Description:
Remote detection of incipient cavitation (vapour/gas
filled microbubbles arising due to localised pressure extrema) in flow systems,
providing early indication of potentially damaging bubble activity, and allowing
feedback and control of pumps and valves
Main features
• Passive broadband detection of acoustic signals
• Simple
sensors attached remotely to flow systems – pump and valve casings etc., via
unique acoustic coupling materials
• Signal processing, filtering and
logging of data, with potential for battery operation and wireless
transmission
• Single or multiple channel operation
Applications
• Providing real-time monitoring of cavitation
to inform users on pump and flow system health, and efficacy
• As a
diagnosis tool for where, and to what extent, cavitation is occurring in
existing, proposed, and new installations
• For incorporation into flow
system controllers to optimise energy efficient and damage-free operation
•
For correlation with assessment and prediction of casing and impeller
damage
• For monitoring cavitation in turbines and other flow
systems
Developmental Status
Laboratory-scale prototype developed and
tested
Availability
Available for development and licensing
IP Status
Worldwide patent granted for detection of cavitation
in pumps by high frequency acoustic emissions
Technical
Schematic of cavitation detection
approach
This approach has been trialled on industrial pumps –
Showing sensitive detection of cavitation
inception:
