Machine vision is well suited to monitor the condition of mechanical equipment in areas where sensory monitoring would be difficult or laborious. Continuous monitoring of critical equipment speeds up the detection of damage and helps secure the availability of facilities. Continuous monitoring based on machine vision can also reduce the need for field visits by operators. An example of condition monitoring can be found at the Pori Energia power plant, where the operation and condition of the conveyor belt is monitored with the Photoboiler solution.
There has been a tendency for dirt to accumulate on the surface of the end drum of the belt, which in the worst case can lead to the belt moving out of place and damaging the conveyor. A camera installed in connection with the conveyor monitors the color of the drum's surface, and the machine vision detects the accumulation of solids from the change in the color of the drum. In addition, the image identifies the position of the belt in relation to the drum, so that mechanical changes can be detected immediately before damage occurs. A deviation in the color and position of the roll is followed by a control room alarm.
"The operation of the conveyor line is critical for the power plant - all solid fuel passes through it. With the help of monitoring, we quickly get information if everything is not in order and we are able to prevent disruptions," Pori Energia's production manager Janne Valkama commented.
Photoboiler's machine vision solutions can be implemented in a wide range of process industry sites, where it can improve condition monitoring, process reliability and reaction speed in malfunction situations.