ACO- Advanced Conveyor Belt System

Purpose and goal

ACO aimed at a prototype for collection of data from conveyor rollers in an industrial environment, verify possibility of vibration analysis and ultrasonic determination of band position and create a marketing concept. Tests with vibration analysis yielded positive results but ultrasound tests showed a problem that requires new ideas for using this method. The prototype is designed and information chain is assured. We see opportunity to sell product and service as marketing concepts, work is continuing under new owner and project partners.

Expected results and effects

ACO project has developed energy-efficient methods for collecting sensor data from the battery-powered, wireless sensor platform. Methods to collect items e.g. vibration data wirelessly can be used to enable proactive maintenance by vibration analysis. The system developed in ACO can handle multi-year battery with a high level of secure transmission through strong encryption. Ultrasound positioning of conveyor belts have been tested and deemed not to be utilized in production environment. A product is expected to reach the market by continuing to work with new owner.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was divided into stages with updated electronics, measurement tests, roll production, information presentation and market concept. Electronics, measurement tests and information presentation has worked but roll production and market concept has been greatly affected by roll supplier bankruptcy during the project. New owner of the production exist and a valuable partnership with a focus on information management is established. Early identification of a project party´s problem is essential but difficult to manage in a small project.