the beat signal is determined, and the second frequency of vibration is determined based on the determined frequency of the beat signal.
A non metallic flow through electrodeless conductivity sensor is provided with a conduit having primary and secondary process fluid flow paths to form a fluid loop. At least one drive and one sense toroid surround the conduit on the fluid loop. Voltage supplied to the drive toroid induces a current in the sense toroid via the fluid loop to eliminate any need for metallic electrodes in contact with the process fluid. At least one additional drive and/or sense toroid is disposed on the fluid loop to enhance induction. Optionally one or more sense coils are disposed about the conduit outside of the fluid loop to cancel out stray electrical noise. An optional conductor disposed along the conduit detects any fluid leakage through changes in resistance thereof. A temperature detector is supported within an electrically non- conductive holder extending into the fluid flow path, so that the detector is free from physical contact with the fluid. An optional enclosure is provided with ports to enable a user to purge any gas permeating the conduit walls.
The present invention provides central management of custom properties, including graphic facets, for an industrial control system. Standards for the custom properties are centrally developed and are then propagated to projects. Even after one or more projects have been developed, the custom property can be centrally changed, and the change can be propagated to all existing projects to override previous properties in the projects. With central management of the graphic, the inner functionality can be abstracted from the location where the graphic will be used. In some embodiments, a custom property is given a default value. That default value may be overridden in a particular project or at particular time, but the property can always revert back to the set default. Some custom properties may be 'locked' to prevent user modification, and some properties may be set to be invisible to the end user.
An industrial control and automation human machine interface (HMI) technology is disclosed that includes a centralized definition of data quality and status behaviors for graphical elements. The centralized definition is thereafter applied to every graphical element that is linked to a data value for which status is maintained/provided. Centrally configured data quality and status indication behaviors are incorporated across entire HMI applications and even sets of HMI applications in a system to inform an operator of the data quality and/or status of read/written data through globally defined data status animation behavior. The centrally defined behaviors are distributed to all nodes on a system and incorporated in live applications without shutting down the applications to update their behavior definition. A status graphic element type. The status graphical element examines a designated data variable and displays a picture or icon indicating the quality or status of the data.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
63.
BRIDGING HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE TECHNOLOGIES IN A PROCESS AUTOMATION AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT
An industrial control and automation human machine interface (HMI) technology migration scheme is embodied in object management, graphics technologies, and namespace handlers for HMI applications. New features of the second technology are supported for HMI graphics while retaining the functionality of systems embodying the first technology, including the ability to export to the first technology, graphics developed and/or managed in the second technology. A combination of facilities is provided to accommodate both the first and second HMI graphics technologies: name space integration, graphics rendering integration, and HMI application management integration.
The present invention provides an extensible automation development environment. A full development environment in its own right, the environment, in addition to supporting its own native objects, allows the integration of foreign (or 'custom') automation objects. Custom commands and custom events are also integrated into the environment and are handled by the same framework that handles native commands and events. Tools provided by the environment are made to work with custom objects as well as with native objects. For example, a common editor expands to incorporate a custom editor that handles custom data fields. A common browser expands to seamlessly incorporate a custom browser that may operate on custom automation objects from a custom database. All software entities, native and custom, can be developed and monitored within a single framework. Users operate seamlessly across heterogeneous automation environments, even though custom entities in the environment conform to their own operating standards.
A system is disclosed for facilitating centralized management of human machine interface (HMI) components distributable across multiple nodes of the system. The system includes a centralized configuration storage for managing a set of HMI templates deployable to a set of remote nodes including HMI facilities. The deployed HMI instances are thereafter executed upon the remote nodes. An HMI application import utility receives HMI applications that are not in a form suitable for management in the centralized configuration storage facility. the import utility encapsulates the received HMI applications to render the HMI templates that are suitable for the centralized configuration storage facility.
A spectroscopic sample analysis apparatus includes an actively controlled, direct contact heat exchanger in serial fluid communication with a spectroscopic analyzer, and a controller communicably coupled to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is disposed downstream of a fluid handler in the form of a stream selection unit (SSU), a solvent/standard recirculation unit (SRU), and/or an auto-sampling unit (ASU). The SSU selectively couples individual stream inputs to an output port. The SRU includes a solvent/standard reservoir, and selectively couples output ports to the heat exchanger, and returns the solvent/standard sample to the reservoirs. The ASU includes a sample reservoir having a sample transfer pathway with a plurality of orifices disposed at spaced locations along a length thereof. The controller selectively actuates the fluid handler, enabling sample to flow therethrough to the heat exchanger, and actuates the heat exchanger to maintain the sample at a predetermined temperature.
A multi-phase process fluid is passed through a vibratable flowtube. Motion is induced in the vibratable flowtube. A first apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube is determined, and an apparent intermediate value associated with the multi-phase process fluid based on the first apparent property is determined. A corrected intermediate value is determined based on a mapping between the intermediate value and the corrected intermediate value. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the corrected intermediate value.
A level meter for measuring a liquid surface level in a tank includes a housing that attaches to the tank, an optical source and an optical sensor in the housing that transmit a laser pulse toward the liquid surface and receive the reflected pulse. A signal processor calculates a raw distance to the liquid surface based on the time of flight of the laser pulse, performs a filter process on the raw data and outputs a measured distance between the optical sensor and the liquid surface. A method of measuring the liquid surface level includes transmitting a laser pulse toward the liquid surface, receiving the reflected pulse, determining the time of flight of the pulse, calculating a raw distance measurement based on the time of flight, performing a filter process on the raw data and outputting a measured distance to the liquid surface level.
G01J 1/32 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detector, e.g. by varying incidence angle using variation of intensity or distance of source using electric radiation detectors adapted for automatic variation of the measured or reference value
A DCS protocol message addressed to a remote DCS station is generated at a local distributed control system (DCS). The DCS protocol message is received at a local tunneling device. The local tunneling device packages the DCS protocol message into a SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is transmitted from the local tunneling device to a remote tunneling device. The remote tunneling device receives the SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is unpackaged into a DCS protocol message at the remote tunneling device, and the DCS protocol message is placed on to a remote DCS such that it flows to the remote station. The DCS protocol message is received at the remote station.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A Coriolis flowmeter determines a property of a multi-phase fluid. A flow model determines another property of the fluid. A determination system determines a third property of the fluid based, on the first two properties. A flow rate of a component of the multi-phase fluid based on the bulk density, the bulk mass flow rate, and the pressure may include determining a water-cut or gas void fraction of the multi-phase fluid based, on the pressure; and determining a flow rate of a component of the fluid based on the bulk density, the bulk mass flow rate, and the water-cut or gas void fraction. Determining the water-cut or gas void fraction of the fluid based on pressure may include using a flow model to determine the water-cut or gas void fraction based on pressure.
The thermostat includes a housing having at least a portion thereof illuminated by a light that changes color via a manual input. The light illuminates the display for easy readability while the variable color of the light allows a user to match the appearance of the thermostat to best complement the surrounding décor. User input elements provide for the manual adjustment of one or more characteristics of the light, such as visible color of the light. The light source comprises at least one LED for displaying a plurality of colors. In this case, to change the color of the light illuminating the translucent portion of the housing or backlighting the display, electronics within the thermostat control the drive signals to the LED in order to operate the LED to provide the desired color. The invention also contemplates filtering the light and manually adjusting the filtering to provide the desired aesthetics.
A first property of a process fluid is measured using a volumetric flowrate measuring device or a differential pressure flowmeter. A second property of the process fluid is measured using a Coriolis flowmeter. A third property of the process fluid is determined based on the measured first property and the measured second property.
