Characteristics of the Temperature Data Loggers for Thermal Mappings.

MOST TEMPERATURE DATA LOGGERS CAN BE DEFINED AND COMPARED BASED ON SEVERAL CHARACTERISTICS.

The following characteristics and attributes can make a remarkable difference in their price. The selection of a temperature data logger will depend on the purpose and the intended use. Some of these basic characteristics are:

1. Accuracy. The accuracy of the data logger is one of the most critical factors which shall determine its cost since the more accurate is a temperature data logger, the more expensive it is.

2. Range of Operation. Each kind of data logger is designed for a specific purpose and range of operation. Not all kinds of data loggers are capable read the same range of temperature and relative humidity. Some of them are designed to read measurements at ambient conditions of temperature and relative humidity (e.g. 25C plus or minus 20C). Meanwhile, other temperature data loggers are designed for extremely high-temperature conditions as 200 C, and others for extremely low-temperature conditions as -30C.

3. Enclosure and Resistance Conditions: The data logger enclosure shall determine how well the device can resists shocks, heat, moisture, and rough handling conditions either in-door or out-door. Some enclosures may be water-proof, explosion-proof, etc. As you may expect, waterproof and explosion-proof data loggers shall be more expensive than those for indoor use only.

4. Sample Rate and Recoding Time: Temperature data loggers can read and take measurements of temperature at different sample rates or data collection frequencies. A typical sample rate to collect temperature readings may be from 1 minute to 10 minutes. Data loggers with very low sample rates (e.g. 1-second sample rates or less) are more expensive.

5. Input Types: Temperature data loggers can have one or more input types. E.g. voltage, pressure, % relative humidity, etc. Data loggers which take temperature readings only are less expensive. Typically, temperature data loggers that can take also measurement readings of % relative humidity are more expensive than those for temperature only.

6. Data Storage: Not all data loggers have the same storage capacity. It is the amount of measured data it can save internally in its memory. As you may expect, temperature data loggers with high data storage capacity are more expensive.

7. User Interface: Each manufacturer of data loggers determines and provides their own user interface to connect with their device and download the collected temperature readings. Typically, they provide proprietary software with its drivers which connect and make an easy interface with the data loggers either for initial set up to start collecting temperature readings and retrieving the measurements taken. Some of them have a USB connection, meanwhile, others may use Bluetooth or a docking station.

8. Local Monitoring. Some kind of temperature data loggers have an LCD display to show the real-time values measured and collected, so you can see the actual conditions of temperature and relative humidity without the wait to download the information later. Other models do not have any LCD display for real-time temperature, since they are designed to save energy and maximize their battery capacity. Saving a battery can increase the amount of time it can be recording data in the memory. Temperature data loggers with LCD displays are more expensive.

9. Power System. Some temperature data loggers have replaceable standard batteries commonly found in many places. Meanwhile, other data loggers may use internal batteries which cannot be replaced, making the data logger a disposable device once the battery is empty. Naturally, data loggers with replaceable batteries are more expensive than disposable data loggers.

10. Cost: The total cost of each data logger is divided into four (4) parts:

a) Volume cost. The cost of buying each data logger originally. Buying big amounts of data loggers at the same time can bring you substantial savings than buying small amounts.

b) Calibration cost. The additional cost related to the data logger calibration is typically a recurrent expense every year. In most cases, the cost of calibration overpasses the cost of buying initially the data logger itself. Normally, the calibration cost is not included by the supplier in the price of the data logger when you place the order or buy it.

c) Shipping cost. This cost considers not only the initial shipping cost when you buy the data logger, but also when you send it for calibration every year.

d) Maintenance cost. This cost includes cleaning the data loggers, replacing batteries, its verification, configuration setup, etc.

Recommendations to Avoid Mistakes Selecting Temperature Data Loggers.

We suggest evaluating all your requirements and needs to use temperature data loggers, but, also consider the frequency of use monthly, and how fast you need them on-site for your validation study.

So, you can determine if is better to buy or rent them based on the expertise and time availability of your employees to configure and prepare the trending graphs and summary statistical reports on time.

Before buy, consider the cost of the data loggers, but, also the cost of the calibration and its lead time.

Evaluate and compare the total costs and lead times, against the costs to rent data loggers already calibrated.

If you are NOT using temperature data loggers frequently, consider a fast CIQA rental of the calibrated data loggers required for the thermal study. Thermal Mapping Outcomes