Environmental compliance in closed mines.

For the last nine years, Severn Trent Services, has managed a contract for mine water treatment across the Coal Authority estate, including 73 mine water treatment schemes in England, Scotland and Wales. These schemes take the form of three types: passive, pumped-passive and active. Water levels are one of the elements monitored closely at these sites, which have approximately 600 monitoring points. The majority of the readings are obtained manually with dip tapes, and by using loggers, around 125 of which are OTT ecoLog water level loggers.

Force Cragg Mine (1836-1991), Lake District, England.

At most sites, mine water is pumped to a treatment facility which employs oxygenation, filtration and sedimentation to raise the quality of the water in compliance with discharge consents.

“Mine water from legacy coal mines is treated at many of these sites utilising settlement lagoons and reed beds,” explains Oren Environmental’s Data & Reporting Manager Paul Robinson. “The effective management of these resources is heavily dependent on reliable data including water level measurements, and we have been using OTT instruments to support this since 2016. With the benefit of water level data, we can ensure that the flow of water through the lagoons and reedbeds maximises effective treatment before water is discharged to watercourse.

“One of the additional capabilities of the loggers is to create alarms and this is something we are investigating for future use,” Paul explains.

“In addition to the older ecoLog 500’s and the newer ecoLog 1000’s, we also utilise five ecoLog 800’s to collect and monitor conductivity measurements. Conductivity data can be used to assess the quality of water by identifying minerals etc. that are present in the water.”

Where the ecoLogs are deployed in surface water weirs, the level measurements are translated into flow, which further informs the management of the treatment process.

Many of the original water level loggers were ecoLog 500 devices, some of which are still in operation. However, these are being gradually replaced by ecoLog 1000 instruments. “The ecoLog 1000 has an extremely advantageous feature,” Paul explains. “Data from the older units was collected using a USB cable, however the newer instruments have Bluetooth connectivity, which means that our operators can connect more quickly and in adverse weather. Where possible, they can also drive close to the logger and communicate wirelessly with a smartphone or laptop from their vehicle.”

The ecoLog 1000 is an all-in-one instrument, including a water level sensor, a logger, and a built-in modem. It requires no additional tools for maintenance or battery replacement, and has been designed for long-term, unattended monitoring in challenging conditions. Key features therefore include extremely low-power operation including Bluetooth Low Energy, as well as a rugged stainless steel pressure probe housing and a ceramic temperature compensated sensor. Typically, remote connectivity is achieved via cellular network LTE-M (Cat-M1).

Force Crag Mine in the Lake District (North East England) is a good example of an extremely remote former mine with challenging environmental conditions. Cellular coverage is very limited on-site, so OTT built a local network which transmits water level data via radio to two loggers located in a higher position. Data from these loggers are then transmitted regularly to Oren’s FTP Server.

Mining commenced at Force Crag in 1835, and it became the last working metal mine (zinc, lead and barytes) in the Lake District, prior to its final closure in 1991. Metal pollution (zinc, cadmium and lead) from the mine polluted the Coledale Beck, a tributary of the River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake Special Area of Conservation.

The Coal Authority, working in partnership with the Environment Agency, Newcastle University and the National Trust, devised an innovative passive mine water treatment scheme to reduce the levels of metal pollution entering the river. The scheme, which officially opened in 2015, diverts water from the Level 1 adit (horizontal passage to an underground mine) and routes it through a buried transfer pipe to two vertical flow ponds for treatment.

The ponds were built using the existing bunding of the former mining tailings lagoon, lined with a geomembrane, and filled with a compost treatment mix. Water is fed into the ponds, where it flows down through the compost and passes into a wetland, planted with soft rushes. The wetland filters any remaining solids and oxygenates the water prior to discharge into the Coledale Beck.

“Each site presents its own challenges,” Paul Robinson explains. “Many are in remote areas and in different environments, so we do our best to ensure we maximise the equipment to hand such as the OTT ecoLogs.” Looking forward, he says: “Remote telemetry is particularly advantageous, because it provides access to more frequent data than manual dips due to the schedule of visits that we work to.”

---

@OTTHydromet @stwater @_Enviro_News #Environment #Automation #Water

Air quality indoors.

