U.S. patent application number 13/866664 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-05 for device for monitoring a pump.
This patent application is currently assigned to KSB Aktiengesellschaft. The applicant listed for this patent is KSB AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT. Invention is credited to Alexander BOEHM, Gerd EBELT, Georg HERZING, Ursula KRONFELD, Stefam LAUE, Bernd SCHRAMM, Joachim SCHULLERER.
Application Number | 20130230381 13/866664 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44654120 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130230381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOEHM; Alexander ; et
al. |
September 5, 2013 |
Device For Monitoring A Pump
Abstract
A device and a method for monitoring rotating components in
centrifugal pumps or systems which comprise centrifugal pumps is
provided. The device includes a first unit which is located on or
in the component to be monitored having at least one component
property sensor, a sensor signal evaluation unit, a transmitting
unit for transmitting analysis results to a receiver arranged
spatially separate from the monitored component, and a source for
supplying power. The device further includes a second unit having a
receiver unit, a transmitted signal evaluation unit, and a sensed
component property display and/or information communication
element. The analysis result transmission from the first unit to
the second unit is acoustic.
Inventors: |
BOEHM; Alexander;
(Waischenfeld, DE) ; EBELT; Gerd; (Freinsheim,
DE) ; LAUE; Stefam; (Neuleiningen, DE) ;
KRONFELD; Ursula; (Gebenbach, DE) ; SCHULLERER;
Joachim; (Rheinzabern, DE) ; HERZING; Georg;
(Pottenstein, DE) ; SCHRAMM; Bernd; (Pegnitz,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KSB AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT |
Frankenthal |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
KSB Aktiengesellschaft
Frankenthal
DE
|
Family ID: |
44654120 |
Appl. No.: |
13/866664 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2011/066396 |
Sep 21, 2011 |
|
|
|
13866664 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
415/1 ;
415/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 15/0088
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
415/1 ;
415/118 |
International
Class: |
F04D 15/00 20060101
F04D015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 22, 2010 |
DE |
10 2010 049 138.1 |
Claims
1. A device for monitoring rotating components in centrifugal pumps
or systems which comprise centrifugal pumps, comprising: a first
unit which is arranged at least one of in or on a component to be
monitored, the first unit comprising a source for supplying energy,
at least one sensor, a sensor signal evaluation unit, and a
transmitting unit for transmitting a signal from the
microprocessor; and a second unit spatially separate from the
monitored component, the second unit comprising a receiver unit
configured to receive the signal from the transmitting unit, a
transmitted signal evaluation unit, and a communication unit for
communicating information derived from the transmitted signal from
the second unit, wherein the signal is transmitted
acoustically.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein liquid and solid
sound-conducting media are provided on a transmission link between
the transmitting unit and the receiver unit.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first unit sensor
signal evaluation unit includes a setpoint value memory.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a frequency and phase
position of the transmitted signal is different from system noise
frequencies.
5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second unit
includes a soundwave sensor for sensing ambient noise.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first unit is
integrated into the monitored component.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first unit is
integrated by being cast into the monitored component.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first unit source
for supplying energy is an energy supply device.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
sensor senses operating parameters of at least one of the
centrifugal pump and the centrifugal pump system.
10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
sensor senses component properties of at least one of the
centrifugal pump and of the centrifugal pump system.
11. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one
sensor is a fracture sensor.
12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
sensor senses properties of the delivery medium.
13. A method for monitoring rotating components having a device
according to claim 1, comprising the acts of: interrogating the at
least one sensor at cyclically recurring intervals; comparing
sensor data obtained in the interrogating act with setpoint values
from a setpoint value memory of the sensor signal evaluation unit;
transmitting the signal to the receiving unit when a threshold
value is exceeded; evaluating the signal received by the receiving
unit; communicating the results of the signal evaluation to at
least one of a displays and a superordinate system controller.
