FI125050B - Liquid liquid purification system and method - Google Patents

Description

CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING VAN FLUID

ENGINEERING

The present invention relates to a system and method for purifying a flowing liquid. In particular, the invention relates to a purification system and method for real-time detection and removal of particles from a flowing fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several applications have been developed for purifying flowing fluid. Particularly in industry, the need to clean lubricants for various machine tools has been widely considered, and as a result, numerous systems have been developed to maintain lubricity purity. However, there are shortcomings in the existing systems.

The use of a mechanical machine naturally causes the parts of the machine to wear, resulting in the release of particles which are mixed with the fluid flowing through the systems. Many machine tools use flow-through fluid as a lubricant to reduce friction between parts and prevent wear, which extends the life of the machine. Flowing fluid can also be used for other purposes, such as hydrulic systems, where the main purpose of the fluid is to act as a force transmitting agent. The particles miscible with the flowing fluid affect both the properties of the flowing fluid and the wear of the machine and may indicate machine failure. Studies have shown that smaller particles (less than 100 micrometers) affect fluid properties, while larger ones (more than 100 micrometers) affect machine parts and may indicate machine failure. Prolonged increases in dirt in the fluid cause serious machine problems and eventually lead to machine failure.

Prior art methods for maintaining the purity of a liquid are mainly based on various filtration systems as well as sampling methods. Filtration systems include varying amounts and different types of filters to stop the dirt particles flowing in the liquid. However, filter systems have shortcomings. The tighter structure adheres to smaller particles but at the same time impairs fluid flow. Over time, the filters also become worn and clogged, which results in a loss of performance and regular replacement or cleaning. Because filters are difficult to evaluate, the filters alone are not a viable solution for maintaining the purity of the fluid flowing.

Today's sampling methods are based on the periodic sampling of a small amount of fluid that is analyzed, for example, by laboratory methods or in industry using in-house particle counters. Depending on the method, the research process will take from a few days to several months, during which time serious damage to the machinery may have occurred. Thus, the current methods make it absolutely impossible to carry out preventive maintenance. In addition to the significant delay, the weakness of sampling is the small amount of sample used for analysis, which may not give a true picture of the dirt content of the flowing fluid.

In addition, the particle counters used in the factory only indicate small particles. Also, laboratory analyzes only investigate the purity of the oil and do not consider the condition of the machine itself. Large particles that indicate machine failure are ignored in studies. Therefore, current systems and methods make it difficult to implement condition monitoring based on machine condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or at least alleviate the above disadvantages. In particular, the invention seeks to provide a multi-use, easy-to-install system capable of real-time detection and removal of particles of various sizes, shapes, and volumes from a flowing fluid.

The objects of the invention are achieved by the features defined in the independent claims.

The purification system according to the invention is characterized in what is set forth in the characterizing part of independent claim 1. The purification method according to the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterizing part of independent claim 6.

Certain preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, the purification system of the present invention comprises: - an observation unit for detecting a particle in a flowing fluid, - a controllable valve comprising at least one inlet and two outlets for directing the fluid to the application or circulation channel; and - the control system, wherein the control unit, the control valve, the circulating duct, the filter and the control system are operatively connected so that the control system is arranged to switch the control valve based on the observations of the fluid to be removed, contains the particle to be removed, flows back to the circulation channel through the observation unit the filter, the filter being arranged to separate the particle from the fluid-controlled valve and the observation unit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the system is installed in the field of application by means of piping and / or hoses and suitable connections. The application comprises a fluid to be cleaned, such as a lubricant flowing through machine tools.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluid exiting the application flows to a valve controlled by the system observation unit. From the controlled valve, the fluid either continues back to the application or the fluid is directed back into the circulation duct to the valve controlled via the observation unit. Between the controlled valve and the observation unit, there is at least one filter through which the filter flows through the return valve to the valve controlled by the observation unit. From the controlled valve, the fluid again either continues to the application or is directed to the circulation duct. The flowing liquid can be circulated until the particles to be removed have been separated from the liquid.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control of the valve to be controlled is provided by an automated control system. Based on the observations transmitted by the observation unit, the control system controls the valve. In one embodiment, the valve is provided so that by default the fluid flows back to the application, but if the observation unit detects a particle to be removed, the control system will direct the flow to the circulation channel by means of a controlled valve.

