Condition Monitoring Technology for Civil Works Lock Operating Machinery

Abstract

Abstract : This pilot project successfully demonstrated condition monitoring and predictive maintenance at Port Allen Lock by installation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and field sensors for lock operating machinery and structural components at one of the lock's gate leafs. The need to continue such research as a more complete condition monitoring program at Port Allen Lock, and then as a part of an overall computerized control system has also been demonstrated. This study achieved the following goals: (1) It was shown that a PLC control system can be used for high-speed collection of the data from instrumentation transducers used to monitor the condition of lock equipment. It was also shown that the funds used to provide such a condition monitoring system can overlap significantly with those used to upgrade the control system of a lock and dam. Thus, one project can actually help justify the other instead of competing for the same funds. (2) This project showed the accuracy and real-time qualities of the data collected by the PLC system. (3) The data collected can be used onsite for short-term purposes such as static warnings as well as being stored and trended for long-term prediction of maintenance based on the changes to operating machinery conditions. (4) The data can be exported in spreadsheet database form for use with other programs such as Microsoft Excel. SQL Server and OPC data collection platforms are also compatible with this type of data acquisition making it flexible enough to use for virtually any application. The project demonstrated on a small scale that the possibility of future cost savings might be attainable from such instrumentation if applied on a global scale.