Entek Ird International Corporation

Dan R Shupe

Kevin E Kramb

Donn V Stoutenburg

David J Bibelhausen

Patrick F Carle

Chien-Tan Lien

David P Trumpy

A monitoring and protection system for a machine system includes monitoring modules or groups of modules positioned at various locations of the machine system at which dynamic operating conditions are monitored. The modules are configured to communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. Network media is routed between groups of monitoring modules to establish an overall system topology that is highly distributed and that is not dependent upon routing of multiple signal cables to central monitoring locations or racks.

Modular monitoring and protection system topology

A monitoring and protection technique for machine systems includes providing multiple processors within a monitoring module. A first processor generally performs management functions, such as data communications control, memory management, and so forth. A second processor performs complex calculations that provide data to the first processor. The module may be specifically adapted to applications, such as vibration monitoring, in which case the second processor may perform analysis of received signals to derive vibrational data that forms the basis for decisions for energizing or de-energizing relay circuitry used to control the machine system or an alarm.

Modular equipment dynamic condition monitoring system with multiple processors

A monitoring and protection system includes monitoring modules that are positioned proximate to locations of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are monitored. The monitoring modules may be configured to communicate with other modules via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The monitors are also configured to control the operative state of a component such as a relay circuit, either integrated into the monitoring module or provided in a separate relay module. Extremely rapid and versatile response is attained through implementation of a local control loop for control of the state of the relay circuit, which may be complemented by a remote loop that includes a remote monitoring or control system for response to different inputs or conditions.

Modular monitoring and protection system with local protection loop

A monitoring and protection system is provided which is highly modular and expandable. The system is based upon individual monitoring modules which may be associated with one another in groups at locations or points along a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored and controlled. The individual modules communicate between themselves, and with remote modules, via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The modules are thus freed of the need for a backplane or other backbone for mounting and communications purposes. Any number of modules may be positioned at the points of interest along the machine system, from as few as a single module to a large group of modules, with the entire system being expandable and contractible according to the design needs based upon the open industrial data exchange protocol.

Modular monitoring and protection system with open communication backbone

Monitoring modules of a monitoring and protection system are disposed in groups proximate to points of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are monitored. A master module, which may be a similar monitoring module or a different device such as a gateway, stores user configuration parameters that are also stored in the monitoring modules. In the event of loss of service or replacement of a module, once the same or a different module is detected by the master, the configuration parameters are restored to the monitoring module to permit continuity of operation. The parameters may include multiple settings such as alarm levels, units of measure, processing parameters, response settings, and so forth.

Modular monitoring and protection system with automatic device programming

A monitoring and protection system includes a plurality of monitoring modules that are positioned proximate to points of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored. The monitoring modules at individual locations communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The groups of modules may also communicate via the same protocol, creating a flexible and expandable system that accommodates a wide range of modules and that avoids the need for conventional backplane architecture. The groups also communicate with remote equipment via a different standard data exchange protocol, such as via a gateway associated with each of the monitoring module groups.

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Milford, OH, United States of America

Dan R Shupe