Data Preprocessing for Vibration Analysis: Application in Indirect Monitoring of ‘Ship Centrifuge Lube Oil Separation Systems’

Abstract

Air quality can be affected by merchant ships, so it is important to regulate emissions that are produced, as well as to use energy efficiently. In this sense, the cleanliness of the oil used in lubrication is essential to achieve a better use of energy and reduce losses in marine engines. For that, it is vital to carry out good maintenance strategies. Therefore, it is important to develop techniques that allow condition monitoring during engine operation. In order to detect potential problems as soon as possible, it is common to analyze vibratory signals, since sustainable changes in the rotating frequency and its harmonics can be detected, which was the objective of this work, by analyzing the time-frequency domain using wavelet packet transform. A methodology to select the optimal function (mother wavelet) and the best patterns to monitor, in order to determine the state of the purifiers of the marine lube oils, was carried out, including intelligent classification systems. Specifically, this document considers centrifugal oil lubricant separators systems, since the monitoring of these systems can determine the condition of different mechanical systems.