How to Choose the Right Partlow Recorder or Controller for Process Automation Needs

Process automation applications across manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, and other industries depend heavily on the use of advanced instrumentation that can facilitate accurate measurement, monitoring, and control processes. Temperature controllers and chart recorders are a major element of meeting such goals, with Partlow being a trusted brand that has long been distinguished for its related instrumentation offerings that offer dependable performance and versatility.

For those looking to secure the right Partlow recorder or controller for a particular project, having an understanding of important considerations for integration compatibility, performance, potential environmental stressors, and other considerations is necessary for ensuring the right selection is made. In this blog, we will provide an overview of Partlow’s most notable offerings and major model families, as well as explain how buyers can best evaluate their needs to identify optimal solutions.

An Introduction to Partlow and Its Role in Modern Industrial Control

First formed in 1920 and later acquired by West Control Solutions, Partlow has been recognized for decades as a leader in temperature control and recording technology. Historically speaking, its product line has spanned mechanical and electronic chart recorders, proportional and PID controllers, and panel indicators. Now as a brand under the West Control Solutions umbrella, Partlow equipment continues to support industries requiring stable and accurate thermal regulation, its products supporting temperature uniformity, real-time monitoring capabilities, and much more.

Major Partlow Product Families for Process Automation

Partlow offerings can generally be categorized into two primary groups: controllers and chart recorders. Each category includes multiple model families that address varying operational demands, with the following being their most notable offerings.

Partlow Temperature Controllers

Partlow’s line of controllers is recognized for providing flexible integration into process systems, such devices having capabilities that range from simple on/off operation to sophisticated PID control.

The Partlow 1160+ and 1800+ Series

These devices are among the most common microprocessor-based controllers from Partlow, being popular for their balance of simplicity, configuration versatility, and cost-effectiveness.

• The 1160+ series is known for supporting a wide range of sensor inputs while offering both PID and on/off control modes. This makes these devices ideal for compact installations that require dependable functionality, all while avoiding additional complexity.
• The 1800+ series provides enhanced programming depth, support for advanced set-point profiles, and higher output flexibility when compared to many older device options. This allows operators to achieve fine-tuned control for processes with variable heating or cooling demands.

The Partlow Micro-Instrumentation Controller (MIC) Series

The MIC series from Partlow is often lauded for offering large display sizes, flexible input/output combinations, and advanced communication protocols that benefit a range of needs.

• Various MIC controllers from the brand support multi-step ramp and soak programming features, making them well-suited for processes that demand controlled changes in temperature over time.
• Ethernet and serial communication options from Partlow allow for device integration into larger supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems for further capability.
• The adaptability of this series makes them useful for highly regulated industrial operations ranging from heat-treating to batch processing.

Controllers from this series are often selected when process and instrumentation requirements call for enhanced supervisory interaction or more complex control schemes.

Partlow Chart Recorders

Despite increasing adoption of digital logging systems, chart recorders remain vital for industries that benefit from a computerless means of recording parameters ranging from temperature to electronic signals for the means of quality control and troubleshooting. Partlow continues to be a prominent provider of these solutions, with a number of paperless or micro-based options.

The Partlow 4100 Series

The 4100 series is one of the most recognizable product families from Partlow, these circular chart recorders delivering reliable paper-based documentation capabilities with multiple configuration options being available.

• Recorders from this series are available in single- or dual-pen variants, allowing for operators to establish simultaneous monitoring of multiple variables.
• Units may be mechanical, electronic, or microprocessor-driven, with each design achieving varying levels of recording accuracy and response time.
• With their features, this series of recorders are widely used in industrial ovens, freezers, environmental chambers, and pressure-regulated systems.

The Partlow MRC Series (Microprocessor-Based Recorders)

This family of microprocessor-based recorders modernizes traditional device design by incorporating digital features while maintaining the ease of interpretation offered by circular charts.

• These recorders often include alphanumeric displays, real-time clock functions, and other features that are microprocessor-driven.
• Some models incorporate relay outputs for basic control functionality, combining monitoring and control operations in one device.
• The series is recognized for supporting broad sensor compatibility needs while permitting use across various industrial control contexts.

Securing Reliable Partlow Recorder and Controller Solutions

When it comes to deciding between the right Partlow recorder or controller for your needs, it ultimately comes down to how one can best align technical capabilities with operational demands. Whether an organization needs robust chart recorders, precise digital controllers, or flexible devices that are designed for advanced industrial control, Partlow provides a well-established portfolio that continues to meet evolving automation needs.

Here on We Are Electromechanicals, customers are provided access to our complete Partlow parts catalog, where we stock a range of in-demand components that are available for purchase. As an ASAP Semiconductor website, customers are always treated to competitive pricing and timely delivery on all stock, everything we feature tracing back to leading manufacturers across the globe. With our team on standby to provide hands-on procurement support and quote request forms readily available across our website for pricing, be sure to begin exploring our stock of Partlow part numbers today!