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MESA LABORATORIES, INC. DataTrace Division 

 Standard 

Operating 

Procedure 

 

Release Date: August 27, 2010 

Page: 21 of 32 

Revision B 

 

1.  Select the export format (Excel). 

 

2.  Click the Select Profile button to display a listing of all profiles stored in DTW. From the 

listing select one or more of the profiles. Click OK. 

 

3.  Enter the destination path and file name. Use the Browse function to define the path. The 

DTW program offers a default name “EXPORT”. This name should be changed to avoid 
overwriting previous files of the same name. Name the file as appropriate, but do not edit 
the filename extension. Press Enter. 

 

4.  Click the Export button. A message warning that the exported file will no longer be secure 

will be displayed. Click OK. When the Export Complete dialog box appears an Excel 
spreadsheet has been created. Click OK. 

 

5.  The spreadsheet will list all of the selected profiles in columns with the first columns 

listing date/time. The data appears in columns with the column heading of Tracer serial 
numbers. 

 
8.7. Verifying 

Calibration 

 
8.7.1. Temperature Tracer 

 
This procedure describes a method for verifying the temperature measurement accuracy of 
Tracers. This procedure can be performed on a Tracer any time accuracy needs to be verified. 
 

1.  Tracers are normally tested at several temperature points. We recommend that 

temperature points are selected which are critical in reference to the target process. For 
example, using Tracers in a sterilization process would suggest using 121°C for a 
verification point. 

 

The temperature sensor in Tracer is a precision NTC thermistor or a PT2000 RTD. These 
particular sensors were selected based on their close tolerance and good, long-term 
stability. DataTrace

®

 Tracers are warranted to remain within accuracy specifications for 

one year from date of purchase. 

 

2.  The test is performed by immersing the Tracer's sensing element in an environment that 

provides a uniform, stable temperature, and immersing a temperature reference standard 
(reference) into the same environment for comparing the measurements of the reference 
against the Tracer's measurements. 

 

A.  Constant temperature liquid circulating baths are recommended to provide the 

temperature environment up to 150°C (FRB Tracers) or 140°C (MPIII Tracers) with 
minimum specifications of 0.005°C uniformity and 0.005°C stability. For temperatures 
above that, an oven with an isothermal block should be used. The isothermal block 
provides thermal coupling between the Tracer(s) and the reference, and should have 
uniformity and stability better then 0.050°C. 

 

 

Dow 200 silicone fluid with a viscosity of 5 centistokes is recommended as the 
medium in the constant temperature bath for temperatures below 10°C. 

 

 

Distilled water can be used as the medium in the constant temperature bath for 
temperatures from 10°C to 80°C. 

Summary of Contents for DataTrace MPIII

Page 1: ...ame _____________________________________ Date ______________ Title ____________________________________________________________ Technical Services Name _____________________________________ Date ____...

Page 2: ...lishing Security Levels 8 Procedures 8 1 System Connection 8 2 Installing DataTrace for Windows Software 8 3 Operating the DTW Program 8 4 Programming Tracers for Study 8 5 Reading Collected Data 8 6...

Page 3: ...he seal for all Tracers replace and properly lubricate the new O ring whenever the Tracer is opened Ensure that the Tracer cover is properly secured before using Tracers should be kept in their Storag...

Page 4: ...85 C Note the warning labels on the batteries or battery trays The battery should be replaced by a qualified technician in an anti static and non hazardous environment Disposal of spent batteries mus...

Page 5: ...2 degrees Fahrenheit relative humidity should stay between 0 to 99 percent non condensing 6 2 PC Interface System MPIII Interface Module 1 The MPIII Interface receives its operating power through the...

Page 6: ...recording data profiles The greatest risk to a Tracer is being dropped onto a hard surface The sensing probe or the electronics could be damaged by the impact 6 4 Battery Replacement Procedures MPIII...

Page 7: ...ls out 5 Dispose of the battery appropriately per local regulations DO NOT TRY TO RECHARGE DISASSEMBLE OR INCINERATE THE BATTERY 6 Examine the battery compartment for any signs of contamination and ma...

Page 8: ...clockwise until resistance is felt It is important not to over tighten the battery cover so a coin or other low torque device should be used in the cover s groove to complete the tightening procedure...

