CA2498160A1 - Systems and methods for central control, monitoring, and reconciliation of liquid product - Google Patents
Systems and methods for central control, monitoring, and reconciliation of liquid product Download PDFInfo
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- CA2498160A1 CA2498160A1 CA002498160A CA2498160A CA2498160A1 CA 2498160 A1 CA2498160 A1 CA 2498160A1 CA 002498160 A CA002498160 A CA 002498160A CA 2498160 A CA2498160 A CA 2498160A CA 2498160 A1 CA2498160 A1 CA 2498160A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/08—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred
- B67D7/22—Arrangements of indicators or registers
- B67D7/221—Arrangements of indicators or registers using electrical or electro-mechanical means
- B67D7/222—Arrangements of indicators or registers using electrical or electro-mechanical means involving digital counting
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/08—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred
- B67D7/085—Testing or calibrating apparatus therefore
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
- B67D7/3209—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid relating to spillage or leakage, e.g. spill containments, leak detection
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
- B67D7/34—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
- B67D7/344—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information
- B67D7/348—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information by interrogating an information transmitter, e.g. a transponder
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention extend to methods, systems and computer program products for a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process that can be initiated and performed on a virtual real-time basis, regardless of ongoing sales transactions. Further, the present invention is configured to measure and compensate for temperature variances at every point of physical measurement in order to appropriately reconcile book and physical inventory. In addition, the present invention provides for an automated way to request, determine, and monitor the delivery of liquid product to a distribution facility in order to prevent shortages, unauthorized drops, theft, etc.
Description
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L'J~~~~, rV~1-~ 1 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CENTRAL CONTROL, MONITORING, AND
RECONCILIATION OF LIQUID PRODUCT
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
(0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/644,317, filed on January 14, 2005, and entitled "Systems and Methods fox Central Control, Monitoring, and Reconciliation of Liquid Product", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention [0002] Embodiments of the present invention extend to methods, systems and computer program products associated with the delivery, tracking, and reconciliation of liquid product inventory. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide for a liquid product book inventory to physical inventory reconciliation process that can be initiated and performed on a virtual real-time basis, regardless of ongoing sales transactions. Further, embodiments of the present invention are configured to measure and compensate for temperature variances at every point of physical measurement in order to appropriately reconcile book and physical inventory.
In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide for an automated way to request, determine, and monitor the delivery of liquid product to a distribution facility in order to prevent shortages, unauthorized drops, theft, etc.
2. Background and Related Art [0003] Both retail and wholesale liquid product distribution facilities (e.g., gas stations, oil refiners, etc.) are located throughout the nation and other parts of the world.
Typically, the liquid product is stored in bulk storage containers or tanks, which may be located above, below, or partially below ground. Each tank may store various petroleum and other liquid products (e.g., gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc.) to be dispensed through pump dispensers at various retail facilities (e.g., automobile service stations, trucking terminals, automobile rental outlets, and other similar operations).
The liquid product is generally delivered to such retail facilities by a gravity drop from a compartment in a wheeled transport such as a fuel delivery truck. These delivery trucks are in turn loaded for delivery from tank systems located at wholesale distribution centers, which may also receive deliveries of product from, e.g., a pipeline spur, delivery trucks, a barge, rail car, or other similar means. The amount of the load is typically reported in a bill-of lading, which is issued to the retail facility at the time of the drop.
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L'J~~~~, rV~1-~ 1 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CENTRAL CONTROL, MONITORING, AND
RECONCILIATION OF LIQUID PRODUCT
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
(0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/644,317, filed on January 14, 2005, and entitled "Systems and Methods fox Central Control, Monitoring, and Reconciliation of Liquid Product", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention [0002] Embodiments of the present invention extend to methods, systems and computer program products associated with the delivery, tracking, and reconciliation of liquid product inventory. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide for a liquid product book inventory to physical inventory reconciliation process that can be initiated and performed on a virtual real-time basis, regardless of ongoing sales transactions. Further, embodiments of the present invention are configured to measure and compensate for temperature variances at every point of physical measurement in order to appropriately reconcile book and physical inventory.
In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide for an automated way to request, determine, and monitor the delivery of liquid product to a distribution facility in order to prevent shortages, unauthorized drops, theft, etc.
2. Background and Related Art [0003] Both retail and wholesale liquid product distribution facilities (e.g., gas stations, oil refiners, etc.) are located throughout the nation and other parts of the world.
Typically, the liquid product is stored in bulk storage containers or tanks, which may be located above, below, or partially below ground. Each tank may store various petroleum and other liquid products (e.g., gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc.) to be dispensed through pump dispensers at various retail facilities (e.g., automobile service stations, trucking terminals, automobile rental outlets, and other similar operations).
The liquid product is generally delivered to such retail facilities by a gravity drop from a compartment in a wheeled transport such as a fuel delivery truck. These delivery trucks are in turn loaded for delivery from tank systems located at wholesale distribution centers, which may also receive deliveries of product from, e.g., a pipeline spur, delivery trucks, a barge, rail car, or other similar means. The amount of the load is typically reported in a bill-of lading, which is issued to the retail facility at the time of the drop.
[0004] In larger facilities, there may be multiple tanks containing the same or similar liquid product. In fact, tanks containing like or similar product may be manifolded together, allowing them to function as one larger tank. For example more than one tank containing LS #2 Diesel fuel may be plumbed to a common trunk line connecting to multiple fueling dispensers. Additionally, multiple tanks could be plumbed together with a siphon line allowing for the cross flow of product between the tanks. For instance, tanks with premium fuel may be rnanifolded together with regular fuel tanks, wherein mid-grade fuels are a cross flow of these two types of fuel. For purposes of book inventory to physical inventory reconciliation, the multiple tanks that are plumbed together can be treated as one tank, since it is not always feasible to assign a sales transaction to any one of the tanks individually.
[0005] Regardless of the type of tanks, these distribution outlets (both wholesale and retail facilities) are tightly governed by Federal and state laws that require tank systems to have leak detection. One available leak detection processes is known as Statistical Inventory Reconciliation (SIR), which analyzes inventory, delivery, and dispensing data collected over a period of time to determine whether or not a tank system is leaking. Each operating day, the owner of the facility should measure the product level using a gauge stick or other tank level monitor (e.g., an Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG)). The owner is also required to keep complete records of all withdrawals from the tank and all deliveries to the tank. After data has been collected for the period of time required by the SIR, the data may be provided to the SIR vendor or entered into the owners own SIR program. The SIR system then uses sophisticated computer software to conduct a statistical analysis of the data to determine whether or not the tanks may be leaking. The program may then provide the owner with a test report of the analysis results with one of three possible bottom-line responses: pass, fail, or inconclusive.
[0006] Although current SIR systems are useful in detecting leaks and are approved by various governmental agencies (e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency EPA), they also have several shortcomings. For example, in order to use such SIR
processes, measurements must take place in a static environment. In particular, no liquid product should be delivered to or dispensed from the tanks during the tank volume measuring process. For small retail facilities that typically have idle times (e.g., during early morning hours), this may not be a big burden. For larger operating facilities that have continual activity (e.g., popular truck fueling stations), however, such required inactivity of the dispensers causes a great burden on the owner and is a big inconvenience for customers who must wait while the measurements are taking place.
processes, measurements must take place in a static environment. In particular, no liquid product should be delivered to or dispensed from the tanks during the tank volume measuring process. For small retail facilities that typically have idle times (e.g., during early morning hours), this may not be a big burden. For larger operating facilities that have continual activity (e.g., popular truck fueling stations), however, such required inactivity of the dispensers causes a great burden on the owner and is a big inconvenience for customers who must wait while the measurements are taking place.
[0007] Another problem with such SIR systems is they cannot provide real-time monitoring of the delivery of liquid product for accurate inventory.
Frequently, there may be overages and shortages in the delivery of the liquid product as opposed to what gets reported in the bill-of lading. These delivery inconsistencies may be caused by any number of things, for example, inaccurate metering at the rack where the fuel is dispensed into the delivery truck, inconsistencies in the delivery truck's tank not allowing all of the fuel to drop, a bad release valve on the delivery truck, temperature changes from the rack to the tank where it's delivered, and even theft.
Regardless of the reason for the inconsistency, as mentioned above because these SIR systems typically require data taken over a large period of time (e.g., a month), they cannot immediately identify overages or shortages in deliveries by taking instant reconciliations before and after a delivery. Nevertheless, even if they could do a real-time reconciliation, because they cannot operate in a dynamic environment, they cannot give on-demand reconciliation when pumps are active. Accordingly, in order to use SIR for determining delivery shortages, deliveries would need to be made during idle times, which could be difficult, if not impossible, to schedule.
Frequently, there may be overages and shortages in the delivery of the liquid product as opposed to what gets reported in the bill-of lading. These delivery inconsistencies may be caused by any number of things, for example, inaccurate metering at the rack where the fuel is dispensed into the delivery truck, inconsistencies in the delivery truck's tank not allowing all of the fuel to drop, a bad release valve on the delivery truck, temperature changes from the rack to the tank where it's delivered, and even theft.
Regardless of the reason for the inconsistency, as mentioned above because these SIR systems typically require data taken over a large period of time (e.g., a month), they cannot immediately identify overages or shortages in deliveries by taking instant reconciliations before and after a delivery. Nevertheless, even if they could do a real-time reconciliation, because they cannot operate in a dynamic environment, they cannot give on-demand reconciliation when pumps are active. Accordingly, in order to use SIR for determining delivery shortages, deliveries would need to be made during idle times, which could be difficult, if not impossible, to schedule.
[0008] A related problem with current SIR systems is that, because they cannot do real-time monitoring of the change in volume within a tank, they cannot immediately determine if liquid product is being dropped into an unauthorized tank or if the level of water within the tank is too high. An unauthorized drop, however, can have serious consequences. Fox example, if the wrong petroleum product is unknowingly dropped into an improper tank, extreme damage may occur to vehicles fueled with the improper product. In addition, during a drop, the sediment at the bottom of the tank may be disturbed causing the level of water within the tank to rise dramatically.
Such a rise in water volume, however, can also be siphoned into the dispensing system, causing those vehicles fueling during the surge to get water instead of fuel.
Such a rise in water volume, however, can also be siphoned into the dispensing system, causing those vehicles fueling during the surge to get water instead of fuel.
[0009] One solution to such problems would be to manually monitor the drop through, e.g., an ATG. This rudimentary solution, however, has several downfalls. For example, often times a drop cannot be anticipated; and therefore one might not even know when an unauthorized drop has occurred. In addition, by the time it is determined that the unauthorized drop is occurnng or that the level of water in the tank is rising to dangerous levels, it may take several minutes to run out and stop the unauthorized or dangerous drop, while the damage has already occurred.
[0010] Another problem with SIR reports is that they don't take into account temperature differences at every physical point in the distribution process.
When the liquid product is initially loaded into the delivery vehicle, it is at a first temperature that can be reported in the bill-of lading. Depending on a myriad of factors, however, the temperature of the liquid product can change dramatically during the distribution process. For example, the temperature of the liquid product may change depending on the temperature difference where the delivery truck was loaded and where the drop was made, the time of day, whether the tank is above or below ground, etc. These temperature differences, however, can have an enormous effect of the measured volume of the liquid product and can be the cause of error in the SIR system.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0011 ] Embodiments of the present inventions overcome these problems by providing various methods, systems, computer program products and devices. In one configuration, the present invention can include systems and methods for the central control and monitoring of product delivery based on anticipation of delivery through a request and authorization of product drop process. Prior to delivery of a product, the driver requests and receives authorization from a centralized service, such as a corporate based Centralized Inventory Management system, or CIM, sending authorization data to the driver and/or the retail facility to receive the liquid product.
The driver can provide the CIM with information on a bill-of lading. The driver can also provide additional information such as the supplier, the fuel source where the product was loaded, the Garner, driver's information, etc. In some embodiments, the driver can provide all of this information electronically using a portable computing device carried by the driver or located in the truck to wirelessly communicate this data between the terminal, the CIM, and/or the retail facility. The CIM can authorize delivery following a series of appropriate interactions between the fuel source, the CIM, the carrier, the driver and the retail facility where the delivery or drop will occur. As part of the anticipation of a drop, the specific tank to receive the product can be identified and flagged. That particular tank, as well as all other tanks at the retail facility, can be monitored to determine in real-time if the drop occurs at the proper tank.
Further, monitoring of water content can occur to prevent delivery of the water to the customer through the dispenser.
[0012] In one configuration, disclosed are systems, methods, and computer program products for the central control and monitoring of a delivery of liquid product. The system can include a centralized inventory management system that can monitor and control the delivery of the liquid product by a carrier, to at least one retail facility. The method can include receiving at the centralized inventory management system a request from the carrier for instructions relating to delivery of liquid product.
Based on data monitored by the centralized inventory management system, the method can include determining a type and volume of liquid product needed in one retail facility selected from a plurality of retail facilities and then posting an order providing instructions to the Garner regarding liquid product needed in the selected retail facility.
[0013] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products to prevent a delivery vehicle from making an unauthorized delivery of liquid product to a liquid product storage tank at a retail facility. The method can include a retail system and/or a centralized inventory management system monitoring one or more tanks at the retail facility for liquid product delivery by the carrier. A retail system and/or the centralized inventory management system monitors the delivery, the method can include identifying delivery of liquid product to an unauthorized tank and then automatically terminating delivery of the liquid product by interrupting delivery of the liquid product into the unauthorized tank.
[0014] The system to prevent a delivery vehicle from delivering liquid product to an unauthorized storage tank can include a centralized inventory management system connected to at least one a computer in the retail facility. The system also can include at least one sensor located in each storage tank at the retail facility, the at least one sensor can be electronically connected to the centralized inventory management system and can perform a real-time measurement of the amount of liquid product in each of the storage tanks. The centralized management system and/or the retail facility can activate a valve that can interrupt the flow of liquid product during a delivery. The centralized inventory management system can monitor the sensor in each of the storage tanks while liquid product is being delivered into any storage tank and can send a signal to the delivery vehicle to close the valve if the liquid product is being delivered into an unauthorized tank or a level of water increases, thereby indicating that too much water is in or being deposited into the tank.
[0015] In another configuration, disclosed is a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical reconciliation process within a dynamic environment. The method can include receiving a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks. Once received, the method can include identifying the status of one or more liquid product dispensers corresponding to the one or more storage tanks. While the one or more liquid product dispensers are in an active state, the method can include taking a plurality of measurements within the one or more storage tanks and the one or more liquid product dispensers and, based on the plurality of measurements, automatically performing the liquid product book to physical reconciliation process.
[0016] In another example embodiment is disclosed a system, method, and computer program product for performing a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation by rapidly accumulating data over a predetermined time period at a plurality of measurement devices and monitoring sale transactions during the predetermined time period. This embodiment comprises receiving a request to initiate a liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks. The request is received while one or more liquid product dispensers, corresponding to the one or more storage tanks, are in an active state.
Thereafter, a plurality of measurement data from a plurality of measurement devices is collected over a predetermined period of time, wherein the plurality of measurement data is taken at rapid intervals over the predetermined period of time. Further, a time-stamp is assigned to each of the plurality of measurement data and sales transactions are monitored during the predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period of time, the plurality of measurement data and the monitored sales transactions are used to complete the liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation process.
[0017] In another configuration, disclosed are systems, methods, and computer program products to compensate for surface movement of liquid product within one or more tanks during a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical reconciliation process. The method can include filtering physical volume measurements within one or more tanks at a point in time by receiving a plurality of measurement data at a plurality of times, each measurement data representing a volume of liquid product within the tank. With the plurality of measurement data, the method can include comparing each volume of liquid against at least one predetermined volume identified as being unreliable and generating a second set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from the plurality of measurement data that is identified as being unreliable. Using the second set of measurement data, the method can include determining a sample mean and a standard deviation for the second set of measurement data and then filtering the second set of measurement data to generate a third set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from the second set of measurement data that has a value plus or minus a predetermined number of the standard deviations from the standard mean for the second set of measurement data.
[0018] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring and reporting liquid product dispenser transaction states for book to physical reconciliation purposes. This embodiment can provide real-time status of sales transactions in order to perform liquid product fuel reconciliation regardless of ongoing sales. The process can include receiving a request to perform the liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more of storage tanks. Once the request is received, a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for the reconciliation is identified. During the identified duration, the status of one or more dispensers that dispense liquid product from one or more storage tanks is monitored.
Based on the status of the one or more dispensers, either a physical inventory or a book value is updated to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
[0019] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for collecting and communicating temperature and volume data directly from a dispenser for use during a book to physical reconciliation process. The temperature and volume readings, such as data indicative of the measured temperature and volume of the liquid product, can be received directly from a dispenser by at least one of a retail system and a central inventory management system. The method can include collecting flow data indicative of a volume of a liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at a plurality of times during a defined time interval and collecting temperature data indicative of a temperature of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at the plurality of times during the defined interval. Once collected, the temperature data and the flow data can be transmitted to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
[0020] In another configuration, disclosed is a device for collecting liquid product volume data at a dispenser. The dispenser can include a first totalizer that receives signals from a pulser. A second totalizer can be connected or linked in parallel with the first totalizer and can receive signals from the pulser. The dispenser further includes a data acquisition unit in signal communication with at least the second totalizer. The data acquisition unit receives data from the second totalizer that is indicative of a volume of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser.
[0021 ] The method for collecting liquid product data at a dispenser can include receiving a plurality of pulses at a first totalizer within the dispenser.
Upon receiving pulse data or signals from the first pulser at a second dedicated totalizer within the dispenser, the method can further include generating data indicative of a volume of liquid product flowing from the dispenser. Following generating the data, the method can include sending the data corresponding to the dedicated totalizer to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
[0022] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for performing an on-demand book balance to physical balance reconciliation process for liquid product. The method can include receiving an indication that a delivery of product is about to occur at a retail facility.
Based on the received indication, the system can automatically initiate a first book balance to physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at the retail facility prior to receiving a delivery of liquid product. This reconciliation can be performed while fuel is dispensed from the one or more storage tanks.
Following completion of the first book balance to physical balance reconciliation, the method can include delivering an amount of liquid product as indicated on a delivery document.
Upon receiving an indication that the amount of liquid product has been delivered, the method can include automatically performing a second book balance to physical balance reconciliation process to identify one or more discrepancies between the book amount of liquid product and a physical amount of liquid product actually delivered to the one or more storage tanks.
[0023] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for performing temperature standardization of the volume of a liquid product at one or more points of physical measurement. The system can include a plurality of volume measurement devices. At least one volume measurement device is located at each of (i) a fuel source located with a distributor, (ii) a storage tank at a retail facility, and (ii) a dispenser that delivers the liquid product to the consumer. Each volume measurement device measures a gross volume of the liquid product at, respectively, the distributor fuel source, the retail facility storage tank, and the dispenser and generates volume data indicative of the gross volume. The system also includes a plurality of temperature measurement devices. At least one temperature measurement device is located at each of (i) the distributor fuel source, (ii) the retail facility storage tank, and (iii) the dispenser. Each temperature measurement device measures a temperature of the liquid product at, respectively, the distributor fuel source, the retail facility storage tank, and the dispenser, and generates temperature data indicative of the temperature. A plurality of time-stamp systems can also be included in the system. In one embodiment, at least one time-stamp system is located at each of (i) the retail facility storage tank and (ii) the dispenser. Each time-stamp system allocates a time-stamp to each of the volume data and the temperature data generated at, respectively, the retail facility storage tank and the dispenser.
[0024] In another configuration, disclosed is a method of standardizing a volume of a liquid product across a fuel management system. The method can include measuring a gross volume and a temperature of the liquid product at each of a fuel source located at a distributor, a storage tank at a retail facility and a dispenser at the retail facility.
Following measuring the gross volume and temperature, the method can include assigning a time-stamp to data indicative of the temperature and gross volume in the tank and at the dispenser. The method can also entail using the measurements of gross volume, temperature and each of the given time-stamps to reconcile gross to net volumes at a single point in time.
[0025] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for balancing net inventory using a dynamic expansion coefficient of liquid product relative to the temperature changes with density. The method can include receiving an American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity report that includes a measurement of a specific gravity and a temperature of the liquid product reported at a fuel source. Utilizing the API gravity report, the method can include maintaining correct densities of the liquid product by utilizing a plurality of expansion coefficients to dynamically convert a gross volume measurement to a net volume measurement for transactions of liquid product in a tank and at a dispenser in order to maintain a net perpetual book balance.
[0026) In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for measuring a physical volume of a liquid product in a manifold set of tanks. The method can include identifying three or more volume book balances of the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks at three or more reconciliation times. The amounts of the liquid product dispensed from the manifold set of tanks can be monitored and the physical volume of the liquid product in each tank of the manifold set of tanks measured at the three or more reconciliation times.
With this data, variance data indicative of a difference between the physical volume and the three or more volume book balances can be calculated and data for use in determining the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks, based upon a measured height of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks, can be generated. A
relationship between three or more data points representative of the variance data can be generated and used to calibrate the manifold set of tanks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(0027] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a general overview of a system for the delivery, tracking, and reconciliation of liquid product inventory according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of one method of implementing example embodiments of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a dispenser at a liquid product retail facility in accordance with example embodiments;
[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a graph showing multiple volume measurements within a tank over a period of time;
(0032] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of one method of minimizing the effect of waves or ripples in the tank, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0033) Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for identifying sales that are active beyond the bounds of tank manifold readings using a late pump read rule in accordance with example embodiments;
(0034] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of another method for identifying sales that are active beyond the bounds of tank manifold readings using an early pump read rule in accordance with example embodiments;
[0035] Figure 8 illustrates a graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs.
height graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention;
[003b] Figure 9 illustrates a graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs.
variance graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention;
[0037] Figure 10 illustrates another graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs. height graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 11 illustrates another a graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs. variance graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention;
[0039] Figure 12 illustrates yet another a graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs. variance graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention; and [0040] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic representation of a computer and associated systems within which various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Embodiments of the present invention extend to methods, systems, and computer program products associated with the delivery, tracking, and reconciliation of liquid and non-liquid product inventory. The embodiments can include or use one or more special purpose or general-purpose computers, including various computer hardware, as discussed in greater detail below with respect to Figure 13.
[0042] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for liquid product inventory reconciliation between the physical measurements of the product stored in storage tanks when compared to the amount of product sold (i.e., pumped out of the storage tanks) and the amount of product delivered (i.e., pumped or otherwise delivered to the storage tank) as recorded on the books of the retail facility and/or corporate offices; i.e., the book balance or inventory. Additional embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for documenting and controlling the flow of liquid product from a wholesale distribution storage unit to the retail facility and, ultimately, to the individual consumer. Although the following description of the embodiments of the present invention will typically refer to petroleum fuels as the liquid product, the following embodiments are also applicable to other liquid and non-liquid products for which reconciliation between the physical product and the book balance is desired.
Accordingly, the following discussion referencing petroleum products or other specific products for reconciliation is used for illustrative purposes only and it is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless otherwise explicitly claimed.
[0043] Initially described herein is a system and method for the central control and monitoring of product delivery placement based on an anticipation of delivery through a request and authorization process. This load/delivery authorization process provides for an aggregate procurement control with a centralized inventory management system that is capable of identifying irregularities in a real-time manner in order to immediately rectify such irregularities.
[0044] Following the discussion of this system, certain aspects of the retail facility associated with the system will be described. In addition, descriptions of various additional systems, methods, and computer program products related to the tracking and reconciliation of liquid fuel inventory throughout the exemplary system will be provided.
[0045] The following discussion will refer to both Figure 1 and Figure 2.
Turning now to Figure 1, schematically illustrated is a system 100 usable for the delivery, tracking, and reconciliation of liquid and non-liquid product inventory.
Generally, the methods, systems, devices, and computer program products of the present invention can track, monitor, and measure the temperature, volume, and/or density of the fuel at numerous points within the system 100, and perform a reconciliation process using the tracked, monitored, and measured temperatures, volumes, and/or densities. By tracking these various temperatures, volumes, and/or densities measured data can be corrected or adjusted to bring measured volumes into net terms, i.e., adjusting for the change in temperature of the liquid product through the delivery process. This can minimize the effect that temperature change can have on variances in the reconciliation process.
[0046] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a method 180 that implements one process for using system 100. The system illustratively represents the processes and methods for supplying a liquid product to a Garner from a fuel source or rack (i.e. a wholesale distribution storage unit), delivering the liquid product to a retail facility, and dispensing the liquid product into a consumer's vehicle or other container.
[0047] In the system illustrated in Figure 1, a fuel source, referred to as a "rack"
105, contains a quantity of liquid product. The rack 105 includes or can be connected to a computerized system that communicates with a corporate based or centralized inventory management (CIM) system 120. The rack 105 can include a measurement system 106. Measurement system 106 can include devices to measure, by way of example and not limitation, a product temperature device 107 to measure liquid product temperature, a product dispensed volume device 108 to measure liquid product volume, and a product density device 109 to measure liquid product density. Each of these measurements can be communicated back to the CIM 120 using a variety of different communication techniques and technologies. For instance, wireless or wired connections, including combinations of the same, can be used to communicate the data between the measurement devise and the CIM 120. The wireless connection can include using any type of electromagnetic radiation to propagate data or signals between the measurement devise and the CIM 120. The connections can utilize the Internet, local area networks, wide area networks, and associated hardware and software to enable deliver of signals and/or data between the measurement devise and the CIM 120.
[0048] The CIM system 120, in turn, can be connected to one or more retail systems 130, located at one or more retail facilities or sites 128, which form part of a computer system used to operate or control a retail fuel center or any other facility that includes one or more product storage tanks 155. Each of the CIM system 120 and the retail systems) 130 can include one or more computers capable of storing, transmitting and/or processing various types of data. Exemplary computers are described in more detail with reference to Figure 13. The data transmitted and received by these computers can include any specific measurements of the various information used to form the inventive systems described herein. By way of example and not limitation, this information can include measurements of fuel volume, temperature, density, the time of the measurements, and any other type of information that can be useful to make the calculations described below.
[0049] In some embodiments, the CIM system 120 can be connected to dozens of individual retail systems 130, each having unique and time specific needs for fuel deliveries. The CIM system 120 is one example of a centralized station that can be used to monitor and control the movement of liquid product, as described in more detail below. Likewise, the CIM system 120 can be one example of a fuel management system used and described as part of the inventive systems and methods discussed below.
[0050] As illustrated in Figure 1, the retail system 130 can communicate with and optionally control various other components or devices that are located at the retail facility 128 where the retail system 130 is located. For instance, the retail facility 128 can include one or more tanks 155, only one being illustrated, to hold quantities of liquid product. These tanks 155 can receive fuel from the carrier 110 through a drop head 180 and deliver fuel to a dispenser 145, for delivery to a consumer of the retail facility 128, by way of a pickup tube 160.
[0051] To obtain accurate accounting of the quantities of fuel within the one or more tanks 155, various different sensors, meters, and systems can identify (i) the height of fuel within a tank, (ii) the temperature of fuel within a tank, (iii) the volume or flow rate of fuel out of the tank, (iv) the temperature of fuel flowing out of the tank, and (v) one or more time-stamps when measurements were taken and the data generated.
Additionally, sensors, meters, and systems can be used to track other characteristics of properties or the fuel, including, but not limited to, the specific gravity of the fuel, the density of the fuel, etc.
[0052] In Figure l, the volume of fuel within tanks 155 can be measured and tracked using a tank probe 175 that delivers signals or data representative of heights and temperatures of fuel 165 to a tank gauge console 135 and so to the retail system 130.
The tank probe 175 can be or cooperate with a thermistor or thermistor probe that senses the temperature of the fuel, air, and water within the tank I55. The tank gauge console 135, and optionally the tank probe 175 and/or the retail system 130, can include a time-stamp system 137 that can assign times to the signals and data. A clock is one example of a time-stamp system, but others are known to those skilled in the art.
[0053] It will be understood that one or more of the consoles, probes, and systems can be incorporated into a single device that performs the desired functions of the console, probe, and system. Furthermore, it will be understood that, with alternate technologies available, the volume can be determined through methods other than the sensing of the height of the fluid. In other embodiments, the probe 175 can also include device to measure the density of the product in the tank 155.
[0054] To aid in tracking the movement of fuel at the retail facility 128, sensors, meters, and systems are also provided at the dispenser 145. These sensors, meters, and systems track the flow and temperature of fuel as it is delivered from the dispenser 145 to a consumer of the retail facility 128. Readings or data 150 from the flow meter and the temperature sensor, i.e., thermocouple, can be delivered to a data acquisition unit 140 for storage and subsequent delivery to the retail system 130 as needed.
Optionally, the data acquisition unit 140 can include another time-stamp system 137 that assigns time values to the data, or groups of data, generated by sensors, meters, and systems of the dispenser 145. Additional discussion of the sensors, meters, and systems, and the associated measurement data, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
[0055] With continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, a driver or carrier 110 can request delivery instructions or a supply option to deliver to a branch or retail operator, such as the retail facility 128 associated with the retail system 130, as represented by block 202. The carrier 110 can request such an instruction from the CIM system using a portable or other type of computing device having computer-executable instructions and/or computer-readable media, for example. Specific details concerning such a portable computing device are discussed below with reference to the computer of Figure 13.
[0056] The CIM system 120 can evaluate or monitor data and reference the most economical order feasible for a particular retail operator or branch, using a cost-minimizing, linearly constrained optimization processes that considers, among other things, the relative cost of delivered supply options, supply purchase fulfillment obligations, and/or retail demand constraints. For example, because the CIM
system 120 is capable of monitoring the needs of several retail systems 130, i.e., tracking the inventory at one or more retail systems 130, the CIM system 120 can determine those retail facilities 128 that are in greater need of fuel product relative to other retail facilities 128. In addition, the CIM system 120 can take other factors into consideration by monitoring other data, such as the geographical location of the carrier 110 relative to a rack 105 where the product can be loaded, as well as the relative geographic relationship between the carrier 110, the rack 105 and the retail facility and its associated retail system 130.
[0057] Upon taking these and other factors into consideration, and as part of the request represented by block 202, the CIM system 120 can post an order with an order number to the Garner 110 and to the referenced rack 105. The Garner 110 can then accept or reject the order, such as rejecting the order with a reason code indicative of the reason for the rejection. For instance, the carrier 110 can request the supply option from a computing device via, e.g., the Internet, and the CIM system 120 can post the order back to the driver and rack simultaneously via a similar automated computing network. Alternatively, the Garner 110 can reject the order by sending numerical, textual or other codes representative of the reason for the inability of the carrier 110 to accept the order. For instance, the Garner 110 can reject the order in the event that a truck may have developed a maintenance problem requiring immediate attention, so that the Garner 110 cannot make an immediate pick up. Other reasons can include, by way of example and not limitation, the supplier is out of fuel, the terminal is out of fuel, the terminal is below a minimum amount of fuel, the customer credit limit at the facility has been exceeded, the supplier allocation has been exceeded, there is insufficient time for the driver to make the delivery, or the driver or delivery vehicle are not authorized to receive deliveries at the facility.
[0058] Of course, accepting and rejecting the order can include an automated procedure performed through various mediums, e.g., wireless communications such as infrared, or radio frequency communication. Further, this type of communication can utilize hardwired direct connections. Accordingly, the use of the Internet for relaying information in this embodiment and subsequent embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and it is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless otherwise explicitly claimed. It should be noted that any of the computer related communication processes described herein can utilize similar automated processes.
Accordingly, although a particular automated process may or may not be referenced in the following examples and description, it should be understood that the methods, systems, and computer program products described herein can utilize any of the above described mediums and any other well know means to communicate and practice the various processes described herein.
[0059] In the system described above, it can be generally assumed that there are one or more computers at each of the rack 105, the carrier 110 and/or the driver, the CIM
system 120, and the retail system 130, all of which have the capability to at least communicate with one or more of the disclosed systems using wired or wireless technologies, such as, but not limited to, Internet, wireless, infrared, RF
communications, etc. Further, each of the components used to measure temperature, tank volume, flow rate, etc., time-stamp the data, and perform the reconciliation processes can utilize or include one or more computer components. General details concerning the types of computer or computer systems that can be used are discussed below with reference to Figure 13.
[0060] With continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, when the Garner 110 accepts (or possibly even rejects) the order, the CIM system 120 can update the status of the order and forward ordering details to the loading terminal or rack 105. In the event that the Garner 110 accepts the order, the carrier 110 can arnve at the loading terminal or rack 105, and reference the order with the order number previously received from the CIM system 120. The loading terminal or rack 105 references the order detail via the order number and authorizes constrained loading for the Garner 110 in accordance with the order detail received from the CIM system 120. The carrier 110 can then receive delivery of the product in a delivery vehicle, as represented by block 204 of Figure 2.
Once the product is loaded into the delivery vehicle, a computer located at the rack 105 or loading terminal can forward an electronic transaction record (ETR) to the CIM
system 120 such as, a corporate dispatch/central ordering system of the CIM
system 120, thereby altering and updating the CIM system 120 with data indicative of the completion of the load.
[0061] At this time, the Garner 110 can receive a paper bill-of lading (BOL) from the loading terminal or rack 105 that may subsequently be used to appropriately and accurately update the liquid product inventory book balance during the liquid product reconciliation process. The paper BOL is required under Department of Transportation rules to be available for inspection in vehicles transporting commercial cargo on U.S.
highways. It is understood that exemplary embodiments of the present invention do not require the use of paper during any phase of the operation. The embodiments of the present invention can be fully and completely automated, thus allowing for all information to be passed back and forth between the various entities completely electronically. The BOL information can be substantially similar to the information contained in the ETR, which can include some or all of the information discussed below in appropriate data fields. In some embodiments, the ETR can also be sent to the Garner 110, for automated forwarding to the retail system 130 upon arnval at the delivery site.
[0062] The BOL/ETR can include the route start and end time, a freight bill number and a truck and trailers) numbers) as appropriate. Further, the BOL can include the customer name and customer ID, the supplier name and supplier ID, the ship from name and ship from ID and ship to name and the ship to ID. Additionally, the BOL
can include a date, a start and end time and/or a wait time. This BOL can also include the supplier BOL product name, product ID, the gross volume, the net volume as a function of temperature, the specific gravity of the product, and the density of the product.
Moreover, the BOL can include the BOL volume unit of measure (UOM), the density UOM, the temperature and the temperature UOM, the product name and the product ID.
Other information can also be included on the BOL as appropriate or desired.
[0063] Once a load of fuel is received, the Garner 110 can then transport the product in the delivery vehicle to the retail facility, as represented by block 206 in Figure 2.
Upon arriving at the appropriate retail facility, the carrier 110 can request a delivery authorization 115 by sending load arrival information to the CIM system 120, which can then forward the information to the retail system 130, as represented by block 208 in Figure 2. Alternatively, the delivery authorization 115 can be sent directly to the retail system 130, which in turn forwards the information to the CIM system 120. In either case, at this stage, the driver can provide the retail system 130 with information from the BOL, e.g., the product type, density, temperature of the product at the rack 105, gross gallons, temperature corrected gallons, i.e., net gallons, etc. In some embodiments, this information can be provided by the driver I10 to the retail system 130 or the CIM system 120 using automated systems, such as, but not limited to, wireless transmission of the ETR to one or both of the retail system 130 and the CIM
system 120. Since the CIM system 120 has alerted the retail site and its associated retail system 130 that an inbound Garner is coming, the carrier 110 need only pull into the parking lot and electronically transmit the ETR data to the retail system 130. This saves a great deal of time over the current manual methods, and further decreases the chance of human error.
[0064] It should be noted that the ETR/BOL can also be used to generate various accounting reports and/or journal entries within the CIM system 120, the retail system 130, with the carrier 110, and/or with the fuel supplier who controls the rack 105. For example, when the driver delivers the load, an entry can be made reflecting an account payable to both the carrier 110 and the fuel supplier from -the retail outlet.
The carrier 110 can generate an entry reflecting an account payable to the driver and an account receivable from the retail outlet. The supplier can also generate an entry reflecting an account receivable from the retail outlet. The carrier 110 can also provide additional information on the BOL such as the supplier, the terminal where the product was loaded or the rack location 105, the carrier 110 or driver information, etc.
[0065] Upon appropriate interactions between one or more of the rack 105, the CIM
system 120, the Garner 110, and the retail system 130 that is associated with the facility or retail operator where the delivery of fuel or "drop" 170 will occur, the CIM system 120 can grant authorization for the delivery. These interactions can include a number of different steps. For example, the retail system 130 can verify that the product type and product volume match the requirements for a storage tank 155 designated to receive the drop 170. If this is not the case, a different storage tank can be identified to receive the drop 170. The CIM system 120 can then reference the tank manifolds containing product matching the transaction record and indicate an appropriate tank 155 into which the Garner 110 is to make the drop 170. The driver can then proceed to the designated storage tank fill connection and begin making the various connections required to physically deliver the product from the delivery vehicle into the storage tank. However, the driver does not actually begin the delivery process until he receives specific authorization.
[0066] Prior to giving the authorization to begin the physical product delivery process, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide for a process for reconciling the liquid product book balance and records at the CIM system 120 to the physical quantity of liquid at the retail facility 128 available for sale. As will be described in greater detail below, and unlike prior systems, this reconciliation process can be done in a virtual real-time system even during the dispensing of liquid product out of the tank 155 and/or other tanks at the retail facility 128. Of course, such reconciliation can also be done while the retail system 130 is static. It will also be understood that obtaining the measurement data can be performed in real-time, while the reconciliation process is performed in a virtual real-time. Accordingly, the use of the system as described herein in performing the reconciliation process at specific intervals is used for illustrative purpose only and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0067] In any event, some embodiments provide an inventory measuring probe 175 utilized to make the actual measurements of the height of the fuel in the tank, or in some embodiments, the actual volume in the tank. These height measurements can be converted to specific volume measurements, as discussed below in much greater detail.
In some embodiments, tank probe 175 provides a measure of both the fuel level and the water level within the tank. In still other embodiments, probe 175 also provides a measurement of the specific gravity or the density of the fuel and/or the fuel temperature. In large volume facilities, this process can be repeated for every delivery that occurs during the day. Additionally, and as described in greater detail below, a snapshot of the fuel level in the tank can be taken on-demand. In any event, after performing the book to physical reconciliation, the system 100 can then post the transaction record to the driver for validation, whereupon the carrier 110 validates the transaction record and the CIM system 120 posts an authorization to the driver to drop the fuel, as represented by block 210 in Figure 2.
[0068] With this authorization, the carrier 110 then begins the delivery of the product into the designated tanks) 155, as represented by block 212 in Figure 2.
During product delivery, the CIM system 120 and the retail system 130 can monitor the flow rate of fuel into the tank 155 as the fuel passes from the delivery vehicle of the carrier 110, through linking piping, conduits, and manifolds, before the fuel is delivered into the tank 155. For example, the systems 120 and/or 130 can monitor the drop to the tank 155 by specifically monitoring the fuel height in the designated storage tank 155, in order to insure that the appropriate liquid product is dropped or delivered into the appropriate tank 155. This can be a function of the flow rate from the dispensers relative to the height of product in the tank 155. More specifically, because the flow rate through the dispenser can be greater than the flow rate of the drop from the carrier 110 into the tank 155, this embodiment of the present invention can compensate and still recognize into which tank the Garner 110 is making the drop. If it is recognized that the Garner 110 is dropping in an unauthorized tank, then the appropriate action can be taken. For example, exemplary embodiments provide that as the CIM system 120 or the retail system 130, as the case may be, monitor the various tanks and identify that an unauthorized drop is occurnng, the CIM system 120 can indicate an improper drop to the retail system 130. The retail system 130 can then initiate an alarm, or in some embodiments, a lock down of the delivery vehicle control valve 113 to interrupt the flow into the wrong tank. In other words, exemplary embodiments provide for the ability for a signal to be transmitted from the retail system 130 to the Garner 110 during an improper drop, which triggers a solenoid that will automatically shut down the fuel valve 113 in the truck and stop the drop in order to mitigate cross-contamination. The solenoid valve 113 can be initiated as its control module (not shown) communicates electronically via RF, WiFi, or other wireless methods to the CIM 120 or to the retail system 130. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve 113 can be opened automatically when the delivery authorization is granted and received by the carrier 110 delivering the load of fuel.
[0069] This same shut down process can be used when a sensor in the tank indicates to the retail system 130 that intermixing of fuels is occurnng or about to occur. For instance, the system 130 can automatically or manually initiate a shutoff process that can prevent fuel intermixing, e.g., that prevents diesel fuel from being dropped into a gasoline storage tank, or vice versa.
[0070] In addition to monitoring fuel delivery, the sensors within each tank can monitor the height of water in each tank. Float heights of both the fuel and water floats can be monitored such that if the water content in the tank is too high, thereby causing a risk that liquid product being pumped out of the dispensers 145 contain a high water content, then the CIM system 120, (or the retail system 130 itself, as the case may be) can relay to the retail system 130 such information. The dispensers 145 can then also be shut down in a similar fashion as that of the carrier 110, to mitigate any damage to the customer's vehicle. In yet other embodiments, if the drop process is stopped due to high water content, the retail system 130 can automatically begin draining some of the water from the tank 155. As water vapor routinely condenses inside the tank 155, this process is done on a periodic basis regardless of the drop schedule. In other words, as part of the anticipation of a drop, a specific tank to receive a product can be identified and flagged. That particular tank, as well as all other tanks at the facility, can be monitored to determine in real-time if the drop occurs at the proper tank.
[0071] Upon drop completion, the carrier 110 or driver can notify the CIM
system 120, where upon the CIM system 120 updates its central book balance as per the loading transaction record received from the rack 105 and confirmed by the carrier 110.
Thereafter, the CIM system 120 performs another book to physical reconciliation process, optionally accounting for volume differences due to temperature and density of the product.
[0072] Once reconciliation is complete, the CIM system 120 can then generate a real-time exception report of various types and post it to the appropriate users. In other words, exemplary embodiments provide for the reconciliation at the beginning and ending period of a delivery. This allows the system, among other things, to automatically determine if the full amount of the load (as indicated in the BOL and loading ETR) was delivered. If not, the driver and/or drop or retail system or facility can be immediately notified of the irregularity and the appropriate action can be taken.
[0073] For example, if the second reconciliation process indicates that the full amount of product has not been received, the various connections can be checked to ensure appropriate air ventilation into the delivery vehicle to effectuate emptying of the delivery vehicle. A visual inspection of the delivery vehicle can also be conducted to ensure that the entire load has been dropped. It is possible that the driver might verify that the load has been completely delivered into the tank, but the reconciliation balance still shows a shortage.
[0074] As can be appreciated, irregularities from the reported drop versus information provided in the BOL can occur for several reasons. For example, flaws in the truck design can cause fuel product to remain within the carrier 110.
Further, the irregularity can be an indication that the Garner 110 was shorted at the rack 105 during loading. Further still, the irregularity can be an indication of a faulty valve or that that tank or valve was not fully pressurized in order to open, allowing for the full drop of the liquid product. Additionally, the irregularity can be an indication of theft or other fraudulent activity, which can immediately be identified through exemplary embodiments. That is, because the book to physical reconciliation process is performed immediately before and after a drop, the CIM system 120 can notify the retail facility's retail system 130, or vice versa, and the appropriate action can be taken depending upon the specific irregularity.
[0075] Through use of the system 100, and the reconciliation process usable with the system 100, irregularities in tracked data can be identified and investigated within a short period of time. This is in contrast to existing systems where irregularities cannot be identified for potentially many hours following delivery of the liquid product to the retail facility 128.
[0076] It will be understood that there are various other reasons for the system identifying variances or irregularities between actual measured data and data stored at the CIM system 120 that represents what the actual measured data should be.
Table 1 below illustrates a list of some exemplary reasons, while other reasons for the variances can also occur.
Category Reason Loading Incorrect Volume Measurement Incorrect Densit Measurement Incorrect Tem erature Measurement Wron Product Trans ortin Tem erature Change Trailer Eva oration Trailer Leak Theft Delivery Deliver Eva oration E ui ment Leak Product / Tank Mismatch Trailer Retain On Si t Stora a Incorrect Tank Calibration Faulty Probe Tem erature Change Tank Leak Tank Evaporation Theft On Sight Plumbin : Tem erature Chan a Plumbin Leak Submersible Pum Leak On Si t Dis ensing Tem erature Chan a Dis enser Leak Dis enser Calibration Pulser Tam erin Pump Test Overnde [0077] During the various reconciliation processes performed within the system 100, such as before and after a delivery, the CIM system 120 can isolate some of the variance categories from other categories, thereby allowing a more accurate determination of the correlation between variance and the true causes for that variance.
For example, if a variance occurs during a time period in which no delivery has taken place, but fuel has been pumped, the process can rule out the "Loading", "Transporting"
and "Delivery" sections for variance, so the process can more accurately correlate the variance to the "On Site" sections.
[0078] Turning now to Figure 3, illustrated is one configuration of the dispenser 14S which delivers fuel to consumers of the retail facility 128 (Figure 1 ).
The dispenser 14S can include an inlet conduit 214 that receives liquid product from the tank 1SS
(Figure 1 ). The inlet conduit 214 fluidly communicates with a meter 216 that is affected as the liquid fuel product passes along the inlet conduit 214 and out through an outlet conduit 218, which is in fluid communication with a dispensing nozzle 220. As is standard with most dispensers 145, a pulser 222 is provided that sends pulse signals to a dispenser volume indicator or totalizer 224 for determining and/or displaying a volume and price of fuel dispensed when the nozzle 220 is active. The pulser cooperates with a shaft (not shown) of the dispenser's meter 216 and changes the mechanical rotational movement of the meter 216 into electrical pulses representative of the number of revolutions of the meter shaft. By counting the number of pulses in the totalizer 224, the quantity of fuel flowing through the nozzle 220 can be tracked. The signals from the pulser 222 can be used by the totalizer 224 to count accumulated pulses, which can be converted, in other dispenser electronics, to volume of fuel flowing through the nozzle 220.
[0079] Exemplary embodiments provide for the data acquisition unit 140 (also shown in Figure 1 ) to have a dedicated totalizer 226 and a control module 228 that can be connected or linked in parallel to the totalizer 224. Optionally, the data acquisition unit 140, and the control module 228, can receive signals from the totalizer 226.
Similar to the standard totalizer 224, the dedicated totalizer 226 receives pulses from the pulser 222 in order to determine the volume of liquid product pumped from the meter 216 through nozzle 220. In addition, the volume can also be adjusted by the temperature readings from a temperature module 230 that determines temperature with a temperature probe 232 disposed within either the inlet conduit 214, the meter 216, the outlet conduit 218 or the conduit extending from the pump meter 216 to the nozzle 220.
The control module 228 within the data acquisition unit 140 can assign time-stamps to the gathered temperature and volume readings, and report this information to the retail facility point of sale (POS) 236 or the retail system 130 at the retail facility 128 (Figure 1), which will eventually be transmitted to the CIM system 120. This information can be transmitted via a wireless connection as shown by antenna 234. However, data can be transferred via a wire directly connected to the retailed facility point of sale 236.
Alternatively, the data can be reported via the Internet to the CIM system 120. Of course, other ways of transmitting the data collected by the data acquisition unit 140 are also available. Any specific method for transmitting the data from the retail facility 130 directly to the CIM system 120 can be used. The above example is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0080] As mentioned above, the control module 228 can time-stamp the temperature data and volume data in a number of different ways. For example, the control module 228 can include an actual time of day that can be updated via satellite or other means in order to keep the control module 228 accurately calibrated. In another embodiment, the control module 228 keeps time from the initiation of the reconciliation process as an offset from the time that has passed since the initiation of the reconciliation process. This offset can then be added to the reconciliation start time at the retail facility 128 (Figure 1 ), or the retail system 130, for ensuring that the time-stamp on the measurement data corresponds to the time-stamp at the retail system 130.
This has the advantage of not having a continual need for updating the time on the control module 228. In addition, because the reconciliation process manipulates time-stamped volume readings from various times, if the clock within the control module 228 is only slightly inaccurate, the methods and processes described herein adequately compensate for such inaccuracies. Nevertheless, any particular type of time-stamping can be used, and those described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0081] As previously mentioned, the additional or dedicated totalizer 226 can be utilized for several different purposes. For example, readings from the additional totalizer 226 can be compared to volumes reported from the weights and measures certified dispenser firmware for determining an appropriate pulse to gallon conversion ratio. This conversion ratio can then be used during subsequent reconciliation processes for detecting such things as clearance in the meter 216 caused by normal wear and tear.
