IT202300003441A1 - IMPROVED COCKPIT - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

IMPROVED COCKPIT

The present invention relates to a well of the type specified in the preamble to the first claim. In particular, the object of the present invention is a tank equipped with said well.

The tank, in this document, identifies a container used to store and, appropriately, dispense a fluid, i.e. a liquid or gaseous product such as water, lubricants, and fuels.

The tanks, underground or above ground, are mainly made up of a main body defining the storage volume and a well also called an inspection well. The well defines a chamber in which the fluid control devices are usually housed, each of which is connected to the fluid passage with the storage volume through its own conduit so as to allow monitoring of pressure, temperature and/or other parameters of the stored fluid. Examples of control devices can be a control valve for the flow of fluid outgoing and/or incoming into the storage volume, pressure gauges, pressure reducers, safety valves, temperature sensors and fluid level gauges.

Finally, in some cases, the inlet and/or outlet manifold of the fluid from the storage volume can be obtained inside the well.

The prior art described includes some important drawbacks.

A first important drawback is represented by the fact that the sump is often the site of infiltrations that can lead to an unwanted accumulation of liquid inside it.

This inconvenience is particularly relevant if one considers that the accumulation of liquid in the sump chamber is often such that it makes it extremely complicated to use or even simply to see the control organs, with the consequent impossibility of monitoring the tank or operating on it.

Another drawback caused by the accumulation of liquid in the well is that the liquid can damage the control organs. In particular, the liquid penetrating inside the well is a conductive liquid (to be precise, water) which can therefore interfere with the functioning of the control organs.

In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to design a well and therefore a tank capable of substantially obviating at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Within the scope of this technical task, an important aim of the invention is to obtain a tank capable of avoiding excessive accumulation of liquid in the well chamber itself.

The technical task and the specified purposes are achieved by a well as claimed in the attached claim 1. Examples of preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a tank equipped with a well according to the invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates, to scale, a sub-assembly of the well according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows, to scale, the sub-assembly of Fig.2 in section;

Fig. 4 shows, to scale, another section of the sub-assembly of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 shows a set of tanks equipped with the well according to the invention; and

Fig. 6 represents a flow diagram schematizing a process that can be implemented from the well according to the invention.

In this document, measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as "approximately" or other similar terms such as "almost" or "substantially", are to be understood as excluding measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, excluding a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference to which it is associated. For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of no more than 10% of the value itself.

Furthermore, when used, terms such as ?first?, ?second?, ?superior?, ?inferior?, ?principal?, and ?secondary? do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship, or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components from each other.

Unless otherwise indicated, ?perpendicular?, ?transversal?, ?parallel? or ?normal? or other terms of geometric positioning between geometric elements (for example axes, directions and straight lines) are to be understood in reference to their reciprocal geometric position between the corresponding projections. Said projections are defined on a single plane parallel to the plane(s) of arrangement of said geometric elements.

The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as having been carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

Unless otherwise specified, as is apparent from the following discussions, terms such as "processing", "computing", "determination", "computation", or the like, are considered to refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic quantities in computer system registers and/or memories, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other devices for storing, transmitting or displaying information.

With reference to the Figures, the well according to the invention is globally indicated by the number 1.

It is configured to allow the inspection and in particular the monitoring of a tank 10 (Fig.1) and in particular a fluid (liquid or gaseous such as water, lubricants, and fuels such as liquid hydrogen, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquid methane or other liquefied natural gas (LNG)) stored inside the tank itself.

Preferably, the well 1, and therefore the tank 10, is part of a surveillance system 1a. The surveillance system 1a, as illustrated in Fig. 5, can comprise at least one well 1 (in detail several wells 1 and therefore several tanks 10); and a remote server 10a in data transfer connection with each of said wells 1.

The remote server 10a may include a remote unit 10b configured to command and control the operation of the server 10a and/or the well 1 (in detail the monitoring device of the well 1).

The remote server may comprise a connector configured to place the remote server 10a and therefore the remote unit 10b in data connection with at least one processor 12. Said processor 12 preferably identifies a device providing means of interfacing (input and/or output) with an operator such as a computer, a tablet or a smartphone.

The surveillance system 1a may comprise one or more processors 12.

The processor 12 can be in data connection with the remote server 10a and more precisely with the remote unit 10b.

The tank 10 comprises a well 1 and a container 11 defining a storage volume 11a of said fluid.

