Lubrication analysis device for a turbomachine

Abstract

Device (500) for monitoring a lubricating oil in an oil reservoir (540) of a turbomachine (118), wherein the device (500) comprises: a housing part (502) that contains: a case (504); a base plate (506) and a rear panel support (508) which is connected to the housing (504); an oil inlet line (512) extending through the base plate (506), wherein the oil inlet line (512) is provided for flow connection with the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118); a pump (514) which is fluidly connected to the oil inlet line (512); an oil analysis device (518) which is fluidly connected to the pump (514); and a drain line (520) which is fluidly connected to the oil analysis device (518) and extends through the base plate (506); wherein the drain line (520) is designed to be connected to the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118) and to supply oil under investigation to the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine, wherein the drain line (520) is designed to be fluidically connected to a drain point (580) in the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118), and wherein the oil inlet line (512) is designed to be fluidly connected to a withdrawal point (582) in the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118); characterized by the fact that the device (500) further comprises a bracket (510) which is connected to the housing part (502), the bracket (510) being provided for connection to the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118); and the drain point (580) differs from the extraction point (582), wherein the drain point (580) is located downstream of the extraction point (582) along a flow path of the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to copending U.S. patent application Serial No. 13 / 872,488 (Attorney Docket No. 267927-1; GEEN-0485), filed concurrently with this application on April 29, 2013. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to turbomachinery systems. In particular, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to lubricating oil in turbomachinery systems, e.g., gas turbomachinery or steam turbomachinery. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] Turbomachinery, such as gas turbines and / or steam turbines, uses a lubricating oil to reduce the coefficient of friction between machine components. While many turbomachinery units are supplied and installed by a manufacturing and / or sales company, these turbomachinery units are often maintained (over their service life) by the customer who purchases the turbomachinery. To ensure that the lubricating oil in the turbomachinery maintains a sufficient level of quality to achieve lubrication, the customer typically collects a sample of the oil and sends it to a laboratory for testing. However, some customers collect oil samples improperly, which can affect the accuracy of the tests. Others do not collect samples frequently enough to properly monitor the condition of the oil.

[0004] In other industries, such as the automotive industry, lubricating oil quality is estimated based on a vehicle's performance parameters using empirical data linked to an expected oil lifespan. In these cases, a vehicle monitoring system monitors the vehicle's performance, such as speed, acceleration, braking, etc., and estimates a point in time at which the lubricating oil will deteriorate based on the vehicle's performance. However, these automotive systems do not test the lubricating oil to determine its quality.

[0005] US 2010 / 0 109 686 A1 discloses a device for monitoring a lubricating oil in an oil reservoir of a turbomachine, which device has the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0006] DE 600 21 226 T2 discloses a lubricant supply device having a housing comprising a plurality of housing parts and surrounding a lubricant reservoir, a pump in the housing having an inlet for receiving lubricant from the reservoir and an outlet for discharging the lubricant to a distributor, and a holder connecting the housing parts of the housing and intended for connection to the lubricant reservoir.

[0007] US 6 457 564 B1 discloses a lubrication system for lubricating an internal combustion engine and a transmission driven thereby, comprising an engine lubricant pan, lines for withdrawing lubricant from the engine lubricant pan and for supplying the lubricant to the internal combustion engine and to the transmission, and lines for returning the lubricant from the internal combustion engine and the transmission back to the engine lubricant pan.

[0008] US 2008 / 0 087 072 A1 describes a field-mounted analyzer for measuring process variables with a graphical user interface (GUI). The analyzer has a display screen visible from the outside of the housing, behind which several magnetically actuated switches are mounted. The GUI has several windows that can be displayed on the display screen. Navigation through the windows is achieved by activating switches that align with graphical navigation icons in the windows.

[0009] EP 2 246 529 A2 describes a cyclone separator comprising a wall, a first passage, a second passage, and an oil residue monitor. The wall defines a cyclone cavity. The first passage has a first passage inlet positioned within the cyclone cavity and a first passage outlet on an exterior side of the cyclone separator. The second passage has a second passage inlet positioned within the cyclone cavity and a second passage outlet on the first passage. The oil residue monitor detects debris flowing through the second passage.

[0010] EP 1 337 456 B1 describes a system for automatically maintaining the performance and safety status of a device during refueling of the device, wherein the system comprises one or more non-fuel fluids and the device uses one or more non-fuel fluids and a fuel fluid.

