Report highlights pitfalls to avoid when selecting CMMS/EAM software

A report entitled ‘Ten Pitfalls to Avoid when Selecting a CMMS/EAM’ is available from US-based provider of business software Infor Global Solutions.

As companies search for ways to obtain the maximum value out of their existing operating assets, computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) and enterprise asset management (EAM) software packages are key, says the firm, which is based in Alpharetta, Georgia. However, when it comes to researching, selecting and implementing the right tool, some of the same mistakes have been made for decades and some new ones have emerged.

This report reviews 10 core mistakes that companies should avoid making when selecting an EAM application to improve operational, financial and environmental performance of their property, plant and equipment.

(To download this report, complete the registration form on the company’s Web-site at the address given below.)

For further information, contact:

Infor Global Solutions, 13560 Morris Road, Suite 4100, Alpharetta, GA 30004, USA. Tel: +1-678-319-8000, Fax: +1-678-319-8682, Email: sales@infor.com, Web: www.infor.com, Web: http://go.infor.com/EAMpitfalls

System and method for monitoring and controlling production from wells - Patent Abstract

Applicant: Baker Hughes Inc, USA

A system and method for obtaining enhanced production from a well is described by this patent. The system includes a unit that processes instructions contained in a computer program, which includes instructions to monitor the actual flow rate of the fluid from each production zone of the well, over a time period corresponding to a first setting of the flow control devices, and to employ a nodal analysis on a plurality of inputs from down-hole sensor measurements, surface sensor measurements, one or more current positions of the devices, in order to determine one or more new settings that will provide enhanced production from the well.

Patent number: WO/2009/005876

Inventors: B.L. Thigpen, G.P. Vachon, G. Yeriazarian, J. Lee, C.M. Chok, C. Sann and X. Liu

Publication date: 8 January 2009

Ingersoll Rand selects Azima DLI as its global condition monitoring partner

US-based provider of predictive machine condition monitoring and analysis services Azima DLI, recently announced details of a multi-year agreement with Ingersoll Rand’s Industrial Technologies Sector.

The company has selected Azima DLI as its global condition monitoring partner. The initial partnership covers compressors installed at customer sites in North America, but may be expanded to cover additional equipment and geographies.

Through this relationship, Ingersoll Rand will provide customers with the opportunity to use Azima DLI’s Watchman Reliability Services to support long-term service and maintenance contracts. Ingersoll Rand’s field services team will deploy Internet-enabled Azima DLI DCA-60 data collectors to gather vibration data from customer sites and transmit the information to the Azima DLI Diagnostic Center, where a diagnostic team will review and recommend certain necessary maintenance action.

Ingersoll Rand, and its customers that use this service, will have access to all machinery data, reports and analysis through Azima DLI’s Watchman Reliability Portal 2.0.

“Azima DLI’s deep bench of expertise and its ability to provide field support through on-line troubleshooting and Web-based reporting proved to be the deciding factors in our choice,” explained Mike Jose, Project Manager, Ingersoll Rand.

“Azima DLI is an important partner that will help expand our services capabilities and improve overall customer satisfaction and loyalty.”

Jonathan Hakim, President, Azima DLI, added: “We are delighted to support Ingersoll Rand in this strategic initiative. Our expert analysts, advanced software and flexible, subscription-based service model provide Ingersoll Rand, and our other leading industrial customers, with the information they need for insightful decision-making that delivers lower maintenance costs and improved plant reliability.”

For further information, contact:

Azima DLI, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 4610, Woburn, MA 01801, USA. Tel: +1-781-938-0707, Fax: +1-781-935-0179, Email: sales@AzimaDLI.com, Web: www.AzimaDLI.com

Ingersoll-Rand Plc, 170/175 Lakeview Drive, Airside Business Park, Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Tel: +353-1-870-7400, Web: www.ingersollrand.com

Acoustic monitoring of a railway vehicle’s running gear - Patent Abstract

Applicant: Rftrax Inc, USA

Methods and devices are provided for monitoring the condition of the running gear of a railway vehicle using acoustic, motion and vibration sensors. These are mounted on the vehicle and operate while it is in motion. For some embodiments, by using this sensor data, defects in the running gear may be detected, and this information may be used to alert an operator to the defective condition. Operated in conjunction with a GPS, or similar location detection device, a plurality of sensors mounted on a plurality of railway vehicles also may be used to identify damaged or worn sections of track.

