Temperature mapping is a standard procedure in pharmaceuticals, warehousing, and food and beverage industries. It is essential for sectors that deal with sensitive products requiring specific temperature conditions.
But before we get into the specifics of the temperature mapping process, let’s start with the basics.
What is temperature mapping?
Temperature Mapping refers to determining if a storage area is fit to comply with the required limit of environmental parameters. The sensors of temperature monitoring devices are distributed across the room in planned locations to conform to the area’s performance within the pre-defined points.
The subject area also goes through additional tests and challenges like empty mapping, power failure, door open, fan failure, and pull-down tests. All these tests help ensure that the unit is fit to control pre-defined parameters and determine the position of alarm probes and permanent monitoring devices.
With temperature mapping, the user identifies cold and hot zones to take necessary steps for equal air distribution, insulation, and product integrity.
How do temperature data loggers function?
Temperature data loggers are electronic devices that help with collecting environmental data measurements. Temperature data loggers can receive one or more sensor inputs for sampling and saving data at a pre-set regularity. They come with batteries for long-term use and help monitor multiple data sets.
Data collected through temperature data loggers use mobiles, PCs, or other devices for data visualization in standard and interactive formats. Many data logger manufacturing companies team up with third-party software to allow easy access to data with simplified assessment.
How do temperature data loggers contribute to temperature mapping?
Temperature mapping is an elaborate procedure involving different tests and steps to ensure the space mechanism is fit to keep up with the integrity of the products, services, and components within the area. To carry out these tests, there is a requirement for temperature monitoring. The data collected is assessed, and the final verdict is given. Temperature data loggers help with this data collection by utilizing their sensors to document the temperature of different points within the area.
The entire temperature mapping process is meticulous and can be done across distribution and supply networks using warehouses and cold storage. Temperature mapping uses data loggers to measure temperature ranges across different operating conditions. These tests help the company strategize its systematic plan to develop remedial action, SOP for emergencies, and other safety parameters. The entire temperature mapping process is meticulous and can be done across distribution and supply networks using warehouses and cold storage.
Some data logging requirements for temperature mapping
The following criteria can be used to deem a data logger fit for use temperature mapping:
- The data logger must be technically suitable for specific mapping tests and tasks for the operating environment.
- There must be a continuous and reliable record of temperate data concerning time.
- The data logger must have an appropriate temperature range to record all temperature extremes.
- The data logger must come with a user-programmable data sampling period. The time intervals must range from one to fifteen minutes or more.
- There must be sufficient memory for sustaining data records for prolonged study durations.
- The data logger used for temperature monitoring must contain storage and analytical software. Both of these must comply with the applicable regulatory requirements.
- The data logger must allow easy download of the time-temperature record for subsequent analysis.
Temperature mapping and temperature monitoring
Many a time, people tend to confuse temperature mapping with temperature monitoring. According to Dickson data, temperature monitoring is a continuous process that is a customary part of the manufacturing, distribution, and storage of sensitive goods. Data loggers perform the task of temperature monitoring. However, numerous data loggers are placed across the testing region for temperature mapping. This is done to develop a comprehensive image of the conditions within the test space.
How long does the temperature mapping process take?
A proper and prompt temperature mapping process is directly proportional to the level of safety of products within the subject environment. One temperature mapping process generally takes 24 to 72 hours to determine if the environment is free from harm.
How often must the temperature mapping process take place?
A temperature mapping process must occur at a maximum interval of three years. However, temperature mapping studies in most industries are conducted at least twice a year in summer and winter, apart from the year-round temperature monitoring process. This helps to demonstrate continuing compliance with the regulations and a smooth inculcation of modification required in the area. With prompt temperature monitoring, one can determine temperature-sensitive products’ cold and hot spots. The process also allows the user to take immediate steps in case of any parameter breach.
What industries use temperature monitoring and mapping with data loggers?
Many regulated industries deal with sensitive materials vulnerable to inadequate temperature and humidity conditions. Pharmaceutical supplies require temperature settings from the initial development and manufacturing phases. Setups hosting these processes require temperature mapping to study and prevent the impact of temperature fluctuations on product quality.
Some of the specific industries that benefit from temperature mapping and recognize it as a part of their regulated work mechanism are:
- Biotech Manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Research and Laboratory Operations
- Food and Beverage
- Automobile
- Warehousing and Storage
- Transportation and Logistics
Many companies today are cautious about how their processes affect the environment inside and outside their facility. Apart from focusing on their emissions that affect climate change, they also have to monitor their internal environment for the health of their products and staff.
Temperature mapping is an essential part of the functioning and maintenance of numerous industrial spaces. Using data loggers for temperature mapping invites accuracy to the process without adding complications in carrying out the tests. Moreover, temperature data loggers have automatic data monitoring mechanisms which allow constant data accumulation even when the device is left unattended.
Temperature monitoring with the help of a data logger is a fantastic combination equivalent to the powerful duo of a crucial process for business safety and tool efficiency. Temperature mapping is becoming more accessible and more impactful with recording various data points at regular intervals with the help of data loggers. All the users need to do is stay updated with the process and act smartly on the assessments of the procedure.