Extech’s new 42280A series temperature and humidity data logger features a number of notable enhancements over the company’s highly successful legacy model to ensure even higher performance and capability levels in indoor environmental monitoring applications. This latest-generation highly accurate and reliable meter will serve as an invaluable asset at any company looking to monitor the air quality of their production area, for example.

A direct replacement for the popular 42280 series, the new 42280A features the same large, triple LCD display showing temperature, humidity and date/time clock simultaneously. However, continuous improvement is embedded within Extech’s DNA, so the company’s newly developed model introduces a number of added-value functions, including the capability to generate PDF reports or Excel spreadsheets when plugging the device (via integral USB interface) into a Windows-based PC after data logging.

A further important enhancement is an increase in internal memory to 48,000 points/readings, three times more than the previous model, to suit demands for extended monitoring or monitoring at high frequency rates. The Extech 42280A also sees the introduction of a Max/Min mode and the presence of Hi/Lo indication on-screen. Here, the programmable/selectable data sampling rate ensures visual and audible alarm indication in association with Hi/Lo limits.

Adaptable to almost any situation, further features of the new Extech 42280A include a ‘mark’ function that enables users to read out the memory contents starting from a defined time without reprogramming the log. As a point of note, data remains secure within the logger at all times and can be password-protected if required.

They are also releasing their new 42280A-NIST version. This model features calibration traceable to NIST standards for indoor environments where it is necessary to demonstrate accurate and reliable measurements, supported by calibration reports that users can download to a PC.

Critical components of any indoor environmental monitoring system, both the 42280A and 42280A-NIST meters offer a temperature range from -20 to +70°C and a humidity range from 0 to 100%. The devices measure just 120.7 x 88.9 x 38.1mm and weigh only 163g. Users can choose from wall, desktop or tripod mounts in line with individual requirements. Salt bottles for relative humidity calibration are available in kit form (33% and 75%) as optional accessories.

Extech supplies the 42280A and 42280A-NIST complete with Windows compatible software, USB cable, universal AC adaptor, four AA batteries, user guide and two-year warranty for complete peace-of-mind. The meters are shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.

@flir @planetextech @mepaxIntPR #Environment #BAS

Power and energy logger.

Fluke is offering its 1738 Three-Phase Power Logger with Fluke Connect® as a Gold package until 30th June 2019 and while stocks last at authorised distributors. Ideal for maintenance managers and industrial electricians, electrical contractors and energy consultants, the Gold packages are offered at lower recommended prices than the standard product and include free accessories, and a free, unique offline training program. Potential purchasers who have a suitable application can obtain more information about the package offer and its benefits here .

The 1738 Three-Phase Power Logger Gold Edition (FLUKE-1738/EU-GOLD-E) enables the capture and logging of voltage, current, power, harmonics, and associated power quality values to deliver comprehensive data for load studies, energy assessments, harmonic measurements, and voltage events. It enables the troubleshooting of more advanced power quality issues: it can, for example, perform advanced analysis with an enhanced Power Quality Health Summary (EN50160) function that provides a fast insight into overall electrical system health.

The Fluke Connect capability allows users to access and share data remotely with their team, or access the logger through the local WiFi infrastructure, so as to maintain safer working distances and make critical decisions in real-time, reducing the need for protective equipment, site visits and check-ins. The included Fluke Energy Analyze Plus software provides detailed analysis of energy consumption and power quality and generates reports automatically. The packages also include four free MP1-Magnet probes to free hands and improve connection stability.

The instrument features an optimised user interface, flexible current probes, and an intelligent measurement verification function designed to reduce measurement errors by digitally verifying and correcting common connection errors. Set up can be further simplified by powering the logger directly from the measured circuit.

All three phases and neutral can be measured using the four flexible current probes. More than twenty separate logging sessions can be stored on the instrument. All measured values are automatically logged so that measurement trends are not lost: they can be reviewed during logging sessions, and before downloading, for on-the-go analysis.

The bright, colour touch-screen enables convenient in-the-field analysis and data checks with full graphical displays. The instruments provide event waveform snapshots, along with date and timestamp, to capture dips and swells and help pinpoint root causes of power quality issues. They both have 600V CAT IV / 1000V CAT III safety ratings.

@FlukeCorp  #TandM

3-Phase power logger with Training.

