System for monitoring mechanical waves from a moving machine

A method of analysing operational parameters of a machine having a moving particulate material therein, the method comprising the steps of

• recording data representing a number of mechanical events occurring within the machine over a predetermined period of time, the amplitude of the mechanical events occurring over the predetermined period of time and positional data relating to the position of the mechanical events occurring within the machine,
• displaying a graphical representation of the recorded data, the graphical representation including parameters relating to the number of mechanical events, the amplitude of mechanical events and the position of mechanical events occurring within the machine during the machines operation, and
• the graphical representation of recorded data including mean and standard deviation of vibrational events occurring within the machine, power spectral density of vibrational events occurring within the machine and histograms of amplitude of vibrational events occurring within the machine.

A method of controlling operational parameters of a machine having a moveable substance therein, the method comprising the steps of

• recording data representing a number of vibrational events occurring within a machine over a predetermined period of time, amplitude of the vibrational events occurring over the predetermined period of time and position data relating to the position of the vibrational events over the predetermined period of time, and
• determining zones within the machine which are subject to predetermined levels of wear and altering the machine operational characteristics to reduce the levels of wear for the zones.

A method of identifying the volumetric load of particulate matter within a machine comprising the steps of

• receiving data, representing a number of mechanical events occurring within the machine over a predetermined period of time, the amplitude of the mechanical events occurring over the predetermined period of time and positional data relating to the position of the mechanical events occurring within the machine, and
• processing the received data to identify toe and shoulder positions of the particulate matter within the machine whereby the location of maximum deterioration of an inside surface of the machine can be minimized.

A system for monitoring mechanical waves from a moving machine which in operation has moving particulate matter therein, the system comprising

• at least one sensor located on an exterior surface of the moving machine at a location away from the central axis of the machine, the at least one sensor sensing acoustic waves and including a transmitter for transmitting electrical signals representing the sensed waves over a predetermined period of time to a receiver at a location remote from the at least one sensor, a data processor connected to the receiver for receiving signals from the receiver which signals represent the sensed waves and processing the signals to produce output signals for display on a display means, wherein the output signals for display represent one or more parameters indicative of mechanical waves emitted from the moving machine over a predetermined period of time, and a plurality of the at least one sensor being spaced around a periphery of the moving machine to enable polar co-ordinates of an origin of emissions to be located.