Method and system for determining pump cavitation and estimating degradation in mechanical seals therefrom
US6487903B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04D15/0272
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for determining pump cavitation is disclosed. In accordance with the principle of the invention, changes in dynamic fluid pressure within a pump are monitored and compared to a determined cavitation alarm pressure. The determined cavitation pressure is determined as a known percentage of a known non-cavitation pressure. Fluid cavitation is determined when the change in dynamic fluid pressure falls below the determined cavitation alarm pressure. In a further aspect of the invention, a remaining mechanical seal operational life can be determined by maintaining a total time of fluid cavitation and reducing the expected life by the known operational time of the pump and the time the pump is in cavitation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.