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There are two recommended methods to log data when using Incyte Arc viable cell density sensors.

  • Data capture using a dedicated PC with Hamilton ArcAir software
  • Integrate the sensor output into the process control system (PCS) or SCADA

The choice of method is often dependent on how advanced the user is with respect to testing and integration of the measurement.

Method 1: Using a Dedicated PC with ArcAir Software

Incyte Arc connection Method

This method relies upon a direct connection from the sensor to a dedicated PC or laptop running ArcAir software for data logging. It is most commonly used for demonstration and testing of the sensor in new applications where connection to the control system or SCADA is not available. The Arc USB Power Cable is used to connect and power the sensor to the computer. This method offers redundancy by using both data logging within the sensor as well as the chart data logging function within ArcAir.

Items needed to record and transfer data:

NOTE: The computer should be set to avoid going into SLEEP or STANDBY mode while recording data. If the computer does go into SLEEP or STANDBY mode, please export the chart data and follow the instructions in Step 3 listed below to restart ArcAir data logging.

Step 1: Connecting the sensor to ArcAir Software

  • Plug the USB connection from the Arc USB Power Cable into the computer and connect the VP connector cable end to the Incyte Arc Sensor.
  • Power the cable and sensor from a wall socket.
  • Open ArcAir and click on the sensor.

Step 2: Starting sensor data logging

Sensor data logging is an Incyte Arc feature that allows data to be recorded within the sensor electronics independently from the ArcAir Software.

NOTE: Start time of data logging and time of inoculation must be recorded manually.
  • Click into the "Process Settings" tab. Input the name for the data recording. Adjust the "Record Rate in S" to accommodate the demo run time. The unit is seconds. The process running time should be less then the record time so that no process data is lost. The chart below can be used to determine the record rate.
Record RateRecord Rate (S)Max. Record Time
6 seconds 6 13.65 hours
10 seconds 10 22.75 hours
15 seconds 15 34.13 hours
30 seconds 30 68.25 hours
1 minute 60 5.69 days
5 minutes 300 28.44 days
10 minutes 600 56.88 days
12 minutes 720 68.25 days
15 minutes 900 85.21 days
30 minutes 1800 170.63 days
  • Change the start condition to "Manual Start/Stop"
  • Click "Save" after all appropriate selections have been made.
  • Click "Start" to begin capturing data.
  • Manually record the start date and time in a separate location. This time stamp will be used to export the sensor data upon the run completion.

Step 3: Starting Chart Data Logging

  • Under the "Chart" tab, press the "Start" button on the right-hand side.
data logging configuration method
  • After pressing "Start" the data logging configuration window will appear. Input batch name, change the file name if desired, adjust the sampling time to match the sensor data logging record rate in seconds, and select the .csv file export path location.
Note: Use a reasonable record rate based upon the process duration. ArcAir can only display a finite amount of data points in the chart at a given time. A higher recording time will allow for a larger timeframe of the culture to be observed in ArcAir.
data logging configuration
  • Once product configuration is complete and recording has started, press the "Mark Zero" button to note the event on the chart. This will also record in the data file.
data logging configuration method graph
  • Once Inoculation is complete, press the "Inoculate" button to mark the event on the chart. This will also record in the data file.

Step 4: Ending the Chart Data Logging and Exporting the Data File

  • After the run is complete, press the "Stop" Button on the chart. The chart data file will export to the destination designated under step 3.
data logging configuration method step

Step 5: Ending the Sensor Data Logging and Exporting the Data File

After stopping the chart data logging and exporting the chart data file in Step 4, go back to the "Process Settings" tab and press "Stop" in the "Sensor Data Logging" section.

Note: Do not restart the Sensor Data Log before the file is exported. Restarting the recording will overwrite the prior data with a new file and all old data will be lost.
  • Press the "Export Log Data" Button
  • Enter the time stamp that was manually recorded at the start of sensor data logging (Method 1, Step 2)
data logging method step 5
  • Take note of the location where the Sensor Data Logging .csv file was exported to.

