Data fusion applications in intelligent condition monitoring

Condition monitoring allows maintenance actions to be based on changes of a trend of machine or process parameters. The identification, monitoring and fusion of data from key parameters can provide greater confidence in decisions. Data fusion is a relatively new term to the condition monitoring community. In defence and other applications the field is mature and has seen extensive application. The advances in methods and frameworks for applications, in terms of condition monitoring, include: • the crystallisation of a cohesive scheme for problem definition; • structured solution selection; • comparisons with dissimilar application fields which have similar problem structures or solution methods; • the blending of quantitative and qualitative methods. This paper briefly reviews architectures or frameworks, and draws examples from manufacturing and plant applications. The chief application shown establishes the key vibration monitoring parameters for equipment within a paper mill and aids the maintenance optimisation process. Key-Words: Data fusion; Intelligence, Condition based maintenance, Optimising maintenance decisions.