Small Size, Low Cost Multichannel Analyzer Based on an SDK 85 with the A/D Conversion and Data Acquisition Functions Implemented by Software

We describe a small size low cost 128-256 channels multichannel analyser based on an SDK85 microcomputer board using a minimum of external low cost circuitry. This circuitry consists only of a quad comparator, three operational amplifiers and three integrated analog switches and very few discrete components. The pulse amplitude conversion is carried out fully by software. This software as well as that for data acquisition and output functions is described and results are presente

Fault Detection of Gearbox from Inverter Signals Using Advanced Signal Processing Techniques

The gear faults are time-localized transient events so time-frequency analysis techniques (such as the Short-Time Fourier Transform, Wavelet Transform, motor current signature analysis) are widely used to deal with non-stationary and nonlinear signals. Newly developed signal processing techniques (such as empirical mode decomposition and Teager Kaiser Energy Operator) enabled the recognition of the vibration modes that coexist in the system, and to have a better understanding of the nature of the fault information contained in the vibration signal. However these methods require a lot of computational power so this paper presents a novel approach of gearbox fault detection using the inverter signals to monitor the load, rather than the motor current. The proposed technique could be used for continuous monitoring as well as on-line damage detection systems for gearbox maintenance

Power quality in high-tech campus: an exemplary case study

This paper presents preliminary results from a power quality audit conducted at a high-tech campus over last year. Voltage and current were measured at various R&D buildings. The paper examines the causes and effects of power disturbances that affect computer or any other microprocessor based equipment and analyses the auto-protection capabilities of modern power supplies. The convenience of “enhanced power supply” or “low-cost customer-side” protection solutions is also discussed. Finally it is addressed the role of the Standards on the protection of electronic equipment and the implications for the final costume

Experimental apparatus for investigation of fan aeroelastic instabilities in turbomachinery

The application, installation, and monitoring of dynamic strain gage instrumentation on the rotating fan blades for subsonic stalled flutter mode of the first fan rotor are described. The engine installation, the modifications to the engine controls to obtain off schedule operation of the fan, engine aerodynamic instrumentation, and general data acquisition systems are discussed

Process Control in Flotation Plants

The processing of ores often entails use of unit opera-tions such as grinding and flotation. Typical production requirements in mineral processing plants include the maximisation of throughput, maintenance of desired product quality and reduction of operating costs. For optimising plant performance, redesigning a process route is often impractical and the problem is best addressed through on-line optimisation which involves controlling key process parameters to achieve the desired production requirements. Process control, thus, plays a key role in on-line optim-isation. However, given the number of constraints/ variables and targets to be maintained simultaeously in a typical operation such as grinding or flotation, optimal performance can almost never be ensured through manual control. Automatic control is then the answer. There are several level of abstraction in automatic cont-rol. This paper describes various on-line anlysis system and automatic control systems available for various unit operations. Some of the process control systems adopted in HZL beneficiation plants to optimise the concentrator returns and more development efforts in pipeline to acq-uire model-based expert control systems to quest the thirst for modernisation by HZL are described in this paper