Expert system development for vibration analysis in machine condition monitoring

Expert systems can be adapted for machine condition monitoring data interpretation due to the ability to identify systematic reasoning processes. As vibration analysis in condition monitoring is still generally performed by highly trained professionals, the use of expert systems would allow a greater analysis throughput as well as enabling technicians to perform routine analysis. The development of an expert system for vibration analysis of fixed plant is discussed, as well as laboratory and industry testing. Unique to existing developments, the expert system incorporates triaxial and demodulated frequency and time domain vibration data analysis algorithms for high accuracy fault detection. The tests confirm the potential value of the expert system for both laboratory and on-site maintenance departments of large manufacturing and mineral processing plants.