Until 31st December 2018 and while stocks last at authorised distributors, Fluke is offering its 1736 and 1738 Three-Phase Power Loggers with Fluke Connect® as Gold packages. Ideal for maintenance managers and industrial electricians, electrical contractors and energy consultants, the Gold packages are offered at lower recommended prices than the standard product and include free accessories, and (for the 1738) a free, unique offline training program.

Potential purchasers who have a suitable application can obtain more information about these package offers here on their website. The applicant will be contacted to evaluate the application and a demonstration by a qualified Fluke Technical Expert scheduled at the user’s workplace. This will enable the purchaser to see how easy it is to use the power logger, they will receive brief overview training and obtain advice on which instrument best suits their needs and they will also get the chance to win one of three Fluke 1736 Power Loggers in a free draw.

The Fluke 1736 Three-Phase Power Logger Gold Edition (FLUKE-1736/EUS-GOLD) and 1738 Three-Phase Power Logger Gold Edition (FLUKE-1738/EU-GOLD-E) enable the capture and logging of voltage, current, power, harmonics, and associated power quality values to deliver comprehensive data for load studies, energy assessments, harmonic measurements, and voltage events. The 1738 enables the troubleshooting of more advanced power quality issues: it can, for example, perform advanced analysis with an enhanced Power Quality Health Summary (EN50160) function that provides a fast insight into overall electrical system health.

The Fluke Connect capability allows users to access and share data remotely with their team, or access the logger through the local WiFi infrastructure, so as to maintain safer working distances and make critical decisions in real-time, reducing the need for protective equipment, site visits and check-ins. The included Fluke Energy Analyze Plus software provides detailed analysis of energy consumption and power quality and generates reports automatically. The packages also include four free MP1-Magnet probes to free hands and improve connection stability.

The Fluke 1736 and 1738 feature an optimised user interface, flexible current probes, and an intelligent measurement verification function designed to reduce measurement errors by digitally verifying and correcting common connection errors. Set up can be further simplified by powering the logger directly from the measured circuit.

All three phases and neutral can be measured using the four flexible current probes. More than twenty separate logging sessions can be stored on the instrument. All measured values are automatically logged so that measurement trends are not lost: they can be reviewed during logging sessions, and before downloading, for on-the-go analysis.

The bright, colour touch-screen enables convenient in-the-field analysis and data checks with full graphical displays. The instruments provide event waveform snapshots, along with date and timestamp, to capture dips and swells and help pinpoint root causes of power quality issues. They both have 600V CAT IV / 1000V CAT III safety ratings.

@FlukeCorp  #PAuto #TandM

Data acquisition and test stand automation using an OPC UA interface.

Delphin Technology has extended its Expert Logger range with the new type 400 model equipped with an OPC UA Client/Server interface. This enhancement to the independently functioning data logger system ideally equips it for the universal exchange of measurement data at field level and for the requirements of Industry 4.0.

The Expert Logger device is also equipped with ProfiBus, ModBus, CAN-Bus and serial interfaces.

PCs are connected via USB, LAN, WLAN and LTE.

The new type 400 is equipped with 16 universally usable, differential analog inputs for measuring mV and mA signals or any type of thermocouple. 24-bit precision and a maximum rate of 1000 measurements per second meets the highest demands required from a data logger. The new Expert Logger also has the option of measuring Pt100(0) sensors using 2, 3 or 4 wire technology or DMS. The device has a total of 24 switchable digital inputs/outputs which can record edge and fault events at microsecond precision as well as output alerts. A total of 6 analog outputs enable the operation of regulating and control elements.

The Expert Logger series offer a range of model types with 16 to 46 analog inputs which are ideal for independent data acquisition and test bench automation. Monitoring functions can also be performed independently within the device. Measurement data and threshold violations can be immediately transmitted to subsystems via OPC UA. The OPC UA interface also offers data exchange to PLC systems and connecting to PLT systems.

Furthermore, the ProfiSignal Go software – for portraying and analysing measurement data online and offline – remains a fixed element of every Expert Logger device.

#Delphin #PAuto 

Miniature outdoor logging of environmental sound system!

The MOLES (Miniature Outdoor Logging of Environmental Sound) system has been launched by Svantek. Low cost yet powerful, this new outdoor noise monitoring solution can operate for up to an impressive four weeks on a single charge.

