Condition monitoring and diagnostics of drive isolation in rotating machinery of petrochemical facilities by partial discharge method

Abstract

Condition monitoring and diagnostics of rotating machines, such as pumps, compressors, fans is the most efficient policy to ensure safety and good performance of petrochemical productions. The most common type of drives in rotating machines is electric motors, mostly, induction ones. Despite their high reliability level they also require condition control for both mechanical and electrical parts, because a fault of a drive’s electric motor may lead to an emergency shutdown of the unit. When the controlled machinery is located in hazardous areas, it means that there are special conditions for diagnostic methods and means to be applied. At the same time, using remote diagnostic methods often helps to avoid such restrictions. One of the efficient control methods for isolation condition – including isolation of stators in induction motors is a partial discharge method. The authors suggest their own method of the remote method practice outside the hazardous areas. The data collected in the course of the research show that the remote monitoring of partial discharge parameters is an efficient way of diagnostics of any destructive elements in isolation and monitoring over their development. Further research done by the authors will allow defining and improving the algorithms used for automatic diagnostics of rotating machinery drive isolation.