Metallurgical Marker for Turbo Machinery Temperature Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating operating temperatures in turbo machinery components are laborious, complex, destructive, and unsuitable for high-temperature, hostile environments, particularly for moving parts, limiting their reliability and non-destructive assessment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a body with a first and second material, where a species migrates between them during operation, allowing for non-destructive estimation of operating temperatures by correlating concentration profiles to corresponding temperatures, without interfering with the component's aerodynamics or mechanical design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermocouples, pyrometers, or temperature probes are used to measure temperature, then temperature estimation is possible, but the systems become complex and require multiple sensors arranged in a complex configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature measurement function from complex sensor systems and implements it through a simple metallurgical marker system. Instead of using multiple temperature sensors (thermocouples, pyrometers, probes), the invention uses a single body with metallurgical markers whose microstructural changes directly indicate temperature exposure, eliminating the need for complex sensor arrangements while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct electrical or optical temperature sensing to metallurgical microstructure analysis. The metallurgical markers undergo predictable microstructural transformations at specific temperatures, and these microstructural changes serve as the measurement parameter, replacing complex sensor-based temperature detection with simpler metallurgical state observation
2Duration of action of moving object
If components are subjected to high temperatures for prolonged periods, then turbo machinery operation is sustained, but metallurgical changes occur that reduce component reliability and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing metallurgical markers in the component before operation. These markers are positioned to experience the same thermal environment as critical component areas. During operation, the markers undergo controlled metallurgical changes that record the thermal history, allowing prediction of component degradation before actual failure occurs, thus enabling proactive maintenance to preserve reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the metallurgical markers that continuously record thermal exposure history. The microstructural changes in the markers provide real-time feedback about temperature conditions and duration, which can be analyzed to assess component health status and predict remaining life, enabling maintenance decisions that preserve system reliability
3Measurement precision
If destructive systems are used to estimate temperature exposure, then metallurgical changes can be investigated, but the components are destroyed and cannot be used for continued operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the temperature measurement function from the structural component. The metallurgical markers are distinct segments within the component that serve solely for temperature recording, while the main component structure remains intact for continued operation. This segmentation allows destructive analysis of the markers without destroying the entire component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metallurgical markers as intermediary elements that mediate between the thermal environment and the measurement system. These markers experience the thermal conditions and translate them into measurable metallurgical changes, serving as intermediaries that can be analyzed without requiring destruction of the primary component, thus maintaining component availability
4Measurement precision
If current temperature measurement systems are used, then temperature data can be obtained, but the systems are not suitable for moving parts due to complexity and environmental resistance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by making the metallurgical markers inherently resistant to the operating environment. The markers are made from materials with stable metallurgical properties that automatically resist oxidation, corrosion, and thermal degradation without requiring external protection systems. This self-service capability makes the temperature measurement system suitable for moving parts where complex protection mechanisms would be impractical
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 accurate, reliable, and non-destructive estimation of operating temperatures, extending the operational life assessment and damage evaluation of turbo machinery components, while being compatible with extreme environments and moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
a second material arranged to permit migration of the at least one species from the first material to the second material. The at least one species migrates from the first material to the second material during operation of the turbo machinery
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating an operating temperature of component in turbo machinery includes providing body detachably affixed to component, operating machinery, stopping operation of machinery, and removing body. The method includes obtaining concentration profile by determining final concentration of at least one species in first material and in second material, and determining a transient concentration of at least one species between first material and second material. The method includes determining an operating temperature by correlating concentration profile to corresponding operating temperature for system. A system including body is also provided. Body includes at least one species, a first material having a starting first concentration of the species, a second material arranged to permit migration of the species from first material to second material. Species migrates from first material to second material during operation of turbo machinery allowing body to estimate temperature during operation.