June 22, 2021 - Harris Products Group, Mason, Ohio, has introduced DataSMART, a fully automatic switchover manifold system with monitoring, tracking and reporting capabilities that can control and maximize gas use and expenses. DataSMART’s proprietary software and advanced technology provide users with valuable data and analytical insights to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.

Sound business strategies are centered around data, and DataSMART is designed for a wide range of gas and pressures to suit a wide range of businesses. Whether working with low-pressure applications in analytical labs, or with high pressure applications such as laser cutting in metal fabricators, welding job shops or manufacturing, DataSMART helps companies better utilize their gas investments. The system works with atmospheric gases and some flammable gases, sourced from bulk, cylinder or liquid dewars.

“The DataSmart line of automatic switchover manifolds is the first product to offer the users a full view of their gas process for their industrial, specialty gas, and medical application, with pressure and flow monitoring, data collection, and customizable alerts that can be received anywhere in the online or connected world,” said Harris Products Director of Engineering Equipment Randy Edenfield.

As an automatic switchover system, DataSMART keeps the gas flowing by keeping the pressure constant when it is necessary to switch gas supply from a primary to a reserve cylinder. For operations using liquid dewars, after switching to the secondary container DataSMART monitors the pressure on the primary cylinder. If the pressure increases, a check back feature will switch the system back to the primary source and utilize the remaining gas with pressure monitoring for both the primary and reserve sources. This ensures the maximum use of gas from the liquid dewar, thus limiting the amount of unused gas when the dewar is returned to the gas distributor.

DataSMART’s integrated telemetry system enables pre-set trigger points to be set that send real-time alerts and alarm notifications to avoid downtimes. The telemetry box connects to pressure transducers. Through network or GSM/SMS connectivity, the system sends alerts directly through email or text.

DataSMART operates with custom-designed printed circuit boards (PCBs) utilizing dual processors, and features a user-friendly touchscreen with a gas source graphics display. The system offers customizable options for bank switching and includes an option to set the desired switchover pressure level. There is no need to open the unit to change dip switches. A simple touch of the screen and the system is set.

Beyond the real-time readings of the volume of gas in each source container, DataSMART collects historical data so gas consumption trends can be identified over time. It will monitor gas flow and usage, as well as collect and store data. The system records the dates and times of every switchover and can be utilized to schedule deliveries precisely when they are needed and for exactly the amount that is needed to optimize efficiency.

A subscription service, the DataSMART Production Analytics, leverages the full power of smart gas control. This comprehensive platform records data, analyzes it, and provides practical and robust insights into your productivity and efficiency. Through a secure, cloud-based system, any computer, laptop, phone or mobile device can be synced to the system for access to its valuable reports and analytics.

By utilizing DataSMART’s optional mass flow meter, management can generate reports on how much gas has been used, whether it is the previous year, the previous month, or even the previous hour. Users gain a more accurate understanding of overall usage, but because it precisely measures the volume of gas used, users also gain a clear picture of the amount of gas used for each specific project.

“If you cannot measure a business process, you cannot improve upon it,” said David Gailey, Harris Product Manager of Specialty Gas Products. “We are committed to assisting customers with all gas delivery and application solutions. We developed DataSMART to help businesses utilize data to make informed decisions that will improve their operations.”