Patent Application
20060146469
The present invention relates generally to advanced monitoring of mechanical and electromechanical equipment, and, more particularly, to acquiring and wirelessly transmitting equipment condition data.
There are many types of plant-specific equipment in any industrial process and/or production facility. Such equipment can be motors, pumps, valves, compressors, engines, etc., either alone, or in combination, which function to process or manufacture, to control, or to monitor plant operations.
A system and method exist for monitoring the condition of isolation and shutdown valves in their normal (open) operational mode. Isolation and shutdown valves are valves that normally are installed in a section of pipe and are intended to be either manually or automatically closed for safety, shutdown, or maintenance reasons. To ensure their continued availability and reliability, certain codes and regulations require that these valves be periodically “stroked” or otherwise tested to ensure their readiness. Since stroking or testing of the valves requires that the valves be closed, normal facility operations must be partially or fully stopped during the testing, thereby affecting production.
One known system eliminates the need for closure of these valves employed on off-shore oil and gas platforms, as well as in other industrial and commercial applications such as commercial nuclear power, etc. The known system is fully described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,128,946 and 6,134,949, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference in their entireties. As described in these patents, one or more sensors and associated transmitters are interconnected to upstream and downstream piping, and to a monitored valve cavity therebetween. Cables from the sensors are routed to a location proximate the equipment location, generally referred to as a “junction box.” Because the electrical signals/impulses from each sensor must be transmitted to a centralized location, or remote “safe” room, for analysis or further transmission, the wiring for each sensor must be individually, physically routed to the remote room. In a commercial installation, the remote safe room may be hundreds of feet away from the monitored equipment, requiring the cables to be routed in protective armored conduits/sheathing.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that where dozens or even hundreds of isolation valves must be monitored, the costs of installing protected conduit over many hundreds of feet are substantial. The space needed to route such large numbers of one inch or larger diameter conduit is significant, as are the structural support requirements in terms of cable trays and hangers.
Additionally, many industrial facilities, in whole or in part, comprise hazardous areas where combustible gases are present at least part of the time. Even the smallest spark from a piece of electrically-energized equipment or circuit, or a high surface temperature, can cause an ignition having disastrous consequences. In such environments, equipment and circuitry design must preclude sparking or elevated temperatures. This sort of design, referred to as “intrinsically safe,” requires various electrical isolation barriers, limiting devices, and power and temperature restrictions. Where extensive cabling to and from the remote room is required, the costs of designing and installing intrinsically safe systems becomes prohibitively expensive. Further, such installations create congestion in work areas, exacerbating personnel safety issues.
The present invention is directed to a system and method that addresses at least the above-described problems. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a system for monitoring, acquiring, and wirelessly transmitting data regarding plant equipment, thus eliminating most of the cabling associated with the prior art system.
One aspect of the present invention is directed to an intrinsically safe, high speed synchronous multiple channel equipment condition monitoring system including at least one intrinsically safe local data acquisition unit and a remote data receiving unit. For the system to be intrinsically safe, the local data acquisition unit is constructed to the criteria of International Electrotechnial Commission (IEC) Standard 60079, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres. The local data acquisition unit acquires condition information for at least one piece of equipment via a hardwired connection to one or more sensors mounted on or proximate the piece of equipment. The data acquisition unit further includes a data transmitter in the form of an RF digital communications module which transmits wirelessly to a remote data receiving unit. According to one exemplary embodiment, the local data acquisition unit is readily configurable within a protective enclosure for one or more types and numbers of application-specific condition monitoring modules. Once the operating condition information is acquired and processed, it is then either analyzed at an onsite remote data receiving unit or is subsequently transmitted to an offsite location via a TCP/IP network, or other suitable communications protocol, for analysis.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for monitoring equipment. The method includes a first step of acquiring information from at least one piece of equipment with an intrinsically safe data acquisition unit that is located proximate the monitored equipment. Typically, the condition information is acquired as an analog input. The analog input is then conditioned and converted by intrinsically safe components to a digital output that is wirelessly transmitted to an onsite remote data receiving unit. The input received by the remote data receiving unit is then either (1) analyzed locally, or (2) re-transmitted over a TCP/IP network or other suitable communications protocol to a remote data analysis unit.
Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below and illustrated in the attached Figures. The embodiments described are only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications and improvements of the described embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art, and all such alternate embodiments, modifications and improvements are within the scope of the present invention.
As described herein:
“Intrinsic safety” refers to a level of safety in which energy levels are low enough that a flammable gas ignition or explosion cannot occur. Intrinsic safety is achieved by limiting energy levels through the use of barriers and intrinsically safe circuits.
“Intrinsically safe circuit” is a circuit in which any spark or other thermal effect produced during normal operation, or fault conditions, is not capable of causing ignition in a given gaseous atmosphere.