Method 2: Integration with the Process Control System (PCS)

This method provides an option to utilize the sensor data logging feature while integrated into a process control system. Configuration and data logging is activated via Bluetooth wireless connectivity. A computer with ArcAir software is used to complete the .csv file transfer for post-run analysis.

Items needed to log and transfer data:

Step 1: Connecting the Sensor and Wi 2G BT Adapter to the PCS

  • Connect the appropriate wires of the M12 8-pole open end cable to the 24VDC power supply from the PCS (Reference the cable wiring document for additional information)
  • Connect the Wi 2G BT Adapter to the M12 cable.
  • Connect the Incyte Arc Cell Density Sensor to the Wi 2G BT Adapter.

Step 2: Starting Sensor Data Logging

Sensor data logging is a feature of Incyte Arc that allows data to be recorded within the sensor independent of any connection with ArcAir software.

NOTE: Start time of data logging and time of inoculation must be recorded manually.
  • Install the Arc Wireless Converter BT into the USB port of a computer that has ArcAir software installed.
  • Open the ArcAir software and connect to the Incyte Arc sensor.
  • Click on the "Process Settings" tab, input the Recording name, adjust the "Record Rate in S" to accommodate the demo run time. The unit is seconds. The process running time should be less then the record time so that no process data is lost. The chart below can be used to determine the record rate.
Record RateRecord Rate (S)Max. Record Time
6 seconds613.65 hours
10 seconds1022.75 hours
15 seconds1534.13 hours
30 seconds3068.25 hours
1 minute605.69 days
5 minutes30028.44 days
10 minutes60056.88 days
12 minutes72068.25 days
15 minutes90085.21 days
30 minutes1800170.63 days
  • Change start condition to "Manual Start/Stop"
  • Click "Save" once the appropriate name, recording time, and start conditions have been selected.
  • Click "Start". You may now begin the run and close ArcAir software.
  • Manually record the start date and time in a separate location. This time stamp will be used to export the sensor data log file upon completion of the run.

Step 3: Recording Inoculation Time

  • Once the process is ready for inoculation, record the inoculation time/date manually in a location where it can be retrieved once the run is complete. This time stamp is needed for calculating the run time.

Step 4: Ending the Sensor Data Logging and Exporting the Data File

  • Once the run is complete, reconnect to the Incyte Arc sensor using ArcAir and the wireless connection.
  • Click the "Process Settings" tab and press the "Stop" button found under "Sensor Data Logging"
NOTE: Avoid restarting the sensor data logging. Restarting the recording will overwrite the previous data with a new file. All old data will be lost.

Since the run is complete and data logging has been stopped the sensor can now be removed from the process. A direct connection between the sensor and the computer with ArcAir will be needed to transfer the .csv data file.

  • Disconnect the M12 cable from the Arc Wi 2G Wireless BT Adapter.
  • Disconnect the Arc Wi 2G Wireless BT Adapter from the Incyte Arc sensor.
  • Remove the sensor from the process and perform any cleaning steps that may be needed for safe handling.
  • Connect the Arc USB Power Cable to the computer running ArcAir software and power the cable.
  • Connect the Incyte Arc sensor to the USB Power cable directly (no Wi adapter).
  • Open the ArcAir software and select the sensor.
  • Click on "Process Settings" and press the "Export Log Data" button found under "Sensor Data Logging"
  • Enter the time stamp that was manually recorded at the start of sensor data logging
data logging method step 5
  • Take note of the location where the Sensor Data Logging .csv file was exported to.

Related Content

  • Curious about typical cell density measurement applications for Incyte Arc? Download our Applications eBook.
  • Get in-depth on how Incyte Arc connects to your process with this article on wiring.
  • Visit our Main Knowledge Base Article Page to see all related articles on cell density measurement.