Further, this conversion can also be monitored such that, if it deviates from some predetermined threshold, an exception can be raised and appropriate action taken. This second or dedicated totalizer 226 can also be used to determine other problems in the system 100 (Figure 1), such as theft, a bad totalizer 224, a bad pulser 222 and/or even a problem with the dedicated totalizer 226. The values read from the totalizer 226 during the reconciliation process even allow the CIM system 120 to determine historical flow rates achievable through each dispenser 145.
(0082] As would be recognized, the pulse to gallon conversion ratio can be calculated by taking the volume at the pump head, which the local governmental weights and measures department certifies as being accurate, referencing the totalized pulses that were measured through the dedicated totalizer 226, and dividing the totalized pulses from the dedicated totalizer 226 by the weights and measures certified gallon, to come up with the new pulse to gallon conversion ratio. This pulse to gallon conversion ratio can then be monitored such that, if it changes by more then a certain percentage (e.g., 5%), an exception report can be generated indicating such things as a problem with the pulser 222 not being consistent. In addition, this process of determining a pulse to gallon ratio in essence calibrates or allows calibration of each dedicated totalizer 226 upon completion of a sales transaction. In other words, this provides for an automated method to validate the totalizer 224, as a self checking way to ensure that the volumes reported are accurate. In addition, this embodiment can provide an automated way to calibrate the dedicated totalizer 226.
[0083] It should be noted that, while Figure 3 shows the data acquisition unit 140 as being part of the dispenser 145, this is for the purpose of illustration only.
In other embodiments, the data acquisition unit 140 can be physically located within the retail facility 128 (Figure 1). Alternately, the data acquisition units 140 for several different dispensers 145 can be located in the vicinity of the dispensers 145 or the retail facility 128.
[0084] Turning again to Figure 1, now that we have discussed the general features of the system 100, we will begin to discuss some additional methods, systems, and computer program products for using the system 100 to control, monitor, track, and reconcile the storage and delivery of fuel at various locations within the system 100. By so doing, the methods, processes, and other systems can be used to reconcile measured physical volumes of fuel within one or more tanks against book inventory or balances maintained at the CIM system 120 and/or the retail system 130.
[0085] As implied above, the system 100 can be used to perform on-demand or periodic reconciliation of a physically measured volume of a fuel product against the book balance or inventory. For example, the reconciliation process can be performed continually throughout the day at five minute increments or other incremental time period. This would allow for the immediate notification of deviations such as theft in order to identify the culprit and take the appropriate action. Alternatively, or in addition to the continual reconciliation processes, on demand reconciliation of the physically measured volume of a liquid product against the book balance or inventory can occur at any given time throughout the day, even when high volumes of product are being dispensed to customers. This provides for an accurate measure of all delivered and dispensed product, regardless of temperature variations throughout the system.
[0086] The reconciliation process generally entails tracking fuel flowing into and out of the various storage tanks within the system 100. Individual or groups of tanks can be monitored, and the volume and temperature of fuel within individual or groups of tanks can be reconciled against the stored book balance or inventory stored at the CIM system 120. To perform the reconciliation, data from the various tank gauges and the dispensers (e.g., fuel temperature, volumes, pending and completed transactions, etc.) can be rapidly gathered. The data can be individually time-stamped and then manipulated to a common time-stamp before being compared against data representative of the book balance or inventory recorded at the CIM system 120. Any disparity between the data sets is considered as a variance. For accuracy, the physically measured data can be recorded in a rapid manner (e.g., in time intervals of less than 2 seconds). With a large data set, the accuracy of the reconciliation process is increased.
[0087] The book to physical reconciliation process is described as a virtual real-time process due to the fact that the rapid read of measurements do not simultaneously occur because of latencies within the system and other complications.
Nevertheless, these readings, or data, for meters, temperatures of the liquid product, liquid product height in the tank, and other physical measurements, can be brought back to a single point in time for the book to physical reconciliation process.
[0088] Following hereinafter is a more detailed description of the reconciliation process and associated methods, systems and computer program products. The CIM
system 120 can initiate the reconciliation process by initiating a reconciliation request to the retail system 130 at the appropriate retail facility 128. This request can entail delivering data to the retail system 130, the data including a number of data fields. The data fields associated with the request can include, but are not limited to, (i) retail facility ID, (ii) date and time of request, (iii) the reconciliation time period, i.e., the time period over which the data is to be accumulated, and (iv) tank and/or manifold ID's, it being understood that single or multiple tanks can be associated with a tank manifold ID.
[0089] As can be recognized, the reconciliation time period can be either hard coded or it can be an adjustable time period. Further, the time period may be a default value if no value is set by the user. In any event, the longer the time period used to accumulate the data, the higher the confidence level and accuracy of the reconciliation or the physical measurements for the reconciliation process. Because this time duration can be dynamically adjusted and/or predetermined or hard coded within the system, any particular reference to how the duration for accumulating data is determined is used for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention.
[0090] Upon receiving the request, the retail system 130 (i) checks the status of the outstanding transactions at the one or more dispensers 145, (ii) generates a base time-stamp for the request, and (iii) initiates each measuring device to accumulate data. The devices used to measure the data can include, but are not limited to, devices that provide liquid product flow through the dispensers, liquid volume level measurements, liquid product specific gravity or density, liquid product temperature at the tank, at the dispenser, etc., and dispenser sales measurements through meter readings and temperature readings 150. Data acquisition units 140 are utilized to rapidly collect or accumulate measurements and assign a time-stamp to each measurement as appropriate.
This rapid read of measurement data from the measurement devices can be made more efficient by limiting the CPU processing power used by other devices in order to accumulate the maximum amount of data within the specified time period. For example, the reading of leak detecting sensors or optical sensors that detect if there is condensation or liquid somewhere there shouldn't be, can be shut down during the rapid read process, in order to more fully utilize the CPU power of these probe interfaces.
This allows the CPU to focus on rapidly reading physical measurement data, such as tank gauge height, dispenser readings or data, and temperature readings or data throughout the tank manifold system. In some embodiments, certain tank gauge probes can be singled out for reconciliation activity, allowing the tank gauge console 135 to further narrow the data collection interval.
[0091] As these data acquisition units 140 collect the measurement data from the various devices, the retail system 130 receives the measurement data. Either the data acquisition units 140 or the retail system 130 can assign precise time-stamps to each one. These time-stamps can then be sent along with sales status data to the CIM system 120. Generally, the data sent to the CIM system 120 can include, but is not limited to, general facility data, tank specific data and dispenser specific data. For instance, the general facility data can include, but is not limited to, the (i) retail facility m, (ii) date and time that the data is sent, and (iii) ambient temperature. The tank specific data, can include, but is not limited to, (i) volume measurement, (ii) height measurement, (iii) temperature measurement, (iv) beginning date and time of the data accumulation, (v) tank/manifold ID, (vi) code identifying the fuel within the tank or set of manifolded tanks, (vii) tank number, (viii) water level, and (ix) density. The dispenser specific data can include, but is not limited to, (i) dispenser ID, (ii) average temperature of sale, (iii) fuel volume, (iv) closed sale or transaction information, including transaction time, invoice number, volume, temperature, and tanks) from which the fuel was dispensed.
One or more of the above data can have an associated time-stamp that is set by the data acquisition unit 140, the measuring device itself, and/or the retail system 130.
[0092) One example of a sample data series according to this embodiment is shown in Table 2, below, where "N" - indicates the tank is not too turbulent to postpone concise volume determination; "O" references an open transaction; "C"
references a complete transaction; "W" references water; "S" references a mathematically smoothed height determined by the tank gauge console 135, from a number of recent raw height readings; "F" references real-time raw height readings reported by tank gauge console 135; and "Temp" references temperature of fuel dispensed.
[0093] It should be noted that, while Table 2 shows some examples of the types of data that can be collected, such as a tank temperature reading, pump or dispenser dispensed volume, and tank volume, these readings are provided by way of example only. Many other types of data can be collected, over both very long (e.g.
days) and very short (e.g. many readings per second) periods of time. Additionally, readings for a plurality of pumps or dispensers, tanks, delivery vehicles, etc. can be included when performing the reconciliation process.
TABLE TANK TANK TEMPERATURE TURBULANCE
TANK READING 4 67.74 N
TABLE PUMP READ TRAN TYPE
TIME TEMP UAN
INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:013000 O
14 67 .55 INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:036000 O
14 67 .SS
INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:064000 O
8 68 12.38 INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:066000 O
8 69 12.38 INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:39:999000 C
9 63 5.593 TABLE TANK READ TIME LEVEL TYPE HEIGHT
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:000000 .22 W
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 76.53 S
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:114000 76.52 F
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:120000 76.52 F
TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:126000 76.52 F
[0094] When the time-stamped data is forwarded to the CIM system 120, the CIM
system 120 can then update the perpetual inventory book balance based off the virtual real-time sales reports and the dispensers) status. Further, the CIM system 120 can derive statistically smoothed physical readings at a single point in time and then reconcile book inventory with physical inventory, generate various exception reports, and post those reports to the appropriate users.
[0095] As mentioned above, the retail system 130 can initiate rapid data accumulation from numerous measuring devices. This rapid accumulation of data at various points in time has many advantages over existing systems and techniques. For example, the rapid accumulation of data can be used for the physical volume determination within the inventory tank at a point in time using the plurality of data measured during the time interval. In other words, in order to determine the amount of liquid product within a tank, the difference in volume meter readings is taken at rapid intervals. Due to an inherent attenuation wave motion of the surface of the liquid in the tank 1 SS after a drop of the product into the tank 1 SS, it can be difficult to accurately determine the physical volume of the liquid within the tank. Additionally, the pickup tube 160 can vibrate when product flows through the dispenser 145, causing additional turbulence and again making it difficult to accurately determine the physical volume of the liquid within the tank 1SS.
[0096] The adverse affects of this wave motion on a typical reconciliation process can be overcome through the reconciliation process of the present invention.
Turning to Figure 4, illustrated is a graph 240 that can be used to discuss one manner of canceling or compensating for the wave effects in the tank 1SS (Figure 1). The graph 240 shows the measurements of tank volume 242 as a function of time 244. Various measurements for the volume are plotted on graph 240 as a plurality of data points 250.
Figure 5 is a flowchart 260 that discusses specific steps for the manner or method of canceling or compensating for the wave effects.
[0097] As mentioned before, the data points 250 are accumulated very rapidly over time to produce a data sample. For example, 30-40 data points 2S0 can be measured for the fuel height in the tank 1 S S (Figure 1 ) every second. In still other embodiments, as many as 100 data readings can be taken every second. These data measurements can be forwarded to the CIM 120, as represented in block 262 of flowchart 260 in Figure 5.
Each of these volume measurements can then be compared to at least one predetermined volume, as represented in block 264. In essence, this method first filters out the rapidly accumulated data representative of liquid volumes and heights to eliminate various blips or spikes that are not representative of the possible.
Thus, for example, unreliable data such as data indicating a predetermined volume that is more or less than a maximum tank volume or one or more other volumes of liquid identified as unreliable is filtered out.
[0098] For example, based upon the duration of the sample request, a deviation threshold below and above the "S" type of reading (as discussed above with respect to Table 2) and the deviation allowable above and below, can be determined by multiplying the standard threshold level by the number of seconds in the request. If one uses, for example, 100 gallons as the standard threshold level, and the reconciliation period is ten (10) seconds, then the threshold level would be 100 gallons times 10 seconds, or plus or minus 1000 gallons from that standard high reading. This gallon level is represented by lines 246 and 248 in Figure 4. Data readings 250 that fall above or below that 1000 gallon threshold are ignored as unreliable in the subsequent steps. Data that is identified as unreliable may be, for example, (A) a volume of liquid that is more than a maximum tank volume; (B) a volume of liquid that is less than a minimum tank volume; or (C) one or more other volumes of liquid that are identified as being unreliable. These threshold levels are used to identify what readings are obviously erroneous, which generates a secondary data set as represented by block 266 in Figure 5.
[0099] With the secondary data set, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can calculate a sample mean and a sample standard deviation for that filtered secondary data set, as represented by block 268. Once determined, the secondary data set can be filtered using the sample mean and sample standard deviation. For instance using this secondary data set, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ) can discard measurement data for the tank volume outside of so many standard deviations, thereby filtering the collected data set twice.
For instance, the user can select X number of standard deviations and the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1 ) discards any acquired data that is outside the X number of standard deviations. Thus, for example, any measurement data that has a value that is more or less than a predetermined number of standard deviations from the mean is eliminated.
Therefore, any of the volume readings that are within plus or minus X standard deviations are determined to be statistically acceptable, as represented by block 270 in Figure 5.
[00100] The remaining values can be included in a third data set sample for which a third data set sample mean and standard deviation can be calculated, as represented by block 272. This narrower data sample is shown as all data points 250 between lines 252 and 254 in Figure 4. The remaining data sets can then used to determine the actual volume within the tank 155 (Figure 1) at a specific point in time, as represented by block 274.
[00101] Using statistical techniques known to those of skilled in the art, the sample mean and standard deviation can be used to determine a percent level of confidence that a measure of volume is accurate within the allowable threshold of accuracy.
Alternately, the percent confidence threshold and the sample standard deviation for the volume measurements can be used to determine a volume threshold of accuracy.
Temperature measurements can also be similarly filtered.
[00102] Using the product flow amounts, determined through the rapid accumulation of dispenser data, and the tank manifold volume readings or data that have been filtered in accordance with the method of Figure 5, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can adjust each tank manifold volume reading or data backwards, one by one, to a single time of reconciliation, and then analyze the same during the reconciliation process.
Using this method of time-aligning the filtered data thus accumulated, the ripple/wave effect within the tank can be compensated by averaging the collective tank manifold volume readings or data aligned to that point in time. This method allows for compensation of the ripple/wave effect irregardless of ongoing sales transactions being dispensed. This method further allows for the consideration of fuel flow from one or more dispensers 145 (Figure 1).
[00103] Referring again to Figure 1, in addition to bringing a plurality of tank volumes to a single point in time, and as mentioned above, the methods, systems, and computer program products usable in system 100 can rapidly accumulate data for meter readings and temperatures at the dispenser 145 and bring meter readings and temperature readings 150 corresponding to the dispenser 145 back to a single point in time. A confidence level for both tank measurements and the dispenser readings can be generated based on the above described standard deviation, which is a function of the duration of the reconciliation process and the number of data points accumulated during this time period. Therefore, the longer the system collects data and performs the reconciliation process, the greater the reliability of the data and results.
[00104] As previously mentioned, during the reconciliation process the status of sales transactions are accounted for in a virtual real-time basis. By monitoring the various states of dispenser transactions, the CIM system 120 can separate those transactions that should be included in an adjusted physical inventory or volume versus adjusted book inventory or volume. The variance resulting from the analysis being the adjusted physical volume minus the adjusted book value. The adjusted physical volume for the tank 155 used for reconciliation can include both net interim sales plus the net physical tank volume. The net sales closed are then subtracted from, and the net deliveries added to, the net beginning value or the beginning book value in order to determine an adjusted book value.
(00105] The net interim sales can be divided into several categories. These include interim open sale, interim complete sale and interim stack sale. An interim open sale refers to a transaction that is occurnng (i.e., sales transaction) at the time of reconciliation. In other words, the nozzle 220 (Figure 3) is "off' of the pump dispenser 145 and is either accumulating volume, i.e., fuel is flowing from the nozzle 220, or has the capability of increasing the volume flow. An interim complete sale occurs upon the hanging up of the nozzle 220 (Figure 3), i.e., return of the nozzle 220 (Figure 3) to a housing of the dispenser 145, but before the transaction has been fully closed, i.e., payment has been made and accepted. Interim stack sale, which is an extension of the interim complete sale, indicates that either another interim open sale or interim complete sale, or multiples thereof for interim complete sales, resides on the same dispenser 145. For example, after one interim complete transaction or sale, another customer can start using the pump or dispenser prior to the closure of the sale or transaction, i.e., payment has been made and accepted, that was previously considered an interim complete transaction or sale. Values of all of these interim open, complete and stacked sales or transactions then make up the net interim sales that are used for the adjusted physical volume in determining the variance, i.e., the difference between adjusted physical volume and the adjusted book volume.
[00106] Closed transactions can also include two states. These include closed transactions that are waiting to be sent to the CIM system 120, and those closed transactions that have been sent to the CIM system 120 from the retail system 130.
These closed transactions can be included in the adjusted book volume, but there also can be a mechanism whereby duplications are excluded. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments provide for determining and deleting duplicate copies of closed transactions, i.e., transactions that were waiting to be sent at the beginning of the reconciliation process, which have since been updated on the book balance at the CIM
system 120. As would be recognized, this advantageous feature can be accomplished in many ways. For example, a comparison of closed transactions posted before or at the initiation of the reconciliation process and at the close of the initiation process can be compared, and duplicates extracted. Alternatively, an exception can be raised such that no closed transactions can be recorded to the CIM system 120 during the reconciliation time period. Other well known ways of determining duplicate reporting for closed transactions are also available. Accordingly, the specific process or system for determining duplicate closed sales transactions outlined above is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0101 ] Generally, each transaction described above can have certain data associated with it that is useable for the reconciliation process. For instance, each transaction can have a data set associated with the transaction. This data set can include, but is not limited to, tank information identifying which tanks) the fuel was dispensed from. As discussed before, fuel can be dispensed from a single tank or, in the case of intermediate grade fuel, from multiple tanks. The tank information can designate the tanks) and the blend ratio where appropriate.
[0102] In addition to the above, the transaction data set can include the sale or transaction time, either commencing or completing the volume of fuel dispensed, the fuel's temperature, and an associated invoice or identifying number. It will be understood that various other information can be associated with each transaction, and the above are only examples of some useful information.
[0103] As mentioned above with respect to Figure 3, the dispenser 145 can communicate with the retail system 130 in virtual real-time using various wireless communication technologies, such as RF, WiFi, etc. When the dispenser 145 is flagged as an interim sale or transaction, e.g., an interim open transaction, interim complete transaction or interim stack transaction, the measuring devices associated with the dispenser 145 can communicate at least temperature and volume readings directly from the dispenser 145 for reconciliation purposes in a virtual real-time basis. By so doing, the CIM system 120 can receive temperature and volume readings (e.g., via wire or wireless signaling), on a real-time or virtual real-time basis regardless of the status of dispenser 145. With the control modules 228 (Figure 3) within each dispenser assigning time-stamps to the temperature, volume and dispenser or pump status reads, and the clock within the control module 228 (Figure 3) indicating the offset from the time that has passed since the initiation of the reconciliation process, the reconciliation process can be performed regardless of the status of dispenser 145 as the offset time can be added to the reconciliation start time at the retail system 130.
[0104] To help better describe the reconciliation process and the process of bringing each measured value back to a single time to allow for accurate variance calculations between the book balance or inventor and the measured volume, the following example and description of the reconciliation process is provided.
[0105] Initially, once the CIM system 120 receives the measurement data and the time-stamps, the CIM system 120 can begin the reconciliation process. As an initial step, the process can include converting the measured fuel level readings to net tank gallons. Converting the measured fuel level readings utilizes a tank volume formula that provides a relationship between the height of fuel within a tank and the volume of fuel in the tank. Using the tank identifier, the CIM system 120 can identify the specific tank volume formula table and associated conversion processes to convert the measured height to a volume. Since a single formula cannot generally be identified as showing the true relationship of height to volume in the tank, piecewise formulas generally can.
The piecewise formulas can be appropriately referenced with either a height or volume index. Additional description of the method for obtaining the chart and the associated conversion processes will be discussed hereinafter. For purposes of this example, provided below in Table 3 is a portion of the exemplary height to volume conversion data useable to determine the volume of fuel in the tank. The value of X is the actual measured height identified by the height measurement device, with at least a portion of the device disposed in the tank.
Height Volume nches Formula 0 2.6613x2 + 50.029X
5 3.5x2 + 48.5 X -9 2.75x2 + 59.95 X
- 50.35 13 2x2 + 78.6 X - 167.7 17 2x2 + 79 X - 174 21 1.5x2 + 99 X - 377.5 [0106] Once the fuel level and conversion process are identified, the fuel level readings can be converted to gross volumes having the same time-stamp as the obtained fuel level reading. Using this information, the relative position of the temperature sensors or probes should be considered, by accessing the appropriate thermistor position information stored at the CIM system 120.
[0107] As mentioned before, each tank 155 can include one or more temperature measurement devices or sensors, such as thermistors with associated probes.
The thermistors can measure the temperature at multiple different levels in the tank 155.
One method for accurately installing the probe can include (i) identifying the span of the thermistors' probe, (ii) adding an offset per manufacturer information, (iii) dividing adjusted span by number of thermistors plus one to determine the thermistor increment or spacing between thermistors, and (iv) assigning heights to the thermistors as per the manufacturer numbering sequence. For instance, the thermistors can be numbered and the probe positioned according to the following Table 4.
Thermistor Number Height of Probe 1 _ 20 inches 2 40 inches 3 60 inches 4 80 inches 100inches [0108] With the thermistor information identified, those thermistors that are at or below the lowest measured fuel level reading can be used to determine liquid temperatures. Once the specific applicable thermistors are identified, the CIM
system 120 can determine the representative temperature for the liquid by averaging the temperature from the thermistors actually located in the fuel. Using this temperature and the API gravity (or other density measurement) for the product in the tank 155, the CIM system 120 can generate an appropriate gross to net conversion factor, as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) formula known to those skilled in the art.
[0109] With this conversion factor, the CIM system 120 can then convert the gross inventory volume per fuel level to a net inventory volume that can be used for the reconciliation process. It will be understood that a similar number of steps can be taken to convert the interim gross sales volumes, i.e., the fuel flowing out of the selected tank, to a net volume, thus eliminating the possibility of variance caused by change in temperature when the fuel is dispensed.
[0110] With the net inventory volume and net fuel recorded sales identified, each having an associated time-stamp, the CIM system 120 can convert the individual time-stamped tank volumes to cumulative time-stamped volumes. This process can include sorting all time-stamped tank readings from the tank or manifold by their respective time-stamps. For instance, for a three tank manifold the results could be:
Tank 3 reading @ 17:28:39:165-11658.32 gal Tank 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377-11658.12 gal Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581-11736.27 gal Tank 3 Reading @17:28:40:398-11658.36 gal Tank 1 Reading @17:28:40:611-11602.34 gal Tank 2 Reading @17:28:40:815-11733.20 gal [0111] With this ordered list, the CIM system 120 can order "series" of tank readings by taking the first time-stamped fuel height reading (regardless of which tank is read first) and associating it with the closest time-stamped reading of each additional tank in the manifold. Each tank reading can only reside in one series. For instance, for a three tank manifold the results could be:
ank 3 11658.32 reading gal @ 17:28:39:165-1St Series 11658.12 Tank gal 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377-Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581-11736.27 gal ank 3 Reading @17:28:40:398-11658.36 gal 2"d SeriesTank 1 Reading @17:28:40:611-11602.34 gal Tank 2 Reading @17:28:40:815-11733.20 gal N'h Series [0112] Using only those tank readings that comprise a complete series, the CIM
system 120 can calculate the time difference between the first time in the series and every time in the series. For instance, the first tank series could provide the following results:
Tank Reading Difference Tank 3 reading @ 17:28:39:165 0 Tank 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377 212 Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581 416 [0113] With the differences calculated, the CIM system 120 can average the differences in time and then add the average difference back to the first time from the series to determine a cumulative series time-stamp. For instance, the average for the above-identified first series can be 209.33, so the cumulative series time-stamp can be 17:28:39:165 + 209.33 = 17:28:39:374.
[0114] With this cumulative series time-stamp identified, the CIM system 120 can then sum the volumes from each reading in the series and assign the summed volume to the cumulative series time-stamp. The first time-stamped series may become the "Time of Reconciliation." So, in the example herein, the summed volume would be Tank 3 reading-11658.32 gal +Tank 1 reading-11658.12 gal +Tank 2 reading-11736.27 gal - 35,052.71 gal And, as mentioned above, the cumulative time-stamp associated with this volume would be 17:28:39:374. Note that other cumulative time-stamps from other series may be used for the Time of Reconciliation, which as described in greater detail below is the time that all measurement readings (e.g., temperature readings, dispenser volume readings, tank height readings, etc.) will be brought back to. Accordingly, the use of the first cumulative series time-stamp as the "Time of Reconciliation" is used for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0101] In any event, once the Time of Reconciliation has been determined, a similar process can be performed for each additional series of data in preparation for aligning all tank manifold volume readings to the Time of Reconciliation. In particular, the above described process for determining a cumulative time-stamp and cumulative volume can be performed for each of the series. Accordingly, this aligning process can include identifying the time and volume of the "Time of Reconciliation" and each subsequent cumulative time-stamped tank manifold volume reading.
[0102) Once the Time of Reconciliation and subsequent cumulative times for each series are determined, the CIM system 120 can identify sales that appear to have been active beyond the bounds of the tank manifold readings (i.e., active beyond the end time period for the rapid accumulation of measurement data) and extrapolate a new dispenser or pump sales reading. The use of such extrapolated readings further facilitates the backward time alignment of successive tank manifold volume readings, back to the Time of Reconciliation. One method of performing this extrapolation is depicted in Figures 6 and 7.
[0103] Turning now to Figure 6, illustrated is a portion of the method to identify sales that appear to have been active beyond the bounds of tank manifold readings and to extrapolate new dispenser or pump sales readings. The method illustrated in Figure 6 is directed to backward-extrapolating a pseudo dispenser reading from the first of a pair of readings (for each dispenser) identified in the reconciliation process, while the method illustrated in Figure 7 describes the manner in which to forward-extrapolate a pseudo dispenser reading from a last pair of readings for a particular dispenser or pump during the reconciliation process, to encapsulate the last tank reading.
[0104] With continued reference to Figure 6, the process can include initially identifying whether or not the first of the paired readings is the first reading provided in the reconciliation of a particular pump or dispenser, as represented by decision block 302. If the first pair reading is the first reading for the particular pump, it is next determined whether or not the first of the paired readings is later than the Time of Reconciliation, as represented by decision block 304. If this is the case, it is next determined whether or not to use a "Late Pump Reading" rule, process, or method as described in decision blocks 306 and 308, and blocks 310 and 312.
[0105] More specifically, if the identified paired readings meet the criteria of decision hock 302 and decision block 304, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) determines whether or not the first reading of the pump or dispenser volume is positive, as represented by decision block 306. When this is the case, it is next determined whether or not the next or subsequent reading shows a positive change in the volume at the pump or dispenser, as represented by decision block 308. If there is a positive change in volume, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) calculates the flow rate of fuel based upon the first and second readings, as represented by block 310, and then calculates through extrapolation a new pump or dispenser reading that is tied back to the closest time-stamp tank manifold reading, as represented by block 312. If the particular new pump or dispenser reading is greater than zero, it can be used during the reconciliation process; otherwise the newly identified pump or dispenser reading will be discarded.
When the new pump or dispenser reading is less than zero, and when any of the decision blocks 302, 304, 306 and 308 are not in the affirmative, the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1) will use the pump or dispenser readings provided in the reconciliation as being constant in their display of the actual pump or dispenser volume, as represented by hock 318.
[0106] Turning now to Figure 7, a similar process is provided for the last paired reading from a pump or dispenser during a reconciliation process. The process performed by the CIM system 120 (Figure 1), identified by reference numeral 330, can include determining whether the last of all of the paired readings for a pump or dispenser is the last reading provided in the reconciliation for that pump or dispenser, as represented by decision block 332. When the result of decision block 332 is in the affirmative, it is next determined whether or not the last of the paired readings for the pump or dispenser is earlier than the last tank manifold volume reading identified during the reconciliation process, as represented by decision block 334. When a last paired reading for the pump or dispenser is earlier than the last tank manifold volume reading, i.e. decision block 334 is in the affirmative, the process can further use an "Early Pump Read" rule, process, or method for determining an early pump or dispenser reading as provided for in decision blocks 336 and 338, and also blocks 340 and 342.
[0107] More specifically, it can be determined whether or not the last reading of the pump or dispenser has a volume amount that is greater than the amount for that pump or dispenser in the prior reading, as represented by decision block 336. When this is the affirmative, it is next determined whether there is a tank manifold reading after the last known reading for the pump or dispenser associated with the reconciliation process, as represented by decision block 338. When this criterion has been met, the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1 ) can then calculate the flow rate between the last pump or dispenser reading and the last tank manifold reading, as represented by block 340 and then calculate a new pump or dispenser reading forward to the closest time-stamp tank manifold reading, as represented by block 342. This new pump or dispenser reading can then be used during the reconciliation process. When any of decision blocks 332, 334, 336, and 338 are in the negative, the pump or dispenser readings provided in the reconciliation process are constant in their display of pump or dispenser volume.
[0108] These processes described in Figure 6 and 7 yield the following results that can be shown on a timeline:
[TV ~]-___pl V ~-1______~TVZ]______p~ V2_2_____~TV3] (1) Where TV" is the nth tank manifold volume reading, Pn is the nth pump reading, and V"
is the volume of the nth pump reading. When using the "Late Read Rule" one would create PIVo, with a time-stamp 1 second prior to that of P~V1 since the Late Pump Read Rule criteria all apply. When using the "Early Read Rule" one would create P~V3, with a time-stamp 1 second later to that of P1 VZ since the Early Pump Read Rule criterion all apply.
[0109] Using the known flow rates between all time-stamped pump or dispenser readings, the CIM system 120 can interpolate a pump or dispenser sales reading for every pump or dispenser with a time-stamp equal to the time of each tank manifold volume reading. With this pump or dispenser sales reading determined, the CIM
system 120 flow rate adjusts each tank manifold reading back to the "Time of Reconciliation," by adding the pump or dispenser sales volumes back to the tank manifold reading.
[0110] With all relevant data read or adjusted back to the Time of Reconciliation, the CIM system 120 can determine physical volume from the multiple series of tank manifold readings by averaging all time-aligned net inventory volume readings together to determine a mean physical inventory. A standard deviation can also be calculated for the sample set of tank manifold readings, and readings that are +/- X standard deviations from the computed mean may be thrown out (where X may be user defined or some fixed value, e.g., 1 standard deviation). The remaining tank manifold readings can then be averaged to generate the net physical volume at Time of Reconciliation.
Using statistical methods known to those of skill in the art, a confidence level can also be shown for the volume determined using this method. As before, this confidence level is a function of the number of samples taken and the duration of the sampling size.
[0111] Once the net physical volume is determined, this net physical volume at Time of Reconciliation can be adjusted by the CIM system 120 for any interim sales associated with the manifold by adding back to the net physical volume at the time of reconciliation, the net interim sales at the time of reconciliation, which consist of interim active sales, interim completed sales, and interim stacked sales as described herein. In other words, those sales that were not already compensated for in the extrapolated dispenser or pump process previously described should be added back to the physical volume, since these sales will not appear on the book balance.
[0112] With the adjusted value, the CIM system 120 can then calculate the variance of adjusted net physical volume to perpetual book net volume, i.e., the volume identified by various transactions, with the volumes associated with the various transactions being converted to net temperature (e.g., 60 °F) volume terms before being added to the book balance. This variance calculation can include updating the net perpetual book balance to the Time of Reconciliation, and subtracting net perpetual book balance from adjusted net physical volume.
[0113] The following paragraphs illustrate one embodiment of a system for standardizing a volume of a liquid product. The liquid product is delivered from a fuel source by the carrier 1 OS (Figure 1 ) to the retail facility storage tank 155 (Figure 1 ) and is then delivered from the retail facility storage tank 155 through the dispenser 145 (Figures 1 and 3) to a consumer. The system can include the volume measurement device I08 (Figure 1) that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to the carrier 105 and generates volume data indicative of this gross volume. The system can also include the temperature measurement device 107 (Figure 1) that measures a temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to the carrier 105 and generates temperature data indicative of this temperature.
Furthermore, the system can include a volume measurement device 165 (Figure 1) that measures a gross volume of liquid product at the retail facility storage tank 155 and generates storage tank volume data indicative of this gross volume. Likewise, the system can include a temperature measurement device 165 that measures a temperature of liquid product at the retail facility storage tank 155 and generates storage tank temperature data indicative of this temperature. The system can further include a time-stamp system 137 that can be located, by way of example and not limitation, in the tank gauge console 135 (Figure 1) configured to receive the storage tank volume data and the storage tank temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the storage tank volume data and the storage tank temperature data. Further still, the system can include a dispenser volume measurement device 224, 226 (Figure 3) that measures a gross volume of liquid product at a dispenser and generates dispenser volume data indicative of this gross volume, a dispenser temperature measurement device 230 (Figure 3) that measures a temperature of liquid product at the dispenser and generates dispenser temperature data indicative of this temperature, and a time-stamp system 137 (Figure 1) configured to receive the dispenser volume data and the dispenser temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the dispenser volume data and the dispenser temperature data.
[0114] In some embodiments, the time-stamp system 137 at the retail facility storage tank 155 communicates with the volume measurement device 165 and the temperature measurement device 165 at the retail facility storage tank 155 so as to receive volume data and temperature data and allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and temperature data generated at the retail facility storage tank 155. The time-stamp system 137 at the dispenser 145 communicates with the volume measurement device 224, 226 and the temperature measurement device 230 at the dispenser 145 so as to receive volume data and temperature data and allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and temperature data generated at the dispenser 145.
[0115] In one embodiment, the volume measurement device 108 that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device 107 that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product as the liquid product is delivered from the distributor fuel source to the carrier. Alternately, the volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, are located at one of (i) a fuel source located with a distributor, (ii) the carrier and measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product located within the carrier. The volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a Garner, respectively, may measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product when the Garner is located at a fuel source at a distribution facility.
[0116] Once the time-stamps are assigned, the volume and temperature data can be adjusted back to a single point in time, so that net volumes can be calculated and used to update the book balance during the reconciliation process. By time-stamping the volume and temperature data, the flow of liquid product from the tanks) and dispensers) at the retail facility can be accurately measured and so relied upon during the reconciliation process.
[0117] In making the above mentioned calculations for tank volume, and as discussed herein, it is desirable to identify the height of the fuel in the tank and use this measurement to determine the volume of liquid product within a tank. One manner or method for converting the height of the fuel to a volume is by way of a calibration chart, and associated processes. The tank manufacturer provides a chart that can be used to make the height to volume conversions on a finite scale. However, the manufacturers chart may assume that the tank was placed in the ground exactly horizontally and vertically, and/or that the tank was manufactured to an exact standard. If the tank is slightly off from the horizontal, vertical or the standard, this can affect the height to volume conversion. It is sometimes necessary to calibrate the expected height to volume relationship to account for this slight discrepancy. This can be accomplished by identifying variance as a function of either height or volume in the tank.
[0118] It should be noted that the calibration process is not limited to a single tank.
In many cases, there are multiple storage tanks holding the same type of product that are manifolded together to form a manifolded group. A manifolded group can be a group of one or more tanks allowing a cross-flow of product or a group of one or more tanks that are plugged into a single trunk line going to a group of dispensers. In either case, a manifolded group can include multiple tanks that, because liquid product flows out of one or more of the tanks to the dispensers during delivery to a consumer, the flow of the liquid product can't be tied back to any one of those tanks individually.
Likewise, because there is cross-flow of product between those tanks, it is not feasible to keep an accurate book inventory on any one of those tanks individually. However, accurate book inventory can be maintained for the group. In some embodiments, the calibration process can be used to calibrate the manifolded group, rather than the individual tanks within the group.
(0119] In order to perform the calibration process, it is desirable to ensure that the manifolded group is normalized. The various gauges in the tanks in the group can give different readings at any one time. For example, one tank could read 65 inches, another 64 inches, and a third 61 inches. As long as this difference remains relatively constant, the tanks can be considered normalized. In other words, if all of the height values across all of the tanks in the tank group can be shown to have moved in parallel fashion when product is added or removed, i.e., the measured heights all moved up or down one inch, the group can be considered normalized, and the calibration process can be conducted. The degree to which the tank manifold group is normalized can be shown using a method of tracking the standard deviation of height difference of the contents of the tanks in the manifold group, across multiple sample readings of those heights.
Tolerance limits can be set allowing the system to identify which reconciliation samples can be qualified for consideration in the calibration process.
[0120) Keeping in mind that there are many ways to perform this calibration process, two such ways will be discussed herein. In a first method, a single tank or manifolded series of tanks is filled. The product is then pumped out until the tanks) can be considered empty. Measurements are made at incremental levels as the product is dispensed. These measurements can then be used to generate a calibration curve that allows a retail facility to read the level of product in the tanks) and know with some accuracy how much variance there is in that measured reading. Variance that falls outside the limits of the calibration curve can then be initially unexplained variance.
Using the various systems and methods discussed above, this initially unexplained variance can then be explained. This first method will be discussed in detail below with reference to Figures 8-11. In a second method to accomplish the calibration process, historical data can be used to determine the calibration curve. This second method will be discussed below with reference to Figure 12.
[0I21) The first method will be discussed with reference to Figures 8-11 and Table S, shown below. Initially, the CIM system 120 treats the manufacturer's height vs.
volume chart as if the chart was correct when the tank is filled. For instance, data representative of the manufacturer's chart can be stored in data storage at the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1). Initial variance between manufacturer's chart and calibrated chart pending is then zero. For instance, Manufacturer's Chart Calibrated Chart Hei t Volume Hei t Volume 108" 19122 108" 19122 [0122] Using Table S above, the fuel reconciliation process can be started as previously describe herein. When the next volume measurement is received (i.e.
after the predefined amount of fuel has been dispensed), the CIM system 124 (Figure 1 ) can then calculate the variance from our "expected" volume based on the manufacturer's charts. Below are examples of formulas that can be used to calculate the variance, with the identified volumes being adjusted to the average manifold temperature as taught herein:
Gross volume from chart readings = expected volume (2) Gross Initial volume - dispensed volume = calibrated volume (3) Calibrated volume - expected volume = variance (4) [0123] The variance can be calculated every time a new volume measurement is received during this tank calibration process. For example, a measurement can be received for every hundred gallons of fuel dispensed. When all volume and variance measurements have been calculated, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can generate the volume vs. the variance and the volume vs. height relationships fox when the tank is tilted or otherwise deformed. Examples of these are illustrated in Figures 8 and 9.
[0124] Figure 8 illustrates a chart 350 comparing a volume 352 in the tank to a measured height 354 of the gauge in the tank. A base curve 356 represents the curve if the tank is sitting exactly upright, while a tilted curve 358 represents the curve for the tank as it is actually sitting. These two curves 356, 358 cross at a point 360, which represents the assumption that there is no variance when the tank is full.
[0125] Figure 9 illustrates one possible corresponding volume to variance chart 370.
Chart 370 plots an actual variance 372 versus a measured volume 374, represented as line 376. From these initial graphs 350, 370, and data indicative of the curves and lines, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ), and more generally one or more methods and/or processes of the present invention, can determine if the volume and the variance have a significant relationship.
[0126] It is understood that the initial assumption that there is no variance when the tank is has been filled could be false. Primarily, the tank could be distorted such that the fill capacity differs from the manufacturer's specification, or perhaps the tank was not completely filled at all. However, because of the relationship between volume and variance shown, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can shift the calibrated curve in such a manner as to minimize the least squares difference in the calibration curve and the original curve. This can produce a graph 378, like that shown in Figure~l0, which gives a more accurate representation of the volume to measured height relationship.
Note that in this graph 378, the cross over point between the base curve 356 and the tilted curve 358 is now at a new point 362, which can approximate an intermediate point of both curves 356 and 358. A new volume to variance graph 379 can also be created, as illustrated in Figure 11.
[0127] Once the graphs 378, 379 have been generated, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ) can generate data, such as but not limited to, one or more formulae that represent the curve and illustrate the variance as a function of height or inventory volume.
The formulae identify the expected variance for any volume measurement on a specified tank manifold. Any variance observed deviating from this line can be an unexplained variance, which can be subject to later assignment through correlation analysis. Since the exact position of a tank underground is different for every tank, this process is completed for each tank in the system 100 (Figure 1) or for each series of manifolded tanks.
[0128] A height to volume reference chart derived from the variance curve discussed above can have the form as follows.
Height Volume ~Inches~Formula 0 2.6613x2 + 50.029X
5 3.5x2+48.5X-6 9 2.75x2 + 59.95 X
- 50.35 13 2x2 + 78.6 X - 167.7 17 2x2+79X-174 21 1.5x2+99X-377.5 [0129] Any height measurement of liquid product with the tank between numbers on the chart can use the formula of the lowest number. For example, if the measured value is 5.5 inches, since 5.5 inches is greater than 5 but less than 9, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can use the data or formula indicated by height 5, where X is the measured height. The use of such a piecewise data or formula chart allows infinite interpolation capability between the known values.
[0130] During the above-described tank calibration process, it is desirable to append the temperature and representative density of the fuel tank manifold, along with the temperature and representative density of the fuel being dispensed, to every sales transaction. This can be done so the gallons dispensed can be converted to what they would have been at the tank temperature. This method can minimize bias in the tank calibration curve, and therefore increase the accuracy of the system 100 (Figure 1 ). The following describes one example of a process to accomplish this.
(0131 ] In order to correct for temperature, the temperature of the fuel in the tank is accurately measured. Most tanks use a series of thermistors located at periodic height within the tank to make these measurements, as described previously. By way of example and not limitation, if the tank is a standard 10 foot tall tank, thermistors could be located at heights of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 inches. Depending on the measured height of the fuel, one or more of these thermistors would be read to ascertain the fuel temperature in the tank. If one or more of these thermistors are above the level of the fuel, they can be ignored as the air temperature in the tank can differ markedly from the actual fuel temperature. In alternate embodiments, a thermistor attached to the float that measures the fuel height can be used to measure the fuel temperature. When the process is started, a period inventory temperature can be calculated by averaging the temperature from the prior and current reconciliations. The derived period inventory temperature can be used by the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ) to temperature-correct each interim sales transaction to the same temperature as what prevailed in the inventory tanks. As previously mentioned, this can be done using only the thermistors in the tanks that are below the fuel level.
(0132] As fuel is dispensed, each transaction can be accompanied by a temperature or data indicative of the temperature of the fuel at the point of measurement in the fuel dispenser. When the reported sales volume, or Accum_Volume, reaches the next incremental threshold volume, or Volume Increment, then the total manifold volume can be converted to net volume terms, using an ASTM certified method, to obtain a conversion factor for converting volumes at the tank temperature to equivalent volumes at a standardized temperature, (e.g., 60 °F). For example: the measured data could be Gross Volume = 10,000 gallons, temperature = 73°F, and API Gravity =
57.5. The calculated data to achieve the volume of fluid at 60°F could be found using API Gravity at 60°F = 55.9, with a conversion factor = .9914 and the following equation:
Net Volume = Conversion Factor * Gross Volume (5) This results in temperature corrected net volume being 9914 = .9914 * 10,000.
[0133] The CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can perform a similar calculation to convert each transaction volume dispensed into net standard temperature (e.g., 60°F) terms.
Then the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can take the sum of the net volume dispensed, and divide it by the tank conversion factor used to bring the tank inventory to net standard temperature terms. The result is dispensed volume temperature corrected to prevailing tank temperature. For example, if the calculated net dispensed volume or Net Disp Vol = 500 and the Tank Conversion Factor = .9914, then, using equation 6 below, Disp Vol,at_Tank_Temp = Net Disp Vol / Tank_Conversion Factor (6) the dispensed volume temperature corrected to prevailing tank temperature =
504.34 or 504.34 = 500 / .9914. It is the dispensed volume temperature corrected to prevailing tank temperature that the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can use to subtract from the previous tank volume to calculate the calibrated volume, as described herein.
[0134] Each time Accum Volume reaches the Volume Increment amount, a new manifold temperature can be measured, and an average temperature can be calculated between this current measurement and the previous manifold temperature. This process can be repeated until the tank calibration process is complete.
[0135] The CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can periodically check the chart and data used to convert measured height of liquid within a tank to a volume of liquid within the tank, i.e., the strapping chart and data, for each tank within system 100 (Figure 1). Each tank within the system 100 (Figure 1) can have its own strapping chart and data. By periodically checking the chart and data, the accuracy of the strapping chart and the height to volume conversion factors can be periodically verified. When the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1) performs a periodic check, a notification can be sent to the retail facility 128 (Figure 1) and associated retail system 130 (Figure 1) indicating that the calibration is being performed and that no deliveries are allowed to the tank being checked.
Following notification, a reconciliation process can be performed to verify fuel volumes and temperatures. When a disparity is identified, i.e., the existing tank strapping chart does not mirror the reconciled volume, the strapping chart can be modified to accommodate for the disparity.
[0136] One disadvantage of the above system is that it restricts deliveries while the calibration process is ongoing. In large retail facilities, a single tank can be emptied of product in a matter of hours. A second method to calibrate the measurements has been developed to overcome this deficiency. This method is illustrated in Figure 12, which is based on the data shown in Table 7 below. Note that, while Table 7 illustrates a manifolded group of tanks, a similar approach can be conducted to determine a calibration curve for a single tank.
Line Beg. Book- Sales+ DeliveriesEnd Book ATG Variance #
1 60,000 10,000 0 50,000 50,100 100 2 50,100 5,000 0 45,100 45,200 100 3 45,700 5,000 0 40,200 40,100 -100 4 40,100 10,000 15,000 45,100 45,000 -100 45,000 10,000 0 35,000 34,800 -200 6 34,800 5,000 0 29,800 29,900 100 7 29.900 5,000 0 29,900 25,000 100 8 25,000 5,000 10,000 30,000 30,100 100 9 30,100 10,000 0 20,100 20,200 100 20,200 5,000 0 15,200 15,200 0 11 15,200 10,000 0 5,200 5000 -200 12 5000 1000 11,000 15,000 [0137] The data in Table 7 was generated as part of a tank calibration process, such as a calibration process described above. The tank calibration process can include modules, such as software modules and hardware modules, and/or functions which continually query a database accessible to the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ) andlor the retail system 130 (Figure 1 ) to determine if a predefined amount of fuel has been dispensed. When the dispensed volume is greater than or equal to the volume increment, a fuel reconciliation can be performed which will calculate the variance from the expected volume based on the manufacturer's strapping charts and data. It will also calculate accumulated variance associated to a specific manifold volume, i.e., the volume of liquid product for one or more tanks manifolded or in fluid communication one to another. Figure 12 and Table 7 were generated using formulas 2-4 shown above.
In addition, the following formula also applies:
accumwariance = accum variance + variance (7) [0138] Figure 12 shows a graph 380 that illustrates the additional method of generating a calibration curve for a tank or a manifolded tank group. The Graph 380 includes a measure of tank volume 380 on the "X" axis, and a measure of a variance 384 on the "Y" axis. Using the data from Table 7, a plurality of data points 388 can be plotted on the graph 380. As shown on line 1 of Table 7, the beginning book balance is 60,000 gallons. It is assumed that 60,000 gallons is the approximate tank fill level.
Furthermore, it is assumed that at 60,000 gallons, there is no variance. If there were 10,000 gallons of sales before the next reconciliation and no deliveries, the ending book balance, or the calculated value that one would expect to be in the tank and to be reported through the automatic tank gauge would be 50,000 gallons. But in reading the height of the product, and using the formulas derived from the manufacturer's data for those tanks, it could be reported through the tank gauge that there were 50,100 gallons.
So the accumulated variance from the representative top of the tank down to this position of the tank can be shown as a function of manifold volume alone. This gallons of positive variance can be expected to reoccur in the future. The variance is measured and added to the accumulated variance every time a new volume measurement is received from the Tank Calibration Process. Thus, for every volume measurement there is an associated accumulated variance that can be stored and plotted on the graph 380.
[0139] The 50,100 gallons becomes the new book balance. As shown in line 2 of Table 7, there is then an incremental 5,000 gallons of sales, which generates an ending book balance of 45,100. In reading the tank gauge and reading the strapping formulas or data, it could be determined that there were 45,200 gallons in the tank.
These incremental points can then plotted on the graph 380, which shows these three data points 388 (one starting point and two reconciliation points). Row three of Table 7 then shows a beginning book balance of 45,200 gallons. There are 5,000 gallons in sales.
The physical inventory should then be 40,200. However, at this point, the automatic tank gauge provides a reading of 40,100 gallons, which is a variance of -100 gallons.
These four data points are then used to construct a curve 390.
[0140] In line four of Table 7, a delivery is made into the tank(s). Every time a delivery occurs during the calibration process, the system will perform another fuel reconciliation. This provides a new starting point in which the accumulated variance is set to zero. It is desirable to set the accumulated variance back to zero to minimize any effects from a possible delivery variance. For example, if the book shows that 15,000 gallons were delivered, but only 14,800 gallons were actually delivered, this could skew the calculations. Lines 5-7 in Table 7 can then be used to provide another set of data points 388, which can then used to generate a second curve 392. The above process is continued until the calibration process is finished, or another delivery is made. Any time a fuel reconciliation is run and the volume is greater than the previous reconciliation's volume, then a delivery has occurred. This is illustrated in the graph 380 as another curve 394. A user can include as many segments as desired andlor for which historical data exists. After defining the segments to be used, calibration formula and data for the tank or manifolded tanks can then be generated.