Patent number: WO/2009/005705

Inventor: H.B. Haygood

Publication date: 8 January 2009

OMS displays novel pipe inspection tools at Rio Oil & Gas Expo

At the Rio Oil & Gas Expo, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last September, UK-based specialist measurement technology company Optical Metrology Services Ltd (OMS) displayed, what it claims, are ground-breaking pipe measurement and inspection systems, including its internal weld scanning tool and pipe end dimensioning tool.

OMS’ internal weld inspection system examines the internal size and shape of girth welds on pipes that are destined for use in deep-sea, sub-sea oil and gas applications. It internally scans welds inside pipes, both visually and dimensionally, enabling inspectors to quickly and confidently assess the quality of the root weld (Figure 2).

Figures 2. Optical Metrology Services Ltd's weld scanning tool internally scans welds inside pipes - both visually and dimensionally - enabling the quality of the root weld to be assessed quickly and confidently.

The technology can be deployed onshore and offshore at different stages of the pipe welding process. The tool can be used on corrosion-resistant alloy-lined pipe to identify sour (aggressive) ingress points, in both clad butt-weld and clad weld inlay applications. It also can be used to improve weld procedure development efficiency and to check the root weld and geometry before next passes are deposited. The technology is also used in fatigue-sensitive applications where pipes are subjected to higher dynamic stresses.

The system can be mounted to a purge dam, with an integrated camera for positioning and inspection procedures. The pipe can be inspected while being spooled onto a pipe-laying vessel or during stalk fabrication/tie-in. Here, the tool is retrieved using a winch-and-wire system, with weld positioning controlled by a camera and precision motorised system.

Visitors to OMS’ stand were also able to learn about the company’s complete range of measurement and inspection services for the end dimensioning of fatigue-critical steel catenary risers (SCRs) and flow-line pipes, which are destined for deep-sea, sub-sea oil and gas applications, as well as aiding in the fit-up of land-based pipeline projects, such as those recently undertaken for Petrobras.

These services include the management of automatic ultrasonic testing (AUT) calibration block selection and use; software analysis, tailored specifically to match customer requirements; and end-to-end matching (without counter-boring) or counter-bore parameters can be provided (removing minimum WT).

For end dimensioning, OMS uses its own automatic Pipe Checker laser measurement tool, which is capable of measuring more than 2000 IDs and 2000 ODs (and accurately measure the WTs for each pipe end) in less than 20 seconds (Figure 3). The company claims that this tool is accurate to 0.05 mm and enables two OMS workers to measure a minimum of 200 pipe ends in a single shift. This means less time is spent on-site, minimising project delays and costs for the customer.

Figure 3. For end dimensioning of pipes, Optical Metrology Services Ltd’s automatic Pipe Checker laser measurement tool is capable of recording more than 2000 internal and external measurements around each pipe end in less than 20 seconds.

The internal weld scanning tool and Pipe Checker (pipe end dimensioning tool) are available on a rental-only basis. OMS also provides a trained operator/inspector.

The firm says that its pipe measurement products and services are providing benefits for major oil and gas companies around the world. In Brazil, for example, OMS is currently involved in two projects. In the first, it is working directly for multinational energy company Petrobras on one of its onshore pipeline projects (Figure 4). In the second one, the firm is working for Subsea 7 on its offshore P55 project.

Figure 4. Optical Metrology Services Ltd provided pipe end dimensioning services to multinational energy company Petrobras in Brazil for an onshore gas pipeline project.

OMS was also asked to demonstrate its internal weld scanning tool during 2009 to Petrobras engineers at its CENPES Research Centre in Rio de Janeiro, which has resulted in further enquiries and demonstrations.

For further information, contact:

Optical Metrology Services Ltd, 8 Twyford Business Centre, London Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3YT, UK. Tel: +44-1279-656038, Fax: +44-8700-940014, Web: http://www.omsmeasure.com/

Combined oil and vibration monitoring system detects early damage to gears

A combined oil and vibration monitoring system is available in the UK from Schaeffler (UK) Ltd.

The system enables damage to heavy-duty, oil-lubricated industrial gears to be detected - providing plant operators with a reliable system that prevents unplanned down time and minimises maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) costs.

Critical

Industrial gears and gearboxes are critical to the smooth operation of most production environments and so maintaining these systems is often a high priority.

