Pipeline fluid travel monitoring system
First Claim
1. A pipeline fluid tagging system, comprising:
- a housing adapted to travel with a fluid in a pipeline;
a transmitter disposed in said housing operative to transmit signals representative of information relating to the identification of said fluid;
at least one stationary receiver disposed externally to said pipeline to receive the signals transmitted by said transmitter; and
signal processing and communication circuitry connected to said receiver operative to output said identification information to a user of said system for the purpose of monitoring said fluid as it travels through said pipeline.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a pipeline fluid tagging system, an RF transmitter enclosed within a sealed housing is immersed in one or more of the fluids being transported, and transmits information pertaining to that fluid, such as its type, destination and quantity. One or more receivers, preferably located around the joints between lengths of the pipeline receives the RF signals and communicates them to a data collection facility either by a separate RF transmitter or along land lines. To avoid damage and wear, the transmitter housing is formed into a shape that minimizes contact with the inner wall of the pipeline. This shape is used in conjunction with passive and active mechanical stabilization techniques to further ensure that the transmitter maintains its orientation along the longitudinal center line of the pipe.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A pipeline fluid tagging system, comprising:
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a housing adapted to travel with a fluid in a pipeline; a transmitter disposed in said housing operative to transmit signals representative of information relating to the identification of said fluid; at least one stationary receiver disposed externally to said pipeline to receive the signals transmitted by said transmitter; and signal processing and communication circuitry connected to said receiver operative to output said identification information to a user of said system for the purpose of monitoring said fluid as it travels through said pipeline. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A pipeline fluid tagging system, comprising:
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a housing adapted to travel with a fluid in a pipeline, said housing being shaped to promote travel along the longitudinal centerline of the pipeline; stabilization means disposed within said housing operative to orient said housing within said fluid to minimize contact between said housing and the inner wall of the pipeline; an RF transmitter disposed in said housing operative to transmit signals representative of information relating to the identification of said fluid, including fluid type, quantity and destination; at least one RF receiver positioned along the length of said pipeline, said receiver being adapted to receive the signals transmitted by said transmitter; and signal processing and communication circuitry connected to said receiver operative to output said identification information to a user.
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Specification