Monitoring and Alarming Failing AC Compressors


8-Channel Accsense VersaLog Monitors and Alarms Current/Voltage



CHESTERLAND OH – Recently, a CAS DataLoggers Applications Specialist took a call from a processing plant that needed to monitor the recent current and voltage fluctuations in several of their failing single-phase compressor motors. The plant manufactures ice cream and other popular desserts, and AC motors in refrigeration units run constantly to preserve the product. When these compressor valves start to leak, the storage room temperatures can sharply rise and threaten the frozen food. For example, the motors' effectiveness could be strained by low-voltage conditions. The supervisor needed a multichannel datalogger to monitor and alarm the equipment's current/voltage to view the load on the compressors, see which were in danger of failing, and take immediate measures to counter this.



CAS DataLoggers provided the plant with 2 Accsense VersaLog 8-Channel Voltage/Current Data Loggers, portable recorders with standalone operation. Each Accsense VersaLog unit has 7 range-programmable voltage and current external inputs for multichannel machine monitoring. The datalogger also logs ambient temperature on one channel, which is especially useful in gauging the effectiveness of the compressor units.



Users connected the data loggers to external voltage and current transducers which were then hooked up to the single-phase compressor motors, a pair of motors at a time. 4 of each logger's channels then began monitoring their current/voltage levels (2 inputs recording each value).



Accsense VersaLog data loggers use a 16-bit ADC converter for high-resolution measurements. The logger also features a fast sampling mode and supports USB, Modem and Ethernet connections enabling convenient local and remote access. The loggers support a user-selectable sampling range from 20 milliseconds to 12 hours. Each combo logger's 4MB Flash Memory stores up to 2 million measurements and stores data in non-volatile flash memory for later retrieval, while the 10-yr battery life guarantees extended operation.



Users periodically connect the loggers to a different pair of motors to ensure their dependability, while the recorders' small size and light weight enable portable placement. These data loggers are designed with a rugged, splash-resistant aluminum enclosure, and their internal electronics are protected against moisture by a conformal coating ensuring reliable operation even in this industrial environment.



Additionally, each data logger's alarm and excitation outputs alert workers to sudden current and voltage fluctuations in the motors by triggering external telephone dialers. This way workers can quickly respond and prevent their products from spoiling.



SiteView Windows software is an inexpensive application that works with Accsense VersaLog series data loggers for downloading, configuration, data analyzing and plotting. Its intuitive graphic interface and powerful functionality let users get a quick start on this application. SiteView's fast communication speed enables quick downloads, while multiple file loading makes it easy to compare the plant's data. SiteView also features real-time viewing and chart recording capabilities which entirely replace chart recording devices.



Accsense VersaLog was an inexpensive way for the plant to monitor its single-phase compressor motors for both current and voltage, helping workers to maintain them and get an indication of when they were in danger of failing. The multichannel loggers were accurate, easy to use and had a large memory.



CAS DataLoggers Applications Specialist Anthony Boyer comments, "These new combo loggers give you current and voltage inputs, a large memory, and high accuracy with the ADC. You can also log ambient temperature and setup alarms to notify you when your values go out of spec. All in all they're a great value for your projects."



To get more information on our new Accsense VersaLog data loggers with models recording temperature, humidity, voltage, and current, or to find the ideal solution for your specific project, contact a CAS Data Logger Applications Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or visit the website at www.DataLoggerInc.com.



Contact Information:

CAS DataLoggers, Inc.

12628 Chillicothe Road

Chesterland, Ohio 44026

(440) 729-2570

(800) 956-4437

sales@dataloggerinc.com

www.dataloggerinc.com

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