If excess wear or damage is allowed to develop within a gearbox, this could result in secondary damage to other vital plant and machinery, leading to high repair costs, as well as costly production down time.

The FAG Wear Debris Monitor (Figure 1) from Schaeffler (UK) is designed to solve these issues. This on-line condition monitoring system is capable of pinpointing the precise location of any damage or wear to gears, bearings and cages within a gearbox or other industrial gear unit. The system is therefore suitable for use in almost every industry sector, including wind-power (gearbox drive-train), marine (ship propulsion systems), oil and gas (top drives and draw works gearboxes), mining and quarrying (mills and rotary kilns), steel and aluminium (pinion stand gear units), pulp and paper (drying cylinder gears and wire drive roll gears).

Inductive particle counter

The system’s oil monitor works by using an inductive particle counter (sensor), which is able to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metal particles that are present in the lubricating oil.

On a typical industrial gearbox application, the particle counter or sensor is installed in the oil flow, directly before the oil filter, or as a separate circuit. The sensor operates on the principle that any wear to a component, such as a bearing or gear tooth, will result in small metal particles being rubbed off into the oil - often several months prior to an actual failure.

The sensor provides information on the number of particulates present in the oil, and then classifies these according to their physical size. Analysing the oil in this way enables damage and wear to the gears to be detected much earlier - even in planetary gearboxes, such as those used on wind turbines.

Vibration behaviour

In addition to oil analysis, the FAG Wear Debris Monitor also monitors the vibration behaviour of the machine and its components, including rolling bearings and gear wheels.

By installing sensors on the machine or gearbox that needs to be monitored, the new system detects changes in the operating behaviour, indicating early signs of damage. This enables the plant to start suitable repair work or plan some scheduled maintenance in order to prevent failure of the machine, resulting in costly production down time.

This unique combination of oil and vibration monitoring, provided in a single on-line condition monitoring system, means that users receive earlier warning signs of gear damage than if vibration monitoring is used on its own, or vice versa, says the company.

After any damage is detected, analysis is then required in order to determine the possible causes. The results of this work then lead to recommendations or remedial action that will prevent similar damage for occurring in the future.

Methods of analysis

Schaeffler UK is able to provide a wide variety of analysis methods to assist customers.

Endoscopy, for example, is used to determine the full extent or severity of any damage. Video endoscopes enable the internal components of a machine to be inspected, enabling the user to make a diagnosis of the damage by viewing digital photographs and video footage.

By using a special interface, the FAG Wear Debris Monitor can be easily integrated with other on-line condition monitoring systems from Schaeffler, including the FAG DTECT X1 and FAG ProCheck systems. These condition monitoring systems can be adapted or retrofitted to suit any customer requirements, says the firm.

“The combined use of FAG oil monitoring products, vibration monitoring products and services from FAG Industrial Services, provides an efficient, cost-effective way of improving the protection of oil-lubricated gears,” commented Christian Meindl, Product Manager Oil Monitoring Products, FAG Industrial Services (FIS).

“By detecting damage early, and by using the wide variety of analysis methods, the operational reliability of gears can be improved significantly, leading to similar improvements in productivity.”

Rolling bearing manufacturer

With a total of 61 000 employees at over 180 locations around the world, and group sales of €7.3 billion (fiscal year 2009), the Schaeffler Group is one of the world's leading rolling bearing manufacturers and automotive component suppliers. The corporate group includes the INA Group with headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the FAG Group based in Schweinfurt, Germany, and the LuK Group of Bühl, Germany.

FIS is a member of the FAG Group and supports the Schaeffler Group in the UK and worldwide with industrial services, including effective maintenance management and condition monitoring.

For further information, contact:

Schaeffler (UK) Ltd, Forge Lane, Minworth, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 1AP, UK. Tel: +44-121-351-3833, Fax: +44-121-351-7686, Email: info.uk@schaeffler.com, Web: www.schaeffler.co.uk

Schaeffler KG, Georg-Schäfer-Strasse 30, 97421 Schweinfurt, Germany. Tel: +49-97-2191-0, Fax: +49-97-2191-3435, Email: faginfo@schaeffler.com, Web: www.fag.de



Figure 1. This on-line condition monitoring system, available from Schaeffler (UK) Ltd, is capable of pinpointing the precise location of any damage or wear to gears, bearings and cages within a gearbox or other industrial gear unit.

