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apid doors are the ideal solution in situations that require temperature maintenance, draft exclusion and a reduction in energy consumption.
Although rapid doors are designed to sustain heavy usage with minimal maintenance, businesses need to know when to take preventative action to ensure safety, security and convenience. A damaged door results in rapid heat and energy loss, deterioration of the working environment, and an increased risk of fatal accidents.
How to Monitor Rapid Doors
With the advent of Industry 4.0, companies can leverage new technologies to monitor their operations in real time. For example, they can collect data about how many times doors have been opened and closed. By measuring physical parameters against known engineering limits, companies can predict problems with their rapid doors and intervene before failure occurs.
The Importance of Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance allows companies to keep their rapid doors in peak condition at all times. Instead of only performing maintenance when doors fail, companies who use predictive maintenance follow optimal service schedules. Thus, they can reduce costs associated with unnecessary maintenance and sudden door failure.
Predictive Maintenance Using PLCs
A programmable logic controller is an electronic device used in systems that are operated by an AC three-phase motor. One of the functions of a PLC is to count the number of times a door is opened or closed. Ethernet communication allows this kind of device to email the maintenance officer with this data, which means intervention can take place before failure occurs.
Predictive Maintenance Using DC Smart Brushless Motors
Instead of an AC motor and a PLC, some companies use DC brushless motors with integrated electronic control. This device automatically registers the number of cycles, hours of operation, and the number of obstacles preventing the door from functioning correctly. The motors check the variations of their environment parameters, for example the torque, which permits to detect an abnormal drift, which will require a maintenance intervention before the failure occurs.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to use a PLC or a DC brushless motor, you need to be sure your chosen system can help you achieve your predictive maintenance goals. Be sure to put a system in place to respond to data that shows your rapid doors may soon fail. By taking preventative action to keep your doors in good working order, you save money and help your business avoid downtime.
