Fluid distribution to multiple users through distributed intelligence sub-centers

• US 4,729,106 A
• Filed: 07/06/1982
• Issued: 03/01/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Institute Of Gas Technology (GTI Energy)
• Original Assignee: Institute Of Gas Technology (GTI Energy)
• Inventors: Rush, William F., Huebler, James E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohan, Alan
• Application Number:
  US06/395,315
• Time in Patent Office: 2,065 Days
• Field of Search: 137/236, 137/624.11, 137/624.18, 137/624.2, 137/561 R, 137/1, 364/465, 364/510, 138/90, 138/98, 340/870.03, 15/104.06 A
• US Class Current: 700/283
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/00 Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow measuring a proportion of the volume flow G01F5/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/06 Indicating or recording devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/402 Distribution systems involving geographic features
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86389 Programmer or timer

Abstract

A process and system for fluid distribution from a principal intelligence and fluid distribution center to multiple users through distributed intelligence sub-centers. Intelligence transmission from individual user valves and meters to the distributed intelligence sub-centers and from the distributed intelligence sub-centers to the principal intelligence and fluid distribution center is achieved in conjunction with the piping by means such as wires within the cavity, wires embedded in the structure of the piping, wires along the exterior of the piping, fiber optics, or acoustic, electromagnetic or optical methods through the piping itself. The process and apparatus of this invention provides flow control, leak detection, pipe condition assessment, user meter readings, pipeline locator signals, robot control, and pipeline repair and cleaning. The process provides a total system approach providing improved safety and reduced operating costs and is particularly suited for underground distribution of natural gas services.

Claims

1. A process for fluid distribution through an underground pipeline system from a principal intelligence and fluid distribution center to multiple users comprising:

passing said fluid in sequence from said principal distribution center to a distributed intelligence sub-center in intelligence communication with said principal distribution center and then to an intelligence identifiable user valve and meter for each user, said user valve and meter being in intelligence communication with said sub-center, wherein said intelligence communication is conducted through said pipeline capable of conducting said fluid and said intelligence, each said user valve controlling flow of said fluid therethrough upon command from said sub-center and providing valve position intelligence to said sub-center, said user meter providing flow intelligence of said fluid flow therethrough to said sub-center upon command, and providing summary intelligence from a plurality of said intelligence sub-centers to said principal center for general system control by control of fluid and intelligence to each of said intelligence sub-centers.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by wires within the cavity of said pipeline.

3. The process of claim 1 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by wires embedded in the structure of said pipeline.

4. The process of claim 1 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by acoustic means.

5. The process of claim 1 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by fiber optics means.

6. The process of claim 1 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by electromagnetic means.

7. The process of claim 1 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by optical means.

8. A process for fluid distribution through an underground pipeline system from a principal intelligence and fluid distribution center to multiple users comprising:

passing said fluid in sequence from said principal distribution center to a distributed intelligence sub-center in intelligence communication with said principal distribution center and then to an intelligence identifiable user valve and meter for each user, said user valve and meter being in intelligence communication with said sub-center, each said user valve controlling flow of said fluid therethrough upon command from said sub-center and providing valve position intelligence to said sub-center, said user meter providing flow intelligence of said fluid flow therethrough to said sub-center upon command, providing summary intelligence from a plurality of said intelligence sub-centers to said principal center for general system control by control of fluid and intelligence to each of said intelligence sub-centers, and said distributed intelligence sub-center emits a locator signal through said underground pipeline providing for detection of the location of said pipeline from the ground surface.

9. A process for fluid distribution through an underground pipeline system from a principal intelligence and fluid distribution center to multiple users comprising:

passing said fluid in sequence from said principal distribution center to a distributed intelligence sub-center in intelligence communication with said principal distribution center and then to an intelligence identifiable user valve and meter for each user, said user valve and meter being in intelligence communication with said sub-center, each said user valve controlling flow of said flow of said fluid therethrough upon command from said sub-center and providing valve position intelligence to said sub-center, said user meter providing flow intelligence of said fluid flow therethrough to said sub-center upon command, providing summary intelligence from a plurality of said intelligence sub-centers to said principal center for general system control by control of fluid and intelligence to each of said intelligence sub-centers, and said distributed intelligence sub-center controls at least one robot operating within said pipeline and in intelligence communication with said sub-center.

