The EnviroMon Data Logger and Alarm System from Pico Technology Limited is proving invaluable in the continuous monitoring and recording of temperature and other parameters in applications from food storage and preparation to the storage of works of art in museums and documents in archives.
The Pico EnviroMon system records data on temperature, humidity etc 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It will continue to record even if the mains power fails. The system sounds an audible alarm if a parameter goes out of range and can download data either to a PC or simply direct to a printer.
In food storage and preparation applications, the EnviroMon is highly effective in monitoring chilled food temperatures to maintain the critical 5 degrees C. The EnviroMon is able to run off a 24v power supply, which makes it ideal for temperature monitoring on refrigerated lorries, where it can be run off the trailer generator.
EnviroMon accepts a range of sensors, and so can measure temperatures from -55 to +300 degrees C, monitor humidity and light levels or record the position of a door.
At the core of the EnviroMon system is a logger, which can store up to 15,000 readings at intervals from one minute to an hour. The logger automatically displays the current reading for each sensor in turn and can either send reports directly to a printer at specified time intervals or transfer data to a PC for long-term storage or graphical analysis. Even when operated with a PC, the system will continue to collect data when the computer itself is turned off thanks to its internal microprocessor. Four AA batteries ensure that the logger will continue recording even if the mains fails.
The EnviroMon system uses a single network cable, up to 400 metres long, which runs between the logger and up to 10 converters. Each three-channel converter can be connected to up to three sensors.
The system is supplied with EnviroMon for Windows - software tailored specifically to environmental monitoring requirements.
As well as being widely used for temperature monitoring in food storage and transport, the Pico EnviroMon has proved its capabilities in applications such as medical sample storage, document and art work storage, horticulture, energy management and data processing and networking systems.
It is also used to monitor climatic stress, such as high heat and humidity, in the workplace and at sporting events. The EnviroMon proved its worth by monitoring temperature and humidity during the equestrian show-jumping and dressage events at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.