The container 11 can be made in a single piece. Alternatively, it can comprise a plurality of layers and, for example, provide an internal layer defining the storage volume 11a, an external layer enclosing the internal layer and a filling layer placed between the internal and external layers, usually made of thermally insulating material and appropriately saturating the space between the internal and external layers.

The tank 10 may include at least one connection 12 configured to allow a flow of fluid out and/or in with respect to the storage volume 11a. The connection 12 may be configured to include an attachment to an external network and/or to a refilling device of the tank 10.

The tank 10 may comprise one or more conduits 13 suitable for placing the storage volume 11a in fluid passage connection with the outside of the tank 11. The tank 10 may comprise at least one control organ 14 of the fluid in the storage volume 11a, each appropriately in fluid passage connection with the storage volume 11a via its own conduit 13.

The organs 14 may be configured to monitor a fluid parameter in the storage volume 11a such as pressure, temperature and level.

The well 1 comprises a casing 2 defining a longitudinal axis 2a, preferably nearly parallel to the gravitational gradient, and a chamber 2b.

The casing 2 defines the profile of the well 1.

The casing 2 and therefore the chamber 2b can be accessible from the outside. In detail, the casing 2 can be inspectable and therefore comprise a hollow body 21 (for example of cylindrical shape) defining an access opening to the chamber 2b and a cover 22 that can be moved with respect to the hollow body 21 selectively allowing or preventing access to the chamber 2b.

Chamber 2b may house at least one control organ 14 and, in some cases, at least one attachment 12.

The casing 2 and therefore the well 1 can be integral with the tank 10 and in particular with the container 11.

In detail, the casing 2 can be made in one piece with the container 11 (in particular with the external layer).

Alternatively, the casing 2 can be integrally connected to the container 11. In this case it comprises a flange for supporting the container 11 and means for fixing the casing 2 to the container 11.

The well 1 may include a monitoring device 1b of at least the level of a liquid 1c in said chamber 2b and therefore in the casing 2 (i.e. in the well 1). It should be noted that in this document we speak indifferently of the level of liquid 1c in the chamber 2b and of the level of liquid 1c in the well 1.

The well 1 and in particular the monitoring device 1b may comprise a meter 3 configured to detect the current level (i.e. at the time of measurement and therefore in real time) of a liquid 1c in said chamber 2b and therefore in the casing 2 (i.e. in the well 1).

The current level measurement can be stored on the local control unit of the device 1b and/or on the remote unit 10b thanks to the transmitter that sends this measurement to the remote server.

Preferably, the meter 3 is configured to detect the current level of liquid 1c in the well 1 (i.e. in the chamber 2b) along a measuring axis 3a in detail parallel to the longitudinal axis 2a and in particular to the gravitational gradient.

It is highlighted that in a well the liquid 1c is identified by conductive liquid and more precisely by water for example rainwater or rising water in some cases mixed with debris such as earth, leaves or other components.

The meter 3 is capacitive, defining a detection surface and therefore configured to allow, appropriately, at least one local/remote unit, to measure the current level of liquid 1c as a function of the portion of the detection surface on which the liquid 1c is superimposed along a direction normal to the measurement axis 3a. It is specified that in this document when terms such as superposition, superimpose or their derivatives are used, it is always to be understood as along a direction perpendicular/normal to the measurement axis 3a.

The capacitive meter 3 at the sensing surface defines an electrical energy associated with an electric field. In particular, the sensing surface is electrically charged by defining an armature of a capacitor whose other armature is the portion of liquid 1c superimposed on the same sensing surface.

In detail it comprises a first capacitive sensor 31 defining a first sensing surface 31a and a second capacitive sensor 32 defining a second sensing surface 32a. In more detail the meter 3 is made up of said first sensor 31 and said second sensor 32.

The first sensing surface 31a may have an incremental width along the measuring axis 3a. Preferably it has a triangular shape and in detail a right-angled triangle with one side suitably parallel to said measuring axis 3a.

The first sensing surface 31a is electrically charged by defining an armature of a first capacitor whose other armature is the portion of the same first surface 31a on which the liquid 1c is superimposed. The accumulation of charge between the armatures of the capacitor with first sensing surface 31a constitutes a measured capacitance preferably substantially between 1 pF and 100 pF. The first sensing surface 31a is made of conductive material and in particular of copper alloy.

