System condition monitoring through Bayesian change point detection using pump vibrations

This paper presents a method for vibration analysis and a simple test bench analogue for the solder pumping system in an industrial wave-soldering machine at a Siemens factory. A common machine fault is caused by solder build-up within the pipes of the machine. This leads to a pressure drop in the system, which is replicated in the test bench by restricting the flow of water through the use of a gate valve. The pump's vibrational response is recorded using an accelerometer. The captured data is passed through a Bayesian Change point Detection algorithm, to detect the point at which the change in flow rate affects the pump, and thus the machine output. This information can be used to isolate the vibrational response indicative of the machine fault, which can then inform maintenance procedures.