[0011] Due to the deficiencies in the above-mentioned lubricating oil quality monitoring methods, it is difficult to accurately assess the quality of the lubricating oil in a turbomachine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to the invention, a device for monitoring lubricating oil in an oil reservoir of a turbomachine is provided, the device comprising: a housing part containing: a housing; a base plate and a backplane support connected to the housing; an oil inlet line extending through the base plate, the oil inlet line serving for fluid communication with the oil reservoir of the turbomachine; a pump fluidly connected to the oil inlet line; an oil analyzer fluidly connected to the pump; and a drain line fluidly connected to the oil analyzer and extending through the base plate; and a bracket connected to the housing part, the bracket serving for communication with the oil reservoir of the turbomachine.The drain line is configured to be connected to the turbomachine's oil reservoir and to deliver the analyzed oil to the turbomachine's oil reservoir. The drain line is configured to be fluidly connected to a drain point in the turbomachine's oil reservoir, and the oil inlet line is configured to be fluidly connected to a withdrawal point in the turbomachine's oil reservoir. The drain point is different from the withdrawal point. The drain point is located downstream of the withdrawal point along a flow path of the turbomachine's oil reservoir.

[0013] The device may further comprise an internal conduit fluidly connected to the pump and the oil analysis device for transferring the lubricating oil from the pump to the oil analysis device within the housing part.

[0014] The housing of any device mentioned above may include an interface.

[0015] The interface of any device mentioned above may include a human-machine interface (HMI).

[0016] The housing of any of the above-mentioned devices may include at least one warning indicator including at least one of an audible warning indicator, a visual warning indicator, and a tactile warning indicator.

[0017] The pump of any of the above-mentioned devices may be designed to pump the lubricating oil from the oil reservoir of the turbomachine to the oil analyzing device.

[0018] The oil analysis device of any of the above-mentioned devices may be arranged to measure a characteristic property of the lubricating oil.

[0019] The characteristic property of the lubricating oil may include at least one of: particle number or level according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) of the lubricating oil, iron particle number of the lubricating oil, water content of the lubricating oil, temperature of the lubricating oil or dielectric constant of the lubricating oil.

[0020] The support of any device mentioned above may include an L-shaped member.

[0021] The L-shaped element of any device mentioned above may include: a vertically extending back part connected to the housing part; and a horizontally extending base for mounting to the oil reservoir of the turbomachine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in which: Fig. 1 shows a flowchart illustrating a method performed according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 2 shows a flowchart illustrating a method performed according to certain embodiments of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a graphical representation of oil life predictions according to ideal estimates and according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 4 shows an environment including a system according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 5 shows a schematic front view of a device according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 6 shows a partial perspective view of the device according to Fig. 5 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0023] It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to illustrate only typical aspects of the invention and should therefore not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] As stated above, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to turbomachinery systems. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to lubricating oil in turbomachinery systems, e.g., gas turbomachinery or steam turbomachinery.

[0025] As noted herein, it can be difficult to effectively monitor the quality of lubricating oil in turbomachinery systems, which can lead to undesirable deterioration of the oil and eventual damage to the turbomachinery that relies on this oil for lubrication.

[0026] In contrast to conventional approaches, various embodiments of the invention include systems, computer program products, and associated methods for analyzing a lubricating oil using test data obtained from that oil.In various specific embodiments, a system includes at least one computing device configured to monitor a lubricating oil by performing actions including: determining an initial ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil; determining a temperature-based remaining life for the lubricating oil based on a temperature measurement of the lubricating oil; calculating a contamination factor of the lubricating oil based on a contamination sample of the lubricating oil; determining an updated ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil based on the contamination factor, the ideal remaining life, and the temperature-based remaining life; and determining an actual remaining life for the lubricating oil based on the updated ideal remaining life and a life loss factor.

[0027] Various further embodiments include a computer program product comprising program code that, when executed by a computing device, causes the at least one computing device to monitor a lubricating oil by performing actions including: determining an initial ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil; determining a temperature-based remaining life for the lubricating oil based on a temperature measurement of the lubricating oil; calculating a contamination factor of the lubricating oil based on a contamination sample of the lubricating oil; determining an updated ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil based on the contamination factor, the ideal remaining life, and the temperature-based remaining life;and determining an actual remaining life for the lubricating oil based on the updated ideal remaining life and a life loss factor;

[0028] Various further embodiments of the invention include a system including: at least one computing device configured to analyze a lubricating oil from a turbomachine by performing actions including: predicting an initial ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil; determining a temperature-based remaining life of the lubricating oil based on a measured temperature of the lubricating oil; determining a contamination factor of the lubricating oil based on a measured contamination level of the lubricating oil; determining a life loss factor of the lubricating oil based on the initial ideal remaining life, the temperature-based remaining life, and the contamination factor; determining a life loss amount of the lubricating oil based on the life loss factor and a sampling frequency of the lubricating oil;Calculating a refined ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil based on the life loss amount and the initial ideal remaining life; and predicting an actual remaining life of the lubricating oil based on the refined ideal remaining life and the life loss factor.

