Campbell CRS451 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CRS451/CRS456 Submersible
Water-Level Recording Sensor
Revision: 1/14
Copyright © 2013-2014
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

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Table of Contents
PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.
1. Introduction .................................................................1
2. Cautionary Statements...............................................1
3. Initial Inspection and Handling Guidelines ..............1
3.1 Ships With............................................................................................2
4. Overview......................................................................2
5. Specifications .............................................................2
6. Installation...................................................................4
6.1 Appropriate Depth................................................................................4
6.2 Avoiding Freezing Conditions .............................................................5
6.3 Dislodge Bubbles .................................................................................5
6.4 Well Installation...................................................................................5
6.5 Other Installations ................................................................................6
6.6 Battery Voltage Reading ......................................................................6
6.7Attaching Suspension Cable to CRS451/CRS456 ...............................6
7. Programming ..............................................................8
7.1 Settings.................................................................................................8
7.2 Connect to the CRS451/CR456............................................................8
7.3 Configure CRS45X for Measurements ................................................9
7.4 Compensating Measurements for Barometric Pressure......................15
7.4.1 Using an Additional CRS45X.....................................................15
7.4.2 Using a Barometer ......................................................................15
8. Maintenance ..............................................................20
8.1 Every Visit .........................................................................................20
8.2 Every Two to Three Years or on a Rotating Schedule.......................20
8.3 Battery Replacement ..........................................................................21
9. Troubleshooting........................................................26
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Table of Contents
Appendices
A. Calibration Certificate.............................................A-1
B. Conversion to Units of Measurement ...................B-1
Table
B-1. Conversion Factors.......................................................................... B-1
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible
Water-Level Recording Sensor
1. Introduction
The CRS451 consists of a water-level and water-temperature sensor that has its
own time clock and memory to store the collected data, in a compact stainless-
steel case. This frees users to place the sensor in remote sites and let it collect
data for long periods of time. The CRS451/CRS456 supports standard time-
based scanning and recording along with event-based recording based on water
level change (Delta) or logarithmic time sequence for pump and slug tests.
HydroSci software is included and supports test set up, data retrieval, and data
display.
The CRS451 has a 316L stainless-steel case that can be submerged in most
canals, wells, ponds, lakes, and streams. The CRS456 has a rugged titanium
case that allows it to be used in saltwater or other harsh environments.
Before using the CRS451/CRS456, please study:
•Section 2, Cautionary Statements
•Section 3, Initial Inspection
•Section 6, Installation
2. Cautionary Statements
•The CRS451/CRS456 will be damaged if encased in frozen liquid (see
Section 6.2, Avoiding Freezing Conditions, for more information).
•Although the CRS451/CRS456 is a rugged and reliable device, it is also a
highly precise scientific instrument and should be handled as such.
•Dropping the instrument or allowing it to “free fall” down a well may
damage the transducer.
•Confirm the compatibility of the instrument to non-water environments
before installation.
•The CRS456 should be used in harsh water applications, including salt
water.
3. Initial Inspection and Handling Guidelines
•Upon receipt of the CRS451/CRS456, inspect the packaging for any signs
of shipping damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.
•Immediately check package contents against the shipping documentation
(see Section 3.1, Ships With). Contact Campbell Scientific with any
discrepancies.
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
•The model number and pressure range are etched on the housing. Check
this information against the shipping documentation to ensure that the
expected product was received.
3.1 Ships With
•27555 USB 2.0 Cable Type A Male to Micro B Male, 6ft
•29225 HydroSci Software on CD
4. Overview
The CRS451/CRS456, Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor, provides
reliable, accurate pressure/level measurements that are fully temperature
compensated.
The 24 bit A/D has simultaneous 50/60 Hz rejection and automatic calibration
for each measurement. A number of additional advanced measurement
techniques are employed to harness the best possible performance available
from today’s state of the art pressure sensor technology. The CRS451/CRS456
reverts to a low power sleep state between measurements. A series of
measurements are performed yielding a temperature and pressure value. This
measurement cycle can be as fast as 1 second.
The design features a piezoresistive sensor housed in a 316L stainless steel
(CRS451) or titanium (CRS456) package to enhance reliability. The rugged
construction makes the CRS451/CRS456 suitable for water level measurement
in irrigation applications, water wells, lakes, streams, and tanks. The titanium
package of the CRS456 makes it ideal for salt water or other harsh
environments.
The CRS451/CRS456 has three nose cone options. The weighted nose cone
makes the transducer easier to submerge to depth. The NPT option allows the
sensor to be mounted to a 1/4 inch fitting. The nose cones can be exchanged at
a later time.
Communicating with the CRS451/CRS456 requires a micro USB cable and
HydroSci software running on a computer with Windows XP or later.
Configurable settings can be changed using Campbell Scientific’s HydroSci
software utility.
5. Specifications
Features:
•Field replaceable batteries
•Campbell Scientific quality
•No additional datalogger, enclosure, and power supply; reduces
system costs and simplifies installation
•Free customer-friendly software for communication, configuration,
data collection
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
•Fast scan rate
•Large data storage capacity
•High accuracy
•Long battery life
•Data retrieval through sealed USB connector
Measurement Time: < 1 s typical
Output: micro USB
Internal Data
Collection Memory: 4 MB
HydroSci Supported
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
Logging/Scanning Modes: Standard, Delta, Logarithmic
Power Requirements: Internal user-replaceable lithium battery
Battery Life: 5+ years when logging interval is once per
hour
Power Consumption
Quiescent Current: < 80 μA
Measurement/
Communication Current: 4 mA for 1 s measurement
Measurement Ranges1:
Pressure
(psig)
Pressure
(kPa)
Meters of
fresh water
Feet of
fresh water
0 to 7.25
0 to 50
0 to 5.1
0 to 16.7
0 to 14.5
0 to 100
0 to 10.2
0 to 33.4
0 to 29
0 to 200
0 to 20.4
0 to 67
0 to 72.5
0 to 500
0 to 50.9
0 to 167
0 to 145
0 to 1000
0 to 102
0 to 334.5
Accuracy
Pressure Reading2:0.1% full-scale range TEB3
Temperature: ±0.2°C
Resolution: 0.0035% full-scale range
Overpressure: 2x pressure range
Dry Storage Temperature: –30° to 80°C
Operating Temperature: 0° to 60°C
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
Freezing conditions may damage the CRS451/CRS456
(see Section 6.2, Avoiding Freezing Conditions, for more
information).
Body Material
CRS451: 316L Stainless Steel
CRS456: Titanium
Element Material
CRS451: 316L Stainless Steel
CRS456: Hastelloy®
Standard Cone Material: Delrin®
Weighted and NPT Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions
Length: 22.23 cm (8.75 in)
Diameter: 2.22 cm (0.875 in)
Weight: 230 g (0.51 lb)
1The CRS451 is a sealed gage sensor and when not submerged will read
approximately 1 bar at sea level and less as elevation increases. The CRS451
is calibrated at 9 pressures starting at 0.6 bar up to full scale referenced to 1
bar. Points below 1 bar are used in the calibration for the benefit of those who
deploy this sensor at elevations above sea level.
2The accuracy specification listed pertains to the level of accuracy that the
CRS451/CRS456 is able to measure pressure. If a barometric pressure sensor
is used to remove the component of atmospheric pressure from the pressure
reading provided by the CRS451/CRS456 while submerged in a column of
water vented to the atmosphere, the error of the barometric sensor must be
considered when calculating the resulting accuracy of the water level reading.
3Total Error Band (TEB) includes the combined errors due to nonlinearity,
hysteresis, nonrepeatability, and thermal effects over the compensated
temperature range, per ISA S51.1.
6. Installation
The CRS451/CRS456 is designed for water level measurements. Typical
applications include agricultural water level/flow, water wells, lakes, streams,
and tanks. If the device is to be installed in a liquid other than water or in
contaminated water, check the compatibility of the wetted material. The
CRS456 should be used in harsh water applications, including salt water.
6.1 Appropriate Depth
The CRS451/CRS456 must be installed below the water at a fixed depth. This
depth should be chosen so that the water pressure will never exceed the
transducer’s pressure range (twice its pressure rating).
CAUTION
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
The output reading will not be correct, and the transducer
can be damaged if pressure is twice its pressure rating.
Pressure can be converted to feet of fresh water using the following simple
equation:
1 psi = 2.31 feet of water
For example, the maximum depth with a pressure range of 0 to 7.25 psig is
16.748 feet of water.
6.2 Avoiding Freezing Conditions
Expansion of water due to freezing will irreparably damage the
CRS451/CRS456. The CRS451/CRS456 can be safely deployed in freezing
conditions if the sensor is placed below the frost line. In a lake or channel of
moving water, often the sensor can be placed deep enough to avoid freezing.
In shallow conditions, where the water body is at risk of freezing solid, placing
the sensor in a stilling well that extends below the frost line will protect the
sensor from freezing water.
6.3 Dislodge Bubbles
While submersing the CSR451/CRS456, air bubbles may become trapped
inside the nose cone, causing small, offset errors until the bubbles dissolve.
Dislodge these bubbles by gently shaking the CRS451/CRS456 while under
water.
Hitting the instrument against the well casing or other solid
surface could damage the CRS451/CRS456.
If the bubbles are not removed by rotation and shaking
underwater (or bleeding out the air in a closed system), the
CRS451/CRS456 reading will drift lower by the distance of
the gap as the air is slowly dissolved into the water over
time.
6.4 Well Installation
Braided stainless steel cable (pn 29221-L) is used to lower the instrument to an
appropriate depth and to suspend the CRS451/CRS456 in a well.
