System, Method and Apparatus for Verifying Groundwire Connections on a Vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, system, and apparatus for verifying a groundwire connection prior to transferring a fluid between a tank and a reservoir. The system includes a grounding unit configured to electrically ground the vehicle when the groundwire is connected thereto, at least one conduit adapted to connect the tank to transfer the fluid to or from the tank, an automated valve adapted to be connected to the at least one conduit, the automated valve configured to open and close to restrict the flow of fluid through the conduit, and at least one processor in communication with the automated valve, the at least one processor programmed or configured to: determine if the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit; and in response to determining that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, causing the automated valve to open.

Claims

1. A system for verifying a groundwire connection of a vehicle comprising a tank prior to transferring a fluid to or from the tank, comprising: a grounding unit configured to electrically ground the vehicle when the groundwire is connected thereto; at least one conduit adapted to connect the tank to transfer the fluid to or from the tank; an automated valve adapted to be connected to the at least one conduit, the automated valve configured to open and close to restrict the flow of fluid through the conduit; and at least one processor in communication with the automated valve, the at least one processor programmed or configured to: determine if the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit; and in response to determining that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, causing the automated valve to open.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the automated valve is caused to open in response to user input and after determining that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor determines if the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit by at least one of the following: (i) detecting a change in electrical signal from at least one of the grounding unit and the groundwire; (ii) detecting a connection with at least one camera; (iii) detecting a signal from a communicating member affixed to the groundwire; (iv) detecting a signal from a communicating member affixed to the grounding unit; or (v) any combination thereof.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a flow meter in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to: receive data from the flow meter; and cause the automated valve to open or close based upon the data received from the flow meter.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a camera unit in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to record or cease recording in response to determining at least one of the following: that the at least one conduit is connected to the tank or a manifold, that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, that fluid is being transferred to or from the tank, that the automated valve is open, that an overrise mechanism has been activated, or any combination thereof.

6. A system for verifying a groundwire connection of a vehicle comprising a tank prior to transferring a fluid to or from the tank, comprising: an automated valve adapted to be connected to at least one conduit between the tank and a reservoir, the automated valve configured to open and close in response to receiving at least one command or instruction; and at least one processor in communication with the automated valve, the at least one processor programmed or configured to: determine if the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit; and in response to determining that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, causing the automated valve to open.

7. A method for verifying a groundwire connection of a vehicle comprising a tank prior to transferring a fluid to or from the tank, comprising: detecting, with at least one processor or circuit, an electrical connection between the groundwire of the vehicle and a grounding unit; determining, with at least one processor or circuit, that the vehicle is grounded based at least partially on the detected electrical connection; and opening an automated valve in response to determining that the vehicle is grounded, wherein the automated valve restricts fluid flow through at least one conduit connecting the tank to a reservoir.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a system diagram of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect according to the principles of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a manifold in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment or aspect according to the principles of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the manifold shown in FIG. 2;

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the manifold shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; and

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a 3-dimensional illustration of the manifold shown in FIGS. 2-4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OR ASPECTS

[0031] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms upper, lower, right, left, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, lateral, longitudinal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments or aspects of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0032] As used herein, the terms communication and communicate refer to the receipt or transfer of one or more signals, messages, commands, or other type of data. For one unit or device to be in communication with another unit or device means that the one unit or device is able to receive data from and/or transmit data to the other unit or device. A communication may use a direct or indirect connection, and may be wired and/or wireless in nature. Additionally, two units or devices may be in communication with each other even though the data transmitted may be modified, processed, routed, etc., between the first and second unit or device. For example, a first unit may be in communication with a second unit even though the first unit passively receives data, and does not actively transmit data to the second unit. As another example, a first unit may be in communication with a second unit if an intermediary unit processes data from one unit and transmits processed data to the second unit. It will be appreciated that numerous other arrangements are possible.

