Abstract: An autonomous system for managing power distribution to an electrically-powered device that includes a power controller module that includes power input and power output abilities and operably connected power switching abilities, wherein the power switching is configured for actuation by an integral power management module operably connected thereto, the integral power management module including integral actuation signal detection and actuation abilities configured for, in accordance with commands and operational parameters, upon detection of an actuation signal, actuation the integral power switching to alter power output through the power output from a first output level to a second output level.

Abstract: A method for dispatching buildings participating in a demand response program including generating data sets for each of the buildings, each having energy consumption values along with corresponding time and outside temperature values, where the energy consumption values within each set are shifted by one of a plurality of lag values relative to the corresponding time and outside temperature values, and where each lag value; performing a regression analysis on each set to yield corresponding regression model parameters and a corresponding residual; determining a least valued indicating a corresponding energy lag for each of the buildings; and using outside temperatures, regression model parameters, and energy lags for all of the buildings to estimate a cumulative energy consumption for the buildings, and to predict a dispatch order reception time for a demand response program event.

Abstract: An apparatus including devices, a network operations center (NOC), and control nodes. Each of the devices consumes a portion of a resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC is disposed external to a facility, and determines an energy lag for the facility based upon fine-grained energy consumption baseline data. The NOC employs the energy lag to generate a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the plurality of control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC via the demand coordination network for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices on and off.

Abstract: In aspects, the present invention discloses a method for replacing a first field device with a second field device using a commissioning tool. The method comprising retrieving a device description file associated with the first field device, analyzing the device description file, generating a first object by mapping a parameters of the second field device to a parameter from the identified one or more parameters based on a first index and a second index, generating a configuration file associated with the second file device based on the device description file and the generated first object, and transmitting the configuration file to the second field device for commissioning operation of the second field device. The step of analyzing the device description file comprises identifying one or more parameters from the plurality of parameters for mapping based on a predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A plurality of records are collectively manipulated with a simple structure, in a technology for manipulating a database without having to formulate SQL statements. A database access unit of a programmable logic controller generates an SQL statement for manipulating a plurality of records, with reference to a plurality of structure data included in a data group generated by an execution unit and definition data representing a definition of the structure data, and executes the SQL statement.

Abstract: An automation system which includes a first and a second controller for controlling an appliance or an installation, first and second input and/or output (I/O) units for receiving an electronic signal from the installation appliance or the installation and/or for outputting an electronic signal to the appliance or the installation, a control program which includes a plurality of control program modules for controlling the appliance or the installation, and a superordinate controller that associates the control program modules with the first and/or second controllers such that the appliance or the installation is controlled or can be controlled in accordance with the control program when the control program modules are executed within the respective control units, where the automation system is additionally configured such that each of the two control units interchange electronic data for controlling the appliance or the installation both with the first and with the second I/O units.

Abstract: An industrial controller for safety control is disclosed. The controller comprises an interface for receiving a download of a safety control program, a memory for storing at least one safety control program and at least one processing unit for executing a safety control program stored in the non-volatile memory. The at least one processing unit is configured to determine whether a safety control program is verified and to limit an execution of an unverified safety control program according to an unverified run mode. An indicator is configured to indicate the execution of an unverified safety control program. A method of assigning a verification ID to an industrial controller comprises steps of configuring and downloading a safety control program, validating the configured safety control program for the target industrial controller, and assigning a verification ID. Execution of the configured safety control program is limited before the verification ID is assigned.

Abstract: A position correcting system, method and tool for guiding a tool during its use based on its location relative to the material being worked on. Provided is a system and tool which uses its auto correcting technology to precisely rout or cut material. The invention provides a camera which is used to track the visual features of the surface of the material being cut to build a map and locate an image on that map used to reference the location of the tool for auto-correction of the cutting path.

Abstract: A position correcting system, method and tool for guiding a tool during its use based on its location relative to the material being worked on. Provided is a system and tool which uses its auto correcting technology to precisely rout or cut material. The invention provides a camera which is used to track the visual features of the surface of the material being cut to build a map and locate an image on that map used to reference the location of the tool for auto-correction of the cutting path.

Abstract: A position correcting system, method and tool for guiding a tool during its use based on its location relative to the material being worked on. Provided is a system and tool which uses its auto correcting technology to precisely rout or cut material. The invention provides a camera which is used to track the visual features of the surface of the material being cut to build a map and locate an image on that map used to reference the location of the tool for auto-correction of the cutting path.

