A new product just launched by Elpro of Switzerland and supplied by WIKA Instruments South Africa is the Hamster-R. This is a unique datalogger in that it employs RFID technology - radio frequency identification.
This datalogger combines advanced RF technology with low power consumption. The Hamster allows the user to track any critical temperature in their application automatically and without complex wiring of installations. All that is required is an antenna and reader, which uses advanced VHF radio frequency technology as the Hamster-R transmits and received data at distances of up to 100 m.
Application 1
A common application would be the transportation of goods in a refrigeration truck. The Hamster-R is secured onto the cold compartment of the truck. An option is a digital input to the datalogger so not only is the temperature of the cold storage area monitored but also by connection of the digital input to a door switch, the user is able to monitor when and for how long the door is opened and closed. This makes it possible to closely monitor the temperature and opening/closing cycles of the storage area. A feature of this system is that it is possible to have manual and automatic detection involving read out of the datalogger providing a day protocol of all trucks involved. This feature provides an advantage in that there is no handling required by the driver, as it is all automatic. The logger is battery-operated so there is no need for complex wiring to the battery supply of the truck concerned. This battery has an operation life of up to five years and is replaceable.
Application 2
Another application would be in shopping hall refrigeration units. By installing antennas above the refrigeration units an area of 30 x 50 m is easily covered. With more antennas, a larger area can be covered, if required. This enables the shop manager to monitor all freezers and display cabinets with online monitoring, documentation and alarming. The optional digital input could be used to show the defrosting cycle.
Application 3
A last application worth mentioning would be the use of the datalogger during the storage and shipping of goods by placing the Hamster-R inside the packaging together with the goods. The reading and marking of time/date can be done through the packaging without the need to physically access the logger. This can be done when goods are packaged, during storage, during transit and at the final destination.
The thoroughly tested software is user friendly and information can be stored in graphic or tabular format. With this software the user is able to perform mean kinetic temperature and ageing calculations. As known with good warehousing, temperatures must be monitored and appropriate action taken if temperature exceeds specified storage conditions. Those actions are the calculation of the mean kinetic temperature as a verification of exceeded storage conditions. If conditions are exceeded a second calculation to determine the reduction of shelf life with the help of the Arrhenius equation is to be performed.
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