Parallel multisensor optical particle sensors for flowing fluid systems
Inventors
Tucker, John E. • Reintjes, John F.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-8654329-B2
Publication Date
2014-02-18
Expiration Date
2033-06-18
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Abstract
An optical fluid monitoring system for imaging debris and other particles in a flowing fluid. The system can have multiple sensors (camera and viewing port) connected to a single, remotely located, laser and computer. The system can also include multiple lasers, viewing ports and cameras to be located at different locations in a flow, with each sensor being configured to image a different particle size range. The system can simultaneously image fluid flows on different pieces of equipment. Optical sensors can be arranged on parallel flow conduits, with each sensor configured to image a different particle size range.
Core Innovation
The invention is an optical fluid monitoring system for imaging particles in a flowing fluid using multiple optical sensors positioned along one or more conduits carrying the fluid. Each sensor transmits laser optical energy through a transparent viewing window across the flow and includes an optical imaging system that receives the energy after passing through the fluid to image particles in the flow. The system can include sensors arranged in series along a single conduit or on parallel conduits, with each sensor configured to image a different particle size range by adjusting viewing cell thickness to place particles in the optical near field of the imaging system.
The system architecture allows for a single remote laser and computer processor to be operatively coupled to multiple sensors, which can be located at different positions along a fluid flow or on different pieces of equipment. Optical fibers can transmit laser energy to the sensors, and filters can be placed to exclude particles larger than a predetermined size from downstream sensors to prevent clogging. This configuration enables simultaneous imaging of multiple size ranges of particles and monitoring of multiple fluid flows or equipment pieces.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims that describe optical fluid monitoring systems with multiple conduits and integrated sensor arrangements. The inventive features focus on sensor configurations, particle size imaging ranges, and system components integration.
Parallel conduits with sensors configured for different particle size ranges
An optical fluid monitoring system comprising multiple conduits arranged in parallel, each with an optical sensor positioned to transmit laser energy through a transparent viewing window across flow. Sensors are configured to image different particle size ranges, with the conduit thickness at each sensor selected so that particles imaged are in the optical near field, and conduits designed such that one has a larger thickness for larger particles and another a smaller thickness for smaller particles.
Sensor and conduit configuration with filters to exclude large particles
The system includes filters sized to exclude particles larger than predetermined sizes from reaching sensors in respective conduits, preventing clogging and enabling selective imaging of particle size ranges.
Inclusion of lasers at sensors and varied wavelengths
Each optical sensor can include a laser, with the lasers having different wavelengths, and/or can use optical fibers to transmit laser energy to the transparent viewing windows.
Use of a single laser coupled to multiple sensors via optical fibers
The system can utilize a single laser operatively coupled to all optical sensors through a plurality of optical fibers that transmit the laser output to the viewing windows in each conduit.
Imaging systems comprising camera and lens
Each imaging system includes a camera and a lens disposed between the camera and the conduit viewing window to capture particles in the fluid flow.
Centralized or distributed computer processors for image analysis
The system includes either a single computer processor operatively connected to receive images from all imaging systems with instructions for classifying particle shapes and sizes, or computer processors integrated in each optical sensor fulfilling the same classification functions, potentially located remotely from the sensors.
The independent claims cover configurations of parallel conduits with size-selective optical sensors arranged with appropriate conduit thickness and filters, lasers either integrated or centralized, and imaging systems with cameras and lenses, combined with centralized or distributed computing for particle classification, enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple particle size ranges in flowing fluids.
Stated Advantages
Provides information about a broader particle size range than previous near field optical fluid particle monitoring systems.
Enables redundancy in case of equipment failure, which is particularly valuable for equipment difficult or dangerous to access.
Allows simultaneous monitoring of fluid particles in different fluid systems or multiple pieces of equipment using a single laser and computer processor.
Reduces overall pressure drop when sensors are arranged on parallel conduits rather than in series.
Documented Applications
Monitoring the presence and size of debris and particles in lubricating oils in mechanical systems such as aircraft or diesel engines, transmissions, and gearboxes.
Imaging particles in lubricating and power transmission fluids, cooling liquids, water and water mixtures, fuels, and gases.
Monitoring fluids in engines, transmissions, and bearings on ships, aircraft, oil drilling platforms, and other industrial installations such as power generating stations.
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