[0141] The calibration formula can be built from the segments 390, 392, and that were generated from the actual data retrieved from the normal reconciliation processes. The identified segments can be assigned a hierarchy and can be connected by using a technique of minimizing the least squares distance of the overlapping portions of those segments. This aligned curve is represented as a dashed line 396 in Figure 12.
[0142] From the data in Table 7 and the corresponding curves shown in Figure 12, it can be identified that there is a pattern-like relationship between the manifold volume and the accumulated variance. Geometrically, it can be shown that tilt, deformation or any other inaccuracy in the tank specification, or the inventory measurement apparatus of any individual tank, can invalidate the original formula representing the height to volume relationship for that tank. Furthermore, it can be shown that such inaccuracies are consistent or static in nature, and can combine in aggregate to show a pattern-like relationship. The above process provides a curve that substantially reduces or even eliminates the differences between the actual installation and the manufacturer's original height to volume charts.
[0143) As long as there are a sufficient number of data points available in the historical data, the above method can be used to generate a volume to variance curve over the entire range of tanks) volumes. Therefore, for a given measured volume, curve 396 represents the expected amount of variance due to the tank structure and/or placement. The curve 396 allows representation of both the variance that could be expected after filling the tank and later running a reconciliation at any fill level of the tank, or the incremental variance that could be expected between any two fill levels of the tank. Note that no operational limitations need to be imposed on the system to allow for the retrieval of the data to build the segments necessary to generate the calibration formula or data. No time period need be identified over which data is to be collected and analyzed, as is the case with the first method discussed above with reference to Figure 8-11. Additionally, the process outlined above with reference to Table 7 and Figure 12 allows for a periodic re-calibration on an as desired basis.
(0144] As alluded to above, methods, systems, and computer program products can be used with the system 100 of Figure 1 to probe end-to-end fuel temperature at various points, including all points of physical measurement for temperature correcting volume across the fuel management system. Because of the reporting of the temperatures through, for example, the antenna 234 (Figure 3) within the dispenser unit 145, and by using temperature readings taken during the rapid accumulation of data at other locations within the system, such as at the tank 15S, this system 100 and the CIM
system 120 allow for both consideration of and, where necessary, provides actual temperature measurements for, all points of physical measurement.
[0145] 1n particular, fuel temperatures can be measured at the loading rack lOS (as recorded in e.g., the bill-of lading), at the liquid product storage tank 15S, and at the fuel dispenser 145. There can be significant temperature change occurring both during delivery to retail facility 128 from the load rack 10S, as well from the liquid product storage tank to the fuel dispenser 145. Therefore, the thermal expansion/contraction of the product can be taken into account in each transaction and in each executed reconciliation process. In other words, to allow true reconciliation to occur in net gallon terms, it is desirable to measure temperature in conjunction with every measurement of physical volume. Therefore, temperature and volume data can be collected from the dispenser and during any sales transactions for use in the reconciliation process performed by the CIM system 120.
[0146] The temperature readings of a dispensed sale at a dispenser 145 are unique per sales transaction, and are a function of one or more of the following variables: fluid temperatures; surrounding ground temperatures; pipe wall thickness; pipe wall material;
proximity of the dispenser skirt relative to rays of the sun; ambient air temperature;
fluid flow rate; and the duration of time since the last transaction. As previously mentioned, the methods, systems, and computer program products described herein allow one temperature to be measured in conjunction with the sale, regardless of whether the temperature correction is applied to the retail sale. Accordingly, the control module 228 (Figure 3) of dispenser 145 can report the gross volume of the sale and the temperature of the sale separately, which can also be reported by the retail system 130.
This gross volume and temperature reporting advantageously provides for compensation of the different temperatures throughout the system 100, and offers both gross and net volume reporting not currently offered by typical dispensers.
[0147] Similarly, the methods, systems, and computer program products described herein provide for the perpetual net inventory book balance to be modified by a dynamic expansion coefficient of product relative to the temperature changes and density. Based on the API gravity report at the rack 105 and reported in the BOL, the CIM system 120 maintains data representative of fuel densities throughout the lifecycle of the fuel or product within the system 100. The storage and updating of such representative density values, combined with the updating and storage of temperature values, allows the CIM system 120 to dynamically identify the appropriate gross to net conversion for any physical measurement of fuel. With this data, the temperature-compensated amount of product used and remaining in the tank 155 can be accurately determined. For example, the CIM system 120 can use the temperature and density to perform a temperature corrected gross to net conversion for every transaction before posting to the net perpetual book balance.
[0148] The temperature correction hinges around the actual temperature of the fuel or product that is being temperature corrected, and the density of the fuel or product that is being temperature corrected. The density doesn't allow one to perfectly identify the elasticity between the volume and temperature of that fuel or product (i.e., it doesn't allow you to perfectly identify the coefficient of expansion). But since molecular chains, hydrocarbons in particular, that have similar density, react very similarly to temperature, the use of density and temperature is the most generally accepted method across all facets of industry.
[0149] Because the density of the product changes, it is only necessary to know the density value consistently and within reasonableness. In comparing two products of non-like density or differing density, their reaction to temperature change will be different. So the terminal systems (i.e. the rack l OS), because of the amount of volume that they store and deliver, are required to report density. Most of them have the ability to measure density using densitometers or other measuring equipment that can be used to determine the value. They report that on the bill of lading. A weighted average or a FIFO (first-in-first-out) average of the density reportedly going into the tank can then be weighted by the amount of volume going into the tank. This provides a representative density for the product that is in the storage tank. That density value and the temperature that is measured on a real-time on-site basis are used to determine a temperature corrected volume conversion factor allowing one to derive the net volume of that product.
[0150] It should be noted that the various reports and accumulated data can be transmitted using Extended Markup Language (XML) document format or any other format readable by computer systems. Using XML, for example, sales transaction records can include headers that identify the status of a sale, the time of the sale, the invoice number and other such information in a standard XML document. In such instances, non-blended product would simply have a tank number, whereas, if a blended product is used, then the tanks and blend ratios can be given and separated using a standard means, e.g., separated by commas. Transaction date and time can also be associated with the transaction record along with an invoice number, volume and temperature.
[0151 ] The system can also determine a correlation between the variance and all of the qualitative and quantitative variance factors. It can accomplish this using multiple regression analysis. This allows the system to be able to indicate if there is a leak in a fuel tank, plumbing or dispensers. It also allows the system to determine if a dispenser needs to be recalibrated, if someone is stealing fuel, or if a truck has a leak or holds back fuel during a delivery. This is just some of the useful information the CIM system can provide.
[0152) Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.
By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.
When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium.
Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium.
Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.
[0153] Figure 13 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the invention may be implemented. Although not required, the invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by computers in network environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performs particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.
(0154] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, mufti-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network.
In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0155] With reference to Figure 13, an exemplary system for implementing the invention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a conventional computer 420, including a processing unit 421, a system memory 422, and a system bus 423 that couples various system components including the system memory 422 to the processing unit 421. The system bus 423 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read only memory (ROM) 424 and random access memory (RAM) 425. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 426, containing the basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computer 420, such as during start-up, may be stored in ROM 424.
[0156] The computer 420 may also include a magnetic hard disk drive 427 for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk 439, a magnetic disk drive 428 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 429, and an optical disk drive 430 for reading from or writing to removable optical disk 431 such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. The magnetic hard disk drive 427, magnetic disk drive 428, and optical disk drive 430 are connected to the system bus 423 by a hard disk drive interface 432, a magnetic disk drive-interface 433, and an optical drive interface 434, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 420. Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a magnetic hard disk 439, a removable magnetic disk 429 and a removable optical disk 431, other types of computer readable media for storing data can be used, including magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, Bernoulli cartridges, RAMS, ROMs, and the like.
[0157) Program code means comprising one or more program modules may be stored on the hard disk 439, magnetic disk 429, optical disk 431, ROM 424 or RAM
425, including an operating system 435, one or more application programs 436, other program modules 437, and program data 438. A user may enter commands and information into the computer 420 through keyboard 440, pointing device 442, or other input devices (not shown), such as a microphone, joy stick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 421 through a serial port interface 446 coupled to system bus 423.
Alternatively, the input devices may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, a game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 447 or another display device is also connected to system bus 423 via an interface, such as video adapter 448.
In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers.
[0158] The computer 420 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computers 449a and 449b. Remote computers 449a and 449b may each be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically include many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 420, although only memory storage devices 450a and 450b and their associated application programs 436a and 436b have been illustrated in Figure 4. The logical connections depicted in Figure 4 include a local area network (LAN) 451 and a wide area network (WAN) 452 that are presented here by way of example and not limitation.
Such networking environments are commonplace in office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.
(0159] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 420 is connected to the local network 451 through a network interface or adapter 453.
When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 420 may include a modem 454, a wireless link, or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network 452, such as the Internet. The modem 454, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 423 via the serial port interface 446. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 420, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing communications over wide area network 452 may be used.
[0160] Additional information related to the present invention is found in Schedule A, which forms a part of the specification herein. The "Liquid Product Inventory Reconciliation Guide" and Exhibits A-U, which are listed in Schedule "A", form a part of this specification hereof. The Liquid Product Inventory Reconciliation"
Guide and Exhibits A-U disclose the inventions disclosed in additional detail.
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~ N__ Exemplary Fuel Reconciliation Exhibit Library Exhibit Exhibit A--Net Inventory Variance Determination Exhibit B---Thermistor Heights Exhibit C-Data Storage Requirements Exhibit D--Height to Volume Conversion Formulas Exhibit E--Gross to Net Conversion Routine Exhibit F--Quick Read ATG Look-Up Exhibit G--Real-Time Reconciliation Request from Host Exhibit H-Real-Time Reconciliation Data Response from Local to Host Exhibit I-Local Treatment of Reconciliation Request Exhibit J-Variance Assignment Procedures Exhibit K-Business Period Activity Isolation (Delivery / Non-Delivery) Exhibit L-Maintenance of Net Volume Book Balance Exhibit M-On-Site Data Accumulation Methods Exhibit N-Sales Transaction Record Format Exhibit O-Local to Host Alarm Communication Exhibit P-Reconciliation Data Report Example Exhibit Q-Tank Strapping Procedure Exhibit R-Exemplary Hardware Requirements Exhibit S-'Tank Strapping Temperature Correction Treatment Exhibit T-Tank Strapping Calibration Calculations*
Exhibit U-BOL Delivery Record Format Exhibit A-Net Inventory Variance Determination I. CIM Send Fuel Reconciliation Request to POS (See Exhibit G) II. C1M Receive and Parse the Reconciliation Response from POS (See Exhibit H) Measurement Data <Site> 01155 <Time> 2004-06-03 23:00:00 <UOM> Gallons, Inches, Fahrenheit <StartSnapShot> 2 <Tank Set>
<SetId> AA
<FCode> 02 <Tanks>
>
<Id> O1 <Water> 1.5"
<FuelLvl>
<Fuel>Lv1:55.40~Time:23:00:00:04~Tmp:63.00./62 .00</Fuel>
<Fuel>Lv1:55.00~Time:23:00:01:04~Tmp:63.00./62 .00</Fuel>
</FuelLvl>
<lTank>
</Tanks>
</Tank Set>
<Sales>
<Sale>
<Pump> 11 <Temp> 70.00 <FuelRecs>
<Fuel>Vo1:5.60~Time:23:00:00:00</Fuel>
<Fuel>Vo1:6.40~Time:23:00:01:00</Fuel>
</FuelRecs>
</Sale>
<lSales>
Closed Sales Data <Closed Sales>
<Closed Sale>
Tank:2 ~Time:2004-06-03 22:36:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 </Closed Sale>
</Closed Sales>
III. CIM Convert Fuel Level Readings to Net Tank Gallons 1) Use tank id from <Tank>...<Id> to reference the appropriate tank formula table.
Result: Table 123 2) Use the fuel level <Fuel>Lvl.. to reference the appropriate formula for each fuel level reading. (See Exhibit D) Result: FueILvl: 55.40: Formula XY...
FuelLvl: 55:00: Formula YZ...
3) Convert each fuel level reading into a gross volume, with the same time stamp as the fuel level reading.
Result: FueILv1:55.40 = 6068.61 Gallons (Gross) FuelLv1:55.00 = 6015.36 Gallons (Gross) 4) Identify which thermistors are at or below the lowest measured fuel level reading. To do this the process can use a field tied to the tank table that identifies at which height levels on the probe shaft there is a thermistor-{See Exhibit B) Result: Thermistor 1 Thermistor 2 5) Average the temperature of the thermistors determined in prior step.
Result: Thermistor 1: 61.00 Thermistor 2: 63.00 Average = 62.00 6) Reference API gravity for product in tank. (This can require delivering driver to report BOL information in conjunction with a delivery report.
The API value can be included in the BOL information and can be used to update the estimated API of the product in that tank set.
Result: 36 7) Use average temperature from step 5) and API to reference the appropriate Gross to Net conversion factor (as per ASTM formula).
Result: .9XXX
8) Convert Gross Inventory Volume per Fuel Lvl to Net Inventory Volume.
Result: Net Inventory Volume per Fuel Lvl IV. Convert interim (FuelRecs) gross sales volume to net volume 1 ) Reference API for product in tank Result: 36 2) Use API density value and average temp of sale <Temp>
70.00 to reference appropriate Gross to Net conversion factor.
Result: .98XX
3) Convert Gross volume per FuelRec Sales snapshot to Net Fuel Rec Sales Result: <Fuel>VoI:S.XX~Time:23:00:00:00<lFuel>
<Fuel>Vol:6.XX~Time:23:00:01:00</Fuel>
V. Convert Individual Time-Stamped Tank Volumes in Manifold to Cumulative Time-Stamped Manifold Volumes 1) Sort all time-stamped tank readings from the manifold by their respective time stamps.
Result: Example results from a -3-tank manifold Tank 3 reading @ 17:28:39:165- 11658.32 gal Tank 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377- 11658.12 gal Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581- 11736.27 gal Tank 3 Reading @17:28:40:398- 11658.36 gal Tank 1 Reading @17:28:40:611- 11602.34 gal Tank 2 Reading @17:28:40:815- 11733.20 gal *
2) Order "series" of tank readings by taking the first time-stamped fuel height reading(irregardless of which tank is read first) and associating it with the closest time-stamped reading of each additional tank in the manifold. Each tank reading can only reside in one series. Only tank readings that comprise a complete series should be considered for step 3).
Result: Example results from a 3-tank manifold-ank 3 reading @ 17:28:39:165-11658.32 gal 1s' Series Tank 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377-11658.12 gal Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581-11736.27 gal ank 3 Reading @17:28:40:398-11658.36 gal 2d Series Tank 1 Reading @17:28:40:611-11602.34 gal Tank 2 Reading @17:28:40:815-11733.20 gal N'h Series 3) Calculate the time difference between the first time in the series and every time in the series.
Result: From Difference 1s' Series Tank 3 reading 0 @ 17:28:39:165-Tank 1 reading 212 @ 17:28:39:377-Tank 2 reading 416 @ 17:28:39:581-4) Average the differences in time Result: From 15' Series Average (0,212,416) =209.33 5) Add the average difference back to the first time from the series to determine the cumulative series time stamp.
Result: From 1 S' Series 17:28:39:165 + 209.33 =17:28:39:374 6) Sum the volume from each reading in the series.
Result: From 1s' Series Tank 3 reading-11658.32 gal +Tank 1 reading-11658.12 gal +Tank 2 reading-11736.27 gal =35,052.71 gal 7) Assign the cumulative time stamp for the series to the cumulative volume for the series. The first time-stamped series becomes the "Time of Reconciliation."
Result: From 15' Series 35,052.71 gal @ 17:28:39:374 Repeat steps 3 through 7 until a cumulative time stamp and volume has been assigned for each series.
VI. CIM Align All Tank Manifold Volume Readings to "Time of Reconciliation."
1) Identify the time and volume of the "Time of Reconciliation" and each subsequent time-stamped Tank Manifold volume reading.
Result: For sales volume between Time of Reconciliation and Manifold Series 2-Time and Volume of Reconciliation 35,052.71 gal @ 17:28:39:374 Time and Volume of Manifold Series 2 34,993.90 gal @ 17:28:40:608 2) Identify sales that appear to have been active beyond the bounds of the tank manifold readings and extrapolate a new pump sales reading according the following rules:
If --The first of the paired readings is the first reading provided in the reconciliation for that pump AndIf --The first of the paired readings is later than the "Time of Reconciliation"
Then --Consider use of a "late pump read rule"
Late Pump Read Rule:
If --The first reading of a pump has a volume amount that is positive AndIf -The next reading shows a positive change in volume Then --Use the flow rate determinable between these two readings to extrapolate a new pump reading back to the closest time-stamped tank manifold reading.
*The new extrapolated reading must be >=0 or it is thrown out.
Else--Assume the pump readings provided in the reconciliation are consummate in their display of pumped volume.
Else--Assume the pump readings provided in the reconciliation are consummate in their display of pumped volume.
If -The last of all the paired readings for a pump is the last reading provided in the reconciliation for that pump AndIf -The last of the paired readings for a pump is earlier than the last tank manifold volume reading Then--Consider use of an "early pump read rule"-Early Pump Read Rule:
If --The last reading of a pump has a volume amount that is greater than the amount for that pump in the prior reading AndIf -There exists a tank manifold reading after the last known reading for that pump Then--Use the flow rate determinable between these two readings to extrapolate a new pump reading forward to the closest time-stamped tank manifold reading.
Else--Assume the pump readings provided in the reconciliation are consummate in their display of pumped volume.
Else--Assume the pump readings provided in the reconciliation are consummate in their display of pumped volume.
Results: For "Late Read Rule" and "Early Read Rule"
[TV1]____pl V1-1 ______[TVZ]-_____pl VZ=2_____[TV3]
*Where TVn is the nth tank manifold volume reading, P" is the nth pip reading, and V~ is the volume of the nth pump reading.
Late Read Rule Create PIVo, with a time stamp 1 second prior to that of P~ V i since Late Pump Read Rule criteria all apply Early Read Rule Create P1 V3, with a time stamp 1 second later to that of P, Vz since Early Pump Read Rule criteria all apply [TV1, P~Vo=0.3]---P,VI=I-_-_[TVZ]___plV2=2_____[TV3, P~V3=2.3]
3) Using the known flow rates between all time stamped pump readings (including those generated in step 2), now interpolate a pump sales reading for every pump with a time stamp equal to the time of each tank manifold volume reading.
Result:
[TV1,PIVo=0.3]-____[TV2, P,VZ=1.3]_____-[TV3, plV3=2.3]
4) Using the interpolated pump sales reading for every pump, flow rate adjust each tank manifold reading back to the "Time of Reconciliation,"
by adding the pumped sales volumes back to the tank manifold reading.
Result: All cumulative manifold volume readings at the "Time of Reconciliation" Time Stamp Tank Manifold Reading 1 [TVl]
Tank Manifold Reading 2 (Adjusted for dispensed flow) [TVz - ~'iVz -PiVOj Tank Manifold Reading 3 (Adjusted for dispensed flow) [TV3 - ~'iV3 - PiV~)j VII. Determine Physical Volume from the multiple series of tank manifold readings.
1) Average all time-aligned net inventory volume readings together to determine a mean physical inventory.
2) Compute a standard deviation for the sample set of tank manifold readings.
3) Throw out readings that are +/- 1 standard deviation from the mean computed in step 1 ).
4) Average the tank manifold readings remaining after step 3).
Result: Net Physical Volume at Time of Reconciliation IIX. Adjust Time-Stamped Net Physical Volume for Interim Sales 1) Add back to the Net Physical Volume the Net Interim Sales, which consist of Interim Active Sales, and Interim Completed Sales Result: Net Physical Volume Adjusted for Interim Sales at Time of Reconciliation IX. Calculate Variance of Adjusted Net Physical Volume to Perpetual Book Net Volume.
1 ) Update Net Perpetual Book Balance (See Exhibit L) to the Time of Reconciliation.
2) Subtract Net Perpetual Book Balance from Adjusted Net Physical Volume.
Exhibit B-Thermistor Heights I. Get specifications of probe 1) Get span of probe Result: 118" *Omntec provided 10' probe 2) Add offset as per manufacturer's spec Result: 120" (=118" + 2" Omntec probe offset) 3) Divide offset adjusted probe span by number of thermistors + 1 to determine thermistor increment Result: 20" increment (=120"/6; 6=5 thermistors + 1 ) 4) Assign heights to thermistors 1-X as per manufacturer's numbering sequence Result: ThermistorHeight *Omntec Probe 1 20"
2 40"
3 60"
4 80"
S 100"
Exhibit C-Data Storage Requirements I. Fields to Store Surrounding Completion of each Instance of Reconciliation:
1 ) Request Time, as per Corporate Host 2) Number of Seconds in Request 3) Request Time, as per Site Host 4) Requester ID
5) Reconciliation Time, as per Site Host's time stamps 6) BranchID
7) Manifold ID(s) 8) Book Inventory per Manifold at Time of Reconciliation Gross Net 9) Physical Inventory per Manifold at Time of Reconciliation Gross Net Temp 10) Tolerance Factor Passed to Retail System 11) Retail System Turbulence Flag (Y/N) 12) Population Standard Deviation Statistic 13) Standard Deviation Tolerance Factor 14) Filtered Sample Size (# of Samples Remaining) 15) Filtered Sample Standard Deviation Statistic 16) Interim Sales Adjustment Gross Net 17) Summarized Sales Transaction Volume Per Dispenser From Last Reconciliation to Current Reconciliation Gross Net 18) Reported Delivery Detail (BOL # and Trip #) by Manifold from Last Reconciliation to Current Reconciliation Gross Net 19) Standard Height per Tank, per Manifold ID
When the liquid product is initially loaded into the delivery vehicle, it is at a first temperature that can be reported in the bill-of lading. Depending on a myriad of factors, however, the temperature of the liquid product can change dramatically during the distribution process. For example, the temperature of the liquid product may change depending on the temperature difference where the delivery truck was loaded and where the drop was made, the time of day, whether the tank is above or below ground, etc. These temperature differences, however, can have an enormous effect of the measured volume of the liquid product and can be the cause of error in the SIR system.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0011 ] Embodiments of the present inventions overcome these problems by providing various methods, systems, computer program products and devices. In one configuration, the present invention can include systems and methods for the central control and monitoring of product delivery based on anticipation of delivery through a request and authorization of product drop process. Prior to delivery of a product, the driver requests and receives authorization from a centralized service, such as a corporate based Centralized Inventory Management system, or CIM, sending authorization data to the driver and/or the retail facility to receive the liquid product.
The driver can provide the CIM with information on a bill-of lading. The driver can also provide additional information such as the supplier, the fuel source where the product was loaded, the Garner, driver's information, etc. In some embodiments, the driver can provide all of this information electronically using a portable computing device carried by the driver or located in the truck to wirelessly communicate this data between the terminal, the CIM, and/or the retail facility. The CIM can authorize delivery following a series of appropriate interactions between the fuel source, the CIM, the carrier, the driver and the retail facility where the delivery or drop will occur. As part of the anticipation of a drop, the specific tank to receive the product can be identified and flagged. That particular tank, as well as all other tanks at the retail facility, can be monitored to determine in real-time if the drop occurs at the proper tank.
Further, monitoring of water content can occur to prevent delivery of the water to the customer through the dispenser.
[0012] In one configuration, disclosed are systems, methods, and computer program products for the central control and monitoring of a delivery of liquid product. The system can include a centralized inventory management system that can monitor and control the delivery of the liquid product by a carrier, to at least one retail facility. The method can include receiving at the centralized inventory management system a request from the carrier for instructions relating to delivery of liquid product.
Based on data monitored by the centralized inventory management system, the method can include determining a type and volume of liquid product needed in one retail facility selected from a plurality of retail facilities and then posting an order providing instructions to the Garner regarding liquid product needed in the selected retail facility.
[0013] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products to prevent a delivery vehicle from making an unauthorized delivery of liquid product to a liquid product storage tank at a retail facility. The method can include a retail system and/or a centralized inventory management system monitoring one or more tanks at the retail facility for liquid product delivery by the carrier. A retail system and/or the centralized inventory management system monitors the delivery, the method can include identifying delivery of liquid product to an unauthorized tank and then automatically terminating delivery of the liquid product by interrupting delivery of the liquid product into the unauthorized tank.
[0014] The system to prevent a delivery vehicle from delivering liquid product to an unauthorized storage tank can include a centralized inventory management system connected to at least one a computer in the retail facility. The system also can include at least one sensor located in each storage tank at the retail facility, the at least one sensor can be electronically connected to the centralized inventory management system and can perform a real-time measurement of the amount of liquid product in each of the storage tanks. The centralized management system and/or the retail facility can activate a valve that can interrupt the flow of liquid product during a delivery. The centralized inventory management system can monitor the sensor in each of the storage tanks while liquid product is being delivered into any storage tank and can send a signal to the delivery vehicle to close the valve if the liquid product is being delivered into an unauthorized tank or a level of water increases, thereby indicating that too much water is in or being deposited into the tank.
[0015] In another configuration, disclosed is a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical reconciliation process within a dynamic environment. The method can include receiving a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks. Once received, the method can include identifying the status of one or more liquid product dispensers corresponding to the one or more storage tanks. While the one or more liquid product dispensers are in an active state, the method can include taking a plurality of measurements within the one or more storage tanks and the one or more liquid product dispensers and, based on the plurality of measurements, automatically performing the liquid product book to physical reconciliation process.
[0016] In another example embodiment is disclosed a system, method, and computer program product for performing a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation by rapidly accumulating data over a predetermined time period at a plurality of measurement devices and monitoring sale transactions during the predetermined time period. This embodiment comprises receiving a request to initiate a liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks. The request is received while one or more liquid product dispensers, corresponding to the one or more storage tanks, are in an active state.
Thereafter, a plurality of measurement data from a plurality of measurement devices is collected over a predetermined period of time, wherein the plurality of measurement data is taken at rapid intervals over the predetermined period of time. Further, a time-stamp is assigned to each of the plurality of measurement data and sales transactions are monitored during the predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period of time, the plurality of measurement data and the monitored sales transactions are used to complete the liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation process.
[0017] In another configuration, disclosed are systems, methods, and computer program products to compensate for surface movement of liquid product within one or more tanks during a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical reconciliation process. The method can include filtering physical volume measurements within one or more tanks at a point in time by receiving a plurality of measurement data at a plurality of times, each measurement data representing a volume of liquid product within the tank. With the plurality of measurement data, the method can include comparing each volume of liquid against at least one predetermined volume identified as being unreliable and generating a second set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from the plurality of measurement data that is identified as being unreliable. Using the second set of measurement data, the method can include determining a sample mean and a standard deviation for the second set of measurement data and then filtering the second set of measurement data to generate a third set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from the second set of measurement data that has a value plus or minus a predetermined number of the standard deviations from the standard mean for the second set of measurement data.
[0018] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring and reporting liquid product dispenser transaction states for book to physical reconciliation purposes. This embodiment can provide real-time status of sales transactions in order to perform liquid product fuel reconciliation regardless of ongoing sales. The process can include receiving a request to perform the liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more of storage tanks. Once the request is received, a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for the reconciliation is identified. During the identified duration, the status of one or more dispensers that dispense liquid product from one or more storage tanks is monitored.
Based on the status of the one or more dispensers, either a physical inventory or a book value is updated to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
[0019] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for collecting and communicating temperature and volume data directly from a dispenser for use during a book to physical reconciliation process. The temperature and volume readings, such as data indicative of the measured temperature and volume of the liquid product, can be received directly from a dispenser by at least one of a retail system and a central inventory management system. The method can include collecting flow data indicative of a volume of a liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at a plurality of times during a defined time interval and collecting temperature data indicative of a temperature of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at the plurality of times during the defined interval. Once collected, the temperature data and the flow data can be transmitted to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
[0020] In another configuration, disclosed is a device for collecting liquid product volume data at a dispenser. The dispenser can include a first totalizer that receives signals from a pulser. A second totalizer can be connected or linked in parallel with the first totalizer and can receive signals from the pulser. The dispenser further includes a data acquisition unit in signal communication with at least the second totalizer. The data acquisition unit receives data from the second totalizer that is indicative of a volume of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser.
[0021 ] The method for collecting liquid product data at a dispenser can include receiving a plurality of pulses at a first totalizer within the dispenser.
Upon receiving pulse data or signals from the first pulser at a second dedicated totalizer within the dispenser, the method can further include generating data indicative of a volume of liquid product flowing from the dispenser. Following generating the data, the method can include sending the data corresponding to the dedicated totalizer to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
[0022] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for performing an on-demand book balance to physical balance reconciliation process for liquid product. The method can include receiving an indication that a delivery of product is about to occur at a retail facility.
Based on the received indication, the system can automatically initiate a first book balance to physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at the retail facility prior to receiving a delivery of liquid product. This reconciliation can be performed while fuel is dispensed from the one or more storage tanks.
Following completion of the first book balance to physical balance reconciliation, the method can include delivering an amount of liquid product as indicated on a delivery document.
Upon receiving an indication that the amount of liquid product has been delivered, the method can include automatically performing a second book balance to physical balance reconciliation process to identify one or more discrepancies between the book amount of liquid product and a physical amount of liquid product actually delivered to the one or more storage tanks.
[0023] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for performing temperature standardization of the volume of a liquid product at one or more points of physical measurement. The system can include a plurality of volume measurement devices. At least one volume measurement device is located at each of (i) a fuel source located with a distributor, (ii) a storage tank at a retail facility, and (ii) a dispenser that delivers the liquid product to the consumer. Each volume measurement device measures a gross volume of the liquid product at, respectively, the distributor fuel source, the retail facility storage tank, and the dispenser and generates volume data indicative of the gross volume. The system also includes a plurality of temperature measurement devices. At least one temperature measurement device is located at each of (i) the distributor fuel source, (ii) the retail facility storage tank, and (iii) the dispenser. Each temperature measurement device measures a temperature of the liquid product at, respectively, the distributor fuel source, the retail facility storage tank, and the dispenser, and generates temperature data indicative of the temperature. A plurality of time-stamp systems can also be included in the system. In one embodiment, at least one time-stamp system is located at each of (i) the retail facility storage tank and (ii) the dispenser. Each time-stamp system allocates a time-stamp to each of the volume data and the temperature data generated at, respectively, the retail facility storage tank and the dispenser.
[0024] In another configuration, disclosed is a method of standardizing a volume of a liquid product across a fuel management system. The method can include measuring a gross volume and a temperature of the liquid product at each of a fuel source located at a distributor, a storage tank at a retail facility and a dispenser at the retail facility.
Following measuring the gross volume and temperature, the method can include assigning a time-stamp to data indicative of the temperature and gross volume in the tank and at the dispenser. The method can also entail using the measurements of gross volume, temperature and each of the given time-stamps to reconcile gross to net volumes at a single point in time.
[0025] In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for balancing net inventory using a dynamic expansion coefficient of liquid product relative to the temperature changes with density. The method can include receiving an American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity report that includes a measurement of a specific gravity and a temperature of the liquid product reported at a fuel source. Utilizing the API gravity report, the method can include maintaining correct densities of the liquid product by utilizing a plurality of expansion coefficients to dynamically convert a gross volume measurement to a net volume measurement for transactions of liquid product in a tank and at a dispenser in order to maintain a net perpetual book balance.
[0026) In another configuration, disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for measuring a physical volume of a liquid product in a manifold set of tanks. The method can include identifying three or more volume book balances of the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks at three or more reconciliation times. The amounts of the liquid product dispensed from the manifold set of tanks can be monitored and the physical volume of the liquid product in each tank of the manifold set of tanks measured at the three or more reconciliation times.
With this data, variance data indicative of a difference between the physical volume and the three or more volume book balances can be calculated and data for use in determining the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks, based upon a measured height of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks, can be generated. A
relationship between three or more data points representative of the variance data can be generated and used to calibrate the manifold set of tanks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(0027] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a general overview of a system for the delivery, tracking, and reconciliation of liquid product inventory according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of one method of implementing example embodiments of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a dispenser at a liquid product retail facility in accordance with example embodiments;
[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a graph showing multiple volume measurements within a tank over a period of time;
(0032] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of one method of minimizing the effect of waves or ripples in the tank, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0033) Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for identifying sales that are active beyond the bounds of tank manifold readings using a late pump read rule in accordance with example embodiments;
(0034] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of another method for identifying sales that are active beyond the bounds of tank manifold readings using an early pump read rule in accordance with example embodiments;
[0035] Figure 8 illustrates a graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs.
height graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention;
[003b] Figure 9 illustrates a graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs.
variance graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention;
[0037] Figure 10 illustrates another graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs. height graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 11 illustrates another a graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs. variance graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention;
[0039] Figure 12 illustrates yet another a graphical representation of an exemplary volume vs. variance graph usable in the tank calibration process of the present invention; and [0040] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic representation of a computer and associated systems within which various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Embodiments of the present invention extend to methods, systems, and computer program products associated with the delivery, tracking, and reconciliation of liquid and non-liquid product inventory. The embodiments can include or use one or more special purpose or general-purpose computers, including various computer hardware, as discussed in greater detail below with respect to Figure 13.
[0042] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for liquid product inventory reconciliation between the physical measurements of the product stored in storage tanks when compared to the amount of product sold (i.e., pumped out of the storage tanks) and the amount of product delivered (i.e., pumped or otherwise delivered to the storage tank) as recorded on the books of the retail facility and/or corporate offices; i.e., the book balance or inventory. Additional embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for documenting and controlling the flow of liquid product from a wholesale distribution storage unit to the retail facility and, ultimately, to the individual consumer. Although the following description of the embodiments of the present invention will typically refer to petroleum fuels as the liquid product, the following embodiments are also applicable to other liquid and non-liquid products for which reconciliation between the physical product and the book balance is desired.
Accordingly, the following discussion referencing petroleum products or other specific products for reconciliation is used for illustrative purposes only and it is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless otherwise explicitly claimed.
[0043] Initially described herein is a system and method for the central control and monitoring of product delivery placement based on an anticipation of delivery through a request and authorization process. This load/delivery authorization process provides for an aggregate procurement control with a centralized inventory management system that is capable of identifying irregularities in a real-time manner in order to immediately rectify such irregularities.
[0044] Following the discussion of this system, certain aspects of the retail facility associated with the system will be described. In addition, descriptions of various additional systems, methods, and computer program products related to the tracking and reconciliation of liquid fuel inventory throughout the exemplary system will be provided.
[0045] The following discussion will refer to both Figure 1 and Figure 2.
Turning now to Figure 1, schematically illustrated is a system 100 usable for the delivery, tracking, and reconciliation of liquid and non-liquid product inventory.
Generally, the methods, systems, devices, and computer program products of the present invention can track, monitor, and measure the temperature, volume, and/or density of the fuel at numerous points within the system 100, and perform a reconciliation process using the tracked, monitored, and measured temperatures, volumes, and/or densities. By tracking these various temperatures, volumes, and/or densities measured data can be corrected or adjusted to bring measured volumes into net terms, i.e., adjusting for the change in temperature of the liquid product through the delivery process. This can minimize the effect that temperature change can have on variances in the reconciliation process.
[0046] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a method 180 that implements one process for using system 100. The system illustratively represents the processes and methods for supplying a liquid product to a Garner from a fuel source or rack (i.e. a wholesale distribution storage unit), delivering the liquid product to a retail facility, and dispensing the liquid product into a consumer's vehicle or other container.
[0047] In the system illustrated in Figure 1, a fuel source, referred to as a "rack"
105, contains a quantity of liquid product. The rack 105 includes or can be connected to a computerized system that communicates with a corporate based or centralized inventory management (CIM) system 120. The rack 105 can include a measurement system 106. Measurement system 106 can include devices to measure, by way of example and not limitation, a product temperature device 107 to measure liquid product temperature, a product dispensed volume device 108 to measure liquid product volume, and a product density device 109 to measure liquid product density. Each of these measurements can be communicated back to the CIM 120 using a variety of different communication techniques and technologies. For instance, wireless or wired connections, including combinations of the same, can be used to communicate the data between the measurement devise and the CIM 120. The wireless connection can include using any type of electromagnetic radiation to propagate data or signals between the measurement devise and the CIM 120. The connections can utilize the Internet, local area networks, wide area networks, and associated hardware and software to enable deliver of signals and/or data between the measurement devise and the CIM 120.
[0048] The CIM system 120, in turn, can be connected to one or more retail systems 130, located at one or more retail facilities or sites 128, which form part of a computer system used to operate or control a retail fuel center or any other facility that includes one or more product storage tanks 155. Each of the CIM system 120 and the retail systems) 130 can include one or more computers capable of storing, transmitting and/or processing various types of data. Exemplary computers are described in more detail with reference to Figure 13. The data transmitted and received by these computers can include any specific measurements of the various information used to form the inventive systems described herein. By way of example and not limitation, this information can include measurements of fuel volume, temperature, density, the time of the measurements, and any other type of information that can be useful to make the calculations described below.
[0049] In some embodiments, the CIM system 120 can be connected to dozens of individual retail systems 130, each having unique and time specific needs for fuel deliveries. The CIM system 120 is one example of a centralized station that can be used to monitor and control the movement of liquid product, as described in more detail below. Likewise, the CIM system 120 can be one example of a fuel management system used and described as part of the inventive systems and methods discussed below.
[0050] As illustrated in Figure 1, the retail system 130 can communicate with and optionally control various other components or devices that are located at the retail facility 128 where the retail system 130 is located. For instance, the retail facility 128 can include one or more tanks 155, only one being illustrated, to hold quantities of liquid product. These tanks 155 can receive fuel from the carrier 110 through a drop head 180 and deliver fuel to a dispenser 145, for delivery to a consumer of the retail facility 128, by way of a pickup tube 160.
[0051] To obtain accurate accounting of the quantities of fuel within the one or more tanks 155, various different sensors, meters, and systems can identify (i) the height of fuel within a tank, (ii) the temperature of fuel within a tank, (iii) the volume or flow rate of fuel out of the tank, (iv) the temperature of fuel flowing out of the tank, and (v) one or more time-stamps when measurements were taken and the data generated.
Additionally, sensors, meters, and systems can be used to track other characteristics of properties or the fuel, including, but not limited to, the specific gravity of the fuel, the density of the fuel, etc.
[0052] In Figure l, the volume of fuel within tanks 155 can be measured and tracked using a tank probe 175 that delivers signals or data representative of heights and temperatures of fuel 165 to a tank gauge console 135 and so to the retail system 130.
The tank probe 175 can be or cooperate with a thermistor or thermistor probe that senses the temperature of the fuel, air, and water within the tank I55. The tank gauge console 135, and optionally the tank probe 175 and/or the retail system 130, can include a time-stamp system 137 that can assign times to the signals and data. A clock is one example of a time-stamp system, but others are known to those skilled in the art.
[0053] It will be understood that one or more of the consoles, probes, and systems can be incorporated into a single device that performs the desired functions of the console, probe, and system. Furthermore, it will be understood that, with alternate technologies available, the volume can be determined through methods other than the sensing of the height of the fluid. In other embodiments, the probe 175 can also include device to measure the density of the product in the tank 155.
[0054] To aid in tracking the movement of fuel at the retail facility 128, sensors, meters, and systems are also provided at the dispenser 145. These sensors, meters, and systems track the flow and temperature of fuel as it is delivered from the dispenser 145 to a consumer of the retail facility 128. Readings or data 150 from the flow meter and the temperature sensor, i.e., thermocouple, can be delivered to a data acquisition unit 140 for storage and subsequent delivery to the retail system 130 as needed.
Optionally, the data acquisition unit 140 can include another time-stamp system 137 that assigns time values to the data, or groups of data, generated by sensors, meters, and systems of the dispenser 145. Additional discussion of the sensors, meters, and systems, and the associated measurement data, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
[0055] With continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, a driver or carrier 110 can request delivery instructions or a supply option to deliver to a branch or retail operator, such as the retail facility 128 associated with the retail system 130, as represented by block 202. The carrier 110 can request such an instruction from the CIM system using a portable or other type of computing device having computer-executable instructions and/or computer-readable media, for example. Specific details concerning such a portable computing device are discussed below with reference to the computer of Figure 13.
[0056] The CIM system 120 can evaluate or monitor data and reference the most economical order feasible for a particular retail operator or branch, using a cost-minimizing, linearly constrained optimization processes that considers, among other things, the relative cost of delivered supply options, supply purchase fulfillment obligations, and/or retail demand constraints. For example, because the CIM
system 120 is capable of monitoring the needs of several retail systems 130, i.e., tracking the inventory at one or more retail systems 130, the CIM system 120 can determine those retail facilities 128 that are in greater need of fuel product relative to other retail facilities 128. In addition, the CIM system 120 can take other factors into consideration by monitoring other data, such as the geographical location of the carrier 110 relative to a rack 105 where the product can be loaded, as well as the relative geographic relationship between the carrier 110, the rack 105 and the retail facility and its associated retail system 130.
[0057] Upon taking these and other factors into consideration, and as part of the request represented by block 202, the CIM system 120 can post an order with an order number to the Garner 110 and to the referenced rack 105. The Garner 110 can then accept or reject the order, such as rejecting the order with a reason code indicative of the reason for the rejection. For instance, the carrier 110 can request the supply option from a computing device via, e.g., the Internet, and the CIM system 120 can post the order back to the driver and rack simultaneously via a similar automated computing network. Alternatively, the Garner 110 can reject the order by sending numerical, textual or other codes representative of the reason for the inability of the carrier 110 to accept the order. For instance, the Garner 110 can reject the order in the event that a truck may have developed a maintenance problem requiring immediate attention, so that the Garner 110 cannot make an immediate pick up. Other reasons can include, by way of example and not limitation, the supplier is out of fuel, the terminal is out of fuel, the terminal is below a minimum amount of fuel, the customer credit limit at the facility has been exceeded, the supplier allocation has been exceeded, there is insufficient time for the driver to make the delivery, or the driver or delivery vehicle are not authorized to receive deliveries at the facility.
[0058] Of course, accepting and rejecting the order can include an automated procedure performed through various mediums, e.g., wireless communications such as infrared, or radio frequency communication. Further, this type of communication can utilize hardwired direct connections. Accordingly, the use of the Internet for relaying information in this embodiment and subsequent embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and it is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless otherwise explicitly claimed. It should be noted that any of the computer related communication processes described herein can utilize similar automated processes.
Accordingly, although a particular automated process may or may not be referenced in the following examples and description, it should be understood that the methods, systems, and computer program products described herein can utilize any of the above described mediums and any other well know means to communicate and practice the various processes described herein.
[0059] In the system described above, it can be generally assumed that there are one or more computers at each of the rack 105, the carrier 110 and/or the driver, the CIM
system 120, and the retail system 130, all of which have the capability to at least communicate with one or more of the disclosed systems using wired or wireless technologies, such as, but not limited to, Internet, wireless, infrared, RF
communications, etc. Further, each of the components used to measure temperature, tank volume, flow rate, etc., time-stamp the data, and perform the reconciliation processes can utilize or include one or more computer components. General details concerning the types of computer or computer systems that can be used are discussed below with reference to Figure 13.
[0060] With continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, when the Garner 110 accepts (or possibly even rejects) the order, the CIM system 120 can update the status of the order and forward ordering details to the loading terminal or rack 105. In the event that the Garner 110 accepts the order, the carrier 110 can arnve at the loading terminal or rack 105, and reference the order with the order number previously received from the CIM system 120. The loading terminal or rack 105 references the order detail via the order number and authorizes constrained loading for the Garner 110 in accordance with the order detail received from the CIM system 120. The carrier 110 can then receive delivery of the product in a delivery vehicle, as represented by block 204 of Figure 2.
Once the product is loaded into the delivery vehicle, a computer located at the rack 105 or loading terminal can forward an electronic transaction record (ETR) to the CIM
system 120 such as, a corporate dispatch/central ordering system of the CIM
system 120, thereby altering and updating the CIM system 120 with data indicative of the completion of the load.
[0061] At this time, the Garner 110 can receive a paper bill-of lading (BOL) from the loading terminal or rack 105 that may subsequently be used to appropriately and accurately update the liquid product inventory book balance during the liquid product reconciliation process. The paper BOL is required under Department of Transportation rules to be available for inspection in vehicles transporting commercial cargo on U.S.
highways. It is understood that exemplary embodiments of the present invention do not require the use of paper during any phase of the operation. The embodiments of the present invention can be fully and completely automated, thus allowing for all information to be passed back and forth between the various entities completely electronically. The BOL information can be substantially similar to the information contained in the ETR, which can include some or all of the information discussed below in appropriate data fields. In some embodiments, the ETR can also be sent to the Garner 110, for automated forwarding to the retail system 130 upon arnval at the delivery site.
[0062] The BOL/ETR can include the route start and end time, a freight bill number and a truck and trailers) numbers) as appropriate. Further, the BOL can include the customer name and customer ID, the supplier name and supplier ID, the ship from name and ship from ID and ship to name and the ship to ID. Additionally, the BOL
can include a date, a start and end time and/or a wait time. This BOL can also include the supplier BOL product name, product ID, the gross volume, the net volume as a function of temperature, the specific gravity of the product, and the density of the product.
Moreover, the BOL can include the BOL volume unit of measure (UOM), the density UOM, the temperature and the temperature UOM, the product name and the product ID.
Other information can also be included on the BOL as appropriate or desired.
[0063] Once a load of fuel is received, the Garner 110 can then transport the product in the delivery vehicle to the retail facility, as represented by block 206 in Figure 2.
Upon arriving at the appropriate retail facility, the carrier 110 can request a delivery authorization 115 by sending load arrival information to the CIM system 120, which can then forward the information to the retail system 130, as represented by block 208 in Figure 2. Alternatively, the delivery authorization 115 can be sent directly to the retail system 130, which in turn forwards the information to the CIM system 120. In either case, at this stage, the driver can provide the retail system 130 with information from the BOL, e.g., the product type, density, temperature of the product at the rack 105, gross gallons, temperature corrected gallons, i.e., net gallons, etc. In some embodiments, this information can be provided by the driver I10 to the retail system 130 or the CIM system 120 using automated systems, such as, but not limited to, wireless transmission of the ETR to one or both of the retail system 130 and the CIM
system 120. Since the CIM system 120 has alerted the retail site and its associated retail system 130 that an inbound Garner is coming, the carrier 110 need only pull into the parking lot and electronically transmit the ETR data to the retail system 130. This saves a great deal of time over the current manual methods, and further decreases the chance of human error.
[0064] It should be noted that the ETR/BOL can also be used to generate various accounting reports and/or journal entries within the CIM system 120, the retail system 130, with the carrier 110, and/or with the fuel supplier who controls the rack 105. For example, when the driver delivers the load, an entry can be made reflecting an account payable to both the carrier 110 and the fuel supplier from -the retail outlet.
The carrier 110 can generate an entry reflecting an account payable to the driver and an account receivable from the retail outlet. The supplier can also generate an entry reflecting an account receivable from the retail outlet. The carrier 110 can also provide additional information on the BOL such as the supplier, the terminal where the product was loaded or the rack location 105, the carrier 110 or driver information, etc.
[0065] Upon appropriate interactions between one or more of the rack 105, the CIM
system 120, the Garner 110, and the retail system 130 that is associated with the facility or retail operator where the delivery of fuel or "drop" 170 will occur, the CIM system 120 can grant authorization for the delivery. These interactions can include a number of different steps. For example, the retail system 130 can verify that the product type and product volume match the requirements for a storage tank 155 designated to receive the drop 170. If this is not the case, a different storage tank can be identified to receive the drop 170. The CIM system 120 can then reference the tank manifolds containing product matching the transaction record and indicate an appropriate tank 155 into which the Garner 110 is to make the drop 170. The driver can then proceed to the designated storage tank fill connection and begin making the various connections required to physically deliver the product from the delivery vehicle into the storage tank. However, the driver does not actually begin the delivery process until he receives specific authorization.
[0066] Prior to giving the authorization to begin the physical product delivery process, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide for a process for reconciling the liquid product book balance and records at the CIM system 120 to the physical quantity of liquid at the retail facility 128 available for sale. As will be described in greater detail below, and unlike prior systems, this reconciliation process can be done in a virtual real-time system even during the dispensing of liquid product out of the tank 155 and/or other tanks at the retail facility 128. Of course, such reconciliation can also be done while the retail system 130 is static. It will also be understood that obtaining the measurement data can be performed in real-time, while the reconciliation process is performed in a virtual real-time. Accordingly, the use of the system as described herein in performing the reconciliation process at specific intervals is used for illustrative purpose only and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0067] In any event, some embodiments provide an inventory measuring probe 175 utilized to make the actual measurements of the height of the fuel in the tank, or in some embodiments, the actual volume in the tank. These height measurements can be converted to specific volume measurements, as discussed below in much greater detail.
