8 Channel Accsense VersaLog Monitors Current & Voltage

A CAS DataLoggers Applications Specialist took a call from a processing plant that needed to monitor the current and voltage fluctuations in several of their failing single-phase compressor motors. The plant manufactures ice cream and other popular desserts, and AC motors in refrigeration units run constantly to preserve the product. When these compressor valves start to leak, the storage room temperatures can sharply rise and threaten frozen food. For example, the motors’ effectiveness could be strained by low-voltage conditions. Before you can determine how to fix voltage fluctuations, you must determine if they exist and how extreme they are by monitoring for air compressor failure. A data logger can do just that.

The supervisor needed a multichannel data logger to monitor and alarm the equipment’s current/voltage, view the load on the compressors, monitor for air compressor failure, and take immediate measures to counter this. For example, a very common application is the end-of-line test of the operation of a fluid control valve. The manufacturer will establish a pressure/flow performance curve and each part that is shipped must include a document showing that the device has been tested and shown to meet its specifications.

Installation

CAS DataLoggers provided the plant with two portable recorders with standalone operation. Each unit has seven range-programmable voltage and current external inputs for multichannel machine monitoring. The data logger also logs ambient temperature on one channel, which is especially useful in gauging the effectiveness of the compressor units.

Users connected the data loggers to external voltage and current transducers which were then hooked up to the single-phase compressor motors, a pair of motors at a time. Four of each logger’s channels then began monitoring their current/voltage levels (two inputs recording each parameter).

Usage

Accsense VersaLog data loggers use a 16-bit ADC converter for high-resolution measurements. The logger also features a fast sampling mode and supports USB and Ethernet connections enabling convenient local and remote access. The loggers support a user-selectable sampling range from 20 milliseconds to 12 hours. Each combo logger’s 8MB Flash Memory stores up to 4 million measurements and stores data in non-volatile flash memory for later retrieval, while the 10-yr battery life guarantees extended operation.

Users periodically connect the loggers to a different pair of motors to ensure their dependability; the recorders’ small size and light weight enable portable placement. These data loggers are designed with a rugged, splash-resistant aluminum enclosure, and their internal electronics are protected against moisture by a conformal coating ensuring reliable operation even in this industrial environment.

Additionally, each data logger’s alarm and excitation outputs alert workers to sudden current and voltage fluctuations in the motors by triggering external telephone dialers. This way, workers can quickly respond and prevent their products from spoiling.

Software

SiteView Windows software is an inexpensive application that works with Accsense VersaLog series data loggers for downloading, configuration, data analyzing, and plotting. Its intuitive graphic interface and powerful functionality let users get a quick start on this application. SiteView’s fast communication speed enables quick downloads, while multiple file loading makes it easy to compare data from multiple units. SiteView also features real-time viewing and chart-recording capabilities which entirely replace chart-recording devices.

Benefits

Accsense VersaLog was an inexpensive and effective way for the plant to monitor its single-phase compressor motors for both current and voltage, helping workers to maintain them and get an indication of when they were in danger of failing. The multichannel loggers were accurate, easy to use, and had a large memory.

CAS DataLoggers Applications Specialist Tony King comments, “These new combo loggers give you current and voltage inputs, a large memory, and high accuracy with the ADC. You can also log ambient temperature and set up alarms to notify you when your values go out of spec. All in all, they’re a great value for your projects.”

For more information on our Accsense VersaLog Data Loggers, monitoring for air compressor failure, or finding the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS DataLogger Application Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or request more information.

The post Monitoring and Alarming for Air Compressor Failure appeared first on CAS Dataloggers.

CAS DataLoggers provided the Accsense VersaLog temperature alarming and incubator monitoring solution for an In Vitro fertilization clinic. The clinic needs to log temperature on three stacked automatic injection CO2 incubators used for culturing patients’ embryos. The clinic was using paper chart recorders to monitor humidity and CO2 tank levels but wanted to replace their existing setup since it has become more expensive to get replacement parts.

Each incubator must be maintained at 37°C (98.6°F) and experiences temperature fluctuations from staff opening the doors, so the clinic needed a device with good accuracy to alarm all three units. Since simple monitoring and alarming were the main requirements, the clinic didn’t want to purchase a complicated system with more features than they needed.

