subject: Why Use Machine Condition Monitoring For Industrial Equipment [print this page] Machine Condition Monitoring is the process where the condition of a machine is analyzed in regards to vibration and overheating aspects to prevent later signs of failure. Machine condition monitoring actively uses sophisticated tools to monitor machines such as vibration analysis equipment or just human senses in general. When instrumentation is used, maintenance activity is commonly prompted to be active. Condition based maintenance, Predicative Maintenance, and Condition Monitoring are terms that can be otherwise used to explain this process.
Predictive maintenance comes in a form of monitoring used to evaluate many diverse areas of a plant or equipment typically being described as machine condition monitoring. This automated process can be achieved with instruments that are used to analyze many different areas of equipment, such as vibration analysis equipment and thermal imaging equipment. If necessary, this process can also be manually done. Whenever a condition exceeds preset limits and causes an output or signal to be triggered, the automatic machine quickly picks up on the signal. Generated automatically, the output can be sent directly to a CMMS so that a work order can be instinctively created. This is particularly vital for businesses or plants where downtime and failure cannot be tolerated due to the excessive costs.
Many situations exist that can be applied to use machine condition monitoring. Machine conditions that are commonly monitored include vibration, liquid levels, over voltage, and temperature. Sensors will monitor any condition that it detects or sees. Oil pressure in our cars use condition monitoring to ensure correct oil pressure, even though not commonly known. When the oil pressure light activates, this lets us know that our car is requires oil. Machine failures are halted due to machine condition monitoring finding the problem before they occur.
The state of the machine is most commonly tested with a vibration analysis instrument or tool. Vibration frequencies can also be mapped when certain frequencies show Comparing the new vibration spectra of a newly bought machine to already used machines can provide the necessary information as to when machine condition monitoring should be initiated.
Any problems can be found in a safe and efficient matter using a form of condition monitoring called IR thermography. Modern infrared cameras are commonly used to detect spikes in temperatures that can point to potential problems. Insulation and electrical contact temperatures can increase due to this. Infrared thermography is a form of machine condition monitoring that provides a secure way to carry out testing while the machines are still powered.
