Remotely controllable lng field station management system and method

Abstract

A remotely controllable apparatus, system and method for monitoring, inventory, controlling and reporting on the filling, refilling and dispensing of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) at portable temporary or semi-permanent field-located storage and dispensing stations, including a portable storage tank, and an associated portable pump and control skid, which skid includes: an on-site microprocessor control system having: security features; pump, fill and dispense connections; an LNG leak detection system; a communications link (typically an RF cellular phone system) to a host computer; a dispensing and refilling sales authorization and initiation system (typically a card reader of the credit, access or proximity card types); and a remotely located host computer having a full suite of features including: inventory, monitoring, security and access control; operational control; financial and transaction record keeping and report generation; and emergency warning and shut-down. The field control unit control functions are performed by the on-site microprocessor which receives input from a plurality of natural gas leak detection sensors, and provides complete on site security screening, data acquisition, transaction recording and control capability, including warning via lights, horn or recorded or synthesized voice, and shut-off or shut-down. The field control unit monitors and controls prescribed user vehicle and storage tank filling procedures, and provides communications to a remote central monitoring site having a host computer master controller, via cellular phone.