CASE STUDY REMOTE DIESEL TANK MONITORING

Transcription

1 CASE STUDY REMOTE DIESEL TANK MONITORING Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

2 INTRODUCTION Solid Applied Technologies (SolidAT) is proposing its solution for remote Diesel tank monitoring system. SolidAT solution is based on two-components: GaugerGSM and GaugerNET: GaugerGSM - non-contact ultrasonic level sensor integrated with GSM cellular communication modem which is installed on each tank. An optional component is GPS receiver integrated in GaugerGSM (GaugerGPS) to provide location information for mobile or portable applications. GaugerNET - a web monitoring server presenting graphs, charts, maps and alerts for each of the tanks. GaugerNET is offered as a managed service. SolidAT also offers software or communication interfaces for parties having their own monitoring software. This document describes and illustrates the system and its components. Additional information including detailed user manuals, data sheets, installation pictures and marketing information is available on our web site: Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE COMPANY PRODUCTION FACILITIES RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT A SOLID COMMITMENT to the ENVIRONMENT REMOTE MONITORING ARCHITECTURE GAUGER GSM Operation in explosive atmospheres Enabling cellular communication in tough conditions GAUGER GPS Enabling level monitoring and tracking on-the-move Tank installation photos GAUGER NET Data Analysis SOLIDAT PROPOSAL STRUCTURE Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

4 1. ABOUT THE COMPANY Solid Applied Technologies Ltd (SolidAT) is an Israeli manufacturer and developer of advanced ultrasonic level meters and remote level monitoring solutions. The company is operating in this field for more than ten years. SolidAT is selling its products worldwide through a chain of distributors, system integrators and partners. SolidAT partners benefit from private labeling, OEM products and part kits for self-assembly. 1.1 PRODUCTION FACILITIES SolidAT operates a 1,000 SQM manufacturing plant incorporating assembly lines, quality assurance facilities, warehouse and ultrasonic testing areas. Testing facilities include three 10- meter long ultrasonic shooting ranges; 25,000 liter environmental testing tank; two pipe-linked 2,500 liter tanks for dynamic testing; pressure testing container tube and more. The complete plant is ERP based. Facility is internationally approved by ISO 9001:2000, FM, ATEX and IECEx. 1.2 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SolidAT R&D embraces multi-disciplinary knowledge of analog and digital electronic hardware, embedded firmware, PC and server (PHP) software, wireless and wired communications, system architecture and algorithmic design, standards and certifications. SolidAT is committed to pursue new features and improve quality design for next generation products. 1.3 A SOLID COMMITMENT to the ENVIRONMENT More than a decade ago, even before "green", "environmental responsibility" and "sustainability" became critical issues SolidAT vision expressed a commitment to the world we live in-to the well-being of our planet. SolidAT translated this vision into practical, value-driven, reliable technology. Its products are meeting the most stringent standards. SolidAT solutions are critical in ensuring protection for people, property, and the environment. Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

5 2. REMOTE MONITORING ARCHITECTURE Schematic of the overall architecture is depicted in the next figure: GaugerNET server GaugerGSM Cellular Network Internet Users With this architecture SolidAT is responding to user queries such as: How much diesel oil do we have at each site and what is our total inventory? Is there a tank with low level that is to be refilled immediately? Is there a sudden drop in level that indicates large leakage or theft? Did the tanker operator report a correct refilling time and quantity? Is the tanker route well planned or time is wasted? Will our Gensets have enough fuel when mains power fail? Much of the data analysis is performed within the sensor, greatly reducing the communication bandwidth requirements. Firmware can detect sudden fuel drop and a refilling process. When an appreciable drop is detected, an SMS / GPRS alert is sent. Refilling report is accompanied by quantity information allowing users to verify refilling quantities. Special alerts are defined for specific levels, for example an alert at 10% from empty. An external contact may be employed for reporting operation time intervals of a nearby generator and change in voltage may be used to indicate power supply exchanges. Sensor capabilities are augmented by additional logic within GaugerNET. Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

6 3. GAUGER GSM GaugerGSM is an integrated ultrasonic level sensor with GSM cellular modem. GaugerGSM communication highlights: Periodic reports and immediate alerts for special events. Reports of Level, Volume, Temperature, Input voltage, GSM signal strength. Data is transmitted by SMS or GPRS and integrated with GaugerNET or third party SCADA. GaugerGSM is a robust sensor benefiting from its core ultrasonic technology: Measurement range is up to 8m (26') and extremely short dead-zone of 15cm (6"). Non-contact measurement and no moving parts exhibiting minimal maintenance. Sensor is coated PVDF, resistant to highly chemically aggressive liquids. One single inventory part for different sewer shapes and sizes. Sealing rated IP68, withstanding rain, dust and snow. Operational temperature -30 C to +70 C. GaugerGSM sensors are rich featured: Models available certified for explosive atmosphere (Intrinsically-Safe). Programmable alerts (e.g. 10% from empty alert or sudden level drop alert). Support for two temperature sensors for improved accuracy. Simple wizard-based setup or USB PC-based cloning for rapid setup of many units. Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

