Rotary Machine Component Condition Cause Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Identifying the operational profiles associated with component conditions in rotary machines is complex due to the difficulty in comparing operational histories of multiple machines and categorizing them consistently, limiting the ability to improve machine design and operation to reduce wear and damage.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that associate rotary machines with machine data sets, identify common parameters from these sets, and report them as potential causes of pre-identified conditions, using a component database to analyze and correlate operational and site histories across multiple machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operational histories of multiple rotary machines are manually compared and categorized, then identification of operational profiles associated with component conditions can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and difficult to perform consistently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracy of operational profilesVSAvoidcomplexity of comparing and categorizing operational histories

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical comparison and categorization processes with an automated computer-based system. The system uses processors to automatically retrieve operational data from multiple rotary machines, compare operational histories, and categorize them into operational profiles without human intervention, thereby maintaining identification accuracy while eliminating the complexity and inconsistency of manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically performing data retrieval, comparison, and categorization tasks that would otherwise require human analysts. The computer system independently executes the entire process of identifying operational profiles associated with component conditions, from data collection to final categorization, without requiring manual operational intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual methods are used to identify operational profiles, then some level of analysis can be performed, but the ability to consistently categorize operational histories is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of categorizationVSAvoidtime required for operational history analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual categorization methods with automated computer-based processing. The system consistently applies the same categorization algorithms and comparison criteria across all operational histories, eliminating human variability and ensuring reliable, consistent results every time the analysis is performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous automated analysis of operational histories without interruption. Once the system is implemented, it can continuously retrieve, compare, and categorize operational data from multiple rotary machines without the breaks, fatigue, or inconsistency inherent in manual processes, maintaining continuous useful action in the analysis process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of information

If detailed comparison of operational histories is performed, then accurate identification of component condition causes is possible, but the process becomes too complex to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of cause identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of operational history comparison process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual comparison processes with automated computer-based analysis. The system can handle and process large volumes of operational data from multiple sources simultaneously, performing detailed comparisons that would be impossible to manage manually while maintaining complete information capture and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides universal functionality by integrating multiple operations into a single automated platform. It simultaneously retrieves data from multiple rotary machines, compares operational histories, categorizes data into profiles, and identifies cause relationships all through one system, eliminating the need for separate manual processes for each analytical task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10852217B2Methods and systems for determining causes of conditions in components of rotary machines

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A method for determining a potential cause of pre-identified conditions occurring in components of a plurality of rotary machines is provided. The method includes associating each rotary machine with a respective machine data set and identifying, in a component database, a first set of the components each having a first pre-identified condition. The method also includes identifying at least one common parameter from the machine data sets of the rotary machines associated with the first set of components, and identifying, in the component database, a second set of the components for which the machine data set of the associated rotary machine includes the at least one common parameter. The method further includes reporting the at least one common parameter as the potential cause of the first pre-identified condition, and as the potential cause of at least a second of the pre-identified conditions associated with the second set of components.