Development of an Intelligent Condition Based Maintenance System, Phase 2

An Intelligent Condition Based Maintenance System (ICBMS) will provide "early warning" of equipment maintenance needs. Adaptive process models will predict changes in machine health from analysis of sensor inputs and machine usage. A troubleshooting and repair knowledge base will provide advice on maintenance scheduling and procedures to support ongoing operations and training of new staff. ICBMS will minimize the cost and disruption of maintenance, repair and unscheduled downtime. Innovations include hybrid neuro-fuzzy technology to provide "virtual sensors" and adaptive models. Automatic rule acquisition technology will extract structured rules by analyzing operational decisions and problem solving approaches provided by machine operators and maintenance staff. Proposed Phase 2 work will build upon preliminary technical feasibility demonstrated in multiple applications.