Page 9: ...body completely Make sure no process residue remains on the Tracer body that could cause the Tracer to slip from your grasp during disassembly or could contaminate the battery compartment during batt...

Page 10: ...n the Tracer battery compartment has been opened The Tracer is now ready to reassemble with a new battery We strongly recommended that Tracers are NOT left unassembled Damage to components could occur...

Page 11: ...r to installation in the Tracer The best place for this activity would be close to the location that Tracers are stored and programmed Tracer batteries are replaced and Tracers are assembled and disas...

Page 12: ...led with security capabilities that include password protection and data encryption When enabled access to various program functions can be strictly controlled In addition the program can enable Elect...

Page 13: ...f the DTW program 2 The first time DTW is started following installation with an enhanced security level designated the Login screen appears 3 Enter admin as the Login and admin as the Password This i...

Page 14: ...monly referred to as Electronic Signatures The following functions occur only in Complete security mode 8 Data Signing in DataTrace for Windows requires Tracer reads to be digitally signed by the user...

Page 15: ...DataTrace for Windows Software DataTrace for Windows includes an automatic installation program that will start the installation when the CD is inserted into the CD ROM drive The DTW installation pro...

Page 16: ...installation is complete 8 3 Operating the DTW program The computer is the input device to program and retrieve data from the target process via the DataTrace System The DataTrace System software and...

Page 17: ...another value should be entered in the Run ID up to a maximum of eight characters enter it in the text box Press Enter The Auto Number can be defined by clicking the Auto Number button 2 Change eithe...

Page 18: ...tab A summary table for the Tracer appears along with the program used to collect the data Below the summary table information is a Comments text box where up to 80 characters of notes can be entered...

Page 19: ...r screen appears the data report will be printed The printout includes all of the Tracer data displayed on the screen along with the complete data set plus some additional information At the top of th...

Page 20: ...8 Editing of each of the graph elements is accessible by a right click on the target element An edit menu will appear with various options depending on the nature of the target element Modify anythin...

Page 21: ...ecommend that temperature points are selected which are critical in reference to the target process For example using Tracers in a sterilization process would suggest using 121 C for a verification po...

Page 22: ...robe tips in such a way that when they are submerged the tips will be at least 1 away from the bottom or sides of the bath and will be submerged at least 1 below the fluid level Tie wraps can be used...

Page 23: ...oven or dry well calibrator off CAUTION BE SURE TO WEAR WELDERS GLOVES WITH GAUNTLETS WHEN HANDLING HOT OBJECTS FROM THE OVEN Q After the Tracers have cooled enough to handle comfortably remove them...

Page 24: ...layed by the Humidity Tracer with the target humidity value from the chamber or the salt solution J If the humidity value indicated by the Humidity Tracer is outside of an acceptable range either retu...

Page 25: ...rforming field calibrations on DataTrace equipment There are two types of calibrations that are possible The first is for temperature in the Micropack III version temperature only Tracers and the seco...

Page 26: ...temperature Tracer in either a One Point or a Two Point Calibration cycle The calibration process starts when the Program button is pressed However the calibration screens will not appear until the T...

Page 27: ...ons displayed 6 On the first screen select the parameter to calibrate and whether a Single Point or a Two Point calibration is needed 7 Select the Tracer Reading what the Tracer is actually reading fr...

Page 28: ...accuracy the application requires One and Two Point Calibrations optimize the humidity sensor for use in a particular application while a New Sensor Calibration is a special calibration to optimize t...

Page 29: ...ation is almost the same The primary difference is that for a two point calibration be prepared to expose the target Tracer to two humidity environments during the process and the Calibration Wizard w...

Page 30: ...ion and will be stored in the Calibration History log 13 Items 10 11 and 12 are repeated for the second point if a Two Point Calibration was selected 14 On the next screen a summary of the one or two...

Page 31: ...ow point and greater than 80 rH for the high point Ideal new sensor calibration values would be 30 rH and 90 rH Humidity reference values can be obtained from either salt solutions or a humidity gener...

Page 32: ...Tracers 8 9 1 Viewing Audit Trail The DataTrace for Windows audit trail is accessible through the Report functions Click on the Audit Trail button and the audit trail screen is displayed indicating e...

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