Patent ID: 7471208
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
1. A process for monitoring a fluid storage system, comprising the steps of: synchronously and simultaneously collecting data at selected predetermined time intervals at the same moment in time using a detection apparatus disposed in a fluid in a vessel, wherein the detection apparatus comprises at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor disposed in a housing, wherein each sensor is in communication with a signaling means and a processor; a. continuously forming at least one calculated value from the data synchronously collected using a processor, wherein the at least one calculated value is selected from a member of the group consisting of: a mass of the fluid, a fluid volume, an average temperature of the fluid, a multiple spot temperature of the fluid, a multiple density strata of the fluid, an average density of the fluid, a level of the fluid, a fluid flow rate, an impurity content of the fluid, a vapor pressure, a vapor temperature, an atmospheric pressure, an atmospheric temperature, an entrained water content of the fluid, a free water content of the fluid, and combinations thereof; b. continuously comparing the at least one calculated value to at least one predetermined range of values for the fluid in the vessel to identify if the at least one calculated value is within the at least one predetermined range of values for forming a compared value; and c. communicating the compared values from the processor to a data collector.