Sensor Monitoring of Conveyor Working Operation with Oscillating Trough Movement

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Vibration Analysis
• Material Science

Background:

• Vibrating conveyors are crucial for material transport.
• Understanding vibration dynamics is key to optimizing performance and preventing failures.
• Laboratory models allow for controlled study of complex vibration phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and analyze vibration magnitudes on a laboratory vibrating conveyor model.
• To investigate the influence of rubber spring stiffness on vibration transmission.
• To establish methods for monitoring optimal operating conditions and detecting spring failures remotely.

Main Methods:

• Utilized acceleration sensors to detect vibration magnitudes on the trough and frame.
• Employed a DC asynchronous vibration motor with unbalanced masses as the vibration source.
• Recorded digital signals using DEWESoft SIRIUSi apparatus for computer-based analysis.
• Remotely transmitted vibration data via WI-FI router.

Main Results:

• Highest vibration velocity (4.8 mm·s⁻¹) measured vertically on an unloaded conveyor with 54 N·mm⁻¹ springs.
• Lowest vibration velocity (1.2 mm·s⁻¹) measured vertically with 5.099 kg of material on the trough.
• Optimally stiff rubber springs effectively dampen vibrations transmitted to the machine frame.

Conclusions:

• Rubber spring stiffness significantly impacts vibration transmission in conveyors.
• Remote monitoring of vibration data can indicate optimal operation or spring malfunction.
• Properly designed springs are essential for efficient and reliable vibrating conveyor operation.