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Statistical control and error measurement of belt scales in bulk handling systems

University of British Columbia

Fast-paced integral weighing systems such as conveyor belt scales are used in the bulk material handling industry. Despite their numerous benefits and widespread use, measurement errors caused by mis-calibration, out of calibration, mechanical malfunctioning and maintenance-related errors can be extremely costly; therefore weighing systems need constant monitoring. This research proposes a method to monitor and control the error in conveyor belt scales by the use of Statistical Process Control. The cumulative conveyed weight on a scale network was analyzed to identify process error limits. Further, series of pattern recognition identifiers, along with statistical tools, were used to monitor and locate unnatural patterns within the scale network. A process validation was conducted using four series of scale data that were obtained from industrial scales. The proposed method performed successfully in determining the start points and types of nine defined patterns. It outperformed conventional monitoring techniques that are based on experimental values, and also provided more detailed information on types, start points, exact locations and potential cases of the unnatural patterns than other conventional methods used in manufacturing known as Western Electric Company (WECO) rules.

Text

2012-04-23

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/42222

Mechanical Engineering

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/