Abstract:
A method for monitoring turbine blade vibrations comprises the step of transmitting a continuous wave of microwave energy toward a rotating row of blades. Each passage of an individual blade tip through the path of the continuous wave produces a signal indicative of the time at which each passage occurs. The signal is then monitored and analyzed to detect blade vibrations. The signal can be based on a standing wave or a reflected wave.
Abstract:
Apparatus for automatically cleaning shaft grounding devices in rotating machinery to reduce or eliminate the need for on-line servicing of the grounding devices. When a monitoring system for the grounding devices signals that an excessive electrical charge is present on the shaft, a cleansing material is sprayed at the interface of the grounding device with the shaft to remove any contaminants for the electrical insulating material between the bearings and the rotating shaft, and to re-establish the grounding path from the shaft. Voltage discharge from the shaft to the bearings through the bearing lubricating oil is thereby prevented. Alarm delay of the shaft ground monitoring device allows the apparatus to function automatically, obviating the need for on-servicing by plant personnel or unnecessary shut down of the machinery.
Abstract:
A device for detecting a ground fault in a winding mounted to rotate with the rotor of a machine, in which an electric potential is present across the winding during machine operation, the rotor is grounded and the winding is normally insulated from ground, the device including: a current responsive light emitting element mounted to rotate with the rotor and electrically connected between the winding and the rotor; and a light responsive detector fixed in a position relative to the machine and having a field of view which is traversed by the light emitting element during a portion of each revolution of the rotor.
Abstract:
In a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of contaminants in a liquid stream which may also contain gas bubbles, the gas bubbles are detected by mechanically generating an alternating hydraulic pressure in the liquid stream, and monitoring the response of gas bubbles in the stream to the alternating hydraulic pressure.
Abstract:
A normally closed valve system for sealing off low pressure gas flow through a pipe. The valve system comprises an inflatable bladder which blocks relatively low pressure flow through the pipe and permits relatively high pressure flow through the pipe. In one form, the invention comprises a fail-safe bypass monitor and method for measuring air inleakage in a steam turbine. The monitor selectably bypasses low volumetric flow rates from a pipe for measurement and admits flow through the pipe whenever the flow rate exceeds a predetermined value.
Abstract:
Apparatus for monitoring displacement of a translational member in a pressurized vessel. In one form, the apparatus comprises first and second fluid containing compressible bellows each coupled to a differential pressure gauge in order to measure pressure fluctuations between the bellows. An end portion of the first bellows is coupled to the translational member in order to receive a variable compressive force as the member is displaced. The displacement of the translational member is determined as a function of the pressure variation between the first and second bellows.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for monitoring temperature along coil sections in a winding of an electromagnetic machine wherein each coil section comprises a plurality of electrical conductors. One or more hollow core conductors are placed in each coil section during manufacture of the coil sections. Before or after the stator core winding is installed, a distributed sensor probe is threaded through selected hollow core conductors for monitoring the temperature along the coil sections.
Abstract:
A non-return valve for a steam turbine steam line includes a housing and a clapper swingably mounted in the housing for angular movement between open and closed positions. A metal proximity detector is mounted on the interior surface of the cover for the valve access opening and adjacent the open position of the valve. Movement of the clapper away from its open position results in a signal providing an indication that the valve clapper is away from its open position.
Abstract:
System and method for characterizing the resonant responses of a plurality of rotating blades in a turbo machine. The system comprises a plurality of controllable fluid jets disposed about a blade row for exciting rotating blades with selectable frequencies of vibration. The sequential excitation of blades at a plurality of narrowly spaced frequencies and the simultaneous sensing of blade responses sufficiently resolves the resonant center frequencies and harmonics thereof in order to detect changes in characteristic blade resonances.