Keeping it Green: Monitoring CO2 Levels in Greenhouses

Plants thrive on CO2 for growth while producing oxygen.  One thing that many people do not know is that the optimal concentration for plant growth is over three times the atmospheric CO2 concentration today.1 This being the case, indoor gardens would be remiss if they didn’t attempt to elevate the CO2 levels in their environments to the ideal concentration. The most common way to increase the CO2 concentration is to use a propane burner to create CO2. The problem with having a propane burner in an enclosed space is that you need to know when to turn the burner on and off, as CO2 levels that rise above 1500 ppm are actually harmful to plants. Continue reading “Keeping it Green: Monitoring CO2 Levels in Greenhouses”

Level Detection of Powder & Bulk Solids

Level detection applications are one of the most interesting things we do at Dwyer as there are so many types of switch technologies. Even just for powder and bulk level detection, there are many ways to sense the level. Dwyer offers several different technologies for powder and bulk solids point level detection. These include: diaphragmpaddletiltcapacitive, and vibration. So if you’re wondering how to determine which technology is best for your application, here is a simple guide to help you select the proper technology. Continue reading “Level Detection of Powder & Bulk Solids”

Digital Chiller Thermostats

Commercial Refrigeration Thermostats Go Digital for Greater Control
pe0908-dwyer-img1-lgIn the past, bulb and capillary mechanical thermostats were used in chillers to maintain proper water temperature. As technology has advanced, digital temperature switches have replaced many mechanical ones because a digital temperature switch provides the same functions while also serving as a timer, external relay and thermometer. Where are digital temperature switches used, and which features have caused the conversion? Continue reading “Digital Chiller Thermostats”

Remote Monitoring of Borehole Water Levels

The monitoring of water levels in boreholes in a particular region is important for a water extraction company, as it allows the water extraction to be controlled across the area to keep the water table at a consistent level throughout. However, the widespread and remote nature of these boreholes means that the communication of these water levels can be difficult and costly. Continue reading “Remote Monitoring of Borehole Water Levels”

Solve High Duct-Static Cutout Problems with the Series 1831

High duct-static pressure creates problems during a building fire when fire dampers close. Closed fire dampers cause downstream duct sensors to detect a drop in pressure. The duct pressure sensors in turn send signals to crank the air handler even faster to get back up to normal operation. Because the fire dampers are closed, when the air handler ramps up, the duct pressure upstream of the fire dampers will increase to a point where a high static pressure switch will cut power to the VFD (variable frequency drive) and send a signal to the DDC (direct digital control). Switches in this application — by specification — are all manual reset and require two outputs: one for cutting power to the VFD and one for sending the signal to the DDC.

Traditionally, there have been three tactics to address this issue, each with its own problems. Continue reading “Solve High Duct-Static Cutout Problems with the Series 1831”