Low coherent fiber optics interferometer for shaft unbalance monitoring

Purpose and goal

A remote, contact free, micrometer level unbalance detector aimed for shaft unbalance detection in harsh environments and based on fiber optics sensor and low coherent interferometer was developed, characterized and tested in SKF facilities. The system was portable, robust and capable to be easily installed on a rotating shaft. Different unbalance levels were measured and compared to a reference in SKF facilities, and the results acquired by the portable system were consistent with the applied unbalance values.

Expected results and effects

The developed prototype achieved the maturity level proposed by this project and validated both in RISE laboratories and on-field at SKF facilities. Even though the currently employed eddy probes outperforms this solution, the latter is advantageous for harsh environments due to its insensitivity to EMI and capability to place the probe more than hundreds of meters away from the interrogation box. Such capabilities aim to be further explored in future specific services and case studies involving the developed prototype, thus creating new business opportunities for the partners.

Planned approach and implementation

This project was divided in three different lines of work: software implementation, hardware prototyping/optical probe development and product analysis. The software and hardware development were done by RISE and the product analysis done by Optronic after dialogues with the partners. Proximion contributed with technical discussions and fiber optics measurements. The developed prototype was validated in a rotating machine in SKF facilities.