[0029] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the present teachings may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present teachings, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings. The following description, therefore, is exemplary only.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart illustrating a process for monitoring a lubricating oil (e.g., a lubricating oil in a turbomachine) according to various embodiments of the invention. These processes may, for example, be performed by at least one computing device as described herein. In other cases, these processes may be performed according to a computer-implemented method for monitoring a lubricating oil. In still further embodiments, these processes may be performed by executing computer program code on at least one computing device, thereby causing the at least one computing device to monitor a lubricating oil. In general, the process may include the following subprocesses:

[0031] Process P1: Determination of an initial ideal remaining lifetime (L i) for the lubricating oil. In various embodiments, this includes obtaining information about the oil type and calculating the Arrhenius Reaction Rate (ARR) for the oil type, assuming the oil is pure (free of contaminants) and operating at its design temperature (under optimal conditions). The initial ideal remaining life is the amount of life expected for the lubricating oil if it were to operate under these optimal conditions for its entire service life.

[0032] The ARR is a well-known technique used to calculate the oxidation lifetime decay (L) in a mineral oil. The ARR can be calculated in certain embodiments according to the following equation: k=Ae−Ea / (RT)

[0033] Where k = the rate constant of a chemical reaction; T = absolute temperature of the lubricating oil (in Kelvin); A = the pre-exponential factor; E a = the activation energy of the lubricating oil; and R = the universal gas constant. Alternatively, the universal gas constant (R) can be replaced by the Boltzmann constant (k B ) can be replaced. Simplified in the case of a mineral oil, the ARR can be represented using an oxidation lifetime (L) of the oil, the rate constant of the chemical reaction (k1) and an ideal rate constant k2 = 4750 as follows: Log(Li)=k1+(k2 / T)

[0034] Process P2: Determination of a temperature-based remaining lifetime (L T) for the lubricating oil based on a temperature measurement of the lubricating oil. The temperature-based remaining life may indicate a predicted remaining life of the lubricating oil based on the ARR and a measured temperature of the lubricating oil. This may include obtaining a measured value of the temperature of the lubricating oil. In the case where the lubricating oil originates from a turbomachine, the temperature measurement may be obtained from a temperature sensor in contact with the lubricating oil, either inside the turbomachine or outside the turbomachine. As with process P1, the temperature-based remaining life may be calculated according to the ARR.

[0035] Process P3 may include calculating a contamination factor for the lubricating oil based on a (measured) contamination sample of the lubricating oil. In various embodiments, the calculation includes using a transfer function to assign a qualitative weighted contamination factor to each of a plurality of measured oil properties, as mentioned herein. In various embodiments, a first oil property A is assigned a weighted contamination factor X, while a second oil property B is assigned a different weighted contamination factor of Y x X, where Y is a factor, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, a negative factor, a percentage factor, etc. In various embodiments, the contamination sample may be obtained from a substantially similar sample of the lubricating oil as in the temperature measurement.In various embodiments, the contaminant sample is collected and analyzed for at least one of the following oil properties: iron particle count, water content, dielectric constant, and / or International Organization for Standardization (ISO) particle level to calculate a contamination factor. In some specific cases, the ISO particle level includes an average ISO-level particle count calculated by averaging several of a plurality of ISO-level particle counts for the lubricating oil. In various cases, these may include an ISO 4 level particle count, an ISO 6 level particle count, and an ISO 14 level particle count.

[0036] Process P4 may include determining an updated ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil based on the contamination factor, the ideal remaining life, and the temperature-based remaining life. In various embodiments, the updated ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil is calculated by subtracting an actual life loss (of the lubricating oil) from the initial ideal remaining life. In equation form: Updated ideal remaining life = Initial ideal remaining life - Actual life loss. The actual life loss may be calculated by multiplying the life loss factor by a sampling frequency of the lubricating oil. In equation form: Actual life loss = Life loss factor x Sampling frequency of the lubricating oil.The sampling frequency may be obtained using a lookup table or other reference table and may be calculated based on a known relationship between the oil type, the volume of oil in the reservoir, and the time between successive samples of the oil. In various embodiments, these relationships are predetermined and stored, for example, in a memory or other data storage in at least one storage device (e.g., any computing device illustrated and / or described herein) or accessible to at least one computing device. Based on a known frequency of the oil and the measured volume of oil in the reservoir, the computing device may determine an elapsed time between samples (e.g., successive samples) of the oil.This elapsed time between sample runs can be used to determine a remaining (and / or elapsed) oil life.