In some embodiments, tank probe 175 provides a measure of both the fuel level and the water level within the tank. In still other embodiments, probe 175 also provides a measurement of the specific gravity or the density of the fuel and/or the fuel temperature. In large volume facilities, this process can be repeated for every delivery that occurs during the day. Additionally, and as described in greater detail below, a snapshot of the fuel level in the tank can be taken on-demand. In any event, after performing the book to physical reconciliation, the system 100 can then post the transaction record to the driver for validation, whereupon the carrier 110 validates the transaction record and the CIM system 120 posts an authorization to the driver to drop the fuel, as represented by block 210 in Figure 2.
[0068] With this authorization, the carrier 110 then begins the delivery of the product into the designated tanks) 155, as represented by block 212 in Figure 2.
During product delivery, the CIM system 120 and the retail system 130 can monitor the flow rate of fuel into the tank 155 as the fuel passes from the delivery vehicle of the carrier 110, through linking piping, conduits, and manifolds, before the fuel is delivered into the tank 155. For example, the systems 120 and/or 130 can monitor the drop to the tank 155 by specifically monitoring the fuel height in the designated storage tank 155, in order to insure that the appropriate liquid product is dropped or delivered into the appropriate tank 155. This can be a function of the flow rate from the dispensers relative to the height of product in the tank 155. More specifically, because the flow rate through the dispenser can be greater than the flow rate of the drop from the carrier 110 into the tank 155, this embodiment of the present invention can compensate and still recognize into which tank the Garner 110 is making the drop. If it is recognized that the Garner 110 is dropping in an unauthorized tank, then the appropriate action can be taken. For example, exemplary embodiments provide that as the CIM system 120 or the retail system 130, as the case may be, monitor the various tanks and identify that an unauthorized drop is occurnng, the CIM system 120 can indicate an improper drop to the retail system 130. The retail system 130 can then initiate an alarm, or in some embodiments, a lock down of the delivery vehicle control valve 113 to interrupt the flow into the wrong tank. In other words, exemplary embodiments provide for the ability for a signal to be transmitted from the retail system 130 to the Garner 110 during an improper drop, which triggers a solenoid that will automatically shut down the fuel valve 113 in the truck and stop the drop in order to mitigate cross-contamination. The solenoid valve 113 can be initiated as its control module (not shown) communicates electronically via RF, WiFi, or other wireless methods to the CIM 120 or to the retail system 130. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve 113 can be opened automatically when the delivery authorization is granted and received by the carrier 110 delivering the load of fuel.
[0069] This same shut down process can be used when a sensor in the tank indicates to the retail system 130 that intermixing of fuels is occurnng or about to occur. For instance, the system 130 can automatically or manually initiate a shutoff process that can prevent fuel intermixing, e.g., that prevents diesel fuel from being dropped into a gasoline storage tank, or vice versa.
[0070] In addition to monitoring fuel delivery, the sensors within each tank can monitor the height of water in each tank. Float heights of both the fuel and water floats can be monitored such that if the water content in the tank is too high, thereby causing a risk that liquid product being pumped out of the dispensers 145 contain a high water content, then the CIM system 120, (or the retail system 130 itself, as the case may be) can relay to the retail system 130 such information. The dispensers 145 can then also be shut down in a similar fashion as that of the carrier 110, to mitigate any damage to the customer's vehicle. In yet other embodiments, if the drop process is stopped due to high water content, the retail system 130 can automatically begin draining some of the water from the tank 155. As water vapor routinely condenses inside the tank 155, this process is done on a periodic basis regardless of the drop schedule. In other words, as part of the anticipation of a drop, a specific tank to receive a product can be identified and flagged. That particular tank, as well as all other tanks at the facility, can be monitored to determine in real-time if the drop occurs at the proper tank.
[0071] Upon drop completion, the carrier 110 or driver can notify the CIM
system 120, where upon the CIM system 120 updates its central book balance as per the loading transaction record received from the rack 105 and confirmed by the carrier 110.
Thereafter, the CIM system 120 performs another book to physical reconciliation process, optionally accounting for volume differences due to temperature and density of the product.
[0072] Once reconciliation is complete, the CIM system 120 can then generate a real-time exception report of various types and post it to the appropriate users. In other words, exemplary embodiments provide for the reconciliation at the beginning and ending period of a delivery. This allows the system, among other things, to automatically determine if the full amount of the load (as indicated in the BOL and loading ETR) was delivered. If not, the driver and/or drop or retail system or facility can be immediately notified of the irregularity and the appropriate action can be taken.
[0073] For example, if the second reconciliation process indicates that the full amount of product has not been received, the various connections can be checked to ensure appropriate air ventilation into the delivery vehicle to effectuate emptying of the delivery vehicle. A visual inspection of the delivery vehicle can also be conducted to ensure that the entire load has been dropped. It is possible that the driver might verify that the load has been completely delivered into the tank, but the reconciliation balance still shows a shortage.
[0074] As can be appreciated, irregularities from the reported drop versus information provided in the BOL can occur for several reasons. For example, flaws in the truck design can cause fuel product to remain within the carrier 110.
Further, the irregularity can be an indication that the Garner 110 was shorted at the rack 105 during loading. Further still, the irregularity can be an indication of a faulty valve or that that tank or valve was not fully pressurized in order to open, allowing for the full drop of the liquid product. Additionally, the irregularity can be an indication of theft or other fraudulent activity, which can immediately be identified through exemplary embodiments. That is, because the book to physical reconciliation process is performed immediately before and after a drop, the CIM system 120 can notify the retail facility's retail system 130, or vice versa, and the appropriate action can be taken depending upon the specific irregularity.
[0075] Through use of the system 100, and the reconciliation process usable with the system 100, irregularities in tracked data can be identified and investigated within a short period of time. This is in contrast to existing systems where irregularities cannot be identified for potentially many hours following delivery of the liquid product to the retail facility 128.
[0076] It will be understood that there are various other reasons for the system identifying variances or irregularities between actual measured data and data stored at the CIM system 120 that represents what the actual measured data should be.
Table 1 below illustrates a list of some exemplary reasons, while other reasons for the variances can also occur.
Category Reason Loading Incorrect Volume Measurement Incorrect Densit Measurement Incorrect Tem erature Measurement Wron Product Trans ortin Tem erature Change Trailer Eva oration Trailer Leak Theft Delivery Deliver Eva oration E ui ment Leak Product / Tank Mismatch Trailer Retain On Si t Stora a Incorrect Tank Calibration Faulty Probe Tem erature Change Tank Leak Tank Evaporation Theft On Sight Plumbin : Tem erature Chan a Plumbin Leak Submersible Pum Leak On Si t Dis ensing Tem erature Chan a Dis enser Leak Dis enser Calibration Pulser Tam erin Pump Test Overnde [0077] During the various reconciliation processes performed within the system 100, such as before and after a delivery, the CIM system 120 can isolate some of the variance categories from other categories, thereby allowing a more accurate determination of the correlation between variance and the true causes for that variance.
For example, if a variance occurs during a time period in which no delivery has taken place, but fuel has been pumped, the process can rule out the "Loading", "Transporting"
and "Delivery" sections for variance, so the process can more accurately correlate the variance to the "On Site" sections.
[0078] Turning now to Figure 3, illustrated is one configuration of the dispenser 14S which delivers fuel to consumers of the retail facility 128 (Figure 1 ).
The dispenser 14S can include an inlet conduit 214 that receives liquid product from the tank 1SS
(Figure 1 ). The inlet conduit 214 fluidly communicates with a meter 216 that is affected as the liquid fuel product passes along the inlet conduit 214 and out through an outlet conduit 218, which is in fluid communication with a dispensing nozzle 220. As is standard with most dispensers 145, a pulser 222 is provided that sends pulse signals to a dispenser volume indicator or totalizer 224 for determining and/or displaying a volume and price of fuel dispensed when the nozzle 220 is active. The pulser cooperates with a shaft (not shown) of the dispenser's meter 216 and changes the mechanical rotational movement of the meter 216 into electrical pulses representative of the number of revolutions of the meter shaft. By counting the number of pulses in the totalizer 224, the quantity of fuel flowing through the nozzle 220 can be tracked. The signals from the pulser 222 can be used by the totalizer 224 to count accumulated pulses, which can be converted, in other dispenser electronics, to volume of fuel flowing through the nozzle 220.
[0079] Exemplary embodiments provide for the data acquisition unit 140 (also shown in Figure 1 ) to have a dedicated totalizer 226 and a control module 228 that can be connected or linked in parallel to the totalizer 224. Optionally, the data acquisition unit 140, and the control module 228, can receive signals from the totalizer 226.
Similar to the standard totalizer 224, the dedicated totalizer 226 receives pulses from the pulser 222 in order to determine the volume of liquid product pumped from the meter 216 through nozzle 220. In addition, the volume can also be adjusted by the temperature readings from a temperature module 230 that determines temperature with a temperature probe 232 disposed within either the inlet conduit 214, the meter 216, the outlet conduit 218 or the conduit extending from the pump meter 216 to the nozzle 220.
The control module 228 within the data acquisition unit 140 can assign time-stamps to the gathered temperature and volume readings, and report this information to the retail facility point of sale (POS) 236 or the retail system 130 at the retail facility 128 (Figure 1), which will eventually be transmitted to the CIM system 120. This information can be transmitted via a wireless connection as shown by antenna 234. However, data can be transferred via a wire directly connected to the retailed facility point of sale 236.
Alternatively, the data can be reported via the Internet to the CIM system 120. Of course, other ways of transmitting the data collected by the data acquisition unit 140 are also available. Any specific method for transmitting the data from the retail facility 130 directly to the CIM system 120 can be used. The above example is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0080] As mentioned above, the control module 228 can time-stamp the temperature data and volume data in a number of different ways. For example, the control module 228 can include an actual time of day that can be updated via satellite or other means in order to keep the control module 228 accurately calibrated. In another embodiment, the control module 228 keeps time from the initiation of the reconciliation process as an offset from the time that has passed since the initiation of the reconciliation process. This offset can then be added to the reconciliation start time at the retail facility 128 (Figure 1 ), or the retail system 130, for ensuring that the time-stamp on the measurement data corresponds to the time-stamp at the retail system 130.
This has the advantage of not having a continual need for updating the time on the control module 228. In addition, because the reconciliation process manipulates time-stamped volume readings from various times, if the clock within the control module 228 is only slightly inaccurate, the methods and processes described herein adequately compensate for such inaccuracies. Nevertheless, any particular type of time-stamping can be used, and those described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0081] As previously mentioned, the additional or dedicated totalizer 226 can be utilized for several different purposes. For example, readings from the additional totalizer 226 can be compared to volumes reported from the weights and measures certified dispenser firmware for determining an appropriate pulse to gallon conversion ratio. This conversion ratio can then be used during subsequent reconciliation processes for detecting such things as clearance in the meter 216 caused by normal wear and tear.
Further, this conversion can also be monitored such that, if it deviates from some predetermined threshold, an exception can be raised and appropriate action taken. This second or dedicated totalizer 226 can also be used to determine other problems in the system 100 (Figure 1), such as theft, a bad totalizer 224, a bad pulser 222 and/or even a problem with the dedicated totalizer 226. The values read from the totalizer 226 during the reconciliation process even allow the CIM system 120 to determine historical flow rates achievable through each dispenser 145.
(0082] As would be recognized, the pulse to gallon conversion ratio can be calculated by taking the volume at the pump head, which the local governmental weights and measures department certifies as being accurate, referencing the totalized pulses that were measured through the dedicated totalizer 226, and dividing the totalized pulses from the dedicated totalizer 226 by the weights and measures certified gallon, to come up with the new pulse to gallon conversion ratio. This pulse to gallon conversion ratio can then be monitored such that, if it changes by more then a certain percentage (e.g., 5%), an exception report can be generated indicating such things as a problem with the pulser 222 not being consistent. In addition, this process of determining a pulse to gallon ratio in essence calibrates or allows calibration of each dedicated totalizer 226 upon completion of a sales transaction. In other words, this provides for an automated method to validate the totalizer 224, as a self checking way to ensure that the volumes reported are accurate. In addition, this embodiment can provide an automated way to calibrate the dedicated totalizer 226.
[0083] It should be noted that, while Figure 3 shows the data acquisition unit 140 as being part of the dispenser 145, this is for the purpose of illustration only.
In other embodiments, the data acquisition unit 140 can be physically located within the retail facility 128 (Figure 1). Alternately, the data acquisition units 140 for several different dispensers 145 can be located in the vicinity of the dispensers 145 or the retail facility 128.
[0084] Turning again to Figure 1, now that we have discussed the general features of the system 100, we will begin to discuss some additional methods, systems, and computer program products for using the system 100 to control, monitor, track, and reconcile the storage and delivery of fuel at various locations within the system 100. By so doing, the methods, processes, and other systems can be used to reconcile measured physical volumes of fuel within one or more tanks against book inventory or balances maintained at the CIM system 120 and/or the retail system 130.
[0085] As implied above, the system 100 can be used to perform on-demand or periodic reconciliation of a physically measured volume of a fuel product against the book balance or inventory. For example, the reconciliation process can be performed continually throughout the day at five minute increments or other incremental time period. This would allow for the immediate notification of deviations such as theft in order to identify the culprit and take the appropriate action. Alternatively, or in addition to the continual reconciliation processes, on demand reconciliation of the physically measured volume of a liquid product against the book balance or inventory can occur at any given time throughout the day, even when high volumes of product are being dispensed to customers. This provides for an accurate measure of all delivered and dispensed product, regardless of temperature variations throughout the system.
[0086] The reconciliation process generally entails tracking fuel flowing into and out of the various storage tanks within the system 100. Individual or groups of tanks can be monitored, and the volume and temperature of fuel within individual or groups of tanks can be reconciled against the stored book balance or inventory stored at the CIM system 120. To perform the reconciliation, data from the various tank gauges and the dispensers (e.g., fuel temperature, volumes, pending and completed transactions, etc.) can be rapidly gathered. The data can be individually time-stamped and then manipulated to a common time-stamp before being compared against data representative of the book balance or inventory recorded at the CIM system 120. Any disparity between the data sets is considered as a variance. For accuracy, the physically measured data can be recorded in a rapid manner (e.g., in time intervals of less than 2 seconds). With a large data set, the accuracy of the reconciliation process is increased.
[0087] The book to physical reconciliation process is described as a virtual real-time process due to the fact that the rapid read of measurements do not simultaneously occur because of latencies within the system and other complications.
Nevertheless, these readings, or data, for meters, temperatures of the liquid product, liquid product height in the tank, and other physical measurements, can be brought back to a single point in time for the book to physical reconciliation process.
[0088] Following hereinafter is a more detailed description of the reconciliation process and associated methods, systems and computer program products. The CIM
system 120 can initiate the reconciliation process by initiating a reconciliation request to the retail system 130 at the appropriate retail facility 128. This request can entail delivering data to the retail system 130, the data including a number of data fields. The data fields associated with the request can include, but are not limited to, (i) retail facility ID, (ii) date and time of request, (iii) the reconciliation time period, i.e., the time period over which the data is to be accumulated, and (iv) tank and/or manifold ID's, it being understood that single or multiple tanks can be associated with a tank manifold ID.
[0089] As can be recognized, the reconciliation time period can be either hard coded or it can be an adjustable time period. Further, the time period may be a default value if no value is set by the user. In any event, the longer the time period used to accumulate the data, the higher the confidence level and accuracy of the reconciliation or the physical measurements for the reconciliation process. Because this time duration can be dynamically adjusted and/or predetermined or hard coded within the system, any particular reference to how the duration for accumulating data is determined is used for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention.
[0090] Upon receiving the request, the retail system 130 (i) checks the status of the outstanding transactions at the one or more dispensers 145, (ii) generates a base time-stamp for the request, and (iii) initiates each measuring device to accumulate data. The devices used to measure the data can include, but are not limited to, devices that provide liquid product flow through the dispensers, liquid volume level measurements, liquid product specific gravity or density, liquid product temperature at the tank, at the dispenser, etc., and dispenser sales measurements through meter readings and temperature readings 150. Data acquisition units 140 are utilized to rapidly collect or accumulate measurements and assign a time-stamp to each measurement as appropriate.
This rapid read of measurement data from the measurement devices can be made more efficient by limiting the CPU processing power used by other devices in order to accumulate the maximum amount of data within the specified time period. For example, the reading of leak detecting sensors or optical sensors that detect if there is condensation or liquid somewhere there shouldn't be, can be shut down during the rapid read process, in order to more fully utilize the CPU power of these probe interfaces.
This allows the CPU to focus on rapidly reading physical measurement data, such as tank gauge height, dispenser readings or data, and temperature readings or data throughout the tank manifold system. In some embodiments, certain tank gauge probes can be singled out for reconciliation activity, allowing the tank gauge console 135 to further narrow the data collection interval.
[0091] As these data acquisition units 140 collect the measurement data from the various devices, the retail system 130 receives the measurement data. Either the data acquisition units 140 or the retail system 130 can assign precise time-stamps to each one. These time-stamps can then be sent along with sales status data to the CIM system 120. Generally, the data sent to the CIM system 120 can include, but is not limited to, general facility data, tank specific data and dispenser specific data. For instance, the general facility data can include, but is not limited to, the (i) retail facility m, (ii) date and time that the data is sent, and (iii) ambient temperature. The tank specific data, can include, but is not limited to, (i) volume measurement, (ii) height measurement, (iii) temperature measurement, (iv) beginning date and time of the data accumulation, (v) tank/manifold ID, (vi) code identifying the fuel within the tank or set of manifolded tanks, (vii) tank number, (viii) water level, and (ix) density. The dispenser specific data can include, but is not limited to, (i) dispenser ID, (ii) average temperature of sale, (iii) fuel volume, (iv) closed sale or transaction information, including transaction time, invoice number, volume, temperature, and tanks) from which the fuel was dispensed.
One or more of the above data can have an associated time-stamp that is set by the data acquisition unit 140, the measuring device itself, and/or the retail system 130.
[0092) One example of a sample data series according to this embodiment is shown in Table 2, below, where "N" - indicates the tank is not too turbulent to postpone concise volume determination; "O" references an open transaction; "C"
references a complete transaction; "W" references water; "S" references a mathematically smoothed height determined by the tank gauge console 135, from a number of recent raw height readings; "F" references real-time raw height readings reported by tank gauge console 135; and "Temp" references temperature of fuel dispensed.
[0093] It should be noted that, while Table 2 shows some examples of the types of data that can be collected, such as a tank temperature reading, pump or dispenser dispensed volume, and tank volume, these readings are provided by way of example only. Many other types of data can be collected, over both very long (e.g.
days) and very short (e.g. many readings per second) periods of time. Additionally, readings for a plurality of pumps or dispensers, tanks, delivery vehicles, etc. can be included when performing the reconciliation process.
TABLE TANK TANK TEMPERATURE TURBULANCE
TANK READING 4 67.74 N
TABLE PUMP READ TRAN TYPE
TIME TEMP UAN
INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:013000 O
14 67 .55 INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:036000 O
14 67 .SS
INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:064000 O
8 68 12.38 INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:066000 O
8 69 12.38 INTERIM SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:39:999000 C
9 63 5.593 TABLE TANK READ TIME LEVEL TYPE HEIGHT
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:000000 .22 W
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 76.53 S
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:114000 76.52 F
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:120000 76.52 F
TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:126000 76.52 F
[0094] When the time-stamped data is forwarded to the CIM system 120, the CIM
system 120 can then update the perpetual inventory book balance based off the virtual real-time sales reports and the dispensers) status. Further, the CIM system 120 can derive statistically smoothed physical readings at a single point in time and then reconcile book inventory with physical inventory, generate various exception reports, and post those reports to the appropriate users.
[0095] As mentioned above, the retail system 130 can initiate rapid data accumulation from numerous measuring devices. This rapid accumulation of data at various points in time has many advantages over existing systems and techniques. For example, the rapid accumulation of data can be used for the physical volume determination within the inventory tank at a point in time using the plurality of data measured during the time interval. In other words, in order to determine the amount of liquid product within a tank, the difference in volume meter readings is taken at rapid intervals. Due to an inherent attenuation wave motion of the surface of the liquid in the tank 1 SS after a drop of the product into the tank 1 SS, it can be difficult to accurately determine the physical volume of the liquid within the tank. Additionally, the pickup tube 160 can vibrate when product flows through the dispenser 145, causing additional turbulence and again making it difficult to accurately determine the physical volume of the liquid within the tank 1SS.
[0096] The adverse affects of this wave motion on a typical reconciliation process can be overcome through the reconciliation process of the present invention.
Turning to Figure 4, illustrated is a graph 240 that can be used to discuss one manner of canceling or compensating for the wave effects in the tank 1SS (Figure 1). The graph 240 shows the measurements of tank volume 242 as a function of time 244. Various measurements for the volume are plotted on graph 240 as a plurality of data points 250.
Figure 5 is a flowchart 260 that discusses specific steps for the manner or method of canceling or compensating for the wave effects.
[0097] As mentioned before, the data points 250 are accumulated very rapidly over time to produce a data sample. For example, 30-40 data points 2S0 can be measured for the fuel height in the tank 1 S S (Figure 1 ) every second. In still other embodiments, as many as 100 data readings can be taken every second. These data measurements can be forwarded to the CIM 120, as represented in block 262 of flowchart 260 in Figure 5.
Each of these volume measurements can then be compared to at least one predetermined volume, as represented in block 264. In essence, this method first filters out the rapidly accumulated data representative of liquid volumes and heights to eliminate various blips or spikes that are not representative of the possible.
Thus, for example, unreliable data such as data indicating a predetermined volume that is more or less than a maximum tank volume or one or more other volumes of liquid identified as unreliable is filtered out.
[0098] For example, based upon the duration of the sample request, a deviation threshold below and above the "S" type of reading (as discussed above with respect to Table 2) and the deviation allowable above and below, can be determined by multiplying the standard threshold level by the number of seconds in the request. If one uses, for example, 100 gallons as the standard threshold level, and the reconciliation period is ten (10) seconds, then the threshold level would be 100 gallons times 10 seconds, or plus or minus 1000 gallons from that standard high reading. This gallon level is represented by lines 246 and 248 in Figure 4. Data readings 250 that fall above or below that 1000 gallon threshold are ignored as unreliable in the subsequent steps. Data that is identified as unreliable may be, for example, (A) a volume of liquid that is more than a maximum tank volume; (B) a volume of liquid that is less than a minimum tank volume; or (C) one or more other volumes of liquid that are identified as being unreliable. These threshold levels are used to identify what readings are obviously erroneous, which generates a secondary data set as represented by block 266 in Figure 5.
[0099] With the secondary data set, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can calculate a sample mean and a sample standard deviation for that filtered secondary data set, as represented by block 268. Once determined, the secondary data set can be filtered using the sample mean and sample standard deviation. For instance using this secondary data set, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ) can discard measurement data for the tank volume outside of so many standard deviations, thereby filtering the collected data set twice.
For instance, the user can select X number of standard deviations and the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1 ) discards any acquired data that is outside the X number of standard deviations. Thus, for example, any measurement data that has a value that is more or less than a predetermined number of standard deviations from the mean is eliminated.
Therefore, any of the volume readings that are within plus or minus X standard deviations are determined to be statistically acceptable, as represented by block 270 in Figure 5.
[00100] The remaining values can be included in a third data set sample for which a third data set sample mean and standard deviation can be calculated, as represented by block 272. This narrower data sample is shown as all data points 250 between lines 252 and 254 in Figure 4. The remaining data sets can then used to determine the actual volume within the tank 155 (Figure 1) at a specific point in time, as represented by block 274.
[00101] Using statistical techniques known to those of skilled in the art, the sample mean and standard deviation can be used to determine a percent level of confidence that a measure of volume is accurate within the allowable threshold of accuracy.
Alternately, the percent confidence threshold and the sample standard deviation for the volume measurements can be used to determine a volume threshold of accuracy.
Temperature measurements can also be similarly filtered.
[00102] Using the product flow amounts, determined through the rapid accumulation of dispenser data, and the tank manifold volume readings or data that have been filtered in accordance with the method of Figure 5, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can adjust each tank manifold volume reading or data backwards, one by one, to a single time of reconciliation, and then analyze the same during the reconciliation process.
Using this method of time-aligning the filtered data thus accumulated, the ripple/wave effect within the tank can be compensated by averaging the collective tank manifold volume readings or data aligned to that point in time. This method allows for compensation of the ripple/wave effect irregardless of ongoing sales transactions being dispensed. This method further allows for the consideration of fuel flow from one or more dispensers 145 (Figure 1).
[00103] Referring again to Figure 1, in addition to bringing a plurality of tank volumes to a single point in time, and as mentioned above, the methods, systems, and computer program products usable in system 100 can rapidly accumulate data for meter readings and temperatures at the dispenser 145 and bring meter readings and temperature readings 150 corresponding to the dispenser 145 back to a single point in time. A confidence level for both tank measurements and the dispenser readings can be generated based on the above described standard deviation, which is a function of the duration of the reconciliation process and the number of data points accumulated during this time period. Therefore, the longer the system collects data and performs the reconciliation process, the greater the reliability of the data and results.
[00104] As previously mentioned, during the reconciliation process the status of sales transactions are accounted for in a virtual real-time basis. By monitoring the various states of dispenser transactions, the CIM system 120 can separate those transactions that should be included in an adjusted physical inventory or volume versus adjusted book inventory or volume. The variance resulting from the analysis being the adjusted physical volume minus the adjusted book value. The adjusted physical volume for the tank 155 used for reconciliation can include both net interim sales plus the net physical tank volume. The net sales closed are then subtracted from, and the net deliveries added to, the net beginning value or the beginning book value in order to determine an adjusted book value.
(00105] The net interim sales can be divided into several categories. These include interim open sale, interim complete sale and interim stack sale. An interim open sale refers to a transaction that is occurnng (i.e., sales transaction) at the time of reconciliation. In other words, the nozzle 220 (Figure 3) is "off' of the pump dispenser 145 and is either accumulating volume, i.e., fuel is flowing from the nozzle 220, or has the capability of increasing the volume flow. An interim complete sale occurs upon the hanging up of the nozzle 220 (Figure 3), i.e., return of the nozzle 220 (Figure 3) to a housing of the dispenser 145, but before the transaction has been fully closed, i.e., payment has been made and accepted. Interim stack sale, which is an extension of the interim complete sale, indicates that either another interim open sale or interim complete sale, or multiples thereof for interim complete sales, resides on the same dispenser 145. For example, after one interim complete transaction or sale, another customer can start using the pump or dispenser prior to the closure of the sale or transaction, i.e., payment has been made and accepted, that was previously considered an interim complete transaction or sale. Values of all of these interim open, complete and stacked sales or transactions then make up the net interim sales that are used for the adjusted physical volume in determining the variance, i.e., the difference between adjusted physical volume and the adjusted book volume.
[00106] Closed transactions can also include two states. These include closed transactions that are waiting to be sent to the CIM system 120, and those closed transactions that have been sent to the CIM system 120 from the retail system 130.
These closed transactions can be included in the adjusted book volume, but there also can be a mechanism whereby duplications are excluded. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments provide for determining and deleting duplicate copies of closed transactions, i.e., transactions that were waiting to be sent at the beginning of the reconciliation process, which have since been updated on the book balance at the CIM
system 120. As would be recognized, this advantageous feature can be accomplished in many ways. For example, a comparison of closed transactions posted before or at the initiation of the reconciliation process and at the close of the initiation process can be compared, and duplicates extracted. Alternatively, an exception can be raised such that no closed transactions can be recorded to the CIM system 120 during the reconciliation time period. Other well known ways of determining duplicate reporting for closed transactions are also available. Accordingly, the specific process or system for determining duplicate closed sales transactions outlined above is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0101 ] Generally, each transaction described above can have certain data associated with it that is useable for the reconciliation process. For instance, each transaction can have a data set associated with the transaction. This data set can include, but is not limited to, tank information identifying which tanks) the fuel was dispensed from. As discussed before, fuel can be dispensed from a single tank or, in the case of intermediate grade fuel, from multiple tanks. The tank information can designate the tanks) and the blend ratio where appropriate.
[0102] In addition to the above, the transaction data set can include the sale or transaction time, either commencing or completing the volume of fuel dispensed, the fuel's temperature, and an associated invoice or identifying number. It will be understood that various other information can be associated with each transaction, and the above are only examples of some useful information.
[0103] As mentioned above with respect to Figure 3, the dispenser 145 can communicate with the retail system 130 in virtual real-time using various wireless communication technologies, such as RF, WiFi, etc. When the dispenser 145 is flagged as an interim sale or transaction, e.g., an interim open transaction, interim complete transaction or interim stack transaction, the measuring devices associated with the dispenser 145 can communicate at least temperature and volume readings directly from the dispenser 145 for reconciliation purposes in a virtual real-time basis. By so doing, the CIM system 120 can receive temperature and volume readings (e.g., via wire or wireless signaling), on a real-time or virtual real-time basis regardless of the status of dispenser 145. With the control modules 228 (Figure 3) within each dispenser assigning time-stamps to the temperature, volume and dispenser or pump status reads, and the clock within the control module 228 (Figure 3) indicating the offset from the time that has passed since the initiation of the reconciliation process, the reconciliation process can be performed regardless of the status of dispenser 145 as the offset time can be added to the reconciliation start time at the retail system 130.
[0104] To help better describe the reconciliation process and the process of bringing each measured value back to a single time to allow for accurate variance calculations between the book balance or inventor and the measured volume, the following example and description of the reconciliation process is provided.
[0105] Initially, once the CIM system 120 receives the measurement data and the time-stamps, the CIM system 120 can begin the reconciliation process. As an initial step, the process can include converting the measured fuel level readings to net tank gallons. Converting the measured fuel level readings utilizes a tank volume formula that provides a relationship between the height of fuel within a tank and the volume of fuel in the tank. Using the tank identifier, the CIM system 120 can identify the specific tank volume formula table and associated conversion processes to convert the measured height to a volume. Since a single formula cannot generally be identified as showing the true relationship of height to volume in the tank, piecewise formulas generally can.
The piecewise formulas can be appropriately referenced with either a height or volume index. Additional description of the method for obtaining the chart and the associated conversion processes will be discussed hereinafter. For purposes of this example, provided below in Table 3 is a portion of the exemplary height to volume conversion data useable to determine the volume of fuel in the tank. The value of X is the actual measured height identified by the height measurement device, with at least a portion of the device disposed in the tank.
Height Volume nches Formula 0 2.6613x2 + 50.029X
5 3.5x2 + 48.5 X -9 2.75x2 + 59.95 X
- 50.35 13 2x2 + 78.6 X - 167.7 17 2x2 + 79 X - 174 21 1.5x2 + 99 X - 377.5 [0106] Once the fuel level and conversion process are identified, the fuel level readings can be converted to gross volumes having the same time-stamp as the obtained fuel level reading. Using this information, the relative position of the temperature sensors or probes should be considered, by accessing the appropriate thermistor position information stored at the CIM system 120.
[0107] As mentioned before, each tank 155 can include one or more temperature measurement devices or sensors, such as thermistors with associated probes.
The thermistors can measure the temperature at multiple different levels in the tank 155.
One method for accurately installing the probe can include (i) identifying the span of the thermistors' probe, (ii) adding an offset per manufacturer information, (iii) dividing adjusted span by number of thermistors plus one to determine the thermistor increment or spacing between thermistors, and (iv) assigning heights to the thermistors as per the manufacturer numbering sequence. For instance, the thermistors can be numbered and the probe positioned according to the following Table 4.
Thermistor Number Height of Probe 1 _ 20 inches 2 40 inches 3 60 inches 4 80 inches 100inches [0108] With the thermistor information identified, those thermistors that are at or below the lowest measured fuel level reading can be used to determine liquid temperatures. Once the specific applicable thermistors are identified, the CIM
system 120 can determine the representative temperature for the liquid by averaging the temperature from the thermistors actually located in the fuel. Using this temperature and the API gravity (or other density measurement) for the product in the tank 155, the CIM system 120 can generate an appropriate gross to net conversion factor, as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) formula known to those skilled in the art.
[0109] With this conversion factor, the CIM system 120 can then convert the gross inventory volume per fuel level to a net inventory volume that can be used for the reconciliation process. It will be understood that a similar number of steps can be taken to convert the interim gross sales volumes, i.e., the fuel flowing out of the selected tank, to a net volume, thus eliminating the possibility of variance caused by change in temperature when the fuel is dispensed.
[0110] With the net inventory volume and net fuel recorded sales identified, each having an associated time-stamp, the CIM system 120 can convert the individual time-stamped tank volumes to cumulative time-stamped volumes. This process can include sorting all time-stamped tank readings from the tank or manifold by their respective time-stamps. For instance, for a three tank manifold the results could be:
Tank 3 reading @ 17:28:39:165-11658.32 gal Tank 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377-11658.12 gal Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581-11736.27 gal Tank 3 Reading @17:28:40:398-11658.36 gal Tank 1 Reading @17:28:40:611-11602.34 gal Tank 2 Reading @17:28:40:815-11733.20 gal [0111] With this ordered list, the CIM system 120 can order "series" of tank readings by taking the first time-stamped fuel height reading (regardless of which tank is read first) and associating it with the closest time-stamped reading of each additional tank in the manifold. Each tank reading can only reside in one series. For instance, for a three tank manifold the results could be:
ank 3 11658.32 reading gal @ 17:28:39:165-1St Series 11658.12 Tank gal 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377-Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581-11736.27 gal ank 3 Reading @17:28:40:398-11658.36 gal 2"d SeriesTank 1 Reading @17:28:40:611-11602.34 gal Tank 2 Reading @17:28:40:815-11733.20 gal N'h Series [0112] Using only those tank readings that comprise a complete series, the CIM
system 120 can calculate the time difference between the first time in the series and every time in the series. For instance, the first tank series could provide the following results:
Tank Reading Difference Tank 3 reading @ 17:28:39:165 0 Tank 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377 212 Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581 416 [0113] With the differences calculated, the CIM system 120 can average the differences in time and then add the average difference back to the first time from the series to determine a cumulative series time-stamp. For instance, the average for the above-identified first series can be 209.33, so the cumulative series time-stamp can be 17:28:39:165 + 209.33 = 17:28:39:374.
[0114] With this cumulative series time-stamp identified, the CIM system 120 can then sum the volumes from each reading in the series and assign the summed volume to the cumulative series time-stamp. The first time-stamped series may become the "Time of Reconciliation." So, in the example herein, the summed volume would be Tank 3 reading-11658.32 gal +Tank 1 reading-11658.12 gal +Tank 2 reading-11736.27 gal - 35,052.71 gal And, as mentioned above, the cumulative time-stamp associated with this volume would be 17:28:39:374. Note that other cumulative time-stamps from other series may be used for the Time of Reconciliation, which as described in greater detail below is the time that all measurement readings (e.g., temperature readings, dispenser volume readings, tank height readings, etc.) will be brought back to. Accordingly, the use of the first cumulative series time-stamp as the "Time of Reconciliation" is used for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0101] In any event, once the Time of Reconciliation has been determined, a similar process can be performed for each additional series of data in preparation for aligning all tank manifold volume readings to the Time of Reconciliation. In particular, the above described process for determining a cumulative time-stamp and cumulative volume can be performed for each of the series. Accordingly, this aligning process can include identifying the time and volume of the "Time of Reconciliation" and each subsequent cumulative time-stamped tank manifold volume reading.
[0102) Once the Time of Reconciliation and subsequent cumulative times for each series are determined, the CIM system 120 can identify sales that appear to have been active beyond the bounds of the tank manifold readings (i.e., active beyond the end time period for the rapid accumulation of measurement data) and extrapolate a new dispenser or pump sales reading. The use of such extrapolated readings further facilitates the backward time alignment of successive tank manifold volume readings, back to the Time of Reconciliation. One method of performing this extrapolation is depicted in Figures 6 and 7.
[0103] Turning now to Figure 6, illustrated is a portion of the method to identify sales that appear to have been active beyond the bounds of tank manifold readings and to extrapolate new dispenser or pump sales readings. The method illustrated in Figure 6 is directed to backward-extrapolating a pseudo dispenser reading from the first of a pair of readings (for each dispenser) identified in the reconciliation process, while the method illustrated in Figure 7 describes the manner in which to forward-extrapolate a pseudo dispenser reading from a last pair of readings for a particular dispenser or pump during the reconciliation process, to encapsulate the last tank reading.
[0104] With continued reference to Figure 6, the process can include initially identifying whether or not the first of the paired readings is the first reading provided in the reconciliation of a particular pump or dispenser, as represented by decision block 302. If the first pair reading is the first reading for the particular pump, it is next determined whether or not the first of the paired readings is later than the Time of Reconciliation, as represented by decision block 304. If this is the case, it is next determined whether or not to use a "Late Pump Reading" rule, process, or method as described in decision blocks 306 and 308, and blocks 310 and 312.
[0105] More specifically, if the identified paired readings meet the criteria of decision hock 302 and decision block 304, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) determines whether or not the first reading of the pump or dispenser volume is positive, as represented by decision block 306. When this is the case, it is next determined whether or not the next or subsequent reading shows a positive change in the volume at the pump or dispenser, as represented by decision block 308. If there is a positive change in volume, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) calculates the flow rate of fuel based upon the first and second readings, as represented by block 310, and then calculates through extrapolation a new pump or dispenser reading that is tied back to the closest time-stamp tank manifold reading, as represented by block 312. If the particular new pump or dispenser reading is greater than zero, it can be used during the reconciliation process; otherwise the newly identified pump or dispenser reading will be discarded.
When the new pump or dispenser reading is less than zero, and when any of the decision blocks 302, 304, 306 and 308 are not in the affirmative, the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1) will use the pump or dispenser readings provided in the reconciliation as being constant in their display of the actual pump or dispenser volume, as represented by hock 318.
[0106] Turning now to Figure 7, a similar process is provided for the last paired reading from a pump or dispenser during a reconciliation process. The process performed by the CIM system 120 (Figure 1), identified by reference numeral 330, can include determining whether the last of all of the paired readings for a pump or dispenser is the last reading provided in the reconciliation for that pump or dispenser, as represented by decision block 332. When the result of decision block 332 is in the affirmative, it is next determined whether or not the last of the paired readings for the pump or dispenser is earlier than the last tank manifold volume reading identified during the reconciliation process, as represented by decision block 334. When a last paired reading for the pump or dispenser is earlier than the last tank manifold volume reading, i.e. decision block 334 is in the affirmative, the process can further use an "Early Pump Read" rule, process, or method for determining an early pump or dispenser reading as provided for in decision blocks 336 and 338, and also blocks 340 and 342.
[0107] More specifically, it can be determined whether or not the last reading of the pump or dispenser has a volume amount that is greater than the amount for that pump or dispenser in the prior reading, as represented by decision block 336. When this is the affirmative, it is next determined whether there is a tank manifold reading after the last known reading for the pump or dispenser associated with the reconciliation process, as represented by decision block 338. When this criterion has been met, the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1 ) can then calculate the flow rate between the last pump or dispenser reading and the last tank manifold reading, as represented by block 340 and then calculate a new pump or dispenser reading forward to the closest time-stamp tank manifold reading, as represented by block 342. This new pump or dispenser reading can then be used during the reconciliation process. When any of decision blocks 332, 334, 336, and 338 are in the negative, the pump or dispenser readings provided in the reconciliation process are constant in their display of pump or dispenser volume.
[0108] These processes described in Figure 6 and 7 yield the following results that can be shown on a timeline:
[TV ~]-___pl V ~-1______~TVZ]______p~ V2_2_____~TV3] (1) Where TV" is the nth tank manifold volume reading, Pn is the nth pump reading, and V"
is the volume of the nth pump reading. When using the "Late Read Rule" one would create PIVo, with a time-stamp 1 second prior to that of P~V1 since the Late Pump Read Rule criteria all apply. When using the "Early Read Rule" one would create P~V3, with a time-stamp 1 second later to that of P1 VZ since the Early Pump Read Rule criterion all apply.
[0109] Using the known flow rates between all time-stamped pump or dispenser readings, the CIM system 120 can interpolate a pump or dispenser sales reading for every pump or dispenser with a time-stamp equal to the time of each tank manifold volume reading. With this pump or dispenser sales reading determined, the CIM
system 120 flow rate adjusts each tank manifold reading back to the "Time of Reconciliation," by adding the pump or dispenser sales volumes back to the tank manifold reading.
[0110] With all relevant data read or adjusted back to the Time of Reconciliation, the CIM system 120 can determine physical volume from the multiple series of tank manifold readings by averaging all time-aligned net inventory volume readings together to determine a mean physical inventory. A standard deviation can also be calculated for the sample set of tank manifold readings, and readings that are +/- X standard deviations from the computed mean may be thrown out (where X may be user defined or some fixed value, e.g., 1 standard deviation). The remaining tank manifold readings can then be averaged to generate the net physical volume at Time of Reconciliation.
Using statistical methods known to those of skill in the art, a confidence level can also be shown for the volume determined using this method. As before, this confidence level is a function of the number of samples taken and the duration of the sampling size.
[0111] Once the net physical volume is determined, this net physical volume at Time of Reconciliation can be adjusted by the CIM system 120 for any interim sales associated with the manifold by adding back to the net physical volume at the time of reconciliation, the net interim sales at the time of reconciliation, which consist of interim active sales, interim completed sales, and interim stacked sales as described herein. In other words, those sales that were not already compensated for in the extrapolated dispenser or pump process previously described should be added back to the physical volume, since these sales will not appear on the book balance.
[0112] With the adjusted value, the CIM system 120 can then calculate the variance of adjusted net physical volume to perpetual book net volume, i.e., the volume identified by various transactions, with the volumes associated with the various transactions being converted to net temperature (e.g., 60 °F) volume terms before being added to the book balance. This variance calculation can include updating the net perpetual book balance to the Time of Reconciliation, and subtracting net perpetual book balance from adjusted net physical volume.
[0113] The following paragraphs illustrate one embodiment of a system for standardizing a volume of a liquid product. The liquid product is delivered from a fuel source by the carrier 1 OS (Figure 1 ) to the retail facility storage tank 155 (Figure 1 ) and is then delivered from the retail facility storage tank 155 through the dispenser 145 (Figures 1 and 3) to a consumer. The system can include the volume measurement device I08 (Figure 1) that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to the carrier 105 and generates volume data indicative of this gross volume. The system can also include the temperature measurement device 107 (Figure 1) that measures a temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to the carrier 105 and generates temperature data indicative of this temperature.
Furthermore, the system can include a volume measurement device 165 (Figure 1) that measures a gross volume of liquid product at the retail facility storage tank 155 and generates storage tank volume data indicative of this gross volume. Likewise, the system can include a temperature measurement device 165 that measures a temperature of liquid product at the retail facility storage tank 155 and generates storage tank temperature data indicative of this temperature. The system can further include a time-stamp system 137 that can be located, by way of example and not limitation, in the tank gauge console 135 (Figure 1) configured to receive the storage tank volume data and the storage tank temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the storage tank volume data and the storage tank temperature data. Further still, the system can include a dispenser volume measurement device 224, 226 (Figure 3) that measures a gross volume of liquid product at a dispenser and generates dispenser volume data indicative of this gross volume, a dispenser temperature measurement device 230 (Figure 3) that measures a temperature of liquid product at the dispenser and generates dispenser temperature data indicative of this temperature, and a time-stamp system 137 (Figure 1) configured to receive the dispenser volume data and the dispenser temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the dispenser volume data and the dispenser temperature data.
[0114] In some embodiments, the time-stamp system 137 at the retail facility storage tank 155 communicates with the volume measurement device 165 and the temperature measurement device 165 at the retail facility storage tank 155 so as to receive volume data and temperature data and allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and temperature data generated at the retail facility storage tank 155. The time-stamp system 137 at the dispenser 145 communicates with the volume measurement device 224, 226 and the temperature measurement device 230 at the dispenser 145 so as to receive volume data and temperature data and allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and temperature data generated at the dispenser 145.
[0115] In one embodiment, the volume measurement device 108 that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device 107 that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product as the liquid product is delivered from the distributor fuel source to the carrier. Alternately, the volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, are located at one of (i) a fuel source located with a distributor, (ii) the carrier and measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product located within the carrier. The volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a Garner, respectively, may measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product when the Garner is located at a fuel source at a distribution facility.
[0116] Once the time-stamps are assigned, the volume and temperature data can be adjusted back to a single point in time, so that net volumes can be calculated and used to update the book balance during the reconciliation process. By time-stamping the volume and temperature data, the flow of liquid product from the tanks) and dispensers) at the retail facility can be accurately measured and so relied upon during the reconciliation process.
[0117] In making the above mentioned calculations for tank volume, and as discussed herein, it is desirable to identify the height of the fuel in the tank and use this measurement to determine the volume of liquid product within a tank. One manner or method for converting the height of the fuel to a volume is by way of a calibration chart, and associated processes. The tank manufacturer provides a chart that can be used to make the height to volume conversions on a finite scale. However, the manufacturers chart may assume that the tank was placed in the ground exactly horizontally and vertically, and/or that the tank was manufactured to an exact standard. If the tank is slightly off from the horizontal, vertical or the standard, this can affect the height to volume conversion. It is sometimes necessary to calibrate the expected height to volume relationship to account for this slight discrepancy. This can be accomplished by identifying variance as a function of either height or volume in the tank.
[0118] It should be noted that the calibration process is not limited to a single tank.
In many cases, there are multiple storage tanks holding the same type of product that are manifolded together to form a manifolded group. A manifolded group can be a group of one or more tanks allowing a cross-flow of product or a group of one or more tanks that are plugged into a single trunk line going to a group of dispensers. In either case, a manifolded group can include multiple tanks that, because liquid product flows out of one or more of the tanks to the dispensers during delivery to a consumer, the flow of the liquid product can't be tied back to any one of those tanks individually.
Likewise, because there is cross-flow of product between those tanks, it is not feasible to keep an accurate book inventory on any one of those tanks individually. However, accurate book inventory can be maintained for the group. In some embodiments, the calibration process can be used to calibrate the manifolded group, rather than the individual tanks within the group.
(0119] In order to perform the calibration process, it is desirable to ensure that the manifolded group is normalized. The various gauges in the tanks in the group can give different readings at any one time. For example, one tank could read 65 inches, another 64 inches, and a third 61 inches. As long as this difference remains relatively constant, the tanks can be considered normalized. In other words, if all of the height values across all of the tanks in the tank group can be shown to have moved in parallel fashion when product is added or removed, i.e., the measured heights all moved up or down one inch, the group can be considered normalized, and the calibration process can be conducted. The degree to which the tank manifold group is normalized can be shown using a method of tracking the standard deviation of height difference of the contents of the tanks in the manifold group, across multiple sample readings of those heights.
Tolerance limits can be set allowing the system to identify which reconciliation samples can be qualified for consideration in the calibration process.
[0120) Keeping in mind that there are many ways to perform this calibration process, two such ways will be discussed herein. In a first method, a single tank or manifolded series of tanks is filled. The product is then pumped out until the tanks) can be considered empty. Measurements are made at incremental levels as the product is dispensed. These measurements can then be used to generate a calibration curve that allows a retail facility to read the level of product in the tanks) and know with some accuracy how much variance there is in that measured reading. Variance that falls outside the limits of the calibration curve can then be initially unexplained variance.
Using the various systems and methods discussed above, this initially unexplained variance can then be explained. This first method will be discussed in detail below with reference to Figures 8-11. In a second method to accomplish the calibration process, historical data can be used to determine the calibration curve. This second method will be discussed below with reference to Figure 12.
[0I21) The first method will be discussed with reference to Figures 8-11 and Table S, shown below. Initially, the CIM system 120 treats the manufacturer's height vs.
volume chart as if the chart was correct when the tank is filled. For instance, data representative of the manufacturer's chart can be stored in data storage at the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1). Initial variance between manufacturer's chart and calibrated chart pending is then zero. For instance, Manufacturer's Chart Calibrated Chart Hei t Volume Hei t Volume 108" 19122 108" 19122 [0122] Using Table S above, the fuel reconciliation process can be started as previously describe herein. When the next volume measurement is received (i.e.
after the predefined amount of fuel has been dispensed), the CIM system 124 (Figure 1 ) can then calculate the variance from our "expected" volume based on the manufacturer's charts. Below are examples of formulas that can be used to calculate the variance, with the identified volumes being adjusted to the average manifold temperature as taught herein:
Gross volume from chart readings = expected volume (2) Gross Initial volume - dispensed volume = calibrated volume (3) Calibrated volume - expected volume = variance (4) [0123] The variance can be calculated every time a new volume measurement is received during this tank calibration process. For example, a measurement can be received for every hundred gallons of fuel dispensed. When all volume and variance measurements have been calculated, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can generate the volume vs. the variance and the volume vs. height relationships fox when the tank is tilted or otherwise deformed. Examples of these are illustrated in Figures 8 and 9.
