Apparatus and method for predicting failures of spinning disks in turbo-machinery
AssigneeHood Technology Corporation
InventorAndreas von Flotow
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus is described for detecting the early signs of cycle-induced fatigue and thereby predicting failure of the rotating disk in turbo-machinery. It identifies asymmetrical growth of hub-blade diameter as a predictor of incipient crack growth. Tip measurements are processed through specialized algorithms to detect such asymmetry during operation, providing a real-time, non-destructive method of prediction. The sensors can be housed within the machinery case, and are capable of operating in harsh environments while maintaining adequate stand-off distance, making the entire apparatus robust enough for conditions in high-speed turbo-machinery.
Claims10
An apparatus for anticipating disk burst failures in turbo-machinery blades, comprising:
- a) at least one blade tip sensor for sensing blade passage making measurements of blade tip time-of-arrival and clearance from the sensor to a blade tip for anticipating disk burst failures;
- and
- b) a computer for compilation and analysis of data from the sensor:for anticipating disk burst failures.
A method for anticipating disk burst failures in turbo-machinery.blades, comprising the steps of:
- a) sensing blade passage and making measurements of blade tip time-of-arrival and distance from a tip clearance sensor to each blade for anticipating disk burst failures;
- and
- b) analyzing the measurements in a computer for anticipating disk burst failures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.