Why mounting temperature sensors inside a cold storage freezer is problematic

In critical fields like healthcare and research, the importance of precise temperature control cannot be overstated. Ineffective temperature monitoring systems can jeopardize essential materials such as blood, plasma, and vaccines, undermining their efficacy and potentially leading to significant operational challenges and non-compliance. This is not just a hypothetical risk but a real issue that institutions such as hospitals, plasma centers, and laboratories face daily across the globe.

The Limitations of Basic Digital Monitoring

Basic digital monitoring involves doing the bare minimum to capture temperature data digitally using sensors. Although a better system than paper-based process, basic digital monitoring can create new challenges, especially when the sensors are used in situations they were not truly designed for such as placing basic sensors inside a cold storage freezer for an extended period of time.

Why Move to Externally Mounted Sensors?

By simply installing the sensor outside the freezer during the initial installation, this helps to resolve many of these issues ahead of time. Here are some reasons to install sensors externally.

1. Reduced Signal Interference: External sensors are connected to internal probes without the obstruction of thick insulation and metal structures of cold storage units. This setup allows for stronger and more reliable signal transmission, crucial for maintaining real-time monitoring and data accuracy.

2. Enhanced Battery Life: Sensors placed inside extremely cold environments suffer from rapid battery degradation. Externally mounted sensors operate in milder conditions, which helps preserve battery longevity which is critical for backup even in the event there's a loss of direct power.

3. Simplified Maintenance: Externally mounted sensors are more accessible for routine checks and calibration, a critical need for ongoing compliance. This avoids the need to stand in frigid temperatures and disrupt the environment within the freezer, making life easier for all involved.

4. Increased Equipment Longevity: The harsh conditions inside freezers can accelerate wear and tear on electronic components. By mounting sensors externally, their exposure to extreme cold is minimized, enhancing the durability and reliability of the monitoring system.

Adopting a Practical Approach to Temperature Monitoring

Implementing externally mounted sensors addresses the shortcomings of basic digital monitoring setups and brings robustness to temperature control processes. This method ensures that critical inventory are stored under optimal conditions without the risks traditional systems pose, thereby improving overall adherence to the compliance process.

Organizations looking to boost the reliability of their temperature monitoring systems should consider the strategic advantages of external sensor solutions, especially when paired with robust operational technology. When the right sensors are placed in the right locations and are connected to the right operational technology, new potential and capabilities can be tapped into such as multi-site visibility, audit reporting, and predictive analytics.

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