Sometimes you want to compare how different calculation methods affect the same data. Daily interpolated might smooth out missing values, while hourly average shows raw fluctuations. Duplicate series with different formulas in Operator10 lets you display the same location parameter twice on one chart, each with a different formula, so you can compare calculation approaches side-by-side.
Why duplicate series?
Most charts show each location parameter once: Influent BOD as a blue line, Effluent BOD as a red line. But what if you want to see Influent BOD calculated two ways—daily interpolated to fill gaps, and hourly average to show raw data spikes? Adding the location parameter twice won’t work by default; Operator10 won’t let you add the same LP twice without differentiation. Duplicate series solves this by letting you add Influent BOD, then duplicate it and change the formula on the duplicate, creating two distinct series from one LP.
How to duplicate a series
Open your chart and go to Properties > Series. Select the series you want to duplicate from the series list. Look for a Duplicate button or option (functionality may vary by version—if unavailable, add the same LP again manually and Operator10 prompts you to differentiate). After duplicating, you’ll see two series entries for the same location parameter. Select the duplicate and change its Formula type under the series properties to something different: if the original is Daily Interpolated, change the duplicate to Hourly Average or Daily Inverse.
Formula types available
Operator10 offers several formulas for series calculations. Daily Interpolated fills missing data points by interpolating between known values, creating a smooth line. Hourly Average calculates the average for each hour, showing finer granularity and more variation. Daily Inverse inverts the data calculation (specific use depends on parameter type). Monthly Average aggregates by month for long-term trend views. Each formula processes the same raw data differently, and duplicating series lets you compare results visually.
Rename duplicated series for clarity
After duplicating and changing the formula, rename the series so the legend and chart remain clear. If the original series is named “Influent BOD,” rename the duplicate to “Influent BOD (Hourly Avg)” or “Influent BOD – Interpolated.” This prevents confusion when reviewing the chart later. Go to the series properties and edit the Series Name field. The legend updates automatically to show the new name.
Use different line styles for duplicates
When two series represent the same location parameter with different formulas, differentiate them visually beyond just color. Go to Appearance for each series and change the Line Style. Make the daily interpolated series a solid line and the hourly average series a dashed line. Or use different line thicknesses: thicker for the primary calculation, thinner for the comparison. This visual differentiation helps viewers distinguish which line represents which formula at a glance.
Compare interpolation vs raw data
A common use case for duplicate series with different formulas is comparing interpolated data (which fills gaps) versus raw data (which shows actual readings). If your lab tests BOD three times per week, daily interpolated will estimate values for non-test days, creating a smooth line. Daily average (or hourly if available) shows only actual test results, leaving gaps or showing discrete points. Plotting both helps supervisors understand how much interpolation affects reported trends.
Test formula impact on compliance reporting
Regulatory reports often use specific calculation methods (weekly averages, monthly maximums, etc.). By duplicating series and applying different formulas, you can preview how formula choices impact reported values before submitting. If one formula shows compliance and another shows a violation, you’ll know to double-check which method your permit requires. This visual comparison catches calculation errors before they reach regulators.
Remove duplicates if they clutter the chart
If experimenting with duplicate series makes the chart too busy or doesn’t provide useful insight, remove the duplicate. Select it in the Series list and click Remove. The original series remains untouched. This makes experimentation safe: try duplicates, see if they help, delete if they don’t. No risk of losing the original series or breaking the chart.
Advanced use: Show same data at different time scales
You can duplicate series to show the same parameter at different time aggregations. Add Influent Flow as Daily Total, duplicate it, and change the duplicate to Monthly Total. Now one line shows daily variation while the other shows monthly trends. This multi-scale view is powerful for identifying both short-term spikes and long-term patterns on the same chart.
Why this feature reveals calculation nuances
Different formulas produce different results, and those differences matter when making process decisions. Duplicate series with different formulas makes formula impact visible instead of abstract, helping operators and supervisors understand how calculation choices affect data interpretation and regulatory compliance.
Next Steps: Explore Operator10 chart formula options →