[0124] Figure 8 illustrates a chart 350 comparing a volume 352 in the tank to a measured height 354 of the gauge in the tank. A base curve 356 represents the curve if the tank is sitting exactly upright, while a tilted curve 358 represents the curve for the tank as it is actually sitting. These two curves 356, 358 cross at a point 360, which represents the assumption that there is no variance when the tank is full.
[0125] Figure 9 illustrates one possible corresponding volume to variance chart 370.
Chart 370 plots an actual variance 372 versus a measured volume 374, represented as line 376. From these initial graphs 350, 370, and data indicative of the curves and lines, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ), and more generally one or more methods and/or processes of the present invention, can determine if the volume and the variance have a significant relationship.
[0126] It is understood that the initial assumption that there is no variance when the tank is has been filled could be false. Primarily, the tank could be distorted such that the fill capacity differs from the manufacturer's specification, or perhaps the tank was not completely filled at all. However, because of the relationship between volume and variance shown, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can shift the calibrated curve in such a manner as to minimize the least squares difference in the calibration curve and the original curve. This can produce a graph 378, like that shown in Figure~l0, which gives a more accurate representation of the volume to measured height relationship.
Note that in this graph 378, the cross over point between the base curve 356 and the tilted curve 358 is now at a new point 362, which can approximate an intermediate point of both curves 356 and 358. A new volume to variance graph 379 can also be created, as illustrated in Figure 11.
[0127] Once the graphs 378, 379 have been generated, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ) can generate data, such as but not limited to, one or more formulae that represent the curve and illustrate the variance as a function of height or inventory volume.
The formulae identify the expected variance for any volume measurement on a specified tank manifold. Any variance observed deviating from this line can be an unexplained variance, which can be subject to later assignment through correlation analysis. Since the exact position of a tank underground is different for every tank, this process is completed for each tank in the system 100 (Figure 1) or for each series of manifolded tanks.
[0128] A height to volume reference chart derived from the variance curve discussed above can have the form as follows.
Height Volume ~Inches~Formula 0 2.6613x2 + 50.029X
5 3.5x2+48.5X-6 9 2.75x2 + 59.95 X
- 50.35 13 2x2 + 78.6 X - 167.7 17 2x2+79X-174 21 1.5x2+99X-377.5 [0129] Any height measurement of liquid product with the tank between numbers on the chart can use the formula of the lowest number. For example, if the measured value is 5.5 inches, since 5.5 inches is greater than 5 but less than 9, the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can use the data or formula indicated by height 5, where X is the measured height. The use of such a piecewise data or formula chart allows infinite interpolation capability between the known values.
[0130] During the above-described tank calibration process, it is desirable to append the temperature and representative density of the fuel tank manifold, along with the temperature and representative density of the fuel being dispensed, to every sales transaction. This can be done so the gallons dispensed can be converted to what they would have been at the tank temperature. This method can minimize bias in the tank calibration curve, and therefore increase the accuracy of the system 100 (Figure 1 ). The following describes one example of a process to accomplish this.
(0131 ] In order to correct for temperature, the temperature of the fuel in the tank is accurately measured. Most tanks use a series of thermistors located at periodic height within the tank to make these measurements, as described previously. By way of example and not limitation, if the tank is a standard 10 foot tall tank, thermistors could be located at heights of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 inches. Depending on the measured height of the fuel, one or more of these thermistors would be read to ascertain the fuel temperature in the tank. If one or more of these thermistors are above the level of the fuel, they can be ignored as the air temperature in the tank can differ markedly from the actual fuel temperature. In alternate embodiments, a thermistor attached to the float that measures the fuel height can be used to measure the fuel temperature. When the process is started, a period inventory temperature can be calculated by averaging the temperature from the prior and current reconciliations. The derived period inventory temperature can be used by the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ) to temperature-correct each interim sales transaction to the same temperature as what prevailed in the inventory tanks. As previously mentioned, this can be done using only the thermistors in the tanks that are below the fuel level.
(0132] As fuel is dispensed, each transaction can be accompanied by a temperature or data indicative of the temperature of the fuel at the point of measurement in the fuel dispenser. When the reported sales volume, or Accum_Volume, reaches the next incremental threshold volume, or Volume Increment, then the total manifold volume can be converted to net volume terms, using an ASTM certified method, to obtain a conversion factor for converting volumes at the tank temperature to equivalent volumes at a standardized temperature, (e.g., 60 °F). For example: the measured data could be Gross Volume = 10,000 gallons, temperature = 73°F, and API Gravity =
57.5. The calculated data to achieve the volume of fluid at 60°F could be found using API Gravity at 60°F = 55.9, with a conversion factor = .9914 and the following equation:
Net Volume = Conversion Factor * Gross Volume (5) This results in temperature corrected net volume being 9914 = .9914 * 10,000.
[0133] The CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can perform a similar calculation to convert each transaction volume dispensed into net standard temperature (e.g., 60°F) terms.
Then the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can take the sum of the net volume dispensed, and divide it by the tank conversion factor used to bring the tank inventory to net standard temperature terms. The result is dispensed volume temperature corrected to prevailing tank temperature. For example, if the calculated net dispensed volume or Net Disp Vol = 500 and the Tank Conversion Factor = .9914, then, using equation 6 below, Disp Vol,at_Tank_Temp = Net Disp Vol / Tank_Conversion Factor (6) the dispensed volume temperature corrected to prevailing tank temperature =
504.34 or 504.34 = 500 / .9914. It is the dispensed volume temperature corrected to prevailing tank temperature that the CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can use to subtract from the previous tank volume to calculate the calibrated volume, as described herein.
[0134] Each time Accum Volume reaches the Volume Increment amount, a new manifold temperature can be measured, and an average temperature can be calculated between this current measurement and the previous manifold temperature. This process can be repeated until the tank calibration process is complete.
[0135] The CIM system 120 (Figure 1) can periodically check the chart and data used to convert measured height of liquid within a tank to a volume of liquid within the tank, i.e., the strapping chart and data, for each tank within system 100 (Figure 1). Each tank within the system 100 (Figure 1) can have its own strapping chart and data. By periodically checking the chart and data, the accuracy of the strapping chart and the height to volume conversion factors can be periodically verified. When the CIM
system 120 (Figure 1) performs a periodic check, a notification can be sent to the retail facility 128 (Figure 1) and associated retail system 130 (Figure 1) indicating that the calibration is being performed and that no deliveries are allowed to the tank being checked.
Following notification, a reconciliation process can be performed to verify fuel volumes and temperatures. When a disparity is identified, i.e., the existing tank strapping chart does not mirror the reconciled volume, the strapping chart can be modified to accommodate for the disparity.
[0136] One disadvantage of the above system is that it restricts deliveries while the calibration process is ongoing. In large retail facilities, a single tank can be emptied of product in a matter of hours. A second method to calibrate the measurements has been developed to overcome this deficiency. This method is illustrated in Figure 12, which is based on the data shown in Table 7 below. Note that, while Table 7 illustrates a manifolded group of tanks, a similar approach can be conducted to determine a calibration curve for a single tank.
Line Beg. Book- Sales+ DeliveriesEnd Book ATG Variance #
1 60,000 10,000 0 50,000 50,100 100 2 50,100 5,000 0 45,100 45,200 100 3 45,700 5,000 0 40,200 40,100 -100 4 40,100 10,000 15,000 45,100 45,000 -100 45,000 10,000 0 35,000 34,800 -200 6 34,800 5,000 0 29,800 29,900 100 7 29.900 5,000 0 29,900 25,000 100 8 25,000 5,000 10,000 30,000 30,100 100 9 30,100 10,000 0 20,100 20,200 100 20,200 5,000 0 15,200 15,200 0 11 15,200 10,000 0 5,200 5000 -200 12 5000 1000 11,000 15,000 [0137] The data in Table 7 was generated as part of a tank calibration process, such as a calibration process described above. The tank calibration process can include modules, such as software modules and hardware modules, and/or functions which continually query a database accessible to the CIM system 120 (Figure 1 ) andlor the retail system 130 (Figure 1 ) to determine if a predefined amount of fuel has been dispensed. When the dispensed volume is greater than or equal to the volume increment, a fuel reconciliation can be performed which will calculate the variance from the expected volume based on the manufacturer's strapping charts and data. It will also calculate accumulated variance associated to a specific manifold volume, i.e., the volume of liquid product for one or more tanks manifolded or in fluid communication one to another. Figure 12 and Table 7 were generated using formulas 2-4 shown above.
In addition, the following formula also applies:
accumwariance = accum variance + variance (7) [0138] Figure 12 shows a graph 380 that illustrates the additional method of generating a calibration curve for a tank or a manifolded tank group. The Graph 380 includes a measure of tank volume 380 on the "X" axis, and a measure of a variance 384 on the "Y" axis. Using the data from Table 7, a plurality of data points 388 can be plotted on the graph 380. As shown on line 1 of Table 7, the beginning book balance is 60,000 gallons. It is assumed that 60,000 gallons is the approximate tank fill level.
Furthermore, it is assumed that at 60,000 gallons, there is no variance. If there were 10,000 gallons of sales before the next reconciliation and no deliveries, the ending book balance, or the calculated value that one would expect to be in the tank and to be reported through the automatic tank gauge would be 50,000 gallons. But in reading the height of the product, and using the formulas derived from the manufacturer's data for those tanks, it could be reported through the tank gauge that there were 50,100 gallons.
So the accumulated variance from the representative top of the tank down to this position of the tank can be shown as a function of manifold volume alone. This gallons of positive variance can be expected to reoccur in the future. The variance is measured and added to the accumulated variance every time a new volume measurement is received from the Tank Calibration Process. Thus, for every volume measurement there is an associated accumulated variance that can be stored and plotted on the graph 380.
[0139] The 50,100 gallons becomes the new book balance. As shown in line 2 of Table 7, there is then an incremental 5,000 gallons of sales, which generates an ending book balance of 45,100. In reading the tank gauge and reading the strapping formulas or data, it could be determined that there were 45,200 gallons in the tank.
These incremental points can then plotted on the graph 380, which shows these three data points 388 (one starting point and two reconciliation points). Row three of Table 7 then shows a beginning book balance of 45,200 gallons. There are 5,000 gallons in sales.
The physical inventory should then be 40,200. However, at this point, the automatic tank gauge provides a reading of 40,100 gallons, which is a variance of -100 gallons.
These four data points are then used to construct a curve 390.
[0140] In line four of Table 7, a delivery is made into the tank(s). Every time a delivery occurs during the calibration process, the system will perform another fuel reconciliation. This provides a new starting point in which the accumulated variance is set to zero. It is desirable to set the accumulated variance back to zero to minimize any effects from a possible delivery variance. For example, if the book shows that 15,000 gallons were delivered, but only 14,800 gallons were actually delivered, this could skew the calculations. Lines 5-7 in Table 7 can then be used to provide another set of data points 388, which can then used to generate a second curve 392. The above process is continued until the calibration process is finished, or another delivery is made. Any time a fuel reconciliation is run and the volume is greater than the previous reconciliation's volume, then a delivery has occurred. This is illustrated in the graph 380 as another curve 394. A user can include as many segments as desired andlor for which historical data exists. After defining the segments to be used, calibration formula and data for the tank or manifolded tanks can then be generated.
[0141] The calibration formula can be built from the segments 390, 392, and that were generated from the actual data retrieved from the normal reconciliation processes. The identified segments can be assigned a hierarchy and can be connected by using a technique of minimizing the least squares distance of the overlapping portions of those segments. This aligned curve is represented as a dashed line 396 in Figure 12.
[0142] From the data in Table 7 and the corresponding curves shown in Figure 12, it can be identified that there is a pattern-like relationship between the manifold volume and the accumulated variance. Geometrically, it can be shown that tilt, deformation or any other inaccuracy in the tank specification, or the inventory measurement apparatus of any individual tank, can invalidate the original formula representing the height to volume relationship for that tank. Furthermore, it can be shown that such inaccuracies are consistent or static in nature, and can combine in aggregate to show a pattern-like relationship. The above process provides a curve that substantially reduces or even eliminates the differences between the actual installation and the manufacturer's original height to volume charts.
[0143) As long as there are a sufficient number of data points available in the historical data, the above method can be used to generate a volume to variance curve over the entire range of tanks) volumes. Therefore, for a given measured volume, curve 396 represents the expected amount of variance due to the tank structure and/or placement. The curve 396 allows representation of both the variance that could be expected after filling the tank and later running a reconciliation at any fill level of the tank, or the incremental variance that could be expected between any two fill levels of the tank. Note that no operational limitations need to be imposed on the system to allow for the retrieval of the data to build the segments necessary to generate the calibration formula or data. No time period need be identified over which data is to be collected and analyzed, as is the case with the first method discussed above with reference to Figure 8-11. Additionally, the process outlined above with reference to Table 7 and Figure 12 allows for a periodic re-calibration on an as desired basis.
(0144] As alluded to above, methods, systems, and computer program products can be used with the system 100 of Figure 1 to probe end-to-end fuel temperature at various points, including all points of physical measurement for temperature correcting volume across the fuel management system. Because of the reporting of the temperatures through, for example, the antenna 234 (Figure 3) within the dispenser unit 145, and by using temperature readings taken during the rapid accumulation of data at other locations within the system, such as at the tank 15S, this system 100 and the CIM
system 120 allow for both consideration of and, where necessary, provides actual temperature measurements for, all points of physical measurement.
[0145] 1n particular, fuel temperatures can be measured at the loading rack lOS (as recorded in e.g., the bill-of lading), at the liquid product storage tank 15S, and at the fuel dispenser 145. There can be significant temperature change occurring both during delivery to retail facility 128 from the load rack 10S, as well from the liquid product storage tank to the fuel dispenser 145. Therefore, the thermal expansion/contraction of the product can be taken into account in each transaction and in each executed reconciliation process. In other words, to allow true reconciliation to occur in net gallon terms, it is desirable to measure temperature in conjunction with every measurement of physical volume. Therefore, temperature and volume data can be collected from the dispenser and during any sales transactions for use in the reconciliation process performed by the CIM system 120.
[0146] The temperature readings of a dispensed sale at a dispenser 145 are unique per sales transaction, and are a function of one or more of the following variables: fluid temperatures; surrounding ground temperatures; pipe wall thickness; pipe wall material;
proximity of the dispenser skirt relative to rays of the sun; ambient air temperature;
fluid flow rate; and the duration of time since the last transaction. As previously mentioned, the methods, systems, and computer program products described herein allow one temperature to be measured in conjunction with the sale, regardless of whether the temperature correction is applied to the retail sale. Accordingly, the control module 228 (Figure 3) of dispenser 145 can report the gross volume of the sale and the temperature of the sale separately, which can also be reported by the retail system 130.
This gross volume and temperature reporting advantageously provides for compensation of the different temperatures throughout the system 100, and offers both gross and net volume reporting not currently offered by typical dispensers.
[0147] Similarly, the methods, systems, and computer program products described herein provide for the perpetual net inventory book balance to be modified by a dynamic expansion coefficient of product relative to the temperature changes and density. Based on the API gravity report at the rack 105 and reported in the BOL, the CIM system 120 maintains data representative of fuel densities throughout the lifecycle of the fuel or product within the system 100. The storage and updating of such representative density values, combined with the updating and storage of temperature values, allows the CIM system 120 to dynamically identify the appropriate gross to net conversion for any physical measurement of fuel. With this data, the temperature-compensated amount of product used and remaining in the tank 155 can be accurately determined. For example, the CIM system 120 can use the temperature and density to perform a temperature corrected gross to net conversion for every transaction before posting to the net perpetual book balance.
[0148] The temperature correction hinges around the actual temperature of the fuel or product that is being temperature corrected, and the density of the fuel or product that is being temperature corrected. The density doesn't allow one to perfectly identify the elasticity between the volume and temperature of that fuel or product (i.e., it doesn't allow you to perfectly identify the coefficient of expansion). But since molecular chains, hydrocarbons in particular, that have similar density, react very similarly to temperature, the use of density and temperature is the most generally accepted method across all facets of industry.
[0149] Because the density of the product changes, it is only necessary to know the density value consistently and within reasonableness. In comparing two products of non-like density or differing density, their reaction to temperature change will be different. So the terminal systems (i.e. the rack l OS), because of the amount of volume that they store and deliver, are required to report density. Most of them have the ability to measure density using densitometers or other measuring equipment that can be used to determine the value. They report that on the bill of lading. A weighted average or a FIFO (first-in-first-out) average of the density reportedly going into the tank can then be weighted by the amount of volume going into the tank. This provides a representative density for the product that is in the storage tank. That density value and the temperature that is measured on a real-time on-site basis are used to determine a temperature corrected volume conversion factor allowing one to derive the net volume of that product.
[0150] It should be noted that the various reports and accumulated data can be transmitted using Extended Markup Language (XML) document format or any other format readable by computer systems. Using XML, for example, sales transaction records can include headers that identify the status of a sale, the time of the sale, the invoice number and other such information in a standard XML document. In such instances, non-blended product would simply have a tank number, whereas, if a blended product is used, then the tanks and blend ratios can be given and separated using a standard means, e.g., separated by commas. Transaction date and time can also be associated with the transaction record along with an invoice number, volume and temperature.
[0151 ] The system can also determine a correlation between the variance and all of the qualitative and quantitative variance factors. It can accomplish this using multiple regression analysis. This allows the system to be able to indicate if there is a leak in a fuel tank, plumbing or dispensers. It also allows the system to determine if a dispenser needs to be recalibrated, if someone is stealing fuel, or if a truck has a leak or holds back fuel during a delivery. This is just some of the useful information the CIM system can provide.
[0152) Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.
By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.
When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium.
Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium.
Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.
[0153] Figure 13 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the invention may be implemented. Although not required, the invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by computers in network environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performs particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.
(0154] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, mufti-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network.
In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0155] With reference to Figure 13, an exemplary system for implementing the invention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a conventional computer 420, including a processing unit 421, a system memory 422, and a system bus 423 that couples various system components including the system memory 422 to the processing unit 421. The system bus 423 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read only memory (ROM) 424 and random access memory (RAM) 425. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 426, containing the basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computer 420, such as during start-up, may be stored in ROM 424.
[0156] The computer 420 may also include a magnetic hard disk drive 427 for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk 439, a magnetic disk drive 428 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 429, and an optical disk drive 430 for reading from or writing to removable optical disk 431 such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. The magnetic hard disk drive 427, magnetic disk drive 428, and optical disk drive 430 are connected to the system bus 423 by a hard disk drive interface 432, a magnetic disk drive-interface 433, and an optical drive interface 434, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 420. Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a magnetic hard disk 439, a removable magnetic disk 429 and a removable optical disk 431, other types of computer readable media for storing data can be used, including magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, Bernoulli cartridges, RAMS, ROMs, and the like.
[0157) Program code means comprising one or more program modules may be stored on the hard disk 439, magnetic disk 429, optical disk 431, ROM 424 or RAM
425, including an operating system 435, one or more application programs 436, other program modules 437, and program data 438. A user may enter commands and information into the computer 420 through keyboard 440, pointing device 442, or other input devices (not shown), such as a microphone, joy stick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 421 through a serial port interface 446 coupled to system bus 423.
Alternatively, the input devices may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, a game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 447 or another display device is also connected to system bus 423 via an interface, such as video adapter 448.
In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers.
[0158] The computer 420 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computers 449a and 449b. Remote computers 449a and 449b may each be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically include many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 420, although only memory storage devices 450a and 450b and their associated application programs 436a and 436b have been illustrated in Figure 4. The logical connections depicted in Figure 4 include a local area network (LAN) 451 and a wide area network (WAN) 452 that are presented here by way of example and not limitation.
Such networking environments are commonplace in office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.
(0159] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 420 is connected to the local network 451 through a network interface or adapter 453.
When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 420 may include a modem 454, a wireless link, or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network 452, such as the Internet. The modem 454, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 423 via the serial port interface 446. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 420, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing communications over wide area network 452 may be used.
[0160] Additional information related to the present invention is found in Schedule A, which forms a part of the specification herein. The "Liquid Product Inventory Reconciliation Guide" and Exhibits A-U, which are listed in Schedule "A", form a part of this specification hereof. The Liquid Product Inventory Reconciliation"
Guide and Exhibits A-U disclose the inventions disclosed in additional detail.
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~ N__ Exemplary Fuel Reconciliation Exhibit Library Exhibit Exhibit A--Net Inventory Variance Determination Exhibit B---Thermistor Heights Exhibit C-Data Storage Requirements Exhibit D--Height to Volume Conversion Formulas Exhibit E--Gross to Net Conversion Routine Exhibit F--Quick Read ATG Look-Up Exhibit G--Real-Time Reconciliation Request from Host Exhibit H-Real-Time Reconciliation Data Response from Local to Host Exhibit I-Local Treatment of Reconciliation Request Exhibit J-Variance Assignment Procedures Exhibit K-Business Period Activity Isolation (Delivery / Non-Delivery) Exhibit L-Maintenance of Net Volume Book Balance Exhibit M-On-Site Data Accumulation Methods Exhibit N-Sales Transaction Record Format Exhibit O-Local to Host Alarm Communication Exhibit P-Reconciliation Data Report Example Exhibit Q-Tank Strapping Procedure Exhibit R-Exemplary Hardware Requirements Exhibit S-'Tank Strapping Temperature Correction Treatment Exhibit T-Tank Strapping Calibration Calculations*
Exhibit U-BOL Delivery Record Format Exhibit A-Net Inventory Variance Determination I. CIM Send Fuel Reconciliation Request to POS (See Exhibit G) II. C1M Receive and Parse the Reconciliation Response from POS (See Exhibit H) Measurement Data <Site> 01155 <Time> 2004-06-03 23:00:00 <UOM> Gallons, Inches, Fahrenheit <StartSnapShot> 2 <Tank Set>
<SetId> AA
<FCode> 02 <Tanks>
>
<Id> O1 <Water> 1.5"
<FuelLvl>
<Fuel>Lv1:55.40~Time:23:00:00:04~Tmp:63.00./62 .00</Fuel>
<Fuel>Lv1:55.00~Time:23:00:01:04~Tmp:63.00./62 .00</Fuel>
</FuelLvl>
<lTank>
</Tanks>
</Tank Set>
<Sales>
<Sale>
<Pump> 11 <Temp> 70.00 <FuelRecs>
<Fuel>Vo1:5.60~Time:23:00:00:00</Fuel>
<Fuel>Vo1:6.40~Time:23:00:01:00</Fuel>
</FuelRecs>
</Sale>
<lSales>
Closed Sales Data <Closed Sales>
<Closed Sale>
Tank:2 ~Time:2004-06-03 22:36:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 </Closed Sale>
</Closed Sales>
III. CIM Convert Fuel Level Readings to Net Tank Gallons 1) Use tank id from <Tank>...<Id> to reference the appropriate tank formula table.
Result: Table 123 2) Use the fuel level <Fuel>Lvl.. to reference the appropriate formula for each fuel level reading. (See Exhibit D) Result: FueILvl: 55.40: Formula XY...
FuelLvl: 55:00: Formula YZ...
3) Convert each fuel level reading into a gross volume, with the same time stamp as the fuel level reading.
Result: FueILv1:55.40 = 6068.61 Gallons (Gross) FuelLv1:55.00 = 6015.36 Gallons (Gross) 4) Identify which thermistors are at or below the lowest measured fuel level reading. To do this the process can use a field tied to the tank table that identifies at which height levels on the probe shaft there is a thermistor-{See Exhibit B) Result: Thermistor 1 Thermistor 2 5) Average the temperature of the thermistors determined in prior step.
Result: Thermistor 1: 61.00 Thermistor 2: 63.00 Average = 62.00 6) Reference API gravity for product in tank. (This can require delivering driver to report BOL information in conjunction with a delivery report.
The API value can be included in the BOL information and can be used to update the estimated API of the product in that tank set.
Result: 36 7) Use average temperature from step 5) and API to reference the appropriate Gross to Net conversion factor (as per ASTM formula).
Result: .9XXX
8) Convert Gross Inventory Volume per Fuel Lvl to Net Inventory Volume.
Result: Net Inventory Volume per Fuel Lvl IV. Convert interim (FuelRecs) gross sales volume to net volume 1 ) Reference API for product in tank Result: 36 2) Use API density value and average temp of sale <Temp>
70.00 to reference appropriate Gross to Net conversion factor.
Result: .98XX
3) Convert Gross volume per FuelRec Sales snapshot to Net Fuel Rec Sales Result: <Fuel>VoI:S.XX~Time:23:00:00:00<lFuel>
<Fuel>Vol:6.XX~Time:23:00:01:00</Fuel>
V. Convert Individual Time-Stamped Tank Volumes in Manifold to Cumulative Time-Stamped Manifold Volumes 1) Sort all time-stamped tank readings from the manifold by their respective time stamps.
Result: Example results from a -3-tank manifold Tank 3 reading @ 17:28:39:165- 11658.32 gal Tank 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377- 11658.12 gal Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581- 11736.27 gal Tank 3 Reading @17:28:40:398- 11658.36 gal Tank 1 Reading @17:28:40:611- 11602.34 gal Tank 2 Reading @17:28:40:815- 11733.20 gal *
2) Order "series" of tank readings by taking the first time-stamped fuel height reading(irregardless of which tank is read first) and associating it with the closest time-stamped reading of each additional tank in the manifold. Each tank reading can only reside in one series. Only tank readings that comprise a complete series should be considered for step 3).
Result: Example results from a 3-tank manifold-ank 3 reading @ 17:28:39:165-11658.32 gal 1s' Series Tank 1 reading @ 17:28:39:377-11658.12 gal Tank 2 reading @ 17:28:39:581-11736.27 gal ank 3 Reading @17:28:40:398-11658.36 gal 2d Series Tank 1 Reading @17:28:40:611-11602.34 gal Tank 2 Reading @17:28:40:815-11733.20 gal N'h Series 3) Calculate the time difference between the first time in the series and every time in the series.
Result: From Difference 1s' Series Tank 3 reading 0 @ 17:28:39:165-Tank 1 reading 212 @ 17:28:39:377-Tank 2 reading 416 @ 17:28:39:581-4) Average the differences in time Result: From 15' Series Average (0,212,416) =209.33 5) Add the average difference back to the first time from the series to determine the cumulative series time stamp.
Result: From 1 S' Series 17:28:39:165 + 209.33 =17:28:39:374 6) Sum the volume from each reading in the series.
Result: From 1s' Series Tank 3 reading-11658.32 gal +Tank 1 reading-11658.12 gal +Tank 2 reading-11736.27 gal =35,052.71 gal 7) Assign the cumulative time stamp for the series to the cumulative volume for the series. The first time-stamped series becomes the "Time of Reconciliation."
Result: From 15' Series 35,052.71 gal @ 17:28:39:374 Repeat steps 3 through 7 until a cumulative time stamp and volume has been assigned for each series.
VI. CIM Align All Tank Manifold Volume Readings to "Time of Reconciliation."
1) Identify the time and volume of the "Time of Reconciliation" and each subsequent time-stamped Tank Manifold volume reading.
Result: For sales volume between Time of Reconciliation and Manifold Series 2-Time and Volume of Reconciliation 35,052.71 gal @ 17:28:39:374 Time and Volume of Manifold Series 2 34,993.90 gal @ 17:28:40:608 2) Identify sales that appear to have been active beyond the bounds of the tank manifold readings and extrapolate a new pump sales reading according the following rules:
If --The first of the paired readings is the first reading provided in the reconciliation for that pump AndIf --The first of the paired readings is later than the "Time of Reconciliation"
Then --Consider use of a "late pump read rule"
Late Pump Read Rule:
If --The first reading of a pump has a volume amount that is positive AndIf -The next reading shows a positive change in volume Then --Use the flow rate determinable between these two readings to extrapolate a new pump reading back to the closest time-stamped tank manifold reading.
*The new extrapolated reading must be >=0 or it is thrown out.
Else--Assume the pump readings provided in the reconciliation are consummate in their display of pumped volume.
Else--Assume the pump readings provided in the reconciliation are consummate in their display of pumped volume.
If -The last of all the paired readings for a pump is the last reading provided in the reconciliation for that pump AndIf -The last of the paired readings for a pump is earlier than the last tank manifold volume reading Then--Consider use of an "early pump read rule"-Early Pump Read Rule:
If --The last reading of a pump has a volume amount that is greater than the amount for that pump in the prior reading AndIf -There exists a tank manifold reading after the last known reading for that pump Then--Use the flow rate determinable between these two readings to extrapolate a new pump reading forward to the closest time-stamped tank manifold reading.
Else--Assume the pump readings provided in the reconciliation are consummate in their display of pumped volume.
Else--Assume the pump readings provided in the reconciliation are consummate in their display of pumped volume.
Results: For "Late Read Rule" and "Early Read Rule"
[TV1]____pl V1-1 ______[TVZ]-_____pl VZ=2_____[TV3]
*Where TVn is the nth tank manifold volume reading, P" is the nth pip reading, and V~ is the volume of the nth pump reading.
Late Read Rule Create PIVo, with a time stamp 1 second prior to that of P~ V i since Late Pump Read Rule criteria all apply Early Read Rule Create P1 V3, with a time stamp 1 second later to that of P, Vz since Early Pump Read Rule criteria all apply [TV1, P~Vo=0.3]---P,VI=I-_-_[TVZ]___plV2=2_____[TV3, P~V3=2.3]
3) Using the known flow rates between all time stamped pump readings (including those generated in step 2), now interpolate a pump sales reading for every pump with a time stamp equal to the time of each tank manifold volume reading.
Result:
[TV1,PIVo=0.3]-____[TV2, P,VZ=1.3]_____-[TV3, plV3=2.3]
4) Using the interpolated pump sales reading for every pump, flow rate adjust each tank manifold reading back to the "Time of Reconciliation,"
by adding the pumped sales volumes back to the tank manifold reading.
Result: All cumulative manifold volume readings at the "Time of Reconciliation" Time Stamp Tank Manifold Reading 1 [TVl]
Tank Manifold Reading 2 (Adjusted for dispensed flow) [TVz - ~'iVz -PiVOj Tank Manifold Reading 3 (Adjusted for dispensed flow) [TV3 - ~'iV3 - PiV~)j VII. Determine Physical Volume from the multiple series of tank manifold readings.
1) Average all time-aligned net inventory volume readings together to determine a mean physical inventory.
2) Compute a standard deviation for the sample set of tank manifold readings.
3) Throw out readings that are +/- 1 standard deviation from the mean computed in step 1 ).
4) Average the tank manifold readings remaining after step 3).
Result: Net Physical Volume at Time of Reconciliation IIX. Adjust Time-Stamped Net Physical Volume for Interim Sales 1) Add back to the Net Physical Volume the Net Interim Sales, which consist of Interim Active Sales, and Interim Completed Sales Result: Net Physical Volume Adjusted for Interim Sales at Time of Reconciliation IX. Calculate Variance of Adjusted Net Physical Volume to Perpetual Book Net Volume.
1 ) Update Net Perpetual Book Balance (See Exhibit L) to the Time of Reconciliation.
2) Subtract Net Perpetual Book Balance from Adjusted Net Physical Volume.
Exhibit B-Thermistor Heights I. Get specifications of probe 1) Get span of probe Result: 118" *Omntec provided 10' probe 2) Add offset as per manufacturer's spec Result: 120" (=118" + 2" Omntec probe offset) 3) Divide offset adjusted probe span by number of thermistors + 1 to determine thermistor increment Result: 20" increment (=120"/6; 6=5 thermistors + 1 ) 4) Assign heights to thermistors 1-X as per manufacturer's numbering sequence Result: ThermistorHeight *Omntec Probe 1 20"
2 40"
3 60"
4 80"
S 100"
Exhibit C-Data Storage Requirements I. Fields to Store Surrounding Completion of each Instance of Reconciliation:
1 ) Request Time, as per Corporate Host 2) Number of Seconds in Request 3) Request Time, as per Site Host 4) Requester ID
5) Reconciliation Time, as per Site Host's time stamps 6) BranchID
7) Manifold ID(s) 8) Book Inventory per Manifold at Time of Reconciliation Gross Net 9) Physical Inventory per Manifold at Time of Reconciliation Gross Net Temp 10) Tolerance Factor Passed to Retail System 11) Retail System Turbulence Flag (Y/N) 12) Population Standard Deviation Statistic 13) Standard Deviation Tolerance Factor 14) Filtered Sample Size (# of Samples Remaining) 15) Filtered Sample Standard Deviation Statistic 16) Interim Sales Adjustment Gross Net 17) Summarized Sales Transaction Volume Per Dispenser From Last Reconciliation to Current Reconciliation Gross Net 18) Reported Delivery Detail (BOL # and Trip #) by Manifold from Last Reconciliation to Current Reconciliation Gross Net 19) Standard Height per Tank, per Manifold ID
20) Standard Temp per Tank, per Manifold ID
II. Required Duration of Storage 1) Raw measurement (Input) variables used for reconciliation (2 weeks) 2) Reconciliation result (Output) variables mentioned in requirement I
Online (6 Months) Archived (Indefinitely) Exhibit D-Exemplary Height to Volume Conversion Formulas Ex: 5.5" is greater than 5 but less than 9 so it would use the formula indicated by height S
Height Volume Inches Formula 0 2.6613x2 + 50.029x S 3.5x2 + 48.5x - 6 9 2.75x2 + 59.95x -50.35 13 2x2 + 78.6x - 167.7 17 2x2 + 79x - 174 21 1.5x2 + 99.1x - 377.5 25 1.25x2 + 112.05x - 545.45 29 x2 + 127x - 769 33 x2 + 127.4x - 781.3 37 0.75x2 + 145.95x - 1125.9 41 0.5x2 + 166.5x -45 0.5x2 + 166.5x -49 0.25x2 + 191.05x - 2150.7 53 7E-12x2 + 218x -57 0.25x2 + 189.45x 61 -0.25x2 + 249.35x - 3855.2 65 -0.25x2 + 249.55x - 3868.4 69 -0.5x2 + 283.5x -73 -0.75x2 + 320.45x - 6386.1 77 -x2 + 360x - 7949 81 -x2 + 361x - 8029 85 -x2 + 360.6x - 7994.9 89 -1.5x2 + 449.1x -93 -1.5x2 + 448.9x -97 -2x2 + 546x - 16608 101 -2x2 + 545.6x - 16567 105 -2.75x2 + 702.05x 109 -3.25x2 + 810.55x 113 -5x2 + 1204.4x -116 -12.5x2 + 2948.5x Exhibit E-Gross-To-Net Conversion Process /*<TOAD FILE CHUNK>*/
CREATE OR REPLACE PACKAGE lpm.TEMP_CORRECT AS
PROCEDURE GetVCFactor(API60 IN OUT NUMBER, DEGF IN OUT NUMBER, VCFC IN OUT NUMBER, IFLAG IN OUT NUMBER);
END TEMP CORRECT;
/*<TOAD FILE CHUNK>*/
CREATE OR REPLACE PACKAGE BODY lpm.TEMP_CORRECT AS
KOT NUMBER := 14890670;
FUNCTION SetCurveCoefficients( IAPI IN NUMBER, KO IN OUT NUMBER, K1 IN OUT NUMBER) RETURN NUMBER IS
NBP1 NUMBER := 370;
NBP2 NUMBER := 480;
NBP3 NUMBER := 520;
NBP4 NUMBER := 850;
-- COEFFICIENTS FOR DIESELS, HEATING OILS AND FUEL OILS
KOF NUMBER := 1038720;
K1F NUMBER := 2701;
-- COEFFICIENTS FOR JET FUELS, KEROSENES, AND SOLVENTS
KOJ NUMBER := 3303010;
K1J NUMBER := 0;
-- COEFFICIENTS FOR TRANSITION BETWEEN JETS AND GASOLINES
K1T NUMBER :_ -186840;
-- COEFFICIENTS FOR GASOLINES AND NAPHTHENES
KOG NUMBER := 1924571;
K1G NUMBER := 2438;
RC NUMBER := 0;
BEGIN
IF (IAPI - NBP 1 <= 0) THEN
KO := KOF;
K1 := K1F;
ELSIF (IAPI - NBP2 <= 0) THEN
KO := KOJ;
K1 := K1J;
ELSIF (IAPI - NBP3 <= 0) THEN
KO := KOT;
K1 := K1T;
ELSIF (IAPI - NBP4 <= 0) THEN
KO := KOG;
K1 := K1G;
ELSE
RC :=-l;
END IF;
RETURN RC;
END;
-- THIS MODULE CAN BE DESIGNED TO CALCULATE A DENSITY
-- VALUE FROM A GIVEN VALUE OF API BY THE FORMULA
-- RHO = 141.5*999.012/(API + 131.5) -- IN THIS EXEMPLARY CONFIGURATION IT IS ASSUMED THAT
-- THE API VALUE HAS BEEN ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST TENTH
-- DEGREE API AND THE VALUE MULTIPLIED BY 10. ALTHOUGH, -- OTHER CONFIGURATIONS CAN USE OTHER SCHEMES. THE
-- OUTPUT VALUE OF RHO CAN BE RETURNED
-- AS AN INTEGER AND ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST HUNDRETH
-- KILLOGRAM/CUBIC METRE.
-- THE VALUE 1413601980 REPRESENTS 141.5*999.012*10000 PROCEDURE RHOB(IAPI IN NUMBER, IRHO IN OUT NUMBER) IS
IDENOM NUMBER;
BEGIN
IDENOM := IAPI + 1315;
IRHO := TRUNC((( 1413601980/D~ENOM) + 5)110);
END ;
PROCEDURE SDNB(INUM IN NUMBER, IDENOM IN NUMBER, IRES IN OUT
NUMBER) IS
IRES 1 NUMBER;
IRES2 NUMBER;
BEGIN
IRES 1 := INUM / IDENOM;
IRES2 :_ (INUM - (IRES 1 * 117ENOM)) * 10000 / IDENOM;
IRES :_ (IRES 1 * 10000) + IRES2;
END;
PROCEDURE ALFPAB(IRHO IN NUMBER, KO IN NUMBER, Kl IN NUMBER, IALF IN OUT NUMBER) IS
INUM NUMBER;
IALF 1 NUMBER;
IALF2 NUMBER;
IALFS NUMBER;
BEGIN
INUM := K1 * 10000;
SDNB(INUM, IRHO, IALF 1 );
NUM := KO * 100;
SDNB(INUM, IRHO, IALFS);
SDNB(IALFS, IRHO, IALF2);
IALF := TRUNC((IALF1 + IALF2 + 500)/1000);
END;
PROCEDURE MPYB(IX IN NUMBER, IY IN NUMBER, IZ IN OUT NUMBER) IS
IU1 NUMBER;
K1 NUMBER;
N1 NUMBER;
IU2 NUMBER;
K2 NUMBER;
IV2 NUMBER;
K3 NUMBER;
BEGIN
ICT1 := IX / 10000;
Kl :=10000 * IU1;
IV1:=IX-K1;
ICT2 := IY / 10000;
K2 := 10000 * IU2;
N2 := IY - K2;
K3 := IU1 * IV2 + IU2 * N1 + N1 * N2 / 10000;
IZ := TRUNC((K3 + 5000) / 100000) + IU1 * IL12;
END;
PROCEDURE VCF6B(IALF IN NUMBER, IDT IN NUMBER, NCF IN OUT
NUMBER) IS
ITERM1 NUMBER;
ITERM2 NUMBER;
ITERM3 NUMBER;
IX NUMBER;
ISUM1 NUMBER;
ISUM2 NUMBER;
ISUM3 NUMBER;
ISUM4 NUMBER;
ISUMS NUMBER;
ISUM6 NUMBER;
BEGIN
ITERM 1 := IALF * IDT;
ITERM2 := ITERM 1 / S * 4;
MPYB(ITERM1, ITERM2, ITERM3);
ITERM3 := TRUNC(ITERM3);
IX :_ -1 * (ITERM1 + ITERM3);
ISUM1 := 100000000 + IX;
MPYB(IX, IX, ISUM2);
ISUM2 := ISUM2 / 2;
MPYB(IX, ISUM2, ISUM3);
ISUM3 := ISUM3 / 3;
MPYB(IX, ISUM3, ISUM4);
ISUM4 := ISUM4 / 4;
MPYB(IX, ISUM4, ISUMS);
ISUMS := ISUMS / 5;
MPYB(IX, ISUMS, ISUM6);
ISUM6 := ISUM6 / 6;
IVCF := ISUM1 + ISUM2 + ISUM3 + ISUM4 + ISUMS + ISUM6;
END;
PROCEDURE GetVCFactor(API60 IN OUT NUMBER, DEGF IN OUT NUMBER, VCFC IN OUT NUMBER, IFLAG IN OUT NUMBER) IS
IBP 1 NUMBER := 400;
IBP2 NUMBER := 500;
ITMP 1 NUMBER := 3000;
ITMP2 NUMBER := 2500;
ITMP3 NUMBER := 2000;
IBAS NUMBER := 600;
IEP1 NUMBER := 2500;
IEP2 NUMBER := 2000;
IEP3 NUMBER := 1500;
-- VARIABLES FOR ROUNDING INPUT PARAMETERS
IAPI NUMBER;
ITEMP NUMBER;
IDT NUMBER;
-- VARIABLES USED FOR CURVE COEFFICIENTS - SET BY
CONDITIONS
KO NUMBER;
Kl NUMBER;
IRHO NUMBER;
IRES NUMBER;
IALF 1 NUMBER;
IALF NUMBER;
IVCF NUMBER;
JVCF NUMBER;
PVCF NUMBER;
CVCF NUMBER;
VCFP NUMBER;
BEGIN
VCFC :_ -1;
-- ROUND INPUT PARAMETERS
IAPI := TRUNC((API60 * 10) + .5);
API60 := IAPI / 10;
ITEMP := TRUNC((DEGF * 10) + .5);
DEGF := ITEMP / 10;
IDT := ITEMP - IBAS;
IFLAG :=-1;
-- CHECK API RANGES
IF (IAPI < 0) THEN
-- IF API IS LESS THAN ZERO, RETURN
RETURN;
END IF;
-- DEFINE CURVE COEFFICIENTS
IF (SetCurveCoefficients( IAPI, K0, Kl) < 0) THEN
-- CURVE COEFFICIENTS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED, RETURN
RETURN;
END IF;
-- CHECK VALID TEMPERATURE RANGES
IF (ITEMP < 0) THEN
-- RETURN ON NEGATIVE TEMP
RETURN;
END IF;
IF (IAPI - IBP 1 <= 0) THEN
IF (ITEMP - ITMP 1 > 0) THEN
RETURN;
END IF;
ELSE
IF (IAPI - IBP2 <= 0) THEN
IF (ITEMP - ITMP2 > 0) THEN
RETURN;
ELSE
IF (ITEMP - ITMP3 > 0) THEN
RETURN;
END IF;
END IF;
END IF;
END IF;
-- CALCULATE RHO
RHOB(IAPI, IRHO);
-- CALCULATE ALPHA
IF (KO = KOT) THEN
-- CALCULATE ALPHA IN TRANSITION ZONE
SDIVB(K0, IRHO, IRES);
IRES := IRES * 10;
SDIVB(IRES, IRHO, IALF1);
IALF1 := TRUNC((IALF1 + 5)/10);
IALF := TRUNC((IALF1 + K1 + $)/10);
ELSE
ALFPAB(IRHO, K0, K1, IALF);
END IF;
-- CALCULATE VCF
VCF6B(IALF, IDT, IVCF);
IFLAG := 0;
-- CHECK TO DETERMINE IF IN EXTRAPOLATED REGION
IF (IAPI - IBP1 <= 0) THEN
IF (ITEMP - IEP1 > 0) THEN
IFLAG := 1;
END IF;
ELSE
IF (IAPI - IBP2 <= 0) THEN
IF (ITEMP - IEP2 > 0) THEN
IFLAG := 1;
END IF;
ELSE
IF (ITEMP - IEP3 >0) THEN
IFLAG := 1;
END IF;
END IF;
END IF;
JVCF := TRUNC(((IVCF / 1000) + 5) / 10);
PVCF := JVCF;
PVCF := PVCF / 10000;
IF (IVCF - 100000000) < 0 THEN
-- VCF LESS THAN ONE, FIVE DECIMALS RETURNED
JVCF := TRLTNC((IVCF / 100) + 5) / 10;
CVCF := TRUNC(JVCF);
CVCF := CVCF / 100000;
ELSE
CVCF := PVCF;
END IF;
VCFP := PVCF;
VCFC := CVCF;
END;
END TEMP CORRECT;
Exhibit F-Quick Read ATG Look-Up-Up I. Send Request to Retail System including:
1) Manifold Id(s) 2) Branch Id II. Receive quick read data from Retail System including:
1 ) Manifold Id(s) a) Tank Id(s) i) Gross Volume ii) Net Volume iii) Fuel Height iv) Water Height v) Fuel Temp vi) Ullage vii) Current Site Date and Time III. Example Request message to site to get the ATG tank level readout:
<TankReadReq>
<SetId>
Tank set Id (manifold id) of request 1 </SetId>
</TankReadReq>
Response message from site with tank level information:
<TankReadResp>
<Site>
5 Digit site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Current site date and time in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format </Time>
<TankSet>
<SetId>
Tank set id (manifold id) that this response is for.
</SetId>
<Tanks>
<Tank>
<Id>
Tank number </Id>
<Volume>
Tank volume </Volume>
<TCVolume>
Temperature corrected volume </TCVolume>
<Water>
Water level </Water>
<FuelHeight>
Fuel Height - float value </FuelHeight>
<Temp>
Temperature </Temp>
<Ullage>
Tank Ullage </L111age>
</Tank>
</Tanks>
</TankReadResp>
Exhibit G-Real-Time Reconciliation Request from Host (CIM) <FuelReconRequest>
<Site>
Digit site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Date/Time of request in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS: format </Time>
<SnapShotSpan>
Time span in seconds for snapshots </SnapShotSpan>
<SetId>
Tank set Id (manifold id) of request 1 </SetId>
<SetId>
Tank set Id (manifold id) of request 2 </S etId>
</FuelReconRequest>
Acknowledgement message back <FuelReconRequest>
<Resp>
OK
</Resp>
</FuelReconRequest>
Exhibit H-Real-Time Reconciliation Data Response from Local (Retail System) to Host (CIM) Fuel Reconciliation Response This message can be sent from the site back to corporate:
<FuelReconResp>
<Site>
5 Digit site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Date/Time of message sent in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format </Time>
<UOM>
This can be a three character value where:
Position 1 = Volume measurement - L (liters) or G (gallons), Position 2 = Height measurement - I (inches) or C (centimeters) Position 3 = Temperature measure - F (Fahrenheit) or C (Celsius) </UOM>
<StartSnapshot>
Beginning Date/Time of snapshots in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS
format </StartSnapshot>
<AmbTemp>
Ambient temperature (outside temperature) </AmbTemp>
<TankSet>
<SetId>
Tank set id (manifold id) that this response is for.
</SetId>
<FCode>
Fuel code in this tank set </FCode>
<Tanks>
<Tank>
<Id>
Tank number </Id>
<Water>
Water level </Water>
<FuelLvl>
<Fuel> This can be a tokenized string in the format of token:value~token:value. . .
where the tokens are:
TOKEN Meaning Lvl Fuel level H'ime Millisecond offset of snapshot, long o rote er value tTmp Temperatures, these can be positional, separated by a '/'. Temperature 1 can be L first, temperature 2 can be second, etc.
v For example:
1 56.98/56.99/57.01/54.05/55.05 34.66~Time:10023 ~Tmp:56.98/56.99/57.01/54.05/55.05 </Fuel>
</Tank>
</Tanks>
</TankSetId>
<Sales>
<Sale>
</FuelLvl>
<Pump>
Pump number </Pump>
<Temp>
Average temperature of sale </Temp>
<FuelRecs>
<Fuel>
This can be a tokenized string in the format of token:value~token:value. . .
where the tokens are:
TOKEN ~ Meanin Vol Fuel volume Time Millisecond offset of snapshot, long integer value -1 indicates that the sale has completed um in , but has not closed.
