SURVIVING THE DATA STORM - INTEGRATING MEASUREMENTS TO MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

摘要

Data collection and analysis for machinery condition monitoring has been completely revolutionized due to the advances of the personal computer (PC). Processors run at GHz speeds, terabyte hard drives are available for only USD700, and Ethernet networking links systems across the globe. This technology has enabled engineers to perform all types of machinery analysis from thermography to vibration analysis to oil analysis. Engineers are connecting accelerometers, displacement probes, tachometers, cameras, microphones, thermocouples, and a lot more sensors to take the measurements they want. And the result of all this technology is an overwhelming mountain of data that engineers are left to sort through to understand their machinery. Often, data collection systems are separated by measurement type or sensor, for example one system handles vibration and another captures thermography. Programmable automation controllers or PACs have advanced capabilities and flexibility to perform all these analyses. With a PAC for machine condition monitoring, engineers can integrate and manage all of their data in a single system making it easier and faster to understand. PACs are an industry standard offered by companies like Rockwell and National Instruments that are built upon a number of technology advancements including: computer processing capabilities; high-level, interactive, graphical software; and high-speed communication links such as Ethernet. A PAC system, for example, can analyze and correlate data from infrared camera and an accelerometer so that engineers can make more informed decisions on their machinery. See how PACs are providing important data analysis benefits through real-world examples and industry application studies.