The invention provides, in one aspect, human machine interface (HMI) methods and apparatus that permit users to search and/or view plant and other real-time process automation data in a manner similar to that with which they search and/or view pages on the Internet (web) Related aspects of the invention provide such methods and apparatus as permit users to search and/or view such real-time process automation data concurrently with such Internet web pages. Further related aspects of the invention provide such methods and apparatus as permit users to search and/or view such real-time process automation data concurrently with business data maintained in pages on an enterprise network (e.g., a LAN, WAN or otherwise).
A system for monitoring a level of product in a tank to detect one of a delivery and a drain operation is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operably coupled to the tank and adapted to detect the level of product in the tank at a first rate and at a second rate. The data center is in communication with the monitor and adapted to receive a user inputtable threshold level of change. The monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the first rate until the threshold level of change is detected. Thereafter, the monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the second rate. The data center generates an alarm signal to indicate that one of the delivery and the drain has occurred.
Enhancements to a strategy object editor for creating and modifying control strategies for process control systems (both distributed and discrete) is described. The improvements include: supporting a set of graphical depictions for individual control object (modified by an appearance object editor), drag and drop connections for declarations that connect control strategies to other control strategies, GUI-based designation of object execution order, automatically applied line styles based upon connection data type, and automatic modification of elements within an appearance object to accommodate a moved attribute.
G09G 5/00 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
G06F 3/048 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
A customization tool is described in association with a universal device type manager (DTM) utility. The customization tool includes a set of user interfaces and associated functionality that facilitates creating a set of customized templates for a particular device type. The customized templates define access to device data via graphical user interfaces supported by the universal DTM utility and/or universal BTM utility for instances of the device type. A compare tool is utilized to compare parameter values from an instance of a field device to corresponding values maintained within an application database. After performing the comparison the utility displays the parameter names and associated values in three columns of the user interface. A first column identifies a parameter within the field device. A second column identifies a previously archived value for the parameter identified in the first column, and a third column identifies a current value, captured from a device instance, corresponding to the parameter identified in the first column.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
G06F 15/177 - Initialisation or configuration control
G01R 31/26 - Testing of individual semiconductor devices
H01L 21/66 - Testing or measuring during manufacture or treatment
77.
METHOD AND SUPPORTING CONFIGURATION USER INTERFACES FOR STREAMLINING INSTALLING REPLACEMENT FIELD DEVICES
A method and user interfaces are described herein installing a field device as a replacement for a previously installed field device of a same type in a process control system. The disclosed method includes initially specifying a device type commissioning definition that includes a set of device-type specific parameters. A first set of instance-specific configuration parameter values are then stored for a first field device. When replacing the first field device by a second field device of the same type on a process control network, the commissioning definition and the previously stored parameters for the first device are used to automatically configure the second device.
A system management human-machine interface application for use in a process control system is described herein that enables users to view/monitor information regarding system status and performance and to initiate changes to the operation of system equipment, checkpoint control stations and execute diagnostics. A system management graphical user interface (GUI) (102) includes a number of interface features that enhance the accessibility of system status information to users. Such enhancements include rendering selectable diagnostic information (e.g., online/offline status) on a system component navigation view. The GUI (102) also provides access to a variety of system information including : alarms, messages, watched system management parameters, and a legend for symbols displayed in a system management navigation tree. Other enhancements include: a search function for quickly locating a device in the system to render detailed information, a navigation tree that displays equipment status via icons, and propagating fault statuses up to a highest level of the navigation tree.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
An HMI application supporting interaction between an operator and runtime control processor information is described herein. The HMI application provides graphical user interface-driven functionality including, among other things supporting a horizontal hierarchical view selection menu. Furthermore, visual alarm indicators associated with the view selection menu guide an operator through each view selection level to a view showing an alarm's source. The horizontal view selection menu is traversable by both a graphical pointer and keyboard strokes (e.g., dynamically assigned function keys). Enhanced faceplate overlays provide access to detailed information from a control block such as alarm limits and tuning parameters. Such detailed information is accessed by first exposing a menu of detailed information, and thereafter rendering the detailed information within a work area of the faceplate separate from the menu from which the detailed information type is selected for the control block.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
80.
