Cool Gauge RT-100
Cooling Fluid Monitor And Control
Cool Gauge RT-100 In-Line Control System
The Cool Gauge RT-100 in-line system offers a level of monitoring and control not seen in the industry to date. The aim of the Cool Gauge system is to address the industry needs and shortfalls described previously, through concise data driven control.
The system consists of two parts that work together. Namely, they are the RT-100 sensor and its dedicated controller, the UC-100G. The RT-100 can operate alone and will provide some very useful functions. When combined with its controller, the capabilities of the system are extended much further and allows operators a greater range of actions to suit their requirements.
Originally developed in the US as a basic sensor, the Cool Gauge RT-100 available in the UK/Europe and the Middle East is the successor to that rudimentary model. Comprehensively trialled, tested and in use, the UK/European Cool Gauge RT-100 model has been greatly extended in both its scope and capabilities enabling it to monitor both traditional HTFs and the newer extra low viscosity fluids.
The RT-100 is the reliable heart of the Cool Gauge system. It will measure the HTF concentration constantly and with an exceptionally high level of accuracy across a huge range of operating conditions, typically -20 to +70 °C (-4 to 158 °F). To do this, the RT-100 uses built-in temperature dependent equations to convert the measured sample temperature and refractive index into the percentage concentration of many of the most common anti-freeze formulations.
The HTF to be monitored is simply selected by pressing the up/down arrows on the OLED screen until it is displayed. The RT-100 will show the concentration of many HTF formulations – those based on MEG, MPG, ALV, ALV+ and GEO (which is a ground source heat pump fluid) as well as Brix, refractive index (nD) and temperature – which can be adjusted to show 4-20mA levels).
Placed in a by-pass line from the main recirculating loop, the Cool Gauge RT-100 will, as a stand-alone device, allow operators to constantly monitor the level of HTF in the chilled recirculating fluid. It has 4-20mA and RS 485 output capabilities and a data gathering function recording up to 56 days of data, or 80,000 data points, with readings taken every five minutes.
Historical data can then be downloaded to a smart device as a csv file via the Bluetooth adaptor and the app, which can then be used to plot trends and show operating conditions. However, when combined with its dedicated controller (the UC-100G) the system becomes an appliance capable of auto-dosing corrective HTF fluids against controller set-points and, if low or high-level settings are breached, it can warn operators in remote locations by email or SMS.
System details can be viewed and monitored remotely by logging into the associated Cloud account from anywhere and at any time. Flashing warning lights can be triggered which are useful to attract local attention to a problem. The UC-100G performs these functions via its 4-20mA and RS485 Modbus capabilities and the system conditions can be seen and monitored (or altered) physically from the tabs on the screen itself or shown in real-time via the Cool Gauge cloud-based website.
These features help operators to achieve vastly superior levels of system control. The Cool Gauge system can also be integrated with any microprocessor-based controller, display, PLC, DCS or BMS network.
Other Features Of The Cool Gauge RT-100
- Local Display and push-button interface for
the selected HTF on the OLED screen - 4-20 mA output for auto-dosage
- RS-485 Modbus RTU data output facility
- Built-in temperature dependent equations for
monitoring %BRIX, R.I., %MPG, %MEG, %ALV,
%ALV+ & %GEO - Other HTF product concentration curves
can be added by Cool Gauge as per market
request - Sturdy 316L stainless-steel construction suitable
for harsh application environments - Convenient stainless-steel tri-clamp flow cell
assembly w ¾-inch BSPP flange - Easy installation and removal for cleaning and
maintenance – no tools needed.
case studies
Adiabatic Cooling System - Control HTF dosing for an aerospace engineering company
The Requirement
A clearly identified need for greater control and management of the site’s ‘production critical’ adiabatic cooling system. One of the key parameters to be kept under strict control is the HTF level, as, by monitoring and controlling the optimum HTF (inhibited) reserve, the system receives the necessary protection from freezing, corrosion and scale. Continuous collection of vital HTF data by Cool Gauge is delivered to the controller via Cool Gauge’s RS485 capability which effectively enables accurate dosage of the selected HTF to the system.
The HTF reserve is maintained accurately by adjustable high and low set-points in the controller. This data can also be seen by remote viewers in real-time, and, if necessary, alerts sent to operators via text or email if the set-points are breached. This facility warns operators of any impending problems such as drops in the HTF level due to leaks.
The Data
This graph shows data as viewed by operators after logging in to the cloud account. It can be seen that steady HTF conditions are maintained over the 13 month time-scale selected. Fluctuations, such as those seen if a manual shot dose of HTF is made, can be easily noted as a rise in the monitored level. The on-going HTF system average is shown in the grey box. Any historical data can also be seen by adjusting the start and finish dates in the cloud website.
news post
Most Recent News
Cool-Gauge is in ACR News!
“Exciting news! Cool-Gauge is featured in the latest edition of ACR News! We are thrilled to announce that our innovative product, the Cool-Gauge RT-100 cooling system monitoring device, was recently highlighted in an article published by ACR News. This article shines a spotlight on the advanced technology and unique features of our RT-100, which offers unparalleled monitoring capabilities for cooling systems, helping to improve efficiency and reliability. We’re proud to be commited to innovation and customer satisfaction in the HVAC industry!”
