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Title: System and method of detecting cavitation in pumps

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1397258

A system and method for detecting cavitation in pumps for fixed and variable supply frequency applications is disclosed. The system includes a controller having a processor programmed to repeatedly receive real-time operating current data from a motor driving a pump, generate a current frequency spectrum from the current data, and analyze current data within a pair of signature frequency bands of the current frequency spectrum. The processor is further programmed to repeatedly determine fault signatures as a function of the current data within the pair of signature frequency bands, repeatedly determine fault indices based on the fault signatures and a dynamic reference signature, compare the fault indices to a reference index, and identify a cavitation condition in a pump based on a comparison between the reference index and a current fault index.

Research Organization:
Eaton Corporation, Cleveland, OH (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FC36-04GO14000
Assignee:
Eaton Corporation
Patent Number(s):
9,777,748
Application Number:
12/753,930
OSTI ID:
1397258
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2010 Apr 05
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (6)

Method and apparatus of detecting low flow/cavitation in a centrifugal pump patent March 2004
Detection of pump cavitation/blockage and seal failure via current signature analysis patent June 2004
System and method for proactive motor wellness diagnosis patent February 2008
System and method for proactive motor wellness diagnosis based on potential mechanical faults patent March 2008
Detection of pump cavitation/blockage and seal failure via current signature analysis patent June 2008
Cavitation detection device and method patent-application January 2007