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Data Loggers
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What is a Datalogger? - A good description from Wikipedia
Important Considerations in Buying a Data Logger - Whether you are an experienced data logger user, or just getting started, this article can help you during your data logger selection process. It points out some of the most important considerations to make, and offers tips on specific features to look for - Thanks to Hinco and Onset.
Datalogger Papers and Applications
Agriculture
Australian
Datataker helps save Chinese Rice Crops -
In the surrounds of the city of Guangzhou (Canton), a spell
of cold weather poetically named the cold winds, threaten to slash the yields
from the second rice crop of the season by 50%. These conditions frequently
occur within the months of September and October. Rice breeders at the Guangdong
Academy of Agricultural Science aim to develop new varieties that can withstand
and thrive in the cold dew winds. Apart from records of average daily
temperature, they lack precise information on the severity of the adverse
conditions that new varieties have to endure to survive. The lack of data
severely hampers the development of the new rice varieties.
Greenhouse
Monitoring
- Monitor and maintain optimum greenhouse conditions to maximise crop production
and minimise costs.
Monitor
Environment Status for the Export of Paprika
and Fruit Crops - Monitor
the environment in the shipping contain. The critical
elements to be monitored were the levels of Oxygen, CO2, Ethylene and
temperature. Also the client wanted portability and easy access to connect the
sensors. The project required the data logger to have both a large memory
capacity and be battery operation.
Monitor
Greenhouses and Control Irrigation System in Fruit Crops Experiment Station
- The client needed to remotely monitor, control and irrigate, measuring soil
moisture content and temperature in a number of greenhouses. Also the control of
the Greenhouses windows by opening and closing automatically to ensure the
appropriate temperature is maintained.
Tractor
Aquisition System for Field Power and Energy Demand Mapping
- University Putra Malaysia - Massey Ferguson 3060 agricultural tractor is
equipped on-board with an instrumentation monitoring and acquisition system
capable of providing the information; Engine speed / PTO speed / Forward travel
speed / Drive wheel slippage / Acres worked / Fuel consumption per hour / Fuel
consumption per hectare / Acres per hour / Cost factor / Fuel consumed / Fuel
remaining / Distance travelled / Drawbar pull force / PTO shaft torque / Drive
wheel torque and Vertical and horizontal forces at the 3 point hitches.
Buildings
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO
and Onset.
4.10
The
Energy Professional’s Guide to Data Loggers &
Building Performance - This
comprehensive 30-page guide details how portable data loggers can be applied in
a number of building monitoring applications, such as HVAC systems monitoring,
commissioning, Measurement & Verification, and load profiling. The
guide offers practical tips and techniques on a range of topics, including data
logger installation, monitoring plan development, safety, and data
interpretation.
4.10
Key
Research Laboratories use Data Loggers to Monitor and Record the Environmental
Conditions within Clean Rooms - A key research laboratory
was using a single data logger semi-mobile unit to monitor clean rooms and store
long term data of pressure and room temperature in order to explain any
incidence of pressure loss.
4.10
Degrading
of Building Materials - A building materials manufacturer
is investigating the effects of the weather on the
products which they produce. An on-site weather station is
required as part of this long term monitoring project to
measure various properties including solar radiation.
Their primary aim is to determine how rapidly and in what
way degradation occurs to different materials. The
weather station must be rugged and have a large storage
capacity so that it may be left to record autonomously for
extended periods of time.
Data
Logger Essentials for Building Commissioning - Bryan W.
Welsh - This
white paper focuses on stand-alone data loggers in
conjunction with the logging capabilities of the Building
Automation System in the context of use by a commissioning
provider. It also provides tips and advice on
specific procedures and techniques on that will enable the
efficient and effective use of data loggers to analyze building
performance
Using
Data Loggers for Energy
Management and Indoor Air Quality - This paper
presents case studies and demonstrates how low-cost data loggers are used
throughout buildings to identify opportunities for energy savings and to
document when those savings have been effectuated, while maintaining conditions
that contribute to the comfort and productivity of building occupants.
Choosing
Data Loggers for Green Building Projects
- 10 Important Considerations - Whether
you are an experienced data logger user or are just getting started, this guide
will help you to understand how data loggers fit into the green building
industry, and will give advice about several areas to consider when selecting a
logger best suited for your particular needs.
