Continuous flow method and system for placement of balancing fluid on a rotating device requiring dynamic balancing

Abstract

Methods and systems for continuously transferring balancing mass to a rotating system or rotating device in order to dynamically balance the rotating system or rotating device are disclosed. A flow of balancing mass can be continuously provided to the rotating system at a controlled flow rate. A pump integrated with the rotating system can be utilized to provide via pump the flow of the balancing mass to the rotating system at a controlled flow rate. The flow of balancing mass can be thereafter discharged at a shutter device integrated with the rotating system, such that the balancing mass passes through a window of the shutter device if the window is open. The balancing mass is passed through the window so as to be transferred to the rotating device at predetermined locations, thereby contributing to the balancing of the rotating system. The balancing mass is generally automatically recirculated through the rotating system if the window of the shutter device is closed. The window of the shutter device may be configured as a fixed or adjustable window. The shutter device itself may be, for example, a solenoid actuated shutter or a slotted-disk device. The controlled flow rate to the shutter device may be adjusted for varying control need across the range of rotational speeds. This method and system overcomes flow and timing difficulties experienced with solenoid actuated valve mass transfer techniques.