Monitoring environmental conditions before, during, and after the application of protective coatings is essential for insuring the long-term viability of the substrates to which they are applied. For best results, the surface temperature must be a minimum of 3 °C (5 °F) above the dew point temperature during these 3 critical phases.
Observing climatic conditions during the surface preparation stage will help mitigate problems that will arise during the application process. Condensation on blasted surfaces can be difficult to observe and that moisture will cause unprotected steel to rust. PosiTector DPMs are used to assess the risk of moisture forming on recently prepared steel surfaces.
This same moisture can become trapped between the coating and the substrate and may cause the applied paint system to fail. Calculating the dew point temperature and comparing it to the substrate temperature will help ensure that the two temperatures are far enough apart and that moisture formation is unlikely.
Most coatings will not dry properly at low temperatures or high relative humidity. Monitoring environmental parameters after painting ensures optimal drying conditions for coatings to cure fully and completely.
The following auto logging and remote monitoring features allow users to view environmental readings from multiple dew point meters from around the world in real-time with any internet browser using the cloud based PosiSoft.net. Additionally, PosiTector Advanced users can either upload data to an FTP server using WiFi and/or receive email alerts when climatic conditions exceed user specifications.
Observing climatic conditions and understanding their impact will help mitigate any potential problems in the future. The article describes several ways to remotely monitor climatic conditions using the PosiTector DPM family of instruments.
The chart below shows some of the key differences of the available dew point meters. Click here for a full model comparison.
With a continuous WiFi connection, environmental readings can be automatically streamed to PosiSoft.net allowing for immediate sharing of information and a permanent backup of the data. Continuous WiFi also allows for the remote viewing of the instrument’s live display and the downloading of software updates with no cables required.
Each PosiTector Advanced Gage features a unique IP address found within the Connect > WiFi > Information menu.
Gain direct, wireless access to the gage’s PosiSoft Drive by typing this address into any web browser’s address bar. From there you can view all of the stored information found within USB mass storage: https://ip_address_of_gage:8080/usbms/
Depending on the instrument selected, follow the steps below to enable Auto Log Mode.
For the PosiTector DPM with Standard Gage body, Auto Log mode runs unattended on batteries for up to 60 hours or continuously via USB.
To enable, simply enter the menu by pressing the center navigation button and select Auto Log from the options. From there, check the Enabled box and set the desired time interval and Select OK.
Auto Log is now enabled.
For the PosiTector DPM with Advanced Gage body, Enhanced Auto Log mode turns the gage off between readings for up to 8 months of battery life. Each reading can be uploaded to PosiSoft.net or an FTP server using WiFi. Automatically group readings into batches at daily, weekly, or monthly intervals.
To enable, simply enter the menu by pressing the center navigation button and select Auto Log from the options. From there, check the Enabled box and set the desired time interval then Select OK.
Auto Log is now enabled.
To enable remote monitoring with the PosiTector DPM L, first ensure that the probe is powered on and broadcasting by unscrewing the top cover and sliding the power switch to the on (|) position. The probe will begin broadcasting and is now visible to devices within 10 m (30’). The probe LED will flash every 3 seconds indicating that the logger is on and broadcasting.
There are several ways to configure and view logged readings from the PosiTector DPM L Dew Point Meter Logger:
PosiTector App
Open the PosiTector App. Available probes will appear as “DPM L” with the corresponding serial number and the most recent dew point temperature calculation. Select the desired PosiTector DPM L probe to connect.
The user can now Start Logging.
More detailed instructions on using the PosiTector App are available in the Help File, located at www.defelsko.com/app-help.
See the instructions for information on connecting the logger using a PosiTector Advanced gage body.
PosiTector DPM Advanced models have the ability to email the user when one or more of the environmental conditions fall outside of user-specified tolerances or when an alarm condition is triggered. If enabled, the gage will send an email to the user when an alarm condition is met.
Email notification requires a WiFi internet connection. It does not require Auto Log to be enabled, as it works independently.
A NEW PosiTector Dew Point Meter Monitor feature has been added to PosiSoft Desktop and PosiSoft.net Web Viewer allowing users to monitor environmental conditions in real-time across the globe by simply logging in or by using a shared link.
PosiSoft Desktop is DeFelsko’s powerful software for downloading, archiving, analyzing, and reporting measurement data.
PosiSoft Desktop has the ability to synchronize readings from any WiFi-connected PosiTector using built-in PosiSoft.net functionality. Simply select ‘Setup’ from the ‘.net’ menu, and follow the prompts to create a PosiSoft.net account and add gages to your account.
Alternatively, simply connect to the gage using a USB cable to download previously-logged measurements.
PosiSoft Desktop contains a useful DPM Monitor viewer that makes it easy to spot trends and analyze large batches of logged data. When viewing data from a WiFi-connected instrument with Auto-log enabled, DPM Monitor automatically refreshes to view the latest data. Simply select DPM Monitor from the View Tab.
PosiSoft.net is a secure way to store and view measurement data including jobs, readings, and report templates in the cloud. The PosiSoft.net DPM Web Monitor makes it easy to monitor one or more PosiTector DPM probes from around the jobsite or the world in real-time.
Simply register PosiTector gage bodies and/or PosiTector Dew Point Meter Loggers with PosiSoft.net using their unique serial number and gage key to enable remote monitoring of climatic conditions.
Once an account is created and the desired instruments have been added, select ‘DPM Monitor’ from the Tools section to open the PosiSoft.net DPM Web Monitor.
Additionally, the URL can be shared with other interested parties. Anyone with this secure link can view the DPM Monitor making it easy to share environmental data without providing private login data. Users will only see the data associated with that particular instrument–other data stored on PosiSoft.net will be secure.
Whether using a PC, Mac, iPad, or iPhone, PosiSoft software can create custom, professional reports for environmental and other measurement data.
When a batch of recorded measurement data is selected from the list in the left pane of PosiSoft software, a pre-formatted report is instantly generated. For many users, this pre-formatted report can be saved or emailed without modification. Alternatively, it is easy to add images, logos, cover pages, and even change the font sizes and margins using the easy-to-use report configurator.
Create and edit professional PDF reports directly within the PosiTector App. Select from measurement data stored in Apple/Android smart devices to generate reports with the touch of a button. Add images and batch/reading notes to the reports using the smart device’s keyboard, camera, and dictation tools; and share them instantly via email, Dropbox, AirPrint or other available applications.
The PosiTector DPM Advanced is capable of sending readings directly to a user-specified FTP site. The data is sent in comma-delimited text files (one file per reading), which can be parsed for embedding in a web page or imported into a database. Ideal for use with custom developed software.
