Hydrocyclone Condition Monitoring Using Neural Network PST Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for hydrocyclone condition monitoring, such as Particle Size Tracking (PST) probes, face challenges in interpreting acoustic vibrations to determine operating states like plugged or roping conditions, requiring complex analysis and being prone to errors due to changing slurry characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A learning network with a signal processor that receives learned and raw signaling data from a PST probe, using neural networks or anomaly detection algorithms to compare and determine the operating state of hydrocyclones, providing control signals or warnings for accurate condition assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PST probes are used to detect acoustic vibrations for hydrocyclone condition monitoring, then information about operating conditions can be obtained, but the analysis becomes complex and error-prone due to changing slurry characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of operating state determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of signal analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the acoustic vibration signals into particle size distribution parameters through signal processing. By converting acoustic characteristics into equivalent particle size measurements, the system changes the parameter domain from complex acoustic analysis to more manageable particle size characterization, reducing analysis complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that converts raw acoustic vibrations into interpreted particle size information. This intermediary transformation acts as a mediator between the complex acoustic signals and the final operating state determination, simplifying the analysis by working with standardized particle size parameters rather than raw acoustic data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If complex analysis is used to interpret PST acoustic vibrations, then operating state determination may be more accurate, but the system becomes more complex and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of operating state detectionVSAvoidease of hydrocyclone monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/acoustic analysis systems with an equivalent particle size measurement system. By substituting the direct acoustic vibration analysis with a particle size-based equivalent measurement approach, the system achieves comparable precision while dramatically improving ease of operation through familiar particle size parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copied representation of the acoustic vibration data in terms of particle size distribution. Instead of directly analyzing the complex acoustic signals, the system generates an equivalent particle size profile that copies the essential information in a more interpretable form, maintaining detection precision while simplifying operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If traditional PST analysis methods are used, then acoustic vibration information is captured, but errors increase due to changing slurry characteristics affecting acoustic properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of condition monitoringVSAvoidimpact of slurry characteristic changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from acoustic vibration characteristics to equivalent particle size distribution. This parameter transformation eliminates the harmful effect of varying slurry acoustic properties because particle size equivalence provides a standardized reference frame that remains consistent regardless of changes in slurry composition or acoustic characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the determination of hydrocyclone operating states, reducing errors and risks associated with changing acoustic characteristics, enabling better monitoring and control of hydrocyclone conditions in a battery configuration.

Implementation Method 1

a Particle Size Tracking (PST) probe may be used to detect acoustic vibrations created by impacts of material inside a pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic vibrations: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS11125593B2Anomaly detection and neural network algorithms for PST hydrocyclone condition monitoring

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 CIDRA CORP SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system includes a learning network having a signal processor configured to: receive learned signaling containing information about representative samples of conditions related to operating states of a hydrocyclone and characterized as learned samples of each condition when the learning network is trained, and raw signaling containing information about raw samples containing information about the current operation of the hydrocyclone; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about an operating state of the current operation of the hydrocyclone based upon a comparison of the learned signaling and the raw signaling.