| Title of Invention | FUMIGATION GAS MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD |
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| Abstract | The present invention relates to a fumigation system and method. More particularly/the present invention relates to a fumigation system and method that enables monitoring and control of fumigation from a remote location. |
| Full Text | FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION (See Section 10) FUMIGATION GAS MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD" We, UNITED PHOSPHORUS LIMITED, a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 and having its registered office at 3-11, GIDC, Vapi-396 195, State of Gujarat, India, INDIAN. The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:- 1 FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a fumigation system and method. More particularly/the present invention relates to a fumigation system and method that enables monitoring and control of fumigation from a remote location. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Crops and agricultural products contain insects and pests, particularly when they are stored for longer periods in storages or silos, which require periodic fumigation in order to control infestation by these pests. Fumigation is one of the most important procedures followed all over the world for infestation control of food and other stored products. The common fumigants employed are phosphine, methyl bromide, 1,3-dichloroprene, chloropicrin, methyl isocyanate, hydrogen cyanide, sulfuryl fluoride and formaldehyde. Fumigation usually involves releasing one or more of the fumigants listed above into the closed space to be fumigated and holding a desired level of fumigant concentration in the enclosed space for a predetermined time period to allow the fumigant gas to percolate through the enclosed space. The effective infestation control during fumigation depends on applying the right quantity of the fumigant gas to the stored products and maintaining a predetermined fumigant gas concentration over the fumigation period. This requires proper fumigant level monitoring instruments which are capable of monitoring the fumigant concentration and correct the gas concentration when required. Fumigation is nevertheless a hazardous operation and it may be a legal requirement in several countries to maintain proper standards and practices to ensure the safety of the operator handling the fumigation. There exists a need in the art for a fumigation system that enables remote monitoring of the fumigant concentration without posing any operational hazard to the operator. 2 Hitherto, such a monitoring system has not been developed which enables the fumigant gas concentration and other associated data to be measured and communicated real-time to an operator located at a remote location. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages and/or objects: An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that enables remote monitoring of the fumigant concentration without posing any operational hazard to the operator. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method which enables the fumigant gas concentration and other associated data to be measured and communicated real-time to an operator located at a remote location. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method which is capable of measuring fumigant gas concentration at a plurality of locations within the fumigated location and storing the measured fumigant concentration values on a provided computer memory. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method which is capable to communicating the fumigant concentration data to a remote location over a communication network. These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and abstract. 3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for monitoring and controlling fumigation carried out at a location, said system comprising: a multi-gas monitor capable of detecting the presence of and measuring the concentration of one or more fumigants within a fumigated enclosure; a plurality of solenoid valves operatively connected to said multi-gas monitor, at least one of said solenoid valves being capable of selecting the fumigant gas to be detected and measured, at least one further solenoid valve separating said multi-gas monitor from the fumigated chamber and being capable of ventilating air onto said multi-gas monitor, at least one further solenoid valve being a three port valve for selecting a plurality of sampling locations within the fumigated enclosure; a manifold operatively connecting said at least one said solenoid valve with at least another provided solenoid valve; a controller being operatively connected to said multi-gas monitor and said plurality of solenoid valves, said controller being capable of controlling fumigation within said fumigated enclosure through a sequence of predetermined operations and is further capable of receiving and storing the fumigant gas concentration data onto provided memory in said multi-gas monitor; and a transmission module being capable of reading said fumigant gas concentration data stored on provided memory in said multi-gas monitor and transmitting said data to a plurality of predetermined remote locations over a communication network. In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for remote monitoring and controlling fumigation carried out at a another location, said method comprising: providing a system for monitoring and controlling fumigation comprising a multi-gas monitor, a plurality of solenoid valves operatively connected to said multi-gas monitor, a manifold, a controller and a transmission system; selecting a plurality of sampling locations within the fumigated enclosure using at least one provided three way port solenoid valve; detecting the presence of one or fumigants at said sampling location using said multi-gas monitor; measuring the concentration of said detected fumigant using said 4 multi-gas monitor; storing said measured fumigant concentration onto a provided memory in said multi-gas monitor; and communicating said stored fumigant gas concentration data to a plurality of remote locations over a communication network. The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of the present invention. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in connection with the drawings described hereinafter. Figure 1 illustrates the system for monitoring and controlling fumigation carried out at a location according to an aspect of the present invention. Figure 2 is a flowchart depicting the method for monitoring and controlling fumigation according to an aspect of the present invention. 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is thus provided a system for monitoring and controlling fumigation carried out at a location, said system comprising a multi-gas monitor, a plurality of solenoid valves, a manifold, a controller and a transmission module. The multi-gas monitor is capable of detecting the presence of and determining the concentration of one or more fumigants within the fumigated enclosure. The multi-gas monitor is operatively connected to a plurality of solenoid valves at least one of which is capable of selecting the fumigant gas to be detected and measured and at least one further solenoid valve separating said multi-gas monitor from the fumigated chamber and being capable of ventilating air onto said multi-gas monitor. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-gas monitor preferably includes a thermal conductivity detector for detecting the presence of sulfuryl fluoride and alkyl bromide. In another embodiment, the multi-gas monitor includes an electrochemical sensor for the detection of phosphine. The system according to the present invention further comprising a three port solenoid valve in which the outflow is switched between at least two outlet ports. The three port solenoid valve selects a plurality of sampling locations within the fumigated enclosure wherein the fumigant gas concentration is measured and recorded. The system according to the present invention further comprises a hydraulic manifold which operatively connects one or more provided solenoid valves with one another. The hydraulic manifold regulates the fluid (fumigant gas) flow between various other components of the system of the present invention. 6 The system according to the present invention further comprises a controller which operatively connects the multi-gas monitor with the provided solenoid valves. The controller is adapted to monitor and regulate fumigation within the fumigated enclosure through a sequence of predetermined operations. The controller is further adapted to receive and store the fumigant gas concentration data onto provided memory in the multi-gas monitor. Preferably, the sequence of predetermined operations comprises a sequence of steps from the initiation (time t=0) of fumigation to a predetermined end time (time t =T). The end time T varies from about 240 hours to about 300 hours. More preferably, the sequence of operations comprises: (a) switching on the multi-gas monitor at the initiation of fumigation, (b) selecting a preferred fumigant gas based on the characteristics of the stored produce, (c) purging the multi-gas monitor with fresh air, (d) selecting a sampling location within the fumigated enclosure, (e) drawing a sample gas from the selected sampling location, and (f) measuring the fumigant gas concentration and said measured value onto provided memory in the multi-gas monitor. In a further preferred embodiment, the said sequence of steps further comprises repeating steps (c) to (f) for different sampling locations selected by the controller until the predetermined end time (t=T) is reached. In a further preferred embodiment, the controller is programmed to repeat the sequential steps described above after the passage of a predetermined time interval. In an exemplary embodiment, the control may be programmed to repeat the sequence of steps described above after every five hours. In an embodiment, the controller is adapted to periodically monitor the concentration of fumigant gas concentration at selected locations within the fumigated enclosure at predetermined time intervals and stores each measured concentration data in a memory provided in the multi-gas monitor. 7 In a preferred embodiment, the controller is adapted to compare each measured fumigant gas concentration with a provided threshold concentration data and is capable of initiating corrective action if the measured concentration value falls below the provided threshold value. In a further preferred embodiment, the corrective action includes generating and sending warning signals to a remote location reporting the fumigant gas concentration along with the provided threshold value. In another embodiment, the corrective action includes causing a predetermined solenoid valve to pump in calculated amount of the fumigant gas when the measured fumigant gas concentration value falls below the provided lower threshold value. In yet another embodiment, the corrective action includes causing a predetermined solenoid valve to purge a calculated amount of fresh air at a selected location when the measured fumigant gas concentration value exceeds the provided upper threshold value. In a preferred embodiment, the measured fumigant gas concentration value stored in a memory provided in the multi-gas monitor is downloaded onto an authorized computer where it is accessed by authorized personnel. In an embodiment, the system of the present invention includes a transmission module capable of reading said fumigant gas concentration data stored on provided memory in said multi-gas monitor and transmitting said data to a plurality of predetermined remote locations over a communication network. In another embodiment, the stored fumigant gas concentration data is simultaneously transmitted to a remote action over a communication network where it may be accessed by authorized personnel. 8 In a preferred embodiment, the communication network may be any communication network that is currently known in the art. The communication network may be radio transmission network, telephone line, optical fiber transmission line, cable line and internet. In a preferred embodiment, the controller causes the fumigant gas concentration values to be transmitted a pre-determined website in real-time. The website allows authorized personnel to access the transmitted data and to communicate corrective instructions to the controller via the internet. In a preferred embodiment, the website authorization means comprises prompting the personnel to enter the provided login and password and allows the personnel access to the fumigant gas concentration data subsequent to successful authorization. In another embodiment, the controller is adapted to receive corrective instructions in response to a transmitted fumigant gas concentration data over the internet and initiate corrective action accordingly. In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for remote monitoring and controlling fumigation carried out at a another location, said method comprising: providing a system for monitoring and controlling fumigation comprising a multi-gas monitor, a plurality of solenoid valves operatively connected to said multi-gas monitor, a manifold, a controller and a transmission system; selecting a plurality of sampling locations within the fumigated enclosure using at least one provided three way port solenoid valve; detecting the presence of one or fumigants at said sampling location using said multi-gas monitor; measuring the concentration of said detected fumigant using said multi-gas monitor; storing said measured fumigant concentration onto a provided memory in said multi-gas monitor; and communicating said stored fumigant gas concentration data to a plurality of remote locations over a communication network. 