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I. Introduction
A. Instrument Function Overview
The MS3500E/3510E Data Logger is designed to provide a continuous record of corrosive activity in
remote locations that are infrequently visited, such as cross-country pipelines, and unmanned production
platforms. However, this unit finds equal application in locations that are inconvenient or difficult to
access on a regular basis, such as refinery overheads, and flue-gas stacks.
The MS3500E/3510E is completely self-contained with the onboard battery system supplying the total
power requirement for operation. It can be used with any of Metal Samples’ ER probes, or those of all
other major manufacturers. Once in place, it will automatically read the probe at customer-selected
intervals and store the resulting data in the unit’ s onboard memory. The onboard memory will collect up
to 3,100 data points before data download is required. The data collection interval is programmable in
hourly increments. Even at the minimum data collection interval (1 hour), data downloading need only be
performed every ninety days. With more practical data collection intervals (8 - 12 hours), the unit may
be unattended for as long as 6 - 8 months between downloading operations.
An optical, infrared, RS232 communication link is provided for data download to either a PC or Metal
Samples' MS1500E portable ER data logger. Downloaded data may be analyzed, reviewed, or re-
ported by conventional spreadsheet, database, or mathematical software packages.
The infrared communication link is an integral part of the intrinsically safe design of the MS3500E/
3510E. Optical instead of electrical, this unique feature permits data downloading without removing the
instrument or “memory module” from the hazardous area.
Another unique feature of the MS3500E/3510E is the high level of onboard intelligence. The two-line,
20-character LCD allows visual review of all historical data in memory and reads directly as “total metal
loss” and/or “average corrosion rate”. This is in contrast to other commercially available units that store
and display only the raw “resistance ratio” that requires additional manipulation to provide useful and
intelligible data.
The LCD screen, together with the 2-key membrane keypad, provides a user-friendly, interactive,
prompting system that is used for both system setup and data review. This makes the MS3500E the
most advanced unit of its type on the market.
By adding a 4-20mA communication facility, the MS3500E becomes an MS3510E. This allows
continuous transmission of data, via a 4-20mA loop, to a plant computer or central data logger, for
integration with other real-time process parameters. This data transmission can be accomplished without
disruption of the unit’s basic logging and data storage operations. The 4-20mA loop extends the capa-
bilities of the unit to include conventional, in-plant, real-time data communication.
The MS3500E/3510E unit uses a stainless steel NEMA 4X (IP 66) enclosure, making it suitable for use
in the most extreme of outdoor conditions.