10. The process of claim 9 wherein said robot(s) detect and locate leaks in said pipeline and transmit such intelligence to said sub-center.

11. The process of claim 10 wherein said robot(s) emits a locator signal for detection of location of said leak.

12. The process of claim 9 wherein said robot(s) provides flow control in said pipeline.

13. The process of claim 9 wherein said robot(s) applies patches to the inside of said pipeline repairing leaks.

14. The process of claim 9 wherein said robot(s) cleans the interior of said pipelines.

15. In a process for liquid distribution through an underground pipeline system from a principal intelligence and fluid distribution center through a distributed intelligence sub-center to multiple users, the steps comprising:

transmitting intelligence from individual users to said distributed intelligence sub-center to said principal intelligence center through said pipeline capable of conducting said fluid and said intelligence.

16. In a process for liquid distribution through an underground pipeline system from a principal intelligence and fluid distribution center through a distributed intelligence sub-center to multiple users, the steps comprising:

transmitting intelligence from individual users to said distributed intelligence sub-center to said principal intelligence center in conjunction with said pipeline, and said distributed intelligence sub-center emitting a locator signal through underground pipeline providing for detection of the location of the pipeline from the ground surface.

17. In a process for liquid distribution through an underground pipeline system from a principal intelligence and fluid distribution center through a distributed intelligene sub-center to multiple users, the steps comprising:

transmitting intelligence from individual users to said distributed intelligence sub-center to said principal intelligence center in conjunction with said pipeline, and said distributed intelligence sub-center controlling at least one robot operating withing said pipeline and in intelligence communication with said sub-center.

18. An underground pipeline fluid distribution system to multiple users comprising:

a principal intelligence and distribution center;

multiple distributed intelligence sub-centers;

an underground pipeline system in fluid communication through a supply pipeline with said principal distribution center and said sub-centers and in fluid communication through distribution pipelines and branching user pipelines with a user fluid meter serving each said user;

intelligence means at each said user fluid meter capable of individual identification and activation in intelligence communication conducted through said pipeline capable of conducting said fluid and said intelligence with its corresponding distributed intelligence sub-center; and

intelligence means at each said distributed intelligence sub-center in intelligence communication conducted through said pipeline capable of conducting said fluid and said intelligence with said principal intelligence center.

19. The underground pipeline fluid distribution system of claim 18 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by wires within the cavity of said pipeline.

20. The underground pipeline fluid distribution system of claim 18 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by wires embedded in the structure of said pipeline.

21. The underground pipeline fluid distribution system of claim 18 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by acoustic means

22. The underground pipeline fluid distribution system of claim 18 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by fiber optics means.

23. The underground pipeline fluid distribution system of claim 18 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by electromagnetic means.

24. The underground pipeline fluid distribution system of claim 18 wherein said conduction of said intelligence through said pipeline is by optical means.

25. An underground pipeline fluid distribution system to multiple users comprising:

a principal intelligence and distribution center;

multiple distributed intelligence sub-centers, each said distributed intelligence sub-center comprises means for emitting a locator signal through underground pipeline providing for detection of the location of said pipeline from the ground surface;

an underground pipeline system in fluid communication through a supply pipeline with said principal distrbution center and said sub-enters and in fluid communication through distribution pipelines and branching user pipelines with a user fluid meter serving each said user;

intelligence means at each said user fluid meter capable of individual identification and activation in intelligence communication with its corresponding distributed intelligence sub-center;

intelligence means at each said distributed intelligence sub-center in intelligence communication with said principal intelligence center.

26. An underground pipeline fluid distribution system to multiple users comprising:

a principal intelligence and distribution center;

multiple distributed intelligence sub-centers, each said distributed intelligence sub-center comprises means for controlling at least one robot operating within said pipeline and in intelligence communication with said sub-center;

an underground pipeline system in fluid communication through a supply pipeline with said principal distribution center and said sub-centers and in fluid communication through distribution pipelines and branching user pipelines with a user fluid meter serving each said user;

intelligence means at each said user fluid meter capable of individual identification and activation in intelligence communication with its corresponding distributed intelligence sub-center;

intelligence means at each said distributed intelligence sub-center in intelligence communication with said principal intelligence center.