Patent ID: 7805340
Filing Date: 2010-09-28
Classification: B67D,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for performing an on-demand book balance to physical balance reconciliation process, the method comprising: calculating a first physical volume of liquid fuel product in one or more underground liquid fuel product storage tanks at a first reconciliation time by collecting a first set of volume measurement data using one or more tank sensors and one or more dispenser sensors; automatically performing a first book balance to physical balance reconciliation of said one or more underground liquid fuel product storage tanks at a retail facility prior to receiving a delivery of liquid fuel product by comparing said first physical volume with a first book balance indicating an expected volume of liquid fuel product in said one or more underground liquid fuel product storage tanks at the first reconciliation time; following completion of said first book to physical balance reconciliation, delivering an amount of liquid fuel product as indicated on a delivery document from a carrier to said one or more underground liquid fuel product storage tanks; monitoring a delivery flow rate of liquid fuel product using a flow monitor as the liquid fuel product is delivered to said one or more underground liquid fuel product storage tanks; monitoring a dispenser flow rate of liquid fuel product using said one or more dispenser sensors as the liquid fuel product is dispensed from said one or more underground liquid fuel product storage tanks; determining that an amount of liquid fuel product has been delivered based upon at least said monitored delivery flow rate and said monitored dispenser flow rate; collecting a second set of volume measurement data, upon determining that the amount of liquid fuel product has been fully delivered, using said one or more tank sensors and said one or more dispenser sensors; calculating a second physical volume of liquid fuel product in said one or more underground liquid fuel product storage tanks which is adjusted for effects of liquid fuel product ripples caused by delivery of the liquid fuel product by filtering said second set of volume measurement data by eliminating any measurement that has a value plus or minus a predetermined number of standard deviations from a sample mean; and automatically performing a second book to physical reconciliation process by comparing the second physical volume with a second book balance indicating an expected volume of liquid fuel product in said one or more underground liquid fuel product storage tanks at the second reconciliation time 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.