Pumping System Supervision for Cavitation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pumping station management systems are inadequate for detecting and addressing mechanical failures across diverse pump and motor components from different manufacturers, requiring specialized knowledge and configuration that electromechanical operators often lack.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for automatically analyzing and interpreting the operation of pumping systems, including steps to control energy performance, detect cavitation, and implement preventive or curative actions, using a supervision system with sensors and a database to monitor and manage parameters like pressure, flow rate, and NPSH, adaptable to various equipment from different manufacturers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pump manufacturers provide management systems, then detection accuracy for their own pumps is improved, but adaptability to pumps from other manufacturers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different manufacturers
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The management system is designed to monitor and analyze multiple parameters (hydraulic, electrical, mechanical vibrations) that are common across different pump manufacturers' equipment. The system uses universal sensors and analysis methods that can be applied to various pump types and brands, making the system versatile while maintaining detection accuracy through standardized measurement approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If component manufacturers provide specialized detection systems, then detection accuracy for specific components is improved, but coverage of other components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent failure detectionVSAvoidcoverage of multiple components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple detection capabilities into a single integrated management system. It merges hydraulic parameter monitoring, electrical parameter monitoring, and mechanical vibration analysis into one unified platform that can detect failures across all components (pump, motor, bearings, seals) simultaneously, providing both specialized detection accuracy and comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If generic management tools are configured by specialized operators, then system coverage is improved, but operational ease for electromechanical operators deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem coverageVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The management system performs automatic analysis and interpretation of operating parameters without requiring manual configuration by specialized operators. The system autonomously monitors hydraulic and electrical parameters, analyzes mechanical vibrations, detects anomalies, and provides diagnostic information, making it easy to operate for electromechanical operators while maintaining comprehensive system coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If automated analysis is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic analysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated analysis system is divided into distinct functional modules: hydraulic parameter monitoring, electrical parameter monitoring, mechanical vibration analysis, and integrated diagnostic interpretation. Each module handles specific aspects of pump monitoring independently, then combines their results for comprehensive analysis. This segmentation enables automated high-productivity operation while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables early detection of anomalies and implementation of appropriate actions to maintain pumping stations in operational condition, preventing failures and reducing maintenance costs by providing automated monitoring and management of pumping systems.

Implementation Method 1

a step of detecting a cavitation phenomenon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Data Source

PatentEP3701152B1Method and device for maintaining a pumping system in operational condition
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 SUEZ INTERNATIONAL
  • EP3701152B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3701152B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3701152B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for maintaining a pumping system (2), that is part of a pumping station (1), in operational service (30), said pumping system (2) comprising a pump (20), a motor (21) driving the pump (20), and a pipe for discharging fluid by the pump (20). Said method comprises at least the following steps: - measurement of physical values, operational characteristics of the pumping system (2), including hydraulic values that are characteristic of the state of the pump discharge pipe (20); - analysis and interpretation of the measured physical values with the aim of detecting one or more anomalies; - pre-diagnosis of the probable causes of the detected anomalies and determination of the preventive and curative actions to take on the pumping system (2); automatic implementation of the preventive and curative actions on the pumping system (2).