“Module” refers to a self-contained component that can provide a complete function to a system and can be interchanged with other modules that provide similar or related functions.
“Sensor” refers to a device that detects or measures something by converting non-electrical energy to electrical energy.
“Transducer” refers to a device that converts one form of energy to another.
“Zone Zero” refers to an environment where explosive gases are continuously present.
Monitoring the integrity of various types of plant equipment, including valves, is an operationally difficult and expensive undertaking. As shown in
In addition to the difficult and expensive undertaking of valve, or other equipment, testing, certain industrial environments are extraordinarily hazardous and require special design and operational considerations. In particular, where the environment is an offshore oil platform, explosive gaseous atmospheres are continuously persistent, caused by mixtures of air and gases, or vapors and mists, that exist under normal atmospheric conditions. Electrical circuits and energized equipment operating in these environments must be designed to one or more industry standards so that they are intrinsically safe. One such internationally-recognized standard is International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard No. 60079, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres. IEC 60079, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Part 0 of IEC 60079 specifies the general criteria for electrical devices in explosive gaseous atmospheres, and Part 11 of the Standard further defines and specifies the criteria for Intrinsic Safety. In its simplest terms, intrinsic safety is concerned with two primary factors related to electric circuitry and electrical components: power level and surface temperature. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, in designing intrinsically safe electrical and electronic components, or circuits, designers must consider power, voltage, capacitance, resistance, inductance, and component operating temperatures; thus, there may be numerous “intrinsically safe” solutions for a particular application, each solution requiring a balance of electrical design parameters. The embodiments described herein are exemplary of the possible designs for the intrinsically safe components of the system of the present invention.
Because manual testing of valves by stroking (cycling) is labor intensive, potentially hazardous, and adversely affects production, the system described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,134,949 and 6,128,946 was developed.
To satisfy IEC 60079, and other design codes, armored or clad-protected conduits 222b, 224b, 225b, 226b, corresponding to each of the sensors, are currently routed a considerable distance to a remote computer room. Electrical isolation barriers 242 must be installed in series in an on-site computer room 250 between the incoming conduits 222b, 224b, 225b, 226b and the data acquisition receiving unit (DAU) 262. This DAU 262 is installed in a conventional rack (not shown) with an associated server 272 and monitor 274, as best shown in
As illustrated in the previously referenced patents, the leak analysis methodology uses transducers to sense sound in the valve cavity and upstream and downstream of the valve. The sound or “noise” detected by each transducer (sensor) provides an output that is correlated to coherence, transfer functions, and autospectra. Ultimately, the data is trended and gauged against a threshold for acceptable and non-acceptable leakage.
Referring to
As shown in
Turning now to
A key benefit of the LDAU is its installation in close proximity to one or more pieces of equipment being monitored. In exemplary embodiments, one LDAU is provided for one or more pieces of equipment being monitored. This minimizes the sensor lead (and armored conduits) length and installation in the Zone Zero (0) atmospherically gaseous environment. In one exemplary embodiment, the LDAU is mounted within a maximum of about 30 feet from the equipment being monitored. The enclosure is designed to meet ingress Protection Code IP56, in accordance with Standard BS EN 60592-1 (IEC 529-1), Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures and is dimensioned to enclose a plurality of modules of various types, but similar dimensions. The module types depend upon the types of equipment to be monitored and the equipment parameters being monitored. As such, one aspect of the present invention features a readily reconfigurable local (proximate the equipment location) data acquisition unit (LDAU) 310, 330 that provides signal conditioning and processing for data acquired from permanently installed transducers (typically force, pressure, vibration and position). Using a frame synchronous pulse and a common clock, high speed data is acquired synchronously across multiple sensors. Frame synchronization and clock tuning can occur over radio frequency. The modules then convert the specific data to a digital signal for transmission to a remote (on-station or on-platform) computer center for automatic and/or manual analysis. A periodic radio synchronization poll can be used as an acquisition synchronization pulse. All associated sensors in the network receive the synchronous pulse.
An isolated bus structure using optical or electromagnetic means are employed to provide isolation between modules. One typical enclosure 311, 331 for the LDAU 310, 330 of the present invention is thus approximately 12 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 8 inches deep. The dimensions of each module are limited to about 4 inches in height, 4 inches in width, and 1 inch in depth. When dimensioned in this manner, for example, the configuration of modules is easily changeable, flexible, and provides ease of wiring accessibility, labeling, and ease of installation and removal or replacement. Numerous configurations of the LDAU 310, 330 are possible with multiple modules arranged in series.
