Member integrity monitoring system and method
View Patent ↗A monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of a member disposed within a machine includes an image analyzer configured to receive image data from an imaging device and to determine an amount of radiation incident on one or more of one or more pixels of the imaging device. The monitoring system also includes a monitor coupled to the image analyzer and configured to generate an alarm in the event an amount of radiation on one or more of the one or more pixels exceeds a limit.
1. A monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of a member disposed within a machine, the monitoring system comprising:
an imaging device disposed within the machine;
a radiation source disposed within the machine that directs radiation at the member and the imaging device;
an image analyzer that receives image data from the imaging device and determines an amount of radiation incident on one or more of one or more pixels of the imaging device; and
a monitor coupled to the image analyzer that generates an alarm in the event an amount of radiation on one or more of the one or more pixels exceeds a limit, the alarm indicating that the member has failed;
wherein the imaging device is disposed downstream of the member and the radiation source is disposed upstream of the member.
2. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the member is an air filter disposed within an air intake of the machine.
3. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is a camera.
4. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the radiation is light.
5. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the radiation is one of visible light, ultraviolet light or infrared light.
6. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is formed by a plurality of cameras.
7. The monitoring system of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of cameras are directed at different portions of the member.
8. The monitoring system of claim 6 , wherein the alarm indicated which portion of the member has failed.
9. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the member, the radiation source and the imaging device are disposed within an air duct of the machine.
10. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is directly coupled to the monitoring system.
11. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the machine is a turbomachine.
12. The monitoring system of claim 1 , in combination with the member and further comprising:
an additional member downstream of the member.
13. The monitoring system of claim 12 , wherein the additional member is a painted wire mesh and is permanently installed.
14. A monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of a member disposed within a machine, the monitoring system comprising:
an imaging device disposed within the machine;
a radiation source disposed within the machine that directs radiation at the member and the imaging device;
an image analyzer that receives image data from the imaging device and that determines an amount of radiation incident on one or more of one or more pixels of the imaging device; and
a monitor coupled to the image analyzer that generates an alarm in the event an amount of radiation on one or more of the one or more pixels exceeds a limit, the alarm indicating that the member has failed;
wherein the imaging device is disposed downstream of the member and the radiation source is disposed upstream of the member.
15. The monitoring system of claim 14 , wherein the imaging device is formed by a plurality of cameras.
16. The monitoring system of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of cameras are directed at different portions of the member.
17. The monitoring system of claim 15 , wherein the alarm indicated which portion of the member has failed.
18. The monitoring system of claim 14 , wherein the member, the radiation source and the imaging device are disposed within an air duct of the machine.
19. The monitoring system of claim 14 , wherein the imaging device is directly coupled to the monitoring system.
20. A method of monitoring a member in an air duct of a machine, the method comprising:
placing a radiation source within the air duct on a first side of member;
disposing an imaging device within the air duct on an second side of member;
illuminating the first side of the member with radiation from the radiation source;
receiving image data from the imaging device, the imaging data including information related to an amount of radiation that passed through the member and is incident on pixels of the imaging device;
comparing the image data to radiation limits; and
generating an alarm when the image data exceeds the radiation limits.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the imaging device is a camera.
22. The method of claim 20 , wherein the radiation source produces one of visible light, ultraviolet light and infrared light.
23. The method of claim 20 , wherein illuminating includes directing the radiation towards a reflector arranged to reflect the radiation towards the first side of the member.
24. The method of claim 20 , wherein the radiation source is formed by a plurality of individual radiation sources and further comprising:
selectively activating each of the plurality of individual radiation sources.
25. The method of claim 20 , wherein the member is an air filer.
26. The method of claim 20 , further comprising:
permanently installing a second member downstream of the member.
27. The method of claim 26 , wherein the member is a painted wire mesh.
28. The method of claim 20 , wherein the machine is a turbomachine.
29. The method of claim 20 , further comprising:
introducing dust to the air duct to enhance detection of leaks.
30. The method of claim 29 , wherein the dust is visible under the radiation provided by a radiation source.