14. The method claimed in claim 12, wherein in the evaluating step
the evaluation of the signal takes into account an ambient noise of
at least one of the centrifugal pump and the centrifugal pump
system.
15. An impeller wheel of a centrifugal pump, comprising: the first
unit as claimed in claim 1.
16. The impeller wheel as claimed in claim 15, wherein the impeller
wheel is formed from a polymer material, in particular polymer
concrete.
17. The impeller wheel as claimed in claim 16, wherein the polymer
material is a polymer concrete material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT International
Application No. PCT/EP2011/066396, filed Sep. 21, 2011, which
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 from German Patent
Application No. 10 2010 049 138.1, filed Oct. 22, 2010, the entire
disclosures of which are herein expressly incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a device and a method for
monitoring rotating components in centrifugal pumps or systems
which comprise centrifugal pumps.
[0003] Centrifugal pumps are used in a multiplicity of systems
where they are subjected to very rough conditions from time to
time. The state of a centrifugal pump, in particular of the
impeller wheel, must therefore be monitored precisely as a function
of the application in order to avoid damage to the centrifugal pump
or to the entire system.
[0004] DE 40 055 03 A1 presents a device for monitoring an impeller
wheel by means of a light transmitter and an optical probe. This
form of monitoring requires stationary centering of the light
transmitter and sensor on the front edges of the vanes. However,
this monitoring method is suitable only for a centrifugal pump
which delivers a visually transparent medium.
[0005] DE 10 2008 019 472 A1 discloses a vacuum pump with a pump
stator and a pump rotor, wherein the pump rotor contains a
transponder. In addition, sensors, a microcontroller and a memory
which are connected to the transponder are arranged in the rotor. A
reader which is arranged in the stator reads the sensor data of the
rotor from the transponder. This type of monitoring makes very
stringent demands of the electromagnetic compatibility of the
vacuum pump.
[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device for
monitoring rotating components in centrifugal pumps or systems
which comprise centrifugal pumps, which device can be used for any
liquid delivery media or delivery media which are laden with
solids, and is independent of electromagnetic peripheral
conditions.
[0007] The solution provides a device for monitoring rotating
components in centrifugal pumps or systems which comprise
centrifugal pumps, wherein the transmission of signals takes place
acoustically by means of sound waves. This permits simple and
reliable transmission of signals of a monitored rotating
component.
[0008] In one refinement of the invention, liquid and solid
sound-conducting media are provided on the transmission link
between a first unit, the transmitting unit, and a second unit, the
receiver unit. It is advantageous here that the sound can be
conducted along a path and the properties of the path can be
clearly determined. The phase transitions of the sound between
solid and liquid media can be taken into account in the
transmission. Corresponding encoding of the signal takes into
account losses at the phase transitions.
[0009] A further advantage is obtained if the first unit has a
setpoint value memory in which comparison values for the measured
sensor signals are stored. Threshold values which are compared with
the measured values can be stored in this setpoint value memory. If
a threshold value is reached, a corresponding signal is transmitted
to the receiver unit.
[0010] Degradation of the transmitted signal is prevented by
selecting a different frequency for the transmission of information
from frequencies of system noise. The term system noise is to be
understood as meaning all acoustic emissions of the centrifugal
pump and of the components connected thereto. In particular, the
combination of different components gives rise to natural
frequencies of the system which depend specifically on the
individual configuration of the system. As a result of this
measure, incorrect interpretations during the analysis of the
received signals are prevented. In the case of selective adaptation
of the signal, the transmission becomes insensitive with respect to
interference as a result of the abovementioned system noise.