9 Preferably, measuring the concentration of the detected fumigant comprises a sequence of predetermined operations from the initiation (time t=0) of fumigation to a predetermined end time (time t =T). More preferably, the sequence of operations comprises: (a) switching on the multi-gas monitor at the initiation of fumigation, (b) selecting a preferred fumigant gas based on the characteristics of the stored produce, (c) purging the multi-gas monitor with fresh air, (d) selecting a sampling location within the fumigated enclosure, (e) drawing a sample gas from the selected sampling location, and (f) measuring the fumigant gas concentration and storing said measured value onto provided memory in the multi-gas monitor. In a further preferred embodiment, the said sequence of steps further comprises repeating steps (c) to (f) for different sampling locations selected by the controller until the predetermined end time (t=T) is reached. In a further preferred embodiment, the sequential steps described above are repeated after the passage of a predetermined time interval. In an exemplary embodiment, the sequence of steps described above is repeated after every five hours. In another preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprises comparing each measured fumigant gas concentration with a provided threshold concentration data and initiating corrective action if the measured concentration value falls below the provided lower threshold value. In a further preferred embodiment, the corrective action includes generating and sending warning signals to a remote location reporting the fumigant gas concentration along with the provided threshold value. In another embodiment, the corrective action includes causing a predetermined solenoid valve to pump in calculated amount of the fumigant gas when the measured fumigant gas concentration value falls below the provided lower threshold value. 10 In yet another embodiment, the corrective action includes causing a predetermined solenoid valve to purge a calculated amount of fresh air at a selected location when the measured fumigant gas concentration value exceeds the provided Upper threshold value. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises downloading the measured fumigant gas concentration value, which is stored in a memory provided in the multi-gas monitor, onto an authorized computer where it is allowed to be accessed by authorized personnel. In an embodiment, the method of the present invention includes reading said fumigant gas concentration data stored on provided memory in said multi-gas monitor and transmitting said data to a plurality of predetermined remote locations over a communication network. In another embodiment, the method comprises simultaneously transmitting stored fumigant gas concentration data to a remote action over a communication network where it is allowed to be accessed by authorized personnel. In a preferred embodiment, the fumigant gas concentration values are transmitted to a pre-determined website in real-time. The website allows authorized personnel to access the transmitted data and to communicate corrective instructions to the controller via the internet. In a preferred embodiment, the website authorization means comprises prompting the personnel to enter the provided login and password and allows the personnel access to the fumigant gas concentration data subsequent to successful authorization. In another embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprises receiving corrective instructions in response to a transmitted fumigant gas concentration data over the internet and initiating corrective action accordingly. 11 Turning now to figure 1, illustrated is an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the present invention. The exemplified system comprises a multi-gas monitor (M), which uses thermal conductivity detector for the detection of SO2F2 (0-100mg/L) & MBr (0-200mg/L) and an electrochemical sensor for the detection of PH3 (0-2000ppm). The monitor is connected to a set of solenoid valves (1) - (7). Valves 6 and 7 are used for selecting the gas to be measured. Valves 4 and 5. are used for isolating the monitor from the silo and for purging the monitor with fresh air. The different sampling locations are selected with the help of the three port solenoid valves (1), (2) and (3) and a manifold (8). All the valves and the monitoring operations are controlled by a micro-controller. Turning now to figure 2, illustrated is an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the present invention. A system comprising at least a multi-gas monitor, at least a plurality of solenoid valves, at least a manifold, at least a controller and at least a transmission system is provided. The provided multi-gas monitor is switched on at the initiation (time t=0) of the method according to this exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sampling locations are selected within the fumigated enclosure and the presence of one or more fumigants detected. A preferred fumigant is selcted whose concentration is to be monitored. The multi-gas monitor is purged with fresh air and a sample gas is drawn from the selected sampling location. The selected fumigant gas concentration is measured at the selected sampling location and stored in the multi-gas monitor memory. The above steps from time t=0 are repeated for other selected fumigant gases and sampling locations. The stored fumigant gas concentration data is communicated to a remote location over the internet. The measured value is thereafter compared with a provided lower threshold value. If the measured value is less than the provided lower threshold value, a warning signal is generated and a calculated amount of the selected fumigant gas is pumped into the fumigated enclosure. Else, the measured concentration is compared against a provided upper threshold value. If the measured concentration is found to exceed the provided threshold value, a warning signal is generated and a calculated amount of fresh air is pumped into the fumigated enclosure. 12 It is understood that the systems and methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, functions and means or a combination of hardware, software, functions and means to attain those functions. They may be implemented by any type of computer system or other devices adapted for carrying out the methods described herein. A typical combination of hardware and software could be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. Alternatively, a specific use computer, containing specialized hardware for carrying out one or more of the functional tasks of the invention could be utilized. The present invention can also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods and functions described herein, and which-when loaded in a computer system-is able to carry out these methods. Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the present invention. 13 |
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| Patent Number | 272611 | |||||||||
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| Indian Patent Application Number | 1033/MUM/2008 | |||||||||
| PG Journal Number | 16/2016 | |||||||||
| Publication Date | 15-Apr-2016 | |||||||||
| Grant Date | 12-Apr-2016 | |||||||||
| Date of Filing | 14-May-2008 | |||||||||
| Name of Patentee | UPL LIMITED | |||||||||
| Applicant Address | 3-11, GIDC, Vapi - 396 195, State of Gujarat, India and having its office at Uniphos House, 11 Road, C. D Marg, Khar (West), Mumbai - 400 052, State of Maharashtra, INDIA. | |||||||||
Inventors:
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| PCT International Classification Number | A01M13/00 | |||||||||
| PCT International Application Number | N/A | |||||||||
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