Conveniently along the measuring axis 3a and to be precise the longitudinal axis 2a the extension of the first surface 31a is lower and in detail almost included between 5% and 99% of the extension of the chamber 2b.

The second sensing surface 32a has a decreasing width along the measuring axis 3a. Consequently, for the same direction of sliding along the measuring axis 3a, the width of the second surface 32a decreases while the width of the first surface 31a increases (Figs. 2 and 3).

Preferably the second surface 32a has a triangular shape and in detail a right-angled triangle with one side suitably parallel to said measurement axis 3a.

The second sensing surface 32a is electrically charged by defining one plate of a second capacitor whose other plate is the portion of the same second surface 32a on which the liquid 1c is superimposed. The accumulation of charge between the plates of the capacitor with second sensing surface 32a constitutes a measured capacitance preferably substantially between 1 pF and 100 pF.

The charge of the second sensing surface 32a is preferably equal to the charge (appropriately in sign and/or value) of the first surface 31a.

It is highlighted that the sensing surfaces 31a and 32a are simultaneously loaded and, therefore, define two distinct armatures.

The second surface 32a is made of conductive material and in particular of copper alloy. Conveniently along the measuring axis 3a and to be precise the longitudinal axis 2a the extension of the second surface 32a is lower and in detail almost included between 5% and 99% of the extension of the chamber 2b.

Preferably, the second sensing surface 32a is superimposed on the first sensing surface 31a with respect to a normal to the measurement axis 3a so as to conveniently allow at least one said local/remote unit to detect the height of the liquid 1c as a function of the portion of the first sensing surface 31a on which the liquid 1c is superimposed and the portion of the second sensing surface 32a on which the liquid 1c is superimposed. More preferably, the second surface 32a is completely superimposed on the first surface 31a so that along said normal to the measurement axis 3a the portion with minimum width of the second surface 32a is superimposed on the portion with maximum width of the first surface 31a and the portion with maximum width of the second surface 32a is superimposed on the portion with minimum width of the first surface (the term width identifies an extension calculated along said normal to the measurement axis 3a).

Conveniently, the first sensing surface 31a and the second surface 32a lie substantially on the same plane of arrangement conveniently parallel to the measuring axis 3a. The sensing surfaces 31a and 32a can be placed side by side on said plane of arrangement.

Therefore, in a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sensing surfaces 31a and 32a have substantially the same shape, suitably a right-angled triangle, and define a substantially rectangular total surface.

Meter 3 can be configured to perform continuous monitoring and/or discrete monitoring.

In the case of continuous monitoring, meter 3 continuously measures the current level of liquid 1c in well 1. It therefore detects the current level of liquid 1c without interruption.

In the case of discrete monitoring, the meter 3 performs a non-continuous measurement of the current level of liquid 1c in chamber 2b and therefore in well 1. In particular, it detects the current level of liquid 1c in well 1 at time intervals. These time intervals can be equal to each other; alternatively, the time intervals can be inversely proportional to the distance between the current level of liquid 1c and the limit threshold (introduced below).

Meter 3 can be in data transfer connection with remote unit 10b conveniently thanks to the transmitter introduced below.

The well 1 and in particular the monitoring device 1b may include signalling means 4 (Fig.3).

The signalling means 4 are configured to perform a signalling by transmitting, appropriately to an operator (in detail to a processor 12), a warning signal based on the current level of liquid 1c detected by the meter 3.

The warning signal may include an identifier for well 1 and/or tank 10.

The warning signal may include an indication of the liquid level 1c in chamber 2b.

The warning signal may include an alarm.

The reporting can be direct or indirect.

In the case of direct signaling, the means 4 are configured to transmit the warning signal directly to an operator and therefore signal the exceeding of said limit threshold to the operator. They can thus be configured to emit an optical and/or acoustic warning signal and therefore include at least one of a light emitter and a sound emitter.

In the case of indirect reporting, the means 4 are configured to transmit the warning signal indirectly to an operator and, more precisely, to transmit such warning signal to an external device (i.e. to said processor 12) which then transmits the warning signal to the operator, signalling that the limit threshold has been exceeded. It should be noted that this signalling can occur either by using the means 4 which transmit the warning signal to the server which then sends it to the processor 12, or the means 4 which transmit the warning signal immediately to the processor 12.

The well 1 and in particular the monitoring device 1b may comprise at least one transmitter 5 configured to establish a connection, in particular wireless, with one or more devices external to the monitoring device 1b and preferably to the well 1.

