Mechanical Seal Acoustic Sensing with Dual-Sensor Noise Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acoustic emission sensors used in condition monitoring of mechanical seals face challenges in precise placement due to noise interference from system components, limiting their effectiveness in detecting acoustic emissions from seals.
Innovation Solution
A condition monitoring apparatus employing a first acoustic sensor coupled to the seal and a second sensor coupled to the machinery, with a filter module performing active noise cancellation by comparing and processing the acoustic emission signals to reduce noise and increase flexibility in sensor placement, using bandwidth reduction and downsampling techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic emission sensors are placed close to the seal for precise detection, then measurement precision is improved, but noise interference from system components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies noise cancellation technology to convert the harmful noise interference from system components into a beneficial filtering process. By using reference sensors to capture noise signals and subtracting them from the seal monitoring signals, the system eliminates the harmful noise while preserving the useful acoustic emission data from the seal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference sensors as intermediary elements that capture noise from system components separately. These reference sensors act as mediators between the noise source and the seal monitoring sensors, allowing the noise to be identified and removed through signal processing without affecting the primary detection function
2Measurement precision
If multiple acoustic sensors are deployed for comprehensive monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reference sensors that create copies of the noise signals present in the system. These noise copies are then subtracted from the seal monitoring signals, allowing the system to achieve noise rejection without requiring complex sensor arrays or placement configurations
3Measurement precision
If high bandwidth data is transmitted for detailed analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes noise components from the acoustic emission signals before transmission and further processing. By eliminating noise early in the signal chain, the system reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted and processed, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the precision of the useful signal 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 enhances the sensing capabilities and efficiency of data acquisition, allowing for more flexible sensor placement, reducing data transmission and processing burdens, and extending maintenance intervals by using cheaper components and minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a filter module configured to perform active noise cancellation based on a comparison of the first acoustic emission signal and the second acoustic emission signal
Data Source
AI summary
A condition monitoring apparatus (300) for a system comprising rotating or reciprocating machinery and a seal is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a first acoustic sensor (301) coupled to the seal for providing a first acoustic emission signal, a second acoustic sensor (302) coupled to the rotating or reciprocating machinery for providing a second acoustic emission signal, and a filter module (310). The filter module is configured to perform active noise cancellation based on a comparison of the first acoustic emission signal and the second acoustic emission signal.