System and method for demand limiting resistive load management
An electricity demand limiting system for limiting the electricity consumption of at least one resistive load device. The demand limiting system includes a consumption controller associated with the resistive load device that is operable to infinitely vary the amount of electricity being consumed by the load device. The consumption control device is in operative communication with a load controller such that the load controller can generate a control signal to affect the operation of the consumption control circuit. Preferably, the consumption control circuit is a triac-based circuit that receives the control signal from the load controller and limits the amount of electricity consumed by the resistive load device. The load controller can receive input signals from sensors monitoring the electricity delivery system or from the premise electricity meter. Further, the load controller can receive external inputs from a third party that determine the operation of the load controller in limiting the electricity demands of the resistive load device.
H02J 3/46 - Controlling the sharing of output between the generators, converters, or transformers
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
Motion is induced in a conduit that contains a fluid. The motion is induced such that the conduit oscillates in a first mode of vibration and a second mode of vibration. The first mode of vibration has a corresponding first frequency of vibration and the second mode of vibration has a corresponding second frequency of vibration. A property of the fluid may be determined based on the first frequency of vibration and the second frequency of vibration. Alternatively, or additionally, a property of the fluid may be determined based on a first temperature and a second temperature. Alternatively, or additionally, a property of the fluid may be determined based on a quantity that includes a ratio between the first frequency during a zero-flow condition and the second frequency during the zero-flow condition.
G01F 1/80 - Direct mass flowmeters operating by measuring pressure, force, momentum, or frequency of a fluid flow to which a rotational movement has been imparted
82.
REDUCED BORE VORTEX FLOWMETER HAVING A STEPPED INTAKE
A reduced bore vortex flowmeter and flowmeter body includes a fluid inlet couplable in series to an upstream portion of a fluid flow conduit. The inlet fairs into a central bore having a transverse cross-sectional dimension less than that of the conduit, and which houses a shedder. The central bore is communicably coupled to a fluid outlet couplable to a downstream portion of the conduit. The inlet has a stepped or structured inner wall, including a first wall portion disposed at first angle to the downstream direction, and a second wall portion disposed at a second angle to the downstream direction. The second angle is greater than the first angle, so that the first and second wall portions form a substantially concave axial cross-section. The stepped intake improves linearity of flow measurements by reducing velocity profile errors and/or extending contracted flow to the shedder over a relatively wide flow range.
G01F 1/20 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
A thermostat that can display information in multiple different orientations is provided. The thermostat includes a housing, a display, and an input device. As the housing is mounted in a particular orientation, the thermostat changes the orientation of the information for properly displaying same to a user. This is accomplished by sensing the orientation of the housing in one embodiment, and through user selection of a desired orientation in another embodiment. A separate display and input device(s) are provided in one embodiment, and a combined touch screen display and input device is provided in another embodiment.
A visual display system for use with a digital thermostat is provided. The visual display system provides an adjustable display resolution for the temperature readout provided thereon. This adjustable display resolution may be changed as desired by a user via a resolution adjustment menu. The display resolution may be adjusted to display the temperature information in tenths of degrees, half degrees, whole degrees, etc. as desired by a user. Such a display system accommodates different display resolution requirements of different original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers who may desire different displayed resolutions without having to manufacture and stock different models.
G05D 23/275 - Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means with sensing element expanding, contracting, or fusing in response to changes of temperature
G06F 3/048 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
A control system database server is disclosed that includes a data compression facility that implements a compression test sequence on streams of time stamped data points (306) rendered by components of the control system A dead-band time ovemde (310) in incorportated into the compression test to ensure that a previously received data point, within the stream of received data points, is saved within a designated time period even of the compression test sequence would have determined that the data point be discarded
G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
G06F 15/00 - Digital computers in generalData processing equipment in general
G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
G01K 1/02 - Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers
G01K 5/70 - Measuring temperature based on the expansion or contraction of a material the material being a solid constrained so that expansion or contraction causes a deformation of the solid the solid body being formed of compounded strips or plates, e.g. bimetallic strip specially adapted for indicating or recording
86.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TIME-WEIGHTED HISTORY BLOCK MANAGEMENT
Disclosed is a technique for managing items in a memory store. A 'free-space size threshold' is set for the memory store. An age parameter is also set. When the amount of free space in the store decreases below the threshold, space in the store is freed up by removing memory items. Memory items older than specified by the age parameter are also removed. A 'chain' of memory stores can be implemented. When a memory item is removed from the first store, it is added to the second store and so on. The techniques of the present invention can be implemented in each store in the chain, or the stores can use different memory management techniques.