The external device can be the remote server 10a. Alternatively or in addition the external device can be a personal device such as a tablet or a smartphone. In a further alternative or addition the external device can be a different monitoring device 1b thus allowing a data exchange between devices 1b.

The warning signal can be sent when the meter 3 detects a liquid height 1c at least equal to a limit threshold. In this case the signal is defined as retroactive.

Alternatively, the signal can be predictive and therefore the warning signal can be sent before the limit threshold is reached as detailed below.

The well 1 and, in particular, the monitoring device 1b may comprise a locator 6 of the monitoring device 1b and therefore of the well 1.

The locator 6 is configured to identify the geographic position of the monitoring device 1b and therefore of the well 1 and the tank 10.

The geographic position can be transmitted and stored on the local unit 7 and/or on the remote unit 10b introduced below.

The locator 6 can be in data transfer connection with the remote unit 10b conveniently thanks to the transmitter 5.

The well 1 and, in particular, the monitoring device 1b may comprise a local unit 7 for command and/or control of the operation of the device 1b. The local unit 7 may be in data connection with the meter 3, signalling means 4, transmitter 5 and locator 6. It is therefore configured to perform the command and/or control of the meter 3, signalling means 4, transmitter 5 and locator 6.

Conveniently, thanks to said transmitter 5, the local unit 7 can be in data connection with the remote unit 10b of the remote server 10a and/or with a local unit 7 of a separate monitoring device 1b. Additionally, the local unit 7 can be in data connection with the at least one processor 12.

The well 1 and, in particular, the monitoring device 1b may include said identifier of the well 1 and/or of the tank 10. Said identifier may be transmitted and/or stored on the unit 7 and/or 10b.

The identifier of a well may include a first string identifying the model of well 1 (i.e. of tank 10); and preferably a second identifier of the individual well 1 and therefore of the individual tank 10 (such as the serial number or registration number).

Well 1 and, in particular, monitoring device 1b may include a quality parameter of monitoring device 1b and therefore of well 1. The quality parameter identifies a numerical value identifying the risk of infiltration of well 2. It may be determined based on the model and/or period of use (i.e. whether it is new or has more or less years of use) of well 1 and therefore of tank 10. The quality parameter may, for example, be a number defined by the operator and, for example, be a reduction factor (for example less than 1) such as a percentage inversely proportional to the risk of infiltration.

The local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b can be configured to command and control the operation of the monitoring device 1b and in particular of at least the signalling means 4 and/or the meter 3.

The unit 7 and/or 10b can be in data connection with the measuring device 3 so as to receive from it at least the measurement of the current level of liquid 1c in the well 1 and in particular determine said current level as a function of the surface portion (in particular of the first detection surface 31a and of the second detection surface 32) on which the liquid 1c is superimposed.

It can be configured to command meter 3 to perform said continuous and/or discrete monitoring so as to appropriately receive data from the meter itself in a continuous and/or discrete manner.

The local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b is in data connection with the signaling means 4 so as to appropriately control its operation in accordance with the meter 3 and in detail with the current level of liquid 1c in the chamber 2b. In particular, it is configured to determine the current level of liquid 1c as a function of the portion of each detection surface 31a and 32a on which the liquid 1c is superimposed. The local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b is configured to control the signaling means 4 to transmit a warning signal as a function of the current level of liquid 1c detected by the meter 3.

In a preferred embodiment, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b is configured to command the signalling means 4 to transmit a warning signal if the meter 3 detects a current liquid level 1c at least equal to a limit threshold (retroactive signalling).

The limit threshold is a predetermined value. It is conveniently stored on the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b. Unit 7 and/or 10b therefore includes a data memory.

In an alternative or additional embodiment, in the case of predictive signaling, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b is configured to command the signaling means 4 to transmit said warning signal before the limit threshold is reached.

The surveillance system 1a may comprise at least one historical database, appropriately stored on at least one of said units 7 and 10b, and command the vehicles 4 based on said historical database and the current level.

In particular, the unit 7 and/or 10b may comprise at least one historical database and control the means 4 based on said historical database and the current level. Alternatively, the remote server comprises the historical database, appropriately associated with the identifier of the device 1b, and control the means 4 based on said at least one historical database and the current level.

The historical database may include the levels and more precisely one or more sequences of levels of a well 1, detected by the gauge 3; and for each of said sequences an evolution function describing the trend of the liquid level 1c in the chamber 2b in accordance with said sequence as a function of time.

