Battery Chemical producer imptoves productivity through enhanced data capture.

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Productivity at Delta EMD, manufacturer of electrolytic manganese dioxide used in the manufacturing of dry cell batteries, has improved since the installation of a Fluke Hydra 2635A data bucket. The unit was installed in the research department by Spescom MeasureGraph (SMG).

Research Manager Steve Swart explains: "The research scientist uses the unit to log voltage, current (mA) and time for the simulated discharge of a primary battery test cell. This is done by setting up the cells in series, applying the desired discharge current and monitoring the voltage drop during discharge."

Delta EMD is satisfied with the performance of the Fluke Hydra 2635A. "Since installation of the equipment we have been able to extend the experimental spectrum of the desired test work. We are able to discharge cells at a higher current, a facet that was lacking prior to the installation. Our productivity has improved due to a greater throughput of cells which expands the result database significantly."

Delta EMD has chosen the instrument because it provides better options for data logging. According to Swart another unique feature is its ability to log higher current, which the existing equipment could not do. "The 2635A allows for the electrochemical performance evaluation of the electrolytic manganese dioxide and is used to evaluate the performance of new products which benefits the end user," says Swart.

The instrument, with its removable card for data and set-up storage, is good for remote monitoring applications. It has bi-directional communication via RS232C which enables control from a host computer. The RS232C interface also supports standalone use with a serial printer.

SMG Product Specialist Morné Maree says the Fluke Hydra 2635A is rugged and able to operate in diverse environments. He says the Fluke Hydra 2635A has a sturdy metal chassis that effectively shields the internal electronics against electromagnetic interference and this maintains a high measurement accuracy on low-level signals. "The analog circuitry is also isolated from the digital circuitry so you can measure high voltage directly (up to 300 V a.c. r.m.s.) and it conforms to IEC, CE and CSA safety standards. All set-up information is battery-backed, providing immunity to power failure. The device will return from a power loss and resume scanning, while all configuration information and stored data remain intact."

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Battery Chemical producer imptoves productivity through enhanced data capture.

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