Wireless Sensor Alerts Before Trouble Occurs

Press Release February 15, 2012

Predictive Sensor Technologies (PST), introduces its Wireless Environmental Temperature, Humidity and Dew point Sensor/Transmitter, (PST-THD) which, alerts the user via text or email when pre-set targets are reached.

Operations which are sensitive to ambient conditions such as clean rooms, with sensitive electronics, commercial bakeries, food storage, transportation and processing and manufacturing of various powdered products have found that wireless condition monitoring from PST can help control critical parameters and eliminate surprise changes in conditions detrimental to the process. PST monitoring is also aiding customers to evaluate temperature, humidity and dew-point in real-time to help determine the correct ingredient amounts which need to be adjusted based on those conditions. Bob Fitzpatrick, the developer of the technology, notes “Feedback from the THD sensors and transmitters takes the guesswork out of the process and prevents problems. Our customers enjoy peace of mind with 24/7/365 monitoring.

PST’s proprietary iStatus software: is the heart of the PST system. Simple yet powerful, iStatus checks each data transmission against user-configured alarm thresholds. New alarms trigger e-mail or text notification. iStatus automatically logs data at user-configured intervals in a SQL database. Users can run convenient pre-configured reports to view trends or program their own in the SQL database. The iStatus software provides the ability to configure messaging, build reports, export data and scale and zero sensor outputs.

The THD environmental sensor/transmitters utilize a powerful battery-powered transmitter and pre-wired sensor. Each pre-calibrated sensor installs easily, requires very little setup and no calibration. iStatus wireless transmitters are designed to work in harsh industrial environments. The weather tight enclosure is sealed with an O-ring and screw on cover. They come with powerful magnetic mounts for easy installation and the flanged enclosure can also be permanently mounted with screws. The rugged 900 MHz proprietary wireless protocol ensures that your data will be received and that other communications will not be affected. Before each transmission, the radio checks for a clear channel before it sends the sensor data. If the channel is busy, it waits until it finds an opening; then transmits the data. This clear channel assessment approach allows the system to function efficiently in noisy areas or heavy RF traffic areas without disrupting other communications. Data is typically transmitted once every 12 seconds to optimize battery life and minimize RF traffic. This data rate is more than sufficient for condition monitoring applications, but custom update rates are available from the factory if the 12-second rate does not meet the needs of the application. The transmitter range will vary depending on the location. Battery life approaches 2 years for the standard AA batteries. Open field range can be up to 1200 feet. Each wireless transmitter can manage up to 3 sensors. They are pre-configured to individual specification at the factory. “PST offers the benefits of low-cost wireless sensors and simple data management tools. This extends condition-based maintenance to a broader array of essential assets.”Mr. Fitzpatrick added.

Temperature Range -40°F to 255°F- (-40°C to 124°C)
Measured Temperature Range -40 to 255°F
Measurable Relative Humidity Range 0 to 100%
Temperature Resolution 1°F
Temperature Accuracy +/-0.54 °F
Relative Humidity Resolution 1%
Relative Humidity Accuracy 1.8%
Relative Humidity Response time 8 seconds
Batteries 2 “AA” 1.5 volt cells
Radio Frequency 902 to 928 digitally modulated spread spectrum radio

PST receivers feature rugged anodized aluminum enclosures with integral mounting brackets. Each receiver can handle up to 150 transmitters and operate with Ethernet or USB connections. Receivers resend transmissions to a computer with iStatus™ software. A single monitoring computer can manage up to 64 network receivers. The PST-Rx.E Ethernet Receiver provides maximum flexibility when designing a wireless
network. These compact receivers can be installed anywhere there is Ethernet access. The PST-Rx.USB USB Receiver connects directly to the host computer and is powered by the USB port.

Wireless condition based monitoring from Predictive Sensor Technology (PST) allows plant, facility and maintenance managers to “KNOW BEFORE IT GOES” with reliable and low cost wireless monitoring and data management of key environmental and mechanical conditions in a manufacturing or distribution environment. PST offers its customers personalized attention to their specific application needs with customization of software and the graphics interface, if required. PST is always interested in developing innovative sensor products to address special circumstances in a cost effective and timely manner. Found in many industries including: manufacturing, distribution, packaging, food and beverage, paper products, pharmaceutical, electronics assembly and more, PST systems are critical to quality by monitoring the following conditions: discrete contact status on pushbuttons, bearing temperature for all types of equipment, temperature, dew point and humidity, pulse counting, totalization or frequency measurement on flow meters, motor temperature and current draw for motors on fans, mixers, pumps and conveyors and 4-20 mA or voltage analog outputs from equipment such as PLCs, compressors and air dryers.