Instrumentation & Field Measurements: The Future

The usage of instruments and field measurements are extensively on the rise, especially for optimised construction control and safety monitoring. The increased demand has led to the need for a cost-effective instrumentation monitoring network system that would allow monitoring of various parameters but within budgeted walls.

Apart from the cost-effective nature of instruments, it is also crucial to have sensors that allow the access of data in real or near real-time anywhere on the globe. The presented data should not just be the instantaneous value, but also easy to understand and depicts the variations over a predefined interval of time. Further, there is also a need to have an alerting system that goes off before the catastrophic event takes place, giving enough time for the authoritative person to take remedial measures.

The advancement of technology and human capability has introduced us to some of the finest equipment that is more precise, reliable, cost-effective, and tailored-made for every challenging field. In this article, we will be looking at some of these advanced and futuristic technologies that aim to change the face of monitoring.

1. Digital Sensors

Sensors play a crucial role when it comes to monitoring. Even though there are several sensors available in the market today, the traditional sensor uses the same kind of network to produce the data and output. To put it simply, traditional sensors are bound in a typical instrumentation network with the help of a central data acquisition system (DAS). The DAS takes in the input from the sensors and then makes use of multiplexers to produce the output in suitable engineering units. This output is then stored in the internal memory of the DAS and is retrievable by a PC.

The era of digital sensors has changed it all. The new system makes things considerably easier by adopting a single 3 conductor cable that seamlessly connects all the sensors and data logger in a serial bus. The digital aspect of the sensor allows it to produce accurate output that is not disrupted by the cable length running between the sensor and the datalogger.

Furthermore, the digital sensors collect the calibration parameters inside the sensors and present the output directly in terms of suitable engineering units. This makes them smart sensors.

Other advantages of digital sensors is that it has a very low power requirement and can connect with any suitable data logger to create a robust sensor network for efficient monitoring.

With the recent advancement in technology, you can use a single brick-sized data logger for up to 180 digital sensors. The data loggers make use of a couple of lithium batteries. The battery is designed to last for more than two years if the data needs to be collected several times a day and transmitted once/daily to the cloud-based data monitoring system. If you are using a lower number of sensors, the batteries can last almost 5 years.

To connect to the internet, you would need a cellular service provider’s data SIM card. The data logger works in a scheduled manner, wherein it has a specific time to sleep and wakes up at the designated time to collect the data and transmit it to the cloud at intervals. However, the location should have an active cellular service network to make it possible.

2. Using Mobile Phones as a means of Data Collection

While we are discussing the future and technology of instrumentation and field measurements, it is necessary to address the evolution of the means of Data Collection. From handheld readout units to palmtop computers, analogue and digital sensors have used it all to arrive at a conclusive output monitoring. However, the advent of mobile phones has changed it all!

With the advancement in mobile technology, we have evolved and compact devices that feature high-resolution large colour graphics display, internal memory, Bluetooth, Cellular phone coverage, high-resolution camera, internet connectivity, built-in GPS, and many more. As it is evident, the devices find their application in the data collection field for geotechnical or civil engineering safety instrumentation networks.

The modern, high-end mobile phones easily determine the sensor location with the help of the in-built GPS sensor, without requiring the help of a surveyor. Furthermore, the video recording ability of the mobile phone makes it easier to record the installation of sensors, and in the case of sophisticated sensors, it can also serve as a training video.

The mobile phone also makes for a consolidated option as the different application software needed for the various types of digital sensors or DAS can be downloaded on a single device. This negates the need and the cost that would be spent on many different readouts/dataloggers.

Moreover, Mobile Phones operate with a standard system like Android which provides the user with a magnitude of options to choose from, and one can easily get on in their budget. In case you face any difficulties or issues with a certain type of mobile phone, you can easily change the device and transfer the memory card from the old one to the new one.

3. Wireless networking (RF)

Wireless sensor network are vital in monitoring construction sites, large structures and landslide areas. They are extensively used in applications where geotechnical and other sensors are used for data collection and transfer to a central server for access by multiple users.

The innovative long range radio network solution allows real-time monitoring of geotechnical and structural sensors in challenging conditions with reliable data transfer without any delay. With real-time data collected from the wireless system, the project owner, consultants and contractors remain aware of the slightest change in the data. Early warning system allows timely decisions, increased safety, reduction in project delays and consequently cost effectiveness.

In the wireless monitoring system, the sensors are interfaced with the long range, low power wireless network through nodes that send recorded data to the Gateway with utmost reliability. Gateway uploads the collected sensor data to the central/cloud server.

The long range radio frequency based wireless data collection network provides complete automation of monitoring with seamless connectivity in large construction sites, tunnels and landslide projects. The wireless system eliminates the need for running lengthy cables. It is especially useful at locations where sensors are distributed over wide areas and running cable lengths to long distances can be tricky and/or at locations where construction activity can damage the running sensor …[Continue reading]