For example:
Vo1:34.66~Time: 10033 </Fuel>
</FuelRecs>
<Sale>
</Sales>
<ClosedSales>
<ClosedSale>
This can be a tokenized string in the format of token:value~token:value. . .
where the tokens are:
TOKEN Meanin Tank Non-blended product - tank number.
(example: Tank: l ) Blended Product - tanks and blend ratio separated by commas. Blend ratio is decimal value to apply to the first tank in string (example: Tank:1,2,0.6000 means tank 1 and tank 2 are blended with 60% being from tank 1 Time Transaction time in YYYY-MM-DD
HH:MM:SS format Inv Invoice number Vol Volume Tm Tem erature For example One tank:
Tank:2 ~Time:2004-OS-28 10:34:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 Blended tank:
Tank:4,6,0.6000~Time:2004-OS-28 10:34:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 </ClosedSale>
</ClosedSales>
</FuelReconR.esp>
Fuel Reconciliation error response This message can be sent from the site back to corporate <FuelReconR.esp>
<Site>
5 Digit site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Date/Time of message sent in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format </Time>
<Error>
Error message </Error>
</FuelReconResp>
Acknowledgement of response message:
This message can be sent from the web service back to the site.
<FuelReconResp>
<Resp>
OK
</Resp>
</FuelReconResp>
Exhibit I-Local (Retail System) Treatment of Reconciliation Request 1. Retail System Receives Reconciliation Request from C1M (see Exhibit G) 2. Retail System Views status on all transactions outstanding (i.e. not closed) 3. Retail System simultaneously generates base time-stamp and fires request for real-time data read on ATG, Temperature Probe, and Dispenser Totalizer Data Acquisition units, including the # of seconds for which to accumulate data.
4. Retail System Data Acquisition units retrieve request and request duration from Retail System PC and begin accumulating local time. Retail System Data Acquisition units respond to Retail System PC with measurement data. For example:
While Accummulated Local Time <= Request Duration Do Retail System Data Acquisition units continue to request measurement data from peripheral measurement devices, assigning the local accumulation to each End successive reading.
Retail System Data Acquisition units stop accumulating measurement readings.
Retail System Data Acquisition units report back to Retail System PC
with measurement reading and accumulated time offset from time of request receipt.
5. Retail System awaits measurement data from all Retail System Data Acquisition units. When all data is received Retail System adds offset times to base time-stamp.
6. Retail System reports data back to Host (CIM) Exhibit J-Variance Assignment Procedures The following describes some of the most common reasons for variance in the fuel reconciliation process. These can change or be added to as required.
Variance Reasons:
Loading: Calibration Incorrect Volume Pulser Tampering Measurement Pump Test Overnde Incorrect Density Measurement Incorrect Temperature Measurement Wrong Product Transporting:
Temperature Change Trailer Evaporation Trailer Leak Theft Delivery:
Delivery Evaporation Equipment Leak Product / Tank Mismatch Trailer Retain On Sight Storage:
Incorrect Tank Calibration Faulty Probe Temperature Change Tank Leak Tank Evaporation Theft On Sight Plumbing:
Temperature Change Plumbing Leak On Sight Dispensing:
Temperature Change Dispenser Leak Dispenser The system can isolate some of the variance sections from other sections thereby allowing more accurate determination of the correlation between variance and the true causes for that variance. For example: If a variance occurs during a time period in which no delivery has taken place, but fuel has been pumped, the process can rule out the "Loading", "Transporting" and "Delivery" sections for variance, so the process can more accurately correlate the variance to the "On Site" sections.
Furthermore, the system can measure the temperature of the product at every point of volume measurement, and make a correction adjustment to bring the volume into net terms. This can minimize the effect that temperature change can have on variance.
The system can also find a qualitative or a quantitative correlation between the variance and all of the variance factors. It can accomplish this using multiple regression analysis. This allows the system to be able to indicate if there is a leak in a fuel take, pluming or dispensers. It also allows the system to determine if a dispenser needs to be recalibrated, if someone is stealing fuel, or if a truck has a leak or holds back fuel during a delivery. This is just some of the useful information the CIM system can provide.
Exhibit K-Business Period Activity Isolation (Delivery / Non-Delivery) 1) The designed system allows for reconciliation to take place on demand, allowing the business using the invention and system to dictate the time of physical to book reconciliation. This can be accomplished accurately by rapidly reading:
-tank level measurements -tank product temperature at various strata layers -dispenser sales measurements and -dispenser temperature measurements To accomplish the above measurements, the system enters what has been dubbed as a "Rapid Read" mode, hitherto referred to as a "snapshot." Rapid Read mode is unique to and possible for because 1 ) the C1M system uses the Internet as a communication medium to tell the local Retail System exactly what tank manifold systems (includes plumbed tanks and dispenser) need to be measured and allows for process prioritization, drastically increasing focus of CPU power for gathering large quantities of raw data rapidly and 2) the local system allows for non-sale disturbing real-time reading of the interim dispensed quantity and temperature at each active dispenser, using an off the-shelf pulse counter, in one configuration, that can be read over a network communication wire.
In contrast, other systems cannot allow user/host-dictated (I.e. real-time) reconciliation to occur. Instead, it listens for an idle business period before taking what it dubs as "essential" simultaneous readings of both the tank and dispenser systems, which can be used for later reconciliation.
The differences in functionality are material in every sense where an on demand reconciliation would be desirable. For instance: succeeding a short delivery the system could notify the delivering driver to check his hauling vessel for retain prior to accepting his next dispatch instruction.
2) The system does not require that tank measurements and dispenser measurements be taken simultaneously, but rather a process has been developed and documented allowing for near simultaneous readings to be aligned to a common time stamp.
In contrast, some existing systems, for accuracy, take measurement readings simultaneously. Purportedly, the only way to accomplish this is to wait for an idle business time where there are no active sales on the manifold's dispensers as true simultaneous readings from the manifold system are not likely possible or repeatable when sales are occurnng.
3) The system allows for an on-demand reconciliation to be run as an appropriate consequence of classified events. These events include but are not limited to delivery prior authorization request (driver inputs BOL information and requests authorization to unload), delivery post authorization request (driver indicates unload completion and requests release from system so as to make available next dispatched load), and admin automated scheduled basis (daily cut-off period or other cycle as determined necessary).
The system can use the event triggering the reconciliation process to determine the business activities that took place from the prior request to that time (sales period w/o delivery, sales period w/delivery etc...) and thereby isolate reconciliation periods precisely.
In contrast, other systems rely on environmental conditions detected by the various measurement apparatus to detect a delivery (e.g. if the float rises significantly, then a delivery has been assumedly detected) and it cannot precisely isolate the pre-delivery sales period from the actual delivery period.
The differences in functionality are material in every instance where precise reconciliation period determination would be required. For instance, if theft occurred by removing product from the fuel system in an unaccountable manner, just prior to the delivery, existing systems would likely include the variance generated by that event in association with the delivery, where on the other hand, the present invention's on demand reconciliation capability would allow reconciliation to occur just prior to the delivery and absolutely vindicate the delivery process of any variance sourcing activities that took place prior to the delivery process.
4) The system allows both consideration of and where necessary provides actual temperature measurement for all points of physical measurement. The points of physical measurement can include:
-Loading Rack (Consideration of BOL) -Liquid Product Storage Tank -Fuel Dispenser There can be significant temperature change occurnng both during delivery to retail facility from load rack as well as from the liquid product storage tank to the fuel dispenser. To allow true reconciliation to occur, on net gallon terms, it is necessary to measure temperature in conjunction with every measurement of physical volume.
The present invention allows for temperature to be measured at the physical location of the dispenser meter wheel and to record the temperature multiple times during any sales transaction. This temperature has consistently shown in repeated tests to be different than both the temperature in the liquid storage tank as well as neighboring dispensers plumbed to the same liquid storage tank. The temperature readings of a dispensed sale are unique per sales transaction and are a function of at least the following variables:
-Tank Fluid Temperature -Surrounding Ground Temperature -Pipe Wall Thickness -Pipe Wall Material -Proximity of Dispenser Skirt Relative to Rays of the Sun -Ambient Air Temperature -Fluid Flow Rate -Duration of Time Since Last Transaction The present invention allows the temperature to be measured in conjunction with the sale yet it does not have to apply the temperature correction to the retail sale-It can report the gross volume of the sale and the temperature corrected net volume of the sale separately.
In contrast, many existing systems take the average of the temperature in the tank at the beginning of the transaction and the temperature of the tank at the end of the transaction and to assign that average to the sale.
The inadequate dispenser temperature assignment method used in existing systems would result in reconciliation variance because the gross to net conversion of each book-adjusting sale would be performed with a temperature different than that of the product passing through the dispenser meter housing (i.e. the point of measurement).
This problem would be magnified where volume throughput is high.
Exhibit L-Maintenance of Net Volume Book Balance Each transaction that transpires is converted to net 60 degree Fahrenheit volume terms before adjusting the Net book balance.
I. Sales Transactions records (See Exhibit N) include gross volume, manifold id and temperature. The ASTM provided Gross to Net conversion (See Exhibit E) formula is used to reference Gross to Net conversion factor, which is multiplied by the gross volume to arrive at Net Volume.
II. Delivery Transaction records (See Exhibit U) include gross volume, manifold id, temperature, and even include, as per the BOL, the Net Volume.
III. Reconciliation variances are computed as the difference between the Net Book Volume and the Net Physical volume. The variance calculated can be considered a Net Variance and it can be added to the Net Book Volume.
Exhibit M-On-Site Data Accumulation Methods RF Wireless Unit Exhibit N-Sales Transaction Record Format (Including Temperature) <ClosedSales>
<ClosedSale>
This can be a tokenized string in the format of token:value~token:value. . .
where the tokens are:
TOKEN Meanin Tank Non-blended product - tank number.
(example: Tank:l) Blended Product - tanks and blend ratio separated by commas. Blend ratio is decimal value to apply to the first tank in string (example: Tank:1,2,0.6000 means tank 1 and tank 2 are blended with 60% being from tank 1 ) Time Transaction time in YYYY-MM-DD
HH:MM:SS format Inv Invoice number Vol Volume r Tmp ( Temperature For example One tank:Tank:2~Time:2004-OS-28 10:34:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 Blended tank:Tank:4,6,0.6000~Time:2004-OS-28 10:34:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 </ClosedSale>
</ClosedSales>
Exhibit O -Local to Host Alarm Communication This message can be sent from the site back to corporate:
<TankAlarm>
<Site>
Site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Date/Time of message sent in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format </Time>
<Alarms>
<Alarm>
<Category>
Category of alarm </Category>
<Number>
Id number of alarm </Number>
<S ensorNum>
Sensor number or tank </SensorNum>
<OccurDts>
Time alarm occurred </OccurDts>
</Alarm>
<Alarm>
<Category>
Category of alarm </Category>
<Number>
Id number of alarm </Number>
<SensorNum>
Sensor number or tank </SensorNum>
<OccurDts>
Time alarm occurred </OccurDts>
</Alarm>
</Alarms>
</TankAlarm>
Acknowledgement of Alarm notification:
<TankAlarm>
<Resp>
Exhibit P-Reconciliation Data Report Example 05001 BB Branch: Manifold:
Fuel Reconciliation Data TABLE REQUEST TIME DURATION ACK MESSAGE INV TIME PHYSICAL INV
PROBE_REQUEST 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41 2 Y 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40.114 13759.91939 BOOK INV
111960.3298 TABLE TANK TEMPERATURE TURBULANCE
TANK READING 4 67.74 N
TABLE PUMP READING_TIME TEMPERATURE QUANTITY TRAN TYPE
INTERIM SALE 14 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:013000 0 .55 O
INTERIM .SALE 14 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:036000 0 .55 O
INTERIM_VSALE 8 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:064000 0 12.38 O
INTERIM SALE 8 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:066000 0 12.38 O
INTERIM_~SALE 9 28-DEC-2004 11:37:39:999000 0 5.593 C
TABLE TANK READING_TIME LEVEL_TYPE HEIGTH
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:000000 W .22 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 S 76.53 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:114000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:120000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:126000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:132000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:138000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:144000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:389000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:395000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:401000 F 76.5 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:407000 F 76.5 TANK_'LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:413000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:419000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:533000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:539000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:545000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:551000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:557000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:563000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:679000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:685000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:691000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:697000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:703000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:709000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:826000 F 76.5 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:832000 F 76.5 05001 BB Branch: Manifold:
Fuel Reconciliation Data TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:838000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:844000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:850000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:856000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:970000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:976000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:982000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:988000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:994000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:000000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:116000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:122000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:128000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:134000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:140000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:146000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:263000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:269000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:275000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:281000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:287000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:293000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:408000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:414000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:420000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:426000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:432000 F 76.52 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:438000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:553000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:559000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:565000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:571000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:577000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:583000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:698000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:704000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:710000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:716000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:722000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:728000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:845000 F 76.52 05001 BB Branch: Manifold:
Fuel Reconciliation Data TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:851000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:857000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:863000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:869000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:875000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:990000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:996000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:002000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:008000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:014000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:020000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:135000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:141000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:147000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:153000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:159000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:165000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:282000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:288000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:294000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:300000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:306000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:312000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:428000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:434000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:440000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:446000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:452000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:458000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:572000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:578000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:584000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:590000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:596000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:602000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:718000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:724000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:730000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:736000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:742000 F 76.53 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:748000 F 76.53 05001 BB Branch: Manifold:
Fuel Reconciliation Data TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:865000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:871000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:877000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:883000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:889000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:895000 F 76.51 TABLE TANK READING TIME SENSOR TEMPERAT
TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 1 59.01 TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 2 59.04 TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 3 59.01 TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 4 59.29 TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 5 59.6 TABLE DATE INVOICE_NBR TEMPERATURE QUANTITY BLEND RATIO
TANK
CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 08:06:24 00164036 71.42 87.509 1 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:19:29 00164445 0 7.462 .6 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:19:29 00164445 0 7.462 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:19:47 00164446 69.32 124.495 1 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:20:16 00164448 60 8.025 1 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:20:29 00164449 60 10.066 1 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:18 00164444 0 20.725 .6 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:18 00164444 0 20.725 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:19 00164442 71.42 110.892 1 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:20 00164451 0 8.594 .6 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:20 00164451 0 8.594 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:38 00164447 80.13 9.657 1 3 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:27:45 00164463 60 18.377 1 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:28:18 00164465 60 16.772 1 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:28:58 00164472 0 7.62 .6 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:28:58 00164472 0 7.62 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:30:21 00164470 60 10.082 1 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:30:32 00164471 0 17.093 .6 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:30:32 00164471 0 17.093 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:30:35 00164469 60 22.776 1 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:32:45 00164485 60 5.593 1 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:35:14 00164487 0 12.871 .6 4 CLOSED!_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:35:14 00164487 0 12.871 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:35:42 00164489 0 11.721 .6 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:35:42 00164489 0 11.721 .4 S
CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:19 00164493 60 6.527 1 4 Exhibit Q-Tank Strapping Procedure or Process Preparation I. User orders dispenser calibration service II. User validates completion of dispenser calibration III. User validates completion of hardware/software configuration at retail branch N. User notifies drivers/on-site personnel that no deliveries are allowed until strapping completion Stra~pin~~ Procedure V. User identifies:
Branch ID
Manifold ID
Max Time Span Min Volume Volume Increment Volume Unit of Measure (UOM) VI. User initiates strapping data collection VII. Host computer (CIM) uses the following process to accumulate the strapping data:
""Create Variables Time Span: DatelTime Time: Date/Time Min_Volume: Float Book_Volume: Float Volume_Increment: Float Accum_Volume: Float UOM: Char Tank_Height Deviation: Float Deviation Threshold: Float ""Strapping Data Collection While Time <= Time_Span Do Update Book Volume While Book_Volume ~=Min_Volume Do Update Accum Volume If Accum_Volume >=Volume_Increment Then Run and Store Quick Read Samples (See Exhibit F) Calculate Tank_Height Deviation from Samples If Tank_Height_Deviation <= Deviation Threshold Then Run Reconciliation (See Exhibit A,G,H) Store X:Y(Gross Manifold Vol:Temperature Corrected (See Else While End While End Variance) ""Correct to Avg Manifold Temperature Exhibit S) Reset Accum_Volume Else Reset Accum Volume Break IIV. Host computer (CIM) notifies user of strapping data collection completion N. User Notifies drivers/onsite personnel that deliveries can commence V. User views strapping data results and resulting calibration formulas (Manifold Level) VI. User edits results if necessary VII. User commits calibration formulas Exhibit R-Exemplary Hardware Requirements I. Inventory Measurement Device The device needs to be able to provide either of the following sets of data:
1. Mass Only with Representative Time Stamp OR
2. Volume and Temperature, both with Representative Time Stamp II. Transfer Measurement Device The device needs to be able to measure inventory transfer at either input side or output side or both. It must provide either of the following sets of data:
1. Mass only with Representative Time Stamp OR.
2. Volume and Temperature, both with Representative Time Stamp III. Communication Medium The devices utilized must be able to communicate the measurement readings electronically, in a format readable by either the Local, or the Host system.
Exhibit S-Tank Strapping Temperature Correction Treatment It is desirable to append the temperature of the fuel tank manifold along with the temperature of the fuel being dispensed to every sales transaction, during the Tank Strapping process. This can be done so the gallons dispensed can be converted to what they would have been at the tank temperature. This method can minimize any bias in the tank strapping curve, and therefore increase the accuracy of the system.
The following describes an exemplary process to accomplish this.
1 ) When the Tank Strapping process is started a period inventory temperature can be calculated, by averaging the temperature from the prior and current reconciliations.
The derived period inventory temperature can be used to temperature-correct each interim sales transaction to the same temperature as what prevailed in the inventory tanks. This can be done using only the thermistors in the tanks that are below the fuel level (see Exhibit A). These are the only thermistors used because any thermistor above the fuel level would be air temperature, which could be different from the fuel temperature.
2) As fuel is dispensed each transaction can be accompanied by temperature of the fuel at the point of measurement in the fuel dispenser.
3) When the reported sales volumes (Accum Volume in Exhibit Q) reaches the next incremental threshold volume (Volume,Increment in Exhibit Q), then the total manifold volume can be converted to net volume terms, using an ASTM certified method, to obtain a conversion factor for converting volume at tank temperature to equivalent volume at 60°F. For example:
Measured: Gross_Volume = 10,000 gallons, Temperature = 73°F, API
Gravity = 57.5 Calculated: API Gravity at 60°F = 55.9, Conversion Factor = .9914, Net_Volume = Conversion_Factor * Gross_Volume 9914 = .9914 * 10,000 4) The process can do a similar calculation to convert each transaction volume dispensed into net 60°F terms. Then the process can take the sum of the net volume dispensed, and divide it by the tank conversion factor used to bring the tank inventory to net 60°F terms. The result is dispensed volume temperature corrected to prevailing tank temperature. For example:
Calculated:
Net Disp Vol = 500 Tank_Conversion_Factor = .9914 Disp Vol_at_Tank_Temp = Net_Disp Vol / Tank_Conversion_Factor 504.34 = 500 / .9914 Disp Vol at~Tank_Temp = 504.34 5) It is the Disp Vol_at_Tank_Temp that the system can use to subtract from our previous tank volume to calculate our calibrated_volume (see Exhibit T).
6) Each time Accum_Volume reaches the Volume_Increment amount a new manifold temperature can be measured, and an average temperature can be calculated between this current measurement and the previous manifold temperature. This process can be repeated until the Tank Strapping Process (see Exhibit Q) is complete.
Exhibit T - Tank Strapping Calculations 1) Assume manufacturer's height vs. volume chart is correct when tank is approximately 90% filled. In other words, the variance is zero. Example:
Manufacturer's Chart Calibrated Chart Hei t Volume Hei t Volume 108" 19122 108" 19122 2) Then the fuel reconciliation process can be started (see Exhibit Q).
3) When the next volume measurement is received, (i.e. after the predefine amount of fuel has been dispensed.) the process can then calculate the variance from our "expected" volume based on the manufacturer's charts.
Below are the formulas used to calculate variance. All volumes are adjusted to the average manifold temperature (see Exhibit S).
Gross_volume from chart-readings = expected_volume Gross_Initial_volume - dispensed_volume = calibrated_volume Calibrated volume - expected volume = variance 4) The variance can be calculated every time a new volume measurement is received from the Tank Strapping Process. For example: a measurement can be received for every hundred gallons of fuel dispensed.
5) When all volume and variance measurements have been calculated then the process can plot the volume vs. the variance and the volume vs. height relationships.
Example: The initial volume vs. height graph when tank is tilted.
Another alternate configuration of the methods and processes of identifying variances between a manufacturer's strapping chart and the actual measured physical volume based upon the orientation and configuration of the tank is described hereinafter.
1) Start the Tank Calibration Procedure (see Exhibit Q). Note: After appropriate hardware and software installations and dispenser calibrations, this process may be started and run without interruption of sales or delivery transactions.
2) Assume that the manufacturer's height vs. volume chart is correct at the highest point for which we have obtained a measurement during the Tank Calibration process. In other words, the variance is zero at that point.
Example:
Manufacturer's Chart Calibrated Chart Hei t Volume Hei t Volume 108" 19122 108" 19122 3) The Tank Calibration Process contains a function which continually queries the system database to determine if the predefine amount of fuel has been dispensed. When the dispensed volume is greater than or equal to the volume increment (see Exhibit Q) the system will perform a fuel reconciliation which will calculate the variance from the expected volume based on the manufacturer's charts. It will also calculate accumulated variance associated to a specific manifold volume. Below are the formulas used to calculate variance and accumulated variance. All volumes are adjusted to the average manifold temperature (see Exhibit S).
expected volume = Gross volume_from chart_readings calibrated volume = Gross Initial volume - dispensed volume variance = calibrated volume - expected_volume accum variance = accum variance + variance 4) The variance is measured and added to the accumulated variance every time a new volume measurement is received from the Tank Calibration Process.
Thus, for every volume measurement we have an associated accumulated variance that we will store and plot.
5) Every time a delivery occurs during the calibration process, the system will perform another fuel reconciliation. This gives us a new starting point in which we set the accumulated variance to zero, however we don't use this point in the plot of the calibration curve. Then we continue with steps three and four until the calibration process is finish, or another delivery is made.
Any time a fuel reconciliation is ran and the volume is greater than the previous reconciliation's volume, then a delivery has occurred.
Exhibit U-BOL Delivery Record Format The Bill of Lading information captured per each delivery instance includes:
Route Start Time Route End Time Freight Bill #
Truck #
Trailer 1 #
Trailer 2 #
Trailer 3 #
Customer Name Customer ID
Supplier Name Supplier ID
Ship From Name Ship From ID
Ship To Name Ship To ID
BOL Date BOL Start Time BOL End Time Wait Time Supplier BOL
BOL Product Name BOL Product ID
BOL Gross Volume BOL Net Volume BOL Volume UOM
BOL Density BOL Density UOM
BOL Temperature BOL Temp UOM
Retail Product Name Retail Product ID
[0161] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
II. Required Duration of Storage 1) Raw measurement (Input) variables used for reconciliation (2 weeks) 2) Reconciliation result (Output) variables mentioned in requirement I
Online (6 Months) Archived (Indefinitely) Exhibit D-Exemplary Height to Volume Conversion Formulas Ex: 5.5" is greater than 5 but less than 9 so it would use the formula indicated by height S
Height Volume Inches Formula 0 2.6613x2 + 50.029x S 3.5x2 + 48.5x - 6 9 2.75x2 + 59.95x -50.35 13 2x2 + 78.6x - 167.7 17 2x2 + 79x - 174 21 1.5x2 + 99.1x - 377.5 25 1.25x2 + 112.05x - 545.45 29 x2 + 127x - 769 33 x2 + 127.4x - 781.3 37 0.75x2 + 145.95x - 1125.9 41 0.5x2 + 166.5x -45 0.5x2 + 166.5x -49 0.25x2 + 191.05x - 2150.7 53 7E-12x2 + 218x -57 0.25x2 + 189.45x 61 -0.25x2 + 249.35x - 3855.2 65 -0.25x2 + 249.55x - 3868.4 69 -0.5x2 + 283.5x -73 -0.75x2 + 320.45x - 6386.1 77 -x2 + 360x - 7949 81 -x2 + 361x - 8029 85 -x2 + 360.6x - 7994.9 89 -1.5x2 + 449.1x -93 -1.5x2 + 448.9x -97 -2x2 + 546x - 16608 101 -2x2 + 545.6x - 16567 105 -2.75x2 + 702.05x 109 -3.25x2 + 810.55x 113 -5x2 + 1204.4x -116 -12.5x2 + 2948.5x Exhibit E-Gross-To-Net Conversion Process /*<TOAD FILE CHUNK>*/
CREATE OR REPLACE PACKAGE lpm.TEMP_CORRECT AS
PROCEDURE GetVCFactor(API60 IN OUT NUMBER, DEGF IN OUT NUMBER, VCFC IN OUT NUMBER, IFLAG IN OUT NUMBER);
END TEMP CORRECT;
/*<TOAD FILE CHUNK>*/
CREATE OR REPLACE PACKAGE BODY lpm.TEMP_CORRECT AS
KOT NUMBER := 14890670;
FUNCTION SetCurveCoefficients( IAPI IN NUMBER, KO IN OUT NUMBER, K1 IN OUT NUMBER) RETURN NUMBER IS
NBP1 NUMBER := 370;
NBP2 NUMBER := 480;
NBP3 NUMBER := 520;
NBP4 NUMBER := 850;
-- COEFFICIENTS FOR DIESELS, HEATING OILS AND FUEL OILS
KOF NUMBER := 1038720;
K1F NUMBER := 2701;
-- COEFFICIENTS FOR JET FUELS, KEROSENES, AND SOLVENTS
KOJ NUMBER := 3303010;
K1J NUMBER := 0;
-- COEFFICIENTS FOR TRANSITION BETWEEN JETS AND GASOLINES
K1T NUMBER :_ -186840;
-- COEFFICIENTS FOR GASOLINES AND NAPHTHENES
KOG NUMBER := 1924571;
K1G NUMBER := 2438;
RC NUMBER := 0;
BEGIN
IF (IAPI - NBP 1 <= 0) THEN
KO := KOF;
K1 := K1F;
ELSIF (IAPI - NBP2 <= 0) THEN
KO := KOJ;
K1 := K1J;
ELSIF (IAPI - NBP3 <= 0) THEN
KO := KOT;
K1 := K1T;
ELSIF (IAPI - NBP4 <= 0) THEN
KO := KOG;
K1 := K1G;
ELSE
RC :=-l;
END IF;
RETURN RC;
END;
-- THIS MODULE CAN BE DESIGNED TO CALCULATE A DENSITY
-- VALUE FROM A GIVEN VALUE OF API BY THE FORMULA
-- RHO = 141.5*999.012/(API + 131.5) -- IN THIS EXEMPLARY CONFIGURATION IT IS ASSUMED THAT
-- THE API VALUE HAS BEEN ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST TENTH
-- DEGREE API AND THE VALUE MULTIPLIED BY 10. ALTHOUGH, -- OTHER CONFIGURATIONS CAN USE OTHER SCHEMES. THE
-- OUTPUT VALUE OF RHO CAN BE RETURNED
-- AS AN INTEGER AND ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST HUNDRETH
-- KILLOGRAM/CUBIC METRE.
-- THE VALUE 1413601980 REPRESENTS 141.5*999.012*10000 PROCEDURE RHOB(IAPI IN NUMBER, IRHO IN OUT NUMBER) IS
IDENOM NUMBER;
BEGIN
IDENOM := IAPI + 1315;
IRHO := TRUNC((( 1413601980/D~ENOM) + 5)110);
END ;
PROCEDURE SDNB(INUM IN NUMBER, IDENOM IN NUMBER, IRES IN OUT
NUMBER) IS
IRES 1 NUMBER;
IRES2 NUMBER;
BEGIN
IRES 1 := INUM / IDENOM;
IRES2 :_ (INUM - (IRES 1 * 117ENOM)) * 10000 / IDENOM;
IRES :_ (IRES 1 * 10000) + IRES2;
END;
PROCEDURE ALFPAB(IRHO IN NUMBER, KO IN NUMBER, Kl IN NUMBER, IALF IN OUT NUMBER) IS
INUM NUMBER;
IALF 1 NUMBER;
IALF2 NUMBER;
IALFS NUMBER;
BEGIN
INUM := K1 * 10000;
SDNB(INUM, IRHO, IALF 1 );
NUM := KO * 100;
SDNB(INUM, IRHO, IALFS);
SDNB(IALFS, IRHO, IALF2);
IALF := TRUNC((IALF1 + IALF2 + 500)/1000);
END;
PROCEDURE MPYB(IX IN NUMBER, IY IN NUMBER, IZ IN OUT NUMBER) IS
IU1 NUMBER;
K1 NUMBER;
N1 NUMBER;
IU2 NUMBER;
K2 NUMBER;
IV2 NUMBER;
K3 NUMBER;
BEGIN
ICT1 := IX / 10000;
Kl :=10000 * IU1;
IV1:=IX-K1;
ICT2 := IY / 10000;
K2 := 10000 * IU2;
N2 := IY - K2;
K3 := IU1 * IV2 + IU2 * N1 + N1 * N2 / 10000;
IZ := TRUNC((K3 + 5000) / 100000) + IU1 * IL12;
END;
PROCEDURE VCF6B(IALF IN NUMBER, IDT IN NUMBER, NCF IN OUT
NUMBER) IS
ITERM1 NUMBER;
ITERM2 NUMBER;
ITERM3 NUMBER;
IX NUMBER;
ISUM1 NUMBER;
ISUM2 NUMBER;
ISUM3 NUMBER;
ISUM4 NUMBER;
ISUMS NUMBER;
ISUM6 NUMBER;
BEGIN
ITERM 1 := IALF * IDT;
ITERM2 := ITERM 1 / S * 4;
MPYB(ITERM1, ITERM2, ITERM3);
ITERM3 := TRUNC(ITERM3);
IX :_ -1 * (ITERM1 + ITERM3);
ISUM1 := 100000000 + IX;
MPYB(IX, IX, ISUM2);
ISUM2 := ISUM2 / 2;
MPYB(IX, ISUM2, ISUM3);
ISUM3 := ISUM3 / 3;
MPYB(IX, ISUM3, ISUM4);
ISUM4 := ISUM4 / 4;
MPYB(IX, ISUM4, ISUMS);
ISUMS := ISUMS / 5;
MPYB(IX, ISUMS, ISUM6);
ISUM6 := ISUM6 / 6;
IVCF := ISUM1 + ISUM2 + ISUM3 + ISUM4 + ISUMS + ISUM6;
END;
PROCEDURE GetVCFactor(API60 IN OUT NUMBER, DEGF IN OUT NUMBER, VCFC IN OUT NUMBER, IFLAG IN OUT NUMBER) IS
IBP 1 NUMBER := 400;
IBP2 NUMBER := 500;
ITMP 1 NUMBER := 3000;
ITMP2 NUMBER := 2500;
ITMP3 NUMBER := 2000;
IBAS NUMBER := 600;
IEP1 NUMBER := 2500;
IEP2 NUMBER := 2000;
IEP3 NUMBER := 1500;
-- VARIABLES FOR ROUNDING INPUT PARAMETERS
IAPI NUMBER;
ITEMP NUMBER;
IDT NUMBER;
-- VARIABLES USED FOR CURVE COEFFICIENTS - SET BY
CONDITIONS
KO NUMBER;
Kl NUMBER;
IRHO NUMBER;
IRES NUMBER;
IALF 1 NUMBER;
IALF NUMBER;
IVCF NUMBER;
JVCF NUMBER;
PVCF NUMBER;
CVCF NUMBER;
VCFP NUMBER;
BEGIN
VCFC :_ -1;
-- ROUND INPUT PARAMETERS
IAPI := TRUNC((API60 * 10) + .5);
API60 := IAPI / 10;
ITEMP := TRUNC((DEGF * 10) + .5);
DEGF := ITEMP / 10;
IDT := ITEMP - IBAS;
IFLAG :=-1;
-- CHECK API RANGES
IF (IAPI < 0) THEN
-- IF API IS LESS THAN ZERO, RETURN
RETURN;
END IF;
-- DEFINE CURVE COEFFICIENTS
IF (SetCurveCoefficients( IAPI, K0, Kl) < 0) THEN
-- CURVE COEFFICIENTS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED, RETURN
RETURN;
END IF;
-- CHECK VALID TEMPERATURE RANGES
IF (ITEMP < 0) THEN
-- RETURN ON NEGATIVE TEMP
RETURN;
END IF;
IF (IAPI - IBP 1 <= 0) THEN
IF (ITEMP - ITMP 1 > 0) THEN
RETURN;
END IF;
ELSE
IF (IAPI - IBP2 <= 0) THEN
IF (ITEMP - ITMP2 > 0) THEN
RETURN;
ELSE
IF (ITEMP - ITMP3 > 0) THEN
RETURN;
END IF;
END IF;
END IF;
END IF;
-- CALCULATE RHO
RHOB(IAPI, IRHO);
-- CALCULATE ALPHA
IF (KO = KOT) THEN
-- CALCULATE ALPHA IN TRANSITION ZONE
SDIVB(K0, IRHO, IRES);
IRES := IRES * 10;
SDIVB(IRES, IRHO, IALF1);
IALF1 := TRUNC((IALF1 + 5)/10);
IALF := TRUNC((IALF1 + K1 + $)/10);
ELSE
ALFPAB(IRHO, K0, K1, IALF);
END IF;
-- CALCULATE VCF
VCF6B(IALF, IDT, IVCF);
IFLAG := 0;
-- CHECK TO DETERMINE IF IN EXTRAPOLATED REGION
IF (IAPI - IBP1 <= 0) THEN
IF (ITEMP - IEP1 > 0) THEN
IFLAG := 1;
END IF;
ELSE
IF (IAPI - IBP2 <= 0) THEN
IF (ITEMP - IEP2 > 0) THEN
IFLAG := 1;
END IF;
ELSE
IF (ITEMP - IEP3 >0) THEN
IFLAG := 1;
END IF;
END IF;
END IF;
JVCF := TRUNC(((IVCF / 1000) + 5) / 10);
PVCF := JVCF;
PVCF := PVCF / 10000;
IF (IVCF - 100000000) < 0 THEN
-- VCF LESS THAN ONE, FIVE DECIMALS RETURNED
JVCF := TRLTNC((IVCF / 100) + 5) / 10;
CVCF := TRUNC(JVCF);
CVCF := CVCF / 100000;
ELSE
CVCF := PVCF;
END IF;
VCFP := PVCF;
VCFC := CVCF;
END;
END TEMP CORRECT;
Exhibit F-Quick Read ATG Look-Up-Up I. Send Request to Retail System including:
1) Manifold Id(s) 2) Branch Id II. Receive quick read data from Retail System including:
1 ) Manifold Id(s) a) Tank Id(s) i) Gross Volume ii) Net Volume iii) Fuel Height iv) Water Height v) Fuel Temp vi) Ullage vii) Current Site Date and Time III. Example Request message to site to get the ATG tank level readout:
<TankReadReq>
<SetId>
Tank set Id (manifold id) of request 1 </SetId>
</TankReadReq>
Response message from site with tank level information:
<TankReadResp>
<Site>
5 Digit site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Current site date and time in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format </Time>
<TankSet>
<SetId>
Tank set id (manifold id) that this response is for.
</SetId>
<Tanks>
<Tank>
<Id>
Tank number </Id>
<Volume>
Tank volume </Volume>
<TCVolume>
Temperature corrected volume </TCVolume>
<Water>
Water level </Water>
<FuelHeight>
Fuel Height - float value </FuelHeight>
<Temp>
Temperature </Temp>
<Ullage>
Tank Ullage </L111age>
</Tank>
</Tanks>
</TankReadResp>
Exhibit G-Real-Time Reconciliation Request from Host (CIM) <FuelReconRequest>
<Site>
Digit site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Date/Time of request in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS: format </Time>
<SnapShotSpan>
Time span in seconds for snapshots </SnapShotSpan>
<SetId>
Tank set Id (manifold id) of request 1 </SetId>
<SetId>
Tank set Id (manifold id) of request 2 </S etId>
</FuelReconRequest>
Acknowledgement message back <FuelReconRequest>
<Resp>
OK
</Resp>
</FuelReconRequest>
Exhibit H-Real-Time Reconciliation Data Response from Local (Retail System) to Host (CIM) Fuel Reconciliation Response This message can be sent from the site back to corporate:
<FuelReconResp>
<Site>
5 Digit site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Date/Time of message sent in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format </Time>
<UOM>
This can be a three character value where:
Position 1 = Volume measurement - L (liters) or G (gallons), Position 2 = Height measurement - I (inches) or C (centimeters) Position 3 = Temperature measure - F (Fahrenheit) or C (Celsius) </UOM>
<StartSnapshot>
Beginning Date/Time of snapshots in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS
format </StartSnapshot>
<AmbTemp>
Ambient temperature (outside temperature) </AmbTemp>
<TankSet>
<SetId>
Tank set id (manifold id) that this response is for.
</SetId>
<FCode>
Fuel code in this tank set </FCode>
<Tanks>
<Tank>
<Id>
Tank number </Id>
<Water>
Water level </Water>
<FuelLvl>
<Fuel> This can be a tokenized string in the format of token:value~token:value. . .
where the tokens are:
TOKEN Meaning Lvl Fuel level H'ime Millisecond offset of snapshot, long o rote er value tTmp Temperatures, these can be positional, separated by a '/'. Temperature 1 can be L first, temperature 2 can be second, etc.
v For example:
1 56.98/56.99/57.01/54.05/55.05 34.66~Time:10023 ~Tmp:56.98/56.99/57.01/54.05/55.05 </Fuel>
</Tank>
</Tanks>
</TankSetId>
<Sales>
<Sale>
</FuelLvl>
<Pump>
Pump number </Pump>
<Temp>
Average temperature of sale </Temp>
<FuelRecs>
<Fuel>
This can be a tokenized string in the format of token:value~token:value. . .
where the tokens are:
TOKEN ~ Meanin Vol Fuel volume Time Millisecond offset of snapshot, long integer value -1 indicates that the sale has completed um in , but has not closed.
For example:
Vo1:34.66~Time: 10033 </Fuel>
</FuelRecs>
<Sale>
</Sales>
<ClosedSales>
<ClosedSale>
This can be a tokenized string in the format of token:value~token:value. . .
where the tokens are:
TOKEN Meanin Tank Non-blended product - tank number.
(example: Tank: l ) Blended Product - tanks and blend ratio separated by commas. Blend ratio is decimal value to apply to the first tank in string (example: Tank:1,2,0.6000 means tank 1 and tank 2 are blended with 60% being from tank 1 Time Transaction time in YYYY-MM-DD
HH:MM:SS format Inv Invoice number Vol Volume Tm Tem erature For example One tank:
Tank:2 ~Time:2004-OS-28 10:34:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 Blended tank:
Tank:4,6,0.6000~Time:2004-OS-28 10:34:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 </ClosedSale>
</ClosedSales>
</FuelReconR.esp>
Fuel Reconciliation error response This message can be sent from the site back to corporate <FuelReconR.esp>
<Site>
5 Digit site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Date/Time of message sent in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format </Time>
<Error>
Error message </Error>
</FuelReconResp>
Acknowledgement of response message:
This message can be sent from the web service back to the site.
<FuelReconResp>
<Resp>
OK
</Resp>
</FuelReconResp>
Exhibit I-Local (Retail System) Treatment of Reconciliation Request 1. Retail System Receives Reconciliation Request from C1M (see Exhibit G) 2. Retail System Views status on all transactions outstanding (i.e. not closed) 3. Retail System simultaneously generates base time-stamp and fires request for real-time data read on ATG, Temperature Probe, and Dispenser Totalizer Data Acquisition units, including the # of seconds for which to accumulate data.
4. Retail System Data Acquisition units retrieve request and request duration from Retail System PC and begin accumulating local time. Retail System Data Acquisition units respond to Retail System PC with measurement data. For example:
While Accummulated Local Time <= Request Duration Do Retail System Data Acquisition units continue to request measurement data from peripheral measurement devices, assigning the local accumulation to each End successive reading.
Retail System Data Acquisition units stop accumulating measurement readings.
Retail System Data Acquisition units report back to Retail System PC
with measurement reading and accumulated time offset from time of request receipt.
5. Retail System awaits measurement data from all Retail System Data Acquisition units. When all data is received Retail System adds offset times to base time-stamp.
6. Retail System reports data back to Host (CIM) Exhibit J-Variance Assignment Procedures The following describes some of the most common reasons for variance in the fuel reconciliation process. These can change or be added to as required.
Variance Reasons:
Loading: Calibration Incorrect Volume Pulser Tampering Measurement Pump Test Overnde Incorrect Density Measurement Incorrect Temperature Measurement Wrong Product Transporting:
Temperature Change Trailer Evaporation Trailer Leak Theft Delivery:
Delivery Evaporation Equipment Leak Product / Tank Mismatch Trailer Retain On Sight Storage:
Incorrect Tank Calibration Faulty Probe Temperature Change Tank Leak Tank Evaporation Theft On Sight Plumbing:
Temperature Change Plumbing Leak On Sight Dispensing:
Temperature Change Dispenser Leak Dispenser The system can isolate some of the variance sections from other sections thereby allowing more accurate determination of the correlation between variance and the true causes for that variance. For example: If a variance occurs during a time period in which no delivery has taken place, but fuel has been pumped, the process can rule out the "Loading", "Transporting" and "Delivery" sections for variance, so the process can more accurately correlate the variance to the "On Site" sections.
Furthermore, the system can measure the temperature of the product at every point of volume measurement, and make a correction adjustment to bring the volume into net terms. This can minimize the effect that temperature change can have on variance.
The system can also find a qualitative or a quantitative correlation between the variance and all of the variance factors. It can accomplish this using multiple regression analysis. This allows the system to be able to indicate if there is a leak in a fuel take, pluming or dispensers. It also allows the system to determine if a dispenser needs to be recalibrated, if someone is stealing fuel, or if a truck has a leak or holds back fuel during a delivery. This is just some of the useful information the CIM system can provide.
Exhibit K-Business Period Activity Isolation (Delivery / Non-Delivery) 1) The designed system allows for reconciliation to take place on demand, allowing the business using the invention and system to dictate the time of physical to book reconciliation. This can be accomplished accurately by rapidly reading:
-tank level measurements -tank product temperature at various strata layers -dispenser sales measurements and -dispenser temperature measurements To accomplish the above measurements, the system enters what has been dubbed as a "Rapid Read" mode, hitherto referred to as a "snapshot." Rapid Read mode is unique to and possible for because 1 ) the C1M system uses the Internet as a communication medium to tell the local Retail System exactly what tank manifold systems (includes plumbed tanks and dispenser) need to be measured and allows for process prioritization, drastically increasing focus of CPU power for gathering large quantities of raw data rapidly and 2) the local system allows for non-sale disturbing real-time reading of the interim dispensed quantity and temperature at each active dispenser, using an off the-shelf pulse counter, in one configuration, that can be read over a network communication wire.
In contrast, other systems cannot allow user/host-dictated (I.e. real-time) reconciliation to occur. Instead, it listens for an idle business period before taking what it dubs as "essential" simultaneous readings of both the tank and dispenser systems, which can be used for later reconciliation.
The differences in functionality are material in every sense where an on demand reconciliation would be desirable. For instance: succeeding a short delivery the system could notify the delivering driver to check his hauling vessel for retain prior to accepting his next dispatch instruction.
2) The system does not require that tank measurements and dispenser measurements be taken simultaneously, but rather a process has been developed and documented allowing for near simultaneous readings to be aligned to a common time stamp.
In contrast, some existing systems, for accuracy, take measurement readings simultaneously. Purportedly, the only way to accomplish this is to wait for an idle business time where there are no active sales on the manifold's dispensers as true simultaneous readings from the manifold system are not likely possible or repeatable when sales are occurnng.
3) The system allows for an on-demand reconciliation to be run as an appropriate consequence of classified events. These events include but are not limited to delivery prior authorization request (driver inputs BOL information and requests authorization to unload), delivery post authorization request (driver indicates unload completion and requests release from system so as to make available next dispatched load), and admin automated scheduled basis (daily cut-off period or other cycle as determined necessary).
The system can use the event triggering the reconciliation process to determine the business activities that took place from the prior request to that time (sales period w/o delivery, sales period w/delivery etc...) and thereby isolate reconciliation periods precisely.
In contrast, other systems rely on environmental conditions detected by the various measurement apparatus to detect a delivery (e.g. if the float rises significantly, then a delivery has been assumedly detected) and it cannot precisely isolate the pre-delivery sales period from the actual delivery period.
The differences in functionality are material in every instance where precise reconciliation period determination would be required. For instance, if theft occurred by removing product from the fuel system in an unaccountable manner, just prior to the delivery, existing systems would likely include the variance generated by that event in association with the delivery, where on the other hand, the present invention's on demand reconciliation capability would allow reconciliation to occur just prior to the delivery and absolutely vindicate the delivery process of any variance sourcing activities that took place prior to the delivery process.
4) The system allows both consideration of and where necessary provides actual temperature measurement for all points of physical measurement. The points of physical measurement can include:
-Loading Rack (Consideration of BOL) -Liquid Product Storage Tank -Fuel Dispenser There can be significant temperature change occurnng both during delivery to retail facility from load rack as well as from the liquid product storage tank to the fuel dispenser. To allow true reconciliation to occur, on net gallon terms, it is necessary to measure temperature in conjunction with every measurement of physical volume.
The present invention allows for temperature to be measured at the physical location of the dispenser meter wheel and to record the temperature multiple times during any sales transaction. This temperature has consistently shown in repeated tests to be different than both the temperature in the liquid storage tank as well as neighboring dispensers plumbed to the same liquid storage tank. The temperature readings of a dispensed sale are unique per sales transaction and are a function of at least the following variables:
-Tank Fluid Temperature -Surrounding Ground Temperature -Pipe Wall Thickness -Pipe Wall Material -Proximity of Dispenser Skirt Relative to Rays of the Sun -Ambient Air Temperature -Fluid Flow Rate -Duration of Time Since Last Transaction The present invention allows the temperature to be measured in conjunction with the sale yet it does not have to apply the temperature correction to the retail sale-It can report the gross volume of the sale and the temperature corrected net volume of the sale separately.
In contrast, many existing systems take the average of the temperature in the tank at the beginning of the transaction and the temperature of the tank at the end of the transaction and to assign that average to the sale.
The inadequate dispenser temperature assignment method used in existing systems would result in reconciliation variance because the gross to net conversion of each book-adjusting sale would be performed with a temperature different than that of the product passing through the dispenser meter housing (i.e. the point of measurement).
This problem would be magnified where volume throughput is high.
Exhibit L-Maintenance of Net Volume Book Balance Each transaction that transpires is converted to net 60 degree Fahrenheit volume terms before adjusting the Net book balance.
I. Sales Transactions records (See Exhibit N) include gross volume, manifold id and temperature. The ASTM provided Gross to Net conversion (See Exhibit E) formula is used to reference Gross to Net conversion factor, which is multiplied by the gross volume to arrive at Net Volume.
II. Delivery Transaction records (See Exhibit U) include gross volume, manifold id, temperature, and even include, as per the BOL, the Net Volume.
III. Reconciliation variances are computed as the difference between the Net Book Volume and the Net Physical volume. The variance calculated can be considered a Net Variance and it can be added to the Net Book Volume.
Exhibit M-On-Site Data Accumulation Methods RF Wireless Unit Exhibit N-Sales Transaction Record Format (Including Temperature) <ClosedSales>
<ClosedSale>
This can be a tokenized string in the format of token:value~token:value. . .
where the tokens are:
TOKEN Meanin Tank Non-blended product - tank number.