7 3.1 Operation in explosive atmospheres GaugerGSM is available in ATEX and IECEx approved models certified for use in explosive atmospheres. System is certified Intrinsic Safe and approved for operation with a SIM card which does not require special encapsulation process (as offered by some high-end competitor products). This feature greatly reduces one-time costs, maintenance costs and general project overhead. 3.2 Enabling cellular communication in tough conditions Solid Applied Technologies gained wide experience in enabling cellular communications in low coverage areas. The following are some highlights under this topic: Ability to support SMS in lieu of GPRS where GPRS coverage is weak. Continuous RSSI reports (RSSI is the received cellular signal strength). Support for both internal and external GSM antennas. For SMS sites, an SMS-to-IP gateway-to-gaugernet is provided. Strong cellular retry algorithms. 3.3 GAUGER GPS Enabling level monitoring and tracking on-the-move GaugerGPS is a version of GaugerGSM with an embedded GPS receiver. GaugerGPS transmits Level, Volume and Temperature information along with location information. Location tracking information can be viewed on GaugerNET web monitor. With GaugerGPS, fleet managers can get answers to: Where is the location of each tanker-truck in the fleet? How much diesel is in each the carried tank? Did a truck stop and resumed driving with less diesel? Is the refueling operation managed efficiently? Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

8 3.4 Tank installation photos Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

9 4. GAUGER NET GaugerNET is a web monitoring server incorporating two main tasks: Listening to messages from fielded GaugerGSM sensors (Sensor Listener) Presenting field data to authorized users (Web Monitor) Users can monitor their sites anywhere and anytime using any standard web browser. Browsing can be initiated from a desktop, laptop or even smartphone while on the move. Activity can be tracked up-to-the-minute for each individual site. Overall project performance and statistics can be examined. Graphic charts are available for diesel level, temperature, GSM signal strength at the site, power input and site status. Charts may be tuned for vertical and time scale and stored for later presentation to management. alerts are also supported. Each supervisor may subscribe to sites and events which are relevant for him. GaugerNET provides map view where each site is presented by an icon and last report from each site can be viewed on the map. GaugerNET is provided as managed hosted service, priced per GaugerGSM per month (or year). GaugerNET is not a mandatory service and users can decide to use their own central monitoring software. For these cases, SolidAT supports customers by providing the Interface Document and also software simulators for creating GaugerGSM-like messages. An alternative interface is based on a MySQL database. Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

10 4.1 Data Analysis Typical Level/Volume details and trends are illustrated in the next chart. Installation in this case is a 1000 liter tank that feeds a generator. Reporting interval is 3 minutes. Gradual reduction of diesel is observed from which average consumption can be concluded. Rapid variances in this installation are about +/-1 liter as can viewed on the following graph. Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

11 The next chart presents RSSI (cellular received signal strength) which can vary between 2 and 32 (low to high). RSSI at urban areas is not constant but varies with the time of day and may affected by events occurring nearby the site. RSSI level of 8 or below requires improvement steps to be taken at this location. The next chart presents measured temperature across the day at a site exhibiting high temperatures (approaching 40 C afternoon). GaugerGSM handles varying temperatures from several different aspects: (1) Product is designed to withstand a wide temperature range (2) An internal temperature sensor compensates for ultrasonic variances due to temperature effects (3) The system supports a second, external temperature sensor, to compensate for extreme cases (4) Firmware can compensate for thermal expansion of fuel. Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)

12 5. SOLIDAT PROPOSAL STRUCTURE Solid Applied Technologies offers complete field site hardware and web monitoring service (or software interface for third party monitoring software). List of available items: # Model / Description Options 1 GaugerGSM Integrated display ATEX / IECEx certifications 2 GaugerGPS 3 GaugerNET Basic service Extended service 4 Complete set of instruction manuals 5 One year warranty for hardware items + phone/mail support 6 Training seminar for installers 7 Technician visit for pilot site support Not included are SIM cards with SMS/GPRS service or installation accessories. GSM coverage and power supply are required at each site. Tel: +972 (8) Fax: +972 (8)