Abstract: To provide a tool-path generation apparatus that generates a tool path for forming a concave part that is defined by an entire machining-area shape and a depth into a machining material. The tool-path generation apparatus includes a spiral-machining-path reference-circle generation unit that extracts a plurality of circular areas that satisfy a preset condition from the entire machining-area shape, a spiral-machining-path generation unit that generates a tool path for machining the circular areas extracted by the spiral-machining-path reference-circle generation unit or an area that includes a circumference of the circular areas by using a spiral path and a machining-area shape after spiral machining in which a machining area by a spiral tool path is removed from the entire machining-area shape, and a trochoidal-machining-path generation unit that generates a tool path for machining the machining-area shape after spiral machining.

Abstract: A method for aligning a machine tool reference frame with a camera reference frame includes applying at least two linear machine movements and at least two rotational movements to a machine arm. Measurements are taken during these movements. Transforming the camera reference frame to the machine reference frame is based on an angular offset and x, y and z offsets between a machine tool origin and a camera origin based on the measurements taken during the machine movements.

Abstract: A controller capable of transmitting and receiving an input signal from a drive circuit corresponding to a moving device, a mounting head, or the like of an electronic component mounting machine or an output signal to the drive circuit for each predetermined period (A/2), in which the controller computes an output signal based on an input signal which is received before the predetermined period, stores the output signal for a time greater than or equal to the predetermined period, and subsequently transmits the output signal to the drive circuit. It becomes possible to set a time (a delay time) from when an input signal is output until an output signal reaches a drive circuit to an arbitrary length by adjusting the storage time.

Abstract: A servo control apparatus for a machine that performs machining by causing a plurality of synchronizing axes to operate cooperatively in synchronized relationship with a reference axis, the servo control apparatus comprising: a position detection unit for detecting at least one of the position of the servo motor and the position of a driven body; a position error calculation unit for calculating an error between the position command and the position detected by the position detection unit; a reference axis position acquisition unit for acquiring the positions of a plurality of reference axes; a reference axis selection unit for selecting one reference axis based on a machining condition of the driven body from among the plurality of reference axes whose positions have been acquired; and a learning control unit for performing learning control using an angle synchronization method, based on the error and the position of the selected reference axis.

Abstract: A method performed by one or more processing devices for ensuring that a vehicle seat top is qualified for use with a seat base for a vehicle seat, the method comprising: receiving information that identifies a type of vehicle seat top for coupling to the seat base; verifying that the vehicle seat top is authorized for use with the seat base; and in response to verifying, retrieving, based on the received information that identifies the type of vehicle seat top, pre-determined values of controller parameters of a closed loop control system for isolating vibrations from the vehicle seat top, wherein the predetermined values of the controller parameters are specifically tuned for the vehicle seat top.

Abstract: System and method for analyzing and evaluating the performance of a directional driller (“DD”) include acquiring and analyzing drilling data in real time, identifying activities and decisions that are the responsibility of the directional driller, and confirming whether or not the directional driller's decisions were appropriate or not and in what timeframe. The system and method may provide output information for evaluation purposes, for example, in the form of a directional drilling quality report. The directional drilling quality report may allow evaluation of an individual directional driller and also comparison of directional drillers relative to each other. The use of real-time drilling data allows the report to be modified to reflect actual drilling conditions and objectives as needed.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus has a detector, a condition generator, and a logging processor. The detector detects occurrence of a preset event. The condition generator acquires, as a reference value, first numerical control information at a timing when the occurrence of the event is detected, and performs preset first arithmetic processing by using the reference value to generate a first determination condition. When the first numerical control information satisfies the first determination condition, the logging processor starts a process of logging second numerical control information.

Abstract: A work support device includes a data manager configured to manage data obtained from a plant, a model manager configured to manage a normal model representing a normal state of the plant and an abnormal model representing an abnormal state of the plant, an anomaly determiner configured to determine a possibility of an abnormality of the plant by using the data managed by the data manager, the normal model, and the abnormal model, the normal model and the abnormal model being managed by the model manager, and an anomaly notifier configured to notify to outside a determination result of the anomaly determiner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for assembling and/or testing articles (101,102), the system comprising a plurality of stations (11, 12) adapted to hold and/or test articles (101, 102); a conveyor assembly (20, 21, 22, 23) connecting the plurality of stations (11, 12) and adapted to move articles between the stations at predetermined time intervals; and a central controller (30) connected to at least one of the stations (11, 12), wherein the central controller is adapted to receive and store assembly and/or test step completion information from the at least one station at the end of each time interval.

