Automated Solution Measures Multiple Parameters
dataTaker provided the process monitoring solution for a mining company with a unique application. Explosives for the mining industry are manufactured with a range of specified properties intended for particular uses. Nearly all of them contain ‘Nitropril,’ an explosives-grade ammonium nitrate. The industry’s requirements can only be met by manufacturing the ammonium nitrate to high-quality standards regarding water content, porosity, bulk density, and the type of surface coating applied to the spherical granules. Most importantly, for ease of handling, the ammonium nitrate must flow freely and not cake.
To ensure comprehensive monitoring of its explosive manufacturing processes, the mining company required a remote process monitoring system. They requested modem integration for easy data retrieval, along with software featuring analysis capabilities.
dataTaker Data Loggers
1. Cost-effective data logging solutions
2. Capable of measuring and logging DC voltage, current and resistance sources in addition to digital signals
3. Suitable for small- to large-scale applications
4. Rugged design and construction provides reliable operation under extreme conditions
Automated Process Monitoring Solution
The plant-sourced a dataTaker Series 4 DT80M Data Logger, a full-featured low-powered logging platform with an integrated cellular modem making it ideal for their needs. Users can connect an array of sensors through versatile analog and digital channels, high-speed counter inputs, phase encoder inputs, and programmable serial sensor channels.
Additionally, the rugged design and wide operating temperature range of the DT80M provide reliable operation in virtually any environment.
Sensors Used
• RTD temperature sensors
• pH Sensors
• Flowmeters
• Pressure Gauges
Multi-Value Logging
The dataTaker data logger was used to record Temperature, Airflow, pH, and Pressure at the plant. Pressure recording is a vital element here owing to the plant’s pneumatic control systems.
The mine’s lead technician configured the data logger for each of his tests. The dataTaker logger provided a convenient, single instrument for recording data simultaneously from many sensors, along with the ability to later retrieve the stored information.
Remote Monitoring Capability
The recorded data was then transferred to the computer, either by the modem for interstate data download or by downloading directly into a computer at the plant. Technicians now utilize the DT80M’s automatic data delivery features to schedule data to be automatically emailed to their inbox every week.
User-set alarm conditions can also trigger specific data delivery in addition to sending alarm messages to multiple email addresses or mobile phones.
Software Presents Data as Graphs and Tables
The DT80M modem datalogger is configured directly in a web browser using dataTaker’s dEX graphical interface. dEX takes users through the configuration of the logger, allowing them to decide – in as much or as little detail – how they want the system to work. This is especially convenient for new users.
Using the internal modem, operators can also reconfigure their dataTaker system remotely over the internet if required.
Benefits
A leading research scientist with a 200-strong research group in Melbourne handled the job of recording and analyzing the data describing the processes for manufacturing ‘Nitropril’. The group had three decades of research experience in industrial explosives.
As a result of the study, the mining company has since introduced improved process control systems at the plant. These improvements formed part of a program to upgrade total quality control. Production of ‘Nitropril’ has thus been simplified, thanks in part to the dataTaker’s multi-value data collection.
For more info on the dataTaker DT80M Modem Data Logger, a process monitoring system or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS DataLoggers Application Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or request more information.