The Use of MEMS Accelerometer in Vibration Monitoring of White Sugar Variant Centrifugal Machine at Dangote Sugar Refinery NUMAN
Ahuome, B. A.
Ahmad, I.
Isah, R. H.
Abstract
Centrifugal machines are widely used in industrial applications where performance reliability is crucial. Mechanical issues like unbalance, misalignment, and bearing wear often cause vibrations that, if undetected, lead to costly failures. Traditional vibration monitoring systems can be expensive, making them inaccessible for many small-scale industries. This research aims to develop a cost-effective vibration monitoring system using MEMS accelerometers for detecting faults in a White Sugar Variant Centrifugal Machine. The objectives include identifying key vibration signatures associated with mechanical faults, evaluating the performance of MEMS accelerometers in capturing these signals, and implementing analysis methods such as FFT and time-domain evaluation. MEMS accelerometers were mounted on critical locations of the White Sugar Variant Centrifugal Machine, especially near the bearings and housing. Vibration signals were collected under both normal and simulated fault conditions. These signals were processed using time-domain statistical methods and frequency-domain analysis through Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Faulty machines exhibited irregular oscillations, sharp peaks, and unstable waveforms. Frequency-domain analysis using FFT revealed distinct fault-related frequency components. In the White Sugar Variant Centrifugal Machine, the VKV021 vibration monitor detected anomalies linked to unbalance and bearing issues. The system effectively distinguished between normal and faulty states in real time. This confirms that MEMS-based monitoring offers a reliable, low-cost solution. Its application can reduce machine downtime, enhance fault detection, and extend equipment service life.
References