AquiStar PT2X User manual

8902 122nd Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98033 USA
425-822-4434
FAX [phone] / [email protected]
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

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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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INW’s standard gauge submersible pressure devices utilize a vent tube in the cable to
allow the device to reference atmospheric pressure. The resulting gauge pressure
measurement reflects only the depth of submergence. That is, the net pressure on the
diaphragm is due entirely to the depth of submergence.
Pressure Diagram: See detail A on next page.
Absolute pressure is given as Pa = Patm + kd (where k
is 2.307 feet of water)

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Installation and Operation
Connecting External Power
The PT2X comes with twoAA internal batteries. This provides enough power for at
least one year of operation at the rate of four measurements per hour. (See Battery Life
Calculation section inAppendixAfor further details.)
If auxiliary power is desired, you can use a 6 - 13 VDC supply that can provide 15 mA.
Connect toVaux++ (pin 1 - white) and Ground (pin 5 - blue) or contact INW for auxiliary
power supplies.
Connecting the PT2X to a Computer
In its cabled configuration, the Smart Sensor cable is terminated with a weather-resistant
connector. In its cableless configuration, the PT2X is terminated with a weather-
resistant connecter inside a screw-cap. Connect the weather-resistant connector to your
PC or laptop serial port via the interface cable and an RS485/RS232 adapter, as shown
below. For USB connections, seeAppendix D.
Connect the sensor to your computer using the interface cable and an
RS485/RS232 adapter. See Appendix D for details on connecting
using a USB Port.
RS485/RS232
Adapter
Weather-
resistant
Connectors SerialPort
PT2X Cableless Configuration
Interface Cable
PCor
Laptop
Computer
Screw-
PT2X
cap
PCor
Laptop
Computer
RS485/RS232
Adapter
Interface Cable
Weather-
resistant
Connectors SerialPort
PT2X
PT2X
Cable
CabledConfiguration

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Installing the Aqua4Plus Software
The PT2X comes with theAqua4Plus host software that is installed on your PC or
laptop. Use this software to program the datalogger, to retrieve data from the logger, to
view collected data, and to export data to external files for use with spreadsheets or
databases.
Refer to theAqua4Plus software manual for details on installing and using Aqua4Plus.
Usingthe PT2XWithoutAqua4Plus
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.
Installing the Sensor
The PT2X measures pressure. The most common application is measuring liquid levels
in wells and tanks. In order to do this, the sensor must be installed below the water
level at a fixed depth. The installation depth depends on the range of the sensor. One
(1) PSI is equal to approximately 2.31 feet of water. If you have a 5 PSI sensor, the range
is 11.55 feet of water and the sensor should not be installed at a depth below 11.55 feet.
If the sensor is installed below its maximum range, damage may result to the sensor and
the output reading will not be correct.
Lower the sensor to the desired depth. Fasten the cable to the well head using tie
wraps or a weather proof strain-relief system. When securing a vented cable, make sure
not to pinch the cable too tightly or the vent tube inside the cable jacket may be sealed
off. Take a measurement to insure the sensor is not installed below its maximum range.
Be sure the supplied cap is securely placed on the weather-resistant connector at the
top of the cable. Do not install such that the connector might become submerged with
changing weather conditions. The connector can withstand incidental splashing but is
not designed to be submerged.
If at all possible, install the sensor so that the desiccant tube will not flood or lie in
water. (Note: Though the hydrophobic filter will prevent water intrusion via the
desiccant tube at one to two feet of submergence, care must still be taken to keep the
cable connector from being submerged.)

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The Real Time Monitor gives a snapshot of the
current readings on the sensor.
The sensor can be installed in any position; however, when it leaves the factory it is
tested in the vertical position. Strapping the sensor body with tie wraps or tape will not
hurt it. INW can provide an optional 1/4" NPT input adapter which is interchangeable
with the standard end cone for those applications where it is necessary to directly
attach the sensor to a pipe, tank or other pipe port. If the sensor is being installed in a
fluid environment other than water, be sure to check the compatibility of the fluid with
the wetted parts of the sensor. INW can provide a variety of seal materials if you are
planning to install the sensor in an environment other than water.
Collecting Data
Following is a brief overview on usingAqua4Plus to collect data. Please refer to the
Aqua4Plus Instruction Manual for further details on configuring and using Aqua4Plus.
RealTimeMonitor
Click Single to get a single reading.
Click Start to get a reading once a second.
Click Stop to stop the reading.
Note: These are snapshot readings and are not recorded on the sensor. On sensors with
firmware versions lower than 2.0, the pressure is displayed in the first column and
temperature in the second. On sensors with firmware versions 2.0 and higher, the
temperature is displayed in the first column and pressure in the second.

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Settingupa DataRecordingSession
Click the tool button.ASession Profile Window will open. Refer to the Aqua4Plus
Instruction Manual for details in describing your session profile. Click the Start button
to save the session to the sensor and begin recording.
Using the Session Profile Window, describe
the test steps for your particular test.
RetrievingDatafromtheSensor/Datalogger
•Click on the session you want to upload.
•Click the tool button.
•Select a file location.
•ClickSave.
•ClickStart.
Select the data session you are
ready to upload.