故障予測ツール

監修:ニュートラル株式会社

故障予測ツールとは

故障予測ツールとは、過去の蓄積データなどを元に装置・設備・機器などの異常や故障の前兆を検知するツールです。

データサイエンス・AIを活用し、データ分析を元に予兆検知モデルを実装し、故障を予知します。故障予測ツールを用いることで、製造業では製造ラインの停止や不良品の発生を予防し、稼働率向上と歩留まりの向上を図ることができます。サーバー機器やハードディスクなどの故障予測にも用いられることがある技術です。

故障予測ツールの使用用途

1. 製造業

故障予測ツールの主な用途は、製造業一般の設備・機器における設備の異常や不具合の予知です。製品不良の発生率を削減することができ、歩留まり向上の効果があります。また、故障を予知することで結果的に製造設備の稼働率を上げることができます。

2. プラント設備

プラント設備の点検では、場合によってはセンサーによる検知が困難であるクラック、腐食などがあることがあります。画像データを収集して分析することにより、クラック、腐食の識別、判定について評価を行い故障予測を行っている場合があります。

3. 航空機

航空機の整備において、故障予測ツールが活用されている事例もあります。ある事例では、仮説探索を実施し、整備士の知見と組み合わせて活用することで、多くの予兆が検知されました。

4. サーバー・ネットワーク機器・コンピュータ

企業などの業務内容によっては、ネットワーク内にサーバー機器やネットワーク機器、設備機器など、大量の機器を管理している場合があります。このようなネットワーク内に多くの機器を管理する場合に、突発的な故障を防ぎ、予め故障に対して対処しておく目的で故障予測ツールが活用されます。

また、企業全般においてハードディスクの故障は業務に致命的な影響を及ぼします。企業のクライアントPCを対象として、ハードディスクの故障を予測するデータ保全対策ツールも使用されています。このツールでは、HDDに搭載されるS.M.A.R.T.の情報を元に、ハードディスクの故障予測日を独自に算出することが可能です。

また、一般消費者向けにPCの故障を予測する製品「PC故障チェッカー」として提供されている製品もあります。

故障予測ツールの原理

故障予測ツールでは、主に統計解析、ディープラーニング、機械学習、AIなどの高度なデータ分析技術が用いられています。故障予測に用いられている主な検出原理は下記のとおりです。

  • 外れ値検出:
    他のデータと比較して乖離している値を検出する
  • 変化点検出:
    時系列のあるデータ群において、急激にパターン・傾向が変化するタイミングを検出する
  • 異常部位検出:
    時系列のあるデータにおいて、外れ値が発生した特定の期間を異常なデータとして検出する

また、AIに学習させる方法では、大量の過去データ (教師データ) を用意してAIに学習させる方法である教師あり学習と、教師データを用意せずに学習させる教師なし学習の2種類に大きく分類することができます。

1. 教師あり学習

教師あり学習は、過去のセンサーデータ (温度、湿度、振動、音など)・画像など、既に過去のデータが十分に集まっている場合に適しています。故障予測ツールのシステム構築の大まかな流れは下記の通りです。

  1. データの可視化:
    収集したデータを可視化します。特徴、パターン、傾向などを分析するとともに、予兆検知すべき異常とデータの関係性を把握します。
  2. 前処理・特徴量設計:
    データを分析できる状態に加工するため前処理を行い、続いて高いレベルの情報を捉えた 「特徴量」に変換する作業を行います (特徴量設計) 。
  3. 故障予測モデルの構築:
    適切な統計分析手法や、AI・機械学習の手法を検討し、評価を行い、異常予兆検知モデルを構築します。
  4. 故障予測モデルの実装・稼働

2. 教師なし学習

教師なし学習では、基本的には、正常に分類されるデータのみを用いて、そこから外れたものを異常とします。主な手法にはSVDD (英: Support Vector Data Description) やPCA (英: Principal Component Analysis)などがあります。

SVDDでは、 カーネル関数で2つのデータの類似度を表し、「正常」の領域のみを定義します。主成分分析の一種であるPCAは、複数の要素で構成されたデータの特徴からデータの「主成分」を作成し、「正常な領域」の定義を行います。それ以外では、PCAに修正を加えた手法としてRPCA (英: Robust Principal Component Analysis)と呼ばれる手法もあります。

故障予測ツールの選び方

故障予測ツールは、様々な業種で用いられていることから、多様な製品が提供されています。導入の際は、課題や目的を明確にし、業務内容・用途に合ったものを選択することがまずは重要です。

また、「現状どのようなデータが取得できているのか」を明らかにすることは、どのような分析モデルを構築するのかや、教師あり学習が適しているのか教師なし学習が適しているのかを決定する上でも必要となります。用途においても、「とにかく故障を予測できれば、故障の原因追求までは必要としていない」のか、「故障の原因まで予測できなければならない」のか、など、どこまでをツールに求めるのかを明らかにする必要があります。

参考文献
https://www.ntt-at.co.jp/product/da-anomary-detection/
https://www.iim.co.jp/products/luina/
https://jpn.nec.com/solution/dotdata/tips/failure-prediction/index.html

本記事は故障予測ツールを製造・販売するニュートラル株式会社様に監修を頂きました。

ニュートラル株式会社の会社概要はこちら

カテゴリー
category_usa

Thermal Oxidizers

What Is a Thermal Oxidizer?

A Thermal Oxidizer, also known as Thermal Oxidation Equipment, is a specialized device used in the semiconductor industry for forming silicon thermal oxidation films on wafers.

In these machines, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are introduced into a heated environment, triggering a thermal oxidation reaction on the surface of heated wafers. This process naturally oxidizes the wafer, resulting in the creation of a silicon thermal oxidation film.

The equipment is highly valued for its ability to form stable oxide films without requiring vacuum or pressurized conditions. As a fundamental technology for film formation, thermal oxidizers play a crucial role in various industrial applications, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Texturing Machines

What Is a Texturing Machine?

Texturing Machines are specialized devices used in industrial settings for surface modification of conveyor machinery and other equipment.

These machines create fine irregularities on surfaces, enhancing lubrication and reducing friction between mechanical components. This surface modification leads to cost reduction and quality improvement in various industrial applications.

Texturing processes can include mechanical machining, etching, laser processing, and tiling, with new technologies continuously being developed. The versatility of texturing technology makes it applicable in a wide range of industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, and medical equipment manufacturing.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Superalloys

What Is a Superalloy?

Superalloys are high-nickel content alloys known for their exceptional heat resistance and durability in extreme temperature environments.

These alloys are capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 1000 °C, making them ideal for use in high-heat applications. They are commonly used in critical components such as turbine blades in aircraft jet engines and gas turbines in power generators, where heat resistance is vital.

Superalloys are also valued for their creep resistance, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance. This combination of properties makes them suitable for enhancing energy efficiency in demanding industrial applications. Various superalloys have been developed to meet specific requirements in different sectors.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Stud Welding Guns

What Is a Stud Welding Gun?

A Stud Welding Gun, also known as a Stud Welder, is a specialized tool used in the welding process to attach threaded studs or pins to a base material.

These welding guns enable quick and efficient welding by allowing the operator to press the gun directly onto the base material and initiate welding with the pull of a trigger. This direct application method facilitates instant welding and rapid task completion.

Stud welding is known for its high strength and speed, making it a popular choice in mass-production settings. It is widely used in the construction industry for soft steel and in automobile factories for welding high-strength galvanized steel sheets in body manufacturing. This method’s versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable tool in various industrial applications.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Statistical Analysis Software

What Is Statistical Analysis Software?

Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) is a type of software designed for the aggregation, analysis, and visualization of data. It is used in various settings for different purposes.

Depending on the complexity of the statistical analysis needed, there are various types of software available. For simpler statistical tasks or calculations, tools like Excel or Excel Statistics are commonly used. More advanced statistical software is utilized for research and paper writing, capable of conducting sophisticated analyses.

This software enables a broad range of statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and regression analysis. Its applications are diverse, making it a valuable tool across different fields and industries.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Stack Lights

What Is a Stack Light?

Stack Lights are signaling devices commonly used in industrial environments to indicate the operational status of machinery. They are essential for detecting and communicating operational abnormalities.

These lights are designed to display information stepwise, such as changes in liquid levels and temperature, making it easier to identify deviations. Stack Lights often resemble a tall tower and are available in various configurations, typically featuring three colors (red, yellow, and green) similar to traffic signals. Models with up to five colors are also available.

Some Stack Lights combine LED lamps with sound devices to enhance the detection of abnormalities through both visual and auditory signals, increasing operational safety in industrial settings.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Vortex Tubes

What Is a Vortex Tubes

A Vortex Tube is a device capable of separating compressed gas into two streams of high temperature and low temperature airflow.

It is industrially used as a compact pinpoint cooling device capable of generating ultra-low temperature air around -40°C to -60°C. As it does not require refrigerants and has no moving parts, it is easy to handle. The Vortex Tube offers straightforward post-processing compared to methods involving solutions or oil cooling. Being environmentally friendly, it does not require substances such as Freon gas.

However, since compressed gas needs to be separately provided, equipment like a compressor is necessary. It is also known by other names, such as Vortex Tube, Ranque-Hilsch Tube, and Hilsch Tube.

Applications of Vortex Tubes

Vortex Tubes find primary application in Vortex Coolers. Vortex Coolers are devices used as cooling tools in industrial production settings. Some notable applications include:

  • Cooling of cutting tools during metal cutting.
  • Cooling in tool sharpening (chips, drills, bits, etc.).
  • Cooling of various electronic devices (control panels, etc.) and electronic components.
  • Cooling of heat seals.
  • Cooling of electrical control equipment.
  • Cooling at soldering points.
  • Cooling of gas samples.
  • Cooling in drilling and cutting operations.
  • Cooling in milling operations.
  • Cooling in surface polishing.
  • Cooling in tire polishing.
  • Cooling in plastic processing and polyethylene film processing.
  • Cooling apparel for use in high-temperature workplaces.
  • Heat protection equipment for hot work in industries like steel manufacturing.

