Condition monitoring from a maintenance perspective involves using a number of techniques to monitor how a machine is performing. The type of machines that are monitored range from fixed plant through to mobile mining equipment and fleet vehicles. Before the concept of Condition monitoring became popular, the standard maintenance procedures involved corrective (or breakdown) maintenance and predictive maintenance. The main issue with both of these ideologies is the fact that equipment components are not changed out when they should be.
Condition Monitoring is performed using a number of
different techniques; Oil Analysis, Vibration Analysis, Thermal Imaging and
Ultrasonic measurements. All of these tests are non-destructive, and they are
quick, painless and accurate. Each requires a significant amount of knowledge,
but it ensures that maintenance can be done considerably more accurately. Oil
Analysis involves analysing the contaminants and condition of oil.
Bearing vibration analysis is used to tell when parts
are out of balance, misaligned or simply not bolted down correctly. Vibration
is a huge problem in manufacturing and mining. Thermal imaging picks up heat
variations and is used to identify equipment and specific components that are
running hotter than they should be. It is used to measure the thickness of
pipe, or equipment which is only accessible from one side. Being
non-destructive and highly efficient it is commonly used in all maintenance
departments.
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