Network edge detection and notification of gas pressure situation
AssigneeItron, Inc.
InventorsJames Lee Kann, Katrina Polk, Janet Penz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Techniques for detecting a high gas pressure situation within a gas delivery system (e.g., for natural gas delivery to homes and businesses) are described. In one example, a device measures gas pressure. If a pressure over a threshold value is detected, a nearby device is messaged. The nearby device either confirms the over-pressure condition or indicates it may be more localized. If the condition is present within an area of the gas delivery system and/or within a group of devices within the gas delivery system, protective measures may be taken, such as closing valves providing gas to a number of service sites.
Claims20
A method, comprising:
- defining a group of gas meters of a gas-delivery system, wherein the group of gas meters comprises a plurality of gas meters, and wherein the defining is based at least in part on a topology of the gas-delivery system;
- measuring gas pressure at each gas meter of the group of gas meters;
- determining, based on the measuring, that gas pressure measurements at gas meters of the group of gas meters exceed threshold values, wherein the threshold values are respectively associated with each gas meter within the group of gas meters, and wherein a number of gas pressure measurements exceeding respectively associated threshold values is greater than a further threshold value;
- and
- responsive to the further threshold value being exceeded:
- sending a shutoff command to the group of gas meters;
- or
- closing valves of the group of gas meters.
A gas meter, comprising:
- a gas pressure sensor;
- a radio;
- a processor;
- and
- memory, having defined thereon statements, which when executed by the processor perform actions comprising:
- defining a group of gas meters of a gas-delivery system, wherein the group of gas meters comprises a plurality of gas meters, and wherein the defining is based at least in part on a topology of the gas-delivery system;
- measuring gas pressure at each gas meter of the group of gas meters;
- determining, based on the measuring, that gas pressure measurements at gas meters of the group of gas meters exceed threshold values, wherein the threshold values are respectively associated with each gas meter within the group of gas meters, and wherein a number of gas pressure measurements exceeding respectively associated threshold values is greater than a further threshold value;
- and
- responsive to the further threshold value being exceeded:
- sending a shutoff command to the group of gas meters;
- or
- closing valves of the group of gas meters.
One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, configure a computing device to perform acts comprising:
- defining a group of gas meters of a gas-delivery system, wherein the group of gas meters comprises a plurality of gas meters, and wherein the defining is based at least in part on a topology of the gas-delivery system;
- measuring gas pressure at each gas meter of the group of gas meters;
- determining, based on the measuring, that gas pressure measurements at gas meters of the group of gas meters exceed threshold values, wherein the threshold values are respectively associated with each gas meter within the group of gas meters, and wherein a number of gas pressure measurements exceeding respectively associated threshold values is greater than a further threshold value;
- and
- responsive to the further threshold value being exceeded:
- sending a shutoff command to the group of gas meters;
- or
- closing valves of the group of gas meters.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.