Method and apparatus for identifying defects in a rotating machine system
First Claim
1. An apparatus for detecting defects in a rotating machine system, the system including a shaft supporting a machine element in rotation, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensor coupled to the machine system for detecting vibration of the machine system and generating an output signal representative thereof;
a memory circuit for storing a normal vibration profile of the machine system and at least one tolerance amplitude at an identified frequency of the profile; and
a signal processing circuit coupled to the sensor and to the memory circuit, the signal processing circuit being configured to derive an actual vibration profile from the output signal, to compare the actual vibration profile to the normal vibration profile to identify a vibration level above the tolerance amplitude for the identified frequency, and to the generate a defect signal when the amplitude at the identified frequency is above the tolerance amplitude.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for detecting defects in a rotating machine system includes a sensor such as an accelerometer coupled to the machine system for detecting vibrations of a rotating element. Output of the accelerometer is transmitted, preferably via a network data link to a monitoring/control circuit. The monitoring/control circuit analyzes the vibration data to develop a normal vibration profile for the machine system during a normal operating phase. The normal vibration profile is stored in a memory circuit for later reference. During subsequent operation of the machine system, the monitoring/control circuit cyclically analyzes vibration data to develop actual vibration profiles. The actual vibration profiles are compared to the normal vibration profile and, where variations between the profiles exceed preset tolerances, the circuit provides an indication of a malfunction or defect in the machine system. The technique is particularly well suited to conveyor systems such as drum pulleys and the like in which cracks, breaks and other defects can result in unexpected failure and maintenance.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting defects in a rotating machine system, the system including a shaft supporting a machine element in rotation, the apparatus comprising:
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a sensor coupled to the machine system for detecting vibration of the machine system and generating an output signal representative thereof; a memory circuit for storing a normal vibration profile of the machine system and at least one tolerance amplitude at an identified frequency of the profile; and a signal processing circuit coupled to the sensor and to the memory circuit, the signal processing circuit being configured to derive an actual vibration profile from the output signal, to compare the actual vibration profile to the normal vibration profile to identify a vibration level above the tolerance amplitude for the identified frequency, and to the generate a defect signal when the amplitude at the identified frequency is above the tolerance amplitude. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for detecting defects in a pulley system, the system including a fixed shaft supported on a machine frame and a pulley rotatably supported on the shaft by at least one bearing, the apparatus comprising:
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a vibration sensor coupled to the pulley system, the sensor detecting vibration of the pulley system and generating an output signal representative thereof; a memory circuit for storing a normal vibration profile of the pulley system and at least one tolerance amplitude at an identified frequency of the profile; and a signal processing circuit coupled to the sensor and to the memory circuit, the signal processing circuit being configured to generate an actual vibration profile from the output signal, to compare the actual vibration profile to the normal vibration profile to identify a vibration level outside the tolerance amplitude for the identified frequency and to generate a defect signal when the amplitude at the identified frequency is above the tolerance amplitude. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for detecting defects in a rotating machine system, the system including a rotating member supported by at least one bearing, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) coupling a sensor to the machine system, the sensor being configured to generate a parameter signal representative of an operating parameter of the machine system during rotation of the rotating member; (b) storing a normal vibration profile and at least one tolerance amplitude at an identified frequency of the profile in a memory circuit; (c) monitoring the parameter signal during operation of the machine system; (d) generating an actual vibration profile based upon the monitored parameter signal; (e) comparing the normal vibration profile to the actual vibration profile at the identified frequency to determine whether the amplitude of the actual vibration profile at the identified frequency is above the tolerance amplitude; and (f) generating a defect signal when the amplitude at the identified frequency is above the tolerance amplitude. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification