The foundation of science is observation, experimentation and inference. At
the school level, students use thermometers and pressure gauges to measure
temperature and pressure, respectively. Similarly, at the industrial level,
companies use custom-engineered
data loggers for temperature, pressure and humidity. The article gives an account of industrial-grade
data loggers in various setup and ingenious uses of such data loggers.
What is a data logger?
A data logger is nothing but an electronic device that collects data over time
or in relation to a location. It also uses an internal sensor or an external
device to measure a variable. Data loggers can be used to store and retrieve
data. They capture, measure and analyze the physical phenomenon of the real
world. For example, data loggers for temperature, light, pressure and humidity
are used in electronic, automobile and farming industries. Typically, data
loggers are hand-held devices with a battery and an enormous memory.
Working Principle
A data logger uses a sensor depending upon what it intends to measure. For
example, thermocouples and
thermistors are
sensors of temperature. Usually, the data collected by these sensors are in
analogue form. This analogue data needs to be converted into digital data, and
then a computer can recognize this data. An Analog to Digital Converter(ADC)
converts this analogue signal to digital data. The digital data is processed by a microprocessor that stores and analyzes data. The microprocessor also displays data on an LCD screen.
To sum up, a data logger has four essential components - A transducer or sensor, Analog to Digital Converter, Microcontroller and Storage and Display.
Types of Data Loggers
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Data loggers: Data loggers can be standalone or PC based. PC based
data loggers need to be connected to a computer all the time, whereas
standalone variants need not be.
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USB loggers: Used for short term trend logging. They are compact,
reusable and portable.
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Bluetooth loggers: BLE-enabled loggers are also compact and
portable. They provide wireless data access through mobile devices.
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Web-based systems: Web-based data logging systems enable remote,
24/7, internet-based access to data through cellular, WI-FI (Wireless
Fidelity), or Ethernet communications.
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Wireless Sensors: These sensors enable short-range centralized data
collection.
Applications
Nowadays, the need to control temperature, humidity, displacement and pressure
is increasing. So, the demand for data loggers in the industrial arena has
skyrocketed. An increase in entrepreneurship and innovation has also called
for customized data loggers. It has a vast range of applications.-
Tunnel monitoring: Tunnels are intricate structures that need
continuous monitoring. Instruments such as tiltmeters, strain gauges,
extensometers, etc., are installed on the inner lining of the tunnels to
monitor deformities and structural changes.
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Fridges and Freezers: Mainly used in commercial food and
pharmaceutical storage. Data loggers for temperature are ideal for this
purpose. Freezers have gained prominence in recent times as they are
needed for monitoring vaccine refrigerators.
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Weather monitoring: Data loggers play a significant role in climate
monitoring and weather forecasting. They assist in agricultural decision
making as well as avoiding any natural disasters.
- Greenhouses: Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity in a greenhouse is essential for the plants to thrive. Temperature and humidity data loggers come in handy in such scenarios.
Advantages
Data loggers can work in remote and dangerous conditions. They can be carried
24/7 for 365 days. It eliminates the presence of persons at difficult
conditions and locations. It also avoids human error. Therefore, data logging
has many advantages for the industrial sector to thrive. Conclusion
Data loggers are used essentially anywhere data is needed. This fact is all
the more true for industries. Hence, industrial-grade data loggers have become
the main staple of data logger manufacturing.