[0033] As used herein, the term fluid may refer to any type of transportable liquid, gas, or mixture including a liquid or gas such as, but not limited to, water, crude oil, natural gas, gasoline, toluene, diesel, kerosene, propane, and/or hydraulic fracturing fluid. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, fluid may be water used in the hydraulic fracturing process for obtaining natural resources from the earth, including fresh water that is transported from a reservoir to a well, and/or contaminated fracking water that is transported from a well to a water treatment, disposal, and/or storage facility. Likewise, a reservoir may refer to any well, stream, river, spring, storage facility, treatment facility, tank, pit, pond, fueling station, barrel and/or other location having fluid and/or capable of receiving fluid.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 1000 for verifying a groundwire connection to a vehicle is shown according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect. A vehicle 110 comprising at least one tank 112 is connected to a reservoir 125 via a conduit 116, such as a hose, pipe, and/or other type of conduit, which is releasably attached to a fixed conduit 117 via a coupling 118, such that a fluid 124 may be allowed to flow between the reservoir 125 and the tank 112. It is envisioned that the fluid 124 may flow either from the tank 112 to the reservoir 125 or from the reservoir 125 to the tank 112, and that the fluid 124 may be propelled by any means such as, for example, a pump, gravity, and/or an artificially or naturally induced pressure differential between the tank and reservoir.

[0035] In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown in FIG. 1, there are a plurality of valves 114, 120 configured to selectively restrict and allow a fluid 124 to flow between the reservoir 125 and the tank 112. However, it will be appreciated that one or more valves may be used in various arrangements to restrict and/or allow the fluid 124 to flow. In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown, a valve 114 is coupled to the tank 112, and the valve is adapted to be manually closed by a user, such that it can prevent fluid from flowing between the tank and the conduit 116, and manually opened such that it can allow fluid to flow between the tank and the hose 116. A second valve (not shown in FIG. 1; shown as 119 in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5), also adapted to be manually opened and closed by a user, may be part of the coupling mechanism 118, and the conduit 116 may be releasably connected to the fixed conduit 117.

[0036] With continued reference to FIG. 1, in the non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown, a third valve 120 is an automated valve and is in communication with a controller 136 and a server computer 140 via a network switch 134. The valve 120 and the network switch 134 are located on a control unit 138. The automated valve 120 is adapted to open and close based on instructions and/or commands received from the controller 136. It will be appreciated that various microprocessors, controllers, and/or other data processing devices may be used to issue instructions and/or commands, and that such devices may be located proximate to the system 1000, as shown in FIG. 1, or remote. The term controller, as used herein, may refer to one or more programmable logic controllers, microprocessors, CPUs, computer workstations, server computers, and/or any other type of computing device.

[0037] The configuration shown with regard to the controller 136, the server computer 140, and the network switch 134 is for illustrative purposes only. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other configurations are possible, including but not limited to configurations wherein the functionality of the controller, the server computer, and/or the network computer is consolidated into a single processor or split among several processors. Further, various types of hardware components and arrangements thereof may be used to perform the functions for carrying out the processes described herein. For example, the present system may be in communication with, utilize, and/or form a part of a fluid transportation management system such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014/0195453 and 2014/0195454 to Richie et al., both of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0038] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the vehicle 110 comprises a groundwire 126, and the groundwire 126 comprises a first communicating member 130. The groundwire 126 may be releasably attached to a grounding unit 128 configured to electrically ground the vehicle 110 when the groundwire 128 is connected thereto. In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the grounding unit establishes an electrical connection between the groundwire 126 of the vehicle 110 and the Earth, the chassis of a manifold (e.g., 200 in FIGS. 2-5), or any other object or device that provides a return path for electic current. For example, the grounding unit 128 may comprise a conductive stake or rod which is inserted into the Earth to effectively ground the connection. However, it will be appreciated that various grounding systems known to those skilled in the art may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For example, in alternative, non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the grounding unit 128 may be adapted to electrically connect the groundwire 128 to an artificial neutral grounding system, a power entry module, a galvanic isolation device, or any like system.

[0039] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the grounding unit 128 comprises a second communicating member 132, which is in communication with the controller 136 and the server computer 140 via the network switch 134, or through any other suitable means for communication.

[0040] Still referring to FIG. 1, the first and second communicating members 130, 132 are envisioned to be any devices that may receive and/or transmit data when placed in proximity to one another. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one of the communicating members 130, 132 will transmit data while the other will receive data. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the second communicating member 132 is a radio frequency identification reader and the first communicating member 130 is a radio frequency identification transmitter or transponder. Communicating members may also include, for example, visual indicia, such as a barcode or other printed data, and a device capable of reading the visual indicia, such as a barcode reader or an optical receiver capable of character recognition, a wireless signal transmitter and receiver, and/or the like. Bluetooth, including but not limited to low-energy Bluetooth, or other like protocols may also be used, and the signal strength of the Bluetooth may be used to determine proximity. In a further example, one communicating member may be a computing device that transmits data via near-field communication methods to the other communicating member, which is configured to receive such signals.

