Chart Recorders
Chart Recorders
Chart recorders are electromechanical instruments that produce a continuous, time-stamped paper record of one or more measured variables such as temperature, pressure, humidity, flow, and voltage. A moving paper strip or rotating disc passes beneath one or more pens or styluses that deflect in proportion to the measured signal, creating a permanent analog trace that can be reviewed, archived, or submitted as regulatory compliance documentation. Unlike electronic data loggers, chart recorders provide an immediately readable visual record without requiring software or a display terminal.
Industrial facilities rely on chart recorders for process monitoring and regulatory compliance in applications where a paper audit trail is mandated, such as food storage, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and HVAC commissioning. Circular chart recorders use rotating discs with a 24-hour or 7-day drive cycle, while strip chart recorders advance a continuous roll for longer unattended monitoring periods.
Typical Applications
- Cold chain monitoring in food storage warehouses, refrigerated distribution, and pharmaceutical facilities
- HVAC system performance documentation and building commissioning
- Industrial process control monitoring for temperature and pressure in manufacturing plants
- Environmental chamber and incubator monitoring in laboratory and medical settings
- Regulatory compliance documentation in FDA-regulated and ISO-certified facilities
Popular Brands
Dickson and Omega Engineering are well-established suppliers of strip and circular chart recorders for industrial and laboratory use. Monarch Instrument and Transcat offer multi-channel chart recorders for process monitoring applications, while MadgeTech bridges traditional chart recording with modern pressure and temperature data logging capabilities.
