• Key Technology Inc

Monitoring System for Vibratory Conveyors

Key Technology has introduced SmartArm™, a new wireless performance monitoring system for Iso-Flo® vibratory conveyors that enables users to monitor asset or equipment shaker condition at any computer workstation. The system measures and reports speed and stroke to provide real-time analysis of shaker function, line-flow conditions, and trends at-a-glance. The SmartArm client also shows an alert when speed or stroke are out of tolerance. Empowering the shift from traditional time-based preventive maintenance to condition-based predictive maintenance, SmartArm not only prevents downtime and reduces labour, it also provides the opportunity to improve process efficiencies. Available worldwide as an option on new Iso-Flo vibratory conveyors and as an upgrade for the installed base of Iso-Flo shakers with StrongArm and older spring arms, the SmartArm system includes a self-powered wireless SmartArm sensor, a remote base station, and licensed software. This monitoring system can be linked to the customer’s plant-wide network to deliver line performance data and alerts to remote users. Trending data that analyses real-time line-flow conditions, as well as shaker performance, supports process improvement decisions that can optimise equipment performance and increase production line efficiencies throughout the plant. The CE-marked SmartArm sensor, which is mounted to the Iso-Flo’s existing spring arm bracket, operates in environments from -20º C to 70º C (-4º F to 156º F) and meets NEMA 4X washdown standards. Based on the reduction of planned and unplanned downtime, maintenance labour, and improvements in production line efficiencies, SmartArm typically achieves a payback in less than one year.