Managing Remote Water Pumps Using a Modem Data Logger

An automatic water pumping station contacted CAS DataLoggers requiring an environmental monitoring device for its remotely-located automatic pumps. Previously the station had used paper chart recorders to log various properties such as flow and pressure, but this required too much manual effort to maintain. In the event of operational failure, the station also wanted to send warnings to maintenance personnel's mobile phones so that pump failures or sensor malfunctions can be addressed as soon as possible. Workers had been relying on hardcopy feeds from their chart recorders but it was getting harder to find replacement parts and service, necessitating a new solution.

The station manager installed a dataTaker DT80M Universal Data Logger from CAS DataLoggers, complete with integrated GSM Modem. The logger's universal inputs allowed connection with several different types of sensors including those for water level, flow rate, current and pressure. With the dataTaker Series 3 modem datalogger, the station didn't have to separately purchase a compatible modem. Users can remotely access all logged data, configuration and diagnostics, and USB memory stick support enables convenient data and program transfer.

The DT80M is a universal datalogger with flexible connection and communication features and a built-in cellular modem ideal for remote monitoring applications. With its 5 to 15 universal analog sensor channels, the dataTaker DT80M reads all these multiple types of sensor outputs and directly scales them to usable engineering units. The dataTaker DT80M provides precision real-time recording, taking measurements at 18-bit resolution, with a rugged design and construction providing reliable operation under even extreme conditions.

Intelligent alarming capability:

The built-in 2G/3G cellular modem's automatic data transmission sends the data to designated email addresses so it's available to employees no matter where they are or when they need it. The manager has entered his operational limits into the dataTaker so that whenever these levels are exceeded, the datalogger automatically generates an alarm. For example, the dataTaker's alarms report when tank levels are too low, problems in the chlorine rooms, pump operation, etc. With the dataTaker DT80M's GSM modem, these alarms are transmitted as SMS text messages via the mobile network to mobile phones worn by maintenance staff.

Further cutting down on the manual effort required for system maintenance, the dataTaker DT80M also collects and stores data to its large internal memory instead of paper as the old chart recorder used to do. This results in less waste and longer recording periods. The facility's current readings are shown on the logger's built-in LCD display and for extended data collection, the data logger stores up to 10 million data points which can be downloaded to a computer for visualization, reporting, etc.

The dataTaker also includes FREE dEX configuration software for quick setup and configuration over the Internet directly in a web browser. The logger's built-in web and FTP server gives the station remote access to all logged data, reconfiguration and diagnostics. With dEX users can also view real-time data as dashboards or charts, and the software can perform live data analysis and post-treatment functions.

Our dataTaker DT80M data logger has replaced the automatic pumping station's paperless chart recorders to monitor its pump operation and performance. A cost effective data logger designed for remote applications, the DT80M handles the facility's automatic data transfer, saving workers the need to travel out to collect the data or receive alarms. Additionally, the dataTaker's low power operation enables extended logging sessions.

If the station wants to capture additional environmental data, the DT80M can be used with other sensor types (whether analog or digital) to log temperature, humidity, tipping bucket rain gauges, anemometers, wind vanes etc. This way the dataTaker can act as a remote weather station which can automatically record and communicate back to the station via the modem's internal web and FTP server. All these values are recorded in real time and can be stored and downloaded whenever needed.

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Taxonomy

• Online Instrumentation
• Pumps Installation