Abstract: A process transmitter includes device circuitry that generates values that are to be conveyed on a current loop. A series control transistor is in series between the current loop and the device circuitry and a saturation prevention circuit prevents the series control transistor from entering saturation.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a synchronized operation of spindle and feed axes. A spindle-axis control section includes a section for making a spindle axis perform an accelerated rotation at maximum capacity from a process start position; sections for respectively detecting a maximum acceleration, a residual rotation amount and a current speed of the spindle axis; a section for making the spindle axis perform a decelerated rotation at maximum capacity to reach a target thread depth after the accelerated rotation; and a section for executing a torque-limiting during the accelerated rotation of the spindle axis, in such a manner that a torque command lower than a maximum torque command is given to the spindle axis at a start of acceleration, and thereafter the torque command is gradually increased so that the maximum torque command is given to the spindle axis when a predetermined time has elapsed.

Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus that can, by causing multiple control programs that include motion computation programs to be executed in parallel, shorten the execution cycle of control programs that are executed cyclically. A microprocessor is configured to execute multiple control programs in parallel. When executing communication commands included in control programs that are to be executed in parallel, a scheduling program causes the microprocessor to execute the communication commands such that there is no competition between communication processes in a communication controller.

Abstract: A numerical controller stores, in a table, a value used in the process of controlling a machine (control-related information) and information that affects the range of possible values of the control-related information, from among information on a setting of the numerical controller and information on the machine. The numerical controller refers to the table, for each of the control-related information, to identify the information that affects the range of possible values of the control-related information and estimates a maximum display number of digits of the control-related information on the basis of the identified information. The numerical controller sets the layout of the displayed control-related information on the basis of the estimated maximum display number of digits of each element.

Abstract: A numerical controller stores data related to a machining program and a plurality of image data in a state where the data related to the machining program and the image data related to machining control are associated with each other, displays the associated data on a display unit, and instructs to switch the displayed image data in a predetermined cycle.

Abstract: A tuning system for improving operation of a plant. A server is coupled to the tuning system for communicating with the plant via a communication network. A computer system has a web-based platform for receiving and sending plant data related to the operation of the plant over the network. A display device interactively displays the plant data. A reconciliation unit is configured for reconciling actual measured data from the plant in comparison with a performance process model result from a simulation engine based on a set of predetermined reference or set points. The reconciliation unit performs a heuristic analysis against the actual measured data and the performance process model result using a set of predetermined threshold values.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for machining dental prostheses including, over a network, receiving data concerning a dental prosthesis, selecting a material from which to machine the dental prosthesis, and determining machining instructions for machining the dental prosthesis based on a nominal enlargement factor corresponding to the selected material. The method can also include storing the machining instructions, receiving a request from a milling machine for a dental prosthesis to be milled by the milling machine, and associating the dental prosthesis with the milling machine. The method can also include selecting a material blank comprised of the selected material, determining a material blank enlargement factor of the selected material blank, modifying the machining instructions according to a difference between the nominal enlargement factor and the material blank enlargement factor, and machining the dental prosthesis according to the modified machining instructions.

