What is a chart recorder?
A chart recorder is an instrument that records electrical and process signals. Traditionally, chart records are built of a piece of paper and a pen that creates marks in response to a signal.
How do chart recorders work?
As the signal comes in, a pen moves across a sheet, pad, or roll paper. The resulting marks compose a graph or chart of the incoming data.
What are the types of chart recorders?
Chart records mostly vary by number of pens, shape of the paper, and direction of paper movement over time. Single channel chart recorders utilize one pen, and multichannel chart recorders utilize multiple pens to chart multiple inputs in different colors. Strip chart recorders move paper linearly to record continuous processes. Circular chart recorders spin round paper pads to record data within a specified, and often standardized, time frame.
Chart Recorders vs. Data Loggers
Chart recorders and data loggers are primarily differentiated by format. Chart recorders record information on paper, and data loggers store the information in a digital file. While both types of equipment are designed to be small and portable, chart recorders are usually larger than data loggers. A chart recorder has a motor that moves the paper, a mechanical sensor, and a structure that holds the paper chart. In contrast, a data logger is built of a small microprocessor and a probe or sensor chip. Both chart recorders and data loggers are user-friendly. As manual devices, chart recorders are usually faster to implement than data loggers that require connected software to export and view data. In regards to flexibility, data loggers can be configured in a variety of ways because they are digital instruments that can be programmed or modified. In contrast, chart recorders do not offer as many configuration options because they are mechanical instruments built to excel at specific tasks. Hybrid recorders include both paper recorder and data logging capabilities. An example of a data logger is the final data transcription stage in a process gas chromatograph. To learn more about process gas chromatography, read this article: Link to the article, “Process Gas Chromatography: What it is and How it Works.”
What is a chart recorder used for?
In manufacturing settings, chart recorders are used to track qualities such as temperature, pressure, flow, PH, humidity, vibration, movement, and more. In scientific and engineering laboratories, chart recorders are used to transcribe data generated in diagnostics, testing, statistical analysis, and more. Chart recorders are beneficial because they create intuitive visualization tools that display data over a specified time period. Chart recorders are particularly useful in situations with limited variables that do not require a digital interface.
Chart Recorders and Data Acquisition
Chart recorders are valuable tools in a variety of data acquisition applications. When process data needs to be recorded over a period of time, a chart recorder can be used to map the information and visualize the trends. For water purification equipment, a chart record can display and record factors such as temperature, flow, turbidity, PH, dissolved oxygen, and more. In a tunnel kiln, a chart recorder can monitor and record temperature and transcribe data abnormality alarms. In the pharmaceutical and food industries, chart recorders can be used to manage sterilization processes. A chart recorder can compute F0 values according to temperature and record parameters such as temperature, pressure, and more. For environmental testing equipment, a chart recorder can display and record testing data from a thermostatic chamber. In a power plant, a chart recorder can acquire data on turbine temperature, vibration, and abnormalities. This information is a critical component of equipment maintenance. In the electrical wire coating process, a chart recorder can acquire data on wire temperature and outer diameter for monitoring of correlations.
How to Choose a Chart Recorder
To choose a chart recorder, you need to consider factors such as the number of inputs, the type of signals, the type of recording that is needed, whether or not alarms are needed, the style of communication interface that is needed, the environmental conditions in which the device will operate, and more. An expert provider such as TechStar can walk you through the process of the best chart recorder for your needs.
For over 20 years, TechStar has been the leading manufacturing representative for instrumentation, automation, analytical products, service, and training. Their featured chart recorder solution is the μR Series strip chart recorder that provides accurate, high resolution measurement charts that can withstand harsh production environments. Additionally, the μR Series can be used as a monitoring device and quality control instrument in a variety of applications including pharmaceutical, chemical, power generation, heat treatment, and environmental monitoring. For all of your chart recorder needs, contact TechStar today!