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With over 50 years of service to industry in WA, Hinco's reputation is well-established and their ongoing commitment to quality products and services ensures that they maintain this reputation. The company motto "Quality Instruments-Quality Service" applies to all the services provided: supply; calibration; repair; installation; wiring & commissioning. Hinco is also quality certified to ISO 9001:2008. Hinco supplies quality instruments for diverse process control and test and measurement applications. Full technical support and testing, calibration and repair services are also available.Traceable & NATA calibrations and repair services are carried out at their fully-equipped laboratory & service centre in Canning Vale Western Australia. |
Have
a question on or need to purchase quality Data Loggers? Our
Sponsors HINCO
are Experts in this area!
Contact them
here.
What
is a Datalogger?
-
A good description from Wikipedia which includes Data
formats,
Instrumentation
protocols,
Data logging
versus data acquisition,
Applications
and Future
directions.
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.
4.11
Aeronautical Data LoggersHelicopters - GKN Westland Helicopters in Yoevil Somerset monitor many engineering parameters within their helicopters. Currently they are using thermocouples and PTR sensors to monitor cooling system efficiency. Many advantages have been gained by using the dataTaker system as in the past GKN Westland Helicoptersʼ engineers were occupied in taking and logging all measurements by hand.
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.
4.11
Wireless
Greenhouse Monitoring in Korea - A fruit crop experiment
station in Korea needed to remotely monitor and control systems in a number of
greenhouses. The proposed system needed to monitor soil moisture content and
temperature and actively control irrigation and airflow by opening and closing
windows, to ensure the appropriate temperature is maintained. Full automation
was required to minimise manual workload, up to the point where data collection
must be automated.
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.
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO
and Onset.
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.
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.
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.
4.11
Monitoring
HVAC Performance with Data Loggers
- Building operators and managers have the difficult
job of providing comfortable working conditions and coaxing aging mechanical
equipment to operate at peak performance while minimizing energy costs. If the
mechanical equipment is old or has inadequate controls, maintaining comfort at a
reasonable cost may prove difficult or impossible. Although energy costs
typically represent only 1% of a building’s operating expense when occupant
salaries are included, they are easily managed expenses. Energy cost savings
flow directly to the bottom line as increased profits.
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.
Webinars
4.11 The
Tale of Two Roofs - White Roof Webinar - Chris Walker,
Owner of Roofpal Services LLC, presents his "Tale of Two Roofs"
webinar describing the process of upgrading the roof of the Nationwide®
Scottsdale Insurance Company headquarters building in Scottsdale, Arizona to a
new white roof. Doing so greatly increased structural integrity, reduced
maintenance costs, as well as energy consumption of the 18 year old current roof
installation.
4.11 HVAC
Troubleshooting with HOBO Data Loggers
- Hosted by Scott Handrahan of Mercury Mechanical, this
8-minute video takes you through the various steps of how data loggers can help
you collect and analyze data on HVAC rooftop units so you can reduce energy
costs and troubleshoot problems.
4.11
Test
& Troubleshoot Tankless Hot Water Heater Systems -
This 10-minute video shows how HOBO data loggers can be used to test and
troubleshoot tankless hot water heater systems.
4.11
Evaluating
Hot Water Heating System Efficiency with Data Loggers
- This 4-minute "how to" video takes you through
the various steps of how HOBO data loggers can help you collect and analyze data
on hot water heating system usage.
4.11
Reducing
Energy Demand Charges: 3 Critical Steps - You will need
to register to get this video. Energy demand charges are being applied to
commercial and industrial electrical consumers throughout the country, and it
can be difficult to know how to effectively manage your facility’s energy
consumption. Understanding how to control rising demand charges can be costly
and time consuming. This 25-minute webinar points out 3 important steps you can
take to reduce rising energy demand charges. This session will:
- Help you understand what rising energy demand charges
are, and who is affected
- Target and identify the largest energy consumers within
a facility
- Outline a 3-step process for offsetting rising demand
charges
- Provide valuable tips on developing a comprehensive data
logging plan to help you achieve your project goals
4.11Maximize
Air Compressor Efficiency with Data Loggers - This
6-minute video shows you how on/off data loggers can help you understand
compressor usage pattern so you can reduce energy costs and troubleshoot cycling
problems.
