EN 12830 Temperature Recorders for the Transport, Storage and Distribution of Temperature-Sensitive Goods

The European standard "EN 12830 Temperature recorders for the transport, storage and distribution of temperature-sensitive goods - Tests, performance, conformity" describes the technical and functional characteristics of temperature recorders for the transport, storage and distribution of temperature-sensitive goods between minus 80 degrees and plus 85 degrees.

This standard specifies test methods that allow the equipment to be determined to meet its suitability, suitability, and performance requirements. This standard applies to all temperature recording systems. Temperature sensors may be integrated into the recording device or remote (external sensors).

This standard specifies requirements for the placement of recording device sensors based on usage, such as transportation, storage, and distribution. Examples of temperature-sensitive goods transported, stored, and distributed between -80°C and +85°C include refrigerated, frozen, deep-frozen, quick-frozen, ice cream, fresh, and hot food, pharmaceuticals, blood, organs, chemicals, biological products, electronic and mechanical devices, flowers, plants, bulbs, raw materials and liquids, animals, art, and furniture.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

• A quantity is a property of a phenomenon, object, or substance. The property has a magnitude that can be expressed as a number and a reference.
• A unit of measurement is a specific quantity, defined and accepted by convention, to which other quantities of the same type are compared to express their magnitudes in terms of that quantity. For example, the unit of temperature used in this standard is the degree.
• The value of a quantity is the number and reference that together express the magnitude of the quantity. For example, 15 degrees.
• Measurement is a set of operations that have the purpose of determining the value of a quantity.
• The measurand is the specific quantity that is being measured, such as temperature.
• The influence quantity is the quantity that, in a direct measurement, does not actually affect the measured quantity, but affects the relationship between the indicator and the measurement result.
• An indicator is the value of a quantity provided by a measuring device.
• Accuracy class is the class of measuring instruments of measuring systems that meet specified metrological requirements aimed at keeping measurement errors or instrument measurement uncertainties within specified limits under specified operating conditions.

The purpose of a temperature recorder is to establish and record at least the correct temperature and time, and if applicable, the correct location. An additional consideration is the time period over which the recorded data must be traceable (for example, at least one year for deep-frozen foods).

The recorder can be a purely mechanical recorder, a mechanical and electronic recorder, or a purely electronic recorder. Therefore, relevant software is not always available. Relevant measurement data can be exported for use by other systems, such as a fleet or warehouse management system. If the export mechanism cannot ensure data traceability, the exported data loses its relevant status. The device typically contains a number of parameters that influence the relevant features of the temperature recorder. For example, calibration parameters, time-date settings, and installation location (such as truck ID or storage room ID). These parameters are called relevant parameters. The combination of relevant measurement data and relevant parameters constitutes relevant data. Software that generates, stores, processes, or transmits relevant data is called reporting software. Relevant software can coexist with non-relevant software.

The temperature sensor can be internal (located within the unit enclosure) or external (located outside). External sensors can be either replaceable or fixed to the unit. The sensor is designed to measure air temperature or product core temperature (insertion sensor). External sensors can be packaged as digital probes, where they contain electronics to convert the temperature into a numerical value and communicate with the logger via a digital channel.

The power source can be external or internal. Internal power supply types can be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. An output mechanism provides output data. Common alternatives are a display, a printer, and a communication port. The communication port can be wired or wireless and may follow an approved standard or be a proprietary design. An input mechanism is used to issue commands to the temperature recorder. Common alternatives are a keyboard, a touchscreen, and a communication port. A clock for an electronic recorder usually relies on a crystal oscillator that generates a very precise frequency. To maintain accurate time when power is off, a backup power source is required to keep the clock running. Temperature recorder memory can be volatile or non-volatile. Non-volatile memory can be erased or permanent. Once the temperature recorder program is stored in non-volatile memory, the unit cannot be reprogrammed. When measurements are stored in volatile memory, a backup power source is required to ensure that relevant data is not lost during a power outage.

A temperature logger can be built in a variety of architectures, from a monolithic device to a very complex distributed system. All subunits of a distributed system that generate, encode, transmit, or store relevant data form part of the temperature logger. To clarify the limitations of temperature loggers, a description of possible alternatives and key design challenges is included in the standard.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, boasts a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 12830 standard for "Temperature recording devices for the transportation, storage, and distribution of temperature-sensitive goods - Tests, performance, and conformity."