On Line Systems

Submersible Accelerometers

Effective condition monitoring, using techniques such as vibration measurement, can be achieved at a relatively low cost, when compared to lost production and repair of failed systems.  Planning ahead, with an effective predictive maintenance routine goes a long way to ensuring that production is kept constant and a steady revenue stream is safeguarded.

Vibration sensors can be used to monitor virtually all moving parts associated with paper presses, most commonly being installed to monitor vibration profiles on rotating components such as rollers, pumps, fans and compressors.

 

Whether it is a piezoelectric accelerometer – characterised by wide frequency and dynamic ranges – or a piezoresistive accelerometer – capable of static or DC acceleration levels – vibration sensors can help engineers effectively predict maintenance shutdowns at times that will have the least impact on production.

 

Available in a variety of general purpose and application-specific designs, piezoelectric accelerometers tend to be the preferred sensor choice of the paper industry because of their versatility and reliability. Solid-state designs also mean these vibration sensors are unaffected by dirt, oil and most chemical agents enabling them to operate in the harshest environments often experienced in the mill.

 

Typically, a vibration sensors piezoelectric element produces a signal that is directly proportional to acceleration and can be amplified for acceleration measurements or converted (electronically integrated) within the sensor into a velocity or displacement signal. The piezoelectric element is usually constructed from synthetic piezoelectric ceramics or quartz - both developed specifically for sensor applications.

 

Fixed or Mobile?

A number of manufacturers, offer a choice of both fixed and portable vibration monitoring devices and organisations are often confused as to the most suitable solution for their application.

 

Without a doubt, permanently-mounted sensors offer the most accurate levels of monitoring and are particularly suited to use in the paper mill for safety reasons. Permanently mounted sensors can be installed on systems during shut-down that could be hazardous to the operator should they try and approach the press with a portable instrument while it is running.

 

Safety is improved still further by hardwiring the permanently mounted sensors back to switch boxes, located in easily accessible and safe locations.

 

The paper industry has suffered from a history of health and safety lapses that have resulted in loss of life and the weakening of an already unstable industry. Yet, preventative measures that have been specially tailored to meet the requirements of the paper industry are now available. These predictive maintenance routines, involving vibration monitoring, are now becoming a viable option capable for neutralising the potential for disaster and are beginning to show real benefits in proven applications throughout the paper industry.