4.11
Determining
Proper Boiler Sizing with Data Loggers - This video shows
you how to determine proper boiler sizing with data loggers.
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?
4.11
Monitoring
the Construction of a Dam - A dam was being constructed
which required monitoring of several environmental and structural properties to
ensure its long term strength and stability. The construction engineers put
forth a proposal for a large number of sensors to be used during construction.
These sensors include vibrating wire piezometers, joint meters, fill
extensometers and strain gauges. These sensors interface to a data logger as
part of a long term logging solution. The logging solution requires a large
number of vibrating wire sensor inputs, compatibility with a SCADA system and
potential for expansion.
4.11
The
Central Market, Abu Dhabi - The Central Market in Abu
Dhabi is a huge construction project which is due for completion in 2011. It
consists of three towers, the Residential Tower, the Commercial Tower and the
Hotel Tower. The tallest will be the Residential Tower which will stand 381
metres tall with 88 floors. It is imperative that certain parameters identifying
the structural integrity be monitored and logged during construction. The
diaphragm walls also require monitoring during the construction period to ensure
the safety of the people and equipment on-site.
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.
Webinars
Monitoring
Wind Turbine Efficiency - This 9-minute video provides an
overview of using a data logging weather station to monitor the performance of a
10 kilowatt wind turbine.
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.
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO,
DataTaker.
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.
4.11
From
Waste to Power - PMP Environmental have built a methane
recovery plant at the Tapioca Starch Plant in Sumatra, Indonesia. The impact of
Greenhouse gas emissions and rising energy costs were the impetus for the
Tapioca Starch Plant to look for a solution to these environmental issues. PMP
Environmental Australia has long been involved with biogas generation and the
requirements to make this a viable proposition for a range of projects. Their
solution was to build a methane recovery plant. The wastewater from the starch
plant is being pumped into aerobic ponds where the methane gas is harvested and
used to drive generators that provide the electricity to power the plant. The
DT80 data logger monitors the gas collected from the ponds, the amount used to
power the generator and the amount burnt by the flare. These values are required
by the governing body as evidence of the gas saved and used to determine the
number of carbon credits to be allocated. The data logger also monitors the run
time of the gas blowers and runs calculations based on this data for
maintenance, efficiency and power consumption.
4.11
Comparing
Thermal Efficiency of Materials - A major research
organization had a project where they were required to compare the effects of
various surfacing materials on a series of tanks and how efficient these
surfaces were in reducing temperature losses. The temperature in the tanks was
to be cycled up to 60°C by internal steam coils and allowed to cool. The
temperatures were to be logged at all times with sensors at various depths
within the tanks. Data collection needed to be simple, but remote communications
were unnecessary.
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.
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.
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 program 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.
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO and
Onset.
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 white paper
will discuss how soil temperatures differ according to forest type as well as
its influence on insects, wildlife and vegetation.
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.
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.
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.
4.11
Monitoring
Wetlands with Data Loggers: A Best Practices Guide -
Wetlands act as a natural filter for polluted water and thus play an essential
role in water quality protection. They serve as floodwater storage to help
minimize erosion, and create a habitat for many fish and wildlife. While a
variety of factors have decreased the number of wetlands in the U.S. by half
since 1950, many organizations are restoring wetlands back to their original
flourishing ecosystems. To ensure success, it is necessary to monitor wetland
factors such as water level, temperature, and rainfall. This guide shares
field-proven best practices for configuring, launching and deploying portable
data loggers in wetland monitoring applications. A range of data logger types is
covered, and tips are provided on logger installation and maintenance.
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.
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.
4.11
Monitoring
Temperature in Production of Ethnic Food Products - A
well known manufacturer of ethnic food products and ready meals utilised a data
logger to further qualify due diligence during cooking and blast freezing.
Initially tested in rotary steam cookers and ovens cooking ethnic products and
ready meals, the dataTaker system discovered a temperature variance of more than
20°C in an oven that was being used to cook duck.
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
Sterilisation 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.