Installation

The clinic installed an Accsense VersaLog TC Temperature Data Logger, a cost-effective device for real-time continuous monitoring and alarming. It was easy for a technician to place the logger on a shelf next to the incubators and trail three Type J thermocouples out to the unit’s analog inputs.

Usage

The Accsense VersaLog TC is an 8-channel thermocouple data logger. Its 7 external input channels accommodate Type E, N, J, K, and T thermocouples while the 8th channel is an internal thermistor and functions as a reference for the thermocouples and an ambient temperature sensor. Additionally, this standalone recorder has a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter meeting the clinic’s need for high-resolution measurements.

Accsense VersaLog data loggers are compact and lightweight with a built-in USB port offering connection to a PC for quick configuration and data download. The data logger also has an auxiliary serial port and a large 8MB memory storing up to 4 million measurements stored in non-volatile flash memory for easy retrieval. For extended operation, the internal battery included with the logger has a life of about 10 years or the logger can be powered through the USB port. Users define data logging rates anywhere from once every 20 milliseconds (with external power) to once every 12 hours.

Alarms

In this application, users have programmed the data logger with two configurable alarm thresholds per channel, and the ALARM1 & A2/EXT terminals have been configured as alarm outputs so that the clinic’s alarm buzzer will announce temperature excursions simultaneously with the logger’s red alarm LED. The
VersaLog can also report its alarm status to a host PC via USB, modem or Ethernet device server.

Software

SiteView software supports configuration, downloading, graphing, analysis and alarm reporting. This intuitive Windows-based application has an easy-to-use graphic interface and supports USB, serial port and Ethernet connections for easy local and remote access. Fast communication speed up to 115200 bps enables quick downloads. Users can zoom in and out and add comments to graphs to provide a detailed view of results for successful incubator monitoring.

Benefits

Accsense VersaLog forms a reliable yet affordable temperature monitoring and alarming solution for the clinic’s needs. Easy to set up and use, the logger’s 8
channels record at a high resolution and its large memory enable extended logging—a great value when compared to data loggers with similar functionality.

Meanwhile, the logger’s alarm and excitation output warn personnel the moment that any incubator goes outside its critical temperature setting. If the clinic needs to expand its monitoring points, users can utilize multiple VersaLog data loggers for a larger number of channels.

For more information on our Accsense VersaLog Data Loggers, incubator monitoring or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS
DataLogger Application Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or request more information.

The post Reliable Incubator Monitoring & Alarming with a Data Logger appeared first on CAS Dataloggers.

CAS DataLoggers provided the stand-alone, motor condition monitoring solution for a factory producing machine parts. Worn down by years of use, an electric motor critical to the business would occasionally fail due to extended operation at high temperatures. This would often cause process delays or shutdowns, hurting profitability. To conduct predictive maintenance, the factory needed reliable condition monitoring before problems could get worse, and also required local alarm notification when temperatures went above 160°F.

Installation

Management installed three Accsense VersaLog TH Thermistor Data Loggers which are now mounted on three operating motors. Designed for multi-point temperature monitoring, Accsense VersaLog dataloggers are a portable, stand-alone solution for data recording applications that also require a local alarm notification. Models commonly feature 7-8 channels with models to log temperature, humidity, current, voltage, pulse or strain bridges.

Motor condition monitoring of the operating temperature is the most effective indicator of failure and the Versalog data loggers now continually monitor the motor temperatures. Each logger features seven 10K thermistor input channels to cover wide measurement requirements. For environmental applications, one onboard thermistor channel can monitor the device’s ambient temperature.

The temperatures of each motor gearbox is recorded by one Versalog data logger. Each logger is connected to five high-accuracy thermistor temperature sensors (with cable lengths up to 20 feet in length) to monitor the temperature of all 5 points. The thermistors are contact-mounted to get accurate measurements. The user-set sampling rate is flexible and can be set anywhere from 30 seconds to every 24 hours.

Each data logger also has an LED for local alarm notification and two user-configurable alarm thresholds per channel. Using the SiteView software, users have set alarms for each thermistor channel in use at 160°F.

Retrieving the Data

All Accsense VersaLog data loggers have a built-in USB port for connection to a PC for configuration and downloading data, plus an auxiliary serial port and 8-Megabytes of memory. Here, users are relying on USB as a simple way to retrieve data.

An optional USB device server allows multiple Accsense VersaLog loggers to be connected to a single Ethernet port allowing remote, network access. These devices can report alarm status to host PC via USB, Modem or Ethernet Device Server using Accsense SiteView software.

Analysis Software

VersaLog SiteView software is compatible with Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, 8, 10. It can be used to configure the data loggers, retrieve stored data, graph the measurements and save or export the data. It also offers the ability to view real-time data from any connected loggers, a powerful calibration tool, and an alarm management tool to allow local notification or an email notification of an alarm condition.

Benefits

With Accsense VersaLog fully deployed, the factory now has reliable notification of unsafe motor temperatures. In turn this helps its processes to run uninterrupted since equipment maintenance and repairs can be scheduled ahead of time. The loggers are both affordable and a low-power way to cover all the necessary monitoring points.

For more information on Accsense VersaLog products, motor condition monitoring or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS DataLogger Application Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or request more information.

The post Electric Motor Condition Monitoring For Predictive Maintenance appeared first on CAS Dataloggers.

Accsense VersaLog Multi-Channel Temperature Recorders

CAS DataLoggers provided the laboratory temperature monitoring and alarming solution for a medical research laboratory who required monitoring of product and sample temperature within multiple medical storage units and the ambient laboratory environment. As opposed to an expensive chart recorder, technicians needed affordable multichannel temperature monitoring, portability, and the ability to connect with thermistors as well as thermocouples.

Installation

We supplied the lab with an Accsense VersaLog TC Temperature Data Logger along with an Accsense VersaLog TH Thermistor Data Logger for an easy to use solution. These standalone recorders feature 8 channels for accurate monitoring in medical refrigerators, freezers, incubators and more. One TH data logger takes readings from 3 thermistors which are placed inside incubators while the TC data logger monitors 4 thermocouples placed inside the facility’s group of 4 medical storage units. Each data logger also simultaneously records the ambient temperature of its environment.

Usage

The Accsense VersaLog thermocouple data logger measures ambient temperature on 1 channel and also logs temperature on up to 7 external input channels which can connect to all types of thermocouple probes. The device can also be used as a small voltage data logger with an input voltage range as small as -2 mV to +12 mV.

The thermistor data logger also has one channel measuring the temperature of its environment along with 7 external channels to record data from thermistor sensors. It accepts standard thermistors that have a resistance value of 10K at 77°F (25°C). Using thermistors gives the lab high accuracy and reliable incubator measurement and alarming.

These battery-powered, standalone recorders are cost-effective compared to the cost of an external probe while the 16-bit analog-todigital converter meets the lab’s high-resolution requirements. For extended logging, Accsense VersaLog products all feature a rugged, splash-resistant aluminum enclosure, and their internal electronics are protected against moisture by a conformal coating. Due to their small size and light weight, the data loggers can be installed anywhere within a facility, preventing the need for long sensor cables. In the event of expansion, users can utilize multiple data loggers for a truly comprehensive laboratory temperature monitoring solution to record a large number of channels.

Usage Cont.

Accsense VersaLog temperature recorders are accessible via USB, modem or Ethernet connections for easy local and remote access. It’s easy for technicians to power the data loggers and connect them to a PC via USB. The loggers store data in non-volatile flash memory for easy retrieval. The data logger’s large 4MB memory stores up to 2 million measurements and lets users log for extended periods with the choice to stop or overwrite logging when the memory is full.

Users can program the data loggers ahead of time and start logging when needed. Two configurable alarm thresholds are available per channel, and the ALARM1 & A2/EXT terminals can be configured as alarm outputs so users can stay on top of sudden changes in their parameters. The onboard LED lights in red when in alarm condition, and with purchase of VersaLog SiteView software, the data loggers also report their alarm status to a host PC via USB, modem or Ethernet. Alarm delay is programmable at 0-10 minutes delay with 1-minute increments.