(example: Tank:l) Blended Product - tanks and blend ratio separated by commas. Blend ratio is decimal value to apply to the first tank in string (example: Tank:1,2,0.6000 means tank 1 and tank 2 are blended with 60% being from tank 1 ) Time Transaction time in YYYY-MM-DD
HH:MM:SS format Inv Invoice number Vol Volume r Tmp ( Temperature For example One tank:Tank:2~Time:2004-OS-28 10:34:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 Blended tank:Tank:4,6,0.6000~Time:2004-OS-28 10:34:OO~Inv:123A4567~Vo1:45.666~Tmp:56 </ClosedSale>
</ClosedSales>
Exhibit O -Local to Host Alarm Communication This message can be sent from the site back to corporate:
<TankAlarm>
<Site>
Site branch number </Site>
<Time>
Date/Time of message sent in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format </Time>
<Alarms>
<Alarm>
<Category>
Category of alarm </Category>
<Number>
Id number of alarm </Number>
<S ensorNum>
Sensor number or tank </SensorNum>
<OccurDts>
Time alarm occurred </OccurDts>
</Alarm>
<Alarm>
<Category>
Category of alarm </Category>
<Number>
Id number of alarm </Number>
<SensorNum>
Sensor number or tank </SensorNum>
<OccurDts>
Time alarm occurred </OccurDts>
</Alarm>
</Alarms>
</TankAlarm>
Acknowledgement of Alarm notification:
<TankAlarm>
<Resp>
Exhibit P-Reconciliation Data Report Example 05001 BB Branch: Manifold:
Fuel Reconciliation Data TABLE REQUEST TIME DURATION ACK MESSAGE INV TIME PHYSICAL INV
PROBE_REQUEST 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41 2 Y 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40.114 13759.91939 BOOK INV
111960.3298 TABLE TANK TEMPERATURE TURBULANCE
TANK READING 4 67.74 N
TABLE PUMP READING_TIME TEMPERATURE QUANTITY TRAN TYPE
INTERIM SALE 14 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:013000 0 .55 O
INTERIM .SALE 14 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:036000 0 .55 O
INTERIM_VSALE 8 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:064000 0 12.38 O
INTERIM SALE 8 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:066000 0 12.38 O
INTERIM_~SALE 9 28-DEC-2004 11:37:39:999000 0 5.593 C
TABLE TANK READING_TIME LEVEL_TYPE HEIGTH
TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:000000 W .22 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 S 76.53 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:114000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:120000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:126000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:132000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:138000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:144000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:389000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:395000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:401000 F 76.5 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:407000 F 76.5 TANK_'LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:413000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:419000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:533000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:539000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:545000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:551000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:557000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:563000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:679000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:685000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:691000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:697000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:703000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:709000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:826000 F 76.5 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:832000 F 76.5 05001 BB Branch: Manifold:
Fuel Reconciliation Data TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:838000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:844000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:850000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:856000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:970000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:976000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:982000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:988000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:994000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:000000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:116000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:122000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:128000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:134000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:140000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:146000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:263000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:269000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:275000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:281000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:287000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:293000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:408000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:414000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:420000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:426000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:432000 F 76.52 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:438000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:553000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:559000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:565000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:571000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:577000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:583000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:698000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:704000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:710000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:716000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:722000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:728000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:845000 F 76.52 05001 BB Branch: Manifold:
Fuel Reconciliation Data TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:851000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:857000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:863000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:869000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:875000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:990000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:41:996000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:002000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:008000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:014000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:020000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:135000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:141000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:147000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:153000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:159000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:165000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:282000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:288000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:294000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:300000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:306000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:312000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:428000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:434000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:440000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:446000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:452000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:458000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:572000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:578000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:584000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:590000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:596000 F 76.5 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:602000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:718000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:724000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:730000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:736000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:742000 F 76.53 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:748000 F 76.53 05001 BB Branch: Manifold:
Fuel Reconciliation Data TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:865000 F 76.52 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:871000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:877000 F 76.51 TANK LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:883000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:889000 F 76.51 TANK_LEVEL 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:42:895000 F 76.51 TABLE TANK READING TIME SENSOR TEMPERAT
TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 1 59.01 TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 2 59.04 TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 3 59.01 TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 4 59.29 TANK_TEMPERATURE 4 28-DEC-2004 11:37:40:001000 5 59.6 TABLE DATE INVOICE_NBR TEMPERATURE QUANTITY BLEND RATIO
TANK
CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 08:06:24 00164036 71.42 87.509 1 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:19:29 00164445 0 7.462 .6 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:19:29 00164445 0 7.462 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:19:47 00164446 69.32 124.495 1 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:20:16 00164448 60 8.025 1 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:20:29 00164449 60 10.066 1 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:18 00164444 0 20.725 .6 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:18 00164444 0 20.725 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:19 00164442 71.42 110.892 1 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:20 00164451 0 8.594 .6 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:20 00164451 0 8.594 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:21:38 00164447 80.13 9.657 1 3 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:27:45 00164463 60 18.377 1 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:28:18 00164465 60 16.772 1 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:28:58 00164472 0 7.62 .6 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:28:58 00164472 0 7.62 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:30:21 00164470 60 10.082 1 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:30:32 00164471 0 17.093 .6 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:30:32 00164471 0 17.093 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:30:35 00164469 60 22.776 1 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:32:45 00164485 60 5.593 1 4 CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:35:14 00164487 0 12.871 .6 4 CLOSED!_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:35:14 00164487 0 12.871 .4 5 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:35:42 00164489 0 11.721 .6 4 CLOSED_SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:35:42 00164489 0 11.721 .4 S
CLOSED SALE 28-DEC-2004 11:37:19 00164493 60 6.527 1 4 Exhibit Q-Tank Strapping Procedure or Process Preparation I. User orders dispenser calibration service II. User validates completion of dispenser calibration III. User validates completion of hardware/software configuration at retail branch N. User notifies drivers/on-site personnel that no deliveries are allowed until strapping completion Stra~pin~~ Procedure V. User identifies:
Branch ID
Manifold ID
Max Time Span Min Volume Volume Increment Volume Unit of Measure (UOM) VI. User initiates strapping data collection VII. Host computer (CIM) uses the following process to accumulate the strapping data:
""Create Variables Time Span: DatelTime Time: Date/Time Min_Volume: Float Book_Volume: Float Volume_Increment: Float Accum_Volume: Float UOM: Char Tank_Height Deviation: Float Deviation Threshold: Float ""Strapping Data Collection While Time <= Time_Span Do Update Book Volume While Book_Volume ~=Min_Volume Do Update Accum Volume If Accum_Volume >=Volume_Increment Then Run and Store Quick Read Samples (See Exhibit F) Calculate Tank_Height Deviation from Samples If Tank_Height_Deviation <= Deviation Threshold Then Run Reconciliation (See Exhibit A,G,H) Store X:Y(Gross Manifold Vol:Temperature Corrected (See Else While End While End Variance) ""Correct to Avg Manifold Temperature Exhibit S) Reset Accum_Volume Else Reset Accum Volume Break IIV. Host computer (CIM) notifies user of strapping data collection completion N. User Notifies drivers/onsite personnel that deliveries can commence V. User views strapping data results and resulting calibration formulas (Manifold Level) VI. User edits results if necessary VII. User commits calibration formulas Exhibit R-Exemplary Hardware Requirements I. Inventory Measurement Device The device needs to be able to provide either of the following sets of data:
1. Mass Only with Representative Time Stamp OR
2. Volume and Temperature, both with Representative Time Stamp II. Transfer Measurement Device The device needs to be able to measure inventory transfer at either input side or output side or both. It must provide either of the following sets of data:
1. Mass only with Representative Time Stamp OR.
2. Volume and Temperature, both with Representative Time Stamp III. Communication Medium The devices utilized must be able to communicate the measurement readings electronically, in a format readable by either the Local, or the Host system.
Exhibit S-Tank Strapping Temperature Correction Treatment It is desirable to append the temperature of the fuel tank manifold along with the temperature of the fuel being dispensed to every sales transaction, during the Tank Strapping process. This can be done so the gallons dispensed can be converted to what they would have been at the tank temperature. This method can minimize any bias in the tank strapping curve, and therefore increase the accuracy of the system.
The following describes an exemplary process to accomplish this.
1 ) When the Tank Strapping process is started a period inventory temperature can be calculated, by averaging the temperature from the prior and current reconciliations.
The derived period inventory temperature can be used to temperature-correct each interim sales transaction to the same temperature as what prevailed in the inventory tanks. This can be done using only the thermistors in the tanks that are below the fuel level (see Exhibit A). These are the only thermistors used because any thermistor above the fuel level would be air temperature, which could be different from the fuel temperature.
2) As fuel is dispensed each transaction can be accompanied by temperature of the fuel at the point of measurement in the fuel dispenser.
3) When the reported sales volumes (Accum Volume in Exhibit Q) reaches the next incremental threshold volume (Volume,Increment in Exhibit Q), then the total manifold volume can be converted to net volume terms, using an ASTM certified method, to obtain a conversion factor for converting volume at tank temperature to equivalent volume at 60°F. For example:
Measured: Gross_Volume = 10,000 gallons, Temperature = 73°F, API
Gravity = 57.5 Calculated: API Gravity at 60°F = 55.9, Conversion Factor = .9914, Net_Volume = Conversion_Factor * Gross_Volume 9914 = .9914 * 10,000 4) The process can do a similar calculation to convert each transaction volume dispensed into net 60°F terms. Then the process can take the sum of the net volume dispensed, and divide it by the tank conversion factor used to bring the tank inventory to net 60°F terms. The result is dispensed volume temperature corrected to prevailing tank temperature. For example:
Calculated:
Net Disp Vol = 500 Tank_Conversion_Factor = .9914 Disp Vol_at_Tank_Temp = Net_Disp Vol / Tank_Conversion_Factor 504.34 = 500 / .9914 Disp Vol at~Tank_Temp = 504.34 5) It is the Disp Vol_at_Tank_Temp that the system can use to subtract from our previous tank volume to calculate our calibrated_volume (see Exhibit T).
6) Each time Accum_Volume reaches the Volume_Increment amount a new manifold temperature can be measured, and an average temperature can be calculated between this current measurement and the previous manifold temperature. This process can be repeated until the Tank Strapping Process (see Exhibit Q) is complete.
Exhibit T - Tank Strapping Calculations 1) Assume manufacturer's height vs. volume chart is correct when tank is approximately 90% filled. In other words, the variance is zero. Example:
Manufacturer's Chart Calibrated Chart Hei t Volume Hei t Volume 108" 19122 108" 19122 2) Then the fuel reconciliation process can be started (see Exhibit Q).
3) When the next volume measurement is received, (i.e. after the predefine amount of fuel has been dispensed.) the process can then calculate the variance from our "expected" volume based on the manufacturer's charts.
Below are the formulas used to calculate variance. All volumes are adjusted to the average manifold temperature (see Exhibit S).
Gross_volume from chart-readings = expected_volume Gross_Initial_volume - dispensed_volume = calibrated_volume Calibrated volume - expected volume = variance 4) The variance can be calculated every time a new volume measurement is received from the Tank Strapping Process. For example: a measurement can be received for every hundred gallons of fuel dispensed.
5) When all volume and variance measurements have been calculated then the process can plot the volume vs. the variance and the volume vs. height relationships.
Example: The initial volume vs. height graph when tank is tilted.
Another alternate configuration of the methods and processes of identifying variances between a manufacturer's strapping chart and the actual measured physical volume based upon the orientation and configuration of the tank is described hereinafter.
1) Start the Tank Calibration Procedure (see Exhibit Q). Note: After appropriate hardware and software installations and dispenser calibrations, this process may be started and run without interruption of sales or delivery transactions.
2) Assume that the manufacturer's height vs. volume chart is correct at the highest point for which we have obtained a measurement during the Tank Calibration process. In other words, the variance is zero at that point.
Example:
Manufacturer's Chart Calibrated Chart Hei t Volume Hei t Volume 108" 19122 108" 19122 3) The Tank Calibration Process contains a function which continually queries the system database to determine if the predefine amount of fuel has been dispensed. When the dispensed volume is greater than or equal to the volume increment (see Exhibit Q) the system will perform a fuel reconciliation which will calculate the variance from the expected volume based on the manufacturer's charts. It will also calculate accumulated variance associated to a specific manifold volume. Below are the formulas used to calculate variance and accumulated variance. All volumes are adjusted to the average manifold temperature (see Exhibit S).
expected volume = Gross volume_from chart_readings calibrated volume = Gross Initial volume - dispensed volume variance = calibrated volume - expected_volume accum variance = accum variance + variance 4) The variance is measured and added to the accumulated variance every time a new volume measurement is received from the Tank Calibration Process.
Thus, for every volume measurement we have an associated accumulated variance that we will store and plot.
5) Every time a delivery occurs during the calibration process, the system will perform another fuel reconciliation. This gives us a new starting point in which we set the accumulated variance to zero, however we don't use this point in the plot of the calibration curve. Then we continue with steps three and four until the calibration process is finish, or another delivery is made.
Any time a fuel reconciliation is ran and the volume is greater than the previous reconciliation's volume, then a delivery has occurred.
Exhibit U-BOL Delivery Record Format The Bill of Lading information captured per each delivery instance includes:
Route Start Time Route End Time Freight Bill #
Truck #
Trailer 1 #
Trailer 2 #
Trailer 3 #
Customer Name Customer ID
Supplier Name Supplier ID
Ship From Name Ship From ID
Ship To Name Ship To ID
BOL Date BOL Start Time BOL End Time Wait Time Supplier BOL
BOL Product Name BOL Product ID
BOL Gross Volume BOL Net Volume BOL Volume UOM
BOL Density BOL Density UOM
BOL Temperature BOL Temp UOM
Retail Product Name Retail Product ID
[0161] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims (257)
1. In a system having a centralized management system, a method for centrally monitoring and controlling the delivery of liquid product to a plurality of retail facilities from a carrier that transports liquid product, the method comprising:
receiving at the centralized management system a request from the carrier for instructions relating to delivery of liquid product;
based on data monitored by the centralized management system, determining liquid product needed in a retail facility selected from the plurality of retail facilities; and posting an order providing instructions to the carrier regarding liquid product needed in the selected retail facility.
receiving at the centralized management system a request from the carrier for instructions relating to delivery of liquid product;
based on data monitored by the centralized management system, determining liquid product needed in a retail facility selected from the plurality of retail facilities; and posting an order providing instructions to the carrier regarding liquid product needed in the selected retail facility.
2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein determining liquid product needed comprises one of (i) determining a type of liquid product needed, (ii) determining an amount of liquid product needed, and (iii) determining the type and the amount of liquid product needed.
3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein determining liquid product needed comprises determining a type and a volume of liquid product needed.
4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the request for instructions from the carrier comprises a request for instructions relating to at least one of a geographical location of a rack containing the liquid product, a current location of the carrier, a liquid product need of the retail facility, and a geographical location of the retail facility relative to the carrier and the rack.
5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein posting the order can be based upon at least one of (i) the relative cost of delivered supply options, (ii) supply purchase fulfillment obligations, (iii) retail demand constraints, and (iv) the geographical location of the carrier relative to a rack where the liquid product can be loaded.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising rejecting the order by the carrier, the carrier rejecting the order by sending a reason code to the centralized management system.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising accepting the order by the carrier, updating a status of the order at the centralized management system, and forwarding the order to a loading terminal.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
accessing a transaction record received from a loading terminal that includes liquid product loading details;
validating that a supply and a volume of the liquid product match an inventory need of the retail facility;
authorizing a specific tank to receive the liquid product; and monitoring all tanks at the selected retail facility to insure that the liquid product is delivered into said authorized tank.
accessing a transaction record received from a loading terminal that includes liquid product loading details;
validating that a supply and a volume of the liquid product match an inventory need of the retail facility;
authorizing a specific tank to receive the liquid product; and monitoring all tanks at the selected retail facility to insure that the liquid product is delivered into said authorized tank.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said loading details include at least one of a liquid product temperature at said loading terminal, a type of liquid product, a gross volume of liquid product, a temperature corrected net volume of liquid product, and a density of liquid product.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising monitoring a water level in said authorized tank during delivery and suspending delivery if said water level exceeds a predefined value.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
posting transaction record data to the carrier for validation;
receiving validation from the carrier for said transaction record;
posting authorization to the carrier to deliver the liquid product into a selected storage tank at the retail facility;
receiving notification of delivery completion; and updating a book balance of available liquid product as per the transaction record.
posting transaction record data to the carrier for validation;
receiving validation from the carrier for said transaction record;
posting authorization to the carrier to deliver the liquid product into a selected storage tank at the retail facility;
receiving notification of delivery completion; and updating a book balance of available liquid product as per the transaction record.
12. In a monitoring and control system for tracking liquid product inventory, the system comprising at least one central computer connected to at least one retail computer, a method for controlling the movement of the liquid product from a delivery terminal to a designated storage tank of a retail facility, the method comprising:
sending an electronic request for a delivery of the liquid product to the at least one central computer using a portable computing device;
receiving a delivery of the liquid product in a delivery vehicle at the delivery terminal;
transporting the liquid product to the retail facility;
requesting authorization to deliver the liquid product to the designated storage tank;
receiving authorization to deliver the liquid product to the designated storage tank; and delivering the liquid product into the designated storage tank.
sending an electronic request for a delivery of the liquid product to the at least one central computer using a portable computing device;
receiving a delivery of the liquid product in a delivery vehicle at the delivery terminal;
transporting the liquid product to the retail facility;
requesting authorization to deliver the liquid product to the designated storage tank;
receiving authorization to deliver the liquid product to the designated storage tank; and delivering the liquid product into the designated storage tank.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said electronic request is a supply option for delivery to the retail facility.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
having the at least one central computer post an order with an order number to said portable computing device;
having a driver of said delivery vehicle accept said order; and having the at least one central computer forward said order to a terminal computer at the delivery terminal.
having the at least one central computer post an order with an order number to said portable computing device;
having a driver of said delivery vehicle accept said order; and having the at least one central computer forward said order to a terminal computer at the delivery terminal.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving authorization to deliver the liquid product further comprises transmitting an electronic transaction record from a terminal computer at the delivery terminal to the at least one central computer.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said electronic transaction record includes at least one of the following: a route start and end time, a freight bill number, a customer name, a customer identification number, a supplier name, a supplier identification number, a ship from name, a ship from identification number, a ship to name, a ship to identification number, a transaction date, a start and end time, a supplier product name, a product identification number, a gross volume, a net volume as a function of temperature, a specific gravity of the product, a volume unit of measure (UOM), a density UOM, a temperature and a temperature UOM, a retail product name and a retail product identification number.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein requesting authorization to deliver further comprises:
sending an authorization request from said portable computing device to the at least one retail computer, said authorization request including at least a product type and a product volume;
verifying that said at least one product type and said product volume match a requirement in the designated storage tank;
performing a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation process for the designated storage tank;
sending a loading transaction record from the at least one retail computer to said portable computing device; and verifying said loading transaction record prior to delivering the liquid product.
sending an authorization request from said portable computing device to the at least one retail computer, said authorization request including at least a product type and a product volume;
verifying that said at least one product type and said product volume match a requirement in the designated storage tank;
performing a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation process for the designated storage tank;
sending a loading transaction record from the at least one retail computer to said portable computing device; and verifying said loading transaction record prior to delivering the liquid product.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein delivering the liquid product further comprises:
unloading all of the liquid product into the designated storage tank;
notifying the at least one retail computer that the liquid product has been unloaded;
updating a book balance of the designated storage tank to include a volume of liquid product contained in said delivery vehicle;
performing a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation process for the designated storage tank; and verifying that the volume of liquid product contained in the delivery vehicle was delivered to the designated storage tank.
unloading all of the liquid product into the designated storage tank;
notifying the at least one retail computer that the liquid product has been unloaded;
updating a book balance of the designated storage tank to include a volume of liquid product contained in said delivery vehicle;
performing a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation process for the designated storage tank; and verifying that the volume of liquid product contained in the delivery vehicle was delivered to the designated storage tank.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising monitoring all tanks at the retail facility to insure that the liquid product goes into the designated storage tank.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising monitoring a water level in the designated storage tank during delivery and suspending delivery if said water level exceeds a predefined value.
21. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one central computer monitors and manages physical and reported book sales for the retail facility.
22. A liquid product storage and delivery system, the system comprising:
a centralized management system that delivers orders to one or more carriers to deliver a liquid product to one or more retail facilities, the centralized management system monitors the liquid product inventory at the plurality of retail facilities; and a designated retail facility of the one or more retail facilities, the designated retail facility including one or more storage tanks that receive the liquid product, the designated retail facility receives data indicative of a future delivery of the liquid product from both the centralized management system and a carrier of the one or more carriers that is to deliver the liquid product to the one or more storage tanks.
a centralized management system that delivers orders to one or more carriers to deliver a liquid product to one or more retail facilities, the centralized management system monitors the liquid product inventory at the plurality of retail facilities; and a designated retail facility of the one or more retail facilities, the designated retail facility including one or more storage tanks that receive the liquid product, the designated retail facility receives data indicative of a future delivery of the liquid product from both the centralized management system and a carrier of the one or more carriers that is to deliver the liquid product to the one or more storage tanks.
23. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein the carrier delivers a request to delivery the liquid product to the centralized management system.
24. The system as recited in claim 23, where the request comprises a request for instructions relating to at least one of a geographical location of a rack containing the liquid product, a current location of the carrier, a liquid product need of the retail facility, and a geographical location of the retail facility relative to the carrier and the rack.
25. The system as recited in claim 22, further comprising a loading terminal remote from the centralized management system, the carrier receives the liquid product from the loading terminal.
26. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein the carrier delivers an electronic delivery record to the retail facility before delivering the liquid product to the one or more storage tanks.
27. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein the retail facility delivers data indicative of the completion of a delivery of the liquid product by the carrier to the centralized management system.
28. In a system having a centralized management system and at least one retail facility, a method for interrupting delivery of a liquid product to the at least one retail facility, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more tanks at the at least one retail facility for liquid product delivery from a delivery vehicle;
identifying delivery of the liquid product to an unauthorized tank of the at least one retail facility; and automatically terminating delivery of the liquid product when a control signal is sent to the delivery vehicle from at least one of (i) the retail facility, and (ii) the centralized management system to interrupt delivery of the liquid product into the unauthorized tank.
monitoring one or more tanks at the at least one retail facility for liquid product delivery from a delivery vehicle;
identifying delivery of the liquid product to an unauthorized tank of the at least one retail facility; and automatically terminating delivery of the liquid product when a control signal is sent to the delivery vehicle from at least one of (i) the retail facility, and (ii) the centralized management system to interrupt delivery of the liquid product into the unauthorized tank.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein automatically terminating delivery further comprises sending the control signal to the delivery vehicle via a wireless communication protocol.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising shutting down a common air flow solenoid on the delivery vehicle to stop delivery of the liquid product.
31. The method of claim 28, further comprising automatically shutting off at least one pump dispenser in fluid communication with said unauthorized tank to prevent delivery of the liquid product to a customer of the at least one retail facility.
32. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
monitoring a water level within said one or more tanks at the at least one retail facility;
identifying that a water float within one or more of said one or more tanks has risen above a predetermined threshold; and when said water float has risen above said predetermined threshold, automatically terminating delivery of the liquid product by sending said control signal to the delivery vehicle via a wireless communication protocol.
monitoring a water level within said one or more tanks at the at least one retail facility;
identifying that a water float within one or more of said one or more tanks has risen above a predetermined threshold; and when said water float has risen above said predetermined threshold, automatically terminating delivery of the liquid product by sending said control signal to the delivery vehicle via a wireless communication protocol.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising, when said water float has risen above said predetermined threshold, automatically shutting off at least one pump dispenser in fluid communication with one or more of said one or more tanks to prevent delivery of the liquid product to a customer of the at least one retail facility.
34. A system to prevent a delivery vehicle from delivering liquid product to an unauthorized storage tank in a retail facility having a plurality of storage tanks, the system comprising:
a centralized management system connected to at least one computer in the retail facility;
at least one sensor located in each storage tank of the plurality of storage tanks in the retail facility, said at least one sensor being electronically connected to the centralized management system; and a valve on the delivery vehicle electronically connected to the centralized management system, the valve capable of interrupting the flow of liquid product during a delivery;
wherein the centralized management system monitors said at least one sensor in each of the plurality of storage tanks while liquid product is being delivered into any of said plurality of storage tanks, and wherein the centralized management system sends a control signal to the delivery vehicle to close said valve when the liquid product is being delivered into an unauthorized tank of said plurality of storage tanks.
a centralized management system connected to at least one computer in the retail facility;
at least one sensor located in each storage tank of the plurality of storage tanks in the retail facility, said at least one sensor being electronically connected to the centralized management system; and a valve on the delivery vehicle electronically connected to the centralized management system, the valve capable of interrupting the flow of liquid product during a delivery;
wherein the centralized management system monitors said at least one sensor in each of the plurality of storage tanks while liquid product is being delivered into any of said plurality of storage tanks, and wherein the centralized management system sends a control signal to the delivery vehicle to close said valve when the liquid product is being delivered into an unauthorized tank of said plurality of storage tanks.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein each storage tank of said plurality of storage tanks comprises at least one sensor, said at least one sensor performs a real-time measurement of the amount of liquid product in each of said plurality of storage tanks.
36. The system of claim 34, wherein said valve is connected to a solenoid that receives the signal and operates said valve.
37. The system of claim 34, wherein the delivery vehicle is connected to the centralized management system via a wireless communication protocol.
38. The system of claim 34, wherein said control signal is sent automatically by the centralized management system.
39. The system of claim 34, wherein the centralized management system activates an alarm at the retail facility and an operator then manually closes said valve to stop said delivery.
40. The system of claim 34, wherein the centralized management system further sends a signal to at least one liquid product dispenser connected to said unauthorized tank, the signal shutting down said at least one liquid product dispenser so that no liquid product can be dispensed from said unauthorized tank.
41. The system of claim 34, wherein said at least one sensor further measures an amount of water in each of said plurality of storage tanks, and the centralized management system interrupts the delivery of the liquid product when the amount of water in any of said plurality of storage tanks exceeds a predetermined value.
42. In a retail facility having a plurality of storage tanks for liquid product, the retail facility being connected to a centralized management system, a method for interrupting a delivery of liquid product from a delivery vehicle into an unauthorized storage tank, the method comprising:
monitoring a level of liquid product in each of the plurality of storage tanks;
identifying delivery of liquid product to an unauthorized tank; and automatically terminating delivery of the liquid product when a control signal is sent from at least one of the retail facility and the centralized management system to the delivery vehicle.
monitoring a level of liquid product in each of the plurality of storage tanks;
identifying delivery of liquid product to an unauthorized tank; and automatically terminating delivery of the liquid product when a control signal is sent from at least one of the retail facility and the centralized management system to the delivery vehicle.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein monitoring the level of liquid product in each of the plurality of storage tanks includes collecting data from a sensor located in each of the plurality of storage tanks to obtain an accurate, real-time measurement of the level of liquid product with each of the plurality of storage tanks.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein said collected data is collected at a rate of at least 10 times per second for each said sensor, and wherein said collected data is processed to minimize the effects of wave motion in each of the plurality of storage tanks to generate the accurate measurement of the level of liquid product in each of the plurality of storage tanks.
45. The method of claim 42, further comprising shutting down a common air flow solenoid on the delivery vehicle to stop delivery of the liquid product.
46. The method of claim 42, further comprising automatically shutting off at least one pump dispenser in fluid communication with said unauthorized tank to prevent delivery of the liquid product to a customer of the retail facility.
47. The method of claim 42, wherein the delivery vehicle is connected to the centralized management system via a wireless protocol.
48. The method of claim 42, further comprising:
monitoring a water level within said unauthorized tank at the retail facility; and automatically interrupting delivery of the liquid product into said unauthorized tank by sending said control signal to the delivery vehicle when said water level rises to a predetermined value.
monitoring a water level within said unauthorized tank at the retail facility; and automatically interrupting delivery of the liquid product into said unauthorized tank by sending said control signal to the delivery vehicle when said water level rises to a predetermined value.
49. In a dynamic liquid product distribution environment, a method of providing a virtual real-time perpetual book to physical reconciliation for one or more of a plurality of tanks while liquid product is being dispensed therefrom, the method comprising:
receiving a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks;
identifying the status of one or more liquid product dispensers corresponding to the one or more storage tanks;
while said one or more liquid product dispensers are in an active state, taking a plurality of measurements within the one or more storage tanks and said one or more liquid product dispensers; and based on said plurality of measurements, automatically performing said liquid product book to physical reconciliation process.
receiving a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks;
identifying the status of one or more liquid product dispensers corresponding to the one or more storage tanks;
while said one or more liquid product dispensers are in an active state, taking a plurality of measurements within the one or more storage tanks and said one or more liquid product dispensers; and based on said plurality of measurements, automatically performing said liquid product book to physical reconciliation process.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein said plurality of measurements include at least a volume of liquid product in each of the one or more storage tanks and a flow volume of liquid product for each of said one or more liquid product dispensers.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein each of said plurality of measurements is taken at rapid intervals of less than 2 seconds over a predetermined period of time.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein said predetermined period of time is either a default value or set by a user.
53. The method of claim 51, wherein taking said plurality of measurements comprises: (i) using a measurement device within each of the one or more storage tanks, and (ii) using the measurement device within each of the one or more liquid product dispensers.
54. The method of claim 50, wherein said flow volume of liquid product is added to said volume of liquid product in each of the one or more storage tanks.
55. The method of claim 50, wherein the one or more storage tanks are a manifold of storage tanks, and wherein each of said plurality of measurements has a corresponding time-stamp, the method further comprising:
identifying a series of measurement readings for each storage tank within the manifold of storage tanks, said series of measurement readings identified based on said corresponding time-stamp;
summing said series of measurement data for determining a cumulative volume for liquid product within said manifold of storage tanks;
calculating a time difference between a first time-stamp in said series of measurement readings and one or more subsequent time-stamps within said series of measurement readings;
based on the time difference, determining a cumulative time-stamp for said series of measurement readings; and assigning said cumulative time-stamp to a determined cumulative volume.
identifying a series of measurement readings for each storage tank within the manifold of storage tanks, said series of measurement readings identified based on said corresponding time-stamp;
summing said series of measurement data for determining a cumulative volume for liquid product within said manifold of storage tanks;
calculating a time difference between a first time-stamp in said series of measurement readings and one or more subsequent time-stamps within said series of measurement readings;
based on the time difference, determining a cumulative time-stamp for said series of measurement readings; and assigning said cumulative time-stamp to a determined cumulative volume.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein said determined cumulative time-stamp is a time of reconciliation to which said plurality of measurements will be adjusted to.
57. At a centralized station, a method of performing a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation by rapidly accumulating data over a predetermined time period at a plurality of measurement devices and monitoring sale transactions during the predetermined time period, the method comprising:
receiving a request to initiate a liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks, said request received while one or more liquid product dispensers, corresponding to said one or more storage tanks, are in an active state;
collecting a plurality of measurement data from a plurality of measurement devices over a predetermined period of time, said plurality of measurement data taken at rapid intervals over said predetermined period of time;
assigning a time-stamp to each of said plurality of measurement data;
monitoring sales transactions during said predetermined period of time;
and after said predetermined period of time, using said plurality of measurement data and said monitored sales transactions to complete the liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation process.
receiving a request to initiate a liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks, said request received while one or more liquid product dispensers, corresponding to said one or more storage tanks, are in an active state;
collecting a plurality of measurement data from a plurality of measurement devices over a predetermined period of time, said plurality of measurement data taken at rapid intervals over said predetermined period of time;
assigning a time-stamp to each of said plurality of measurement data;
monitoring sales transactions during said predetermined period of time;
and after said predetermined period of time, using said plurality of measurement data and said monitored sales transactions to complete the liquid product book to physical volume reconciliation process.
58. The method of claim 57, wherein said plurality of measurement data includes at least a volume of liquid product in each of said one or more storage tanks and a flow volume of liquid product for each of said one or more liquid product dispensers.
59. The method of claim 58, wherein said flow volume of liquid product for dispensers active beyond said predetermined period of time is added to said volume of liquid product in each of said one or more storage tanks.
60. The method of claim 59, wherein predefined pump rules and the time in which said flow volumes are collected are used to determine what time-stamp and what flow volume to add to said volume of liquid product in each of said one or more storage tanks.
61. The method of claim 57, wherein said rapid intervals are periods of less than 2 seconds.
62. The method of claim 57, wherein said predetermined period of time is either a default value or set by a user.
63. The method of claim 57, wherein said one or more storage tanks are a manifold of storage tanks, the method further comprising:
identifying a series of measurement readings for each storage tank within said manifold of storage tanks, said series of measurement readings identified based on a corresponding time-stamp;
summing said series of measurement readings for determining a cumulative volume for liquid product within said manifold of storage tanks;
calculating a time difference between a first time-stamp in said series of measurement readings and one or more subsequent time-stamps within said series of measurement readings;
based on said time difference, determining a cumulative time-stamp for said series of measurement readings; and assigning said cumulative time-stamp to a determined cumulative volume.
identifying a series of measurement readings for each storage tank within said manifold of storage tanks, said series of measurement readings identified based on a corresponding time-stamp;
summing said series of measurement readings for determining a cumulative volume for liquid product within said manifold of storage tanks;
calculating a time difference between a first time-stamp in said series of measurement readings and one or more subsequent time-stamps within said series of measurement readings;
based on said time difference, determining a cumulative time-stamp for said series of measurement readings; and assigning said cumulative time-stamp to a determined cumulative volume.
64. The method of claim 63, wherein said determined cumulative time-stamp is a time of reconciliation to which said plurality of measurements are adjusted to.
65. The method of claim 63, wherein a plurality of cumulative time-stamps for a plurality of cumulative volumes are determined, the method further comprising:
determining flow volume of liquid product for said one or more dispensers active beyond said predetermined period of time;
determining a time-stamp for each of said determined flow volumes, said time-stamps corresponding to said plurality of cumulative time-stamps;
adding said determined flow volume of liquid product for said one or more dispensers active beyond said predetermined period of time to each of the corresponding plurality of cumulative volumes in order to adjust said plurality of cumulative volumes back to a time of reconciliation;
averaging said plurality of cumulative volumes to determine a mean physical inventory;
computing a standard deviation for said determined mean;
eliminating data readings from said plurality of cumulative volumes that are above or below a predetermined number of standard deviations; and average the remaining plurality of cumulative volumes not eliminated for determining a net physical volume at said time of reconciliation.
determining flow volume of liquid product for said one or more dispensers active beyond said predetermined period of time;
determining a time-stamp for each of said determined flow volumes, said time-stamps corresponding to said plurality of cumulative time-stamps;
adding said determined flow volume of liquid product for said one or more dispensers active beyond said predetermined period of time to each of the corresponding plurality of cumulative volumes in order to adjust said plurality of cumulative volumes back to a time of reconciliation;
averaging said plurality of cumulative volumes to determine a mean physical inventory;
computing a standard deviation for said determined mean;
eliminating data readings from said plurality of cumulative volumes that are above or below a predetermined number of standard deviations; and average the remaining plurality of cumulative volumes not eliminated for determining a net physical volume at said time of reconciliation.
66. The method of claim 65, further comprising:
adjusting said net physical volume by adding interim sales;
updating net perpetual book balance to said time of reconciliation; and subtracting said net perpetual book balance from said adjusted net physical volume to determine an inventory gain or loss.
adjusting said net physical volume by adding interim sales;
updating net perpetual book balance to said time of reconciliation; and subtracting said net perpetual book balance from said adjusted net physical volume to determine an inventory gain or loss.
67. The method of claim 57, wherein one or more other devices are temporarily disabled during at least a portion of said predetermined period of in order to reserve computing resources for rapidly collecting said plurality of measurement data from said plurality of measurement devices over said predetermined period of time by taken at rapid intervals over said predetermined period of time.
68. The method of claim 67, wherein said one or more other devices are one or more leak detection devices.
69. The method of claim 57, wherein based on the number of measurement data collected and a length of said predetermined period of time, the method further comprises determining a confidence level that the book to physical reconciliation process is accurate.
70. In a dynamic liquid product distribution environment, a computer program product for implementing a method of providing a virtual real-time perpetual book to physical reconciliation for one or more of a plurality of tanks while liquid product is being dispensed there from, the computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having stored thereon computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, can cause the distributed computing system to perform the following:
receive a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks;
identify the status of one or more liquid product dispensers corresponding to the one or more storage tanks;
while said one or more liquid product dispensers are in an active state, take a plurality of measurements using measurement devices within the one or more storage tanks and said one or more liquid product dispensers; and based on said plurality of measurements, automatically perform said liquid product book to physical reconciliation process.
receive a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks;
identify the status of one or more liquid product dispensers corresponding to the one or more storage tanks;
while said one or more liquid product dispensers are in an active state, take a plurality of measurements using measurement devices within the one or more storage tanks and said one or more liquid product dispensers; and based on said plurality of measurements, automatically perform said liquid product book to physical reconciliation process.
71. The computer program product of claim 70, wherein said plurality of measurements include at least a volume of liquid product in each of the one or more storage tanks and a flow volume of liquid product for each of said one or more liquid product dispensers.
72. The computer program product of claim 71, wherein said flow volume of liquid product is added to said volume of liquid product in each of the one or more storage tanks.
73. The computer program product of claim 71, wherein the one or more storage tanks are a manifold of storage tanks, and wherein each of said plurality of measurements has a corresponding time-stamp, the computer program product further comprising computer executable instructions that can cause the messaging system to perform the following:
identify a series of measurement readings for each storage tank within the manifold of storage tanks, said series of measurement readings identified based on said corresponding time-stamp;
sum said series of measurement data for determining a cumulative volume for liquid product within said manifold of storage tanks;
calculate a time difference between a first time-stamp in said series of measurement readings and one or more subsequent time-stamps within said series of measurement readings;
based on the time difference, determine a cumulative time-stamp for said series of measurement readings; and assign said cumulative time-stamp to a determined cumulative volume.
identify a series of measurement readings for each storage tank within the manifold of storage tanks, said series of measurement readings identified based on said corresponding time-stamp;
sum said series of measurement data for determining a cumulative volume for liquid product within said manifold of storage tanks;
calculate a time difference between a first time-stamp in said series of measurement readings and one or more subsequent time-stamps within said series of measurement readings;
based on the time difference, determine a cumulative time-stamp for said series of measurement readings; and assign said cumulative time-stamp to a determined cumulative volume.
74. A method of filtering physical volume measurements within a tank at a point in time, the method comprising:
receiving a plurality of measurement data at a plurality of times, each measurement data representing a volume of liquid product within the tank;
comparing each volume of liquid against at least one predetermined volume identified as being unreliable;
generating a second set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said plurality of measurement data that is identified as being unreliable;
determining a sample mean and a standard deviation for said second set of measurement data; and filtering said second set of measurement data to generate a third set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said second set of measurement data that has a value plus or minus a predetermined number of said standard deviations from said standard mean.
receiving a plurality of measurement data at a plurality of times, each measurement data representing a volume of liquid product within the tank;
comparing each volume of liquid against at least one predetermined volume identified as being unreliable;
generating a second set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said plurality of measurement data that is identified as being unreliable;
determining a sample mean and a standard deviation for said second set of measurement data; and filtering said second set of measurement data to generate a third set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said second set of measurement data that has a value plus or minus a predetermined number of said standard deviations from said standard mean.
75. The method as recited in claim 74, wherein any measurement data of said plurality of measurement data that is identified as being unreliable comprises data above or below one or more defined thresholds relative to any other measurement data within said plurality of measurement data.
76. The method as recited in claim 75, wherein said one or more defined thresholds can be at least one of a maximum tank volume and a minimum tank volume, such that said measurement data that is greater than said maximum tank volume and/or measurement data that is lesser than said minimum tank volume is eliminated when said second set of measurement data is generated.
77. The method as recited in claim 74, further comprising associating each said measurement data of said third set of measurement data with a common time.
78. The method as recited in claim 74, further comprising averaging each said measurement data of said third set of measurement data at a common time.
79. The method as recited in claim 74, wherein the tank is one of a plurality of tanks that are connected together with a manifold.
80. The method as recited in claim 79, further comprising generating one or more series of said measurement data, each of said one or more series comprising one said volume of liquid product for each tank of the plurality of tanks connected to said manifold.
81. The method as recited in claim 80, further comprising:
averaging said volume of liquid from each tank of said plurality of tanks connected to said manifold to generate a cumulate volume for a first series of said one or more series; and determining a time-stamp for each of said measurement data of said series, each said time-stamp representing a time of said plurality of times when said measurement data was measured; and following determining an average of differences between said time-stamps for said first series, generating a cumulative time-stamp for said first series.
averaging said volume of liquid from each tank of said plurality of tanks connected to said manifold to generate a cumulate volume for a first series of said one or more series; and determining a time-stamp for each of said measurement data of said series, each said time-stamp representing a time of said plurality of times when said measurement data was measured; and following determining an average of differences between said time-stamps for said first series, generating a cumulative time-stamp for said first series.
82. The method as recited in claim 80, further comprising aligning all of said one or more series to said cumulative time-stamp of said first series.
83. A method of filtering physical volume determinations within an inventory tank at a point in time, the method comprising:
receiving a measurement data at a plurality of times, said measurement data including data representative of a temperature of liquid product within a tank and a volume of the liquid product within said tank;
comparing each volume of liquid against at least one predetermined volume identified as being unreliable;
generating a second set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said measurement data that is identified as being unreliable;
determining a sample mean and a standard deviation for said second set of measurement data; and filtering said second set of measurement data to generate a third set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said second set of measurement data that has a value plus or minus a predetermined number of said standard deviations from said standard mean.
receiving a measurement data at a plurality of times, said measurement data including data representative of a temperature of liquid product within a tank and a volume of the liquid product within said tank;
comparing each volume of liquid against at least one predetermined volume identified as being unreliable;
generating a second set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said measurement data that is identified as being unreliable;
determining a sample mean and a standard deviation for said second set of measurement data; and filtering said second set of measurement data to generate a third set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said second set of measurement data that has a value plus or minus a predetermined number of said standard deviations from said standard mean.
84. The method as recited in claim 83, wherein any measurement data of said measurement data that is identified as being unreliable comprises data above or below defined one or more thresholds relative to any other measurement data within said measurement data.
85. The method as recited in claim 84, wherein said one or more defined thresholds can be at least one of a maximum tank volume and a minimum tank volume, such that measurement data that is greater than said maximum tank volume and/or measurement data that is lesser than said minimum tank volume is eliminated when said second set of measurement data is generated.
86. The method as recited in claim 83, further comprising associating each said measurement data of said third set of measurement data with a common time and averaging each said measurement data of said third set of measurement data at the common time.
87. A method of filtering physical volume measurements of a liquid within a tank made at a plurality of times to compensate for waves motions within the tank, the method comprising:
receiving, at a centralized management system, a measurement data for a plurality of times, each measurement data representing a volume of liquid product within the tank;
comparing each volume of liquid against at least one predetermined volume;
generating a second set of measurement data by eliminating from said measurement data any data corresponding to said at least one predetermined volume;
determining a sample mean and a standard deviation for said second set of measurement data; and filtering said second set of measurement data to generate a third set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said second set of measurement data that has a value that is more or less than a predetermined number of said standard deviations from said standard mean.
receiving, at a centralized management system, a measurement data for a plurality of times, each measurement data representing a volume of liquid product within the tank;
comparing each volume of liquid against at least one predetermined volume;
generating a second set of measurement data by eliminating from said measurement data any data corresponding to said at least one predetermined volume;
determining a sample mean and a standard deviation for said second set of measurement data; and filtering said second set of measurement data to generate a third set of measurement data by eliminating any measurement data from said second set of measurement data that has a value that is more or less than a predetermined number of said standard deviations from said standard mean.
88. A method as recited in claim 87, wherein said at least one predetermined volume comprises a volume that is identified as being unreliable.
89. A method as recited in claim 87, wherein data of said measurement data that is identified as being unreliable comprises: (A) a volume of liquid that is that is more than a maximum tank volume; (B) a volume of liquid that is that is less than a minimum tank volume; or (C) one or more other volumes of liquid that are identified as being unreliable.
90. The method as recited in claim 87, further comprising associating each said measurement data of said third set of measurement data with a common time.
91. The method as recited in claim 87, further comprising averaging each said measurement data of said third set of measurement data at the common time.
92. A method of providing virtual real-time status of sales transactions in order to perform a liquid product fuel reconciliation regardless of ongoing sells, the method comprising:
receiving a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more storage tanks;
identifying a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation;
during said identified duration, monitoring a status of one or more dispensers for dispensing liquid product from said one or more storage tanks;
and based on said status of said one or more dispensers, updating at least one of (i) a physical inventory, and (ii) a book value to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
receiving a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more storage tanks;
identifying a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation;
during said identified duration, monitoring a status of one or more dispensers for dispensing liquid product from said one or more storage tanks;
and based on said status of said one or more dispensers, updating at least one of (i) a physical inventory, and (ii) a book value to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
93. The method of claim 92, wherein said status is an interim status for updating the physical inventory, and wherein said interim status is chosen from one of an interim open, interim closed, or interim stacked transaction.
94. The method of claim 92, wherein the duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation is adjustable by a user.
95. The method of claim 92, wherein the duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation is a predefined default value.
96. The method of claim 92, wherein said status is a closed transaction and the book value is updated with information corresponding to said closed transaction.
97. The method of claim 96, further comprising:
determining that one or more closed transactions that were awaiting to be sent to the book value prior to said request to perform said reconciliation was sent during said duration of the accumulation of measurement data; and deleting the determined one or more closed transactions in order to prevent duplicate recording on the book value.
determining that one or more closed transactions that were awaiting to be sent to the book value prior to said request to perform said reconciliation was sent during said duration of the accumulation of measurement data; and deleting the determined one or more closed transactions in order to prevent duplicate recording on the book value.
98. A method of providing virtual real-time status of sales transactions in order to perform a liquid product fuel reconciliation regardless of ongoing sells, the method comprising:
generating a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more storage tanks, said request including an identification of a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation;
during said identified duration, monitoring a status of one or more dispensers for dispensing liquid product from said one or more storage tanks;
and based on said status of said one or more dispensers, updating at least one of (i) a physical inventory, and (ii) a book value to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
generating a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more storage tanks, said request including an identification of a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation;
during said identified duration, monitoring a status of one or more dispensers for dispensing liquid product from said one or more storage tanks;
and based on said status of said one or more dispensers, updating at least one of (i) a physical inventory, and (ii) a book value to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
99. The method of claim 98, wherein said status is an interim status for updating the physical inventory, and wherein said interim status is chosen from one of an interim open, interim closed, or interim stacked transaction.
100. The method of claim 98, wherein the duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation is adjustable by a user.
101. The method of claim 98, wherein the duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation is a predefined default value.
102. The method of claim 98, wherein said status is a closed transaction and the book value is updated with information corresponding to said closed transaction.
103. A computer program product for implementing a method of providing virtual real-time status of sales transactions in order to perform a liquid product fuel reconciliation regardless of ongoing sells, the computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having stored thereon computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, can cause the distributed computing system to perform the following:
receive a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more storage tanks;
identify a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation;
during said identified duration, monitor a status of one or more dispensers for dispensing liquid product from said one or more storage tanks;
and based on said status of the one or more dispensers, update at least one of (i) a physical inventory and (ii) a book value to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
receive a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more storage tanks;
identify a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation;
during said identified duration, monitor a status of one or more dispensers for dispensing liquid product from said one or more storage tanks;
and based on said status of the one or more dispensers, update at least one of (i) a physical inventory and (ii) a book value to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
104. The computer program product of claim 98, wherein said status is an interim status for updating the physical inventory, and wherein said interim status is chosen from one of an interim open, interim closed, or interim stacked.
105. The computer program product of claim 98, wherein the duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation is adjustable by a user.
106. The computer program product of claim 98, wherein the duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation is a predefined default value.
107. The computer program product of claim 98, wherein said status is a closed transaction and the book value is updated with information corresponding to said closed transaction.
108. The computer program product of claim 107, further comprising computer executable instructions that can cause the messaging system to perform the following:
determining that one or more closed transactions that were awaiting to be sent to the book value prior to said request to perform said reconciliation was sent during said duration of the accumulation of measurement data; and deleting the determined one or more closed transactions in order to prevent the duplicate recording on the book value.
determining that one or more closed transactions that were awaiting to be sent to the book value prior to said request to perform said reconciliation was sent during said duration of the accumulation of measurement data; and deleting the determined one or more closed transactions in order to prevent the duplicate recording on the book value.
109. A system for providing virtual real-time status of sales transactions in order to perform a liquid product fuel reconciliation regardless of ongoing sells, the method comprising:
an input interface that receives a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more of storage tanks;
a program module that identifies a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation;
a plurality of measurement devices used to collect the measurement data used for said reconciliation;
one or more computing devices configured to monitor a status of one or more dispensers for dispensing liquid product from said one or more storage tanks during said identified duration; and a central computing device for updating either a physical inventory or a book value based on said status of said one or more dispensers, the updating used to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
an input interface that receives a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more of storage tanks;
a program module that identifies a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation;
a plurality of measurement devices used to collect the measurement data used for said reconciliation;
one or more computing devices configured to monitor a status of one or more dispensers for dispensing liquid product from said one or more storage tanks during said identified duration; and a central computing device for updating either a physical inventory or a book value based on said status of said one or more dispensers, the updating used to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.
110. The system of claim 109, wherein said status is an interim status for updating the physical inventory, and wherein said interim status is chosen from one of an interim open, interim closed, or interim stacked transaction.
