An approach to pneumatic cylinder on-line conditions monitoring

Abstract

A method of pneumatic cylinder leakage on-line detection and level estimation is considered in the paper. Air flow rate and pressure patterns together with control valve signals and proximity sensors feedback signals are measured in the conducted experimental tests. Search of features applicable for the leakage detection and estimation was carried out. Air flow rate and pressure patterns are influenced not only by leakages, but also by working con-ditions that embody system working pressure, load of the cylinder, characteristics of tubing, flow throttles settings, etc. Data-driven models and methods of their composition are proposed in order to enable leakage detection and measurement independent from varying working condi-tions.