In particular, unit 7 and/or 10b may comprise a plurality of historical databases and therefore the levels and, to be precise, one or more sequences of levels of a plurality of wells 1. Said plurality of historical databases may comprise the levels and, to be precise, one or more sequences of levels of one or more wells 1 distinct from that of the unit and therefore of the well 1 under observation (i.e. of the device 1b) and optionally of the same well 1.

Preferably, unit 7 and/or 10b may comprise one or more historical databases of one or more wells 1 close to well 1 under observation. Therefore, unit 7 and/or 10b identifies one or more wells of 1 having a distance from well 1 under observation, less than a maximum distance, and controls the means 4 based on the one or more historical databases thus identified and at the current level, optionally on the historical database of the same well 1. Said maximum distance may for example be less than 10 km.

It is highlighted that the distance can be calculated based on the geographical position detected by the locator 6 of each monitoring device 1b. Alternatively or in addition, the unit 7 and/or 10b can include one or more historical databases of one or more wells of 1 having said first string equal to that of the well 1 under observation. Therefore, the unit 7 and/or 10b identifies one or more wells of 1 having the same first string equal and then commands the means 4 based on the one or more historical databases thus identified and at the current level, optionally on the historical database of the same well 1.

Therefore, by exploiting at least one historical database and as a function of one or more current levels detected by the meter 3, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b is able to identify in said at least one historical database a sequence of oscillatory motions close to what was detected by the meter 3, define the trend of future levels of liquid 1c in the well 1 in accordance with the evolution function associated with the identified sequence and appropriately with the quality parameter, perform a prediction defining when the limit threshold will be reached and then command the signalling means 4 to transmit the warning signal appropriately including a warning time and/or said identifier.

The warning time can identify when or how long it will take before the threshold limit is reached. In particular, it can include a historical database and command the vehicles 4 based on said historical database and the current level.

Unit 7 and/or 10b can identify among the functions in the database as a "function close to the current function" the function having a trend with minimal differences compared to the other functions in the database; and/or having with respect to the current function a trend with deviation lower than an acceptability threshold (i.e. with values that differ at each point/instant by less than this threshold). The acceptability threshold can be approximately equal to 2% and to be precise to 1% with respect to the corresponding characteristic in the sequence of levels.

In order to allow the local unit 7 to measure time, the local unit 7 may include a clock 7a configured to measure the passage of time. Alternatively or in addition, the remote local unit 10b may include said clock. It is also highlighted that the one or more historical databases used may be stored on the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b.

In addition or alternatively, the prediction may be a function of weather forecasts and in particular of precipitation. Therefore, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b may be placed in data transfer connection with a weather forecasting center such as, for example, an aeronautical one. Said weather forecasts may be stored in the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b.

In further addition or alternative, the prediction may be a function of the internal temperature of the well 1. Therefore, the local unit 7 may comprise a thermal sensor 7b for detecting the internal temperature of the well 1.

Furthermore, the historical database of each well can be created/updated by unit 7 and/or 10b which stores the characteristics of the liquid levels 1c in well 1 detected by the meter 3.

The well 1 and in particular the monitoring device 1b may comprise a power supply 8 of the monitoring device 1b and therefore of the meter 3, of the signalling means 4 and of the local unit 7.

The well 1 and in particular the monitoring device 1b may comprise a casing 9 (Fig. 2) defining a housing for at least the meter 3, the signalling means 4, the local unit 7 and preferably the power supply 8.

Preferably the casing 9 defines a watertight/hermetic housing.

It can be made of electrically insulating material.

The crankcase 9 may have an axis of preferred development substantially parallel to the measuring axis 3a and in particular to the longitudinal axis 2a.

The casing 9 may comprise a main structure 91 defining a first portion of said housing and a fin 92 protruding from the main structure 91.

The fin 92 is flat and protrudes from the structure 91 along a plane of arrangement substantially parallel to the measuring axis 3a and in particular to the longitudinal axis 2a.

The main structure 91 may comprise a conical body having an axis called the axis of preferred development. In detail, it may define a double conical profile and therefore comprise said conical body and an additional conical body having an axis called the axis of preferred development. The conical bodies may present adjacent sections of minimum extension and therefore sections of maximum exemption distal from each other.

The main structure 91 may comprise a cap 91a that can be moved with respect to the rest of the main structure 91 (in particular to a conical body) making said housing accessible.

