Classification of radial compressor faults using pattern-recognition techniques

An application of pattern-recognition techniques for the classification of faults in a radial compressor is presented. A number of mechanical alterations, simulating faults, are introduced in a test compressor. They include the insertion of an inlet obstruction, an obstruction in a diffuser passage, variation of impeller tip clearance and impeller fouling. Two kinds of measurements, namely sound emission and casing vibration, are examined. Three kinds of pattern-recognition techniques with increasing complexity are used in order to classify the examined faults correctly according to engine condition. The possibility of using each one of these techniques for diagnosing faults in a radial compressor is also examined. It is demonstrated that minor faults, which do not affect performance, can be identified using the proposed techniques. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.