[0037] Process P5 may include determining an actual remaining life for the lubricating oil based on the updated ideal remaining life and a life loss factor. In various embodiments, the actual remaining life equals the life loss factor multiplied by the frequency of the lubricating oil. In equation form: Actual Life Loss = Life Loss Factor x Lubricating Oil Sampling Frequency. In various embodiments, the life loss factor is calculated by taking the ratio of the initial ideal remaining life to the temperature-based remaining life and multiplying this ratio by the contamination factor. In equation form: Life Loss Factor = [Initial Ideal Remaining Life ÷ Temperature-Based Remaining Life] × Contamination Factor.

[0038] In many embodiments, samples of the lubricating oil are obtained from various locations on the turbomachine. In these cases, it is understood that the sample data may be averaged or otherwise normalized to determine a remaining service life.

[0039] In some cases, the lifetime loss factor for the first sample data obtained (e.g., temperature data, contamination data, frequency data, etc.) can be multiplied by the time interval between samples obtained, and the value for the fluid lifetime under optimal conditions can be subtracted. As noted, this particular example applies to the case of the first sample obtained (or the first sample taken after the oil has been replaced from the turbomachinery and reservoir). After an initial data sample is available, subsequent samples form part of a moving average that incorporates some or all of the previously obtained samples.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the lifetime loss factor may be calculated as a moving average based on a period of operation of the machine containing the lubricating oil (e.g., a turbomachine). In some cases, the lifetime loss factor is a moving average calculated over a recent (e.g., most recent) period, such as the last 1-3 weeks of operation of the turbomachine.

[0041] In various embodiments, processes P1-P5 may be iterated (repeated) periodically (e.g., according to a scheme with x times per y period and / or continuously) to monitor the actual remaining life for a lubricating oil. In some cases, processes P2-P5 may be repeated, e.g., by obtaining one or more new samples of the lubricating oil and performing the associated processes as described above. In these cases, process P1 does not need to be repeated because the initial ideal remaining life (L i ) may remain essentially unchanged between some test intervals.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart illustrating a process for analyzing a turbomachine lubricating oil according to various specific embodiments of the invention. These processes may be performed, for example, by at least one computing device as described herein. In other cases, these processes may be performed according to a computer-implemented method for monitoring a turbomachine lubricating oil. In still further embodiments, these processes may be performed by executing computer program code on at least one computing device, thereby causing the at least one computing device to monitor a turbomachine lubricating oil. In general, the process may include the following subprocesses.

[0043] PA: Prediction of an initial ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil;

[0044] PB: Determination of a temperature-based remaining life of the lubricating oil based on a measured temperature of the lubricating oil;

[0045] PC: Determination of a contamination factor of the lubricating oil based on a measured contamination level of the lubricating oil;

[0046] PD: Determination of a life loss factor of the lubricating oil based on the initial ideal remaining life, the temperature-based remaining life and the contamination factor;

[0047] PE: Determination of a lifetime loss amount of the lubricating oil based on the lifetime loss factor and a sampling frequency of the lubricating oil;

[0048] PF: Calculation of a refined ideal remaining life for the lubricating oil based on the lifetime loss quantity and the initial ideal remaining life; and

[0049] PG: Prediction of an actual remaining life of the lubricating oil based on the refined ideal remaining life and the life loss factor.

[0050] It is understood that other processes may be performed in the flowcharts illustrated and described herein, even though not illustrated, and that the order of the processes may be rearranged according to various embodiments. Furthermore, intermediate processes may be performed between one or more of the described processes. The flow of processes as illustrated and described herein should not be construed as limiting the various embodiments.

[0051] Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary graphical representation of predicted remaining oil life curves corresponding to: A) a theoretical remaining oil life calculation based on ideal conditions; B) a contamination factor curve; C) a remaining oil life calculation based on actual life loss; and D) a remaining oil life calculation based on a considered remaining service life calculation. Periods in years are illustrated on the left Y-axis, while the contamination factor is illustrated on the right Y-axis and time is illustrated on the X-axis.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows an illustrative environment 101 including a monitoring system 114 for performing the functions described herein, according to various embodiments of the invention. To this extent, the environment 101 includes a computer system 102 that can perform one or more processes described herein to monitor a lubricating oil, e.g., from a turbomachine. In particular, the computer system 102 is illustrated as including the monitoring system 114, which makes the computer system 102 operable to monitor a lubricating oil by performing any / all of the processes described herein and implementing any / all of the embodiments described herein.

