Application of Vibration Monitoring for Mining Machinery in Varying Operational Conditions

The paper presents practical challenges in the process of implementation of vibration monitoring for the mining machinery. Advanced monitoring of critical components, especially gears and bearings, is presented. The proposed methods were implemented in an industrial system, called FAMAC VIBRO. The system was installed in two real coal mines and has the operational history of over one year. Interesting aspect of the proposed solution is operation in non statinary and very noisy environment as well as compliance with the explosive atmosphere requirement (ATEX). The collected vibration and process data are subject to signal processing taking into account varying operational conditions and complex structure of monitored kinematics. The data are integrated at the next system level and then it is transferred to the highest level, i.e. the diagnostic center.