FIRE HAZARD DETECTION AND RESPONSE SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention presents a real-time fire hazard detection and response system for oil and gas facilities, utilizing a network of sensors to monitor critical parameters such as gas leakage, oil leakage, temperature, and pressure within designated sectors. A central processing unit analyzes sensor data with advanced machine learning algorithms, promptly triggering alarms for on-site personnel upon detecting abnormalities. In high-risk cases, the system automatically notifies the nearest fire station to ensure swift mobilization. A dedicated mobile application provides firefighters with critical information, including the shortest route to the hazard area, required manpower, and necessary resources, enhancing response efficiency. Additionally, environmental factors such as wind direction are integrated to guide emergency strategies. The system significantly enhances fire safety measures, offering a comprehensive, proactive approach to managing fire hazards in high-risk facilities.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a real-time fire hazard detection and response system for oil and gas industries, particularly for monitoring gas and oil leakage, temperature, and pressure, and more particularly for notifying on-site personnel and emergency responders, in real-time.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
The oil and gas industry faces significant challenges in effectively detecting and responding to fire hazards within their facilities. Industrial facilities face significant risks from fires due to factors like equipment malfunction, chemical spills, or gas leaks. Traditional fire safety systems react too late, often after considerable damage has occurred. There is a need for a proactive solution that can detect potential fire hazards early and provide guidance to minimize damage and improve safety. There is a pressing need for an integrated system that can continuously monitor sensor data, promptly detect abnormal changes indicative of fire hazards, and facilitate swift and coordinated responses from both on-site personnel and external emergency responders. The system should also provide comprehensive information to aid in decision-making and resource allocation during emergency situations, ultimately enhancing overall safety measures and mitigating risks within the oil and gas industry.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One or more of the problems of the conventional prior art may be overcome by various embodiments of the system and methods of the present invention.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a real-time fire hazard detection system for monitoring gas and oil leakage, temperature, and pressure in oil and gas facilities.

Another object of the invention is to categorize monitored areas into sectors to facilitate targeted hazard detection and response.

A further object of the invention is to promptly alert on-site personnel to potential hazards through an automated alarm system.

Yet another object is to automatically notify the nearest fire station in case of high temperatures or gas/oil leakage to enable rapid emergency response.

An additional object of the invention is to equip firefighters with real-time data via a mobile application, including the shortest route to the incident and resource requirements.

Another object is to incorporate environmental factors, such as wind direction, to assist emergency responders in strategizing effective disaster response plans.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, according to the basic aspect of the present invention, there is provided an improved fire hazard detection and response system specifically designed for oil and gas facilities, where monitoring for fire risks is critical due to the nature of materials and operations involved.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the foundational architecture of the system, which consists of a network of sensors strategically placed across various sectors within an oil or gas facility. These sensors continuously monitor critical parameters such as gas leakage, oil leakage, temperature, and pressure. By segmenting the facility into designated sectors, the system ensures thorough and focused monitoring of each area, facilitating precise detection of anomalies that may signal potential fire hazards. The sector-based approach allows for efficient data management and timely identification of hazards.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the data processing aspect, where sensor readings are transmitted in real-time to a central processing unit. This unit is equipped with machine learning algorithms capable of analyzing the data and identifying deviations from normal levels that could indicate potential risks. The real-time analysis ensures immediate detection of any abnormal changes in the monitored parameters. The proactive and adaptive approach enhances detection accuracy, minimizes false alarms, and supports timely hazard identification, allowing on-site personnel to respond promptly to potential threats.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the system's alarm mechanism, which is automatically triggered when anomalies are detected in the sensor readings. This alarm notifies on-site personnel of potential hazards, prompting them to take precautionary measures or initiate emergency protocols. The automated alarm ensures immediate awareness among workers, reducing response time and allowing for early containment of potential hazards, ultimately enhancing workplace safety.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the system's emergency notification capability, when high-risk scenarios, such as high temperatures or gas/oil leakage, are detected, the central processing unit automatically notifies the nearest fire station. This notification system enables swift mobilization of emergency responders, ensuring that help is on its way even as on-site personnel respond to the initial alarm. The automatic alert to external responders minimizes delays and allows for a coordinated response, crucial for managing and containing potential fire hazards.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the system's mobile application, designed to support firefighters by providing essential, real-time information. Accessible by responders, the application provides details about the shortest route to the affected sector within the facility, as well as the manpower and resources required for effective response. The functionality enables responders to make informed decisions quickly, allowing them to strategize their approach before arrival and ensure that they have the necessary resources to manage the emergency efficiently.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the system's integration of environmental factors, such as wind direction, into its strategic response planning. By considering external conditions, the system offers insights that assist emergency responders in developing an effective plan to combat the disaster. For instance, knowledge of wind direction can help responders anticipate how fire or smoke might spread, enabling them to position themselves advantageously and manage the hazard with minimal risk. The incorporation of environmental data enhances the safety and effectiveness of the response, making it possible to contain potential disasters more efficiently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a functional flow of operations involved in the fire hazard detection and response system, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