The fin 92 may protrude from the main structure 91 at the conical body.

Preferably, the fin 92 defines a second portion of said housing in which the meter 3 is placed.

The casing 9 may include an additional fin 93 protruding from the main structure 91.

The additional fin 93 is flat and protrudes from the structure 91 along a plane of alignment substantially parallel to the measuring axis 3a and in particular to the longitudinal axis 2a. It may protrude from the main structure 91 on the opposite side to the fin 92.

The additional fin 93 may protrude from the main structure 91 at the conical body.

The additional fin 93 defines an additional second portion of said housing in which the local unit 7 is placed. To be precise, meter 3, local unit 7, optionally the means 4 and preferably the power supply 9 can be implemented on a single electronic board 1d (Fig. 4), at least partly inserted in the fins 92 and 93.

The operation of the well 1 and therefore of the tank 10 previously described in structural terms is as follows. This operation describes an innovative control procedure 100 of the level of the liquid 1c in at least one well 1. During the normal operation of the tank 10 in the well 1 there may be infiltrations of liquid 1c (in detail water for example rainwater or rising water in some cases mixed with debris such as earth, leaves or other components) which at least partially fill the chamber 2b. Consequently the level of the liquid 1c begins to rise along the gravitational gradient therefore along the longitudinal axis 2a and consequently along the measurement axis 3a.

The control process 100 comprises at least one measuring step 110 of the current level of the liquid 1c inside the well 1 and therefore of the casing 2.

Each measuring step 110 comprises a sensing substep 111 in which the meter 3 performs a measurement of the current level if the liquid 1c reaches the meter 3 and overlaps at least part of the sensing surface; a sending substep 112 in which the meter 3 sends such measurement to the local unit 7; and a processing substep 113 in which the local unit 7 determines the current level in accordance with said measurement.

In detail, in the detection sub-phase 111, the first sensor 31 detects the liquid 1c if it overlaps at least part of the first surface 31a; the second sensor 32 detects the liquid 1c if it overlaps at least part of the second surface 32a. It should be noted that, unless the liquid 1c overlaps all of the surfaces 31a and 32a, the extension of the part of the first detection surface 31 on which the liquid 1c is overlapped is different from the extension of the part of the second surface 32 on which the liquid 1c is overlapped.

Each capacitive sensor 31 and 32 detects the current level of liquid 1c in the chamber 2b along the measuring axis 3a and then in the sending sub-phase 112 sends to the local unit 7 a measurement signal proportional to the extension of its surface 31a and 32 on which the liquid 1c is superimposed.

In the processing sub-phase 113, the local unit 7 determines the current level of the liquid 1c inside the well 1 based on the measurement performed by the meter 3. The current level thus calculated can be sent to the remote unit 10b which then stores it; and/or stored on the local unit 7.

Measurement phase 110 is now concluded.

It is highlighted that the control procedure 100 can include multiple measurement phases 110. In detail, it can include multiple measurement phases 110 performed without interruption so as to have continuous monitoring. Alternatively, in the case of discrete monitoring, the procedure 100 can include multiple measurement phases 110 performed non-continuously at time intervals.

The control procedure 100 comprises at least one evaluation phase 120 of the current level of liquid 1c inside the well 1; and possibly at least one reporting phase 130 of the current level of liquid 1c in the well 1.

The 120 evaluation phase may include a retroactive or predictive evaluation, thus allowing for such retroactive or predictive reporting.

In the case of retroactive evaluation in evaluation phase 120 the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b compares the current liquid level 1c with the limit threshold. If the current liquid level 1c is lower than the limit threshold, the signaling phase 130 is not activated.

In the case of predictive evaluation, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b identify and then store one or more historical databases of wells 1 distinct from the one under observation (for example as a function of the distance and/or the first string of the identifier) and appropriately of the historical database of the well 1 under observation. Therefore, in the evaluation phase 120, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b identifies in the at least one historical database the sequence of levels closest to the one or more current levels (appropriately measured in one or more measurement phases 110) and then performs a prediction of when the limit threshold will be reached in accordance with the identified sequence. In fact, the local unit 7, by performing this identification, is able to identify at what point (i.e. at what instant) of the evolution function describing the sequence of levels the current level is located, thus allowing the prediction to be performed by hypothesizing that the subsequent levels will be analogous/similar to those described in the identified sequence after the point thus identified in the evolution function.

