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How to monitor a large number of points at a reasonable price.
Marta Alberdi presents the article “How to Monitor a Large [...]
Marta Alberdi presents the article “How to Monitor a Large Number of Points at a Reasonable Price” in Preditécnico No. 23. This article aims to discuss the features that a continuous monitoring system can offer.
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The goal is to understand the options available on the market today so that we can adapt if we need to monitor machinery with a large number of data points—something that, at first glance, seems difficult to justify financially.
When we talk about continuous monitoring, the first thing that comes to mind is the most critical machinery we know of: turbomachinery. In this case, however, we’ll set that type of machinery aside, where the simple act of having to shut down a machine in a matter of milliseconds can be crucial to preventing a catastrophic failure.
When we face the challenge of monitoring machines with a large number of inputs, we should ask ourselves which functions are essential and which are desirable for the system we want to implement.
Let’s consider continuous-process machines, which have a large number of components that can be monitored: paper machines, printers, lamination processes, conveyors, etc.
Let’s also consider cranes, which, although they are not used continuously, also have a large number of points.
Obviously, before I begin defining functions, I must have conducted a criticality analysis and a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), in which I identify which points are subject to monitoring based on the failures that may occur, what effects those failures may have, and whether or not I can accept that risk.
In the previous section, I also described which predictive maintenance techniques are used to detect failures in these machines: vibration, temperature, oil analysis, etc.
For this type of machine, we will focus primarily on two variables: vibrations and temperature. Using these parameters, I can determine the mechanical condition of the points I monitor—primarily bearings and, in some cases, gearboxes. These components are found mainly in the drives and roller supports.
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Related Links
Preditécnico Magazine No. 23
Services Offered by the Condition Monitoring, Diagnostic & Training Center (CMDT)
Online Predictive Diagnostics, iPdM
Preconcerto, Predictive Maintenance Manager
