Liquid Ring Pump Dry-State Detection via Current-Speed Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ring pumps may operate in a 'dry' state after shutdown, leading to heat generation and potential damage to components, and existing methods to detect this state using electrical current alone are unreliable due to low-speed motor conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control system that calculates a function based on the ratio of electrical current and motor speed, outputting control signals to prevent or limit dry-state operation, including alerts and motor control to stop the pump if the liquid ring pump is determined to be in a dry state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrical current measurement alone is used to detect dry state, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy is low due to low-speed motor conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from using a single parameter (electrical current) to using multiple parameters (electrical current and motor speed) for detection. The controller calculates a function value based on both electrical current and motor speed to determine dry state, which resolves the inaccuracy caused by low-speed conditions where current alone is unreliable.
2Device complexity
If the pump operates in dry state, then the mechanical structure is simple, but heat generation damages mechanical seals and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller continuously monitors electrical current and motor speed, calculates the function value, and uses this feedback to determine dry state. When dry state is detected, the controller activates alerts and can stop the motor, preventing heat-related damage to mechanical seals and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of dry state conditions before significant damage occurs. By monitoring the function of electrical current and motor speed, the system identifies dry state early and takes preventive actions (alerts or motor shutdown) before heat generation can damage mechanical seals and other components.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system comprising: a liquid ring pump; a motor configured to drive the liquid ring pump; and a controller configured to: determine an electrical current within the motor; determine a speed of the motor; calculate a value of a function, the function being a function of the determined electrical current within the motor and the determined speed of the motor; and output one or more control signals based on the calculated value of the function.