In particular, in the case of predictive evaluation, evaluation phase 120 includes:

- a selection sub-phase 121 of one or more historical databases of wells 1 distinct from the one under observation (for example as a function of the distance and/or the first string of the identifier) and appropriately of the historical database of the well 1 under observation;

- a definition sub-phase 122 in which the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b defines a current function describing the variation of the one or more (in particular more) current levels detected by the meter 3;

- a search sub-phase 123 in which the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b searches in the at least one historical database (appropriately selected in the selection sub-phase) the sequence of levels having the evolution function closest (preferably almost equal) to the current function. In particular, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b identifies the level sequence by comparing the current function, describing the evolution of the current levels, with at least a portion (preferably initial) of the evolution functions present in the at least one selected historical database;

- a prediction sub-phase 124 in which the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b performs the prediction by determining a warning time (defined by how long the limit threshold will presumably be reached) as a function of the identified evolution function, of the limit threshold. In detail, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b identifies at what point (i.e. at what instant) of the evolution function describing the sequence of levels the current level is located, thus allowing the prediction to be performed (appropriately calculating the warning time) by assuming that the subsequent levels will be analogous/similar to those described in the identified sequence after the point thus identified in the evolution function. Additionally, in the prediction phase 124, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b can additionally perform the prediction as a function of one or more of (in detail of the totality):

or quality parameter? for example multiplied the warning time by the quality parameter;

or weather forecasts (for example by reducing the warning time in case of forecasted rain), and/or

or well temperature (for example by increasing the warning time in case of temperatures below 0?C).

It should be noted that, thanks to the selection sub-phase 121, in the prediction sub-phase 124, appropriately in addition to the historical database of the well 1 under observation, only part of the historical databases can be used for the prediction and in particular only the databases of the wells selected based on the distance and/or the first string of the identifier as described above.

Once the prediction sub-phase 124 is concluded, the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b controls, as described above, the signalling phase 130 in which the warning signal is sent to the operator (in detail to the processor 12), appropriately comprising a warning time and/or the said identifier.

In the signalling phase 130 the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b sends the operator (in detail to the computer 12) the current level of liquid 1c in the well 1 and/or the warning signal.

If the current level is at least equal to the limit threshold in the signaling phase 130 the local unit 7 commands the activation of the signaling means 4 and therefore the direct or indirect transmission of the warning signal to the processor 12 and therefore to the operator. In addition or alternatively, in the signaling phase 130 the remote unit 10b is placed in data connection with a personal device to which it transmits the warning signal.

It is highlighted that in the case in which in the research sub-phase 123 the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b does not identify a sequence of levels having an evolution function close to the current function; the local unit 7 and/or remote unit 10b stores the current function in the historical database of the same well 1.

The well 1 and therefore the tank 10 according to the invention achieve important advantages.

In fact, the well, thanks to the innovative monitoring device 1b which, without the need for supervision by the operator, is able to detect the presence of infiltrations and in particular send a warning signal when the level of infiltrations (and therefore of liquid 1c in the chamber 2b) reaches a critical threshold which could compromise the functioning of at least one control organ 14 and therefore of the tank 10.

It is also highlighted how the introduction of the monitoring device 1b, defining the casing 9 as a hermetic housing in which all the electronic components are arranged (meter 3, signaling means 4, local unit 7 and power supply 8) allows both to protect these electronic components from external agents and to use the device 1b also in tanks containing fuels or other flammable liquids. Another advantage is given by the adoption of one or more historical databases to predict the trend of the liquid level 1c. This advantage is accentuated by the possibility of updating the historical database of the same well 1.

The invention is susceptible to variations within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

In this context, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be any.

Claims (10)

