Modular monitoring and protection system accommodating multiple standard communications

A system for monitoring dynamic operating parameters of a rotary mechanical system, the monitoring system comprising:

• an enclosure disposed proximate to a desired location of the rotary mechanical system;
• a first monitoring module disposed in the enclosure and configured to be coupled to at least a first sensor at the desired location and to receive signals therefrom indicative of a first operating parameter of the mechanical system;
• a second monitoring module disposed in the enclosure and configured to be coupled to at least a second sensor at the desired location and to receive signals therefrom indicative of a second operating parameter of the mechanical system;
• the first and second monitoring modules being further configured to exchange signals with one another in accordance with an open industrial data exchange protocol;
• a gateway coupled at least to one of the first and second monitoring modules for exchanging data with a remote location in accordance with a different data exchange protocol;
• and
• a remote monitoring station coupled to the gateway and configured to exchange data with the first and second monitoring modules in accordance with the different data exchange protocol.

An expandable modular system for monitoring dynamic operating parameters of a rotary mechanical system, the monitoring system comprising:

• a plurality of monitoring stations disposed at locations of interest with respect to the mechanical system, each monitoring station including at least a plurality of monitoring modules coupled to sensors for receiving signals therefrom indicative of operating parameters of the mechanical system at the respective locations of interest, the monitoring modules of each monitoring station being configured to exchange signals with one another in accordance with an open industrial data exchange protocol;
• a gateway coupled at least to one of the monitoring stations for exchanging data with a remote location in accordance with a different data exchange protocol;
• and
• a remote monitoring station coupled to the gateway and configured to exchange data with the at least one of the monitoring modules in accordance with the different data exchange protocol.