111. The system of claim 109, wherein the duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation is adjustable by a user.
112. The system of claim 109, wherein the duration for accumulation of measurement data used for said reconciliation is a predefined default value.
113. The system of claim 109, wherein said status is a closed transaction and the book value is updated with information corresponding to said closed transaction.
114. The system of claim 113, wherein the central computing device further performs the following:
determining that one or more closed transactions that were awaiting to be sent to the book value prior to said request to perform said reconciliation was sent during said duration of the accumulation of measurement data; and deleting the determined one or more closed transactions in order to prevent duplicate recording on the book value.
determining that one or more closed transactions that were awaiting to be sent to the book value prior to said request to perform said reconciliation was sent during said duration of the accumulation of measurement data; and deleting the determined one or more closed transactions in order to prevent duplicate recording on the book value.
115. A method of real-time communication of temperature and volume readings directly from a dispenser, the method comprising:
collecting flow data indicative of a volume of a liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at a plurality of times during a defined time interval;
collecting temperature data indicative of a temperature of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at the plurality of times during the defined interval; and transmitting said flow data and said temperature data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
collecting flow data indicative of a volume of a liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at a plurality of times during a defined time interval;
collecting temperature data indicative of a temperature of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at the plurality of times during the defined interval; and transmitting said flow data and said temperature data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
116. The method of claim 115, wherein said flow data and said temperature data are transmitted via the Internet, frame relay or a wireless connection.
117. The method as recited in claim 115, wherein collecting flow data further comprises accumulating at a control module within the dispenser a plurality of pulses from a dispenser pulser, each pulse of said plurality of pulses representing the volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser.
118. The method as recited in claim 115, further comprising generating at said control module a time-stamp for one or more of said plurality of pulses.
119. The method as recited in claim 118, further comprising associating said time-stamp with one or more of said temperature data.
120. The method as recited in claim 115, further comprising collecting dispenser status data indicative of a status of one or more sales transactions at the dispenser.
121. The method as recited in claim 120, further comprising associating said time-stamp with one or more of said dispenser status data.
122. The method as recited in claim 115, further comprising calculating an offset time for the dispenser, said offset time being the difference between a first time associated with a start of a reconciliation process and a second time associated with an end of the reconciliation process.
123. The method as recited in claim 115, wherein transmitting said flow data and said temperature data comprises periodically transmitting said flow data and said temperature data.
124. The method as recited in claim 115, wherein transmitting said flow data and said temperature data comprises transmitting said flow data and said temperature data upon the dispenser receiving a request from at least one of the retail system and the centralized inventory management system
125. A method of real-time communication of temperature and volume readings directly from a dispenser to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system, the method comprising:
collecting a plurality of flow data at a plurality of times at the dispenser, each of the plurality of flow data corresponding to a volume of liquid product dispensed from the dispenser during a time interval;
while said liquid product is dispensed from the dispenser, collecting a plurality of temperature data at a plurality of times within said time interval, each said temperature data being representative of a temperature of said liquid product at one of said plurality of times; and transmitting said plurality of flow data and said plurality of temperature data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
collecting a plurality of flow data at a plurality of times at the dispenser, each of the plurality of flow data corresponding to a volume of liquid product dispensed from the dispenser during a time interval;
while said liquid product is dispensed from the dispenser, collecting a plurality of temperature data at a plurality of times within said time interval, each said temperature data being representative of a temperature of said liquid product at one of said plurality of times; and transmitting said plurality of flow data and said plurality of temperature data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
126. The method of claim 125, wherein said plurality of flow data is transmitted via the Internet, frame relay or a wireless connection.
127. The method as recited in claim 125, wherein collecting a plurality of flow data further comprises:
accumulating a plurality of pulses from a pulser disposed within the dispenser, each pulse of said plurality of pulses representing the volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser; and generating a time-stamp for one or more of said plurality of pulses.
accumulating a plurality of pulses from a pulser disposed within the dispenser, each pulse of said plurality of pulses representing the volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser; and generating a time-stamp for one or more of said plurality of pulses.
128. The method as recited in claim 125, wherein collecting a plurality of flow data further comprises:
accumulating a plurality of pulses from a pulser disposed within the dispenser, each pulse of said plurality of pulses representing said volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser; and generating a plurality of time-stamps for the defined time interval; and associating each time-stamp of said plurality of time-stamps with said volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser.
accumulating a plurality of pulses from a pulser disposed within the dispenser, each pulse of said plurality of pulses representing said volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser; and generating a plurality of time-stamps for the defined time interval; and associating each time-stamp of said plurality of time-stamps with said volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser.
129. The method as recited in claim 125, further comprising collecting dispenser status data indicative of sales transaction status of the dispenser.
130. The method as recited in claim 129, further comprising associating a plurality of time-stamps with said dispenser status data.
131. A computer program product for implementing a method of real-time communication of temperature and volume readings directly from a dispenser to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system, the computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having stored thereon computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, can cause the distributed computing system to perform the following:
collecting a plurality of flow data at a plurality of times at the dispenser, each of the plurality of flow data corresponding to a volume of liquid product dispensed from the dispenser during a time interval;
while said liquid product is dispensed from the dispenser, collecting a plurality of temperature data at a plurality of times within said time interval, each said temperature data being representative of a temperature of said liquid product at one of said plurality of times; and transmitting said plurality of flow data and said plurality of temperature data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
collecting a plurality of flow data at a plurality of times at the dispenser, each of the plurality of flow data corresponding to a volume of liquid product dispensed from the dispenser during a time interval;
while said liquid product is dispensed from the dispenser, collecting a plurality of temperature data at a plurality of times within said time interval, each said temperature data being representative of a temperature of said liquid product at one of said plurality of times; and transmitting said plurality of flow data and said plurality of temperature data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
132. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein said plurality of flow data is transmitted via the Internet, frame relay or a wireless connection.
133. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein collecting a plurality of flow data further comprises:
accumulating a plurality of pulses from a pulser disposed within the dispenser, each pulse of said plurality of pulses representing the volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser; and generating a time-stamp for one or more of said plurality of pulses.
accumulating a plurality of pulses from a pulser disposed within the dispenser, each pulse of said plurality of pulses representing the volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser; and generating a time-stamp for one or more of said plurality of pulses.
134. The computer program product of claim 131, wherein collecting a plurality of flow data further comprises:
accumulating a plurality of pulses from a pulser disposed within the dispenser, each pulse of said plurality of pulses representing said volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser; and generating a plurality of time-stamps for the defined time interval; and associating each time-stamp of said plurality of time-stamps with said volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser.
accumulating a plurality of pulses from a pulser disposed within the dispenser, each pulse of said plurality of pulses representing said volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser; and generating a plurality of time-stamps for the defined time interval; and associating each time-stamp of said plurality of time-stamps with said volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser.
135. The computer program product of claim 131, further comprising collecting dispenser status data indicative of sales transaction status of the dispenser.
136. The computer program product of claim 135, further comprising associating a plurality of time-stamps with said dispenser status data.
137. A dispenser for delivering a liquid product to a consumer through a nozzle, the dispenser comprising:
a first totalizer that receives signals from a pulser;
a second totalizer, in parallel with said first totalizer, that receives signals from said pulser; and a data acquisition unit communicating with at least said second totalizer, wherein said data acquisition unit receives from said second totalizer data indicative of a volume of the liquid product dispensed through the nozzle.
a first totalizer that receives signals from a pulser;
a second totalizer, in parallel with said first totalizer, that receives signals from said pulser; and a data acquisition unit communicating with at least said second totalizer, wherein said data acquisition unit receives from said second totalizer data indicative of a volume of the liquid product dispensed through the nozzle.
138. A dispenser as recited in claim 137, wherein said data acquisition unit is in signal communication with said second totalizer.
139. A dispenser as recited in claim 137, wherein said data acquisition unit further comprises a control module that controls a receipt of said data from said second totalizer.
140. A dispenser as recited in claim 138, wherein said control module delivers said data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
141. A dispenser as recited in claim 138, wherein said control module wirelessly transmits said data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
142. A dispenser as recited in claim 137, wherein said data acquisition unit further comprises a temperature module that collects temperature data indicative of a temperature of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser.
143. A dispenser as recited in claim 142, further comprising an outlet conduit disposed between said nozzle and a dispenser meter of the dispenser.
144. A dispenser as recited in claim 143, wherein said temperature module is in signal communication with a temperature probe disposed in said outlet conduit.
145. A dispenser for delivering a liquid product, the dispenser comprising:
a pump meter that directs the liquid product from a tank and to a nozzle;
a pulser cooperating with said pump meter, said pulser generating a plurality of pulses indicative of a volume of the liquid product that said pump meter directs to said nozzle;
a first totalizer that receives a plurality of signals from said pulser;
a second totalizer, in parallel with said first totalizer, that receives said plurality of signals from said pulser; and a data acquisition unit in signal communication with said first totalizer and said second totalizer, wherein said data acquisition unit receives from said second totalizer data indicative of a volume of the liquid product dispensed through said nozzle.
a pump meter that directs the liquid product from a tank and to a nozzle;
a pulser cooperating with said pump meter, said pulser generating a plurality of pulses indicative of a volume of the liquid product that said pump meter directs to said nozzle;
a first totalizer that receives a plurality of signals from said pulser;
a second totalizer, in parallel with said first totalizer, that receives said plurality of signals from said pulser; and a data acquisition unit in signal communication with said first totalizer and said second totalizer, wherein said data acquisition unit receives from said second totalizer data indicative of a volume of the liquid product dispensed through said nozzle.
146. A dispenser as recited in claim 145, wherein said data acquisition unit further comprises:
a control module that controls a receipt of said data from said second totalizer; and a temperature module that collects temperature data indicative of a temperature of the liquid product dispensed through said nozzle.
a control module that controls a receipt of said data from said second totalizer; and a temperature module that collects temperature data indicative of a temperature of the liquid product dispensed through said nozzle.
147. A dispenser as recited in claim 146, wherein said control module delivers said data and said temperature data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
148. A dispenser as recited in claim 146, wherein said control module wirelessly transmits said data and said temperature data to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
149. A method for collecting flow data using a dedicated totalizer within a dispenser, the method comprising:
receiving a plurality of pulses at a first totalizer within the dispenser;
upon receiving data representative of said plurality of pulses from said first pulser at a second dedicated totalizer within the dispenser, generating reading data indicative of a volume of liquid product flowing from the dispenser; and sending said reading data corresponding to said dedicated totalizer to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
receiving a plurality of pulses at a first totalizer within the dispenser;
upon receiving data representative of said plurality of pulses from said first pulser at a second dedicated totalizer within the dispenser, generating reading data indicative of a volume of liquid product flowing from the dispenser; and sending said reading data corresponding to said dedicated totalizer to at least one of a retail system and a centralized inventory management system.
150. The method as recited in claim 149, wherein sending said reading data comprises wirelessly transmitting said reading data to at least one of said retail system and said centralized inventory management system.
151. The method as recited in claim 149, further comprising comparing said reading data against said volume of liquid product flowing from the dispenser defined by said first totalizer.
152. The method as recited in claim 149, further comprising generating a pulse to gallon conversion ratio based upon said reading data and said volume of liquid product flowing from the dispenser defined by said first totalizer.
153. The method as recited in claim 149, further comprising collecting temperature data indicative of a temperature of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser.
154. The method as recited in claim 153, further comprising collecting said temperature data from a temperature probe disposed in an outlet conduit disposed between a nozzle and a dispenser meter of the dispenser.
155. A method for performing an on-demand book balance to physical balance reconciliation process, the method comprising:
receiving an indication that a delivery of product is about to occur;
based on the received indication, automatically initiating a first book balance to physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at a retail facility prior to receiving a delivery of liquid product;
following completion of the first book to physical balance reconciliation, delivering an amount of liquid product as indicated on a delivery document;
upon receiving an indication that an amount of liquid product has been delivered, automatically performing a second book to physical reconciliation process to identify one or more discrepancies between said indicated amount of liquid product and a physical amount of liquid product actually delivered to said one or more liquid product storage tanks.
receiving an indication that a delivery of product is about to occur;
based on the received indication, automatically initiating a first book balance to physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at a retail facility prior to receiving a delivery of liquid product;
following completion of the first book to physical balance reconciliation, delivering an amount of liquid product as indicated on a delivery document;
upon receiving an indication that an amount of liquid product has been delivered, automatically performing a second book to physical reconciliation process to identify one or more discrepancies between said indicated amount of liquid product and a physical amount of liquid product actually delivered to said one or more liquid product storage tanks.
156. The method as recited in claim 155, wherein said first book balance to physical balance reconciliation is capable of being conducted while fuel is dispensed from said one or more liquid product storage tanks.
157. The method as recited in claim 155, wherein a centralized management system determines whether the amount of liquid product has actually been delivered to said retail facility.
158. The method of claim 156, wherein said amount is indicated on a delivery document provided by a carrier of the liquid product.
159. The method of claim 158, wherein both a gross volume and a temperature measurement is taken for all measurements in the reconciliation process, said volume and temperature measurements being used to convert all measured volumes into a net volume at 60° Fahrenheit.
160. The method of claim 159, further comprising appending a time-stamp to all physical measurements of the liquid product and converting all of said measurements to a common time.
161. The method as recited in claim 156, further comprising reporting a discrepancy between amounts reportedly delivered and amounts that were actually delivered to at least one of a carrier, the retail facility, and a centralized management system.
162. In a system having a centralized management system, a method for performing an on-demand reconciliation process, the method comprising:
using the centralized management system, initiating a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at a retail facility, said reconciliation is capable of being conducted while a liquid product is dispensed from said one or more liquid product storage tanks;
receiving a delivery of an amount of said liquid product; and following delivery of the liquid product, performing a second book to physical reconciliation process to identify one or more discrepancies between (A) the amount of said liquid product reportedly delivered to said one or more storage tanks; and (B) the physical liquid product actually contained within said one or more liquid product storage tank.
using the centralized management system, initiating a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at a retail facility, said reconciliation is capable of being conducted while a liquid product is dispensed from said one or more liquid product storage tanks;
receiving a delivery of an amount of said liquid product; and following delivery of the liquid product, performing a second book to physical reconciliation process to identify one or more discrepancies between (A) the amount of said liquid product reportedly delivered to said one or more storage tanks; and (B) the physical liquid product actually contained within said one or more liquid product storage tank.
163. The method of claim 162, wherein said amount is indicated on a delivery document provided by a carrier of the liquid product.
164. The method of claim 163, wherein both a gross volume and a temperature measurement is taken for all measurements in the reconciliation process, said volume and temperature measurements being used to convert all measured volumes into a net volume at 60° Fahrenheit.
165. The method of claim 164, further comprising appending a time-stamp to all physical measurements of the liquid product and converting all of said measurements to a common time.
166. The method as recited in claim 162, further comprising reporting a discrepancy between amounts reportedly delivered and amounts that were actually delivered to at least one of a carrier, the retail facility, and the centralized management system.
167. The method as recited in claim 162, further comprising: notifying a carrier in the event that a reported amount of liquid product was not actually delivered to the retail facility.
168. In a system having a centralized management system, a method for performing an on-demand reconciliation process, the method comprising:
initiating a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at a retail facility, said reconciliation capable of being conducted while fuel is dispensed from said one or more liquid product storage tanks; and following said reconciliation, performing at regular intervals additional book to physical reconciliation processes to identify one or more discrepancies between (A) an amount of liquid product reportedly contained within said one or more liquid product storage tanks; and (B) physical liquid product actually contained within said one or more liquid product storage tanks.
initiating a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at a retail facility, said reconciliation capable of being conducted while fuel is dispensed from said one or more liquid product storage tanks; and following said reconciliation, performing at regular intervals additional book to physical reconciliation processes to identify one or more discrepancies between (A) an amount of liquid product reportedly contained within said one or more liquid product storage tanks; and (B) physical liquid product actually contained within said one or more liquid product storage tanks.
169. The method of claim 168, wherein both a gross volume and a temperature measurement is taken for all measurements in the reconciliation process, said volume and temperature measurements being used to convert all measured volumes into a net volume at 60° Fahrenheit.
170. The method of claim 169, further comprising appending a time-stamp to all physical measurements of the liquid product and converting all of said measurements to a common time.
171. A method as recited in claim 168, wherein the additional book to physical reconciliation process are performed at five minute intervals.
172. A computer program product for implementing a method for performing an on-demand reconciliation process, the computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having stored thereon computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, can cause the distributed computing system to perform the following::
initiating a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at a retail facility, said reconciliation capable of being conducted while fuel is dispensed from said one or more liquid product storage tanks; and following said reconciliation, performing at regular intervals additional book to physical reconciliation processes to identify one or more discrepancies between (A) an amount of liquid product reportedly contained within said one or more liquid product storage tanks; and (B) physical liquid product actually contained within said one or more liquid product storage tanks.
initiating a book balance to a physical balance reconciliation of one or more liquid product storage tanks at a retail facility, said reconciliation capable of being conducted while fuel is dispensed from said one or more liquid product storage tanks; and following said reconciliation, performing at regular intervals additional book to physical reconciliation processes to identify one or more discrepancies between (A) an amount of liquid product reportedly contained within said one or more liquid product storage tanks; and (B) physical liquid product actually contained within said one or more liquid product storage tanks.
173. The computer program product of claim 172, wherein both a gross volume and a temperature measurement is taken for all measurements in the reconciliation process, said volume and temperature measurements being used to convert all measured volumes into a net volume at 60° Fahrenheit.
174. The computer program product of claim 173, further comprising appending a time-stamp to all physical measurements of the liquid product and converting all of said measurements to a common time.
175. The computer program product of claim 172, wherein the additional book to physical reconciliation process are performed at five minute intervals.
176. A system for standardizing a volume of a liquid product delivered from a distributor to a consumer, the system comprising:
a plurality of volume measurement devices, wherein at least one volume measurement device is located at each of (i) a fuel source located with a distributor, (ii) a storage tank at a retail facility, and (ii) a dispenser that delivers the liquid product to the consumer, and wherein each said volume measurement device measures a gross volume of the liquid product at, respectively, said distributor fuel source, said retail facility storage tank, and said dispenser and generates volume data indicative of said gross volume;
a plurality of temperature measurement devices, wherein at least one temperature measurement device is located at each of (i) said distributor fuel source, (ii) said retail facility storage tank and (iii) said dispenser, wherein each said temperature measurement device measures a temperature of the liquid product at, respectively, said distributor fuel source, said retail facility storage tank, and said dispenser and generates temperature data indicative of said temperature; and a plurality of time-stamp systems, wherein at least one time-stamp system is located at each of (i) said retail facility storage tank, and (ii) said dispenser, and wherein each said time-stamp system receives said volume data and said temperature data and allocates a time-stamp to each of said volume data and said temperature data generated at, respectively, said retail facility storage tank and said dispenser.
a plurality of volume measurement devices, wherein at least one volume measurement device is located at each of (i) a fuel source located with a distributor, (ii) a storage tank at a retail facility, and (ii) a dispenser that delivers the liquid product to the consumer, and wherein each said volume measurement device measures a gross volume of the liquid product at, respectively, said distributor fuel source, said retail facility storage tank, and said dispenser and generates volume data indicative of said gross volume;
a plurality of temperature measurement devices, wherein at least one temperature measurement device is located at each of (i) said distributor fuel source, (ii) said retail facility storage tank and (iii) said dispenser, wherein each said temperature measurement device measures a temperature of the liquid product at, respectively, said distributor fuel source, said retail facility storage tank, and said dispenser and generates temperature data indicative of said temperature; and a plurality of time-stamp systems, wherein at least one time-stamp system is located at each of (i) said retail facility storage tank, and (ii) said dispenser, and wherein each said time-stamp system receives said volume data and said temperature data and allocates a time-stamp to each of said volume data and said temperature data generated at, respectively, said retail facility storage tank and said dispenser.
177. The system of claim 176, wherein said gross volumes are converted into net volumes by a centralized management system that receives said temperature data and said volume data.
178. The system of claim 177, wherein said centralized management system uses said volume data and said temperature data to perform a book to physical volume reconciliation, and wherein said centralized management system produces a variance report that shows a difference between said book volume and the physical volume.
179. The system of claim 178, wherein said reconciliation process can be performed at any time during the day, regardless of whether the liquid product is being delivered from a delivery vehicle into said retail facility storage tank or pumped out of said retail facility storage tank through said dispenser.
180. The system of claim 178, wherein the difference is reported to a driver of said delivery vehicle before said delivery vehicle leaves said retail facility.
181. The system of claim 180, wherein said driver verifies that the complete delivery was accomplished and said delivery vehicle is empty.
182. The system of claim 176, wherein said dispenser reports said volume data, said temperature data, and a net volume to a centralized management system.
183. The system of claim 182, wherein said net volume is standardized to a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
184. A method of standardizing a volume of a liquid product across a fuel management system, the method comprising:
measuring a gross volume and a temperature of the liquid product at each of a fuel source located with a distributor, a storage tank at a retail facility and a dispenser at said retail facility, wherein said temperature measurements and said gross volume measurements in said tank and at said dispenser are each given a time-stamp; and using said measurements of gross volume, temperature, and each of said time-stamps, reconciling gross to net volumes of the liquid product at a single point in time.
measuring a gross volume and a temperature of the liquid product at each of a fuel source located with a distributor, a storage tank at a retail facility and a dispenser at said retail facility, wherein said temperature measurements and said gross volume measurements in said tank and at said dispenser are each given a time-stamp; and using said measurements of gross volume, temperature, and each of said time-stamps, reconciling gross to net volumes of the liquid product at a single point in time.
185. The method of claim 184, further comprising performing a book to physical inventory reconciliation using said measured volumes.
186. The method of claim 185, wherein said inventory reconciliation is performed both before and after delivery of the liquid product to said retail facility storage tank to ensure a complete delivery.
187. The method of claim 186, further comprising identifying a discrepancy between the book inventory and the physical inventory, and informing a driver of a delivery vehicle that the discrepancy exists.
188. The method of claim 187, wherein said driver verifies that the delivery is complete and said delivery vehicle is empty.
189. The method of claim 185, wherein the inventory reconciliation is performed in real time, even while said dispenser is dispensing liquid product.
190. The method of claim 185, further comprising reporting both a gross volume and a net volume from said dispenser to a centralized management system.
191. The method of claim 184, wherein reconciling gross to net volumes can be performed at any time during the day, regardless of whether the liquid product is being delivered from a delivery vehicle into said retail facility storage tank or pumped out of said retail facility storage tank through said dispenser.
192. The method of claim 184, wherein said net volume is standardized to a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
193. A computer program product for implementing a method of standardizing a volume of a liquid product across a fuel management system, the computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having stored thereon computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, can cause the distributed computing system to perform the following:
measuring a rack gross volume and a rack temperature of the liquid product at a rack located with a distributor, measuring a tank gross volume and a tank temperature of the liquid product at a storage tank at a retail facility measuring a dispenser gross volume and a dispenser temperature of the liquid product at a dispenser at said retail facility, assigning a time-stamp to each measured gross volume and each measured temperature; and using each measured gross volume, measured temperature, said time-stamp, reconciling gross to net volumes of the liquid product at a single point in time.
measuring a rack gross volume and a rack temperature of the liquid product at a rack located with a distributor, measuring a tank gross volume and a tank temperature of the liquid product at a storage tank at a retail facility measuring a dispenser gross volume and a dispenser temperature of the liquid product at a dispenser at said retail facility, assigning a time-stamp to each measured gross volume and each measured temperature; and using each measured gross volume, measured temperature, said time-stamp, reconciling gross to net volumes of the liquid product at a single point in time.
194. The computer program product of claim 193, further comprising performing a book to physical inventory reconciliation using said measured volumes.
195. The computer program product of claim 193, wherein said inventory reconciliation is performed both before and after delivery of the liquid product to said storage tank to ensure a complete delivery.
196. The computer program product of claim 193, wherein the inventory reconciliation is performed while said dispenser is dispensing the liquid product.
197. The computer program product of claim 193, wherein the inventory reconciliation is performed while one or more storage tanks receive the liquid product.
198. The computer program product of claim 193, further comprising reporting both a gross volume and a net volume from said dispenser to a centralized management system.
199. A system for standardizing a volume of a liquid product, the system comprising:
a volume measurement device for measuring a gross volume of liquid product and for generating volume data indicative of said gross volume, a temperature measurement device for measuring a temperature of liquid product and for generating temperature data indicative of said temperature, and a time-stamp system configured to receive said volume data and said temperature data generated by the volume measurement device and the temperature measurement device and to allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and the temperature data.
a volume measurement device for measuring a gross volume of liquid product and for generating volume data indicative of said gross volume, a temperature measurement device for measuring a temperature of liquid product and for generating temperature data indicative of said temperature, and a time-stamp system configured to receive said volume data and said temperature data generated by the volume measurement device and the temperature measurement device and to allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and the temperature data.
200. A system as recited in claim 199, wherein the volume measurement device measures a gross volume of liquid product at a retail facility storage tank and generates storage tank volume data indicative of said gross volume, the temperature measurement device measures a temperature of liquid product at the retail facility storage tank and generates storage tank temperature data indicative of said temperature, and the time-stamp system is configured to receive said storage tank volume data and said storage tank temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the storage tank volume data and the storage tank temperature data generated.
201. A system as recited in claim 200, further comprising:
a dispenser volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product at a dispenser and generates dispenser volume data indicative of said gross volume, a dispenser temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product at the dispenser and generates dispenser temperature data indicative of said temperature, and a time-stamp system configured to receive said dispenser volume data and said dispenser temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the dispenser volume data and the dispenser temperature data.
a dispenser volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product at a dispenser and generates dispenser volume data indicative of said gross volume, a dispenser temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product at the dispenser and generates dispenser temperature data indicative of said temperature, and a time-stamp system configured to receive said dispenser volume data and said dispenser temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the dispenser volume data and the dispenser temperature data.
202. A system as recited in claim 201, wherein the liquid is delivered from a distributor fuel source by a carrier to a retail facility storage tank and is delivered from the retail facility storage tank through a dispenser to a consumer.
203. A system as recited in claim 202, further comprising:
a volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates volume data indicative of said gross volume upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, and a temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates temperature data indicative of said temperature upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier.
a volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates volume data indicative of said gross volume upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, and a temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates temperature data indicative of said temperature upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier.
204. A system as recited in claim 203, further comprising a time-stamp system configured to receive (i) said volume data that is indicative of gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and (ii) said temperature data that is indicative of temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and to allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and the temperature data that is indicative of gross volume and temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier.
205. A system as recited in claim 203, wherein the volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product as the liquid product is delivered from the distributor fuel source to the carrier.
206. A system as recited in claim 203, wherein the volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product located within the carrier.
207. A system as recited in claim 199, wherein the volume measurement device measures a gross volume of liquid product at a dispenser and generates volume data indicative of said gross volume, the temperature measurement device measures a temperature of liquid product at the dispenser and generates temperature data indicative of said temperature, and further comprising:
a time-stamp system configured to receive said volume data and said temperature data generated at the dispenser and to allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and the temperature data generated at the dispenser.
a time-stamp system configured to receive said volume data and said temperature data generated at the dispenser and to allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and the temperature data generated at the dispenser.
208. A system as recited in claim 199, wherein the liquid is delivered from a distributor fuel source by a carrier to a retail facility storage tank and is delivered from the retail facility storage tank through a dispenser to a consumer, and wherein the volume measurement device measures a gross volume of liquid product (i) upon delivery to the carrier, (ii) at the retail facility storage tank, or (iii) at the dispenser and generates volume data indicative of said gross volume;
the temperature measurement device measures a temperature of liquid product (i) upon delivery to the carrier, (ii) at the retail facility storage tank, or (iii) at the dispenser and generates temperature data indicative of said temperature, and the time-stamp system is configured to receive volume data and temperature data from said retail facility storage tank or said dispenser and to allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and the temperature data generated therefrom.
the temperature measurement device measures a temperature of liquid product (i) upon delivery to the carrier, (ii) at the retail facility storage tank, or (iii) at the dispenser and generates temperature data indicative of said temperature, and the time-stamp system is configured to receive volume data and temperature data from said retail facility storage tank or said dispenser and to allocate a time-stamp to the volume data and the temperature data generated therefrom.
209. A system for standardizing a volume of a liquid product, wherein the liquid product is delivered from a fuel source by a carrier to a retail facility storage tank and is delivered from the retail facility storage tank through a dispenser to a consumer, the system comprising:
a volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates volume data indicative of said gross volume;
a temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates temperature data indicative of said temperature;
a volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product at a retail facility storage tank and generates storage tank volume data indicative of said gross volume;
a temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product at the retail facility storage tank and generates storage tank temperature data indicative of said temperature;
a time-stamp system configured to receive said storage tank volume data and said storage tank temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the storage tank volume data and the storage tank temperature data;
a dispenser volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product at a dispenser and generates dispenser volume data indicative of said gross volume;
a dispenser temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product at the dispenser and generates dispenser temperature data indicative of said temperature; and a time-stamp system configured to receive said dispenser volume data and said dispenser temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the dispenser volume data and the dispenser temperature data.
a volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates volume data indicative of said gross volume;
a temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates temperature data indicative of said temperature;
a volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product at a retail facility storage tank and generates storage tank volume data indicative of said gross volume;
a temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product at the retail facility storage tank and generates storage tank temperature data indicative of said temperature;
a time-stamp system configured to receive said storage tank volume data and said storage tank temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the storage tank volume data and the storage tank temperature data;
a dispenser volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product at a dispenser and generates dispenser volume data indicative of said gross volume;
a dispenser temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product at the dispenser and generates dispenser temperature data indicative of said temperature; and a time-stamp system configured to receive said dispenser volume data and said dispenser temperature data and to allocate a time-stamp to the dispenser volume data and the dispenser temperature data.
210. A system as recited in claim 209, wherein the time-stamp system at the retail facility storage tank communicates with the volume measurement device and the temperature measurement device at the retail facility storage tank so as to receive volume data and temperature data and allocate a time-stamp to said volume data and temperature data generated at said retail facility storage tank; and wherein the time-stamp system at the dispenser communicates with the volume measurement device and the temperature measurement device at the dispenser so as to receive volume data and temperature data and allocate a time-stamp to said volume data and temperature data generated at said dispenser.
211. A system as recited in claim 209, wherein the volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product as the liquid product is delivered from the distributor fuel source to the carrier.
212. A system as recited in claim 209, wherein the volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product located within the carrier.
213. A system as recited in claim 209, wherein the volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, measure the volume and temperature of the liquid product when the carrier is located at a fuel source at a distribution facility.
214. A system as recited in claim 209, wherein the volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, are located at at least one of (i) a fuel source located with a distributor; and (ii) the carrier.
215. A system as recited in claim 209, wherein the volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and the temperature measurement device that measures temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier, respectively, are located at a fuel source located with a distributor.
216. A system for balancing a net inventory of a liquid product, the system comprising:
a volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates volume data indicative of said carrier liquid product gross volume;
a temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates temperature data indicative of said carrier liquid product temperature;
a density measuring device for measuring a density of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to the carrier and for generating density data indicative of said carrier liquid product density;
a volume measurement device for measuring a gross volume of liquid product at a storage tank and for generating volume data indicative of said storage tank liquid product gross volume;
a temperature measurement device for measuring a temperature of liquid product at a storage tank and for generating temperature data indicative of said storage tank liquid product temperature; and a density measuring device for measuring a density of liquid product at a storage tank and for generating density data indicative of said storage tank liquid product density;
wherein said tank liquid product density and liquid product volume data and said carrier liquid product density and liquid product volume data are used to determine a new volume adjusted tank liquid product density after said liquid product is delivered to said storage tank.
a volume measurement device that measures a gross volume of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates volume data indicative of said carrier liquid product gross volume;
a temperature measurement device that measures a temperature of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to a carrier and generates temperature data indicative of said carrier liquid product temperature;
a density measuring device for measuring a density of liquid product upon delivery of the liquid product to the carrier and for generating density data indicative of said carrier liquid product density;
a volume measurement device for measuring a gross volume of liquid product at a storage tank and for generating volume data indicative of said storage tank liquid product gross volume;
a temperature measurement device for measuring a temperature of liquid product at a storage tank and for generating temperature data indicative of said storage tank liquid product temperature; and a density measuring device for measuring a density of liquid product at a storage tank and for generating density data indicative of said storage tank liquid product density;
wherein said tank liquid product density and liquid product volume data and said carrier liquid product density and liquid product volume data are used to determine a new volume adjusted tank liquid product density after said liquid product is delivered to said storage tank.
217. The system of claim 216, wherein the volume adjusted tank density is temperature adjusted to a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
218. A method for balancing a net inventory of a liquid product, the method comprising:
recording a density and a temperature for a volume of the liquid product when the liquid product is delivered to a delivery vehicle;
recording a density and a temperature of an additional volume of the liquid product in a storage tank;
delivering the liquid product from the delivery vehicle into the storage tank; and using the recorded density and temperature values to calculate a volume adjusted net inventory balance of the product in the tank.
recording a density and a temperature for a volume of the liquid product when the liquid product is delivered to a delivery vehicle;
recording a density and a temperature of an additional volume of the liquid product in a storage tank;
delivering the liquid product from the delivery vehicle into the storage tank; and using the recorded density and temperature values to calculate a volume adjusted net inventory balance of the product in the tank.
219. The method of claim 218, wherein the net inventory balance is temperature adjusted to a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
220. The method of claim 218, further comprising performing a book to physical inventory reconciliation using the calculated net inventory balance as the physical inventory balance.
221. The method of claim 220, wherein the inventory reconciliation is performed both before and after delivery of the liquid product to the tank to ensure a complete delivery.
222. The method of claim 221, further comprising identifying a discrepancy between the book inventory and the physical inventory, and informing a driver of the delivery vehicle that the discrepancy exists.
223. The method of claim 222, wherein the driver verifies that the delivery is complete and the delivery vehicle is empty.
224. The method of claim 220, wherein the inventory reconciliation is performed in real time, even while a dispenser connected to the tank is dispensing liquid product.
225. A method for balancing net inventory using a dynamic expansion coefficient of product relative to a temperature change and a reported density change of the product, the method comprising:
receiving a Bill of Lading report that includes a measurement of a density and a temperature of the product reported at a rack and delivered to a delivery vehicle;
utilizing the reported density for maintaining correct densities through an inventory cycle of the product; and utilizing a plurality of expansion coefficients to dynamically convert a gross volume measurement to a net volume measurement for transactions of liquid product in a tank and at a dispenser in order to maintain a net perpetual book balance.
receiving a Bill of Lading report that includes a measurement of a density and a temperature of the product reported at a rack and delivered to a delivery vehicle;
utilizing the reported density for maintaining correct densities through an inventory cycle of the product; and utilizing a plurality of expansion coefficients to dynamically convert a gross volume measurement to a net volume measurement for transactions of liquid product in a tank and at a dispenser in order to maintain a net perpetual book balance.
226. The method of claim 225, wherein the net book balance is temperature adjusted to a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
227. The method of claim 225, further comprising performing a book to physical inventory reconciliation using the calculated net volume measurement as the physical inventory balance.
228. The method of claim 227, wherein the inventory reconciliation is performed both before and after delivery of the liquid product to the tank to ensure a complete delivery.
229. The method of claim 228, further comprising identifying a discrepancy between the book inventory and the physical inventory, and informing a driver of the delivery vehicle that the discrepancy exists.
230. The method of claim 229, wherein the driver verifies that the delivery is complete and the delivery vehicle is empty.
231. The method of claim 228, wherein the inventory reconciliation is performed in real time, even while a dispenser connected to the tank is dispensing liquid product.
232. A method for measuring physical volume of a liquid product in a manifold set of tanks, the method comprising:
identifying three or more volume book balances of the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks at three or more reconciliation times;
monitoring an amount of the liquid product dispensed from the manifold set of tanks;
measuring a physical volume of the liquid product in each tank of the manifold set of tanks at the three or more reconciliation times;
generating variance data indicative of a difference between the physical volume and the three or more volume book balances; and generating data for use in determining the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks based upon a measured height of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks.
identifying three or more volume book balances of the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks at three or more reconciliation times;
monitoring an amount of the liquid product dispensed from the manifold set of tanks;
measuring a physical volume of the liquid product in each tank of the manifold set of tanks at the three or more reconciliation times;
generating variance data indicative of a difference between the physical volume and the three or more volume book balances; and generating data for use in determining the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks based upon a measured height of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks.
233. The method as recited in claim 232, wherein identifying three or more volume book balances comprises identifying an initial volume book balance and two or more addition volume book balances.
234. The method as recited in claim 232, wherein monitoring the amount of liquid product comprises tracking the amount of product dispensed from one or more dispensers at a retail facility.
235. The method as recited in claim 232, wherein measuring the physical volume of the liquid product at the manifold set of tanks comprises measuring a tank physical volume of the liquid product in each tank of the manifold set of tanks and aggregating the tank physical volumes to generate the physical volume of the liquid product at the manifold set of tanks.
236. The method as recited in claim 232, wherein the manifold set of tanks comprises one or more tanks in fluid communication one with another.
237. The method as recited in claim 232, wherein generating variance data comprises:
identifying a first difference between a first volume book balance at a first reconciliation time and a first physical volume at the first reconciliation time;
identifying a second difference between a second volume book balance at a second reconciliation time and a second physical volume at the second reconciliation time;
identifying a third difference between a third volume book balance at a third reconciliation time and a third physical volume at the third reconciliation time; and generating data indicative of the relationship between the first difference, the second difference, the third differences.
identifying a first difference between a first volume book balance at a first reconciliation time and a first physical volume at the first reconciliation time;
identifying a second difference between a second volume book balance at a second reconciliation time and a second physical volume at the second reconciliation time;
identifying a third difference between a third volume book balance at a third reconciliation time and a third physical volume at the third reconciliation time; and generating data indicative of the relationship between the first difference, the second difference, the third differences.
238. The method as recited in claim 232, wherein generating variance data comprises:
identifying a first volume book balance at the first reconciliation time, the first reconciliation time being associated with a delivery of the liquid product to the manifold set of tanks;
identifying two or more volume book balances at two or more reconciliation times, the two or more reconciliation times occurring at times when the liquid product is only being dispensed from the manifold set of tanks;
and generating differences between the first volume book balance, the two or more volume book balances, and the physical volume at the first reconciliation time and the two or more reconciliation times.
identifying a first volume book balance at the first reconciliation time, the first reconciliation time being associated with a delivery of the liquid product to the manifold set of tanks;
identifying two or more volume book balances at two or more reconciliation times, the two or more reconciliation times occurring at times when the liquid product is only being dispensed from the manifold set of tanks;
and generating differences between the first volume book balance, the two or more volume book balances, and the physical volume at the first reconciliation time and the two or more reconciliation times.
239. The method as recited in claim 238, further comprising identifying a plurality of volume book balances at a plurality of reconciliation times subsequent to the two or more reconciliation times; and generating differences between the plurality of volume book balances and the physical volume at the plurality of reconciliation times.
240. The method as recited in claim 239, further comprising identifying each reconciliation time of the plurality of reconciliation times when the liquid product is delivered to the manifold set of tanks.
241. The method as recited in claim 240, further comprising assigning the variance data with a zero value at each reconciliation time of the plurality of reconciliation times when the liquid product is delivered to the manifold set of tanks.
242. The method as recited in claim 232, further comprising:
calculating variance data indicative of a difference between the physical volume and the three or more additional volume book balances; and generating an expected variance to the physical volume using the variance data.
calculating variance data indicative of a difference between the physical volume and the three or more additional volume book balances; and generating an expected variance to the physical volume using the variance data.
243. The method as recited in claim 232, further comprising generating a relationship between three or more data points representative of the variance data, the data representative of the relationship being used to calibrate the manifold set of tanks.
244. The method as recited in claim 232, wherein measuring the physical volume can occur at specific times based upon an amount of the liquid product dispensed from one or more dispensers at a retail facility.
245. A method for determining a volume of liquid product in a manifold set of tanks at a retail facility, the method comprising:
identifying a plurality of book volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks between a first delivery of liquid product and a second delivery of liquid product;
identifying a plurality of measured physical volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks between the first delivery of liquid product and the second delivery of liquid product, each measured physical volume of said plurality of measured physical volumes being associated with one book volume of said plurality of book volumes;
determining a variance between each measured physical volume of said plurality of measured volumes and each book volume of said plurality of book volumes;
generating, using the variance, an expected variance to each of the plurality of measured physical volumes, the combination of the expected variance and the measured physical volume being the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks.
identifying a plurality of book volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks between a first delivery of liquid product and a second delivery of liquid product;
identifying a plurality of measured physical volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks between the first delivery of liquid product and the second delivery of liquid product, each measured physical volume of said plurality of measured physical volumes being associated with one book volume of said plurality of book volumes;
determining a variance between each measured physical volume of said plurality of measured volumes and each book volume of said plurality of book volumes;
generating, using the variance, an expected variance to each of the plurality of measured physical volumes, the combination of the expected variance and the measured physical volume being the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks.
246. The method as recited in claim 245, further comprising monitoring the amount of liquid product dispensed from one or more dispensers at the retail facility.
247. The method as recited in claim 245, wherein identifying the plurality of measured physical volumes comprises measuring and aggregating the tank physical volumes of the liquid product in one or more tanks of the manifold set of tanks.
248. The method as recited in claim 245, wherein determining variance data comprises:
identifying a first difference between a first volume book balance at a first reconciliation time and a first physical volume at the first reconciliation time;
identifying a second difference between a second volume book balance at a second reconciliation time and a second physical volume at the second reconciliation time;
identifying a third difference between a third volume book balance at a third reconciliation time and a third physical volume at the third reconciliation time; and generating data indicative of the relationship between the first difference, the second difference, the third differences.
identifying a first difference between a first volume book balance at a first reconciliation time and a first physical volume at the first reconciliation time;
identifying a second difference between a second volume book balance at a second reconciliation time and a second physical volume at the second reconciliation time;
identifying a third difference between a third volume book balance at a third reconciliation time and a third physical volume at the third reconciliation time; and generating data indicative of the relationship between the first difference, the second difference, the third differences.
249. A computer program product for implementing a method for determining a volume of liquid product in a manifold set of tanks at a retail facility, the computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having stored thereon computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, can cause the distributed computing system to perform the:
identifying a plurality of book volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks between a first delivery of liquid product and a second delivery of liquid product;
identifying a plurality of measured physical volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks between the first delivery of liquid product and the second delivery of liquid product, each measured physical volume of said plurality of measured physical volumes being associated with one book volume of said plurality of book volumes;
determining a variance between each measured physical volume of said plurality of measured volumes and each book volume of said plurality of book volumes;
generating, using the variance, an expected variance to each of the plurality of measured physical volumes, the combination of the expected variance and the measured physical volume being the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks.
identifying a plurality of book volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks between a first delivery of liquid product and a second delivery of liquid product;
identifying a plurality of measured physical volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks between the first delivery of liquid product and the second delivery of liquid product, each measured physical volume of said plurality of measured physical volumes being associated with one book volume of said plurality of book volumes;
determining a variance between each measured physical volume of said plurality of measured volumes and each book volume of said plurality of book volumes;
generating, using the variance, an expected variance to each of the plurality of measured physical volumes, the combination of the expected variance and the measured physical volume being the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks.
250. The computer program product of claim 249, further comprising monitoring the amount of liquid product dispensed from one or more dispensers at the retail facility.
251. The computer program product of claim 249, wherein identifying the plurality of measured physical volumes comprises measuring a tank physical volume of the liquid product in each tank of the manifold set of tanks and aggregating the tank physical volumes to generate the physical volume of the liquid product at the manifold set of tanks.
252. The computer program product of claim 249, wherein the manifold set of tanks comprises one or more tanks in fluid communication one with another.
253. The computer program product of claim 249, wherein determining variance data comprises:
identifying a first difference between a first volume book balance at a first reconciliation time and a first physical volume at the first reconciliation time;
identifying a second difference between a second volume book balance at a second reconciliation time and a second physical volume at the second reconciliation time;
identifying a third difference between a third volume book balance at a third reconciliation time and a third physical volume at the third reconciliation time; and generating data indicative of the relationship between the first difference, the second difference, the third differences.
identifying a first difference between a first volume book balance at a first reconciliation time and a first physical volume at the first reconciliation time;
identifying a second difference between a second volume book balance at a second reconciliation time and a second physical volume at the second reconciliation time;
identifying a third difference between a third volume book balance at a third reconciliation time and a third physical volume at the third reconciliation time; and generating data indicative of the relationship between the first difference, the second difference, the third differences.
254. The computer program product of claim 249, wherein determining variance data comprises:
identifying a first volume book balance at the first reconciliation time, the first reconciliation time being associated with a delivery of the liquid product to the manifold set of tanks;
identifying two or more volume book balances at two or more reconciliation times, the two or more reconciliation times occurring at times when the liquid product is only being dispensed from the manifold set of tanks;
and generating differences between the first volume book balance, the two or more volume book balances, and the physical volume at the first reconciliation time and the two or more reconciliation times.
identifying a first volume book balance at the first reconciliation time, the first reconciliation time being associated with a delivery of the liquid product to the manifold set of tanks;
identifying two or more volume book balances at two or more reconciliation times, the two or more reconciliation times occurring at times when the liquid product is only being dispensed from the manifold set of tanks;
and generating differences between the first volume book balance, the two or more volume book balances, and the physical volume at the first reconciliation time and the two or more reconciliation times.
255. The computer program product of claim 254, further comprising identifying a plurality of volume book balances at a plurality of reconciliation times subsequent to the two or more reconciliation times; and generating differences between the plurality of volume book balances and the physical volume at the plurality of reconciliation times.
256. The computer program product of claim 255, further comprising identifying each reconciliation time of the plurality of reconciliation times when the liquid product is delivered to the manifold set of tanks.
257. The computer program product of claim 256, further comprising assigning the variance data with a zero value at each reconciliation time of the plurality of reconciliation times when the liquid product is delivered to the manifold set of tanks.
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US11/061,864 US7181361B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2005-02-18 | Collecting and communicating temperature and volume data directly from a dispenser |
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US11/061,756 US7177780B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2005-02-18 | Methods and systems for measuring physical volume |
US11/062,120 US7346427B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2005-02-18 | Collecting liquid product volume data at a dispenser |
US11/062,322 US7805340B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2005-02-18 | Performing an on-demand book balance to physical balance reconciliation process for liquid product |
US11/062,121 US7536264B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2005-02-18 | Balancing net inventory using a dynamic expansion coefficient of liquid product relative to temperature changes |
US11/062,321 US7185683B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2005-02-18 | Preventing unauthorized delivery of liquid product to a liquid product storage tank |
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US11/061,865 US7197409B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2005-02-18 | Compensating for surface movement of liquid product within one or more liquid product tanks during capture of height and volume data |
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EP4098603A1 (en) * | 2021-06-02 | 2022-12-07 | Bull Sas | Automatic remote management of fuel filling stations |
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US9233828B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2016-01-12 | Qt Technologies | Fuel data collection unit with temperature compensation and over-fill prevention |
US20150046298A1 (en) * | 2013-08-09 | 2015-02-12 | Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. | Method and system for monitoring deliveries |
WO2016114730A1 (en) * | 2015-01-15 | 2016-07-21 | Mega Endustri Kontrol Sistemleri Tic. Ltd. Sti | System for controlling the transfer of liquid or liquefiable refinery products |
CN114715054B (en) * | 2022-04-24 | 2024-06-18 | 潍柴动力股份有限公司 | Pressure stability detection method, vehicle-mounted ECU, processor and vehicle |
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US5154314A (en) * | 1991-03-29 | 1992-10-13 | Roger Van Wormer | System for transport, delivery and dispensation of industrial liquid fluids |
US6959284B1 (en) * | 1999-10-06 | 2005-10-25 | John L. Howes | Containerized liquid coating product supply business method |
US6715514B2 (en) * | 2002-09-07 | 2004-04-06 | Worldwide Liquids | Method and apparatus for fluid transport, storage and dispensing |
US7185683B2 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2007-03-06 | Flying J, Inc. | Preventing unauthorized delivery of liquid product to a liquid product storage tank |
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EP4098603A1 (en) * | 2021-06-02 | 2022-12-07 | Bull Sas | Automatic remote management of fuel filling stations |
US11952261B2 (en) | 2021-06-02 | 2024-04-09 | ATOS Global IT Solutions and Services Private Limited | Automatic remote management of fuel filling stations |
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