Abstract: A critical system comprises a control pathway comprising an actuation unit having a nonlinear behavior, that is able to be controlled by applying an input quantity and whose state is characterized by an output quantity. The behavior of the actuation unit being described by a flat nonlinear model, wherein the system comprises an estimation unit comprising a dynamic inversion linearization module calculating from the measured output quantity, the input quantity of the equivalent linear model; an estimation module estimating a flat output quantity from the input quantity of the equivalent linear model; and a computing module computing a residual based on the estimated flat output quantity and a measured flat output quantity, corresponding to the measured output quantity.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a machine evaluation arrangement (10) a method, computer program and computer program product for providing an indication of the functioning of a machine (26). In the arrangement product specification data for the machine (26) is obtained, the product specification data comprising technical performance data for the machine, operational data of the machine is obtained, the technical performance of the machine is evaluated with regard to the technical performance data of the specification, the technical performance of the machine being based on said operational data, and an indication of the functioning of the machine is provided based on the evaluation.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a system for implementing a restricted-operation region. The system includes an instruction development module configured to be utilized in the development of a set of instructions that implement an operation policy of the restricted-operation region. The set of instructions is configured to, when interpreted, implement the operation policy by controlling at least one function of a vehicle that attempts to operate within the restricted-operation region. The system further includes a first transmitter configured to transmit the set of instructions to the vehicle, wherein a processor of the vehicle is configured to interpret the set of instructions based at least in part on a determination that the vehicle is attempting to operate within the restricted-operation region.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a system for implementing a restricted-operation region. The system includes an instruction development module configured to be utilized in the development of a set of instructions that implement an operation policy of the restricted-operation region. The set of instructions is configured to, when interpreted, implement the operation policy by controlling at least one function of a vehicle that attempts to operate within the restricted-operation region. The system further includes a first transmitter configured to transmit the set of instructions to the vehicle, wherein a processor of the vehicle is configured to interpret the set of instructions based at least in part on a determination that the vehicle is attempting to operate within the restricted-operation region.

Abstract: An agriculture support system includes: an operation contents creation part configured to create an operation contents, the operation contents being carried out in an agricultural field; an operation instruction part configured to send the operation contents to a mobile terminal allocated to the agricultural operator; an operation contents storage part configured to storage the operation contents; a first display part configured to display the operation contents on the mobile terminal, the operation contents being sent by the operation instruction part; a notification part configured to notify an external device of completion of confirming the operation contents, the operation contents being displayed on the mobile terminal, the external device being different from the mobile terminal; and a second display part configured to display the operation contents on the external device, the operation contents being already confirmed by the notification part.

Abstract: A self-propelled device can determine an initial reference frame of the self-propelled device in three-dimensional space, receive control inputs from a controller device, where the control inputs can be inputted by a user on a steering mechanism of the controller device. The self-propelled device can interpret the control inputs as control commands to maneuver the self-propelled device, and implement the control commands on an internal drive system of the self-propelled device to maneuver the self-propelled device based on the control inputs. While maneuvering, the self-propelled device can determine an orientation of the internal drive system within a spherical housing of the self-propelled device in relation to the initial reference frame, and transmit feedback to the controller device based on the orientation of the internal drive system in order to calibrate an orientation of the steering mechanism with the orientation of the internal drive system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for video processing and display are provided. In one aspect, a workstation is configured to determine a position of a remotely controlled vehicle when an image of the surroundings of the vehicle was captured, and to transform the image into a transformed image based on an estimated real-time position of the vehicle. In another aspect, a workstation is configured to identify an image captured prior to the time a remotely controlled vehicle changed its configuration. The workstation estimates a real-time position of the vehicle, and transforms the identified image into a transformed image based on the estimated real-time position of the vehicle, such that the transformed image represents at least a portion of a view of the surroundings of the vehicle at the estimated real-time position after the vehicle changed its configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for scanning environments and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles within the scanned environments are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes using a rangefinder off-board an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to identify points in a region. The method can further include forming a computer-based map of the region with the points and using the rangefinder and a camera to locate the UAV as it moves in the region. The location of the UAV can be compared with locations on the computer-based map and, based upon the comparison, the method can include transmitting guidance information to the UAV. In a further particular embodiment, two-dimensional imaging data is used in addition to the rangefinder data to provide color information to points in the region.

Abstract: A system for operating a mobile platform using distance and speed information and methods for making and using same. The system includes a time-of-flight sensor and an ultrasound sensor for measuring a distance between the mobile platform and an obstacle and a processor for integrating the sensed measurements and controlling the mobile platform. The distance measured by the time-of-flight sensor can be determined via a phase shift method. The time-of-flight sensor can also be used to measure a speed of the mobile platform by imaging a reference point at different times and using stereopsis to ascertain the displacement. Distances and speeds measured using the time-of-flight and ultrasound sensors can be integrated to improve measurement accuracy. The systems and methods are suitable for use in controlling any type of mobile platform, including unmanned aerial vehicles and advantageously can be applied for avoiding collisions between the mobile platform and the obstacle.

