Automatic system profiling for a well system
AssigneeAmtrol Licensing Inc.
InventorsChristopher A. Van Haaren, Michael Cogliati
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A controller for a well system automatically profiles the system, detects a pre-charge of an associated pressurized storage tank, and automatically configures pressure-based control of a pump based on the detected pre-charge. The controller determines the pre-charge of the pressurized storage tank while the tank is connected to the system. While monitoring a system pressure, the controller activates the pump to initiate a filling operation of the pressurized storage tank. The controller analyzes a change in system pressure during the filling operation to determine the pre-charge of the pressurized storage tank. With the pre-charge determined, the controller automatically configures pressure settings for pressure-based control of the pump.
Claims18
A method for sensing a pre-charge of a pressurized storage tank, comprising:
- activating a well pump in fluid communication with the pressurized storage tank to initiate a filling operation;
- monitoring a change of fluid pressure of the pressurized storage tank during the filling operation;
- detecting a step change in the fluid pressure of the pressurized storage tank, wherein the step change is detected when a rate of change of the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined rate;
- recording a pressure value at an upper end of the step change as the pre-charge of the pressurized storage tank;
- deactivating the pump and disabling pressure-based control of the pump;
- monitoring a rate of change of fluid pressure of the pressurized storage tank while the pressurized storage tank is emptying;
- detecting when the rate of change of fluid pressure falls below a threshold;
- and
- recording a pressure value when the threshold is met as a remaining pre-charge of the pressurized storage tank.
A controller for a well system, comprising:
- a processor;
- an interface for operatively coupling the processor to a pump;
- and
- a computer-readable storing computer-executable instructions, that when executed by the processor, configure the processor to:
- activate the pump via the interface to initiate a filling operation of a pressurized storage tank in fluid communication with the pump;
- receive pressure readings from a pressure sensor during the filling operation, the pressure sensor is configured to measure a fluid pressure of the pressurized storage tank;
- detect a step change in the fluid pressure of the pressurized storage tank, wherein the step change is detected when a rate of change of the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined rate;
- and
- record a pressure value at an upper end of the step change as a pre-charge of the pressurized storage tank.
A system, comprising:
- a tank configured to store a fluid and provide the fluid under pressure to a plumbing system;
- and
- a controller configured to control operation of a pump to supply the fluid to one of the tank or the plumbing system, wherein the controller is operatively coupled to the pump and a pressure sensor that provides a pressure reading for the system,
- wherein the controller is configured to:
- activate the pump to initiate a filling operation;
- obtain pressure readings from the pressure sensor to monitor a change of pressure during the filling operation;
- detect a step change in the monitored pressure, wherein the step change is detected when a rate of change of the pressure exceeds a predetermined rate;
- and
- record a pressure value at an upper end of the step change as an initial pre-charge of the tank.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.