According to one embodiment, the control can be implemented, for example, by means of an automated control system such that, based on the fluid flow rate and the distance between the observation unit and the valve to be controlled, fluid is directed to the circulation duct over a period of time. On the basis of the flow rate and the distance between the observation unit and the valve to be controlled, a time period is set and, alternatively, an additional delay is required to direct the particle (s) into the circulation channel.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the particles to be detected in the flowing liquid can be determined, e.g., by shape, size and / or volume. Particle detection can be determined / calibrated as required by the application. Depending on the need and the detection technology used, particles up to 3 micrometre in size can be detected. In order to maintain the properties of the flowing liquid, the system can detect smaller particles, preferably in the order of 3-100 micrometers. Condition monitoring based on the condition of a device, such as a machine tool, can be accomplished by configuring the system to detect larger particles greater than 100 micrometers, and even larger particles greater than 150 micrometers indicative of serious machine problems. Depending on the application, the system can be configured to detect particles of any size, from small particles greater than 3 micrometres to more than 100 micrometres, and more than 150 micrometres. · The observation unit used in the system preferably includes machine vision based imaging techniques. sensors, optical fiber sensors and / or magnetic fields. Machine vision generally includes a light source, a (video) camera and a computer. The computer is generally equipped with an image processing software that automatically interprets the image. With today's high speed cameras, you get very close picture tracking. In standard applications, the recording capacity is up to 1000 frames per second, in the most advanced applications up to one million frames per second.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises sampling.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluid exiting the actuator flows through the first observation unit of the present system to the first controlled valve. The first controlled valve directs the fluid either into the sampling bottles or the fluid continues to travel through the filter and the second observation unit to the second controlled valve. Sampling can be performed, for example, based on the observations of the observation unit, timed and / or manually. Alternatively, embodiments in which sampling is performed only in a timed and / or manual manner may be performed without a first observation unit. From one of the controllable valves, the fluid either continues back to the application or the fluid is directed back into the circulation duct through another observation unit to the other controlled valve. Between the second controlled valve and the observation unit, there is at least one filter through which the filter flows through the observation unit to return to another controlled valve, from which the second controlled valve either continues to flow to the application or is directed to the circulation channel. The fluid can be recycled until the particles to be removed have been separated from the liquid.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises an alarm system. The alarm system may implement the alarm signal, e.g., by audio sample and / or visually. The alarm can be performed, for example, based on the observations of the observation unit, based on a predetermined particle size, shape and / or amount. The alarm may additionally or alternatively be triggered after the system has completed the sampling. The alarm may also indicate a system and / or application failure.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluid to be purified is oil or water. The flowing fluid may also be, for example, a lubricant consisting at least in part of an oil.

In general, feasible valve solutions for the system include valves comprising at least one inlet and at least two outlets. One feasible solution is to use 3-way valves that allow fluid flow from one inlet to one outlet at a time. When a particulate matter to be removed is detected and / or sampled, the fluid is directed to a second outlet, whereby flow to the first outlet is blocked. The control of the valve is achieved automatically by attaching to the valve an actuator which, when coupled to the control system, performs an input-output connection of the valve according to the instructions of the control system. The actuator for the valve can be, for example, an electric motor or a solenoid. In this way, automated, highly reactive valve solutions are achieved, enabling real-time fluid control in the purification system of the invention. Multiple inlet and outlet valves, such as a 4-way valve, can also be used in the system as needed.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method for purifying a flowing fluid according to the present invention comprises at least the steps of: - transferring the fluid to be cleaned from the application to the purification system, - passing the fluid through the observation unit, - detecting the liquid is directed to the circulation duct through at least one filter via a monitoring unit for a back-controlled valve.

The utility of the purification system of the invention is based on a number of things. The system can detect a wide range of particles of varying size, volume and / or shape. The system can be automated to detect and remove particles in a flowing liquid in real time. The system allows real-time monitoring of the condition of a drive, such as a machine tool. This allows you to deal with faults and problems as soon as they occur.

In addition, the system is easy to install and suitable for many applications. One-to-one, one-to-one installation is easy to integrate into multiple applications. In addition, system customizability for individual components and subassemblies enables low cost manufacturing and facilitates application and installation of the application in multiple applications.

