Condition monitoring of pumps and pump system
First Claim
1. A method of monitoring the condition of a pump the method comprising the steps of:
- generating a predetermined test condition in the pump, comprising generating and sustaining for a substantial period of time an abnormal pump speed outside a range of normal pump operation speed whereby the pump is subject to an increased stress as compared with normal operating stresses, thereby causing a reduction in clearance between a rotor and a stator of the pump; and
obtaining signals indicative of an amount of the clearance between the rotor and the stator of the pump during a period in which the test condition is present, wherein the signals are derived from a current consumed by a motor driving the rotor of the pump,wherein the reduction in clearance is caused by the steps of causing a predetermined reduction in rotor rotation speed from a selected speed for a predetermined period of time and then causing a predetermined increase in rotor rotation speed above the selected speed for a predetermined period of time.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of monitoring the condition of a pump (10) or at least one component of a system that includes a pump which component or components are not a part of the pump, includes the step of generating a predetermined test condition in the pump or system component or components. During a period in which such a test condition is present, signals indicative of the pump or system component or components are obtained. Wear in the pump bearings, the build-up of deposits in the pump or in pipework forming a part of the pump system can be detected or predicted and corrective action taken before the pump or system fails. By providing a method of monitoring pump or system condition in-situ, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of pump failure in use and the need to carry out over frequent servicing of the pump.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring the condition of a pump the method comprising the steps of:
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generating a predetermined test condition in the pump, comprising generating and sustaining for a substantial period of time an abnormal pump speed outside a range of normal pump operation speed whereby the pump is subject to an increased stress as compared with normal operating stresses, thereby causing a reduction in clearance between a rotor and a stator of the pump; and obtaining signals indicative of an amount of the clearance between the rotor and the stator of the pump during a period in which the test condition is present, wherein the signals are derived from a current consumed by a motor driving the rotor of the pump, wherein the reduction in clearance is caused by the steps of causing a predetermined reduction in rotor rotation speed from a selected speed for a predetermined period of time and then causing a predetermined increase in rotor rotation speed above the selected speed for a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification