Multi-sensor diagnostics of a horizontal vacuum belt filter using infrared  thermography and differential pressure measurement: industrial application  at Metalkol SA

Author(s)	Mr. Rolly Banza Kasongo, Mr. Jules Muteba Nyeke, Mr. David Mubanga Kulaila, Prof. Jean-Claude Mukaz Ilunga
Country	Congo (Democratic)
Abstract	Monitoring the condition of vacuum belt filters is essential to minimize degradation in the filtration process. This study proposes a multi-sensor approach combining differential pressure measurement and infrared thermography to diagnose a horizontal vacuum belt filter operated at Metalkol SA. A series of spot measurements was conducted, and the data were processed using MATLAB based on differential pressure, average cake temperature, and a global health index. The results show an increase in differential pressure from 0.55 to 0.91 bar during the campaign, accompanied by a change in average temperature. A correlation coefficient of 0.89 was obtained between these two parameters. Combining pressure and thermographic indicators thus improves the interpretation of the filter's condition and helps guide condition-based maintenance operations.
Keywords	vacuum belt filter; differential pressure; infrared thermography; diagnostics; condition-based maintenance; clogging
Field	Engineering
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-10-03
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.88999

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