AquiStar PT2X User manual
8902 122nd Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98033 USA
425-822-4434
INW
AquiStar®PT2X
Pressure/Temperature Smart Sensor and Datalogger
©1997 - 2012 by Instrumentation Northwest, Inc. All rights reserved. Instrumentation Northwest and INW
are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Doc# 9B0730r12 07/2012 / PN 6D275-NI
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
1
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
What is the PT2X?.................................................................................................... 3
Initial Inspection and Handling ................................................................................ 3
Do’s and Don’ts ....................................................................................................... 4
How Pressure Sensors Work ........................................................................................... 4
Installation and Operation ............................................................................................... 6
ConnectingExternalPower ....................................................................................... 6
Connecting the PT2X to a Computer ........................................................................ 6
Installing theAqua4Plus Software............................................................................ 7
Installing the Sensor ................................................................................................. 7
Collecting Data ......................................................................................................... 8
Maintenance ...................................................................................................................11
Changing Batteries ..................................................................................................11
RemovingDebrisfrom EndCone.............................................................................13
Desiccant Tubes ......................................................................................................14
Miscellaneous .........................................................................................................15
Trouble Shooting ............................................................................................................16
Erratic Readings .......................................................................................................16
OscillatingReadingsOver Time ..............................................................................16
Zero Readings When Pressurized ...........................................................................16
Grounding Issues ....................................................................................................16
AppendixA:Technical Specifications ............................................................................18
GeneralSpecification ...............................................................................................18
Wiring and Component Information ........................................................................18
Continuous Rate and Filter Settings ........................................................................21
BatteryLifeCalculation ...........................................................................................22
AppendixB:Field Calibration(Pressure) ........................................................................23
Appendix C: Measuring Elevation or Depth-to-Water ...................................................25
Depth-to-Water Calibration .....................................................................................25
GroundwaterElevationCalibration ..........................................................................26
Appendix D: Using a USB Port .......................................................................................27
Connecting with INW’s USB to RS485Adapter ......................................................27
Connecting with a USB to SerialAdapter ................................................................27
Appendix E: Reading the PT2X via Direct Read ............................................................29
Setting Units for Direct Read ...................................................................................29
ReadingVia Modbus®RTU .....................................................................................30
ReadingViaSDI-12 ..................................................................................................32
Reordering Information ...................................................................................................34
LimitedWarranty/Disclaimer-AquiStar®PT2X ...............................................................35
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Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent
a commitment on the part of the manufacturer. No part of this manual may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written
permission of the manufacturer.
©1997-2012InstrumentationNorthwest,Inc.
Registered trademarks and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
3
Introduction
What is the PT2X?
INW’sAquiStar® PT2X Smart Sensor is an integrated datalogger and pressure/tempera-
ture sensor and is ideal for monitoring groundwater, well, tank and tidal levels, as well as
for pump testing and flow monitoring. This sensor networks with all of the INW
AquiStar®Smart Sensor family. Its compatibility with INW’s WaveData®Wireless Data
Collection technology makes it ideal for remote monitoring.
This industry standard digital RS485 interface device records up to 520,000 records of
pressure, temperature and time data, operates with low power, and features easy-to-use
software with powerful features. Constructed with 316 stainless steel or titanium, Viton®
and Teflon®, this sensor provides high-accuracy readings in rugged and corrosive field
conditions.
Two internalAAbatteries power the PT2X. (Auxiliary power supplies are available for
data intensive applications.) The unit is programmed using INW’s easy-to-use
Aqua4Plus control software. Once programmed the unit will measure and collect data on
a variety of time intervals.
Replace your analog sensor / datalogger with the AquiStar®PT2X as a stand-alone unit
or network with other INWAquiStar®Smart Sensors. Most users will use the PT2X with
INW’sAqua4Plus software. However, the PT2X is quite versatile, communicating via
either Modbus®or SDI-12 interfaces, allowing you to do the following:
•Read a PT2X via the Modbus®protocol using your own software.
•ReadaPT2X viaSDI-12protocol.
•Display readings from a PT2X on a panel meter.
If you want to use one of these methods, please contact INW for further details.
Initial Inspection and Handling
Upon receipt of your smart sensor, inspect the shipping package for damage. If any
damage is apparent, note the signs of damage on the appropriate shipping form.After
opening the carton, look for concealed damage, such as a cut cable. If concealed
damage is found, immediately file a claim with the carrier.
Check the etched label on the sensor to be sure that the proper range and type were
provided. Also check the label attached to the cable at the connector end for the proper
cable length.
4
Do’s and Don’ts
How Pressure Sensors Work
Liquids and gasses do not retain a fixed shape. Both have the ability to flow and are
often referred to as fluids. One fundamental law for a fluid is that the fluid exerts an
equal pressure in all directions at a given level. Further, this pressure increases with an
increasing depth of “submergence”. If the density of a fluid remains constant
(noncompressible...a generally good assumption for water at “normal” pressures and
temperatures), this pressure increases linearly with the depth of “submergence”.
We are all “submerged” in the atmosphere. As we increase our elevation, the pressure
exerted on our bodies decreases as there is less of this fluid above us. It should be
noted that atmospheric pressure at a given level does vary with changes in the weather.
One standard atmosphere (pressure at sea level at 20º C) is defined to be 14.7 PSI
(pounds per square inch).
There are several methods to reference a pressure measurement. Absolute pressure is
measured with respect to an ideal vacuum (no pressure). Gauge pressure is the most
common way we express pressure in every day life and is the pressure exerted over and
above atmospheric pressure. With this in mind, gauge pressure (Pg) can be expressed
as the difference between the absolute pressure (Pa) and atmospheric pressure (Patm):
Pg=Pa -Patm.
To measure gauge pressure, atmospheric pressure is subjected to one side of the
system and the pressure to be measured is subjected to the other. The result is that the
differential (gauge pressure) is measured. Atire pressure gauge is a common example
of this type of device.
Recall that as the level of submergence increases (in a noncompressible fluid), the
pressure increases linearly. Also, recall that changes in weather cause the absolute
atmospheric pressure to change. In water, the absolute pressure (Pa) at some level of
depth (d) is given as follows:
Pa=Patm +kd
where k is simply a constant (i.e.: 2.307 feet of water = 1 PSI)
Do handle the device with care.
Do store the device in a dry, inside area when
not in use.
Do install a desiccant tube if using a gauge
sensor.
Do install the device so that the connector
end is kept dry.
Don’t support the device with the connector.
Use a strain relief device to take the
tension off the connectors.
Don’t allow the device to free-fall down a
well as impact damage can occur.
Don’t bang or drop the device on hard
objects.
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