Data Logging 



What is Data Logging ?   

Data logging is the precise recording of measurments related to time, for example the height of water in a well over time.

Sorted Water Solutions Data loggers are capable of recording to 0.001 seconds when logging one input. 

The Data Logging system is very flexible and is able to record many different types of information, to name a few;

  • Flow
  • Pressure
  • Level
  • Current
  • Temperature 
  • Light
  • Strain
  • Voltage
  • Moisture

The data logger can use its own instruments or; in many cases the existing sensors on site can be use. 

Why Does Data Logging Help ? 

Data logging enables you to make accurate decisions based on what is actually happening, without the gaps in data. It can be used at any point in the life cycle of infrastructure such as;  

  • Commissioning 
    • When commissioning new equipment its important to recored what is going on, to ascertain if it is works as per the manufacturers performance and the design intent, in many cases there are not instrument in the design to do this, or then are too slow to get a real understanding of what is happening. 
    • Having real time data allows you to fine tune and track any changes to make the system run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. 
  • Asset Monitoring
    • Being able to keep a track of how equipment is performing enables you understand the condition and put maintenance procedures into place to ensue it does not fail
    • After an overhaul or new equipment is installed into a system its good to understand what effect this has had on the system and recored it.
  • Problem Solving 
    • Sometimes you know you have a problem, but not sure of what is causing this or the root cause. Being able to install measuring equipment and record what is actually going on enables you to prove the root cause, fix the problem then verify that the solution was affective. 

Why Data Logging is different to SCADA?

Most of the time, SCADA provides information that is critical, and provides information when things have gone a bit wrong. Between what you see on the screen and what is actually being recorded there is often gaps or the data simply is not picked up as the SCADA sample rates are too slow. 

Data Logging uses a lot of Data and that is why, in most cases, it is not suitable or required to recorded as frequently using a SCADA system. 

Case Study 

When commissioning a small pump station it was noticed there was "some" fluctuation on the discharge pressure while the pumps started and stopped when using the station instrumentation. Data logging was brought in to record the magnitude of this. As you can see from the image below, there was a significant peak in the start pressure. 


From the image above you can see the gradient of the pressurisation and the peaks  in the line before settling down to running pressure. There is a steep gradient from running pressure to pump stopped which is then followed by a pressure wave. 

The above image shows the same pump running sequence, however the pump is ran with different settings to smooth out the curve and vastly reduce the peaks and troughs. This is a very simple forum of data logging however you can see from the changes made there is a lot of stress that has been removed form the system.