Maximise early warnings and responses.
Accurate report logging of trends and alerts.
The TCS Environmental Data Logger (EDL module) can be connected to a vast range of environmental sensors. It logs the sensor data at designated intervals for display and reporting, ensuring close and accurate monitoring of plant impacts on the environment. The EDL module is web enabled and provides a simple user interface for configuration purposes as well as providing historical data on trends and alarm events.
Sensors, including environmental sensors, can be connected directly to the EDL module via serial interfaces (RS-232 or RS-485/422) or can be connected via analogue and digital inputs via remote I/O modules on DeviceNet/CAN or Ethernet/IP. Sensor data can also be generated from plant PLC data tables and sent to the EDL module via industrial communications networks.
The data collected by the EDL module is then passed to a central data logging collection point over Ethernet. The collection point could be a SCADA package, an IT database or a PLC data table and is the place where the data can be further processed and displayed.
The EDL module database provides a short term “flight record” that logs data when the main database network is temporarily unavailable. Depending on the frequency of data collection and the number of data points this can be stored for up to a week in the “flight record” database. All events are time and date stamped including acknowledgment response times and alarm clearing times. A diagnostic screen will also show the input status of each of the inputs and whether or not it is in the correct alarm state. The EDL module acts as a web server and can display real-time data to a web browser and, as all data passes through the “flight recorder”, a back-up history of the most recent trends and alarms can always be viewed or recovered.
The EDL module is configured through the web browser with easy to use set-up screens. A range of attributes, depending on the application requirements, may be configured using the set-up screens.
Alerts can be dealt with by an alarm text messaging service when connected to a cell phone modem. It can also connect to a paging system. Limits are set on sensor inputs that, when exceeded, will automatically send a text or pager message to designated cell phone or pager numbers for immediate action. An acknowledgment is then required of the receiver and both the alarm event and the acknowledgment is logged to the “flight recorder”. The receiver is able to view the history and real time data via the web browser using Internet, Extranet, or Intranet.
The EDL module comes standard with an array of industrial communications options such as Ethernet TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, CAN, RS-232, RS-485/422, which provides a high degree of interfacing flexibility. In addition to these hardwire connections the EDL module can be supplied with a 2.4GHz wireless communications modem. All communications are industrially hardened and designed to integrate seamlessly with plant floor automation and IT databases. Custom communications drivers can be developed for all types of serial sensors.
To know more about the TCS Environmental Data Logger or any other TCS product and service please contact us at TCS. We are happy to help.
