Load cell failure detection and delayed repair
AssigneeAir Liquide Electronics U.S. LP
InventorsBryan L. Smith, Mark Stang, Mike Miano, Billy W. Luetkahans, Daniel J. Fuchs, Matt Kelly, Bryon Perkins, Justin Gauthier, Kevin T. O'Dougherty
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Liquid tank measuring systems that weigh/measure the amount of liquid in a fixed tank/vessel are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods that provide load cell failure detection of the liquid tank measuring system and the ability to continue operations post load cell failure detection.
Claims9
A method to detect a load cell failure in a liquid tank measuring system, the liquid tank measuring system comprising:
- i. three or more load cells,
- ii. a load cell transmitter communicating a signal from each of the three or more load cells to a programmable logic controller;
- iii. a weighing platform connected to each of the three or more load cells;
- iv. a tank located on the weighing platform;
- and
- v. the programmable logic controller which receives communication from the load cell transmitter;
- the method comprising:
- a. calibrating the three or more load cells to measure a total weight on the platform;
- b. adding a processing liquid to the tank;
- c. monitoring each of the three or more load cells to determine whether a weight determined by one of the three or more load cells deviates from a weight determined by a remaining amount of the three or more load cells;
- d. scheduling repair of a load cell when the weight determined by that load cell deviates from the weight determined by the remaining amount of the three or more load cells;
- and
- e. monitoring the remaining amount of the three or more load cells for weight consistency until the load cell is repaired.
A method to detect a load cell failure in a liquid tank measuring system, the liquid tank measuring system comprising:
- i. three or more load cells,
- ii. a load cell transmitter communicating a signal from each of the three or more load cells to a programmable logic controller;
- iii. a weighing platform connected to each of the three or more load cells;
- iv. a tank located on the weighing platform;
- and
- v. the programmable logic controller which receives communication from the load cell transmitter;
- the method comprising:
- a. calibrating each of the three or more load cells to measure a total weight on the platform;
- b. adding a processing liquid to the tank;
- c. monitoring each of the three or more load cells to determine whether a weight determined by one of the three or more load cells deviates from a weight determined by a remaining amount of the three or more load cells;
- d. scheduling repair of a load cell when the weight determined by that load cell deviates from the weight determined by the remaining amount of the three or more load cells;
- and
- e. monitoring the remaining amount of the three or more load cells for weight consistency until the load cell is repaired.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.