Considering the Value and Utility of Datalogging Thermometers for Industry and Production

 

I was recently asked by a peer, “What Types of  Data Can Be Recorded with Datalogging Thermometers for Industry?” It’s a good question because, in today’s highly regulated world, many aspects of a process need to be documented in order to meet industry-specific regulations. This all started with food safety but has expanded to many new areas where safety or quality can be affected by temperature. Regulations are so prevalent that we now need experts to give classes on how to meet the latest updates to regulations!

A datalogging thermometer is one of the most versatile data logging instruments you can add to your “tool kit.” They are accurate, easily portable, packed with useful features, and many also have communication functions installed. These measuring and logging instruments are an asset to any facility – from aerospace & automotive, defense, food manufacturing and production to molding, research, zoos and many more.

How can a datalogging thermometer help you meet your quality or regulatory requirements? They are designed to watch and record a process when you are not there. It’s like having an assistant who works 24/7 and never tires or needs to take a coffee break.

Let’s start with what to look for in a datalogging thermometer if you happen to be in the market for one currently.

Key features for datalogger thermometers will include:

-Accuracy
-Versatility
-Multi-Channel Capacity
-Real-Time Clock
-Time & Date-Stamped Data
-Statistical Functions
-Communications
-Remote Control
-Internal Storage
-Cloud Storage with IPhone & Android Apps

Often there is no electrical outlet nearby, so you will need a battery-powered model – which makes long battery life very important.

Some examples of what datalogging thermometers can do for you:

• You have multiple refrigeration units located on a dock which keep fresh-caught fish cold and you must monitor the temperature to meet regulations. One dual-channel model can monitor two refrigeration units. The units can store up to 1000 points for each channel. A reading taken every 11 minutes will take 916 readings over 7 days.

With low-energy Bluetooth communications, you only need to drive up to the dock once a week, link to the unit using your cell phone, and load the data up to Cloud storage or directly into your laptop. Later, you can review/chart all the data in your office. Consistency, repeatability, and labor savings.

• You work at an asphalt company and need to verify that your asphalt is between certain temperatures when you are applying it as pavement. You need one datalogging thermometer on-site to work with an immersion probe – which is pushed and actually inserted into the asphalt. All you need to do then is to push the STO button and the data is taken, time-stamped and  stored in the internal memory. You can download the data later in your office using the Bloothtooth link and in order to create a permanent record. Quality assurance.
• You are a food producer and must verify the temperature of product coming out of your ovens. You need one unit on-site and a fast-responding food probe which can be used to take the temperature of your product as it comes out of the oven. Push STO and the data is taken, time-stamped and stored. If you have high volume, data development software is available to use in order to create a link directly into your QMS system. The data can then be monitored remotely to validate/verify that your process is in spec in real time. FSMA compliance and brand protection.

These are just a few examples illustrating how useful a datalogging thermometer can be. When you need to keep records of a process temperature, a datalogging thermometer will do the job accurately, every time. I suggest that you investigate the Advanced Energy's TEGAM 931B and 932B datalogging thermometers as examples of smart, high-quality design and engineering. These datalogger thermometers  also have a 1000 hr. battery life on 3 AA batteries – excellent for sustainability and cost-savings.

Are there any specific questions you may have regarding our durable, high-quality and reliable datalogging thermometers? Please contact us here and we’ll get back to you quickly.

Thanks for reading. Dan Jackson, Thermometry Product Manager