CAS DataLoggers helps chocolatier protect sensitive shipments
CAS DataLoggers recently supplied a storage temperature monitoring solution for a chocolate manufacturer experiencing problems when complaints came in from customers occasionally receiving spoiled chocolate products.
There were three possible phases where this risk could occur—during manufacturing, transportation or after the retailer received the chocolate, CAS DataLoggers said. Since both temperature and humidity were critical to chocolate quality, it was necessary to closely monitor both parameters during the entire process.
Using their own equipment, the company found their manufacturing process wasn’t the cause, so the next step was to monitor the product during transportation. Management began searching for an intelligent data logging system that could measure temperature and humidity, and connect to RTDs and thermocouples for high-accuracy recordings. This device also would need to include user-friendly software for quick configuration and analysis.
The manufacturer installed a dataTaker DT80 Intelligent Data Logger in the back of one of their contractor’s trucks. A comprehensive temperature and humidity profile then was put in place: the DT80 datalogger was connected to several sensors, including RTDs, thermocouples and humidity sensors. Three RTDs and three thermocouples were used to monitor the temperature within several cardboard boxes of chocolates, with three more recording humidity, CAS said. All were connected to the battery-powered data logger, which was then configured to take a continuous series of readings at a set hourly interval.
The cost-effective DT80 is expandable to 100 channels, 200 isolated or 300 single-ended analog inputs, and provides extended operation; sampling every hour, the logger can keep recording unattended for nearly four months, CAS maintained. Featuring a built-in display and removable screw terminals for secure connections, the stand-alone data logger records all measurements at a precise 18-bit resolution across a ±30-volt input measurement range. The logger’s high-speed counter inputs, phase encoder inputs and programmable serial sensor channel allow it to connect to a variety of sensors and data measurement sources. Temperature, humidity, voltage, current, 4-20mA loops, resistance, bridges, strain gauges, frequency, digital, serial and calculated measurements call can be scaled, logged and returned in engineering units or within statistical reporting. Additionally, the dataTaker’s ease of use enables operators to group sampling, logging, alarm and control tasks within schedules to fit their needs.
The datalogger also makes managing date easy, CAS maintained, storing up to 10 million data points in user-defined memory so the system can make as many shipment runs as needed to identify the problem. The DT80 also offers users the choice to overwrite or stop logging once the allocated memory is full. Data transfer options included Ethernet, optional WiFi or built-in cellular modem and front panel USB stick.
Smart serial sensor channels capable of interfacing to RS232, RS485, RS422 and SDI12 sensors, and Modbus slave and master functionality allow connection to Modbus sensors and devices and to SCADA systems. The data logger’s built-in web and FTP server allow for remote access to logged data, configuration and diagnostics, and USB memory stick support offers a quick method for data and program transfer. The USB data is easily retrieved from drivers and downloaded to an office PC, where the temperature and humidity information is displayed in a spreadsheet format and analyzed using Excel software.
Additionally, dataTaker’s user-friendly dEX graphical interface was included free with the datalogger using a preinstalled Windows Explorer-style interface enabling quick setup and configuration, CAS said. The dEX software was configured and ran directly from a web browser, accessible either locally or remotely over the Internet.
Following installation of the dataTaker DT80 intelligent datalogger, the chocolate manufacturer identified the cause of its product spoilage. The main contractor’s drivers were conserving fuel by turning off their trucks’ fuel-driven refrigeration units for hours at a time. Once detected, the practice quickly was stopped, decreasing the incidence of ruined shipments.
The problem was identified using the data logger’s ability to connect to humidity and temperature sensors, log for extended periods, and to analyze data with the included dEX software, CAS maintained.
For more information on dataTaker Data Loggers, visit dataloggerinc.com.
