Using Acceleration Sensors to Diagnose the Operating Condition and to Detect Vibrating Feeder Faults

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Vibration Analysis
• Material Handling Systems

Background:

• Vibrating feeders are crucial for bulk material handling, utilizing electromagnetic oscillators for harmonic trough oscillation.
• Monitoring feeder performance is essential for efficient operation and fault detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To verify if measured vibration values from acceleration sensors can describe the working condition of vibrating feeders.
• To assess fault-free operation and material transport capacity based on vibration data.

Main Methods:

• Experimental measurement of electromagnet adhesion and leaf spring deformation forces using force sensors.
• Measurement of vibrations on the trough and steel frame using acceleration sensors.
• Analysis of vibration velocities under different material load conditions.

Main Results:

• Effective vibration velocities were measured on the steel frame, with the highest (56.7 mm·s⁻¹) for 2.57 kg material load and the lowest (24.6 mm·s⁻¹) for 5.099 kg.
• Vibration velocity varied significantly with the weight of conveyed material.

Conclusions:

• Analysis of vibration velocities on the steel frame allows for monitoring operational phases and diagnosing faults in vibrating feeders.
• Vibration analysis can determine if the optimal amount of bulk material is loaded onto the trough.