Two 8-channel data loggers, called Spider8s, are being used to control solenoid valves and other electrical devices installed in a motorcycle engine emission sample handling system
In an unusual move two, 8-channel data loggers, called Spider8s, are being used to control solenoid valves and other electrical devices installed in a motorcycle engine emission sample handling system.
The other devices are the remote operation of a turbo compressor and the remote operation of a chassis dynamometer driver's aid and exhaust gas analyser functions.
These devices send signals to other instruments which, with the aid of software, take samples from exhausts and then produce numerical data from those gases.
This application is in addition to the Spider8s' normal use which is to measure parameters such as pressures and temperatures.
Sixteen digital I/O (Input/Output) switches on the back of each Spider8 control the valves and the other instruments.
The unusual use of the Spider8 data loggers from HBM UK, came about after Johnson Matthey's Catalytic Systems Division realised that the units could do more than obtain readings whenever there is a change in voltage.
The Spider8s can produce data from anything that produces a voltage analogue output.
They can also obtain information from frequency signals and from Wheatstone bridge transducers.
Before purchase Johnson Matthey carefully considered what was available but discovered that rival products, which means other emissions test control systems, were much more expensive.
Dan Hatcher, Emissions Laboratory Coordinator at Johnson Matthey's Royston site said that Johnson Matthey could have bought emissions measurement technology from companies that make emissions test control systems specifically for that use.
However a "similar dedicated system would be approximately four times more expensive" than the equipment supplied by HBM.
Although he was unable to quantify the savings he added that the Spider8s "were relatively inexpensive compared to the alternatives. They have reduced costs".
Mr Hatcher added:"We initially purchased the HBM Spider8s and associated Catman software for basic data acquisition in our Motorcycle Emission Test Facility.
We soon realised that additional features were provided, and with extensive in-house script writing expanded HBM's hardware and software to create a test control system." In addition to the Spider8s, Johnson Matthey also purchased with the hardware HBM's Catman2.1 software.
Since that original purchase Johnson Matthey has upgraded to Catman3.0. Catman software converts the actual signals sent to the Spider8s from the instruments which sample the exhausts from the motorcycle engines.
The signals are converted into binary data which can be read from a computer screen.
HBM's Catman software caters for those without programming knowledge or experience.
It is supplied with many standard tests pre-programmed into it.
However Catman 2.1 and Catman3.0 both have a scripting facility.
This allows customers to tailor those tests to their precise needs.
Mr Hatcher said that scripting has saved a lot of time setting up test instruments.
It has done so because scripting allows Johnson Matthey to arrange exactly when it wants the Spider8s to record and the precise frequency.
The scripting function has also allowed Mr Hatcher to make the test operatives' work easier and quicker.
The Catman software stores the particular tests.
When operatives want to repeat one of those tests they only have to click on a few functions. Spider8 is a digital measurement acquisition system, which is used like a PC plug-in card.
All the components required for digital measurement with passive sensor elements are located in one system.
The Spider8 unit is connected to the PC by a printer interface, which is readily available in every computer.
Digital outputs are used for key functions.
Johnson Matthey's products include catalysts used in the automotive industry.
The emissions laboratory was completed two years ago.
HBM's hardware and software was bought new and did not replace any emissions measurement equipment.
