Prioritizing monitored data

Abstract

Data characterizing operating parameters of a mechanical asset is received. The data is indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with the mechanical asset. A priority of each operating parameter and associated mechanical asset is determined. The priority of each operating parameter, and the mechanical asset with which each parameter is associated, is provided.

Description

PRIORITIZING MONITORED DATACROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Indian Patent Application No. 202311051010 filed on July 28, 2023, entitled “Prioritizing Monitored Data,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to industrial assets monitoring.BACKGROUND

[0003] Large industrial assets, such as pumps, compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, separators, and generators, often require careful monitoring of several operating parameters to ensure reliable and / or efficient operations. In some instances, operators of such devices may need to monitor several of these assets (from a few to several thousand), with each asset having dozens of parameters to monitor. In some instances, these assets may be split across multiple sites, for example, in different geographic regions across the globe.SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure relates to prioritizing monitored data.

[0005] An example implementation of the subject matter within this disclosure is a method with the following features. Data characterizing operating parameters of a mechanical asset is received. The data is indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with the mechanical asset. A priority of each operating parameter and associated mechanical asset is determined. The priority of each operating parameter, and the mechanical asset with which each parameter is associated, is provided.

[0006] The disclosed method can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, within a system that includes at least one data processor and a non-transitory memory storing instructions for the processor to perform aspects of the method. Alternatively or in addition, themethod can be in included non-transitory computer readable memory storing the method as instructions which, when executed by at least one data processor forming part of at least one computing system, causes the at least one data processor to perform operations of the method.

[0007] Aspects of the example method, that can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other methods, include the following. Determining the priority of each operating parameter includes determining a parameter class of each parameter.

[0008] Aspects of the example method, that can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other methods, include the following. The parameter class can include one of the following classes. A process class can include parameters indicative of process conditions associated with the asset. An emissions class can include parameters indicative of pollutants emitted from an asset. A performance class can include parameters which are used to determine an operating efficiency of the asset. A mechanical class can include parameters indicative of vibrations sensed across the asset. An anomaly class can include parameters indicative of any parameters that do not fit into the other categories.

[0009] Aspects of the example method, that can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other methods, include the following. Determining the priority of each operating parameter includes determining a value of each parameter and comparing the determined value of each parameter to a threshold value of each respective parameter.

[0010] Aspects of the example method, that can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other methods, include the following. Providing the priority of each operating parameter can include categorizing the value of each parameter into one of the following levels. An intervention level can indicate that action should be taken immediately to prevent damage to the asset or a system in which the asset operates. A schedule level can indicate that action should be scheduled to prevent a future impact on the asset or the system in which the asset operates. A monitor level can indicate that a parameter is not operating within a normal range and this parameter should be monitored further. An acceptable level can indicate that no actions need to be taken at this time.

[0011] Aspects of the example method, that can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other methods, include the following. A work-order is provided in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters.

[0012] Aspects of the example method, that can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other methods, include the following. A report of the asset is provided in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters.

[0013] Aspects of the example method, that can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other methods, include the following. A parameter of the asset is changed in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters.

[0014] Aspects of the example method, that can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other methods, include the following. The mechanical asset is a first mechanical asset. The method further includes the following features. Data characterizing operating parameters of a second mechanical asset is received. The data is indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with the second mechanical asset. A priority of each operating parameter associated with the second mechanical asset is determined. The priority of each operating parameter of the first mechanical asset and the second mechanical asset are provided.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] FIG. l is a flow chart of an example method that can be used with aspects of this disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system in which the example method can be implemented;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example controller monitor that can be used with aspects of this disclosure;DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape. Sizes and shapes of the systems and devices, and the components thereof, can depend at least on the anatomy of the subject in which the systems and devices will be used, the size and shape of components with which the systems and devices will be used, and the methods and procedures in which the systems and devices will be used.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an example method 100 that can be used with aspects of this disclosure. At 102, data characterizing operating parameters of a mechanical asset is received. Such data can be indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with the mechanical asset, for example a pressure sensor or vibration sensor. Such a mechanical asset can include large rotating or static equipment, for example, a gas compressor, a pump, a gas turbine, a heat exchanger, a pressure vessel, a separator, or a generator.

