Management of response to triggering events in connection with monitoring fugitive emissions

• US 7,657,384 B1
• Filed: 03/28/2007
• Issued: 02/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: LDARtools Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Environmental Analytics Incorporated (Guardian Compliance)
• Inventors: Moses, Rex
• Primary Examiner(s): Wachsman; Hal D
• Application Number:
  US11/692,764
• Time in Patent Office: 1,042 Days
• Field of Search: 702/24, 702/23, 702/22, 702/26
• US Class Current: 702/24
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/205 Accessories or associated equipment; Pump constructions

Abstract

Method for managing a response to a triggering event in connection with a fugitive emissions monitor of a component. In one implementation, the method may include determining whether an input is a triggering event. If the input is a triggering event, then a message regarding the triggering event and one or more actions to remedy the triggering event may be displayed. The method may further include displaying one or more queries to confirm that the actions have been completed.

Claims

1. A method for managing a response to a fugitive emissions monitor of a component, comprising:

determining whether a signal from a toxic vapor analyzer (TVA) has been received;

if no signal from the TVA has been received, then determining that the TVA has malfunctioned;

displaying a message indicating that the TVA has malfunctioned due to a flame out and a first instruction to determine the status of a flame inside the TVA; and

displaying one or more queries to confirm that the first instruction has been performed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal is a binary signal.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a second instruction to determine the status of a battery of the TVA.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a third second instruction to refill the TVA with H₂.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a second instruction to provide a remedy for addressing the flame out.

6. A method for managing a response to a fugitive emissions monitor of a component, comprising:

determining whether a parts per million (PPM) level of an air sample detected by a toxic vapor analyzer (TVA) exceeds a predetermined amount;

if it is determined that the PPM level of the air sample exceeds the predetermined amount, then displaying a message indicating an existence of a leak on the component and a set of instructions to notify a supervisor and obtain a signature of the supervisor; and

displaying one or more queries to confirm that the set of instructions has been performed.

7. A method for monitoring a component for fugitive emissions, comprising:

calculating a first amount of time to monitor the component;

determining whether a deflection in a signal received from a toxic vapor analyzer has occurred while the component is being monitored during the first amount of time; and

if the deflection in the signal has occurred, then displaying a first message to instruct an operator to monitor the component for a second amount of time at the conclusion of the first amount of time.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first amount of time is based on the type, size or specific characteristics of the component.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the second amount of time is based on the type, size or specific characteristics of the component.

10. The method of claim 7, further displaying a second message that indicates an amount of time that has lapsed while monitoring the component.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

receiving a reading regarding the component;

determining whether the second amount of time has lapsed; and

if the second amount of time has not lapsed, then displaying a second message to indicate that the reading is not stored.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the second amount of time is measured from the time at which the deflection in the signal is determined after the conclusion of the first amount of time.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein the first message is displayed at the end of the first amount of time.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein the second amount of time is measured from a last increase in parts per million (PPM) level detected during the second amount of time.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second amount of time is configured to ensure that the deflection in the signal is completely measured.

16. The method of claim 7, wherein the deflection in the signal represents an elevated parts per million (PPM) reading.