The Fundamentals of, and the Application of Computers to, Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance

This paper is intended to give the attendees an overview of predictive maintenance theory and condition monitoring techniques. It shows why these techniques are necessary and how they can be justified; what kinds of measurements can and should be taken; the importance of a computerised system; and a number of common and more advanced methods for using the data collected to diagnose the nature and severity of an impending problem. This paper first overviews the main reasons for performing condition monitoring. Next it covers the basic principles of vibration and performance monitoring. The paper will summarise the different measurement types in common use. The topic of fault frequency analysis is covered, and finally, the paper discusses some of the more advanced techniques in use today. Throughout, this paper illustrates how computers are used to automate this process, to facilitate some of the more advanced diagnostic functions, and to help information flow between maintenance, financial, and production staff.