Each module described herein is designed to operate in an environment comprising a temperature between about −40 degrees C. and 70 degrees C., a relative humidity between about 15% and 95% (non-condensing), ATEX Zone 0 for more than 1,000 hours per year in all gaseous areas, and with maximum surface temperatures not to exceed 135 degrees C. The intrinsically safe equipment monitoring system 300 is self-cooling, as no fans are incorporated into the system for this hazardous environment. Generally, each module of the present invention will operate on internal low voltage DC power, which is the only available power in an explosive environment. The voltage range in the Zone Zero environment ranges from between about 9 and 30 volts DC. This is sufficient to support the analog and digital circuitry for the module. The total power consumption for the LDAU should not exceed about 50 milliamps, and the total power consumption of the entire system should not exceed about 500 milliamps.
The actual number of modules is limited only by low voltage considerations for the platform environment for safe/fire concerns. In one exemplary embodiment, the LDAU comprises up to 14 modules, the number of modules being limited only by intrinsic safety and space considerations. For example, in such applications, the number and types of modules are limited by an upper limit on power, voltage, capacitance and inductance at the LDAU, not to exceed the requirements per IEC 60079.
As described in greater detail below, each module described herein comprises one or more channels with data storage capability, wherein data is stored until polled by the system software. Further, each module includes installed configuration information for the type of valve or other equipment information being gathered. This will include model number, serial number, calibration date, calibration sensitivity, calibration offset, sample rate, status registers, etc. An exemplary module has 12 pins and 12 plugs for interconnection in series with other modules. Resistor limiters are placed in series with each signal transmission line on all module inputs and outputs to assure proper isolation and energy limit requirements.
To support the functionality of the different module types, the LDAU bus is configured with two serial ports. Port 1 is a 2 pin bus that is used for determining the module information and configuration. Port 2 is a high speed synchronous serial bus for transmitting and receiving data in an efficient and expedient fashion. Further, the high speed bus includes a master clock pulse and synchronizing pulse. Port 2 also contains 1 or more lines for data transmittal across the individual modules. The actual number of data lines is limited by the number of pins available to the bus. Each pin has a current limiting resistor in series with the bus interconnect. This permits the modules to be configured in the field without any effects on the individual module entity parameters. The independent power connection for each module has diode isolation from the internal circuit capacitance to prevent excessive capacitance build up on the power bus while giving each module a low impedance path for input power to the module. Further, each module is specifically designed with low power, low voltage parts to ensure module stacking without compromising the intrinsically safe requirements for the environment in which it is installed. Furthermore, each module has double diode protection and resistor limiting for each of the sensor leads to the module. This ensures that excessive voltage and current do not escape the module, while providing a high impedance path for the signal values to pass into the module, and a low impedance path for the excitation circuits to pass out of the module.
Having described the LDAU 310, 330 and the sensor-specific modules 322, 324 in general, the general configuration of an exemplary equipment monitoring module 322, 324 hardware and software configuration in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in
Coupled to the sensor interface 501 is the transducer interface 503 of the sensor interface 502, which conditions, e.g., isolates, protects, amplifies, filters, buffers, etc., the sensor inputs and outputs. The transducer interface 503 interfaces with the analog interface block 505. The analog interface 505 functions in part as an analog to digital (A/D) converter or a digital to analog (D/A) converter to convert analog signals from the sensor to digital, digital signals to analog as required, and to manage any miscellaneous digital 10 (input/output) for the analog interface. The analog interface 505 also stores calibration and configuration information for the module 500. As shown in the Figure, the analog interface 505 is digitally interfaced to the module processor 507. This is the standard backbone to assure that different sensor types, as well as the number of sensors, can be configured in a selected module 500. The processor 507 and memory component 509 are coupled to provide the control, storage, and communications capability for the module 500. Power supplies 514 and 514A, which are internal to the module 500, function to convert unregulated DC input power to the regulated voltage levels for the components comprising the module 500. These power supplies further provide filtering and data coupling for the physical interface for the data-over-power aspect of the system. A communications interface 511 is configured in communication with the processor 507 and internal power supply 514 to serve as the physical interface for the radio frequency (RF) transceiver 506, as well as the protocol interface for RF or Data-over-Power (DOP) transmission of data signals. While not shown in
Sensors and transducers generally generate signals that must be conditioned before a data acquisition system, such as the present system, can reliably and accurately acquire the signal. This front-end processing, referred to as signal conditioning, includes functions such as signal amplification, filtering, electrical isolation, and multiplexing. This is one of the functions of the sensor interface 502.
In the present invention, each module shall have a set scheme for identification which is stored locally within the module in Flash or EEPROM. One exemplary identification scheme for a module comprises a model and serial number. General signal conditioning considerations and design criteria are known in the art.
