THE PROACTIVE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR VIBRATORY EQUIPMENT WITH UNBALANCED MOTORS

Realising the perfect production process for the food industry, that is our ultimate goal in everything we do. FoodeQ combines unparalleled expertise in vibratory technology with innovative solutions for food processing. With this clear vision in mind, we present CentreQ, the groundbreaking proactive monitoring system for vibratory equipment driven by unbalanced motors.

With CentreQ, the machinery is continuously monitored, ensuring the vibratory equipment remains perfectly balanced. This is achieved through a two-axis sensor mounted on the drive frame, measuring both the force in the product direction and the transverse force. CentreQ constantly seeks the lowest possible G-forces on the drive frame and adjusts the end user’s frequency controller via a 4-20mA signal. Additionally, it takes environmental factors into account, such as temperature, load, and the physical condition of the vibratory equipment. CentreQ prevents vibratory equipment from operating outside permissible limits, thus avoiding major damage and minimising the risk of downtime.

‘THE SWEET SPOT’

When using CentreQ with vibratory equipment driven by unbalanced motors, understanding the principle of an indirectly driven vibratory system is crucial. The unbalanced drives are mounted on the drive frame and exert a resonant force on it. With a well-designed system and correct settings, the drive frame experiences minimal deviation, ensuring that all motion energy is directed towards the pan. The vibration dampers on which the drive frame is mounted minimise the transfer of vibrations to surrounding structures. This creates the ideal condition where the frequency is optimally tuned, known as The Sweet Spot. In practice, environmental factors influence the exact position of The Sweet Spot. Any deviation in the vibratory equipment or spring blades alters the operating frequency from the ideal setting. CentreQ ensures that the vibratory system consistently operates at the optimal frequency or stroke.

CENTREQ® THE MOVIE

“A SHAKER EQUIPPED WITH CENTREQ CAN BE PROACTIVELY MONITORED AND WILL HAVE AN EXTENDED LIFESPAN”

CentreQ is a software tool that continuously measures and adjusts the behavior of the shaker system. It constantly seeks the ideal natural vibration frequency to optimise performance and prevent damage or downtime. Additionally, CentreQ monitors the mechanics and keeps the vibratory equipment perfectly balanced. As a result, components wear out significantly slower, reducing the need for (unplanned) maintenance. Industrial processes are best monitored proactively and that is exactly what CentreQ does.

Beyond measuring and adjusting, CentreQ also provides an alarm signal when a predefined threshold is reached. When an alarm is triggered, the vibratory conveyor should be inspected to ensure proper operation. CentreQ is also equipped with an early warning function. When an early warning is triggered, it indicates that a component is showing signs of wear that could affect the operation of the shaker. The purpose of the early warning is to alert that maintenance on the relevant shaker will soon be required. In the case of an early warning, the shaker can continue to operate normally. However, if maintenance is postponed for too long, an alarm signal will follow that must not be ignored. At that point, it becomes immediately necessary to perform maintenance in order to prevent (collateral) damage to the shaker.

CentreQ can also be used exclusively as a monitoring solution. In this case, only the vibratory forces are transmitted to the customer’s control system. Based on this data, a decision can be made to activate an alarm or even shut down the vibratory conveyor in case of a critical alert. CentreQ is not only compatible with newly supplied vibratory equipment powered by unbalanced motors, but can also be seamlessly integrated into existing vibratory systems (including those from other manufacturers).

AN EXTRA YEAR OF WARRANTY ON A NEW VIBRATORY SYSTEM!

All our vibratory systems come with a standard one-year warranty. However, when a new system is equipped with CentreQ, the warranty is extended to two years. Thanks to active monitoring, components experience less wear. CentreQ provides operators and our service specialists with valuable insights, enabling proactive monitoring. This minimises unnecessary maintenance and significantly reduces the risk of downtime.

BENEFITS

Why use CentreQ® for vibratory systems with unbalanced motors?

• CentreQ Autoscan enables the vibratory system to analyse itself and adjust to the vibration frequency it was designed for.
• CentreQ Autotune continuously fine-tunes to the optimal vibration frequency, anticipating factors such as temperature, load, and wear.
• CentreQ detects wear and prevents the vibratory system from operating outside permissible limits, avoiding major damage and downtime.
• To identify motor failure (desynchronisation), CentreQ measures G-forces in the transverse direction.
• The vibratory system can be monitored remotely via the customer’s BMS or management system.
• CentreQ can regulate and monitor the pan stroke to optimise loading and ensure the ideal function of the vibratory system while keeping G-forces within safe limits.

GET STARTED WITH CENTREQ®

Operators using CentreQ discover the rich possibilities and advantages of this proactive monitoring system. FoodeQ Engineering is happy to enhance the CentreQ user experience. That’s why we regularly organise demo days, both at your location and ours. When you purchase CentreQ, an extensive on-site training session is provided for the responsible staff. Are you interested in a non-binding CentreQ training session and would you like to experience the benefits of this innovative solution firsthand? We will be happy to arrange that for you. Want to know more about CentreQ®? Schedule your demo now by emailing sales@foodeq.nl or calling +31 (0) 167 44 05 00.