Monitoring
Green Roof Performance
with Weather Stations - This
guide explains how a weather station can be a valuable component
of a green roof project, and will share information particular to
this type of application.
The following papers are provided
by HINCO and DataTaker.
Transparent
active façade: results from a year round field
monitoring - M.Perino, V.Serra -
An analyzed façade consists of a transparent mechanically
ventilated façade, made up of an external double glazing and an internal single
glazing, separated by an air gap with a venetian blind on the inside.
Temperature, heat fluxes and air velocities in the ventilated façade were
continuously monitored by a measurement apparatus that
makes use of 32 sensors (thermocouples, heat flux meters, hot wire anemometer
and solarimeters) which are connected to a suitable datalogger.
Build,
Test and Monitor a Zero Energy Home - Working to develop
homes that combine energy efficiency, solar electric, and solar thermal
technologies that enable homes to produce nearly as much energy as they consume
- from Davis Energy Group.
Civil Engineering
The
National Gymnasium Building Structure Monitoring System In China -
The newly-constructed national gymnasium in Beijing, China played a key role
during the Olympic Games in 2008. Its iconic status will remain afterwards in
the country’s landscape as a multifunctional gymnasium that is capable of
hosting not only sporting events but also other large-scale functions such as
commemorations, exhibitions and literary functions. It then has become critical
that the building structure is able to maintain its rigidity and integrity
during the entire designated life-span of the Gymnasium. Hence a permanent
structure-monitoringscheme is required to be in place.
Data
loggers monitor Capital Airport A380 Hangar - The
biggest technical difficulty involves the entire lifting of the three layers of
spherical jointing ball steel net frame. The total area of the steel net frame
is 41 thousand square meters, or equal to 6 football fields, gross weight is
over 10 thousand tons, using an advanced constructing method of ground group
engagement the complete lift to reach the designated position – is a world
first! Clearly it is necessary to monitor the force during lifting process.
Knowing
the Strength of Concrete -
To measure and predict the progress of the curing of poured concrete to
determine when the new structure can be loaded without causing damage to the
structure.
Excessive
Temperature on the Roof of Parliament House - 36
Copper / Constantin thermocouples were installed on a prototype roof section on
the site in Canberra and monitored for 110 days over summer.
Ground
Movement in Underground Rail Tunnels - This system
monitors
ground movement during excavation of a new underground railway tunnel, providing
data history and issues alarms for excessive movement. It also
transmits data and warning alarms to personnel in the tunnel and on the surface
via an existing telephone system.
Degrading
of Building Materials by the Weather -
An on-site weather station was required in a study of the effects of the weather
on building materials. Long term monitoring is required to determine how rapidly
and in what way degradation occurs.
Improved Concrete Testing and Reduced Construction Times by Duplicating Real
World Conditions - A
best practice method for testing the cure and strength of structural concrete in
the field.
Residual Load Testing of Anchor Bolts -
There are answers designers need to know when calculating required capacity for
fastening beams in buildings or holding roofs on in high winds. For instance:
How tight is that bolt? If it is this tight now, how tight will it be in one
hour, one day, and one year?
Electrical
Test
alternative energy systems at Antarctic - Details on a series
of tests on alternative energy systems
Reporting Occasional ‘Under Frequency’ Error Alarms - An
effluent treatment plant operator, was periodically experiencing "under
frequency" error alarms in 5 substations and needed to know what the power
levels were (in kW) immediately before and after these alarms.
Troubleshooting
Infrequent Alarms - A wood products manufacturer in
New Zealand was occasionally experiencing "under frequency" alarms at
an electrical substation but could not find the cause. The
alarms were disrupting production and costly. Maintenance
staff believed they could find the cause if power levels could be logged,
however the infrequent nature of the faults meant they would have to wade
through enormous amounts of data to find the small amount that was relevant.
Monitoring Remote Power in Nepal - Kathmandu
University is investigating using Solar Panels to provide electrical power to
run high intensity White Light Emitting Diodes (WLEDs) to provide basic
lighting. As part of the investigation they are monitoring Photo Voltaic
performance, current consumption battery and voltage inverter performance as
well as temperature readings.
Keeping
the Lights On - Following
the automation and unmanning of coastal lighthouses, it is necessary to
continuously monitor operation of the lamp and its power supply, and to raise
alarms if any malfunction occurs.