[0022] At 104, a priority of each operating parameter and the associated mechanical asset is determined. To determine the priority of each operating parameter and associated asset, aparameter class of each parameter is determined. In some instances, the parameter class is categorized and determined to be a process class parameter. A process class parameter is indicative of process conditions associated with the asset, for example, an inlet pressure of a pump, an outlet pressure of a pump, a flow rate of a pump, or a temperature of a fluid passing through a pump. Other process parameters can be included without departing from this disclosure. In some instances, the parameter class is categorized and determined to be an emissions class parameter, which is indicative of pollutants emitted from an asset, for example, an exhaust gas composition of a gas turbine. In some instances, the parameter class is categorized and determined to be a performance class parameter, which are used to determine an operating efficiency of the asset. Such parameters are sometimes calculated, for example, based on a flowrate and a pressure differential. In some instances, the parameter class is categorized and determined to be a mechanical class parameter, which can be indicative of vibrations sensed across the asset, for example, a bearing vibration magnitude or frequency spectrum. In some instances, the parameter class is categorized as an anomaly class, which includes parameters that do not fit into the other categories. While several classes or categories have been described, other classes or categories can be used without departing from this disclosure. Alternatively or in addition, a parameter can be categorized as being more than one class. For example, parameters in the process class can be included in the efficiency class.

[0023] Alternatively or in addition, determining the priority of each operating parameter can include determining a value of each parameter, and comparing the determined value of each parameter to a threshold value of each respective parameter. For example, a pressure value can be compared to a pressure alarm threshold or a standard operating range threshold. The priority of each parameter is determined based on the parameter class and / or the exceeded threshold. Alternatively or in addition, an asset type / class and / or monitoring device / class can be considered when determining the priority, for example, the asset may include relays to shut-down the machine in the event of a threshold being exceeded. For example, each parameter can be given a score based on such criteria.

[0024] Once a priority is determined, at 106, the priority of each operating parameter and the mechanical asset with which each parameter is associated is provided. Providing the priority of each parameter and associated asset can include rendering and displaying the priority in agraphical user interface, or it can include providing data characterizing the priority of each parameter to another system. Focusing on an example that renders and displays, in some implementations, providing the priority of each operating parameter comprises categorizing the value of each parameter into one of the following levels. An intervention level can be used to indicate that action should be taken immediately to prevent damage to the asset or a system in which the asset operates. For example, a high vibration alarm on a bearing may be classified as an intervention level as the asset can be damaged without rapid intervention, such as turning off a pump associated with the bearing. A schedule level can be used to indicate that action should be scheduled to prevent a future impact on the asset or the system in which the asset operates. For example, an efficiency parameter may indicate that a pump is operating off of the curve, and an overhaul can be scheduled as a result of such an indication. A monitor level can be used to indicate that a parameter is not operating within a normal range and this parameter should be monitored further. For example, a process flow may have a lower pressure than is nominal, and it can be determined that such a situation should be monitored to see if further deviation occurs. An acceptable level can be used to indicate that no actions need to be taken at this time. For example, when the parameter value is within an acceptable range.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example system 200 in which the example method 100 can be implemented. The system 200 includes a first asset 202, a second asset 204, and a third asset 206. The first asset 202 and 204 are coupled to a first edge server 208. Such an arrangement can occur in situations where the first asset 202 and the second asset 204 are monitored by the same, proprietary system. Asset 206 is coupled to a second edge server 210. In some implementations, the first edge server 208 and the second edge server 210 can include different proprietary software, different sample rates, or different site locations. The edge servers exchange data with a remote system 212. In some embodiments, the remote system performs method 100.