A database server for handling steams of time stamped data points for tagged variables is disclosed herein that supports a set of advanced data retrieval operations/queries invoked by clients of the database server. The advanced data retrieval operations are invoked by client queries to provide, on demand, secondary information by processing previously tabled data corresponding to received data streams rendered by a variety of data sources in a supervisory control/monitoring, process control and/or automated equipment environment. Calculations, on previously stored data, for rendering the secondary information are performed within the database server at the time the secondary information is requested by a client of the historian that maintains a database containing the previously stored data.
Disclosed is a technique for managing memory items in a cache. An 'age-lock' parameter is set to protect the newer memory items. When an incoming memory item (such as a history block header) is to be added to the cache, the amount of free space in the cache is checked. If there is insufficient free space for the incoming memory item, then space is freed up by removing memory items from the cache. No memory items protected by the age-lock parameter are removed. Of the older items, the selection for removal follows any of a number of well know cache management techniques, such as the 'least recently used' algorithm. A 'maximum size' parameter can be set for the cache. If the cache exceeds this maximum size, then free space is released and memory items are removed to decrease the cache size.
Disclosed are techniques for synchronizing software objects in one namespace with software objects in another namespace. In one embodiment of the invention, an Archestra namespace is synchronized with an InSQL namespace by applying the public/private namespace capability of InSQL.
Flowmeters are described in which a sensor signal received from a sensor that is attached to vibratable flowtube, so as to determine properties of a fluid within the flowtube, contains a drive signal component and a coriolis mode component. The flowmeters are operable to determine drive parameters of the drive signal component, as well as coriolis parameters of the coriolis mode component. By analyzing the sensor signal based on the drive signal parameters, and not on the coriolis signal parameters, the flowmeters are able to provide stable and accurate determinations of the properties of the fluid.
In an ionic-activity sensor, an osmotic pump drives a reference-cell electrolyte to flow through an interface with the solution to be measured. This minimizes contamination of the reference cell by that solution. The driving force results from expansion of an electrolytic-agent reservoir into which solvent from a solvent reservoir diffuses through a semi-permeable membrane. The electrolytic-agent reservoir contains an electrolytic-agent solution in which a quantity of undissolved is disposed to keep the electrolytic-agent solution saturated as solvent diffuses into it.
A wireless tank level monitoring system is provided. The system includes a transmitter that is located in close proximity to the storage tank. The transmitter is coupled to a remote-ready tank level gauge, which provides a ratio-metric voltage output proportional to the liquid volume inside the tank. The transmitter periodically monitors the output from the level gauge and transmits the information to a base station located remotely from the storage tank. The base station displays the tank level numerically in percent full, graphically with a bar chart, or both. A conspicuous visual indication is provided by the base station when the tank level drops below a predetermined set point. In battery powered applications, the base station also reads and provides a visual indication of a low battery condition for both the transmitter and base station.