Ergonomics
Validating
Comfort Complaints
With Data Loggers - To
validate temperature-related comfort complaints, an increasing
number of facilities managers and HVAC contactors
are relying on battery-powered data loggers - Thanks to Hinco and Onset.
Environmental
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO,
DataTaker and Onset.
Data
Loggers used in Saving Greenhouse Gases and
Turning Waste to Power - This application describes
how a data logger monitors the gas collected from aerobic ponds, the amount used
to power the generator and the amount burnt by the flare.
Guidelines
for Successful
Soil Temperature Monitoring - This white paper
will discuss how soil temperatures differ according to forest type as well as
its influence on insects, wildlife and vegetation.
Choosing
a Water Level Logger - Five Things You Should Know -
Whether you have previous experience with water level logging, or are just
getting started, this report can help you choose the right products for your
needs. It points out the five most important things you should be aware of, and
offers tips on specific features to look for.
Underwater
Temperature Loggers - Considerations for Selection and Deployment -
This report provides general information about
monitoring water temperature, and serves as a guide to selecting underwater
temperature loggers. It also identifies some of the challenges specific to
particular field sites, and provides tips on deploying loggers in such
environments.
The following papers are provided
by HINCO and DataTaker.
Dioxins
Emissions from Bushfires in Australia
- Dr Carl Meyer, Dr Tom Beer and Dr Jochen Müller - This
paper describes an experimental application - From the Australian Government
Department of the Environment and Heritage.
Violent
Wave Overtopping -
Tim Pullen, William Allsop, Tom Bruce & Jimmy Geeraerts - As part of a
major European research project into wave overtopping at coastal structures,
overtopping discharges have been measured at full-scale on a vertical seawall in
Southeast England.
Monitoring
Pretreatment of Liquid Waste -Increasingly
stringent environmental regulations require manufacturers to continuously
monitor and manage their effluent disposal.
Monitoring
Runoff in Forest Catchment Areas -To
monitor the effects of timber logging on water run off in remote areas. Local
streams must be monitored and water samples taken whenever the stream level is
rising.
4.10 Remote
Access to Data for Different Parameters throughout an Environmental Site survey
- Saving time and avoiding unnecessary travel is a bonus for busy engineers.
Recently, a large instrumentation company was required to supply a system to
collate and monitor various parameters throughout a remote environmental survey
off site. Monitoring flow rate, pressures, temperatures, current state of all
pump motors and valve positions, was essential to ensure all elements were
working at their optimum efficiency and to avoid downtime.
Open
Cut Mine Monitors Water Quality -An
open cut coal mine having a high salinity of water runoff required monitoring
the quality of water in several retaining dams.
Monitor
and Measure Pollutants - The
Environmental Protection Authority in Australia is obliged by an Act of
Parliament to monitor the condition of Port Phillip Bay. To achieve this, there
was a need to measure the ecological consequences of wastewater outflows from
Melbourne and the Bay’s capacity to cope with it.
Controlling Algal Blooms - It was necessary
to ascertain the factors that contributed to the outbreak of Algal Blooms. To
this end the client required detailed knowledge of the weather conditions at the
surface of the water and a picture of temperature stratification within the
river itself.
Freak
Storm and Flood affects Catchment Area - A NSW firm
specializing in environmental monitoring, has
perfected a method of remotely sampling the water in
streams during periods of rising water levels (at such times the amount of
sediments and nutrients in the run-off may increase).
Diesel
Systems Manufacturer achieves Environmental Aims -
Produce the technology to deliver cleaner engines however as the permitted level
of emissions is reduced, year upon year, new technology must be developed to
meet the changes in environmental demands.
Monitoring
Water Table Levels - Using the latest data acquisition
technology to monitor water table levels.
Hydrology,
Ecology and Biodiversity of a Rainforest in South America - In
conditions of extreme humidity, the data loggers are providing a reliable and
durable means of recording meteorological data for an environmental program.
4.10
Datalogger
Aids Rainforest Research - With the
aim of assessing the potential impact of deforestation Data loggers have been
put to the test in one of the most demanding environments – the Pacific Cloud
Forest in Colombia. In conditions of extreme humidity, the data loggers are
providing a reliable and durable means of recording meteorological data for an
environmental programme called HERB project.
