Sensing breakdowns in mechanical parts

Sensors which are able to predict when mechanical parts in machinery and transport will breakdown before they actually do could be introduced by 2010, slashing maintenance costs across the manufacturing, automotive and plant machinery industries.

Scientists at The University of Manchester are to develop a new type of wireless sensor which will be able to remotely monitor mechanical parts and systems. The aim is to produce a sensor which can be seamlessly fitted inside gearboxes, motors, diesel engines, wheel bearings and door mechanisms, in which faults can occur.

Once fitted, the sensors would enable the 'health' of the parts to be remotely monitored by computers which would then use the data to predict when parts require maintenance or need replacing - before they fail.

Dr Andrew Starr, who will lead the Manchester side of the Europe-wide project, said: "By monitoring the condition of major parts we will be able to predict when they require maintenance and when they need replacing before they fail. This will dramatically reduce the delay and cost caused by impromptu breakdowns, and we hope it will also lead to a much more efficient service for customers.

He added: "In theory, we could get breakdowns down to zero with this technology."

Manchester will develop a multi-measureand MEMS sensor which will measure a range of selected parameters (eg, vibration, temperature, pressure) for condition monitoring applications. Another application will be inside lubricated machinery. In this instance, sensors would measure concentrations of metallic elements created through 'wear and tear' from which the life-span of the part could be calculated.

The sensor will be developed as part of a £4.1m initiative funded by the European Union under Framework 6, known as DYNAMITE (Dynamic Decisions in Maintenance), aimed at advancing the capabilities of European industry in the field of e-maintenance and condition monitoring. The project will focus on applications in plant machinery, manufacturing and transport.

The aim of DYNAMITE is to deliver a blend of leading-edge communications and sensor technologies to create a prototype system for the European market. The system is planned for completion in 2008.