A production information reporting/recording system is disclosed herein including a number of features to ensure efficient, flexible and reliable recording of production data in a manufacturing system. Such features include validating the content of event messages to ensure compliance of event report information with a standard. The system also supports caching IDs associated with particular aspects of an event message (e.g., a production request, a process segment) as well as a unique ID corresponding to the ID assigned by the production event database to reduce the need to access the database when assigning unique database IDs to received events. The production event messaging system also supports both asynchronous and synchronous transactional messaging between the sources of events and the production database service. Finally, the system supports including extensions to a base production message schema through the inclusion of metadata that designates a particular production server to parse and apply/store the extension information.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
G06F 5/00 - Methods or arrangements for data conversion without changing the order or content of the data handled
G06F 9/44 - Arrangements for executing specific programs
G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
An inline air handler system and associated method of use is disclosed. This includes a member, at least one sensor operatively attached to the member, at least one ultraviolet light operatively attached to the member, at least one electronic input device, at least one electronic output device, a control unit, which includes a processor, that is electronically in communication with the at least one sensor, the at least one ultraviolet light, the at least one electronic input device and the at least one electronic output device, a water purification mechanism that includes an ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the ultraviolet radiation chamber can be positioned adjacent to at least one ultraviolet light. The air filtration unit and the member are positioned in a chamber located within a heating, ventilation, evaporative cooling and/or air conditioning system.
A wireless tank monitoring system for remotely monitoring a plurality of storage tanks is provided. This tank monitoring system utilizes wireless communication from individual tank level monitors to a single SatComm Gateway. The SatComm Gateway then utilizes a low-Earth Orbit satellite constellation to transmit information to a central data collection center. The data collection center then provides access to this information to clients. These clients also have the capability of controlling individual monitors via the bi-directional communications path through the satellite link to the SatComm Gateway to the individual monitors. The SatComm Gateway packages the information from each of the monitors to optimize the communications through the satellite link to decrease the cost of transmission. Intrinsic safety is provided by each of the individual tank level monitors.
In a 802.15.4 network, each reduced functionality device (RFD) is permitted to communicate with only an assigned full function device (FFD). The present invention allows each of the RFDs to communicate with another RFD upon the RFD determining that the local FFD assigned to the RFD is inoperable or unable to communicate. Under emergency conditions, the RFD is able to communicate with a closely located RFDs such that the closely located RFDs can receive and respond to an emergency situation and/or repeat the message. To satisfy the 802.15.4 standards, communication between the RFDs is allowed only during emergency conditions and when the FFD is inoperative. A comprehensive test procedure is included to insure the integrity of the system is preserved at all times.
A temperature and pressure measuring circuit is provided. The circuit comprises an uncompensated pressure transducer, an analog-to-digital converter, a reference resistive device, and first and second switches. The transducer has variable resistive devices between first, second, third, and fourth bridge nodes. The analog-to-digital converter has first and second reference inputs and first and second differential inputs. When the first switch couples the first differential input and the third bridge node and the second switch couples the second differential input and a ground, a bridge voltage is measurable and a bridge resistance is ratiometrically determinable. The bridge resistance is employed to calculate a temperature. When the first switch couples the first differential input and the first bridge node and the second switch couples the second differential input and the second bridge node, a differential voltage is measurable. The differential voltage is employed to calculate a pressure.
A method of determining a temperature and a pressure in a tank is provided. The method comprises the steps of obtaining sensor data and calculating coefficients. Then, a bridge resistance is ratiometrically determined from a bridge voltage. A temperature is calculated with the coefficients and the bridge resistance. Thereafter, a transition from a temperature measurement mode to a pressure measurement mode is made. A voltage per resistance is calculated with the coefficients and a differential voltage. Then, a normalized voltage is calculated using the voltage per resistance, the differential voltage, and the bridge resistance to indirectly compensating for temperature. A pressure is calculated with the coefficients and the normalized voltage.
A system for detecting excessive usage of product in a storage tank is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operatively coupled to the tank for monitoring a level of product stored therein. The data center is in communication with the monitor. The data center generates an alarm signal when excessive product usage has been detected.
A tank level monitoring system is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operatively connected to the tank to periodically monitor a level of product stored in the tank. The monitor includes a user-defined reporting schedule programmed therein. The data center is in communication with the monitor via a data channel. The monitor transmits level measurement information to the data center over the communication channel based on the user-defined reporting schedule.
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
