Chart Recorders & Supplies

Charts are designed for single-use to ensure accurate and clear recordings. Reusing charts can lead to overlapping data, making interpretation difficult and potentially compromising data integrity. It’s recommended to use a new chart for each recording cycle.

Many pressure chart recorders are designed for high-pressure applications. For instance, Dickson’s 8-inch pressure chart recorders are built to withstand demanding conditions up to 1000 PSI.

Yes, Dickson chart recorders are designed to record both temperature and humidity on the same chart. These dual-function recorders have two separate (red and blue) pens, each tracking a different variable, and are often used in environments like cold storage or laboratories where both temperature and humidity control are critical.

With proper maintenance and calibration, pressure chart recorders can function effectively for many years. Regular calibration and timely replacement of consumables, like pens and charts, are essential for longevity.

Calibration typically involves:

1. Comparing the recorder’s readings with a known, accurate reference thermometer.
2. Adjusting the chart recorder’s sensor until its readings match the reference.

Dickson offers calibration on all of our sensors to ensure ongoing accuracy. Sensors can be swapped at pre-defined intervals so there is no downtime.

Many pressure chart recorders are battery-operated, offering portability and ease of installation without the need for external power sources. For example, Dickson’s 4-inch pressure chart recorders operate on a single AA battery. The 8-inch model utilizes an AC adapter.

Regular calibration is key to maintaining accuracy. Chart recorders should be recalibrated at intervals in alignment with your standard operating procedures (usually yearly or bi-yearly). It’s also important to place the recorder in an area free from interference like direct sunlight, heat sources, or drafts, as these can impact readings.

Regular Calibration: Schedule periodic calibrations to maintain accuracy.

Routine Maintenance: Inspect the device for wear, replace consumables like pens and charts, and check battery levels.

Performance Checks: Compare recorded data against known standards to verify functionality.

Chart recorder size: Choose between smaller 4” models that can accomodate physical space requirements and utilize replaceable batteries and the larger 8” models with AC power and higher reading resolution.

Recording range: Ensure the recorder covers the necessary temperature range for your application.

Accuracy: Verify the device’s precision, especially for sensitive environments.

Durability: Look for models built for the specific conditions of your use, such as humidity or dust resistance. Look for features such as polycarbonate casings to ensure durability.

Calibration: Temperature and humidity sensors will drift over time. Consider a chart recorder that offers ongoing OEM calibration.

1000 PSI

Chart recorders offer a simple, tangible way to record data without requiring software, batteries, or network connectivity. They’re ideal in situations where reliability and simplicity are more critical than advanced analytics. For regulated environments, chart recorders are often compliant with standards that mandate hard-copy documentation. Additionally, chart recorders work well in settings where digital access is limited or where electronic data loggers may be challenging to deploy.

Yes, digital data loggers offer electronic pressure monitoring such as the PR-125 with features like real-time data access, higher accuracy, and easier data management. 

A temperature chart recorder is a device used to monitor and document temperature changes over time. It has a temperature and/or humidity sensor connected to a mechanical arm with a pen, which moves across a circular chart paper. As the temperature and humidity fluctuates, the pen records these changes on the paper, creating a visual timeline of temperature data. This physical chart serves as a direct record, often used for regulatory or quality control purposes in settings like laboratories, cold storage, or pharmaceuticals. The used charts are often dated and signed to create a representative snapshot for the time period indicated.

A temperature chart recorder is a device used to monitor, measure, and record temperature data over time. It typically consists of a temperature sensor, a recording mechanism, and a chart or digital display for visualizing the temperature data. These devices are commonly used in industries where precise temperature monitoring is critical, such as healthcare, food storage, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring.

A pressure chart recorder is an instrument that continuously monitors and records pressure levels over time onto a circular chart. This provides a visual representation of pressure fluctuations, aiding in system diagnostics and compliance documentation.