Environmental
Research into Traffic Pollution in Indoor Air Quality -
An essential requirement of research is to gain an accurate picture of the
roadside levels of carbon monoxide continuous monitoring of exhaust airflow and
solvent data leaving the printing process.
Energy
and Effluent Monitoring at a Dublin Chemical Plant - Monitoring
temperature and flow returns between boiler chambers and cooling towers to
calculate energy consumption, and monitoring effluent emissions to comply with
legal requirements.
More
Environmental Links - A huge range of Enviromental
applications from DataTaker.
4.10
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO and
Onset. You need to register to access them here.
- Monitoring Geothermal Heat Pump Performance -
This paper discusses how portable data logging technology can be used to
measure, record, and document the performance of geothermal heat pumps, and
provides specific case study examples of how the technology is being applied in
geothermal system monitoring applications.
- Wind Resource Site Assessment: A Guide to Selecting
Monitoring Equipment - This paper provides project managers and others
involved in small- to moderate-scale wind energy projects with details on how
data loggers are used to evaluate wind resources. It helps simplify the
equipment selection process by providing tips and guidance on choosing the right
data loggers, sensors and other components for your project.
- Guidelines For Successful Soil Temperature Monitoring
- This paper provides guidance and tips on how data loggers can be
effectively used to monitor soil temperatures in various conditions.
- Optimizing Solar Thermal Performance with Data
loggers - This white paper discusses how solar thermal systems, with the
help of portable data loggers, can be optimized to deliver the financial
benefits residential and commercial users hope to achieve through their
investments. The paper shows installers and engineers how portable data logging
devices can be used to measure performance of solar thermal systems, pinpoint
any defects or inefficiencies, and optimize performance for greater return on
investment.
Fieldbus
CANgate
- The DataTaker CANgate is a CAN to ASCII gateway
converting CAN (Controlled Area Network) and GPS data to
serial data.
Modbus
- Connect to any SCADA system with Modbus, one of the world’s most commonly
used industrial protocols.
Food
4.10 Monitoring
Rotating Ovens in the Food Industry -
Monitoring temperatures of rotating ovens is critical and
difficult. Constant movement of the products within the oven give a challenge to
those facing the practical problems of checking ambient and cooking process
temperatures.
4.10 Monitoring
Freezers, Blast Freezers, Chillers, Ovens and Ambient Air Temperature Remotely
- A leading food company manufacturing frozen and chilled
savoury and patisserie products has chosen a data logging system to maintain the
quality of their products.
Monitoring Temperature and Humidity as part of a Sterilization Process
Part 1 - A world leader in decontamination
and
sterilisation needed to ensure the correct environment for
the Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Preconditioning room for both
safety and quality assurance purposes.
Monitoring Temperature and Humidity as part of a Sterilisation Process
Part 2 - A world leader in decontamination and sterilisation needed
a data logging system for the Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Preconditioning room.
Monitoring Cooking Temperatures and Sterilisation of Food Products
- A system to monitor the retort cooking and sterilisation temperatures, as well
as the accumulated F0,during production of various pouched rice
products. The capability to download the results was required for analysis
and quality purposes.
Data Logger Monitors Dishwashers - Recording
the various temperatures during washing cycles: washing, rinsing and drying
temperatures and determine the resources used during the operation, for example
water, cleaning, rinsing and the drying time.
Meteorology
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO and
Onset.
Choosing
a Data Logging Weather Station - Five Important Considerations
- Whether you have experience with weather stations and data
loggers or are just getting started, this guide can help you choose a system
appropriate for your needs. This report includes discussions of 5 important
considerations you should keep in mind and 10 questions you should ask
manufacturers - Thanks to Hinco and Onset.
Weather
Stations - Saving Time and Money with Remote Communications -
This paper will provide specific information about
three ways weather stations with remote communications can
save time and money, and will help guide you in deciding
whether such systems are right for your application.
The following papers are provided
by HINCO and DataTaker.
Early
Warning Predicting Cyclones -The
extensive and vulnerable mining and port facilities situated in remote tropical
North West Australia meant that it is essential that the best cyclone early
warning system be available. It was therefore necessary for the client to
augment the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather reports.
Automatic Weather Station - The weather
station is a valuable tool for a wide portion of the community. From the farmer
who needs to know for crop planting to the agricultural scientist researching
crop yield or for the daily weather forecasting.
