SEE Technical Forum - Current Hot Topic
The Use of Environmental Data Loggers
For a number of years now data loggers have been available for the measurement of a range of environmental conditions during transport, storage and use of equipment and foodstuffs. The simplest loggers give “traffic light” indications whether “preset” limits have been exceed. Devices of this type able to detect exceedances of temperature as well as shock levels are in common use. In recent years simple mechanical and chemical devices have been augmented by electronic loggers many of which are able to record a variety of environmental data for subsequent evaluation.
The availability of relatively cheap electronic environmental data loggers has resulted in the ability to measure a variety of environmental parameters during actual usage. As environmental data loggers are small the information can also be acquired covertly if necessary. In some fields the use of environmental data loggers has had significant impact on the way products are designed, stored and transported. However, in other areas the profusion of environmental usage data which loggers are able to generate is frequently not well assessed or trusted by the user. As a consequence the use of environmental data logger is in some instances distrusted.
The aim of the Specialist Topic Group is to identify best practice in the use of environmental data loggers and to improve the process used to assess the data acquired. The data considered will encompass temperature, humidity shock and vibration. The Specialist Topic Group will also act as a forum for user experience in the use of environmental data loggers.
A first meeting of the Specialist Topic Group is planned for the 27th May 2010 at Buntingford. Those interested in attending or contributing over a Web Site forum should contact David Richards at dave.richards@environmental.org.uk
