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Data Logger Applications in Process Measurement

In factory processes, and manufacturing facilities the data logger is now in common use for measurement and data collection of critical parameters.

Typical data logger applications include:

Use of data logger units in brick works, kilns and ovens for temperature profiling. Often here the data logger will be fitted inside a thermal barrier to protect from heat damage

A temperature data logger is also often used to record temperature in drying processes in food production and curing of smoked foods.

In factory processes a data logger with digital and pulse inputs can be used to record machine run time, down time, and throughput of product which can later be used for statistical analysis of production efficiency.

A data logger with appropriate sensors can also be used to measure compressed air usage, product levels in tanks, and system voltages.

Data Logger Selection

When selecting the most appropriate data logger for a process measurement application a few key criteria should be considered:

Many factory environments are ether dirty, dusty, or have high levels of humidity so the data logger should be completely sealed, if possible to IP68. In some processes the ambient temperature can also be very high and many data logger types now will operate up to 85 degrees C.

Often a data logger needs to be fitted in part of a process plant far from the main production area. In this case a data logger with integral radio modem or network capability will be easier to interface with the main plant data logger system

In through process applications very little space is available for additional devices in the production line so the data logger should be small and light weight. In addition these processes may produce high temperatures and humidity so the selected data logger should be waterproof and have a high operating temperature.

Pharmaceutical plants, refineries and oil rigs also have many data logger applications in process measurement. A data logger used in these environments not only needs to be rugged and weatherproof, but also intrinsically safe. An intrinsically safe data logger is by design incapable of generating enough energy to be a source of ignition. At the present time only a few data logger models are available with intrinsic safety, mostly for measurement of temperature, humidity and pressure.

Many manufacturing processes now use sensors or PLC’s with serial MODBUS outputs. Here a traditional data logger with analogue inputs is useless. However in the last couple of years data logger models with MODBUS inputs have become available to meet this need. Utilizing the MODBUS system additional input modules can be added to this type of data logger to greatly increase the channel I/O count and also network the data logger input and outputs across a manufacturing plant.

With increasing levels of automation, and the reduction of man power in manufacturing plants and processes data logger technology will continue to play a vital and expanding role in industrial measurement, data acquisition and statistical analysis.
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