4.10
Remote
Automatic Weather Station -
A weather station is required by both a farmer and an agricultural scientist in
order to research the direct effects of weather on crop planting and crop yield.
The weather station will also be used for daily weather forecasting for a small
community. Due to the inaccessibility of the proposed weather station location
by the scientist, solar power and remote access communications are necessary.
4.10
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO and
Onset. You need to register to access them here.
- Monitoring Green Roof Performance With
Weather Stations - This paper offers guidance and tips on how data logging
weather stations can be effectively used to monitor green roof performance. It
discusses a range of monitoring applications that can help verify requirements
for LEED® Certification credits, such as stormwater management performance
documentation.
- Weather Stations: Saving Time & Money with Remote
Communications - This white paper provides specific information about three
ways weather stations with remote communications can save time and money, and
helps you decide whether these systems are right for your application
Mining
Open
Cut Mine Monitors Water Quality
- An open cut coal mine having a high salinity of water
runoff required monitoring the quality of water in several retaining dams.
Networking
DataTakers - To monitor
ground movement or subsidence around a copper mine which is generally unstable,
for the safety of miners and machinery. Early warning of danger situations is
essential.
Tracking
Down Those Intermittent Faults -To
monitor ground movement or subsidence around a copper mine which is generally
unstable, for the safety of miners and machinery. Early warning of danger
situations is essential.
Stress
Monitoring of Equipment using Strain Gauges -
Stress monitoring of a modified support bracket
for 800mm x 2000mm blades that each scrapes about 500 kg of coal stockpiles.
With more than 100 blades per coal scraper reclaimer machine, validation of the
design was important to avoid high maintenance costs and downtime.
4.10
Analysing
Steel Mill Function - Alex Wiseman, senior technical
officer in BHP’s Long Products Division at Whyalla has stated that many people
in charge of industrial processes remain unaware of the full capabilities of the
plant under their control. It is only when all the variables that contribute to
a process are measured and analysed that optimum performance can be obtained.
Monitoring
4.10
Get
your ‘Gobs’ Right - ACI
Operations in Victoria Australia manufacture glass bottles and jars. The furnace
contains a constant level of molten glass. There is an opening in the furnace
that releases the product to pour at a continual constant rate. The glass is
then cut at a predetermined size by shears. The molten glass at this stage is
called a gob. By inserting a gob of molten glass into a mould and applying
compressed air completes the bottle manufacture process. It is crucial that the
size of each gob is correct or the bottle will have inconsistent wall thickness.
ACI were experiencing varying sizes in the production of the gobs
at infrequent intervals resulting in a large number of rejects. But what was
causing it? Was it a mechanical fault on the shears that cut each gob? Was it
the motor driving the shears? Was it the Variable Speed Drive (VSD) driving the
motor?
4.10
Monitoring
a Cancer Research Facility
-
Monitoring various equipment and the
ambient laboratory environment at a leading medical research center.
4.10
Fiberglass
Mouldings Monitoring with Wireless Blue Tooth™ Technology -
A company specializing in the manufacture of
precision fiberglass mouldings found that the temperature monitoring of
semi-mobile fiberglass moldings during the curing process has in the past posed
problems of safety and possible cable failure. Previously, the communication
links between the data logger and the host PC were hard wired Ethernet
connections, resulting in trailing cables which can be hazardous, or may break
causing loss of communications. This problem has been resolved by a BlueTooth™
wireless communication solution.
Radio
Telemetry Setup for the Monitoring of PV Water Pumping Station
- Clyde Fredericks and Jason Witkowsky - In order to determine
meaningful life cycle costs of various rural water pump stations in the Northern
Cape, it is necessary to perform long-term monitoring of such systems.
Managing
the Pumps - Monitoring,
maintaining and controlling of remotely located automatic water pumping
stations. Warnings of operational problems sent to pagers carried by
maintenance personnel.
Decommissioning
of a Destroyer Escort - Remotely
monitor an extensive range of destructive experiments as part of the
decommissioning of a destroyer escort.
Improve
Process Control Systems at an Explosives Manufacturing Plant -
A convenient, single instrument for recording simultaneously from many sensors,
along with ability to later retrieve the stored information.
Monitoring
Weld Strength to Improve Quality -
A specialist metalworking company, experienced in all types of welding, wanted
to establish the reason why some welds occasionally failed.
