Refined sensing

I recently came across a new product that was unlike anything I’d seen before. The press release claimed that the product “changes the way air environment measurements are surveyed and recorded.” While I tend to be pretty skeptical about statements like that, I have to say that in this case, I have to agree with the press release.

The product being referred to is the AdvanceSense IAQ/HVAC portable data-collection meter from GrayWolf Sensing Solutions (www.wolfsense.com). The pound-and-a-half handheld device is meant to be used for environmental monitoring applications such as indoor air quality assessment, worker exposure screening, or general HVAC testing. In addition to optional built-in sensors (differential and barometric pressure) as many as 20 extra sensors may be connected simultaneously to the meter to measure air velocity, particulates, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and specific gases like CO2 (for ventilation assessment), CO, O3 , H2 S, SO2 , NO2 , and so on.

While the meter’s sensing capabilities are excellent, what sets it apart is its ability to let the user interact with the measurement process. Users can log instantaneously as a “snapshot,” or trend log over time, or set up for autologging over a specific time interval. And they can interrupt a trend log session to spot-check outdoor air conditions with the meter, and then resume the long-term logging.

Furthermore, users can easily create descriptive data file names or attach notes to data files on-site via the virtual keyboard, or optionally with handwriting recognition. A built-in voice recorder lets users attach extensive audio notes, and photos and videos can be added to data files with an optional camera or borescope.

The meter can even teach users about sensing. Information about each sensor/parameter — sensor tips, typical background levels, health effects, government guidelines — are available simply by tapping on readings on the display. In addition, the company can install useful PDFs about sensing, or users can load their own documents for in-field access. And report generation can even be fully automated.

Because sensors have become so compact and capable, they are becoming ubiquitous. But if the end user is to really make use of them, engineers will have to design systems that, like the AdvanceSense, help users take full advantage of sensing capability.