Predicting dryer maintenance using machine wearables

Abstract

Disclosed is an IoT-based system for overseeing process control and predictive maintenance of a machine or a network of machines by employing machine wearable sensors. The system comprises a plurality of IR temperature sensors, each of which secured to the exterior of the machine; each IR sensor capable of transmitting captured temperature data wirelessly over a communications network, an algorithm engine capable of receiving data from the IR sensors, the algorithm engine for further processing the received data to recognize real-time temperature patterns, deviations, etc., and based on the same issuing control commands pertaining to the machine, and one or more control modules disposed in operative communication with the control panel of the machine, the control module capable of receiving, over a communications network, the control commands and executing the same resulting in accomplishing process control or predictive maintenance of the machine or both.

The following is claimed: 
     
         1 . Apparatus for monitoring process machine operation and providing prediction-based maintenance of the machine by employing machine wearable sensors, comprising:
 (a) a communications network;   (b) a plurality of machine-wearable infrared temperature sensors, each secured to the machine; each sensor transmitting captured temperature data wirelessly over the communications network;   (c) an algorithm engine receiving data from the sensors via the communications network, the algorithm engine processing the received data to recognize real-time temperature patterns and deviations, issuing control commands based on the same for operation of the machine; and   (d) a control module connected to the control panel of the machine via the communications network, the control module receiving, over the communications network, the control commands from the algorithm engine and executing the commands to control the machine and to provide prediction-based maintenance of the machine.