Aid
gas Detection - Monitor and record
hydrochloric acid gas levels and chlorine (CH2) levels. There was also a need to
monitor and record temperature at twenty different locations within the plant.
Monitoring of Air Compressors - A
small but powerful data acquisition unit that field personnel could easily use
to measure the on time to off time and current consumption of a wide range of
compressor models.
Bitumen
Spray Truck - A Bitumen Spray Truck
application required specific information regarding the truck and bitumen spray
assembly during periods when bitumen is being sprayed onto roads to demonstrate
the quality and efficiency of the process.
Monitor
Throughput for Optimum Operation - A major
problem became evident in a quarry when there were significant discrepancies
between the manually reported stoppages and the throughput. To identify the
cause of the discrepancies a more full proof method of monitoring was
required.
Adding Security Access for a Temperature Alarming System
- A testing laboratory needed to log critical
temperatures on fridges, freezers, water baths and incubators and an alarm
registered which generates a report when any of these temperatures are out of
range for a period of time. Access required a security code system to change
whether the alarm is on or off, allow the supervisor to toggle it on and off,
and to prevent further operator access.
Application Note Control, data acquisition and calculation using your
DataTaker equipment - A Sydney
company required a controlled atmosphere environment as part of pilot testing of
a new process.
4.10
Air
Compressor Energy Savings: Finding the Low-Hanging Fruit - This
paper discusses different ways to measure compressed air system performance and
identify savings opportunities. It provides insight into how portable data
loggers can be used to monitor compressor power, and references various
compressed air upgrade funding programs throughout the United States.
Oil and Gas
Oil field uses Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage
(SAGD) for Heavy Oil
Recovery An oil company drills a
horizontal well into an oil reserve that contains heavy crude oil. Steam is
injected into the well to lighten the oil and allow it to flow more easily.
Another horizontal well is drilled below the first one to collect the oil and
pump it to the surface. In the area, there are also observation wells drilled.
4.10
Calibrating
Industrial Gas Meters - With South Australian Government
regulations requiring industrial gas meters to give readings that are accurate
to within plus one percent, the South Australian Gas Company which supplies
industry with both the gas and the meters, has evolved a cost-efficient method
of calibrating its meters using a datalogger.
Pharmaceutical
Evaluating
and Applying Data Loggers
for Pharmaceutical Monitoring - Whether
you are an experienced data logger user or are just getting started, this guide
will help you to understand how data loggers can be applied in the
pharmaceutical industry and provides advice on important factors to consider
when evaluating different data loggers for your application -
Thanks to Hinco and Onset.
Safety
Measure the Strain on a Safety Harness during Fluctuating Force
- Brett Anderson, Film Director, DP, Stunt coordinator
with Moving Stills Production was contracted to work on the current "Wipe
off 5" Transport Accident Commercial to recreate the imagery of a car
colliding with a pedestrian. The safety of the actor was paramount and reliant
on the safety harness effectiveness. Therefore the client requirement was to
measure the maximum force to be placed on the harness. Although the actor’s
weight was well within the harness limit the force would increase dramatically
when the actor is being thrown about.
Full-scale
Fire Truck Performance Measurements -
P.A. Bowditch, J. E. Leonard, D.J. O’Brien - This
paper discusses the test method and modifications carried out to the trucks to
improve their performance in a bushfire burnover.
Solar
Hot
climate performance comparison - Wolfgang Meike - This
paper compares the performance of two types of Solar Panels and details how
Dataloggers were used to achieve this.
Transport
4.10
Loggers
keep watch over High-Value Plant - Today's heavy earth
moving equipment includes some of the most expensive vehicles in the
construction industry. Their maintenance is therefore critical, ensuring that
the equipment is kept constantly operational and avoiding expensive downtime.
DataTaker DT800 data loggers are now used as part of the maintenance regime,
checking oil pressures and temperatures in the gearbox and transmission.
4.10
Logger
helps keep Brake Performance on the Rails - It was
required to periodically check predetermined parameters that could affect
braking efficiency. The system had not only to process and record the necessary
information but also to operate under difficult conditions, while the train was
in service. Placing an engineer on a train or withdrawing it from service was
not an option, as this would prove too costly and disruptive.
