Storage tank monitoring apparatus and methods
AssigneeAxon4D Corp.
InventorJared Johan FISK
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for measuring the deformation in a floating-roof seal assembly. A fiber optic cable is attached along its length to the floating-roof seal assembly such that the fiber optic cable is deformed when the floating-roof seal assembly is deformed. Deformation of the fiber optic cable and the seal assembly can be determined based on how the light interacts with the fiber optic cable. This helps allow tanks with a floating roof to be monitored.
Claims20
An apparatus for measuring the deformation in a floating-roof seal assembly comprising:
- a deformable floating-roof seal assembly configured to span between a rigid section of a floating roof and components of a container;
- a fiber optic cable assembly comprising one or more fiber optic cables, each fiber optic cable being attached along its length to the floating-roof seal assembly such that each fiber optic cable is deformed when the floating-roof seal assembly is deformed;
- a light source configured to transmit light along each fiber optic cable;
- and
- a receiver configured to detect light from each fiber optic cable after it has interacted with the fiber optic cable.
A retrofit apparatus for measuring the deformation in a floating-roof seal assembly comprising:
- a fiber optic assembly comprising one or more fiber optic cables configured to be attachable along its length;
- a connector for attaching the fiber optic assembly along its length to a deformable floating-roof seal assembly configured to span between a rigid section of a floating roof and components of a container, such that the fiber optic assembly is deformed when the floating-roof seal assembly is deformed;
- a light source configured to transmit light along the one or more fiber optic cables;
- a receiver configured to detect light from the one or more fiber optic cables after it has interacted with the one or more fiber optic cables;
- and
- a controller configured to determine the deformation of the fiber optic assembly based on the detected light.
A method for measuring changes in a storage tank,
- the tank comprising:
- a container for containing a liquid;
- and
- a floating roof comprising a float for floating on the liquid contained within the tank, and a deformable floating-roof seal assembly configured to span between a rigid section of a floating roof and components of the container,
- a fiber optic assembly comprising one or more fiber optic cables attached along its length to the floating-roof seal assembly,
- a light source configured to transmit light along the one or more fiber optic cables;
- and
- a receiver configured to detect light from the one or more fiber optic cables after it has interacted with the one or more fiber optic cables;
- the method comprising:
- transmitting light from the light source into the one or more fiber optic cables;
- measuring light received from the one or more fiber optic cables after it is interacted with the one or more fiber optic cables;
- and
- determining the deformation of the fiber optic cable assembly based on the measured light.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.