Data Collection

Contents

• Suppliers

• Introduction

• Pen & Paper

• Data logger

• Data Loggers Commonly Used for LDAR

Supplier Directory - Data Collection

	Horizons Incorporated
		Mike Rish PH: (216) 714-0064 mikris@horizonsid.com		Barcode and stamped metal tags for LDAR components. Industrial-grade barcode tags are Teflon coated.
	A.I.W Inc.
		Houston, TX PH: (281) 578-6733 Ishu Wadwani		Intrinsic safe data loggers for fugitive emissions monitoring.
	Thermo Electron
		Franklin, MA PH: 1-508-520-0430 Al Matta		CENTURY TVA 1000B Vapor Analyzers with built-in data logger.
	EnRUD Resources
		Nassau Bay, TX PH: (281) 333-5816 Roy Massengale		LeakTracker System 200®- automated data collection system
	InspectionLogic Corp (formerly EC Systems)
		Louisville, KY PH: 800-347-9677 Christopher Tucker		Palm F.I.T.™ for comprehensive LDAR data collection. Tagger™ for tag maintenance.

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LDAR Data Collection Introduction

Fundamental to the LDAR program is effective collection of good data. Managing the program using data that has poor integrity (i.e., does not correlate to what is really in the field) exposes the company to risk of non-compliance and makes managing the program time consuming and frustrating. In general, data collection can be carried out two ways; using pen & paper or electronic data loggers.

Pen & Paper
a) How it is done:

• Inspector goes out into the field with a form that has the list of components to be inspected, along with pertinent component information.
• There is a place on the form for the inspector to write in the analyzer reading.
• When all components are inspected, the inspector (or other person) keys the readings into the LDAR software. Any other information such as delayed for shutdown, first attempts at repair, etc. is also keyed in.

b) Pros:

• Lowest cost.
• It is simple. Nominal training required.
• No chance of "pushing the wrong button."
• Little chance of losing a day's worth of inspection data.
• Which order components are inspected in does not matter.
• Inspector can scan the page and intuitively choose the order of inspection.
• Missed inspections are obvious, no reading filled in.

c) Cons:

• Requires the inspector to use both hands to write down the reading, could slow him down.
• Requires data to be keyed in back at the office.
• Hand writing may be hard to read resulting in wrong information.
• Damp or wet conditions could damage the paper or make written information illegible.
• Inspection results could be forged.

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Data Logger
a) How it is done:

• A list of components to be inspected, along with pertinent component information (called a "Route") is downloaded from the PC software to the data logger. Inspector takes the data logger into the field to record inspection results.
• Some data loggers have a way for the inspector to record other information such as delayed for shutdown, first attempts at repair, new component, etc.
• When all components are inspected, the inspector connects the data logger to the PC and uploads all of the information collected directly into the LDAR software.

• All inspections are time and date stamped automatically.
• Data is entered one time. No additional data entry at the PC is required. Less opportunity for error.
• Typically operated with one hand.
• With some data loggers, each component comes up on the screen in the order that they are to be inspected.
• Can be used in bad weather.

• Equipment cost can be significant.
• Potential for lost data due to hardware failure.
• Can't use it if the battery is not charged.
• Some training is required.

• Data loggers for LDAR fall into 2 families;
  1. Integrated into the analyzer or hard wired so that analyzer readings are automatically recorded in the data logger.
  2. Separate from the analyzer, user has to key in the analyzer reading.
• Is it more desirable to have the highest reading detected automatically recorded by the data logger, or should the user be able to decide what the highest reading was and key it in? (Note: The regulations do not require the reading to be automatically recorded. Keying in the reading is effectively the same as writing it down using a pen & paper method.)
• Does cost of the equipment matter when making this decision?

