Patent ID: 6247352
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
A diaphragm failure monitoring system and apparatus for detecting leakage in a diaphragm of a diaphragm pump comprising,a) a pump having an operating chamber containing a light transmissive working liquid and a pumping chamber for pumping material into and out of the pump and a diaphragm separating the operating chamber and the pumping chamber;b) a first optic fiber joined to said operating chamber at a first location for transmitting an optic signal across said working liquid;c) a second optic fiber joined to said operating chamber at a second location in spaced arrangement from said first optic fiber, and without being connected to said first optic fiber at said operating chamber, for receiving said optic signal that is transmitted though said working liquid from said first optic fiber;d) an electrical signal provider connected to said second optic fiber for providing a first electrical signal, corresponding to a minimum optic signal level of light attenuation, when the optic signal from said first optic fiber to said second optic fiber passes through the working liquid in an uncontaminated state;e) said electrical signal provider providing a second electrical signal different from the first electrical signal, and corresponding to a higher optic signal level of light attenuation than the minimum optic signal level of light attenuation, when the optic signal from said first optic fiber to said second optic fiber passes through working liquid in a contaminated state, whereby leakage of a contaminating material, that is part of the material being pumped, into said working liquid through said diaphragm into said operating chamber can be detected when said second electrical signal is established;f) a hollow, optical cell secured to said operating chamber for receiving a portion of the working liquid, and wherein the first location of said first optic fiber and the second location of said second optic fiber are at opposite sides of said optical cell;g) said first optic fiber including an emitter end for transmitting said optic signal across said working liquid and said second optic fiber including a collector end for receiving said transmitted optic signal, and wherein the electrical signal provider comprises an optical amplifier; and,h) an isolation signal conditioner connected to said optical amplifier, and a distributive control system connected to said isolation signal conditioner, wherein said first and second electrical signals are fed from said optical amplifier to said distributive control system through said isolation signal conditioner.