Compact, in-line thermal imager is given more features and a rental option

Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd recently enhanced its in-line, infrared thermal imaging camera by adding a host of new features, accessories and mounting options, including a protective enclosure that allows the device to operate in ambient temperatures up to 200^OC - making the unit ideal for monitoring the temperature of steel, ceramics and glass when they are being produced.

USB 2.0 interface

Powered and operated via a USB 2.0 interface, the Thermoimager TIM160 is a radiometric thermal imaging camera that provides temperature images and profiles of a target area.

This plug-and-play unit comes with a full software package (included in the unit price), that enables users to configure all the parameters of the device, as well as making it possible to capture data, in real time (at 100 Hz full frame rate) and storage of images or video of an event for slow-motion play-back or ‘snapshots’ at a later date - an important feature in many research and development, and failure diagnostics work.

Figure 2a. Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd’s in-line, radiometric thermal imaging camera - the Thermoimager TIM160.

Accessories and features

The company is now offering the camera with a variety of new features and accessories.

Rather than supplying the device with a single factory calibrated optical lens, users now have the option of up to three interchangeable lenses (9, 31 and 64 degree field of view). For research and development test engineers (who may be unsure of the way in which the device will be used), the three interchangeable lenses cater for every possible field of view for temperature monitoring tasks, says the firm.

Other features and accessories now provided with the imager include a traceable certificate of calibration (one for each individual lens), a tripod mount (adjustable from 200 mm up to 1000 mm), a rugged carrying case, USB cables (from 1 m up to 100 m) and process-control and analysis software.

Fixed into position

Unlike a hand-held thermal imaging camera, the Thermoimager TIM160 is fixed into position in a production line or laboratory in order to monitor the temperature profile of target materials or objects.

According Micro-Epsilon, it is well suited to process-control, quality, and research and development applications, across a wide range of sectors, including the plastics, packaging, machine-building, thermoforming, automotive, paper, printing, textiles, food, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries. It also can be used in medical engineering, and by universities and other educational establishments.

Chris Jones, Managing Director, Micro-Epsilon, commented: “The range of options now available for the Thermoimager TIM160, as well as the new features that we have added, enable users to mount the device in almost any process environment or R&D application. We have a wide variety of mounting brackets that cater for almost every type of installation, as well as a variety of protective enclosures that enable the device to be installed in wash-down or high temperature environments. Our water cooling jacket option (Figure 2b), for example, enables the device to be used in temperatures up to 200^OC.”

Figure 2b. The water cooling jacket option for Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd’s Thermoimager TIM160 enables the device to be used in temperatures up to 200^OC.

“Patrol monitoring a process plant using relatively expensive hand-held thermal imaging cameras to monitor critical plant and machinery is not a viable option for many companies. However, the Thermoimager TIM160 can be installed in a fixed position next to a critical component or part of a production line, to constantly monitor a target. It is already proving to be an attractive option for many predictive maintenance applications.”

Rental option

“We are also offering a new rental option, whereby customers can choose to hire the device on a weekly basis before committing to a full purchase. This enables users to evaluate the device fully in their own application and environment which, in turn, will help to justify the capital expenditure,” added Jones.

Compact and lightweight

The Thermoimager TIM160 is compact and lightweight. The camera housing measures 45 mm x 45 mm x 62 mm and it weighs 250 g (including lens and a 1 m USB cable), enabling it to be easily mounted in restricted spaces. The rugged device is protected to IP65 (NEMA-4) and is powered (5V dc) via the USB 2.0 interface, with a maximum current draw of 500 mA.

The system is compatible with Windows XP/Vista, which enables it to be used with mini-PCs, rail-mounted PCs and industrial embedded PCs and PLCs. Users can also export thermal imaging data from the process imager into customer-specific software.

Sensor manufacturer

Micro-Epsilon is based in Germany. The company’s range of displacement sensors measure everything from to distance, position, vibration, dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact techniques. These include 1D, 2D and even 3D laser-optical sensors and systems, eddy-current, capacitive, inductive, potentiometric and draw-wire principles.

In addition, the company has developed its own range of non-contact infrared temperature sensors that can measure virtually any target temperature from -40^OC to +3300^OC.

