ABSTRACT
Monitoring the condition of critical machine elements enables component degradation to be identified before it causes a failure. Equipment functions and components can be monitored using different types of sensors to detect when wear, damage, or a critical signal is starting to occur. By detecting deterioration of critical signals early, unplanned stoppages and further damage can be avoided. Condition monitoring can therefore be thought of as a cost-effective insurance policy for critical food packaging line parameters or components.10 Although very few machine builders incorporate condition monitoring as a standard, the equipment used for the food industry in general should incorporate monitoring systems of critical parameters, such as those linked with machine sterilization or package integrity. The different types of sensors available make a vital contribution to the reliability improvement of products and processes. The automated production lines, in the food and beverage industries, normally benefit from the use of different kinds of sensors to monitor critical parameters both online or on request.
