Bearing Support Vibration Sensing for Compressor Bearing Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vibrations in centrifugal compressors can cause misalignment and wear of components, reducing their lifetime and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vibration sensor is integrated into the bearing support of the compressor, housed within a tapered passage with a reduced diameter portion, connected via a cord to electronic components, allowing for accurate vibration measurement and real-time feedback to adjust compressor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vibration sensor is integrated into the bearing support, then vibration monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration sensor is integrated directly into the bearing support structure, merging the sensing function with the existing mechanical component. This eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining vibration monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support acts as an intermediary structure that houses the vibration sensor and provides a stable mounting position. The tapered passage within the bearing support serves as an intermediary space that secures the sensor while allowing it to detect vibrations from the shaft and bearing assembly.
2Measurement precision
If the vibration sensor is placed close to the bearing, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor becomes more susceptible to harmful vibrations and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration sensor is nested within the tapered passage of the bearing support, which is itself part of the compressor housing structure. This nested arrangement protects the sensor from direct exposure to harmful environmental factors while maintaining proximity to the bearing for accurate vibration detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support structure with its tapered passage provides a protective environment for the vibration sensor before it is exposed to operational conditions. The structure cushions the sensor from extreme vibrations and environmental factors while allowing it to detect the vibration signals it needs to measure.
3Ease of repair
If the passage is made accessible via a removable cap, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support is segmented into sections, with the passage accessible through a removable cap. This segmentation allows the sensor to be accessed and replaced independently without disassembling the entire bearing support or compressor, significantly improving ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cap provides a dynamic access mechanism to the passage housing the vibration sensor. The cap can be removed when maintenance is needed and reattached when not needed, providing flexibility and ease of repair without requiring permanent structural modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing support (26) for a compressor (10) includes an annular body. The annular body includes a circle opening (28) that is configured to receive a bearing (21) and a shaft (20). A tapered portion (30) is tapered away from the circular opening. The tapered portion (30) includes a passage (32). A vibration sensor (34) is situated in the passage. A compressor and a method of sensing vibration adjacent a bearing in a compressor are also disclosed.