What Are Condition Monitoring Sensors?

Condition monitoring refers to devices that monitor the parameters of certain conditions in the operation of machinery such as their temperature, level of vibration, operating hours, and so on. Condition monitoring sensors gather data about these conditions so that any changes in conditions that are outside monitoring parameters are identified so that corrective action can be taken. This usually involves corrective maintenance or other actions to be taken that prevent any potential damage to the machine from occurring.

Condition monitoring provides warning about conditions that have the potential to shorten the normal lifespan of a machine and that, if unaddressed, could lead to a major failure. It is usually used on rotating equipment and its auxiliary systems such as pumps, compressors, electric motors, and combustion engines among others. The most commonly used condition monitors for rotating machines provide vibration analysis which is compared against a historical baseline to ensure that breakdown is not imminent.