Challenges and Opportunities in Vibrometry-Based Online Condition Monitoring of Mineral Processing Equipment

Online condition monitoring of mineral processing equipment is essential for optimizing productivity and minimizing plant downtime. This article explores the potential of vibrometry-based online condition monitoring to enhance the reliability and performance of mineral processing equipment. Through a comprehensive literature review, we identify significant challenges, such as sensor placement, noise interference, and signal interpretation, and propose potential solutions to each equipment. Through a case study, we demonstrate how using empirical mode decomposition and power spectral density, vibrometry effectively detects roping in two design configurations of hydrocyclone, addressing noise filtering and vibration data interpretation challenges. Considering this, we propose future research towards advancements in sensor technology and sophisticated data interpretation algorithms for the application of vibrometry in other mineral processing equipment under its significant benefits. We believe this article will enable readers to envision solutions for overcoming challenges and developing a robust vibrometry-based monitoring system for mineral processing equipment.