4.11 Food
Sterilisation System - A decontamination and
sterilisation facility uses Ethylene Oxide (EtO) preconditioning room s as part
of the sterilisation process. The environment within these rooms was required to
be monitored for both safety and quality assurance purposes. The huge range of
products sterilised required a minimum temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and 40%
humidity level. The two stage preconditioning process takes approximately 12
hours. The logging solution used needed to be easy to use, provide alarms for
unsuitable conditions and simple for data retrieval.
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.
4.11 Monitoring
Commercial Dishwashers - A busy catering kitchen required
an intelligent system to monitor the operation of their commercial dishwashers
to determine the optimum wash times to have the product ready for re-use and for
identifying whether any dishwashers in the ‘dishwashing lane’ were
malfunctioning.
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.
4.11 Rice
Miller Sterilisation Monitoring - A renowned rice miller
and food processor installed a new production line that produces various cooked
rice based products in reheatable and microwavable polymer sachets. As a
consequence the company required a system to monitor the retort cooking and
sterilization 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.
4.11 Increasing
Cheese Production - A major dairy product manufacturer
required to monitor cheese shaping machines on the production line. A
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is used to drive the valve sequencing for
the machinery. The system is designed to produce 3000 kg of product per hour,
but is unable to achieve this target. A logging solution was required to
determine where the PLC algorithms can be optimised in order to increase
profitability.
4.11 Monitoring
Perishables During Transport - A chocolate manufacturer
received customer complaints regarding spoiled products. Spoilage could have
occurred during manufacturing, transportation or whilst the chocolate was with
the retailer. Since both temperature and humidity are critical to the well-being
of the chocolate it was necessary to closely monitor both during all processes.
The manufacturing process was without fault so the next step was to investigate
the transportation. A battery powered, portable solution was required to
monitor the temperature and humidity of product onboard refrigeration vehicles.
4.11 Monitoring
Export Goods During Shipping - For quality purposes it
was required to monitor the environment within a shipping container used during
the exportation of paprika and various fruits. The critical elements to be
monitored were the levels of Oxygen, CO2, Ethylene and temperature. If any of
these factors were outside the acceptable limits during transport then the
product quality was jeopardised. A rugged logging solution with a large memory
capacity was required.
4.11 Rice
Crop Research - In the surrounds of the city of
Guangzhou, 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
rice varieties that can withstand and thrive in the cold dew winds. Apart from
records of average daily temperature, they lacked precise information on the
severity of the conditions which the new varieties have to endure. The lack of
data severely hampers the development of the new rice varieties. A monitoring
solution was therefore required to further this research.
Monitoring
a Cancer Research Facility -
Monitoring various equipment and the
ambient laboratory environment at a leading medical research center.
4.11
Monitoring
in a Medical Research Facility - A large medical research
facility required monitoring of the temperature and humidity within
refrigeration equipment and the ambient laboratory environment. The data was
also required to be accessible by researchers in various locations throughout
the facility.
4.11 Monitoring
Hospital Freezers on Several Different Floors Utilising Modbus Networking -
A hospital requires an automated logging solution in order to monitor and record
the temperature of 50 freezers which contain temperature sensitive treatment
products. The freezers are located throughout the facility on three different
floors, but all data must be centralised. It is also a key requirement that all
data can be monitored through a single interface, therefore a network is
required. Alarms must be able to be generated when the temperature of any of the
freezers falls outside given set points.
4.11
Microbiology
Departments Monitor Cultures using Data Loggers -
Microbiology laboratories must maintain temperature and relative humidity levels
when monitoring cultures.Data loggers with DeLogger software and remote alarm
systems are frequently used in this crucial area to ensure cultures are not
wasted through the slightest variation, or failure, of environment levels.
The following papers are provided thanks to HINCO and
Onset.
4.11
Deploying
Weather Stations: A Best Practices Guide - From the
tropics to the poles, climate, agriculture and other researchers rely on
unattended research-grade, data logging weather stations. For example, the US
Department of Agriculture uses weather stations to study anything from molecular
plant pathology to forest management. Non-government groups, such as
universities, use weather stations to study a wide array of subjects including
how glacial activity affects air temperature. Additionally, commercial companies
depend on weather stations to conduct businesses. Onset's new best-practices
guide, Weather Station Deployment Techniques, shares field-proven tips and
techniques for installing research-grade weather stations in the field. A range
of topics are discussed, including weather station site location, sensor
placement, system configuration, and cable protection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Webinars
4.11
Setting
Up a Weather Station for Optimal Results - You will need
to register to see this video series which provides
field-proven
tips and techniques for successfully installing a data logging weather station.
Learn how to find the best location to deploy a weather station, configure a
system, and place sensors for optimum measurement result
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.
4.11
Networking
Data Loggers for Mining - For
the safety of miners and machinery, it is essential that any potentially
dangerous situations are identified early. A monitoring and logging solution was
required to detect ground movement or subsidence around a copper mine which is
generally unstable. This solution primarily required a large number of inputs
and support for long-distance wired communications.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
The following paper is provided thanks to
HINCO and Onset.
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 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.
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.
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.
4.11
Gas
Detection in a Chemical Plant - A chemical company
produces products which require chlorine (Cl2) during the manufacturing process
and as a by-product release hydrochloric (HCL) acid gas. For health and safety
reasons, it was necessary to monitor and record any airborne levels of these
chemicals. The client also wished to monitor and record temperature at twenty
different locations within the plant, and preferred a single system to perform
both tasks.
4.11
Data
Logger Helps Safeguard Pipeline Integrity for Oil and Gas Industry -
In this application a data logger monitors the status of plant during
pre-commissioning, hydrotesting, pigging and flushing of new oil and gas
pipelines. Data acquired by this user-friendly data logger helps ensure pipeline
integrity and fitness for the process industries. A new subsea installation
requires the cleaning of debris and preparation for the transportation of oil
and gas. To perform this task the pipe is flushed with water and employs a
chemical cleaning process. The data logger ensures the correct dosage of
chemicals is pumped through the pipeline, at the optimum flow rate and pressure,
whilst allowing the operator to monitor the performance of the pre-commissioning
plant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4.11
Loggers
Measure Rail track Condition Whilst in Use
- Checking the wear and life of rail track and sleeper movement whilst the
track is in use is a demanding application. Track testing locomotives
travelling at 20 m.p.h. measure the twist angle of the track every 3 metres,
continually comparing readings against previous measurements. Readings are
transmitted to a central laboratory via the GSM network to establish if the
angle remains within pre-established levels. Virtually instant analysis of data,
with alarms, enables fast remedial action to be taken if required.
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.
4.11
A
Train, Accelerometer, GPS and a dataTaker - In 2005 the
V/Line VLocity 160kph trains and upgraded rail lines were introduced in
Australia. During testing the train drivers complained of the sideways movement
of the train. Repair crews went out to re-level the track. However when the
crews went to the locations indicated by the drivers, based upon the distance
along the track, the problem track could not be identified. Engineers ‘road
the rails’ and documented the location of the problem sections. When the
repair crews went out to the noted positions they could not identify the
problems. A logging solution was thus required to record and tag the precise
locations of problem tracks.
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.
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.
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 - 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 - 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4.11 Monitoring
Wetlands with Data Loggers: A Best Practices Guide -
Wetlands act as a natural filter for polluted water and thus play an essential
role in water quality protection. They serve as floodwater storage to help
minimize erosion, and create a habitat for many fish and wildlife. While a
variety of factors have decreased the number of wetlands in the U.S. by half
since 1950, many organizations are restoring wetlands back to their original
flourishing ecosystems. To ensure success, it is necessary to monitor wetland
factors such as water level, temperature, and rainfall. This guide shares
field-proven best practices for configuring, launching and deploying portable
data loggers in wetland monitoring applications. A range of data logger types is
covered, and tips are provided on logger installation and maintenance.
Webinars
4.11
Choosing
a Conductivity Logger: 5 Important Considerations -
Hosted by Paul Gannett, a product marketing manager at Onset, this on-demand
webinar highlights five important considerations in selecting and deploying a
conductivity logger, including accuracy considerations, ease of deployment and
offload, Software capabilities, cost of ownership, deployment
considerations. In 3 parts - Part
1 - Part
2 - Part
3
4.11
Critical
Success Factors in Water Level Monitoring - Aimed at
hydrologists, ecologists, water works professionals and others who need to
record changing water levels, this 45-minute webinar will examine a range of
topics, including choosing the right water level monitoring product for your
application, demystifying water level logger accuracy specifications, deploying
water level loggers in the field: field-proven methods and techniques
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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