With long drops, it may be necessary to use the weighted nose cone (option
–WN).
For surface installations the instrument’s body can be strapped with tie wraps
or tape. Campbell Scientific offers cable ties (pn 7421) to secure the cable. If
installing in a well, fasten the cable to the well head.
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
6.5 Other Installations
The CRS451/CRS456 can be installed in any position; however, when it leaves
the factory it is tested in the vertical position. There will be an offset error if
not installed vertically; contact Campbell Scientific for more information.
Strapping the transducer body with tie wraps or tape will not hurt it.
6.6 Battery Voltage Reading
The voltage of the lithium ion battery used in the CRS451/CRS456 will
abruptly decrease at the end of the battery’s useful life, which makes predicting
remaining battery life difficult by measuring battery voltage alone. Knowing
the energy consumption of the CRS451/CRS456 while in operation, HydroSci
displays a predicted remaining battery life by combining an estimate of the
energy consumed based on the totalized measurements since new and direct
battery measurements. For this reason, if the battery is removed from the
CRS451/CRS456 anytime during deployment and then replaced, HydroSci will
assume a fresh battery was added to the device and the estimated remaining
battery life will be overstated.
For similar reasons, if the operating system is upgraded or sent to the
CRS451/CRS456, the estimated remaining battery life will also be exaggerated
by HydroSci.
6.7 Attaching Suspension Cable to CRS451/CRS456
Attach the split ring to the CRS451 cap.
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
7. Programming
Communicating with the CRS451/CRS456 requires a micro USB cable and
HydroSci software running on a computer with Windows XP or later.
The CRS451/CRS456 is configured using the HydroSci software provided with
the unit. A DVD containing HydroSci is shipped with the CRS451/CRS456.
If you are using an XP computer, please have the driver disc
in the CD/DVD drive before plugging in the USB cord. A
driver will need to be installed before the computer can
connect with the sensor.
7.1 Settings
Before connecting to the CRS451/CR456, you can change the sensor name or
the appearance of HydroSci screens by clicking on Settings at the upper right
portion of the HydroSci screen.
7.2 Connect to the CRS451/CR456
1. Select CRS45X from the left margin.
2. Select appropriate COM Port.
3. Click Connect button.
CAUTION
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
7.3 Configure CRS45X for Measurements
1. Click Configuration.
2. Select Create New Configuration button located at lower left of screen.
3. Select the type of measurements you want to make.
a) Barometer Pressure Reference should be selected if you want to use
CR45X sensor as a barometer to compensate for changes in
barometric pressure.
See Section 7.4.2, Using a Barometer, if using the measurements
from a nearby barometer to correct for the barometric pressure.
b) Disable: To preserve battery between deployments always configure
the sensor for storage after use.
NOTE
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
4. Add offset to relate water level measurements to a known datum or
reference point. (Aquifer test start at level 0.)
a) This step is optional and not required.
b) This offset takes effect at the Start Time—which is set in a subsequent
screen—so it is necessary that this sensor be in its permanent
measurement position before the Start Time, otherwise the offset
correction will not be correct.
5. Select a Start and Stop Time.
a) Select a time in the future when measurements should begin.
Selecting a time in the past will force the sensor to begin making
measurements immediately at the indicated frequency. If an offset
calculation was selected in the previous screen, the sensor will not
make correct measurements. If an offset calculation is needed, a Start
Time must be selected far enough in the future that the sensor can be
properly placed in its measurement position before measurements
begin.
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
b) If desired, select time in future when measurements should cease.
c) Select the rate at which measurements will be made. This does not
configure the senor for data storage, only the rate at which
measurements are made.
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
6. Select and Name Data Tables for Datalogging.
a) Up to four different Data Tables can archive data at independent
intervals with any combination of elements (samples, averages,
maximum, etc).
b) Contents of the Data Table are selected in the next screen.
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
7. Select which data, in which format and unit of measurement, is to be
included in each of the data tables selected in the previous screen.
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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
8. Once the Data Tables have been configured, the configuration process is
finished and the Finish button can be selected.
9. Once the configuration is complete, it must be copied to the CRS451
before it will take effect. Click on Apply Configuration to CRS45Xto
start this process.
Before sending the configuration file to the CRS45X, HydroSci may provide a
warning that your start and stop times may need adjusting. If the Start Time is
in the past, the CRS45X will immediately begin logging data but any offset
you may have applied will not be effective. Also, if the Stop Time is in the
past, no data will be logged.
Save data if you have not already done so. Archived data is purged from the
CRS45X when a new configuration file is copied so you will want to collect
any data before sending the configuration file.
This option allows you to save the configuration file for future reference or for
easy use in other similarly deployed sensors.
The CRS451 is calibrated to pressure units in psi. TABLE B-1 contains the
conversion factors used to convert psi to depth of water.
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