Dickson chart recorders are designed to monitor multiple parameters, such as temperature and humidity. It’s essential to use charts and pens that are specifically designed for your recorder to ensure accurate readings. For instance, Dickson provides charts and pens tailored to their recorders, and using genuine Dickson charts is required for accurate readings. Pens are available in blue and red to designate humidity and temperature. Pens can be purchased in 6-packs of either blue or red, or a combination pack (3 red, 3 blue).

Pressure recorders utilize sensors to detect pressure changes. These changes move a pen across a rotating chart, creating a continuous trace that reflects pressure variations over a set period, such as 24 hours or 7 days.

Step 1: Inspect the Pen. Check for any visible damage or ink depletion.

Step 2: Replace the Pen. If the pen is out of ink or damaged, replace it with a compatible one. For example, Dickson offers replacement pens for their recorders.

Step 3: Check Alignment. Ensure the pen is properly aligned and making contact with the chart paper.

Step 4: Consult the Manual. Refer to your recorder’s user manual for troubleshooting tips specific to your model.

Step 5: Check the Dickson knowledge base.

Setup: Install the recorder at the desired monitoring point, ensuring a secure connection to the pressure source.

Chart Installation: Place a new chart on the device, aligning it with the current time.

Operation: Activate the recorder to begin monitoring.

Reading: After the recording period, remove the chart. The pen’s trace indicates pressure levels over time, with the chart’s time markings helping to correlate pressure changes to specific intervals.

Charts: Replace the chart after each recording cycle, which could be daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your recorder’s settings.

Pens: The lifespan of a pen varies based on usage and environmental conditions.  Pens can typically last from six months to one year. Regularly inspect the pen’s ink level and writing quality, and replace it when the ink is depleted or the writing becomes faint.

Pressure Range: Ensure the device can measure the expected pressure levels in your application. Select an appropriate option for pressures ranging from 100-1000 PSI.

Chart Size and Duration: Select appropriate chart dimensions and recording durations (e.g., 24-hour or 7-day) based on monitoring needs. For more detailed resolution, shorter time frames are suggested.

Durability: Opt for recorders with robust enclosures, especially for harsh environments. Dickson pressure chart recorders feature a rugged black ABS case, polycarbonate door, and aluminum dials.

Power Source: Decide between battery-operated or externally powered units based on portability and installation constraints.

It’s crucial to use charts that are compatible with your specific recorder model. Using non-compatible charts can lead to inaccurate readings and potential damage.

Accuracy varies by model. For instance, Dickson’s 8-inch pressure chart recorders offer a resolution of .1.

To install a new chart correctly:

1. Remove the Old Chart: Lift the pen arm away from the chart and remove the old chart.
2. Place the New Chart: Align the new chart on the chart hub, ensuring it’s centered and secure.
3. Set the Time: Rotate the chart hub to align the current time with the time indicator on the chart.
4. Lower the Pen Arm: Gently place the pen arm back onto the chart to resume recording.

See video

Dickson offers chart recorders for temperature and humidity, as well as models that monitor pressure separately. Dickson does not provide a chart recorder that simultaneously monitors temp/humidity and pressure. 

To replace the pen:

1. Lift the Pen Arm: Gently raise the pen arm away from the chart.
2. Remove the Old Pen: Detach the old pen from its holder.
3. Install the New Pen: Attach the new pen securely into the holder.
4. Lower the Pen Arm: Place the pen arm back onto the chart to resume recording.

Always use Dickson chart pens with your recorder model to ensure accurate recordings. 

Dickson’s pressure chart recorders cover various ranges, including 0-100 PSI, 0-200 PSI, 0-300 PSI, and up to 0-1000 PSI, catering to diverse monitoring requirements.

Yes, chart recorders come with various chart sizes, commonly including 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch diameters. The appropriate size depends on your recorder model and monitoring needs.

Calibration involves comparing the recorder’s readings against a known standard and adjusting as necessary. It’s recommended that Dickson calibration services be utilized for yearly or bi-yearly adjustments depending on your standard operating procedures.