MECHANICAL SOLUTIONS INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: Mechanical Solutions, Inc. (MSI) is currently developing a Vibration and Physics-Based Hea

Description

Mechanical Solutions, Inc. (MSI) is currently developing a Vibration and Physics-Based Health Management system that focuses on rotating machinery. MSI is now proposing to augment this system to also address valve health monitoring. This will require the incorporation of additional condition indicators, and the associated data acquisition and signal processing, specific to failure modes of valves. The intent of the add-on valve health monitoring module is to address the most prevalent failure modes of valves and provide maintenance personnel with warnings of impending problems. The valve types in use at Arnold Air Force Base will be the Phase I focus. Reliable condition indicators will be sought to predict valve failures such as leakage, binding, worn seats, loose linkages, and MOV motor problems. Sensors such as accelerometers, pressure transducers, microphones, electric current probes, and strain gages will be considered. Phase I testing of the sensors and algorithms will be the basis for finalizing the valve diagnostic/prognostic system architecture for further development during a Phase II project. The processed health assessment output from the valve health monitoring system will be transferable to a centralized system such as the MAINTelligence System. BENEFIT: Successful implementation of the valve heath monitoring algorithms will have significant use in both military and commercial facilities such as power plants, refineries, water treatment plants, and general industry. While many commercial companies focus on rotating machinery health management systems, the same effort in the valve area is lacking, and would be particularly useful for motor operated valves (MOVs) in the refining and nuclear power industries.