[0026] In operation, data characterizing parameters associated with the first mechanical asset 202, the second mechanical asset 204, and the third mechanical asset 206 are received by the remote system 212. The parameters can be indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with each associated mechanical asset. The priority of each parameter can then be determined based on criteria described throughout this disclosure. A priority and a value of eachoperation parameter can then be provided, for example in a graphical user interface. In some implementations, the parameter values are sorted by priority. For example, a user can request that only intervention priority level parameters are displayed. Alternatively or in addition, a work-order can be provided in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters. For example, a work order for an overhaul or maintenance of the asset can be created. Alternatively or in addition, a report of the asset can be provided in response to categorizing the value of one or more of the parameters. For example, a report can be generated describing the parameters that indicate maintenance should be scheduled for the asset. Alternatively or in addition, a parameter of the asset can be changed in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters. For example, an asset can be shut-down as an intervention. Alternatively or in addition, a person can be assigned to further investigate the asset in response to the assigned priority.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates the example controller 300 that can be used with some aspects of the current subject matter, for example, as the remote system 212. In some implementations, the controller can execute all or part of the method 100 described throughout this disclosure. The controller 300 can, among other things, monitor parameters of a system, send signals to actuate and / or adjust various operating parameters of such systems. As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 300 can include one or more processors 350 and non-transitory computer readable memory storage (e.g., memory 352) containing instructions that cause the processors 350 to perform operations. The processors 350 are coupled to an input / output (I / O) interface 354 for sending and receiving communications with components in the system, including, for example, the first asset 202, the second asset 204, and the third asset 206. In some implementations, the I / O interface 354 can include a wireless communication device. In certain instances, the controller 300 can additionally communicate status with and send actuation and / or control signals to one or more of the various system components (including, for example, the first asset 202, the second asset 204, and the third asset 206) of the system 200, as well as other sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, vibration sensors and other types of sensors) that provide signals to the system.

[0028] The controller 300 can be implemented with various levels of autonomy. For example, in some instances, the controller 300 determines a parameter value is at a specified priority level, prompts a user, and can perform a function based on an input from the operator.Alternatively or in addition, the controller 300 can determine that a parameter value is at a specified priority level, and can then perform an action with no input from the user.

[0029] In some embodiments, source code can be human-readable code that can be written in program languages such as python, C++, etc. In some embodiments, computerexecutable codes can be machine-readable codes that can be generated by compiling one or more source codes. Computer-executable codes can be executed by operating systems (e.g., Linux, windows, mac, etc.) of a computing device or distributed computing system. For example, computer-executable codes can include data needed to create runtime environment (e.g., binary machine code) that can be executed on the processors of the computing system or the distributed computing system.

[0030] Other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the disclosed subject matter. For example, the method of generating prioritized assets and / or parameters described in this application can be used in facilities that have complex machines with multiple operational parameters. Usage of the word “optimize” / “optimizing” in this application can imply “improve” / “improving.”

[0031] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are nonlimiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.

[0032] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural meansdisclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof, or in combinations of them. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device), or embodied in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus (e g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0033] The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the subject matter described herein, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the subject matter described herein by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0034] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processor of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a Read-Only Memory or a Random Access Memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable forembodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks, (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks). The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0035] To provide for interaction with a user, the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, (e.g., a mouse or a trackball), by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0036] The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term “module” refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and / or various combinations thereof. At a minimum, however, modules are not to be interpreted as software that is not implemented on hardware, firmware, or recorded on a non-transitory processor readable recordable storage medium (i .e., modules are not software per se). Indeed “module” is to be interpreted to always include at least some physical, non-transitory hardware such as a part of a processor or computer. Two different modules can share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules can use the same processor and network interface). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated, and / or duplicated to support various applications. Also, a function described herein as being performed at a particular module can be performed at one or more other modules and / or by one or more other devices instead of or in addition to the function performed at the particular module. Further, the modules can be implemented across multiple devices and / or other components local or remote to one another. Additionally, the modules can be moved from one device and added to another device, and / or can be included in both devices.

[0037] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., a data server), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or a front-end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web interface through which a user can interact with an embodiment of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), e.g., the Internet.

