Predictive maintenance and process optimization are the focus of much current research and development. Temperature, pressure, vibration and acoustic parameters are all measured in order to understand the factors involved and determine the best time to intervene to optimize processes.
Measurements should be taken as quickly and in as close proximity as possible to achieve the best, most predictive results. It is therefore important to use the right sensors.
However, sensors, particularly microphones or acoustic sensors, can be difficult or even impossible to use in challenging conditions (high temperatures, chemical splashes, microwave environments, radioactive activity, etc.). In these situations, measurements are taken remotely and are therefore often inaccurate and delayed.
Electronic sensors have been developed to be more robust, but as a result they are bulkier, heavier, harder to use and more expensive.