[0053] Computer system 102 is illustrated as including a computing device 124, which may include a processing component 104 (e.g., one or more processors), a memory component 106 (e.g., a memory hierarchy), an input / output (I / O) component 108 (e.g., one or more I / O interfaces and / or devices), and a communications path 110. Generally, processing component 104 executes program code, such as monitoring system 114, that is embodied at least partially in memory component 106. While executing the program code, processing component 104 may process data, which may result in reading and / or writing transformed data from / to memory component 106 and / or I / O component 108 for further processing. Path 110 provides a communications link between each of the components in computer system 102.The I / O component 108 may include one or more human I / O devices that enable a user (e.g., a human and / or a computerized user) 112 to interact with the computer system 102 and / or one or more communication devices to enable the system user 112 to communicate with the computer system 102 using any type of communication connection. To this extent, the monitoring system 114 may manage a set of interfaces (e.g., graphical user interface(s), application program interface, etc.) that enable human and / or system users 112 to interact with the monitoring system 114. Further, the monitoring system 114 may receive data such as oil temperature data 60 (e.g., data about the temperature of the oil obtained from a sensor system 150), oil contamination data 80 (e.g.,The monitoring system 114 may manage (e.g., store, retrieve, generate, manipulate, organize, present, etc.) the oil contamination level data 90 (e.g., oil frequency measurement data obtained from the sensor system 150) using any suitable solution. The monitoring system 114 may also communicate with a turbomachine 118 and / or an oil sensor system 150 via a wireless and / or hardwired device.

[0054] In any event, computer system 102 may include one or more general-purpose computing articles (e.g., computing devices) capable of executing program code installed thereon, such as monitoring system 114. As used herein, "program code" is understood to mean any collection of instructions in any language, code, or notation that cause a computing device with information processing capability to perform a particular function, either immediately or after any combination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code, or notation; (b) reproduction in another material form; and / or (c) decompression. To this extent, monitoring system 114 may be embodied as any combination of system software and / or application software.It is further understood that the monitoring system 114 may be implemented in a cloud-based computing environment in which one or more processes are executed on different computing devices (e.g., multiple computing devices 24), where one or more of these different computing devices may implement only some of the components as described with respect to the computing device 124 of FIG. Fig. 4 are illustrated and described.

[0055] Furthermore, the monitoring system 114 may be implemented using a set of modules 132. In this case, a module 132 may enable the computer system 102 to perform a set of tasks used by the monitoring system 114, and it may be separately developed and / or implemented alongside other parts of the monitoring system 114. As used herein, the term "component" means any hardware configuration, with or without software, that implements the functionality described in connection therewith using any solution, while the term "module" means program code that enables the computer system 102 to implement the functionality described in connection therewith using any solution.When defined in a memory component 106 of a computer system 102 that includes a processing component 104, a module is an essential part of a component that implements the functionality. Regardless, it is understood that two or more components, modules, and / or systems may share some / all of their respective hardware and / or software. Further, it is understood that some of the functionality discussed herein may not be implemented, or that additional functionality may be included as part of the computer system 102.

[0056] If computer system 102 includes multiple computing devices, all of the computing devices may include only a portion of the monitoring system 114 (e.g., one or more modules 132) embodied thereon. However, it is understood that computer system 102 and monitoring system 114 merely represent various possible equivalent computer systems capable of performing a process described herein. As such, in other embodiments, the functionality provided by computer system 102 and monitoring system 114 may be implemented, at least in part, by one or more computing devices including any combination of general-purpose and / or special-purpose hardware, with or without program code. In each embodiment, the hardware and program code, if included, may be generated using standard engineering and programming techniques, respectively.

[0057] Regardless, if the computer system 102 includes multiple computing devices 124, the computing devices may communicate over any type of communication connection. Furthermore, the computer system 102, while performing a process described herein, may communicate with one or more other computer systems using any type of communication connection. In any event, the communication connection may include any combination of different types of wired and / or wireless connections, any combination of one or more network types, and / or any combination of different types of transmission techniques and protocols.

[0058] Computer system 102 may obtain or provide data, such as oil temperature data 60, oil contamination data 80, and / or oil frequency data 90, using any suitable solution. Computer system 102 may generate oil temperature data 60, oil contamination data 80, and / or oil frequency data 90 from one or more data stores; receive oil temperature data 60, oil contamination data 80, and / or oil frequency data 90 from another system, such as turbomachine 118, oil sensor system 150, and / or from user 112; send probe transmit data and / or probe receive data to another system, etc.

[0059] While the invention is illustrated and described herein as a method and system for monitoring a lubricating oil, it is understood that aspects of the invention further provide various alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a computer program embodied on at least one computer-readable medium that, when executed, enables a computer system to monitor a lubricating oil. To this extent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as the monitoring system 114 ( Fig. 4) that implements some or all of the processes and / or embodiments described herein. It is understood that the term "computer-readable medium" includes one or more of any type of tangible expression medium, now known or later developed, from which a copy of the program code can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise transferred by a computing device. For example, the computer-readable medium may include: one or more portable storage articles of manufacture; one or more memory / storage components of a computing device; paper; etc.

