Chart Recorders

Typical Uses of Chart Recorders

Chart recorders are a familiar sight in manufacturing plants, where they track such variables as temperature, pressure, flow, pH, and humidity. Laboratories, meanwhile, use them to monitor scientific and engineering data generated in testing, diagnostics, statistical analysis, and other work requiring a graphic record.

When Should I Use a Chart Recorder?

When the process to be tracked involves limited variables that do not require a PC-based interface, paper and pen can still be the way to go. The advantage of a circular chart is its intuitiveness: at a glance, it gives a complete history of each selected variable over a specified period—a truly continuous display of a trend’s change with time.

Strip Chart Recorders
Strip chart recorders consist of a roll or strip of paper that is passed linearly beneath one or more pens. As the signal changes the pens deflect producing the resultant chart. Strip chart recorders are well suited for recording of continuous processes. Sections of the paper can be torn off and archived for future reference. Strip chart recorders are commonly used in laboratory as well as process measurement applications.

Circular Chart Recorders
A circular chart recorder records data in a circular format. The paper is spun beneath one or more pens. The pens are deflected in proportion to the varying signal resulting in a circular chart. Circular chart recorders are ideal for batch processes where a set process time is known. The charts are normally designed to rotate in standard time periods, such as 1 hour, 24 hours, 7 days, etc., although many recorders are flexible enough to accommodate non-standard time periods.

XY Recorders
Y recorders accept two inputs and create a chart or graph of one input versus the other. They are commonly used to determine the relationship between the two inputs. For example in a chemical process, an XY recorder might be used to monitor the effect temperature has on the pressure of the process.

Hybrid Recorders
A hybrid recorder can function as a recorder or data logger. Like a standard recorder the hybrid recorder can generate a chart of the inputs. However, it can also produce a digital stamp of the data similar to a data logger. They are commonly available in multichannel designs although one print head normally handles all channels. This makes the hybrid recorder a cost effective solution for multichannel systems although the response time is not as fast as recorders which have a unique pen for each channel.

Paperless Recorders
Paperless recorders are one of the latest types of recorders to emerge on the market. Paperless recorders display the chart on the recorders' graphic display rather than print the chart on paper. The data can normally be recorded in internal memory or to a memory card for later transfer to a computer. The major benefit of paperless recorders is conservation of paper and easy transfer to a computer.

How to Select a Chart Recorder?

Many applications are suitable and require the installation of a chart recorders. Before choosing one, make sure you consider the following questions:
- How many inputs need to be recorded?
- What types of inputs need to be recorded?
- Do different input types need to be recorded in the same unit?
- What type of recording is required?
- Multiplex scanning (what minimum scan cycle is required?)
- Is a communciation interface required?
- Is recorder to be bench style or panel mounting?
- What type of instrument power is available?
- Is log-type recording desirable instead of/in addition to trend recording?
- Is color differentiation available for trend lines?
- Is message printing required?
- Is the recorder to perform alarm functions?
- How many setpoints per channel?
- What types of alarms: threshold, rate delta?
- Are physical relay contacts available for external alarm output?

Shop Chart Recorders in Australia

The OMEGA Engineering Singapore office handles all inquiries and orders for Australia. We have Application Engineers and Sale Support Staff ready to assist you with your technical questions, quotations and orders. A one-stop source for process measurement and control, OMEGA provides support through web chat, e-mail and telephone. View our contact page to call or email us.