[0041] Other configurations are envisioned which may indicate to the at least one processor that the groundwire has been connected to the grounding unit. For example, a switch may be used on the grounding unit or connected to the groundwire that is electrically or physically actuated upon connection of the groundwire to the grounding unit. Moreover, a signal receiver (e.g., a communicating member) may be physically connected to the groundwire and/or the grounding unit to detect electrical changes, such as, but not limited to, changes in capacitance, resistance, current, and/or the like, that result from connecting the groundwire to the grounding unit. It will be appreciated that other methods are possible for detecting a physical connection between a groundwire and a grounding unit. As another example, the groundwire may be shaped in such a way that it corresponds with a specifically shaped aperture on the grounding unit similar to a key fitting into a lock. Within the aperture there may be an electrical or mechanical sensor for determining that the groundwire (or similarly shaped override key) is connected thereto, and thereupon the grounding unit may send a signal to the at least one processor that the groundwire has been connected to the grounding unit.

[0042] In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown in FIG. 1, the first communicating member 130 is a radio frequency transponder and the second communicating member 132 is a radio frequency reader. When the radio frequency transponder 130 is placed beneath the radio frequency reader 132 as the groundwire 126 is attached to the grounding unit 128 by the user, the radio frequency reader 132 indicates to the controller 136, and the server 140 via the network switch 134, that the groundwire 126 is attached to the grounding unit 128.

[0043] Upon receiving an indication from the radio frequency reader 132 that specific data has been received from the transponder 130, the controller 136 is configured to cause an automated valve 120 to open. Thus, in the non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown, only when the groundwire 126 has been connected to the grounding unit 128 and the user has opened two manual valves, is the fluid 124 able to flow between the tank and the reservoir.

[0044] The system 1000 ensures that the vehicle 110 is properly grounded prior to fluid transfer. An additional advantage of the system 1000 is that it may prevent unauthorized vehicles not equipped with the correct radio frequency transponder or other communicating member from transferring fluid to or from the reservoir. In a preferred non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the radio frequency transponder may contains additional data about the vehicle which is communicated to the server computer 140 and may be stored in one or more databases. Accordingly, the server computer 140 may be programmed and/or configured to communicate with the controller such that the automated valve opens for only certain vehicles equipped with a specific subset of radio frequency transponders.

[0045] In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown in FIG. 1, the system comprises a flow meter 122 which may measure the flow rate and/or volume of the fluid 124 transferred between the reservoir 125 and the tank 112. As shown, the flow meter 122 is in communication with the server computer 140 via the network switch 134. The flow meter 122 may communicate to the server computer 140 the flow rate, the flow volume, the time flow begins, the duration of flow, and/or the time flow ends, and the server 140 may store this information and generate a report that is accessible to a user. Optionally, the server computer 140 may be further configured to cause the automated valve 120 or open or close based on this information.

[0046] The control unit 138 may communicate to the server computer 140 information and/or data received from various components of the system including, but not limited to, the flow meter 122, the automated valve 120, the second communicating member 132, and/or the first communicating member 130. The transmitted information and/or data may include information associated with the vehicle 110, such as an identity of the vehicle, an identity of the driver, a company or user group name, a vehicle number, a vehicle capacity, a driver name, various identifiers, and/or other like information and/or data. The information may further include information associated with the reservoir 125, such as a type of fluid at that location, a name of the pick-up location, geographic coordinates (e.g., longitude and latitude) for the location, an available vehicle capacity, and/or an amount of fluid transferred. Additionally, this information may further include information about the connection between the groundwire 126 and the grounding unit 128, and/or the fluid transfer between the reservoir 125 and the tank 112 including, but not limited to, the time at which the groundwire 126 was connected to the grounding unit 128, the duration for which the groundwire 126 was connected to the grounding unit 126, and/or the time at which the groundwire 126 was disconnected from the grounding unit 128.

[0047] The server computer 140 may communicate this information and/or data via a transmitter 142 to a mobile device 146. This communication can either be made directly to the mobile device 146 or via a network such as a cellular network, a satellite network, and/or the Internet. For example, information may be made available through one or more web-based portals. One or more of the server computer 140, the mobile device 146 or, in embodiments or aspects utilizing a network, another computer in communication with the network, may store this information and generate a report that can be accessed by a user at a later time.