The term "application" as used herein refers to a device, machine and / or system comprising a fluid to be cleaned, such as a machine tool and a flow-through lubricant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a purification system according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 shows a purification system according to another embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method of removing a particle from a fluid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates a purification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The purification system 102 for purifying flowing fluid comprises an observation unit 106, a controlled valve 108, at least one filter 110a, 110b, and means 112 for conveying flowing fluid such as piping and / or hoses. The purification system 102 is provided in connection with the application 104 so that the liquid to be purified used in the application 104 can flow into the purification system 102, in the direction V illustrated in Figure 1. In various embodiments, the purification system 102 is provided directly from tube to tube.

The filters 110a, 110b of Figure 1 illustrate two suitable locations for the filters. The advantage of the location of the filter 110a is that whenever the flowing fluid leaves the application 104, it passes through the filter 110a so that dirt particles may be separated from the liquid before the fluid arrives at the observation unit 106 or the controlled valve 108. filter 110a is further preferably located in front of the circulation conduit 114 such that if the detecting unit 106 detects a particle to be removed in the liquid and is directed to the conduit 114, the liquid flows through the filter 110a and the particle is separated from the liquid before through the flask 106 and the controllable valve 108. On the other hand, by placing the filter 110b in the circulation duct 114, the filter 110b does not, in principle, affect the flow of the liquid as it exits the application 104. However, the flow remains unchanged and separated from the liquid.

Filters 110a, 110b show only two suitable filter locations for the purification system 102 of the present invention. Filters 110a, 110b may be used in various embodiments together, and may include multiple filters to support the two filters 110a, 110b illustrated in FIG. considering the placement of filters 110a, 110b and the application of alternative solutions for providing effective filtration in purification system 102 will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In the purification system 102, the observation unit 106 is preferably provided in front of a controlled valve 108. As the fluid passes the observation unit 106, information is transmitted to the control system provided in the system. Advantageously, the control valve 108, such as a 3-way valve, is provided with an actuator which enables automatic and remote control. Preferably, the controlled valve 108 is initially coupled in direction A, and if the observer 106 detects a particle to be removed in the fluid, the valve 108 will engage in direction B and the fluid will be directed to the circulation conduit 114. The fluid control to the conduit 114 is timed to contain , is directed to the circulation channel 114. The switching time of the controlled valve 108 in direction B may be set, for example, based on the fluid flow rate and the distance between the detection unit 106 and the controlled valve 108. Further, a delay may be defined in the control system before the switching of the controlled valve 108 in direction B begins. The delay can prevent the flow of excess fluid into the circulation passage 114. The control of the controlled valve 108 can be made fully automatic. For example, the purification system 102 may be provided with flow sensors which transmit the fluid flow rate to the control system. Equipping the purification system with flow sensors is particularly advantageous if the fluid flow rate varies. The distance between the detection unit 106 and the controllable valve 108 may also be verified by suitable measuring and / or positioning means.

Various embodiments may also provide a plurality of detection units 106, a controllable valve 108, a filter 110a, 110b, and / or a circulation conduit 114 in series and / or in parallel so that the particle can be detected multiple times and the fluid can be recirculated several times 110b through.

Advantageously, the cleaning system may use machine vision as a unit of observation to detect small particles of 3 micrometers, machine micrometers greater than 100 micrometers, and severe machine failure indicative of 150 micrometers. Machine vision generally consists of a light source, (camcorder and computer equipped with an image processing software. Inexpensive high-speed cameras can record over 1000 frames per second, with advanced applications up to one million frames per second to detect the size and shape of particles required.

In addition, or alternatively, other detection techniques, such as, for example, Hall sensors, optical fiber sensors and / or magnetic fields, may also be used in the purification system.

Figure 2 shows a purification system according to another embodiment of the present invention. A cleaning unit 202 is provided with a sampling unit 216.

The liquid exits the application 204 in the direction V. In one embodiment, the cleaning system 202 comprises a first detection unit 206a. Based on the observations of the first observation unit 206a, fluid is directed from valve 208a in direction B for sampling 216. In some embodiments, the observation unit 206a may also be omitted and the sampling may be effected, e.g., in a timed and / or manual manner such that the control of the valve 208a, e.g., a 3-way valve, is performed in a timed and / or manual manner. Preferably, a small amount of fluid is directed for sampling 216. Sampling 216 may comprise e.g. one or more refillable bottles. The purification system 202 may include, in the context of sampling 216, its own fluid analysis equipment or the sample may be submitted for further examination, e.g., in a laboratory.