[0011] In order to be able to differentiate ambient noise, that is
to say acoustic influences on the centrifugal pump or the system,
which is input from the outside from the acoustically transmitted
signals, in the second unit a soundwave sensor for determining
ambient noise is provided. By means of a suitable filter it is
possible to separate the ambient noise from the transmitted signal,
as a result of which the signal information is improved. The use of
a transmitting device, which is permanently connected to the
centrifugal pump impeller wheel, occurs frequently in a very rough
environment for electronic components. It is therefore advantageous
if the first unit is integrated into a component, in particular if
it is cast into the component. The surface of the component
therefore at the same time protects the transmitting device. Owing
to the acoustic transmission it is possible to integrate the first
unit into a metallic component since the acoustic transmission of
signals functions outstandingly in metals. Likewise it is possible
to integrate the second unit, which comprises the receiver, into a
metallic housing or to fit it onto the housing from the
outside.
[0012] The first unit is equipped with an energy supply, this being
a battery in the simplest case. Generators can also be provided
which acquire electrical energy from the movement of the component,
from vibrations or from temperature gradients. The autonomous
supply of the first unit with energy is significant, in particular,
if the latter is embedded in an encapsulated fashion into the
component. In this case, the energy supply has to be ensured for
the service life of the component.
[0013] In one refinement of the invention, the sensor of the first
unit is designed to sense component properties of the centrifugal
pump or of the system, for example machine temperature, mechanical
pressure or stress or component fracture. As a result, selective
monitoring of individual components is possible. Particularly
component fractures can be detected easily by corresponding
fracture sensors which are embodied as wires which run through the
component, since an interruption in the wire in the case of a
component fracture can be detected through a simple short-circuit
of the wire. Furthermore, operating parameters can be sensed by
means of a sensor. In the case of the centrifugal pump these are,
for example, the rotational speed, power demand or period of use.
This permits further monitoring of the components whose state can
be heavily dependent on these parameters.
[0014] In a further refinement it is possible for the sensor to
sense properties of the delivery medium. In this context, it is
possible, for example, to detect the viscosity, the temperature or
the concentration of the medium, which are then evaluated by the
microprocessor. The analysis results thereof are transmitted to the
outside.
[0015] Furthermore, a method is to be described for monitoring
components having a device as mentioned above, in which an
interrogation of the at least one sensor takes place at cyclically
recurring intervals. The measured sensor data is compared with
setpoint values from the setpoint value memory and when a threshold
value is exceeded a signal is transmitted to the receiving unit.
Alternatively it is possible to transmit a signal continuously, as
a result of which the functionality of the transmitting device can
be detected. In the event of a threshold value being exceeded, a
signal is no longer transmitted, which indicates a fault which
requires checking of the centrifugal pump or of the system.
[0016] The receiving unit continuously receives noise and
selectively filters for possible transmission noise, specifically
specifiable frequencies and pulse shapes. If a signal is detected,
it is evaluated and either displayed on a display and/or passed on
to a superordinate system controller.
[0017] In a further refinement of the method, during the evaluation
of signals information is used which takes into account the ambient
noise of the centrifugal pump or system. As a result errors can be
reduced.
[0018] The invention also comprises an impeller wheel of a
centrifugal pump which is equipped with the device for monitoring
components. This simple and cost-effective device permits
contactless monitoring of the impeller wheel, wherein during the
contactless or wireless transmission of signals neither properties
of the delivery medium nor electromagnetic influences from the
surroundings of the centrifugal pump have to be taken into
account.
[0019] For the integration of the device for monitoring components
into an impeller wheel it is particularly suitable if the impeller
wheel is manufactured from a polymer material, in particular from
polymer concrete or mineral casting. These materials are cast cold,
with the result that particular protection of the cast-in first
unit is not necessary.
[0020] Further embodiments arise from the combination of the
previously presented embodiments and are therefore not explained
further here.
[0021] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
the drawing and will be described in more detail below.