Software

The Windows-based VersaLog SiteView software performs logger configuration, downloading, plotting, analysis and alarm reporting. These features give staff an easy way to visualize and present their data however they like. Using SiteView’s simple graphic interface, users can configure Accsense VersaLog to log across a sampling interval anywhere from every 20 milliseconds to 12 hours. For fast downloading, SiteView supports fast communication speeds up to 115200 bps while multiple file loading makes it easy to run data comparisons to get a complete picture. Versatile custom equations and custom-line equations handle all complicated measurement requirements including unique laboratory algorithms.

Users can view all alarm triggers, zoom in on important data, add comments and label graph functions, and view dynamic statistics to provide a detailed view of results. Users can set low and high programmable alarm thresholds for the alarm outputs and trigger on/off external alarm devices such as warning lights, horns or alarm telephone dialers so the facility is alerted whenever inventory is threatened.

Benefits

Our Accsense VersaLog data loggers now ensure that this lab’s users are never without a quick way to check their data. The lab now has its own distributed laboratory temperature monitoring system, demonstrating how data loggers can be used to easily monitor, alarm and log all refrigeration units and temperature sensitive environments across the standard laboratory temperature range.

Accsense VersaLog Product Manager Pete Martin comments, “Accsense VersaLog offers you 7-8 channel monitoring with high-precision data and your choice of connection. They’re great for monitoring and alarming everything from medical storage units to incubators, and you’ll find them a lot less expensive than chart recorders, and there is no maintenance or paper or pens to replace. Their memory, accuracy and software feature list is unmatched for the price.”

For more information on Accsense VersaLog data loggers, laboratory temperature monitoring or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS DataLogger Application Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or request more information.

The post Laboratory Temperature Monitoring & Alarming Using a Data Logger appeared first on CAS Dataloggers.

Accsense VersaLog Records Both Temperature and Humidity

CAS DataLoggers delivered the data logging solution for a production plant whose production machinery was mysteriously slowing down and causing production delays. As part of the troubleshooting process, the plant engineer wanted to gather environmental data on his critical electrical equipment. This application required a portable data logger with the versatility to measure temperature and humidity which was capable of standalone operation without a PC, and which included software with graphing capabilities for data analysis. Accsense provided the environmental monitoring equipment for use in this particular manufacturing plant.

Installation

The company installed an Accsense VersaLog Humidity and Temperature Data Logger adjacent to their machinery under test. An onsite technician setup the data logger to measure machine conditions by taking both a temperature and humidity reading once every 10 minutes. If desired, the user can set the sampling rate anywhere between every 20 milliseconds to every 12 hours. Using its external Sensirion RH digital sensor, the VersaLog monitors temperature on one channel and relative humidity on the other, storing up to 4MB of readings on its non-volatile flash memory.

Usage

The logger’s 5-year lithium battery enables standalone operation, while its aluminum enclosure and conformal coating help protect it from industrial accidents. The datalogger utilizes multiple communications options including USB and Ethernet Connections; in this case, the user just collects the data by pulling the flash drive. With the included SiteView software’s intuitive graphic interface, the technician quickly setup and configured the datalogger. This way all the data can be viewed in real time and the technician can organize it in charts and graphs.

Using SiteView, the technician can also view all alarm triggers, zoom in on specific data, annotate and label graph functions, and view dynamic statistics. With SiteView, users can set high and low alarm limits for the alarm outputs and if necessary triggers external devices such as an alarm light or horn. For fast downloading, SiteView supports communication speeds up to 115200 bps to quickly access all data. Once downloaded, the data can be plotted and analyzed on an office PC.

Benefits

As a result of installing a data logger as his environmental monitoring equipment, the plant’s engineer will be able to identify if his machinery is being adversely affected by excessive temperature and humidity or if the cause lies elsewhere. The second planned step is to use a voltage input Versalog for machine health monitoring; checking operational voltages against nominal values. Accsense Versalog’s portability enables standalone, simple operation at a cost well within the operating budget.

The datalogger also eliminates the need for workers to take time-consuming manual measurements that would be much less accurate and prone to error than sensor-gathered data. This frees up technicians for more demanding work. In the near future, if it’s found that the plant’s temperature and humidity are to blame, this alone will pay for the data logger by preventing another process delay or halt.

For further information on the Accsense VersaLog Humidity and Temperature Data Logger, environmental monitoring equipment, or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS Data Logger Application Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or request more information.

The post Environmental Monitoring Equipment in Production Plant appeared first on CAS Dataloggers.