Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’applications and needs regarding Recorders.
Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding Recorders.
Executive Summary
• Among those specifying, recommending, and/or buying recorders, 72% do so for in-plant requirements and 28% buy for OEM needs.• Batch and continuous processing is the most prominent application for recorders. Continuous processing only is applicable at 25% of respondents’ locations.• For recording, ink is the likely choice for circular chart applications while paperless data storage is used most for strip chart applications.• When asked for a preference of either multi-channel or plug-in signal conditioner type recorders, most respondents mention having no preference, saying the application typically drove purchase requirements. Of those specifying multi-channel recorders, about half are requesting 6 or more channels.• Temperature is most common type of measurement being taken with recorders (88%). Pressure is measured second most with 71% of those answering taking this type of measurement. Flow is measured about 60% of the time.• 4-20 mA is the most common type of signal measured at respondent locations with 77% recording this type of measurement. Recorders are measuring thermocouples about 72% of the time. Most respondents require taking less than 60 samples per minute with the recorders being used. The most frequent resolution needed at respondent locations was 16 bit.• Two-thirds of recorders currently in use are not utilizing wireless technology. In fact, only 4% of those answering are using wireless technology on more than half of their recorder applications.• Most recorder information is destined for a data acquisition software package. However, 51% of the information being recorded still gets disseminated via paper file.• Microsoft Windows XP is the most common data acquisition operating system used. For those using networks, Ethernet TCP/IP is the most frequently used network for implementing data acquisition applications.• Yokogawa is the most purchased brand of recorder over the last 12 months. Honeywell is second most purchased.• 32 was the average number of recorders each survey participant purchased during the past 12 months. Average spending per respondent on recorders in the past year was $25,896.• A little over one-quarter of respondent’s report their purchases of recorders will grow in the next 12 months with 55% stating their purchases will remain the same. About 18% expect a decline.• The ability for recorders to integrate with other systems (18%) was the biggest future need for recorders. Paperless data acquisition was mentioned by 16% of respondents as an additional need.• Sixty-six percent of respondents do not receive Control Design magazine. Sixty-eight percent do not receive Control.
Recorders Product Research
