Sentient Corporation

Pushing the Boundaries of Machinery Prognostics

Idaho Office
850 Energy Drive
Suite 307, Office 428
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
P: (208) 522-8560
F: (208) 522-8639

Vermont Office
156 Commerce Street
Suite 110
Williston, VT 05495
P: (802) 861-6300
F: (802) 861-6303

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Sentient specializes in developing prognostic algorithms and models for processing raw sensor data, determining condition, and estimating remaining life. Bearings are critical components in virtually every type of equipment. We have been researching bearing degradation and failure for over a decade, and have considerable expertise in sensors, diagnostics, modeling, and prognostics for bearings in all applications. Combined with our large database of bearing fault signatures and spall progression, this experience has made us the technology leader in bearing prognostics.

Our expertise spans a wide range of mechanical and electromechanical systems, from industrial machinery all the way up to military turbine engines operating at 25,000 RPM. The majority of our technical staff holds PhD or advanced degrees, and most have extensive experience in military/aerospace prognostics.

Physical Testing

Physical Testing of components and subsystems provides the data needed to tune algorithms and ensure performance. Sentient can help you design your own test program or can act as a contract test facility. Our in-house test equipment includes:

Five general-purpose rotating component test rigs
Modular gearbox test rig
Space environment test rig
Microscopes and other metrology equipment

Modeling

Modeling is the primary tool for prediction of useful life, system-level diagnosis, and understanding the complex relationships between machinery health and observable parameters. Sentient is a leader in modeling degradation characteristics and fault signatures of mechanical systems. Starting from the basic physics of the problem, we have developed spall propagation models for bearings, dynamics and vibration models for rotating machinery faults, operational models for aircraft actuators, and many others.

Sensors

Sensors are the front line of any prognostic system. Sentient has developed specialized sensors for applications where existing devices are inadequate. For example, our new wireless sensor responds to cage motion in bearings, thus revealing subtle lubrication problems as well as fatigue spalls.

Signal Processing

Signal processing is used to extract diagnostic information from measured data (e.g. vibration). Sentient has developed new innovative digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms that significantly outperform the older techniques used by a majority of the industry. These new techniques include features with higher sensitivity, improved false alarm rejection, and accurate fault severity estimation.

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