[0048] Further, in non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the system 1000 may be equipped with override systems for causing an automated valve to open. Such override systems may include, but are not limited to, a command from the server computer or another processor in communication with the automated valve, an override key in the form of a communicating member that may not be attached to a groundwire, and/or an override switch that is generally hidden from vehicle operators. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, an override key in the form of a communicating member may be attached to a keychain and given to a site manager.

[0049] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a locking arrangement may be used in addition to a valve adapted to be manually opened and closed. For example, the locking arrangement may prevent a valve from being manually opened unless the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit. The locking arrangement may include a controller programmed and/or configured to actuate a locking mechanism that selectively blocks and allows movement of a valve, or an actuator for a valve, in response to receiving a command or making a determination. The locking arrangement may be in a locked position by default, and a controller may determine that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit and send a signal to the locking mechanism causing the locking mechanism to allow manual actuation of the valve. It will be appreciated that manual actuation of a valve may be prevented in various other ways.

[0050] In a further non-limiting embodiment or aspect, alternatively to or in addition to restricting the flow of the fluid, the system 1000 may be configured to provide a real-time warning to a site manager via the server computer and/or a mobile device in communication with the system if it is determined that that fluid transfer has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur without the groundwire being properly connected to the grounding unit. Additionally, in yet another non-limiting embodiment or aspect, alternatively to or in addition to restricting the flow of the fluid, the system 1000 may be configured to provide a real-time warning to a site manager if a mechanical switch or other sensor in communication with the system on the manifold 200 indicates that a hose or other such conduit from the tank has been connected thereto without the groundwire being first connected to the grounding unit.

[0051] Additionally, the system 1000 may further comprise a camera unit in communication with the grounding unit, the flowmeter, the automated valve, a communicating member, and/or a computer in communication with the system. The camera unit may be configured to record or cease recording based on one or more of the following determinations: whether a hose or other conduit has been connected from the tank to the manifold 200, whether the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, whether a flowmeter has determined that a fluid is being transferred between the tank and the reservoir, whether an automated valve is open, and/or whether an override mechanism has been activated. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the camera unit is configured to take a picture of the operating site when the groundwire is connected or after a predetermined time period thereafter. In another non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the camera unit is a video camera configured to constantly record footage. The video camera, or a computer connected thereto, may delete video footage at regular intervals, and may retain certain footage based on data received from the grounding unit, the flowmeter, the automated valve, a communicating member, and/or a computer in communication with the system. For example, a signal may be sent to the camera unit when it is determined that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit. In response to such a determination, the video camera may be configured to retain footage beginning at a predetermined time before the groundwire was connected to the grounding unit and ending at a predetermined time after the groundwire has been disconnected from the grounding unit, as an example. This footage may be communicated to the server computer to allow a user to monitor the reservoir site from a remote location during fluid transfer and may be stored so that the footage can be reviewed at a later date.

[0052] Additionally, the system 1000 may further comprise a resistance meter in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine whether the resistance of an electrical connection between the vehicle and the grounding unit is below a predetermined threshold. Further, the at least one processor's determination as to whether the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit may be based, at least partially, upon the determination as to whether the resistance of the electrical connection between the vehicle and the grounding unit is below a predetermined threshold.

[0053] FIGS. 2-5 depict a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present invention wherein several elements including the grounding unit 128, coupling 118, manual valve 119, check valve 123, flowmeter 122, automated valve 120, and controller 136 are consolidated on a manifold 200, which includes at least a portion of the fixed conduit 117.

[0054] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the grounding unit 128 may comprise a connecting portion 129 to which the groundwire 126 may be connected, located proximate to the radio frequency reader 132. Additionally, the manual valve 119 may comprise a lever 121, such that the user may manually open and close the valve by turning the lever 121. Further, the non-limiting embodiment or aspect shown in FIGS. 2-5 includes a check valve 123, which allows the fluid to flow in only one direction, and a lift point 201, which aids in moving the manifold assembly prior to installation.

[0055] Additionally, the manifold may further comprise a camera unit in communication with the grounding unit, the flowmeter, the automated valve, either communicating member, and/or a computer in communication with the system. The camera unit may be configured to record or cease recording based on one or more of the following determinations: whether the hose or other conduit has been connected from the tank to the manifold, whether the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, whether the flowmeter has determined that a fluid is being transferred between the tank and the reservoir, whether the automated valve is open, and/or whether an override mechanism has been activated.

[0056] This invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments or aspects. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.