Abstract: A system includes a gas distribution network having sub-networks including a first sub-network, each sub-network including a pipe section having a gas safety device coupled to a gas safety valve. The gas safety device includes a pressure sensor, a shut off controller configured to shut off the gas safety valve, a computing device, and a communications module. A server is communicably coupled to the communications modules of the gas safety devices for that implements artificial intelligence (AI) which based on a current threat condition to the gas distribution network determines affected sub-networks. The server is for sending of a valve closing instruction signal to the gas safety device in the first sub-network during the current threat condition when the current threat condition is determined to affect the first sub-network. Responsive to the valve closing instruction signal, the gas safety device shuts off the gas safety valve in the first sub-network.

Abstract: Safety monitoring systems and methods include a mesh communications network and an EVC (Electronic Volume Corrector) installed in one or more gas distribution components and/or industrial metering components in a gas distribution station and/or an industrial metering station. A group of sensors can be configured, which includes, for example, a gas leak sensor, a pressure transducer, a temperature transducer, an intrusion sensor and/or other types of sensors. Such sensors can be located within the gas distribution station and/or industrial metering station. The sensors communicate wirelessly with the EVC and the gas distribution and/or industrial metering components through the mesh communications network.

Abstract: A method and system for part selection and order management in an energy distribution system can involve reading data from an electronic monitoring instrument of an energy distribution system, the data including information regarding a functionality of one or more parts of the electronic monitoring instrument, analyzing the data to determine if the one or more parts are functioning properly by establishing whether or not parts are within a configurable threshold condition, and automatically requesting one or more replacement, if the part or parts are found not to be within the threshold condition, so that the operational functionality of the energy distribution system can be enhanced by requesting the replacement part(s) prior to a failure of the one or more parts of the electronic monitoring instrument.

Abstract: A system includes a gas distribution network having sub-networks including a first sub-network, each sub-network including a pipe section having a gas safety device coupled to a gas safety valve. The gas safety device includes a pressure sensor, a shut off controller configured to shut off the gas safety valve, a computing device, and a communications module. A server is communicably coupled to the communications modules of the gas safety devices for that implements artificial intelligence (AI) which based on a current threat condition to the gas distribution network determines affected sub-networks. The server is for sending of a valve closing instruction signal to the gas safety device in the first sub-network during the current threat condition when the current threat condition is determined to affect the first sub-network. Responsive to the valve closing instruction signal, the gas safety device shuts off the gas safety valve in the first sub-network.

Abstract: A system and method for distributed error detection in gas distribution systems comprises sensors coupled to a metering device, and configured to collect sensor information indicative of an operation of the metering device. An electronic volume corrector associated with the metering device serves as a gateway for transmission of sensor information indicative of the operation of the metering device. A computer system is configured to receive sensor information indicative of an operation of the metering device provided by an electronic volume corrector, identify parameters indicative of deviations from the intended operation of the metering device, perform pattern comparisons of the sensor information with reference information, and provide a performance indication of the metering device.

Abstract: Safety monitoring systems and methods include a mesh communications network and an EVC (Electronic Volume Corrector) installed in one or more gas distribution components and/or industrial metering components in a gas distribution station and/or an industrial metering station. A group of sensors can be configured, which includes, for example, a gas leak sensor, a pressure transducer, a temperature transducer, an intrusion sensor and/or other types of sensors. Such sensors can be located within the gas distribution station and/or industrial metering station. The sensors communicate wirelessly with the EVC and the gas distribution and/or industrial metering components through the mesh communications network.

Abstract: A system and method for distributed error detection in gas distribution systems comprises sensors coupled to a metering device, and configured to collect sensor information indicative of an operation of the metering device. An electronic volume corrector associated with the metering device serves as a gateway for transmission of sensor information indicative of the operation of the metering device. A computer system is configured to receive sensor information indicative of an operation of the metering device provided by an electronic volume corrector, identify parameters indicative of deviations from the intended operation of the metering device, perform pattern comparisons of the sensor information with reference information, and provide a performance indication of the metering device.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining data associated with at least one of: one or more products stored in or transferred via a first cargo distribution terminal, one or more actions occurring in the first cargo distribution terminal, and one or more personnel associated with the first cargo distribution terminal or the one or more products. The method also includes generating an update to a blockchain based on the data and updating a local copy of the blockchain using the update. The method further includes publishing the update to one or more nodes for updating one or more additional copies of the blockchain. The update could identify that at least a portion of the one or more products has been received at or shipped from the first cargo distribution terminal. The update could identify information about a vehicle used to transport the one or more products or a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a chat session between a first user of a mobile device in proximity to a field device and a second user remote from the field device. The method further includes receiving, at the mobile device via the chat session, one or more commands for the field device from a computing device used by the second user. The method additionally includes sending, from the mobile device to the field device, the one or more commands for execution by the field device. The method also includes receiving, at the mobile device, information from the field device and sending, from the mobile device to the computing device via the chat session, the information.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a chat session between a first user of a mobile device in proximity to a field device and a second user remote from the field device. The method further includes receiving, at the mobile device via the chat session, one or more commands for the field device from a computing device used by the second user. The method additionally includes sending, from the mobile device to the field device, the one or more commands for execution by the field device. The method also includes receiving, at the mobile device, information from the field device and sending, from the mobile device to the computing device via the chat session, the information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus perform automation of personalized maintenance tasks with built-in simulation and data synchronization support in the energy distribution industry or other industry. A mobile device includes a transceiver and at least one processing device. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a field device. The at least one processing device is configured to detect a presence of the field device. The at least one processing device is also configured to execute multiple maintenance tasks associated with the field device in response to detecting the presence of the field device. The at least one processing device is also configured to generate a dashboard and present the dashboard on the mobile device. The dashboard displays results of the maintenance tasks to a user.

Abstract: A method includes identifying device description files corresponding to first and second field devices associated with an industrial process control system. The method also includes comparing multiple field device characteristics of the first and second field devices using the device description files. The method further includes identifying any differences between the device characteristics of the first field device and the device characteristics of the second field device. In addition, the method includes determining a compatibility of the first and second field devices based on any identified differences. The field device characteristics can relate to field device attributes, field device function blocks, and function block parameters of the first and second field devices.

Abstract: A method includes identifying device description files corresponding to first and second field devices associated with an industrial process control system. The method also includes comparing multiple field device characteristics of the first and second field devices using the device description files. The method further includes identifying any differences between the device characteristics of the first field device and the device characteristics of the second field device. In addition, the method includes determining a compatibility of the first and second field devices based on any identified differences. The field device characteristics can relate to field device attributes, field device function blocks, and function block parameters of the first and second field devices.