4.10
Fatigue
Monitoring on Ships - There are few
constructions that are subject to a more varied set of forces than ships:
engine, shaft and propeller vibrations, wave impact and slams, swell length and
amplitude, wind loading, cargo and passenger loading and movement, diurnal
temperature variation, and longer term; temperature and salinity variation of
water. Swell in particular, of the order of the ship length and of sufficient
amplitude, can produce massive stress cycles on a ship, alternately supporting
the hull at bow and stern, and midships.
4.10
Train
Third Rail Height Measurement
- Atkins Rail a developed train based system
for the dynamic measurement of third rail height. A data
logger is ideal for many monitoring applications and
was chosen by Atkins Rail for this application due
to its speed and flexibility. The third rail carries high
voltage and a pickup shoe makes contact with the third rail to deliver power to
the train. If the third rail is set too low "Gapping" or lifting of
the shoe from the rail can occur. There are many causes of gapping, the major
factor being the condition of the third rail and running rail support ballast.
Trains, Data loggers, Accelerometers & GPS - New
160kph trains and upgraded rail lines have been introduced in Australia. During
testing train drivers complained of the sideways movement of the train. A GPS
was placed on the roof of the train to give the current train position and an
accelerometer installed to give the instantaneous train vertical and horizontal
acceleration of the train at that position.
Real
Time Monitoring of 210 Strain Gauges -To
verify the mathematical modeling of a new train, the manufacturer engaged a firm
of independent consulting engineers to verify the design and proof load the
structure to ensure the design criteria had been met.
Monitoring
Brakes on New Passenger Vehicle
- Evaluate the durability of the brake system of a new vehicle, critical
information used for the estimation of component life and setting of service
intervals.
Test
and Monitor Automotive Car Seats During the Manufacturing Process -A
luxury car seat manufacturer required to monitor and test it’s products during
the manufacturing process. These seats, which at a touch of a button reposition
themselves to either the driver’s or passenger’s preferred setting, have to
be manufactured to strict standards. The seat is required to be put through a
full range of movements to ensure the seat is working to specification and the
whole circuit is without fault.
Monitor and Measure Internal Temperatures of New Prototype Vehicles in a
Hot Dry Environment - As
part of new product testing new prototype vehicles one of the tests is the
"Hot Soak" in which the vehicle placed in a hot dry environment for a
period of time and the internal temperatures of the vehicle and other parameters
are measured.
Monitor
and Record Signal Strength and Plot Position for Best Voice and Data
Communications with a Train - To determine optimal
placement of signal repeater towers providing reliable radio data communications
carry out a radio survey on a sugar train.
Tractor
Aquisition System for Field Power and Energy Demand Mapping
- University Putra Malaysia - Massey Ferguson 3060 agricultural tractor is
equipped on-board with an instrumentation monitoring and acquisition system
capable of providing the information; Engine speed / PTO speed / Forward travel
speed / Drive wheel slippage / Acres worked / Fuel consumption per hour / Fuel
consumption per hectare / Acres per hour / Cost factor / Fuel consumed / Fuel
remaining / Distance travelled / Drawbar pull force / PTO shaft torque / Drive
wheel torque and Vertical and horizontal forces at the 3 point hitches.
Turning Point Analysis
Turning
Point Analysis - This is a method of data compression for
arbitrary waveforms. The incoming waveform is sampled at speed and analysed in
real time to identify the turning points (Maxima and Minima) of the waveform.
The value and time of the turning point are logged to memory for later recovery.
This also includes a simple method of noise rejection (Dead banding). Turning
Point Analysis can be used in a large number of applications where a waveform
needs to be monitored. Some examples include but are not limited to; Cyclic
fatigue monitoring of structures/ Wave height monitoring of coastal structures -
shore erosion / Tank level monitoring / Air condition monitoring / Pressure
fluctuations in pipes and Temperature controller monitoring.
USB Datalogger
USB
Datalogger - This is the world’s first data logger to
accept a USB memory stick for transfer of collected data, controlling functions
or sending programs to the logger. A single low cost USB Flash Drive can be used
to gather data from or reprogram a large number of loggers, all tracked by
serial number.
Telemetry, Wireless and SMS
Remote Communication - SMS your Datataker Data Logger - CoolPac
are developing a revolutionary new product that allows life saving
pharmaceuticals, requiring low stable temperatures, to be shipped without
refrigeration. The client needed to undertake extensive testing to validate
their product.