The filters 210a, 210b of Figure 2 illustrate two suitable locations for the filters. The advantage of the location of the filter 210a is that whenever the flowing fluid continues from the first controlled valve 208a, it passes through the filter 210a so that dirt particles may be separated from the liquid before the liquid arrives at the second sensing unit 206b or the second controlled valve 208b. Thus, the control of the second controllable valve 208b, e.g. the 3-way valve, is possibly reduced and the liquid can possibly flow directly back to the application 204 in direction A. The filter 210a is further preferably located in front of the circulation conduit 214 such that the second observing unit 206b detects into the circulation passage 214, the fluid flows through the filter 210a, and the particle can be separated from the liquid before the liquid returns to the second observation unit 206b and the second controllable valve 208b. On the other hand, by placing the filter 210b in the circulation passage 214, the filter 210b does not, in principle, affect the flow of the liquid as the fluid flows from the first valve 208a. In this way, the flow remains constant and, when a particle to be removed occurs, the liquid can be directed from the second valve 208b to the circulation channel 214, wherein the circulation channel 214 has a filter 210b for filtering the particle from the liquid.

Filters 210a, 210b show only two suitable filter locations for the cleaning system 202 of the present invention. Filters 210a, 210b may be used in various embodiments together, and multiple filters may be provided to support the two filters 210a, 210b illustrated in FIG. considering the placement of filters 210a, 210b and the application of alternative solutions for providing effective filtration in purification system 202 will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In the purification system 202, the second observation unit 206b is preferably provided in front of a controlled valve 208b. As the fluid passes the observation unit 206b, information is transmitted to the control system provided in the system. By means of the control system, the coupling of the valve 208b can be controlled in directions A and B. Preferably, the valve 208b is provided with an actuator which enables automatic and remote control. Preferably, valve 208b is initially coupled in direction A, and if the second observation unit 206b detects a particle to be removed in the fluid, the controlled valve 208b engages in direction B and fluid is directed to circulation channel 214. is directed to circulation channel 214. The switching time of valve 208b in direction B can be determined based on the fluid flow rate and the distance between the observation unit 206b and the controlled valve 208b. In addition, a delay may be defined in the control system before switching valve 208b in direction B begins. The delay can prevent any excess fluid from being directed to the circulation channel 214.

Additional observing units 206a, 206b, valves 208a, 208b, filters 210a, 210b and / or circulation channels 214 in series and / or parallel can also be provided in different embodiments so that the particle can be detected more than once and the fluid can be recirculated through filters 210a and 210b. Further, flow sensors 202 may be provided with the flow system so that the fluid flow rate is detected and the control system provided to the purge system is capable of automatically controlling switching time of valve 208b in direction B, and any pre-switching delay such that the required amount of liquid is directed.

Advantageously, the detecting units 206a, 206b and the valves 208a, 208b to be used in the purification system 202 are previously described. In different embodiments, the same or, alternatively, different detection techniques at 206a and 206b may be used. In the case of valves 208a and 208b, it is also possible to use the same or alternatively different but suitable solutions for the purification system.

In one embodiment, an alarm system is provided for the purification system. The alarm system may perform an alarm e.g. when the system has performed a sampling and / or the detection unit detects a predetermined size, shape and / or number of particles. The alarm can be implemented, for example, visually and / or with an audio signal.

Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for purifying a flowing fluid according to an embodiment.

In step 302, the purification system is connected to the application by appropriate methods. In a viable embodiment, the purification system is connected by means of a connection to the pipeline of the application.

In step 304, the flowing fluid exits the application and flows into the purification system. The liquid flows through the purification system, for example, through the piping and / or hoses provided.

In step 306, the fluid flows through at least one filter. However, in some embodiments, the filters are provided such that the fluid does not yet flow through the filters when it is applied. Generally, the purpose of the filters is to separate non-liquid particles and thereby prevent the particles from flowing further into the system.

In step 308, the fluid flows through the observation unit. The observing unit monitors the fluid flowing and transmits information to the control system if any foreign particles are present in the fluid. The particles to be removed may vary in size, shape and volume, for example.

In step 310, if there are particles to be removed in the fluid, the control valve of the present cleaning system is engaged through the control system so that the fluid is directed to the circulation duct. The liquid thus circulates back to step 306 and passes at least one filter during circulation. If there are no particles to be removed in the fluid, proceed with the fluid from the control valve in the direction of application.

At step 312, the fluid exits the purification system and returns to the application.