Abstract: A power-saving robot system includes at least one peripheral device and a mobile robot. The peripheral device includes a controller having an active mode and a hibernation mode, and a wireless communication component capable of activation in the hibernation mode. A controller of the robot has an activating routine that communicates with and temporarily activates the peripheral device, via wireless communication, from the hibernation mode. In another aspect, a robot system includes a network data bridge and a mobile robot. The network data bridge includes a broadband network interface, a wireless command interface, and a data bridge component. The data bridge component extracts serial commands received via the broadband network interface from an internet protocol, applies a command protocol thereto, and broadcasts the serial commands via the wireless interface. The mobile robot includes a wireless command communication component that receives the serial command; transmitted from the network data bridge.

Abstract: Methods for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices are presented including: positioning a boundary component having a first receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair from a first robotic device only when the first robotic device is positioned along a first virtual boundary; operating the first robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the first virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the first robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal by the first receiver pair thereby indicating that the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a localisation or estimation group of the position of a moving target, such as a person or a manual guided vehicle, in a warehouse or in an area to be monitored with at least one automatic guided vehicle, equipped with a unit for controlling the movement of the automatic guided vehicle itself, and at least a moving target.

Abstract: A flight vehicle control and stabilization process detects and measures an orientation of a non-fixed portion relative to a fixed frame or portion of a flight vehicle, following a perturbation in the non-fixed portion from one or both of tilt and rotation thereof. A pilot or rider tilts or rotates the non-fixed portion, or both, to intentionally adjust the orientation and effect a change in the flight vehicle's direction. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process calculates a directional adjustment of the rest of the flight vehicle from this perturbation and induces the fixed portion to re-orient itself with the non-fixed portion to effect control and stability of the flight vehicle. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process also detects changes in speed and altitude, and includes stabilization components to adjust flight vehicle operation from unintentional payload movement on the non-fixed portion.

Abstract: An electric vehicle may comprise a board including first and second deck portions each configured to receive a left or right foot of a ride, a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions and including a ground-contacting element, a motor assembly mounted to the board and configured to rotate the ground-contacting element around an axle to propel the electric vehicle, at least one sensor configured to measure orientation information of the board, and a motor controller configured to receive orientation information measured by the sensor and to cause the motor assembly to propel the electric vehicle based on the orientation information. The electric vehicle may include exactly one ground-contacting element, and the motor may be a hub motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for determining relative orientation between a self-propelled device and a mobile computing device by utilizing the asymmetric radiation pattern of communication link emissions by the self-propelled device. Upon establishing the communication link, the self-propelled device may perform a spin, thereby enabling the self-propelled device and/or the mobile computing device to detect radiated pulses due to the asymmetry in the link. A direction may be determined based on such pulses, which may be utilized for calibration purposes.

Abstract: A vehicle system including a housing, an extendable/retractable member coupled to the housing, an electrically controlled actuator and a lockout system. The electrically controlled actuator is connected to the extendable/retractable member, and is configured to extend and retract the extendable/retractable member relative to the housing. The lockout system includes a detection sensor and a controller. The detection sensor generates a signal upon a detection of a motion of the vehicle system or an anticipated movement of the vehicle system. The controller is in commanding communication with the electrically controlled actuator, and the controller locks the electrically controlled actuator from functioning upon receipt of the signal.

Abstract: A device for limiting or keeping constant a quantity of fluid flowing therethrough, includes: a housing with a front chamber and a rear chamber; a partition arranged in the housing with two or more openings; and a flow limiting element arranged in one or both openings. The flow limiting element includes a housing provided with an inlet, an outlet and a throughflow opening; and a resilient plate-like valve element mounted in the housing, substantially able to close the throughflow opening by resilient movement in the direction of a valve seat arranged in the housing adjacently of the throughflow opening. The valve element is fixed on one side and can move resiliently on the opposite side in the direction of the valve seat. A mould produces one or more injection-moulded products. The injection-moulded product is a flow limiter for limiting the force of the flow of a fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling delivery of breast milk supplementation are described which include receiving information associated with a breast milk supplement regimen with a breast milk supplement delivery device, the breast milk supplement delivery device including a substrate sized for placement on a surface of a breast region of a lactating female, at least one supplement reservoir associated with the substrate and adapted to contain one or more breast milk supplements, the at least one supplement reservoir including a port with a controllable valve, a data storage component configured to store the breast milk supplement regimen, and a control unit operably coupled to the data storage component and the controllable valve and including a microprocessor and circuitry; and actuating the controllable valve of the at least one supplement reservoir to modulate release of the one or more breast milk supplements based on the received breast milk supplement regimen.