Using a Data Logger as a Remote Telemetry Unit via SMS
- Easily and robustly collect data form multiple data
loggers and provide calculated results, control, alarms and reports.
Monitor and Control a Furnace System - Requirements
were to raise an alarms via SMS when the furnace temperature fell outside it’s
required operating temperature along with the ability to turn burner One or Two
on or off as necessary and to reset the complete system using SMS messages.
Remote
Water Tank Control using Telemetry - This application
details the monitoring of the conditions on a water tank 10 kms away and
controlling the level via two remote pumps.
Water
4.10
Water
Quality and Trade-waste Monitoring Systems - In service
with municipal authorities around the country, these systems continually monitor
the condition and quality of stream, effluent or process water and automatically
generate remote alarm messages.
4.10
Monitoring
and Controlling Water Quality - Continuously monitor and
manage the quality of the water in a catchment area to test for a variety of
chemical and biological agents as well as clarity, rate of movement and height.
4.10
Managing
Water Pumps - An automatic water pumping station requires
monitoring of remotely located automatic pumps. Previously chart recorders were
used to log various properties such as flow and pressure, but this requires too
much manual effort to maintain. It has also become necessary in the event of
operational failure, to send warnings to mobile phones carried by maintenance
personnel so that any problems can be rectified as soon as possible.
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO and
Onset. You need to register to access them here.
- Choosing a Conductivity Logger - 5 things you
should know - Whether you are selecting a conductivity logger for the first
time or have experience measuring conductivity, this report can help you
determine the type of logger that best suits your needs. It highlights the five
most important considerations in selecting and deploying a conductivity logger.
- Underwater Temperature Loggers: Considerations For
Selection & Deployment - This paper offers guidance and tips on
selecting and deploying water temperature loggers. Three main phases of
operation are discussed: configuration & launch, deployment, and data
retrieval & analysis.
- Choosing A Water Level Logger: 5 Things You Should
Know - This paper provides hydrology, ecology, stormwater, and waterworks
professionals with valuable tips on how to evaluate specific water level data
loggers, and points out key factors to be aware of during the product selection
process
Zoological
How
Hot is a Broody Emu?
- Male emus are devoted parents.
They do all the incubation of their partner’s eggs. Given they neither eat nor
drink while on duty, the client’s research was into the physiological
consequences of this dedicated eight-week fast.
Sensor Frequently Asked Questions
- From dataTaker
This link provides an excellent range of Questions Relating to Sensors
covering Wiring & Installation issues, Enclosures
& Ambient conditions, Temperature Measurement including Thermocouples, RTD's
and Thermistors, Resistance Devices, Current and
4-20mA Loops, Load Cells, Bridges and Strain Gauges and finally Vibrating Wire
Strain Gauges.
Webinars and Videos
Onset’s free Web Seminars and Videos offer guidance on how to use data logging software, apply data loggers in various applications, and provide field-proven tips and techniques to help make data logger projects successful. You need to register to get these, titles include;
4.10
Onset's
White Papers - Onset's white papers feature valuable tips and
information on a variety of topics, from key considerations in choosing the
right data logger to hands-on deployment techniques. Sign up today to download
the white paper(s) most relevant to your data logging project.
OnLine Training - DataTaker have a range of online training options
DataTaker Online Training Workshop - The complete set of presentation slides developed for the 3 day dataTaker Training Workshop. Designed to be used on your own, at your own pace. The presentation focuses on understanding the fundamentals of data acquisition and data logging. Including detailed programming examples, covering basic to advanced users of data loggers. Used in conjunction with the self paced worked example exercises within a hands on environment.Online Video Tutorials A range of instructional videos covering use of the dataTaker DT80, DT50, DT500 & DT800 range of data loggers. Similar to examples used in the 3 day workshop presentation, but including additional sensor information and examples, these include;
Need to program a DataTaker? The datataker WIKI is a really great site specific to datataker programming
Other Links
What
is a Datalogger - A good description from National
Instruments.
Datalogging
- Your Questions and the Answers -
Includes What is datalogging?, Where is datalogging used?,
What types of datalogging are there?, What equipment do I need for datalogging?,
What issues should be considered before buying?, What are the implementation
issues? - From Becta