Detecting damage with the help of smell sensors

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting damage to a component (11) of a fluid-conducting device (1), such as a pump device, a valve or the like, wherein at least one odor sensor (17, 18) detects an odor substance (23) generated by one of the components (11) and transmits the odor profile of the odor substance (23) to an evaluation unit (20), wherein the evaluation unit (20) compares the odor profile with one or more characteristic odor profiles, wherein an output signal is generated in an output unit (24) when the odor sensor (17, 18) detects a characteristic odor profile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for detecting damage to components of a fluid-conducting device, such as a pump device, a valve or the like. Background Art

[0002] In modern fluid-conducting devices, a large number of sensors are now installed, by means of which the state of the fluid-conducting device can be monitored at any time and possible damage can be determined. These sensors are usually based on acoustic, optical or vibration technology solutions. However, not all possible damage can be detected solely with the help of such sensors. Thus, for example, a change in vibration can indicate an impending bearing damage. However, other reasons can also lead to such changes, so that it is not possible to make an absolutely certain statement whether a replacement of a bearing is actually necessary.

[0003] Generally speaking, a replacement of a component can only be carried out when the fluid-conducting device is shut down. Since such a shutdown is usually associated with costs for the operator of such a device, a replacement of a component should only be carried out if it is actually necessary. However, the sensors used to date cannot guarantee that the fluid-conducting device is shut down if such damage is actually present. Summary of the invention

[0004] For this reason, the object of the present invention is to improve or expand a sensor system of a fluid-conducting device in such a way that damage to components of the device can be predicted more reliably.

[0005] This object is achieved by a method according to the invention for detecting damage to a bearing of a bearing support housing of a fluid-conducting device in the form of a pump device, wherein at least one odor sensor detects an odor substance produced by one of the components of the fluid-conducting device and transmits an odor profile of the odor substance to an evaluation unit, wherein the evaluation unit compares the odor profile with one or more characteristic odor profiles, and wherein an output signal is generated in an output unit when the odor sensor detects the characteristic odor profile.

[0006] Such odor sensors are often also referred to as "electronic noses". Such gas sensors consist of a plurality of individual sensor elements, whose signals are analyzed in an evaluation unit by means of mathematical methods, in which a typical odor pattern or odor profile is detected. As odor profile, the ratio of the signal strengths of the individual sensor elements relative to one another is meant, and an odor profile can be imagined as a geometric pattern of stars with light beams of different lengths in a plot around a common center point.

[0007] As odor sensors, sensors based on semiconductor metal oxides (MOX sensors), sensors with conductive polymers, and sensors utilizing mass effects are generally considered.

[0008] In a preferred development of the invention, at least one of the components is a slide ring seal. With the aid of a slide ring seal, a rotating component, such as a shaft, can be sealed relative to a stationary component, such as a housing. The main components are often two rings that slide against each other, one of which is rigidly located in a stationary housing and the other is fixed to the shaft in a torsionally fixed manner. The rotation of the relative sealing surfaces produces a sealing gap, wherein the surrounding medium forms a lubricating film between the sealing surfaces. The sealing of the rings relative to the shaft and the housing is often carried out with the aid of auxiliary seals, for example in the form of additional O-rings or leather cups.

[0009] However, as soon as this seal is damaged, the conveying medium can escape and emit odor substances. This effect can be intensified by the conveying medium hitting the heated components, so that small amounts of conveying medium evaporate or small droplets of conveying medium are distributed in the environment. These odor substances can be detected by odor sensors. For this purpose, it is necessary to install an odor sensor or multiple odor sensors in the immediate vicinity of the slide ring seal.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of these components may also be a bearing. These bearings may be rolling bearings or sliding bearings, for example. In both cases, the bearings must have a sufficient amount of lubricant, such as oil or grease. As soon as the signs of bearing damage appear, this bearing damage usually occurs with an increase in friction within the bearing. This friction causes the temperature of the lubricant to rise, so that a small amount of lubricant in the form of microscopic particles also reaches the environment. Therefore, damage to the bearing also produces odor substances, which have a characteristic odor distribution that can be detected via an odor sensor. Here, an arrangement just near the bearing is also suitable.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the components can be a coupling. With the aid of a coupling, the shafts can be connected to one another. The coupling is rigid, torsionally rigid or torsionally flexible and contains elements made of rubber, via which, for example, a certain damping can be achieved. As soon as the coupling is damaged, this can be reflected in the relative movement between the coupling and one of the shafts. This relative movement leads to friction and ultimately to heating of the rubber elements. These rubber elements thus generate odor substances, which also have a characteristic distribution. Similar to other possible components, the odor sensor can therefore be arranged in the vicinity of the coupling.