For further information, contact:

Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd, Unit 1, Pioneer Business Park, North Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 1AD, UK. Tel: +44-151-355-6070, Fax: +44-151-355-6075, Web: www.micro-epsilon.co.uk

Fletcher Moorland achieves SKF Certified Rebuilder status

Fletcher Moorland Ltd, based in Stoke-on-Trent, UK, hasjoined SKF’s group of Certified Rebuilders, for the repair ofindustrial electric motors.
It makes up one of the five companies in the UK that hassuccessfully gone through the rigorous certification process, which helps end-users identify those repair shops of-fering an approved quality service with the right experienceand expertise to quickly, efficiently and effectively diagnoseand repair electric motors.
To earn the SKF Certified Rebuilder status, the team at Fletcher Moorland completed extensive training in electricmotor failure analysis, bearing installation, lubrication systems and condition monitoring technologies. This certification programme is awarded to specialist companies provid-ing electric motor repair services that meet SKF’s exacting standards and specifications, and are periodically auditedto ensure compliance.

Figure 1. UK-based Fletcher Moorland Ltd has joined SKF’s group ofCertified Rebuilders, for the repair of industrial electric motors.

Matt Fletcher, Managing Director, Fletcher Moorland, explained: “It involved a change in workshop procedures andmindset. Training on best practices and modern repairmethods have been given, adapted and created by this cer-tification. We have invested heavily in equipment, and ouremployees are now always looking at all our proceduresand methodology to see how we can improve still further.”
“The difference to our business has been great - it has made us move from a traditional reactive service to amore proactive service for our customers, and we have to tally eliminated warranty claims caused by improper bear-ing fitting. In addition, it has developed our understanding of modern maintenance methods and practices. We wantto stop failures happening on our customers’ sites and workwith them to improve productivity. Ultimately, the benefitsto our business mean we are more able to meet our cus-tomers’ future needs,” he added.
First launched on the US market in 2006, the SKF Certi-fied Rebuilder programme was developed in response toincreased end-user needs for improved electric motor reli-ability. The scheme also enables certified rebuilders to of-fer root-cause analysis to help businesses iden-tify exactly what is causing equipment to fail inthe first instance, so that it can be preventedin the future. For customers, the programmemeans fewer breakdowns, a greater return on investment, improved operational equipment effectivenessand, ultimately, increased profits from their productionplant.The programme is now being rolled out worldwide, settingthe standard for high-quality and best-in-class repair prac-tices.In addition to Fletcher Moorland in the Midlands, there arefour other Certified Rebuilders throughout the UK - WGM Engineering in Scotland, Team Rewinds in theNorth-East, Anstee Ware in the South-West and Mid-KentElectrical Engineering Co in the South-East.
For further information, contact:SKF (UK) Ltd, Sundon Park Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU3 3BL, UK.Tel: +44-1582-490049, Fax: +44-1582-848091, Email: marketing.uk@skf.com,
Web: www.skf.com/uk
SKF, SE-415 50 Göteborg, Sweden. Tel: +46-31-337-1994, Fax: +46-31-337-2832, Web: http://www.skf.com/
Fletcher Moorland Ltd, Elenora Street, Stoke-on-TrentST4 1QG, UK. Tel: +44-1782-411021, Web: http://www.fletchermoorland.com/



Report highlights pitfalls to avoid when selecting CMMS/EAM software

A report entitled ‘Ten Pitfalls to Avoid when Selecting a CMMS/EAM’ is available from US-based provider of business software Infor Global Solutions.
As companies search for ways to obtain the maximum valueout of their existing operating assets, computerised main-tenance management system (CMMS) and enterprise assetmanagement (EAM) software packages are key, says thefirm, which is based in Alpharetta, Georgia. However, whenit comes to researching, selecting and implementing theright tool, some of the same mistakes have been made fordecades and some new ones have emerged.
This report reviews 10 core mistakes that companies shouldavoid making when selecting an EAM application to im-prove operational, financial and environmental performanceof their property, plant and equipment.
(To download this report, complete the registration form onthe company’s Web-site at the address given below.)
For further information, contact:Infor Global Solutions, 13560 Morris Road, Suite 4100, Alpharetta,GA 30004, USA. Tel: +1-678-319-8000, Fax: +1-678-319-8682,Email: sales@infor.com, Web: www.infor.com, Web: http://go.infor.com/EAMpitfalls