Additionally, Vortex Tubes can extract not only cold air but also warm air, making them suitable for both cooling and heating applications. An example of a specific application is dental dryers.

Principles of Vortex Tubes

A Vortex Tube operates based on the principles of the formation of a vortex, compression, expansion, and pressure differences generated by the high-speed rotation of a gas. The specific separation mechanism and flow are as follows:

  1. Formation of Spiral Flow
    Compressed gas (air) is injected into the vortex chamber from a nozzle, causing the gas to rotate rapidly along the pipe wall.
  2. Generation of Pressure Difference
    Due to the formation of spiral flow along the pipe wall, the area near the Vortex Tube’s wall experiences high pressure, while the central part experiences low pressure.
  3. Temperature Drop
    As a result of the pressure difference, compressed air moves toward the center. During this movement, the expansion of compressed air occurs, leading to a temperature drop.
  4. Separation and Outflow of Air
    Friction between the gas and the wall causes a gradual reduction in the rotational speed of the gas. High-temperature gas flows out of the Vortex Tube from the outer circumference of the flow rate control valve cone, while low-temperature gas is drawn into the center from the tangential nozzle, flowing out through the extraction orifice.

The obtained cold air temperature and cooling capacity vary based on the pressure, temperature, and airflow of the compressed air used, as well as the ratio of the flow rates of cold and hot air adjusted by the Vortex Tube’s valve.

Structure of Vortex Tubes

Vortex Tubes are devices that do not require moving parts or refrigerants. The typical structure consists of the following components:

  • Vortex Chamber
    A long, straight cylindrical structure.
  • Tangential Nozzle
    Located at one end of the vortex chamber along its circumference.
  • Flow Rate Control Valve
    Conical in shape, attached opposite to the tangential nozzle.
  • Orifice
    Attached to the nozzle side of the vortex chamber, serving the purpose of extracting low-temperature gas.

Types of Vortex Tubes

There are various types of Vortex Tubes available with differences in temperature range, flow rate, cooling capacity, output temperature, flow capacity, noise level, etc. Products with nozzles are easier to handle than those without. Additionally, products with enhanced structures, such as incorporating spiral fins inside the tube, have been developed for improved efficiency. Due to the variety of products developed and sold for different applications, it is essential to select the appropriate one based on the intended use.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Ultrasonic Level Sensors

What Is an Ultrasonic Level Sensor?

An Ultrasonic Level Sensor is a device that uses ultrasonic waves to measure the level of liquids or distances to objects. It is particularly effective for non-contact measurements in various industrial applications.

Applications of Ultrasonic Level Sensors

Ultrasonic level sensors are used in industries such as:

  • Petroleum refining for tank-level management.
  • Water treatment facilities for monitoring water levels.
  • Chemical plants for measuring levels of corrosive liquids.
  • Food processing for ensuring hygiene in liquid measurement.

Principles of Ultrasonic Level Sensors

These sensors emit ultrasonic waves and measure the time taken for the waves to reflect from a target, calculating distance based on the speed of sound. They are suitable for accurate, non-contact measurements.

Choosing an Ultrasonic Level Sensor

  • Measurement Distance: Select based on the required maximum measurement range.
  • Dustproof and Waterproof Performance: Consider environmental factors like dust and water exposure, as indicated by the IP rating.
  • Output Format: Available in formats like analog or serial communication outputs.
  • Measurement Accuracy: Choose based on the required level of precision, considering the error range in the sensor’s datasheet.
カテゴリー
category_usa

Rice Polishers

What Is a Rice Polisher?

A Rice Polisher is a machine used for milling brown rice to produce white rice. It removes bran and germ, allowing for varying degrees of milling to preserve nutrients or produce pre-washed rice.

Applications of Rice Polishers

Rice Polishers are used in:

  • Household and coin-operated models for personal use.
  • Commercial models in rice stores for retail purposes.
  • Large-scale milling plants for mass production of white rice.

Principles of Rice Polishing

After threshing and husking, brown rice undergoes polishing to remove the bran layer and germ. The process involves grinding or friction methods to achieve the desired level of milling.

Types of Rice Polishers

1. Stirring and Convection Type

Uses propeller-like blades to create friction between rice grains.

2. Pressure Type

Applies pressure to create friction, suitable for softer polishing with less rice breakage.

3. Pressure Circulation Type

An improved version of the pressure type circulates rice multiple times for gentler polishing and less breakage.

Other Information on Rice Polishers

Household Rice Polishers

Available in various capacities, offering multiple levels of milling degrees. Factors like noise levels and intended use are important when selecting a model.