[0012] In principle, it is sufficient within the scope of the invention that one or more odor sensors detect only odor substances generated by the components. However, the method according to the invention is preferably carried out in all relevant components, so that, for example, one or more odor sensors are always provided not only for bearings, slide ring seals and couplings.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to such components. The method according to the invention can be used for all components of fluid-conducting devices, such as also O-rings, which, in the event of damage, produce odor substances with a characteristic odor profile. Use in drive motors of fluid-conducting devices is also possible, for example.

[0014] Independently of the specific component, however, at least one odor sensor is preferably assigned to each relevant component.

[0015] In one development of the invention, the evaluation unit has a memory in which characteristic odor profiles are stored. In this case, the number and type of odor profiles depend on the components or the odor sensors assigned to these components. If, for example, only bearings and slide ring seals are installed, the storage of characteristic odor profiles indicating damage to the coupling is not necessary. However, in principle, all relevant characteristic odor profiles can also be stored, so that the evaluation unit can be used universally at different fluid-conducting devices.

[0016] Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, it is suitable that the output signal is a graphic and / or acoustic signal. The acoustic signal can be, for example, a warning tone that is output continuously or discontinuously. Alternatively, a voice message indicating a specific damage can also be conceivable. For example, a graphic signal can be implemented via a warning indicator. In the simplest case, the warning indicator is a warning light. Alternatively, the output signal can also be output on a screen, such as a computer or mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc., whereby the specific damage can then be advantageously indicated. However, in principle, it is also possible to generate not only acoustic but also graphic output signals.

[0017] Preferably, at least one odor sensor is fixedly mounted in or on the fluid conducting device. As a result, the odor sensor can be used in a targeted manner where damage to components can be expected.

[0018] The method according to the invention can in principle be run independently. However, the method according to the invention is preferably used in combination with other monitoring systems. Thus, acoustic, optical or vibration sensors can be provided in addition, so that damage can be detected by a large number of different sensors. This significantly increases accuracy and reliability.

[0019] The invention also includes the use of an apparatus according to the invention for carrying out the method and of an odor sensor according to the invention for monitoring damage to components of a fluid-conducting device. All features mentioned in connection with the method also apply to the apparatus according to the invention and to the use according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of examples.

[0021] Figure 1 A fluid conducting device in the form of a pump arrangement is shown,

[0022] Figure 2 The schematic structure of a device for carrying out the method according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 A fluid conducting device 1 is shown, for example, in the form of a pump device. In this embodiment, a single-stage centrifugal pump is involved, which has a shaft 2. The shaft 2 can be driven rotatably about a central longitudinal axis A extending in the axial direction. The shaft 2 carries an impeller 3 at one end. The impeller 3 is surrounded by a hydraulic housing 4, which has a housing cover 5 arranged thereon. The hydraulic housing 4 has an inlet opening 6 for sucking in a conveying medium and an outlet opening 7 for discharging the conveying medium. The housing cover 5 is arranged on the side of the hydraulic housing 4 opposite to the inlet opening 6.

[0024] The shaft 2 extends from a flow chamber 8 bounded by the hydraulic housing 4 and the housing cover 5 through the housing cover 5 and a bearing support housing 9 fastened to the housing cover 5. The bearing support housing 9 has a first receiving area 10 near the housing cover 5, in which a component 11 to be monitored in the form of a mechanical seal 12 is arranged. A shaft sealing system 14 and the component 11 to be monitored in the form of a bearing 15 designed as a rolling bearing are arranged in a second receiving area 13 remote from the housing cover 5. The bearing support housing 9 and the mechanical seal 12 and the shaft sealing system 14 with the bearing 15 delimit a chamber 16.