[0060] In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method for providing a copy of a program code, such as the monitoring system 114 ( Fig. 4) that implements part or all of a process described herein. In this case, a computer system may process a copy of the program code that implements part or all of a process described herein to generate and transmit for reception at a second, different location a set of data signals whose one or more properties are fixed and / or modified in a manner to encode a copy of the program code in the set of data signals. Similarly, an embodiment of the invention provides a method for acquiring a copy of program code that implements part or all of a process described herein, comprising a computer system receiving the set of data signals as described herein and converting the set of data signals into a copy of the computer program that is embodied in at least one computer-readable medium.In any case, the set of data signals can be transmitted / received using any type of communication link.

[0061] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method for monitoring a lubricating oil. In this case, a computer system, such as computer system 102 ( Fig. 4) obtained (e.g., created, maintained, made available, etc.), and one or more components for performing a process described herein may be obtained (e.g., created, acquired, used, modified, etc.) and employed for the computer system. To this extent, employment may include one or more of the following: (1) installing the program code on a computing device; (2) adding one or more computing and / or I / O devices to the computer system; (3) incorporating and / or modifying the computer system to enable it to perform a process described herein; etc.

[0062] In any event, the technical effect of various embodiments of the invention, including, for example, the monitoring system 114, is the monitoring of a lubricating oil, for example, a lubricating oil from a turbomachine (for example, the turbomachine 118).

[0063] Various other embodiments may include a lubricating oil monitoring device, which may include one or more components of monitoring system 114 (and associated functionality) along with oil sensor system 150. The lubricating oil monitoring device may be configured to non-invasively monitor one or more conditions of the lubricating oil. In some cases, the lubricating oil monitoring device (and in particular, oil sensor system 150) may monitor one or more parameters of the lubricating oil, including, but not limited to, an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) particle count, a ferrous material particle count, a water content, and / or chemical degradation.

[0064] In various embodiments, the lubricating oil monitoring device may continuously monitor these parameters and compare these parameters to acceptable thresholds (e.g., values ​​or ranges) to determine whether the lubricating oil has a desired quality. The lubricating oil monitoring device may include an interface, e.g., a human-machine interface (HMI), to provide one or more warnings when the determined parameter(s) of the lubricating oil deviate from, approach, and / or trend toward an unacceptable threshold / range.

[0065] In some cases, the lubricating oil monitoring device may be mounted on or otherwise connected to the turbomachinery. In other cases, the lubricating oil monitoring device is located near the turbomachinery to enable real-time monitoring of the lubricating oil condition.

[0066] In various embodiments, the lubricating oil monitoring device may be fluidly connected to the existing lubricating oil reservoir in the turbomachine. In some specific embodiments, the lubricating oil monitoring device is fluidly connected to the return line drain portion of the oil reservoir. In some cases, the lubricating oil monitoring device includes an oil supply line for withdrawing oil from the reservoir and a drain line for draining tested oil back to the reservoir. The device may further include a bracket for mounting on the reservoir or a nearby portion of the turbomachine.

[0067] Various specific embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for monitoring lubricating oil in an oil reservoir of a turbomachine, the apparatus comprising: a housing portion including: a housing; a base plate and a backplane support connected to the housing; an oil inlet line extending through the base plate, the oil inlet line being provided for fluid communication with the oil reservoir of the turbomachine; a pump fluidly connected to the oil inlet line; an oil analyzer fluidly connected to the pump; and a drain line fluidly connected to the oil analyzer and extending through the base plate; and a bracket connected to the housing portion, the bracket being provided for communication with the oil reservoir of the turbomachine.

[0068] Various further embodiments of the invention include a device for monitoring lubricating oil in an oil reservoir of a turbomachine, the device comprising: a housing part containing: a housing; a base plate and a backplane support connected to the housing; an oil inlet line extending through the base plate, the oil inlet line being provided for fluid communication with the oil reservoir of the turbomachine; a pump fluidly connected to the oil inlet line; an inner line fluidly connected to the pump; an oil analyzer fluidly connected to the inner line; and a drain line fluidly connected to the oil analyzer and extending through the base plate, the drain line being provided for fluid communication with the oil reservoir of the turbomachine.and a bracket connected to the housing part, the bracket being provided for connection to the oil reservoir of the turbomachine;

[0069] Various further embodiments of the invention include a device for monitoring lubricating oil in an oil reservoir of a turbomachine, the device comprising: a housing part containing: a housing; a base plate and a backplane support connected to the housing; an oil inlet line extending through the base plate, the oil inlet line being provided for fluid communication with the oil reservoir of the turbomachine; a pump fluidly connected to the oil inlet line; an inner line fluidly connected to the pump; an oil analyzer fluidly connected to the inner line, the oil analyzer being configured to measure a property of the inlet oil;and a drain line fluidly connected to the oil analysis device and extending through the base plate, the drain line being provided for fluid communication with the oil reservoir of the turbomachine; and a bracket connected to the housing part, the bracket including: a vertically extending back part connected to the housing part; and a horizontally extending base for mounting to the oil reservoir of the turbomachine.

