SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO DETECT A FLUID INDUCED INSTABILITY CONDITION IN A TURBOMACHINE

• Main Authors: VANGARI, Kiran, WOOD, Scott Alan, MICHEL, Edward, MAKER, Timothy Frank
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 01.08.2018
• Subjects: MEASUREMENT OF MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OR ULTRASONIC, SONIC ORINFRASONIC WAVES; MEASURING; PHYSICS; TESTING; TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES ORSTRUCTURES; TESTING STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

In one example embodiment, a fluid induced instability detection system (115) is provided that monitors various vibration characteristics of a turbomachine (105), collects vibration data in real-time, and uses the vibration data to detect and analyze changes in various operating parameters such as vibration, speed, and loading conditions, and to provide an indication of a vibration anomaly and/or potential operational risk in one or more components of the turbomachine (105). The vibration data can be particularly associated with certain components that are directly or indirectly impacted by a modification in process fluid flow characteristics or lubrication oil flow characteristics in the turbomachine (105) due to various reasons such as process fluid flow disturbances, lubricating oil flow disturbances, and/or a change in turbomachine (105) operational parameters. The fluid induced instability detection system (115) detects abnormalities in the vibration data and provides an indication of one or more potential faults in the turbomachine (105).