Using their market leading Class 1 SVAN 971 sound level meter and featuring a weatherproof, robust and compact design with IP65 protection level, the MOLES is a fully autonomous environmental noise monitoring solution that can be easily deployed in the field.

Lightweight and long-lasting, the MOLES’ internal batteries can be swapped without interrupting measurement. External batteries can be added to extend life to eight weeks or more.
Svantek’s new MOLES system is available with options for 1/1 and 1/3 octave real-time analysis and triggered audio recording. It also offers two in 10 audio recording making it ideal for measuring levels of noise from wind turbines.

John Shelton, Managing Director at Svantek comments: “The MOLES is based on our diminutive and well proven SVAN 971 instrument. It is an integrated kit with long-term rechargeable battery and outdoor protection for both meter and microphone. Extremely cost effective, it is perfect for independent environmental noise assessors or larger consultancies, and reinforces Svantek’s aim of developing high performance solutions that offer real value for money.”

Svantek’s MOLES is available with free SvanPC++ software with the option of environmental calculations / tonal assessment. MOLES provides 4GB storage capacity and data can be stored on an easily downloadable micro SD card.

The SVAN 971 sound level meter is ideal for general acoustic, occupational health and safety and environmental noise measurements. It is easy to use with predefined setups and operated using a simple Stop / Start mode.  It also incorporates an OLED colour display with excellent brightness and contrast.

Versatile & cost-effective logging!

Gemini’s Tinytag Ultra 2 Thermocouple data logger is ideal for accurate temperature monitoring in a range of manufacturing/process applications. It supports type K, J, T and N thermocouples, providing fast response monitoring for ranges from -270°C to 1370°C. A built-in temperature channel allows simultaneous monitoring of process and ambient temperatures and its connection supports standard and miniature thermocouple plugs. Recorded data is downloaded to a PC via a USB cable and viewed with easy to use Tinytag Explorer software.

Lime manufacturer Singleton Birch is using the thermocouple logger as part of research and development work to monitor the temperature rise of calcium oxide when water is added. The rise in temperature indicates how reactive the lime is at different stages, which means it can then be determined for what final application the lime can be used. Continuous, accurate monitoring is required with data downloaded after every test, and the Thermocouple logger has proved an effective solution.

• Tinytag data loggers are marketed in Ireland by Manotherm.

IR thermomenter effectively free of charge!

Fluke is offering a new 1735-IR Kit in Britain until Until 31st March 2012.

The kit contains a rugged Fluke 1735 three-phase portable Power Logger, designed for commercial electricians and industrial maintenance engineers, plus a Fluke 561 Infrared (IR) Thermometer which can be used to check for overheating cable connections at a safe distance. The power logger can be installed in seconds and is easily downloadable in the field. The kit is priced such that the Fluke 561 is effectively free.

This three-phase Power Logger, with a 600V CAT III safety rating, records power, energy, and basic power quality parameters for power load studies. It logs electrical power parameters and harmonics for up to 45 days, and captures hard-to-find voltage events. Used in conjunction with the latest Fluke iFlex™ series flexible current probes, it is easy to take measurements in large cables and bus bars. The Fluke 561 is a rugged, precision, thermometer combining an IR non-contact thermometer with a plug-in, K-type thermocouple for contact measurement.

In load studies, the Fluke 1735 verifies electrical system capacity before loads are added. For energy assessments, it quantifies energy consumption before and after improvements to justify energy-saving devices. The instrument also uncovers harmonic distortion that can damage or disrupt critical equipment, and it captures voltage events, such as dips and swells that cause spurious resets or nuisance circuit breaker tripping. This data makes it possible to take measurements to improve equipment reliability. The in-built colour screen provides instant information that connections were made correctly. The collected data can be easily downloaded, either locally to a laptop or back in the office. Fluke Power Log software is included for viewing graphs and generating reports.
Besides characterising basic power quality and power consumption, the 1735 also logs RMS voltage and current, phase angle, voltage events, voltage and current THD, voltage and current harmonics up to the 50th harmonic, active and reactive power, power factor, active and reactive energy, and more. It also monitors maximum power demand over user-defined averaging periods. As a 4-channel device, the Fluke 1735 measures all three phases plus neutral.