[0025] The end of the shaft 2 opposite the impeller 3 is guided out of a bearing support housing 9 and connected to a drive shaft of a motor (not shown), in particular an electric motor.

[0026] A first odor sensor 17 and a second odor sensor 18 are shown as an example of a possible arrangement of odor sensors. The odor sensor 17 is connected to an evaluation unit 20 via a connecting line 19. The evaluation unit 20 has a memory 21. The odor sensor 18 has a transmitting or transmitting / receiving device 22 or is connected to such a transmitting or transmitting / receiving device and transmits data to the evaluation unit 20 via radio. The evaluation unit 20 can have a device (not shown) which enables output signals in the form of graphical and / or acoustic signals. Alternatively and / or additionally, the evaluation unit 20 can forward or transmit the output signals via a connecting line or via radio to a processor in the evaluation unit 20. Figure 2 A further output unit 24 shown in the figure forwards or transmits the information to a computer or a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, a tablet computer or the like, for example.

[0027] Figure 2 The schematic structure of a device for carrying out the method according to the invention is shown. Component 11 is part of fluid-conducting device 1 and represents, for example, a slide ring seal, a bearing or a coupling. As soon as component 11 is damaged, it emits odor substances 23, which can be detected by means of odor sensors 17, 18. Odor sensors 17 or 18 are arranged in the vicinity of component 11, so that possible damage can be detected early.

[0028] As soon as the component 11 emits an odor substance 23, it is detected by the odor sensor 17 or 18 and its odor profile is transmitted to the evaluation unit 20. The transmission of the odor profile can be carried out via a connecting line 19 as shown or via radio. A large number of characteristic odor profiles are stored in the memory 21 of the evaluation unit 20. These characteristic odor profiles are odor profiles that can be associated with different types of damage. These types of damage depend directly on the monitored component 11.

[0029] The evaluation unit 20 compares the odor profile detected by the odor sensor 17 or 18 with the characteristic odor profiles stored in the memory 21. As soon as the detected odor profile of the odor substance 23 matches one of the characteristic odor profiles, a signal is transmitted to the output unit 24 which generates an output signal. The output unit 24 is either a component of the evaluation unit 20 or a separate unit which can be connected to the evaluation unit 20 via a connecting line or via radio. The output unit can be, for example, a computer or a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc.

[0030] The output signal can be, for example, an acoustic or graphical signal. However, it is also possible in principle to generate both an acoustic output signal and a graphical output signal.

Claims

1. A method for detecting damage to a bearing (15) of a bearing support housing (9) of a fluid-conducting device (1) in the form of a pump device, - at least one odor sensor (17, 18) detects an odor substance (23) generated by the bearing (15) and transmits the odor profile of the odor substance to an evaluation unit (20), - wherein the evaluation unit (20) compares the odor profile with one or more characteristic odor profiles, - wherein an output signal is generated in an output unit (24) when the odor sensor detects a characteristic odor profile, It is characterized in that The at least one odor sensor (17, 18) is fixedly arranged in a bearing support housing (9) of the fluid conducting device (1) in the form of a pump device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic odor profile is stored in a memory (21) of the evaluation unit (20).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output signal is generated as a graphical and / or acoustic signal.

4. A system for detecting damage to a bearing (15) of a bearing support housing (9) of a fluid-conducting device (1) in the form of a pump device, comprising a fluid-conducting device (1) in the form of a pump device having a bearing (15) in a bearing support housing (9) of the pump device, at least one odor sensor (17, 18), an evaluation unit (20) and an output unit (24), wherein the at least one odor sensor (17, 18) is designed to detect an odor substance (23) generated by the bearing (15) and to transmit an odor profile of the odor substance to the evaluation unit (20), wherein the evaluation unit (20) is designed to compare the odor profile with one or more characteristic odor profiles, and The output unit (24) is designed to generate an output signal when the odor sensor detects a characteristic odor distribution. It is characterized in that The at least one odor sensor (17, 18) is fixedly arranged in a bearing support housing (9) of the fluid conducting device (1) in the form of a pump device.

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