Neural-network-based system for novel fault detection in rotating machinery

The purpose of this research is the realization of a method for machine health monitoring. The rotating machinery of the Refinery of Milazzo (Italy) was analyzed. A new procedure, incorporating neural networks, was designed and realized to evaluate the vibration signatures and recognize the fault presence. Neural networks have replaced the traditional expert systems, used in the past for the fault diagnosis, because they are a dynamic system and thus adaptable to continuously variable data. The disadvantage of common neural networks is that they need to be trained by real examples of different fault typologies. The innovative aspect of the new procedure is that it allows us to diagnose faults, which are not considered in the training set. This ability was demonstrated by our analysis; the net was able to detect the presence of imbalance and bearing wear, even if these typologies of faults were not present in the training data set.