Balancing net inventory using a dynamic expansion coefficient of liquid product relative to temperature changes
View Patent ↗Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for balancing net inventory using a dynamic expansion coefficient of liquid product relative to the temperature changes with density. The method can include receiving an API gravity report that includes a measurement of a specific gravity and a temperature of the product reported at a rack. Utilizing the API gravity report, the method can include maintaining correct densities of the liquid product by utilizing a plurality of expansion coefficients to dynamically convert a gross volume measurement to a net volume measurement for transactions of liquid product in a tank and at a dispenser in order to maintain a net perpetual book balance.
1. A method for balancing a net inventory of a liquid product, the method comprising:
recording a density and a temperature for a volume of the liquid product when the liquid product is delivered to a delivery vehicle;
recording a density and a temperature of an additional volume of the liquid product in a storage tank;
collecting and recording a density and a temperature of a third volume of liquid product from sensors located at one or more dispensers while the liquid product is being dispensed from the one or more dispensers;
delivering the liquid product from the delivery vehicle into the storage tank; and
using the recorded density and temperature values to calculate a volume adjusted net inventory balance of the product in the tank by converting the volume, the additional volume, and the third volume to equivalent volumes at a standardized temperature.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the standardized temperature comprises 60° Fahrenheit.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing a book to physical inventory reconciliation using the calculated net inventory balance as the physical inventory balance.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the inventory reconciliation is performed both before and after delivery of the liquid product to the tank to ensure a complete delivery.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising identifying a discrepancy between the book inventory and the physical inventory, and informing a driver of the delivery vehicle that the discrepancy exists.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the driver verifies that the delivery is complete and the delivery vehicle is empty.
7. The method of claim 3 , wherein the inventory reconciliation is performed in real time, even while a dispenser connected to the tank is dispensing liquid product.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein using the recorded density and temperature values to calculate a volume adjusted net inventory balance of the product in the tank by converting the volume the additional volume, and the third volume to equivalent volumes at a standardized temperature further comprises multiplying the volume and the additional volume by one or more conversion factors.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the conversion factors are determined using a certified method.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the standardized temperature comprises the temperature of the liquid product in the storage tank.