Condition Monitoring

Condition monitoring is the measurement and analysis of parameters that indicate the health of machinery, such as vibration, temperature, oil condition or electrical current, to detect developing faults early and support maintenance decisions.

Condition monitoring tracks physical parameters that change as equipment deteriorates and compares them with baselines, limits or trends. Measurements may be periodic, using portable instruments on inspection routes, or continuous, using permanently installed sensors connected to monitoring systems. Diagnostics identifies the nature and location of a fault, and prognostics estimates how it will progress. Techniques are chosen to match the failure modes of each asset.

Common techniques include vibration analysis for rotating machinery, oil and wear debris analysis for lubricated components, infrared thermography for electrical and mechanical hot spots, airborne and structure-borne ultrasound for leaks, friction and electrical discharge, motor current signature analysis for motors and driven equipment, and monitoring of process parameters such as pressure, flow and power. Condition monitoring is the foundation of condition-based and predictive maintenance in manufacturing, power generation, oil and gas, mining, water and transport.

Effective programmes start from asset criticality and failure modes rather than from available technology, define alarm limits and responses, and train analysts. ISO 17359 gives general guidelines for condition monitoring programmes, the ISO 13374 series covers data processing and communication, and the ISO 18436 series sets requirements for qualifying and assessing condition monitoring personnel. Data has no value unless findings lead to timely maintenance action.

Key points

Tracks parameters that indicate machine health to detect faults early.
Uses periodic route-based or continuous sensor-based measurement.
Techniques include vibration, oil, thermography, ultrasound and current analysis.
ISO 17359 gives general guidelines for condition monitoring programmes.

Where AiVibe comes in

AiAmbA AI Factory use cases include predictive maintenance and visual inspection on textile, automotive and electronics lines. AiAmbA IoT normalises industrial signals from protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT, with driver availability confirmed per installation.

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Condition Monitoring

Key points

Where AiVibe comes in

Related terms

Terms that refer to Condition Monitoring