1. Monitoring system (1a) of a well (1) of a tank (10); said monitoring system (1a) comprising: - at least one tank (10) comprising a well (1); said well comprising a casing (2) defining a chamber (2b); characterised by the fact that it comprises - a meter (3) configured to detect the current level of a liquid (1b) in said chamber (2b) along a measuring axis (3a); - at least one historical database comprising sequences of levels of said liquid (1b) in said chamber (2b) and for each of said sequences an evolution function describing the trend over time of said liquid (1b) in said chamber (2b); - a limit threshold of said liquid (1b) in said chamber (2b); - at least one unit (7, 10b) configured to determine for said well (1) under observation a prediction defining when in said chamber (2a) said limit threshold will be reached based on said historical database and said current level. 2. Surveillance system (1a) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one unit (7, 10b) defines a current function as a function of a plurality of said current level measured by said gauge (3), identifies in said at least one historical database the sequence of levels having an evolution function close to said current function and determines for said well (1) under observation said prediction as a function of said sequence of levels identified and of said plurality of said current level. 3. Surveillance system (1a) according to at least one preceding claim, comprising a plurality of tanks (10) each of which comprising a said well (1), a plurality of said at least one historical database each of which is associated with a said well (1); wherein each of said historical databases comprises sequences of levels of one of said well (1); wherein said at least one unit (7, 10b) determines for said well (1) under observation said prediction as a function of said historical databases and of said current level of said well (1). 4. Surveillance system (1a) according to the preceding claim, comprising for each of said tanks (10) a locator (6) configured to identify the geographical position of said well (1); and wherein said at least one unit (7, 10b) determines for said well (1) said prediction based on said historical databases of at least one well (1) having a distance from said well (1) under observation less than a maximum distance. 5. Surveillance system (1a) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said meter (3) comprises a first capacitive sensor (31) defining a first sensing surface (31a) having an incremental width along said measuring axis (3a) and a second capacitive sensor (32) defining a second sensing surface (32a) having a decremental width along said measuring axis (3a); wherein said sensing surfaces (31a, 32a) lie on the same plane substantially parallel to said measuring axis (3a); wherein said second sensing surface (32a) is totally superimposed on said first sensing surface (31a) so that along said normal to said measuring axis (3a) the minimum width portion of said second sensing surface (32a) is superimposed on the maximum width portion of said first sensing surface (31a) and the maximum ... overlapping the minimum width portion of said first detection surface (31a). 6. Control method (100) of the level of liquid (1b) in a well (1) of a tank (10); said control method (100) comprising: - at least one tank (10) comprising a well (1); said well comprising a casing (2) defining a chamber (2b); said control procedure (100) being characterised by the fact that it comprises - a meter (3) configured to detect the current level of a liquid (1b) in said chamber (2b) along a measuring axis (3a); - at least one historical database comprising sequences of levels of said liquid (1b) in said chamber (2b) and for each of said sequences an evolution function describing the trend over time of said liquid (1b) in said chamber (2b); - a limit threshold of said liquid (1b) in said chamber (2b); - at least one unit (7, 10b) configured to determine, based on said historical database and said current level, a prediction defining when said limit threshold will be reached. - a measuring step (110) wherein said meter (3) measures said current level of said liquid (1b) in said chamber (2a); and - an evaluation phase (120) wherein said unit (7, 10b) is configured to determine, based on said historical database and said current level, a prediction defining when said limit threshold will be reached. 7. Control method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein in said measuring step (110) said meter (3) measures a plurality of said current level; and wherein said evaluation step (120) comprises: - a definition sub-phase (122) where said unit (7, 10b) defines a current function as a function of said plurality of said current level, - a search sub-phase (123) in which said unit (7, 10b) searches in said at least one historical database for the sequence of levels having the evolution function closest to said current function and - a prediction sub-phase (124) wherein said unit (7, 10b) performs the prediction by determining a warning time as a function of said identified sequence of levels and said plurality of said current level. 8. A control method (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising weather forecasting; and wherein in said prediction sub-phase (124) said prediction is determined as a function of said identified sequence of levels, said plurality of said current level and said weather forecast. 9. Control method (100) according to at least one claim 7-8, comprising a plurality of said at least one tank (10) each of which comprising a said well (1) and a plurality of said at least one historical database each of which associated with a said well (1); wherein each of said well (1) comprises a locator (6) configured to identify the geographic position of said well (1); and wherein said search sub-phase (123) said unit (7, 10b) searches for the sequence of levels having the closest evolution function to said current function in said at least one historical well database (1) having a distance from said well (1) under observation lower than a maximum distance. 10. Control method (100) according to at least one claim 7-8, comprising a plurality of said at least one tank (10) each of which comprising a said well (1), a plurality of said at least one historical database each of which associated with a said well (1) and for each of said wells (1) an identifier; wherein said identifier comprises a first string identifying the model of said well (1); and wherein said search subphase (123) said unit (7, 10b) searches for the sequence of levels having the closest evolution function to said current function in said at least one well historical database (1) having said first string equal to said first string of said well (1) in observation lower than a maximum distance.