[0022] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a device for monitoring rotating components in
centrifugal pumps or systems which comprise centrifugal pumps.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a device for monitoring rotating components in
centrifugal pumps or systems which comprise centrifugal pumps,
composed of a first unit 1, which is permanently connected to the
component to be monitored. In addition to an arrangement in the
direct vicinity of the component there is the possibility of
integrating the first unit directly into the component. This is
suitable, for example, if the component is composed of a cast
material which can be cast at low temperatures, for example a
polymer material, in particular polymer concrete or mineral
casting. For this purpose, the ready-configured, autonomous first
unit which is configured without cables is cast, for example, into
a centrifugal pump impeller wheel. The component itself is not
depicted for the sake of simplified illustration.
[0025] The first unit 1 comprises a sensor 2 for sensing component
properties, which sensor 2 is connected to the first unit 1 at a
sensor connection 3. It is also possible to connect a plurality of
sensors 2 to the first unit 1. Possible sensors 2 are, for example,
temperature, pressure and/or substance sensors or others. A
fracture sensor, which is composed of at least one wire which runs
through regions of the component at risk of fracture, is indicated
in the figure. If a rupture forms on the component at a location
through which the wire runs, the wire will tear as the rupture
progresses and the electrical line will be interrupted along this
wire. Ruptures in the component can be easily detected in this way.
When there is a plurality of wires connected in parallel,
progression of the formation of ruptures can also be observed.
[0026] A microprocessor 4 for analyzing sensor signals directly
evaluates the data picked up by the sensor 2 and passes on the
analysis result to a transmitting unit 5 for transmission to a
receiver which is spatially separate from the monitored component.
The frequency of the sensor interrogation depends on the
probability of an expected event. Said frequency significantly
influences the energy requirement. A low testing frequency gives
rise to long battery service lives and is improved further if the
system is placed in an energy saving mode or switched off in the
intervals between two interrogations.
[0027] The inventive monitoring of components by means of the
acoustic transmission of data constitutes the variant which is the
safest and most cost-effective within the design used. The signal 8
can be embodied as an acoustic message telegram which can contain
various frequencies, pulse sequences or combinations thereof. By
repeating the same signal it is possible to avoid incorrect
transmissions. The embodiment of the sound generator, which forms
the transmitting unit 5 in this embodiment, depends heavily on the
information to be transmitted, the frequencies used and the
surrounding delivery medium, since the signal 8 must pass through
the latter. It is to be borne in mind here that in the case of an
embedded first unit the signal must first exit the component,
wherein a transition between the solid component and the liquid
delivery medium or delivery medium which is laden with solids takes
place. A further transition of the signal takes place if the second
unit is also integrated into a solid component, for example into a
housing, or if the second unit is mounted on the outside of a
housing, within the acoustic range. Furthermore, a source for
supplying energy 6 is accommodated on the first unit 1. A battery
and a device which can acquire energy from the movement of the
rotating impeller wheel or from temperature distributions in the
impeller wheel are suitable for this.
[0028] FIG. 1 also shows a second unit 9 which is equipped with a
receiver unit 10. The latter is mounted in or on the pump housing
during use in a centrifugal pump. Depending on the loading by the
delivery medium, the receiver unit is to be provided with
protection. As in the first unit 1, it can be appropriate to cast
the second unit 9 directly into the pump housing. The receiver 10
is tuned to the transmitter 5 with respect to its frequency range
which can be captured. The signals which are captured are fed to an
evaluation unit 11. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the
evaluation result can be shown directly on the pump, for which
reason a corresponding display means 12 is provided. The display
can take place acoustically or visually. Alternatively, there is
the possibility of passing on the evaluation result to a
superordinate system controller for which the connection 13 is
provided.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0029] 1 first unit
[0030] 2 sensor
[0031] 3 sensor connection
[0032] 4 microprocessor
[0033] 5 transmitting unit
[0034] 6 energy supply
[0035] 7 transmission link
[0036] 8 signal
[0037] 9 second unit
[0038] 10 receiver
[0039] 11 evaluation unit
[0040] 12 display
[0041] 13 connection
[0042] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to
illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since
modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit
and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the
art, the invention should be construed to include everything within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *