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Reliability is a critical measure of performance of engineering systems such as spacecraft,
telecommunication networks, control systems, nuclear reactors, and oil and gas pipelines. Conventional
reliability theory is built on the assumption that both the system and its components can be in one of only two
possible states: working or failed. However, the binary feature of these reliability models places serious
limitations on its utility, because most engineering systems and their components exhibit many levels of
performance between the two extremes of "working" and "failed." Multi-state system reliability models allow
both the system and its components to assume more than two levels of performance. While multi-state
reliability models provide more realistic and more precise representations of engineering systems, they are
much more complex and present major difficulties in system definition and performance evaluation. The
benefits of correcting the shortcomings of binary reliability theory through advancement of multi-state
reliability theory are far-reaching.
The long-term goal of this research program is to advance the highly-promising multi-state reliability theory
to a stage where it can be applied to design, maintenance optimization, and condition-based maintenance of
practical engineering systems. The short-term objectives of this proposal are to develop multi-state reliability
models, efficient algorithms for performance evaluation of multi-state systems, methods for maintenance
optimization and optimal design of such systems, and technologies for utilizing condition monitoring data in
maintenance decision making of such systems.
The proposed research will generate fundamental theorems, efficient algorithms, and practical models for
analysis of multi-state systems. These results will not only advance the state-of-the-art in engineering reliability
analysis but also generate major economic benefits to Canadian industries. Highly qualified personnel will be
trained through this research program.
Planetary gearboxes are widely used in Canada's oil sands industry. They are also used in helicopters,
heavy-duty trucks, and other large-scale machinery. Unscheduled outages of planetary gearboxes have major
economic consequences. On-line assessment of the health condition of planetary gearboxes will generate
significant cost savings for these industries.
This project represents a collaborative research effort between the University of Alberta and Syncrude
Research Centre. Its objective is to develop methods for detection of early faults that may develop in key
components of planetary gearboxes. A planetary gearbox test rig will be set up. Sacrificial components of the
gearbox will be machined to mimic common damage modes experienced in field operations. Data and signals
to be collected from the test rig may include output torque, rotational speed, bearing temperature, acoustic
signals, and multi-axis vibration signals. The collected data will be analyzed with statistical methods and
advanced signal processing techniques. Models will be constructed to reflect the relationship between the
damage status and the collected data and certain parameters extracted from the data.
The results to be developed from this project will be used in on-line condition based operation and
maintenance of planetary gearboxes to prevent unexpected breakdowns. They will benefit companies using
planetary gearboxes and as a result the Canadian economy. They will also enrich the world knowledge base on
gearboxes. Highly qualified personnel will be trained for the Canadian industry.
The objective of this project is to develop cutting-edge, proof-of-concept signal processing technology for applications in the wind power industry. This project is based on solid research records of the two collaborators in the areas of signal processing and condition based reliability enhancement of industrial equipment and the complementing strength of the research labs at Tsinghua University of China and the University of Alberta. Once executed successfully, the project will not only promote sustainable research collaboration between China and Canada but also enhance the visibility of the University of Alberta in an international context and contribute to the growth of the University of Alberta as a major research institution. Moreover, because of the fast growth of wind power industry, the project has great potential to attract larger external research funding from industries and government agencies in the future.
Centrifugal slurry pumps are widely used in Canada's oil sands industry to move mixtures of solids and liquids.
They play the critical role of providing and maintaining flow of slurries for bitumen separation. They are also
extensively used in mining, ore processing, waste treatment, cement production, and other industries. Wear of
slurry pump impellers and other wetted components, caused by abrasive and erosive solid particles, is a main
cause that reduces efficiency and the useful life of pumps. This leads to unscheduled outages of slurry pumps
which cost oil sand companies millions of dollars each year. On-line assessment of the wear status of wetted
components in slurry pumps will generate significant cost savings for slurry pump operators.
This project represents a collaborative effort between the University of Alberta and Syncrude Research Centre.
Its objective is to develop methods for accurate assessment and measurement of the wear status of impellers
and other wetted components in centrifugal slurry pumps. The results will be useful for on-line condition based
operation and maintenance of field slurry pumps. The results to be developed from this project will benefit
companies using slurry pumps and as a result the Canadian economy. The research results to be generated will
enrich the world knowledge base on slurry pumps. Highly qualified personnel will be trained for the Canadian
industry.
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