Referring to Figure 1, in an aspect, the functional flow of processes involved in the fire hazard detection and response system is illustrated. The invention offers a comprehensive fire hazard detection and response system tailored for the unique challenges in oil and gas facilities. Due to the high-risk materials and processes in these industries, continuous monitoring for fire hazards is critical to ensuring safety and minimizing potential damage. The system leverages a network of strategically placed sensors throughout the facility, which are divided into designated sectors. Each sensor monitors critical parameters such as gas and oil leakage, temperature, and pressure in real time, ensuring thorough coverage across all areas. By categorizing the facility into sectors, the system achieves a structured approach to data collection, making it possible to identify specific locations of concern with precision.

Sensor readings are transmitted continuously to a central processing unit equipped with advanced machine learning algorithms. These algorithms analyze incoming data, identifying any deviations from normal levels that might signal fire hazards. The real-time analysis capability of the system ensures immediate detection of abnormal changes, allowing prompt responses to potential risks. The machine learning model adapts over time, enhancing detection accuracy by learning from historical data, thus reducing false alarms and optimizing resource utilization. This continuous, adaptive analysis of parameters ensures that any potential threats are detected early, giving personnel critical time to act.

An automated alarm system promptly alerts on-site personnel upon detecting any irregular sensor readings, such as abnormal gas or oil levels, temperature spikes, or pressure fluctuations. The alarm serves as an immediate warning, alerting workers to the presence of potential hazards. This early notification allows personnel to initiate safety protocols and take necessary precautions, enhancing overall safety by reducing response time. In situations where the detected anomalies indicate high temperatures or a risk of gas or oil leakage, the system automatically escalates the alert to the nearest fire station, ensuring that emergency responders are mobilized without delay. This automated communication with external responders minimizes delays in the event of a serious threat, allowing for a well-coordinated and swift response.

The system includes a dedicated mobile application for firefighters, which provides real-time access to critical information. Firefighters can access details such as the shortest route to the affected sector within the facility, as well as information on the manpower and resources needed to address the emergency. The access to specific, actionable information supports informed decision-making and efficient deployment of resources, enabling firefighters to respond more effectively. By understanding the route, necessary equipment, and personnel requirements in advance, emergency responders can optimize their approach, improving response efficiency and potentially saving lives and resources.

In addition, the system incorporates environmental data, such as wind direction, to further assist responders. Knowledge of wind direction allows firefighters to anticipate the potential spread of fire, smoke, or hazardous gases, which can be crucial for positioning themselves effectively and mitigating risk. The information enables responders to plan their strategy in a way that accounts for changing environmental conditions, making the response not only faster but also safer for all involved. By combining data from sensors with environmental insights, the system provides a holistic view of the situation, allowing for a more strategic approach to managing fire hazards.

In essence, this invention offers a robust solution for real-time fire hazard detection and management in oil and gas facilities. The system integrates sensor networks, machine learning analytics, automated notifications, mobile support for responders, and environmental data, creating a multi-layered approach to safety. By addressing fire risks from multiple angles-monitoring, alerting, coordinating, and strategizing-the invention ensures a swift and efficient response to potential threats. This comprehensive system promotes safer working environments, minimizes risk, and enhances emergency response efforts, making it a valuable tool in fire hazard management for high-risk industries.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:1. A real-time fire hazard detection system for oil and gas facilities, comprising:
a network of sensors for monitoring parameters including gas leakage, oil leakage, temperature, and pressure across multiple designated sectors within the facility.

2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sensors are configured to transmit real-time data to a central processing unit, which analyzes the data to detect anomalies indicative of potential fire hazards.

3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising an automated alarm mechanism that is triggered upon detection of abnormal sensor readings, thereby alerting on-site personnel to potential hazards.

4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the central processing unit is configured to automatically notify the nearest fire station upon detecting high temperatures, gas leakage, or oil leakage, ensuring prompt mobilization of emergency responders.

5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a mobile application accessible to firefighters, providing real-time information on the shortest route to the affected sector, as well as required manpower and resources for effective emergency response.

6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the central processing unit integrates environmental factors, such as wind direction, to provide responders with strategic information for planning an efficient disaster response.

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