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LeakTracker System 200^® Data Logger
This data logger consists of an intrinsically safe hand held computer formerly manufactured by Symbol Technologies. The "System 200" uses Symbol's model 3805 with a built in laser bar code scanner. It has a pistol grip and trigger that serves as an "enter" key. On top is a full keypad and LCD display. The "LeakTracker system" consists of the data logger, a special vest with built in back pack for either the Foxboro OVA or TVA analyzer, and a special cable that allows the reading from the analyzer to be automatically transmitted to the data logger and recorded (“direct read”) . Also included is an LDAR inspection software called M.A.R.S.™ The LeakTracker^® is only compatible with Foxboro / Thermo Environmental Instruments analyzers.               

Foxboro / Thermo Environmental Instruments TVA Data Logger                     The TVA 1000B analyzer has a small data logger built into it. It can be used with either the Basic Probe or Enhanced Probe assembly. With the Basic Probe assembly, functionality of the data logger is limited to recording analyzer readings and time/date stamping each reading. The Enhanced Probe has a large LCD screen and offers the user additional functionality. Either configuration provides a “header” file with the analyzer’s serial number, calibration information, etc. The TVA’s data logger and its software are both products of Thermo Environmental Instruments in Franklin, MA . 

Thermo Environmental Instruments HVM 680 Analyzer with Data Logger
FID analyzer with data logger built into the probe head. The data logger includes some LDAR specific functionality. The HVM 680 is no longer being manufactured and was replaced by the TVA 1000B.

PolyCorder Data Logger
This is an intrinsically safe hand held 80-286 computer. It is shaped like a large brick with full keypad and LCD display. Uses PCMCIA memory cards. Some analyzers have a cable interface to the PolyCorder. It is also used without a direct connection to the analyzer. Without the direct connection, the technician keys in the analyzer ppm reading.  AIW in Houston, TX offers LDAR specific inspection software for the PolyCorder.  PolyCorder hardware is no longer being manufactured.

Palm F.I.T. (Field Inspection Terminal) Data Logger
Readily available devices that use the Palm Operating System offer a large easy to read touch screen that is intuitive to use. With one data collection device, it’s possible to log Method 21 monitoring results, visual inspection results, repair information, and retest results. The Palm™ also stores instrument calibration data. LEAKDAS Palm F.I.T.™ software includes the complete LEAKDAS Tagger™ package, thus allowing technicians to perform monitoring and tag maintenance at the same time.

Palm F.I.T.™ Functionality:

- Download a Route from LEAKDAS (every data field)
- Record Method 21 readings (time & date stamped)
- Record visual inspection results
- Quickly browse for components that are unmonitored, passed, leaking, repaired, new, edited, or Out of Service
- Route Sequencing functionality (ability to re-sequence components into a productive Route order)
- Record instrument calibration information
- Place a component Out of Service
- Record 1st attempt repair and retest information
- Tell LEAKDAS to issue a Work Request and why
- Replace a missing tag and log the new tag number
- Reuse an existing tag on new equipment (equipment change)
- Delete tags
- Create a new tag and component record, then monitor and record the results
- Upload all of your monitoring and tag maintenance results to LEAKDAS by pressing one button
- Take advantage of the Palm's built in To-Do list, calendar, address book and calculator to improve efficiency

Palm devices do not have a direct connection to analyzers to record readings.  Analyzer readings are entered by the technician by tapping or writing on the Palm screen.

Palm Hardware:  Symbol Technologies manufactures a rugged industrial grade Palm device (model SPT 1700 or 1800) that is certified for Class I/Division 2 areas.  Handspring or Palm manufacture devices that use the Palm Operating System, these are not rated for hazardous areas and may require a hot work permit or special permission to carry into a process area.

• LeakTracker^® and M.A.R.S.™ are trademarks of EnRUD Resources, Inc.

• Foxboro, OVA are trademarks of Thermo Electron

• ORR LEAKDAS is a trademark of InspectionLogic Corp.

• Symbol is a trademark of Symbol Technologies, Inc.

• Thermo Environmental Instruments, TVA,   and HVM 680 are trademarks of Thermo Environmental Instruments, Inc.

• PolyCorder is a trademark of Omnidata International Inc.

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