The Wide World of Batch Controllers

When measuring flow, you are dealing with large quantities of data. Every second that passes can reveal new data to be processed, gathered or distributed. Reading measurements as they happen is, of course, very important, but another key aspect of the measurement process is controlling data sets in such a way that they can be manipulated. This is why it may be important to invest in a batch controller, as this type of equipment can facilitate the process of harnessing the potential of fluid data. The following are some examples of batch controllers.

MB2

The MB2, or the MINI-Batcher, is a low cost, pulse input batch controller. It can fulfill your basic needs with a six digit totalizer and a 4.5 digit ratemeter. This gadget comes with two relay outputs, one for the batch amount (called Preset A) and one for prewarn or batch/grand total. Pushing a single button can offer you a display of the batch amount, rate or total. Moreover, batching is made simple with the start and stop buttons, and if you are interested in data logging, there is an analog output for such purposes. Lastly, the MINI-Batcher is capable of communicating to a remote computer, if you are looking to transmit data. As you can see, this device is chock-full of functionality.

BATCHtrol II

No, BATCHtrol II is not a sequel to a B movie you have never seen. It is in fact another type of batch controller, one that features eight bright digits on a .55” screen and that accepts up to 20,000 pulses per second. With eight digit K-factors, the data can be translated into meaningful systems. This type of batch controller is split into two counters and a ratemeter. The batching counter is for presetting and pre-warning numbers and the totalizing counter is used for grand total readings. The ratemeter has a nifty scaling feature, meaning it can count gallons per minute, and it can do all of this without losing track of the total. The BATCHtrol II also allows for easy toggling between the total and the rate without interrupting the flow, making this a pretty user-friendly device.

923-ST1

Last but not least is the 923-ST1 Flow Computer, which has the capacity to hook up to a modem by way of the standard RS-232 Serial Port and is perfect for data logging, transaction printing or remote meter reading. This impressive device can also choose to follow volume flow, corrected volume flow, temperature, mass flow or density by way of a menu that is set up through an analog output. The analog output can be used for all kinds of hardware hookups, which means that the 923-ST1 has seemingly boundless potential.

These are just a few examples, plucked out of the wide world of batch controllers. They range from the simplest of devices to the most complex pieces of equipment, and all batch controllers share several basic features. Thus it is important to talk to an expert, someone who has experience with this type of hardware and who can tell you what your particular circumstance requires.