Depending upon the nature of the equipment parameters being monitored, signal conditioning is accomplished by the sensor interface 502 consistent with the input signal from the sensor. Referring again to
As shown in
The sensor interface 502A performs excitation (power to the sensor), amplification (multiplication of the signal), level shifting (changing the reference point of a measurement), filtering, and analog to digital conversion.
Sensor cables 222a and 224a provide the hardwiring from the equipment to the LDAU, and hence the interface 502A to the module. Both the sensors 222, 224 and the sensor cables 222a, 224a are already known in the art and are described in the previously referenced patents. Two-pin input channels for each channel interconnect with a four-pin power terminal 522A which plugs into a four-pin plug 523A on the module casing. The terminal excitation/input for this interface 502A has a fixed 1 milliamp source current and a voltage range of about 8.3 volts. Optionally, power management capability is incorporated into the interface 502A and include A/D on/off and module on/off. The excitation and ground pins for the specific module 322 are resistor limited to effectively isolate energy in the module from passing externally to exposed hazardous areas. The excitation source will be generated from the internal 3.3 volt DC power. A DC to DC converter circuit (not shown) generates the necessary high excitation voltage levels. This converter circuit is designed for high frequency switching to reduce the inductive and capacitive circuitry associated with step up and filtering.
The signal from the sensor 222, 224 is an AC component of the excitation signal. The signal is resistor divided off of the excitation current lead. The resistor divider (not shown) is configured for fault tolerance to assure that a 9 volt excitation voltage cannot exceed the 3.3 volt power of the analog circuitry. The ground portion of the resistor divider is triplicated for intrinsic safety circuit considerations.
Output from the interface 502 to the processor 507 and power supply 514A (shown in
One exemplary configuration for the Sensor and Analog Interface 502B Strain/AC Module design is illustrated in
The sensor interface 502B also performs excitation (power to the sensor), amplification (multiplication of the signal), level shifting (changing the reference point of a measurement), filtering, and analog to digital conversion.
The Strain/AC module 324 is also configured for two (dual) channels/sensors, 225, 226, for example. For this interface 502B, one channel 226 provides a strain signal (resistance) input while the second channel 225 provides a pressure signal input. Sensor cables 226a and 225a provide the hardwiring from the equipment to the LDAU, and hence the interface 502B to the module. The input channels interconnect with four-pin power terminals 522b which plug into a four-pin plugs 523b on the module casing. Output from the interface 502 to the processor 507 (shown in
Power supply 514A for the interface 502B circuitry is similar to that described above for the AC Dual interface 502A. The strain channel 226 has six input pins dedicated to the strain sensor: (1) excitation +, (2) sense +, (3) excitation −, (4) sense −, (5) signal −, and (6) signal +. The strain channel has a fixed excitation voltage of approximately 3.0 volts. Due to intrinsic safety considerations and the various impedence changes of a strain sensor, the excitation values will vary based on the ratio of the strain sensor impedence to the value of Ri (input resistance). The excitation circuitry provides a maximum of 15 mA and has resistor current limiters on both positive and negative connections. The circuit is capable of driving a 350 ohm to 15 kohm bridge. Further included are resistor limiting (Ri) and zener (Z) diode protection. The excitation sense circuitry reads the actual excitation voltage applied at the end of the strain cable with an input range of 0 to 3 volts DC.
The system of the present invention further comprises a communications component, shown generally as 511 in
Referring now to
The exemplary communications module is configured for an operating frequency in the 2.4 Ghz range for United States, European, and Asian designs. Hardware interfaces for the modules meet IEC Standard 61158 for Zone Zero environments, with a total sustained payload transfer rate of about 31 kbps. For intrinsic safety purposes, the module utilizes resistors for isolating inductance from internal circuitry and comprises zener diode protection across the data-over-power connection.
Turning again to
Local data collection software in the platform computer room is installed on servers and/or personal computers whereby the signals are analyzed. In one embodiment, the signals are analyzed against specific criteria and/or threshold values to determine whether, for example, valve seals are leaking. As will be appreciated, a wide spectrum of software and algorithms may be developed for the specific type of equipment being monitored. The data may subsequently or simultaneously be transmitted via hardwire, or wireless transmission, to the operator's off-site location 370 (for example, an on-shore location), where it is stored in a database or analyzed further.
In an alternative embodiment, the operator's offsite communications software service may be accessible via the Internet TCP/IP, FTP protocol to an offsite data collection service 390. For example, the remote monitoring system vendor may provide a monitoring center to receive data, alarms, alerts, etc. regarding equipment integrity. When a problem with a piece of equipment is detected, the monitoring center 390 may then alert the operator of the problem so that prompt remedial action may be taken.
Although the present invention has been described with exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/625,865, filed Nov. 8, 2004.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60625865 | Nov 2004 | US |