The Fluke 561 two-in-one thermometer offers ±1% accuracy infra-red temperature measurement for instant readings of electrically charged and hard-to-reach, or rotating, hot objects, allowing measurement at a safe distance and usually without the need for a ladder. A single laser pointer provides accurate target sighting. A large number of objects can be scanned quickly and efficiently. A useful applications guide encourages use of the thermometer to its maximum potential.
A Velcro-covered, K-type thermocouple pipe probe enables contact measurement of pipes, metallic surfaces and air streams, with a built-in differential temperature function providing quick and accurate measurements for superheat and sub-cooling pipes. Other industry-standard K-type thermocouples can be also used with the Fluke 561 for specific applications.

Gateway logger

Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a gateway logger device that integrates with EoS Array - its complete solution for control, protection and monitoring of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) plants.

The new EoS-Gate gathers data from solar power installation powered by Eos-Array or Eos-Array Lite and sends them to a centralized supervisory web portal enabling users to monitor all their plants from a central location, using a simple web browser. Web-based monitoring complements the EoS Array's capability to provide local control and alarms together with remote alarms via SMS and GSM communications.

Operating with photovoltaic installations up to 200kW, EoS-Gate provides data polling (measurements and alarms) from Eos-Array/Eos-Array Lite, its energy meters and inverters, and transmits data over the Internet using 'Push' web-services to avoid firewall related issues. Its use of communications protocols based on Extensible Markup Language (XML) delivers a high degree of flexibility, allowing Eos-Gate to push data to multiple monitoring portals, including the Carlo Gavazzi Web Portal and the Fat Spaniel® Web Portal – a platform that likewise allows users to manage their data remotely through an easy and powerful Web based user interface.

Eos-Gate logging capabilities, its robust transmission protocol and the 99.9+% availability of Carlo Gavazzi's best-of-breed web-farm together ensure total  data security along the whole path from the field to the portal’s servers.

The logger is easy to configure, thanks to built-in auto-discovery of local devices, so installers can readily implement a centralized supervisory solution that focuses on the real benefits delivered by PV monitoring.

The solution is completely independent of the inverters used, eliminating the need to delegate data management completely to the inverter – a known weakness of many PV installations. In this way, plant operators can work with a common user interface throughout their operations, free from being locked into one specific inverter model or manufacturer.

Hardware is based on an industrial strength embedded PC with data acquisition, data logging and protocol conversion capabilities, featuring two RS485 communication ports (Modbus), twin Ethernet ports and data storage on a 1GB SD card using hardened industrial grade single level cell technology. Both wall-mount and DIN rail mounting options are available, and the device carries both CE marking and UL certification.

Carcass temperature logger

MadgeTech has released the CTL2000, a Carcass Temperature Logger.

The CTL2000 measures and records data from up to 8 thermocouple channels allowing the user to verify and validate post-production meat sterilization cycles. It aids in reducing pathogens, and helps to ensure post-slaughter sterilization process parameters are met.

The CTL2000 has a black anodized aluminum enclosure with a stainless steel hook allowing the device to be hung directly from a carcass. This durable logger is splashproof and can be used through the entire sterilization process. The eight thermocouples can be inserted into different sections of the meat to provide an overall temperature profile. This logger features a push button or programmable start and status LEDs for process optimization. In addition, if a thermocouple is removed or severed during logging, the software automatically annotates the data.

The unit can help to reduce and prevent food safety problems, improve quality and ensure that the chances of a recall are minimized.

The CTL2000 comes with 8 thermocouples and clips to help hold them in place.

Remote system

Remote video monitoring system for utilities

WIPAT increases security and provides a virtual patrol for remote facilities

Satel-West has announced its WIPAT Remote Patrol and Monitoring System for utilities such as electric power companies, oil and natural gas pipelines, and water & wastewater treatment plants. The system provides constant monitoring of remote utilities and public infrastructure without land-based vulnerabilities or reliance on telecommunications carriers.

WIPAT is a long-range, drop-in-place, wireless video monitoring system that provides video clips, still images, event logging, access control, multiple digital sensor inputs, output contacts for control of devices, and a suite of event logging tools. Advanced configuration allows for large networks, integration with common industrial control hardware and software, integration with common security hardware and software, satellite connection and redundancy.

