Non-contact Sensor Flow Path Width Measurement for Centrifugal Compressor Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting centrifugal compressors require disassembly to check for solid matter attachment and deposition, leading to increased labor, costs, and reduced operation rates due to the difficulty in determining the optimal timing for cleaning solution injection.
Innovation Solution
A method using a non-contact sensor to measure the width of the flow path without disassembly, allowing for the determination of solid matter attachment and automatic injection of a cleaning solution when thresholds are met, enabling effective removal and minimizing cleaning solution usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning solution is injected from the nozzle into the flow path, then solid matters can be removed from the flow path, but it is difficult to determine at what timing the cleaning solution should be injected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a non-contact sensor to continuously monitor the flow path width and provides feedback to the control unit. When the measured width falls below a predetermined threshold, the control unit automatically triggers the cleaning solution injection. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the difficulty of timing determination by using real-time measurement data to control the cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual inspection methods with a non-contact sensor-based measurement system. Instead of mechanically disassembling the compressor to check for solid matter accumulation, the system uses optical or electromagnetic sensing to non-invasively measure flow path width, thereby determining cleaning timing automatically.
2Loss of information
If disassembly is performed to check the states of attachment and deposition of solid matters, then direct observation is possible, but labor and costs increase and operation rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical disassembly with non-contact sensing technology. The non-contact sensor measures the flow path width through the casing without requiring any disassembly, thereby providing solid matter attachment information while maintaining continuous operation of the compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-contact sensor as an intermediary between the flow path and the control system. This sensor acts as a mediator that extracts information about solid matter accumulation from the flow path without physical contact or disassembly, enabling indirect but effective monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If the non-contact sensor measures the flow path width, then solid matter attachment can be detected without disassembly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own flow path condition through the non-contact sensor. The control unit autonomously determines when cleaning is needed based on sensor readings, eliminating the need for external manual inspection and reducing operational complexity despite the added sensing components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces maintenance labor and costs while improving operation rates by allowing for real-time monitoring and timely cleaning of solid matters within the centrifugal compressor flow path without requiring disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a width of the flow path by a non-contact sensor provided in a stationary component of the rotary machine at a position facing the flow path
Implementation Method 2
removing solid matters attached to the inside of the flow path by injecting a cleaning solution into the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inspecting a rotary machine having a flow path through which a fluid flows includes a step of measuring a width of the flow path by a non-contact sensor in a stationary component of the rotary machine at a position facing the flow path; and a step of determining whether or not the measured width of the flow path is less than a predetermined lower limit threshold.