Dual Pump Coupling Detection Algorithm for Motor-Driven Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean hydrocarbon extraction, single motor-driven dual pump systems with varying coupling configurations can lead to mismatches between pump coupling and operating conditions, reducing safety features and increasing costs due to potential damage and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize sensors and a control system to detect discrepancies in the mechanical coupling of pumps to a singular output shaft of a motor, alerting operators in real-time and adjusting safety features accordingly, ensuring proper operation and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor drives dual pumps with varying coupling configurations, then equipment cost and complexity are reduced, but safety features may become inapplicable and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts safety feature applicability based on real-time detection of pump coupling configurations. When pumps are decoupled from the motor, the system automatically modifies which safety features remain active, ensuring safety protocols remain appropriate for the current operational configuration rather than being statically applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pump coupling status and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the control system to detect when pumps are decoupled from the motor and accordingly adjust safety feature applicability, maintaining system reliability across varying configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pumps are decoupled from power source, then operational flexibility and adaptability improve, but safety features originally in place may not be applicable increasing risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically modifies safety feature applicability based on the current coupling configuration. When pumps are decoupled from the motor, the control system automatically adjusts which safety features remain active, ensuring safety protocols are appropriate for the current operational state while maintaining the flexibility to operate in various configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system detects pump coupling status and provides feedback to the control system, which then adjusts safety feature applicability accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that safety risks are managed adaptively rather than statically, maintaining protection while allowing operational flexibility.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring of pump coupling is used, then system complexity is minimized, but detection time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects pump coupling configurations through sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This automated detection eliminates manual monitoring requirements while maintaining system simplicity, enabling immediate detection of coupling changes without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically detecting and reporting pump coupling status without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously identifies configuration changes and adjusts safety features accordingly, eliminating the time loss associated with manual monitoring while keeping the system relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method for monitoring a pumping system, comprising measuring the speed of a motor of the pumping system, wherein the pumping system further comprises a first pump and a second pump, wherein a control system is configured to operate the pumping system; determining a timeout period, wherein the timeout period is dependent on the speed of the motor; measuring the speed of the first pump, the second pump, or both, wherein there is a hall-effect sensor coupled to each of the first pump and the second pump; determining a designated operating condition of the pumping system; and determining if the first pump, the second pump, or both are enabled to operate in relation to the designated operating condition.