You don’t get any data if you don’t turn on data logging!

After completing a workout earlier this week, I hit the stop button on my fitness tracker only to find out that I’d not started my data logger in the first place. Even though I had enjoyed the workout and felt great, I was left with a sense of disappointment. First, I couldn’t see the data I could use to evaluate my performance, heart rate, or calories burned. Second, I couldn’t compare my performance to past workouts. Third, and most importantly, I didn’t have the data to submit to my company wellness program; this mistake would cost me points toward my health insurance premium discount!

 The process control industry uses data logging for the same primary purposes:

1. 1. Monitoring
   2. Validation
   3. Reporting

The pH, conductivity, and oxygen measurement data, as well as the diagnostic information you need to operate your plant confidently and apply predictive maintenance practices, are readily available. In the following few paragraphs, we will provide specific examples of how you can achieve this.

Monitoring with Data Logging

Many remote operating sites are often not tied directly to a central control system. Instead, organizations rely on data logging equipment to record critical information for collection and analysis. In this situation, the data logger is the primary source of information.

You can use the Stratos Multi and Protos transmitters from Knick in remote operating sites for monitoring, control, and data logging. With the Measurement Recorder feature activated in either of these transmitters, operators can log measured values from each channel in a format and interval that they can freely define. Memosens smart digital sensors also provide health and diagnostic data for sensors you can record in parallel with the measured values. The memory card safely and securely saves data. The card allows a minimum of 20,000 entries (configuration and interval dependent) and easy export to your PC via USB.

Field service technicians can use a Portavo portable meter to log measurement and diagnostic data from their sensors while on site. You can use a Portavo in Class 1, Division 1 rated environments. You can then bring the data collected in the Portavo back to a central location for export into a CSV file, Excel spreadsheet, or MemoSuite software.

Data Validation

Data loggers can be valuable as a secondary source of data, which can be used to compare to other sources for validation purposes. You can do this as a static (single point) comparison or trend over time. If you have a critical process parameter that you’re measuring, you can use this validating data to determine if your inline measurements need calibration or repair.

A technician can bring a Portavo portable meter into the field when completing routine maintenance or addressing a specific performance issue. By taking a sample of the process and then measuring and data logging with the Portavo, they now have a third source of data to compare to the process reading and lab measurement. You now have a rapid and reliable validation of the process measurement.

Reporting using a Data Logger

Data loggers can be used to create reports for regulatory bodies or customers. For example, the EPA or local municipality may need your data to prove you comply with emissions or outfall limits. Likewise, your customer may require data showing that you meet their product specification requirements.

Whether logging data in a field transmitter or portable meter, Knick makes it easy to automate the reporting process. Simply export the data from our devices to a CSV file or Excel spreadsheet. Using MemoSuite software, you can even provide 21 CFR Part 11 compliant calibration certificates. When using the software, you can provide necessary information to regulatory bodies or your customers quickly and accurately.

Summary

Collecting critical data from remote sites, validating process measurement data, and secure reporting are all good reasons for implementing a data logger. Let us help you select the right tool, fixed or portable, to perform the functions you need.

I’m sure I was doing fine without my fitness tracker. However, now I know for sure how I performed today. I can also see how that compares to my past performances. Most importantly, I have the information I need to get my insurance discount. I just need to ensure I turn it on!