[0038] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising: receiving data characterizing operating parameters of a mechanical asset, the data being indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with the mechanical asset; determining a priority of each operating parameter and associated mechanical asset; and providing the priority of each operating parameter and the mechanical asset with which each parameter is associated.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the priority of each operating parameter comprises: determining a parameter class of each parameter.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the parameter class comprises one of the following classes: a process class comprising parameters indicative of process conditions associated with the asset; an emissions class comprising parameters indicative of pollutants emitted from an asset; a performance class comprising parameters which are used to determine an operating efficiency of the asset; a mechanical class comprising parameters indicative of vibrations sensed across the asset; or an anomaly class comprising parameters indicative of any parameters that do not fit into the other categories.

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining the priority of each operating parameter comprises: determining a value of each parameter; and comparing the determined value of each parameter to a threshold value of each respective parameter.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein providing the priority of each operating parameter comprises categorizing the value of each parameter into one of the following levels: an intervention level indicating that action should be taken immediately to prevent damage to the asset or a system in which the asset operates; a schedule level indicating that action should be scheduled to prevent a future impact on the asset or the system in which the asset operates; a monitor level indicating that a parameter is not operating within a normal range and this parameter should be monitored further; or an acceptable level indicating that no actions need to be taken at this time.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising providing a work-order in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising providing a report of the asset in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters.

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising changing a parameter of the asset in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters.

9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical asset is a first mechanical asset, the method further comprising: receiving data characterizing operating parameters of a second mechanical asset, the data being indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with the second mechanical asset; determining a priority of each operating parameter associated with the second mechanical asset; and providing the priority of each operating parameter of the first mechanical asset and the second mechanical asset.

10. A system comprising: at least one data processor; and non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one data processor causes the at least one data processor to perform operationscomprising: receiving data characterizing operating parameters of a mechanical asset, the data being indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with the mechanical asset; determining a priority of each operating parameter; and providing the priority of each operating parameter.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein determining the priority of each operating parameter comprises: determining a parameter class of each parameter.

12. The system of anyone of claims 10-11, wherein the parameter class comprises one of the following classes: a process class comprising parameters indicative of process conditions associated with the asset; an emissions class comprising parameters indicative of pollutants emitted from an asset; a performance class comprising parameters which are used to determine an operating efficiency of the asset; a mechanical class comprising parameters indicative of vibrations sensed across the asset; or an anomaly class comprising parameters indicative of any parameters that do not fit into the other categories.

13. The system of anyone of claims 10-12, wherein determining the priority of each operating parameter comprises: determining a value of each parameter; and comparing the determined value of each parameter to a threshold value of each respective parameter.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein providing the priority of each operating parameter comprises categorizing the value of each parameter into one of the following levels:an intervention level indicating that action should be taken immediately to prevent damage to the asset or a system in which the asset operates; a schedule level indicating that action should be scheduled to prevent a future impact on the asset or the system in which the asset operates; a monitor level indicating that a parameter is not operating within a normal range and this parameter should be monitored further; or an acceptable level indicating that no actions need to be taken at this time.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one data processor to perform operations comprising providing a work-order in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one data processor to perform operations comprising providing a report of the asset in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one data processor to perform operations comprising changing a parameter of the asset in response to categorizing the value of one of the parameters.

18. The system of anyone of claims 10-17, wherein the mechanical asset is a first mechanical asset, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one data processor to perform operations comprising: receiving data characterizing operating parameters of a second mechanical asset, the data being indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with the second mechanical asset; determining a priority of each operating parameter associated with the second mechanical asset; and providing the priority of each operating parameter of the first mechanical asset and the second mechanical asset.

19. A non-transitory computer readable memory storing instructions which, when executed by at least one data processor forming part of at least one computing system, causes the atleast one data processor to perform operations comprising: receiving data characterizing operating parameters of a mechanical asset, the data being indicative of measurements taken by sensors associated with the mechanical asset; determining a priority of each operating parameter; and providing the priority of each operating parameter.

20. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 19, wherein determining the priority of each operating parameter comprises: determining a value of each parameter; and comparing the determined value of each parameter to a threshold value of each respective parameter.

Images