Campbell CRS451 User manual

CRS451/CRS456
Submersible Water-Level
Recording Sensor
Issued: 3.3.14
Copyright © 2013-2014 Campbell Scientific, Inc.
Printed under licence by Campbell Scientific Ltd.
CSL 996
USER MANUAL

Guarantee
This equipment is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
This guarantee applies for twelve months from date of delivery. We will
repair or replace products which prove to be defective during the guarantee
period provided they are returned to us prepaid. The guarantee will not apply
to:
•Equipment which has been modified or altered in any way without the
written permission of Campbell Scientific
•Batteries
•Any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, acts of God or
damage in transit.
Campbell Scientific will return guaranteed equipment by surface carrier
prepaid. Campbell Scientific will not reimburse the claimant for costs incurred
in removing and/or reinstalling equipment. This guarantee and the Company’s
obligation thereunder is in lieu of all other guarantees, expressed or implied,
including those of suitability and fitness for a particular purpose. Campbell
Scientific is not liable for consequential damage.
Please inform us before returning equipment and obtain a Repair Reference
Number whether the repair is under guarantee or not. Please state the faults as
clearly as possible, and if the product is out of the guarantee period it should
be accompanied by a purchase order. Quotations for repairs can be given on
request. It is the policy of Campbell Scientific to protect the health of its
employees and provide a safe working environment, in support of this policy a
“Declaration of Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form will be
issued for completion.
When returning equipment, the Repair Reference Number must be clearly
marked on the outside of the package. Complete the “Declaration of
Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form and ensure a completed copy
is returned with your goods. Please note your Repair may not be processed if
you do not include a copy of this form and Campbell Scientific Ltd reserves
the right to return goods at the customers’ expense.
Note that goods sent air freight are subject to Customs clearance fees which
Campbell Scientific will charge to customers. In many cases, these charges are
greater than the cost of the repair.
Campbell Scientific Ltd,
Campbell Park, 80 Hathern Road,
Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.campbellsci.co.uk

PLEASE READ FIRST
About this manual
Please note that this manual was originally produced by Campbell Scientific Inc. primarily for the
North American market. Some spellings, weights and measures may reflect this origin.
Some useful conversion factors:
Area: 1 in2(square inch) = 645 mm2
Length: 1 in. (inch) = 25.4 mm
1 ft (foot) = 304.8 mm
1 yard = 0.914 m
1 mile = 1.609 km
Mass: 1 oz. (ounce) = 28.35 g
1 lb (pound weight) = 0.454 kg
Pressure: 1 psi (lb/in2) = 68.95 mb
Volume: 1 UK pint = 568.3 ml
1 UK gallon = 4.546 litres
1 US gallon = 3.785 litres
In addition, while most of the information in the manual is correct for all countries, certain information
is specific to the North American market and so may not be applicable to European users.
Differences include the U.S standard external power supply details where some information (for
example the AC transformer input voltage) will not be applicable for British/European use. Please
note, however, that when a power supply adapter is ordered it will be suitable for use in your country.
Reference to some radio transmitters, digital cell phones and aerials may also not be applicable
according to your locality.
Some brackets, shields and enclosure options, including wiring, are not sold as standard items in the
European market; in some cases alternatives are offered. Details of the alternatives will be covered in
separate manuals.
Part numbers prefixed with a “#” symbol are special order parts for use with non-EU variants or for
special installations. Please quote the full part number with the # when ordering.
Recycling information
At the end of this product’s life it should not be put in commercial or domestic refuse
but sent for recycling. Any batteries contained within the product or used during the
products life should be removed from the product and also be sent to an appropriate
recycling facility.
Campbell Scientific Ltd can advise on the recycling of the equipment and in some cases
arrange collection and the correct disposal of it, although charges may apply for some
items or territories.
For further advice or support, please contact Campbell Scientific Ltd, or your local agent.
Campbell Scientific Ltd, Campbell Park, 80 Hathern Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.campbellsci.co.uk

i
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................................................................4
6.3 Dislodge Bubbles ...................................................................................5
6.4 Well Installation .....................................................................................5
6.5 Other Installations ..................................................................................5
6.6 Battery Voltage Reading ........................................................................5
6.7 Attaching Suspension Cable to CRS451/CRS456..................................6
7. Programming.....................................................7
7.1 Settings...................................................................................................7
7.2 Connect to the CRS451/CR456..............................................................8
7.3 Configure CRS45X for Measurements...................................................8
7.4 Compensating Measurements for Barometric Pressure........................14
7.4.1 Using an Additional CRS45X.....................................................15
7.4.2 Using a Barometer......................................................................15
8. Maintenance ....................................................19
8.1 Every Visit............................................................................................19
8.2 Every Two to Three Years or on a Rotating Schedule .........................20
8.3 Battery Replacement ............................................................................20
9. Troubleshooting..............................................25

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Appendices
Appendix A. Calibration Certificate ...................................................................A-1
Appendix B. Conversion to Units of Measurement............................................B-1
Table
B-1. Conversion Factors ..........................................................................B-1

1
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.
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.

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
2
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
Fast scan rate
Large data storage capacity
High accuracy
Long battery life

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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)
Metres 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
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®
CAUTION

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
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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 gauge 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, non-repeatability, 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).
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
CAUTION

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5
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.
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.
CAUTION
CAUTION

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
6
6.7 Attaching Suspension Cable to CRS451/CRS456
Attach the split ring to the CRS451 cap.

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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.
CAUTION

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
8
7.2 Connect to the CRS451/CR456
1. Select CRS45X from the left margin.
2. Select appropriate COM Port.
3. Click Connect button.
7.3 Configure CRS45X for Measurements
1. Click Configuration.
2. Select Create New Configuration button located at lower left of screen.

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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.
b) Disable: To preserve battery between deployments always configure the
sensor for storage after use.
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.

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
10
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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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.

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor
12
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.