Operating on wireless public safety channels with options for satellite connection and solar power, WIPAT allows industry and public services to monitor critical areas without relying on vulnerable ground connections, such as phone lines, fiber optic cable or hardwired networks. WIPAT delivers a unique combination of Satel wireless and satellite technology integrated with Longwatch remote video hardware and software to deliver cost effective security and surveillance systems for remote locations and assets.

Longwatch components include a Video Engine at each remote site to acquire and archive live video from multiple cameras, and interface to Satel wireless components. The Satel system transmits video via wireless to a utility’s control room, where a Longwatch Video Control Center takes incoming video data from the remote sites, stores it on a local disk, and presents it on the utility’s HMI/SCADA system. The Satel/Longwatch system can interface with all leading SCADA and distributed control systems (DCSes), making it a drop-in-place monitoring system for all existing utility control systems.

This system not only provides live and archived video for security purposes, the video can also be used by operators to monitor and diagnose control or operational problems at remote sites. An operator at an HMI can select a live feed from any camera at any remote site to investigate problems at remote pumping stations, compressor stations, switching systems, substations or power generating plants. The operator can also “go back in time” to see archived video from 10 seconds to 10 days before an event occurred.

“Longwatch provides a robust and flexible complement to our long range products and we are very excited about our technologies and resources coming together to enhance public security,” said Sergio Tacci, President of Satel-West. “The ability to see, document, record, and respond to events anywhere was not enough. We wanted to have a product completely removed from land-based service providers, yet simple and affordable enough for small as well as large utilities.”

“Longwatch is pleased to provide the Longwatch Video Surveillance software and appliances for the new WIPAT system. When combined with SATEL-West radios, Longwatch surveillance systems provide utilities unique capabilities to view live video or video clips related to events and alarms. Delivering video to the central control center enables operators to make better and more timely decisions when responding to remote events,” stated Steve Rubin, President & CEO of Longwatch, Inc. “In addition, the distributed architecture of the Longwatch Video System provides operators with secure storage of high resolution video for use in investigations or prosecution.”

See also 25 Years of PC-Based Control for the inside story of Longwatch!

An eight channel oven temperature profiler


MadgeTech has just released the OctThermoVault, an eight channel thermocouple based oven temperature profiler.

The OctThermoVault can be placed directly in an oven to provide a complete temperature profile of the entire process.

With up to eight channels, both product and environmental temperatures can be captured. Each thermocouple has its own cold junction compensation reference point, providing increased accuracy and response time.

The OctThermoVault can withstand temperatures up to 350ºC (662ºF) for 25 minutes and has programmable reading rates as fast as 4Hz. Each channel can store up to 500,000 readings. Channels can be enabled or disabled to maximize memory capacity. For identification, each channel can be named with a ten character title. If a probe is removed or severed during logging, the device detects this change and the software will automatically annotate the data to indicate an open thermocouple.

The OctThermoVault is ideal for use in oven temperature profiling for the food processing industry and other heat treating applications. Simply start the logger and place it within the monitoring area. Data from all channels is simultaneously logged. After the monitoring cycle is complete data can be downloaded to a PC for further analysis.

T/C logger

4 channel thermocouple data logger

MadgeTech has just released the QuadTemp2000, a four channel thermocouple logger equipped with an LCD.

It has a reading rate of up to 4Hz and can store up to 500,000 readings per channel. To maximize memory capacity users can enable or disable channels. For easy identification, each channel can be named with up to a ten digit title.

The convenient LCD is an ideal tool to ensure process parameters are met, in real time. Each channel is identified by its title, and the current reading, minimum, maximum and average statistics can all be obtained through the display. The statistics can be reset for different cycle processes where tolerance values may vary.

In addition, the QuadTemp2000 features individual cold junction compensation for each channel providing increased accuracy and response time, and if a probe is removed or severed during logging, the software automatically annotates the data.

This unit is ideal for use in monitoring warehouses, refrigerators, ovens, and HVAC applications. With the QuadTemp2000, monitoring multiple points is easy. Simply place the thermocouples in the monitoring areas and start the logger. Data from all channels is simultaneously logged. After the monitoring cycle is complete data can be downloaded to a PC for further analysis.