[0070] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show a schematic front view and a partial perspective view, respectively, of a lubricating oil monitoring device (device) 500 according to various embodiments of the invention. Fig. 5 shows the device 500 as it comprises a housing part 502 with a housing 504 over a base plate 506 and a rear wall support 508 ( Fig. 6) contains. Fig. 5 further illustrates a bracket 510 connected to the housing part 502. Fig. 6 shows the device 500 in perspective view without the housing 504 and illustrates an oil inlet line 512, an oil pump 514, an internal line 516, an oil analyzer 518, and a drain line 520. Many components described with respect to the device 500 may be constructed from conventional materials known in the art, e.g., metals such as steel, copper, aluminum, alloys, composites, etc.

[0071] With reference to both Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the lubricating oil monitoring device (device) 500 may, in some particular embodiments, include:

[0072] A housing part 502 including a base plate 506 and a backplane support 508, which may be formed from a sheet metal or other suitable composite material. The housing part 502 may further include a housing 504 connected to the base plate 506 and the backplane support 508, as shown in Fig. 5. In various embodiments, the housing may include an interface 526, e.g., a human-machine interface (HMI), which may include a display 528 (e.g., a touchscreen, digital, or other display). In some cases, the interface 526 may include one or more warning indicators 530, which may include one or more lights (e.g., LEDs), audible indicators, and / or tactile indicators for indicating that a condition of the oil being tested is approaching, has been nearly reached, or may approach an undesirable level (e.g., range).

[0073] The housing part 502 may further include an oil inlet line 512 connected to the base plate 506 and extending through the base plate 506. The oil inlet line 512 may be fluidly connected to the turbomachine oil reservoir (reservoir) 540 and is configured to remove oil from the reservoir 540. Furthermore (in Fig.6) illustrates that the housing part 502 may include an oil pump 514 substantially contained within the interior of the housing 504 and fluidly connected to the oil inlet line 512. The pump 514 may provide a pumping pressure for drawing oil from the reservoir 540 through the oil inlet line 512 (and above the base plate 506). The housing part 502 may further include an inner line 516 fluidly connected to the oil pump 514 (at an outlet of the pump 514) and the inlet line 512. The inner line 516 is configured to receive drawn-in oil from the pump 514. The housing part 502 may further include an oil analyzer 518 fluidly connected to the inner line 516, wherein the oil analyzer 518 may determine a characteristic property of the drawn-in oil (e.g.,a particle count / ISO level, an iron particle count, a water content, a temperature, and / or a dielectric constant). Further, it is illustrated that the housing portion 502 may include a drain line 520 that is fluidly connected to the oil analyzer 518, extends through the base plate 506, and is fluidly connected to the oil reservoir 540. The drain line 520 allows the tested oil to be drained back to the reservoir 540.

[0074] The device 500 may further include a bracket 510 connected to the housing portion 502. The bracket 510 may be configured to connect to the oil reservoir 540 of a turbomachine.

[0075] In various embodiments, the base plate 506 is configured to point vertically downward, e.g., perpendicular to the vertical axis (y). This may allow the drain line 520 to utilize gravitational forces to drain the tested lubricating oil back to the reservoir 540. In these cases, the base plate 506 lies above the reservoir 540.

[0076] In some specific embodiments, the bracket 510 includes an L-shaped member 572 that includes a vertically extending back portion 574 connected to the housing portion 502 and a horizontally extending base 576. The horizontally extending base 576 may be mountable on the oil reservoir 540 of the turbomachine.

[0077] It is understood that the device 500 may be powered by a power unit, e.g., a battery power unit, and / or a direct alternating current (AC) connection to one or more power sources of the turbomachine.

[0078] During operation, the device 500 is configured to withdraw reservoir oil from the oil reservoir 540 via the inlet line 512 (with the pump 514 providing the pressure to draw the reservoir oil vertically upward), pump this withdrawn oil through the inner line 516, and deliver the oil to the analyzer 518 for testing before discharging the oil back to the reservoir 514 via the drain line 520. According to the invention, the drain line 520 drains to a different portion 580 of the reservoir 540 than the portion 582 coupled to the inlet line 512. The reservoir 540 has a substantially continuous flow path extending from the withdrawal point 582 to the discharge point 580, meaning that new oil continuously enters the reservoir 540 from the turbomachine, flows through the reservoir 540 (and is tested by the device 500), and re-enters the turbomachine.

