The Complete Set of Distinguishable Diagnostic States for a Centrifugal Pump System

Abstract

In this article, the concept of determination of a complete set of distinguishable diagnostic states has been utilised, which has been well known since the 1980’s and, in essence, could refer to any item with any application and any structural features. The only condition set for this item, is its ability to be described by a structure consisting of single exit-point elements. As a consequence, it can become possible to assess, amongst other things, its layers, strong cohesions, transitive and antitransitive closures. Typical tools of such assessment are matrices: transition and reachability. The reason that a centrifugal pump has been selected is not only its importance and common use, but also specifics of interaction of its elements. It is possible to identify for them: independence, dependence, and interdependence. For particular distinguishable diagnostic states, the probabilities of its occurrence have been determined. These probabilities have become a starting point to estimate structure entropy and intensity of transition from the health to any particular failure state. Results of such estimation have been depicted by relevant graphs. A reference has been made to the Bayesian methods and the inseparable ‘serial reliability structure’, to identify their flaws that result particularly from simplifications leading to false and ambiguous diagnoses. The probabilities of health for particular elements have been differentiated by the selection of adequate Weibull indices.