Step 314 illustrates the end of the flow of fluid in the purification system of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a flow chart of a method for purifying a flowing fluid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In step 402, the purification system is connected to the application by appropriate methods. In a viable embodiment, the purification system is connected by means of a connection to the pipeline of the application.

In step 404, the flowing fluid exits the application site and flows into the purification system. The liquid flows through the purification system, for example, through the piping and / or hoses provided.

In step 406, the fluid flows through the observation unit. The observing unit monitors the fluid flowing and transmits information to the control system if any foreign particles are present in the fluid. The particles to be taken into account may vary in size, shape and volume, for example. This step is alternative because the information transmitted by the observation unit can be sampled in steps 408, 410, but alternatively the sampling can be performed manually or timed, in which case the observation unit and step 406 are not necessary.

In step 408, if the fluid is sampled, the fluid is directed from the valve to the sampler, step 410. For sampling, only the required amount of fluid is directed, followed by returning the return fluid to step 412. If not sampled, fluid flows directly from the valve to step 412.

In step 412, the liquid may possibly pass through at least one filter. However, in some embodiments, the filters are provided such that the liquid does not flow through the filters when it enters step 410. Generally, the purpose of the filters is to separate non-liquid particles and thereby prevent the particles from flowing further into the system.

In step 414, the fluid flows through the observation unit. The observing unit monitors the fluid flowing and transmits information to the control system if any foreign particles are present in the fluid. The particles to be taken into account may vary in size, shape and volume, for example.

In step 416, if particles are to be removed in the fluid, the control valve of the present purification system is engaged through the control system so that the fluid is directed to the circulation duct. The liquid thus circulates back to step 412 and passes at least one filter during circulation. If there are no particles to be removed in the fluid, proceed with the fluid from the control valve in the direction of application.

In step 418, the fluid exits the purification system and returns to the application.

Step 420 illustrates the end of the flow of fluid in the purification system of the present invention.

Only some embodiments of the solution according to the invention are shown above. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the principle of the invention can be modified within the scope of the claims, e.g., with respect to details of implementation and uses.

Claims (6)

A cleaning system (102) for removing a particle from a flowing liquid, comprising a cleaning system (102) - a detection unit (106) for detecting a particle in the flowing liquid, - a controllable valve (108), which controllable valve (108) has at least one inlet and two outlets (A, B) for directing the liquid to a place of use (104) or to a circulation channel (114), - a circulation channel (114) for controlling the liquid through at least one filter (110a) , 110b) and - at least one filter (110a, 110b) for separating the particle from the flowing liquid, characterized in that the cleaning system (102) comprises therewith - a control system, wherein the detecting unit (106), the controllable valve (108), the circulation channel (114), the filter (110a, 110b), and the control system are in functional communication such that the control system is arranged to couple the controllable valve (108) on the basis of the detections of the detecting unit (106) so that upon detection n of a particle to be removed flows a sufficient amount of liquid containing the particle to be removed to the circulation channel (114) back to the controllable valve (108) through the detection unit (106), the filter (110a, 110b) being arranged to separating the particle from the liquid between the controllable valve (108) and the detecting unit (106). A cleaning system (102) according to claim 1, which cleaning system (102) comprises at least one flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of the liquid, and which flow sensor transmits the measured data to the control system for controlling the controllable valve (108). Cleaning system (102) according to any one of the preceding claims, which cleaning system (102) comprises an alarm system, which indicates an actual event, such as a sampling performed by the cleaning system (102), a certain size, shape and / or amount detected by the detection unit. of particles and / or an error occurring in the cleaning system (102) e.g. visually or with an acoustic signal. Cleaning system (102) according to any one of the preceding claims, which detecting unit (106) of the cleaning system (102) consists of machine vision. Cleaning system (202) according to any one of the preceding claims, which cleaning system (202) comprises a second controllable valve (208a), which valve can direct the flowing liquid to a sampling unit (216). A method of cleaning a flowing liquid, the method comprising at least the following steps: - moving the liquid to be cleaned from a site of use (104) to a cleaning system (102), - moving the liquid through a detection unit (106), detecting any particles in the detecting unit (106), characterized in that - moving the liquid to a controllable valve (108) where, based on the particle detections, the liquid is either directed to the place of use (104) or the liquid is controlled to a circulation channel (114) through at least one filter (110a, 110b) back to the controllable valve (108) through the detection unit (106).