[0079] In various embodiments, components described as being "connected" to one another may be joined along one or more joints. In some embodiments, these joints may comprise connections between different components, and in other cases, these joints may comprise a fixed and / or integrally formed interconnection. That is, in some cases, components that are "connected" to one another may be formed simultaneously to form a single, continuous element. However, in other embodiments, these connected components may be formed as separate elements and subsequently joined together using known processes (e.g., fastening, ultrasonic welding, bonding).

[0080] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on top of," "engaging," "connected," or "coupled" to another element or layer, it may be directly on top of, directly engaging, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on top of," "directly engaging," "directly connected," or "directly coupled" to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers.Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" versus "immediately between," "adjacent" versus "immediately adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed elements.

[0081] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," "which," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or inclusion of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0082] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0083] Various embodiments of the invention include a device for monitoring lubricating oil in an oil reservoir of a turbomachine, the device comprising: a housing part containing: a housing; a base plate and a backplane support connected to the housing; an oil inlet line extending through the base plate, the oil inlet line being provided for fluid communication with the oil reservoir of the turbomachine; a pump fluidly connected to the oil inlet line; a pump fluidly connected to the oil inlet line; an oil analyzer fluidly connected to the pump; and a drain line fluidly connected to the oil analyzer and extending through the base plate; and a bracket connected to the housing part, the bracket being provided for connection to the oil reservoir of the turbomachine. Parts list: 60 oil temperature data 80 Oil contamination data 90 oil frequency data 101 Surroundings 102 Computer system 104 Processing component 106 Memory component 108 Input / Output (I / O) Component 110 Communication channel 112 users 114 Surveillance system 118 Turbomachine 124 Calculating device 132 set of modules 150 oil sensor system 500 Lubricating oil monitoring device (device) 502 housing part 504 housing 506 base plate 508 rear wall support 510 bracket 512 Oil inlet line 514 Oil pump 516 Inner Line 518 Oil analysis device 520 drain line 526 interface 528 ad 530 warning indicator 540 storage containers 572 L-shaped element 574 back part 576 Base 580 Drainage point 582 withdrawal point

Claims

[1] Device (500) for monitoring a lubricating oil in an oil reservoir (540) of a turbomachine (118), the device (500) comprising: a housing part (502) containing: a housing (504); a base plate (506) and a backplane support (508) connected to the housing (504); an oil inlet line (512) extending through the base plate (506), the oil inlet line (512) being provided for fluid communication with the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118); a pump (514) fluidly connected to the oil inlet line (512); an oil analysis device (518) fluidly connected to the pump (514); and a drain line (520) fluidly connected to the oil analysis device (518) and extending through the base plate (506); wherein the drain line (520) is configured to be connected to the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118) and to supply examined oil to the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine, wherein the drain line (520) is configured to be fluidly connected to a drain point (580) in the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118), and wherein the oil inlet line (512) is configured to be fluidly connected to a removal point (582) in the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118); characterized by , that the device (500) further comprises a holder (510) connected to the housing part (502), the holder (510) being provided for connection to the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118); and the drain point (580) is different from the removal point (582), wherein the drain point (580) is located downstream of the removal point (582) along a flow path of the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118). [2] The apparatus (500) of claim 1, further comprising an internal conduit (516) fluidly connected to the pump (514) and the oil analyzer (518) for transferring the lubricating oil from the pump (514) to the oil analyzer (518) within the housing portion (502). [3] The device (500) of claim 1, wherein the housing (504) includes an interface (526). [4] The device (500) of claim 1 or 3, wherein the housing (504) includes at least one warning indicator (530) including at least one of an audible warning indicator, a visual warning indicator, or a tactile warning indicator. [5] The device (500) of claim 3, wherein the interface (526) includes a human-machine interface (HMI). [6] The apparatus (500) of claim 1, wherein the pump (514) is configured to pump the lubricating oil from the oil reservoir (540) of the turbomachine (118) to the oil analyzing device (518). [7] The apparatus (500) according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the oil analysis device (518) is configured to measure a characteristic property of the lubricating oil. [8] The apparatus (500) according to claim 7, wherein the characteristic property of the lubricating oil includes at least one of: a particle number or an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) level of the lubricating oil, an iron particle number of the lubricating oil, a water content of the lubricating oil, a temperature of the lubricating oil, or a dielectric constant of the lubricating oil.

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