Abstract: A circuit structure of a gas valve controls a first driver and a second driver, which respectively drive a main valve and a safety valve. The circuit structure includes a power switching circuit, a control circuit, a protection circuit, an abnormal voltage detection circuit, a first valve switching circuit, a second valve switching circuit, and a processor which is electrically connected to the aforementioned circuits. The processor receives abnormal signals outputted by the abnormal voltage detection circuit, and outputs signals to control the power switching circuit, the control circuit, the protection circuit, the first valve switching circuit, and the second valve switching circuit to control the first driver and the second driver. The main valve and the safety valve can be opened or closed in this way.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, device for controlling the output of the air volume and a memory medium. The method includes: determining the temperature difference value according to the current temperature value and the preset temperature value of a cabinet; controlling the opening of an air valve of a variable air volume terminal according to the temperature difference value, so as to adjust the air volume needed by the cabinet. The temperature value needed to be adjusted is determined according to the difference value between the current temperature value and the preset temperature value. The opening of the air valve of the variable air volume terminal is correspondingly adjusted according to the temperature value needed to be adjusted, so as to adjust the air volume needed by the cabinet, and adjust the air volume according to the actual demand.

Abstract: A table indicating a relationship between a differential pressure across a valve unit and a torque that is to be outputted by a motor (an output torque) is stored in a table storing portion. A valve opening controlling portion and a torque controlling portion are provided in a controlling portion. The valve opening controlling portion uses the actual opening ?pv, from the valve opening detector, as the valve opening measured value, and sends a driving command to the motor so as to cause the valve opening measured value ?pv to match the valve opening setpoint ?sp. The torque controlling portion acquires, from the table, a torque corresponding to the differential pressure ?P across the valve unit, detected by the differential pressure detecting portion, and sends, to the motor, a command (a torque output command) to cause outputting of the torque that has been acquired.

Abstract: A valve opening setpoint corrector and a correction table storage are provided in a flow rate controlling valve. A correction table indicating valve opening correction values corresponding to combinations of amounts of opening of a valve and front-back differential pressures across the valve is stored in the correction table storage. In the valve opening setpoint corrector a correction value acquirer acquires, from the correction table, the valve opening correction value ? that corresponds to the inputted measured value of the valve and front-back differential pressure across the valve and sends it to the setpoint corrector, as a correction value that takes into account the amount of twist in the valve rod. The setpoint corrector corrects, by the correction value taking into account the amount of twist in the valve rod, the valve opening setpoint from the air conditioning controller, sending this corrected valve opening setpoint to the valve opening controller.

Abstract: A hydraulic network (1) having plural parallel zones (Z1, Z2) with a regulating valve (V1, V2) in each zone for regulating a flow of fluid (?1, ?2) through respective zones. Characteristic parameters of the hydraulic network (1) include static flow capacity values (Kex,a, Kex,b) of the zones. Measurement data sets are recorded which include a determined value of a hydraulic system variable of the hydraulic network (1), e.g. the total flow (?tot) or the system pressure (?P), and valve positions of the regulating valves (V1, V2) set for the determined value of the hydraulic system variable. The characteristic parameters are calculated from plural measurement data sets, by grouping related measurement data sets, which include the same value of the hydraulic system variable but different valve positions, and by using the flow capacity (Kvalve,a, Kvalve,b) of the regulating valves (V1, V2) at the valve positions included in the data sets.

Abstract: A pumping system and method for blending hydraulic fracturing fluids includes a liquid additive holding tank having an outlet at a bottom of the holding tank, a first sensor at a first location in the holding tank adjacent a lower portion of the holding tank, and a second sensor at a second location in the holding tank above the first location. The pumping system further includes a liquid additive pump to deliver fluid gravity fed from the outlet of the holding tank, a chemical transfer pump to pump fluid into the holding tank in response to receiving a first signal that a fluid level of the holding tank is below the first sensor and cease to pump fluid into the holding tank in response to receiving a second signal from the second sensor indicating the fluid level is above the second sensor.