Hansford Sensors wins TVBMA export award

UK vibration monitoring specialist Hansford Sensors Ltd has won a Thames Valley Business Magazine Award (TVBMA).
The company, which is based in High Wycombe, came firstin the ‘Thames Valley Export Award’ category, which is spon-sored by UK Trade & Investment Team South East – a government organisation that helps businesses to trade overseas.
Hansford Sensors received the award at a gala evening forTVBMA 2010 that took place at the Royal Berkshire Con-ference Centre, Madejski Stadium in Reading, during No-vember 2010. More than 300 people packed the centre tohear guest speaker Lord Paddy Ashdown and the results ofthe awards (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Chris Hansford, Managing Director, Hansford Sensors Ltd,receives the ‘Thames Valley Export Award’ at a gala evening thattook place in Reading, UK. Also pictured are guest speaker at theevent Lord Paddy Ashdown (left) and Angus Murray, InternationalTrade Adviser, Team Manager, UK Trade & Investment Team SouthEast (right).

The company has grown consistently since its was formedin 2006 by its managing director Chris Hansford, and ex-ports over 80% of its turnover.
Hansford commented: “With the downturn in the economyin the UK, we set our sights on overseas markets and nowsell our vibration sensors into over 40 countries. Asia has been particularly fruitful, with an incredible risein products sold into the Australian marketplace, thanks to the hard work of our distribu-tor in New South Wales.”
“We are now working at attacking other export areas andwe have recently visited Mexico and the USA, discussinghow our products can be applied in the maintenance man-agement of industrial plant and machinery.”
Hansford also praised the team back at the firm’s newpremises on the Sands Industrial Estate. He said: “Theirenthusiasm, efforts and dedication have all contributed tothe growth and success of the company.”
Awards chairman David Murray said: “I cannot remembersuch an outstanding group of finalists as we have gatheredthis year. The shortlisted companies demonstrate that de-spite a very tough year for the economy there are successstories that transcend the downturn, which shine a lightwhen it might look gloomy.”
For further information, contact:Hansford Sensors Ltd, Artisan, Hillbottom Road, Sands IndustrialEstate, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP12 4HJ, UK. Tel: +44-845-680-1957, Fax: +44-845-680-1958, Email:sales@hansfordsensors.com, Web: http://www.hansfordsensors.com/



Contents from the latest issue of Condition Monitor newsletter

News & Views
On-Ramp Wireless and Koncar INEM form partnership to provide CM system for the oil and gas industry
SKF launches UK ‘Solution Factory’
Kittiwake appoints new head to run its US operations
IEEE award honours Missouri S&T professor
Horizon Wind Energy chooses SmartSignal to protect itswind farms
Imperium appoints vice president of global sales,NDT products
New members join Fieldbus Foundation’s board ofdirectors
Meggitt adds US representative for Wilcoxon Researchproduct line
Emerson provides measurement engineering supportfor Maersk’s North Sea offshore operations
EDSA awarded additional patents for power analyticssoftware
Book covers the theory and application of randomdata analysis

Feature
Condition monitoring is an insurance policy againstunforeseen plant down time

Case Study
Benefits of vibration monitoring using dual outputsensors

Feature
Effective condition monitoring cuts costs in water and wastewater plants

Product début
Vibration analysis system is contained in a ‘sugar-cubesized’ package
Maintenance-free pH sensor is designed to be used inharsh environments
Haloptic technology boosts performance of pipelineinspection camera
Tiny silicon sensor uses MEMS technology to provideextremely accurate pressure measurements

Patent Abstracts
Ultrasonic, liquid level monitoring system
Monitoring the condition of a flexible pipeline
System for monitoring an elevator brake

To subscribe to Condition Monitor e-mail for details:  info@bindt.org

System for monitoring an elevator brake - Patent Abstract

Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corp, Japan

A brake monitoring system for an elevator is detailed by this patent. The system monitors abrasion of the lining of a brake device. A plurality of detecting elements are inserted into the lining. Each detecting element has a pair of conductive materials (also inserted into the lining), leaving an interval between them. When the lining reaches a prescribed thickness, through the progress of abrasion, each conductive member is exposed from within the lining. When an exposed part of a pair of the conductive members is brought into contact with a rotor, a part between a pair of these members is conductive. A detection signal is generated because these members become conductive.

Patent number: WO/2009/008033

Inventor: A. Chida

Publication date: 15 January 2009