FTS Bubbler User manual

EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS. EXTREMELY RELIABLE.
700-Bubbler-QS Rev 1 11 Dec 2019 Part#20792
BUBBLER
Installation and Quick Start Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES………………………….…………
Site Selection………………………………………………………………..……………
Mounting the Bubbler……………………………………………………………….
Desiccator Use………………………………………………..…………………………
Orifice Line ………………..………………………………………………………………
1
1
1
1
2
WIRING AND CONNECTIONS……………………………………………………..….
Bubbler Parts…………………………………………………………………………….
Data Connections………………………………………………………………………
Connecting the Desiccator…………………………………………………………
Orifice Line…………………………………………………………………………………
Power…………………………………………………………………………………..……
2
3
3
4
5
6
CONFIGURING THE BUBBLER……………………………………………………...
Default Settings………………………………………………………………………..
Configuring Using the Bubbler’s Front Panel……………………………
Bubbler’s Menu Tree..………………………………………………………………
Configuring with Axiom Dataloggers…………………………………..……
Pre-Configured Axiom Dataloggers………………………………….
Unconfigured Axiom Dataloggers…………………………………….
Configuring with Other Data Loggers………………………………….……
SDI-12 Commands……………………………………………………………………
Measurement Commands…………………………………………..………
X-Commands………………………………………………………………….……
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
10
10
10
11

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
This guide is meant as a fast reference when setting up your FTS Bubbler. For detailed
instructions and information, refer to the Bubbler User Manual found on the FTS Support
website https://support.ftsinc.com/sensors/bubbler/
SITE SELECTION
1) The water should be relatively calm and where sediment accumulations are not
likely to block the orifice line.
2) The position of the Bubbler should allow for a continuous, unobstructed downward
run of the orifice line to its final termination point.
MOUNTING THE BUBBLER
1) Mount the Bubbler adjacent to the body of water to be measured, typically in a
hydrology shack or gauging house.
2) Firmly bolt to a vertical surface using the corner mounting plates.
3) Connectors and outlets should point down.
DESICCATOR USE
1) A desiccator MUST be used on the Bubbler’s air inlet line.
2) The entire air intake path should have no restrictions. Do not use check valves.
Ensure there are no tight bends or kinks in the air intake line.
3) The desiccator must be used with a low resistance inlet vent/filter. One is included
with the Bubbler (Part#20625).
4) Each Bubbler must have a dedicated desiccator and air intake path; do not use one
desiccator for multiple Bubblers.
5) The desiccator should be mounted close to the Bubbler to minimize the length of
the output hose.
1
IMPORTANT:
Due to the Bubbler’s unique design, a low resistance inlet
vent/filter is required for optimum performance and data return. Use of other
than a low resistance inlet vent/filter will result in data spikes.

ORIFICE LINE
WIRING AND CONNECTIONS
The following connections should be made BEFORE applying power:
1) Data connections (SDI-12 or 4-20mA)
2) Desiccant assembly
3) Orifice line
4) Power
1FTS supplied orifice line is USGS approved
DO:
•Encase the orifice line in a conduit
•Ensure the orifice line’s run is continuously downward with no dips or swells and
no part of the line’s run is lower than the line outlet
•Use an orifice fitting (part#19063) on the terminal end of the orifice line to aid in
securing the line in a fixed position
•Install the line outlet perpendicular to the flow in flowing water
•Secure the terminal end of the orifice line in a fixed position and with a slight
downwards tilt
•Encase the orifice line in a conduit
RECOMMENDED:
•Use FTS approved orifice line1(part# 19062)
•Place the line outlet in calm water (when possible)
•Use a muffler if water is turbulent
DO NOT:
•Splice the orifice line
•Fix the line outlet facing upstream, downstream or upwards
•Mount the line outlet in the wake of an obstruction (boulder, bridge footing etc.)
•Mount the outlet line where it can be exposed at low stage
•Leave the line outlet unsecured
2

BUBBLER PARTS
DATA CONNECTIONS
Use the following diagram for datalogger to Bubbler connections.
SDI-12 Connections
4-20mA Connections
Pin
Description
Pin
Description
1
12 VDC
3
Ground
2
Serial data
4
4-20mA positive
3
Ground
5
4-20mA negative
6
Chassis ground 6 Chassis ground
1
2
3
4
5
6
PINS
Barbed hose fitting
for desiccant hose
Bubbler outlet
(orifice line connection)
Bubbler air
intake fitting
Power
terminal block
Data terminal block
3

CONNECTING THE DESICCATOR
A) Attach the barbed hose fitting to the Bubbler:
1) Wrap Teflon tape around the Bubbler’s air intake fitting, and then screw on the
barbed hose fitting finger tight.
2) Ensure it is tightly seated by turning a quarter turn with a wrench.
B) Set up the desiccant assembly. Instructions for an FTS supplied desiccator are in the
following section.
1) Refer to the Desiccator Use guidelines on page 1.
2) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
SETTING UP AN FTS SUPPLIED DESICCATOR
1) Mount the desiccant bracket.
2) Remove the shipping plugs from the inlet and outlet sockets
3) Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the barbed desiccant adaptor fitting
(Part# 19469). Screw it finger tight into the air dryer’s outflow socket and then
tighten two turns with a wrench.
4) Insert the inlet vent (Part # 20625), tighten finger tight and then turn 1 full turn with
a screwdriver.
5) Refer to the enclosed manufacturer’s pamphlet for directions on filling the bowl with
desiccant.
6) Place the desiccant dryer in the mounting bracket.
4
IMPORTANT:
Ensure you use the supplied low resistance inlet vent (Part # 20625).
Refer to step 4 below for insertion instructions.

7) Push the desiccant tubing firmly onto the dryer’s barbed desiccant adaptor fitting,
ensuring a tight seal.
8) Attach the desiccant hose to the barbed hose fitting on the Bubbler’s air intake
ORIFICE LINE
Install the orifice line following the IMPORTANT GUIDELINES section of this document.
Connect the orifice line to the Bubbler’s outlet using the enclosed Swagelok fitting.
USING THE SWAGELOK FITTING
1) Place the nut and ferrules on the line as shown and
fully insert the line into the Bubbler’s outlet fitting.
2) Screw the nut on until finger tight.
3) Mark the nut at the 6 o’clock position.
4) Use a wrench to tighten the nut one and a quarter
turns (pass the 6 o’clock position once and stop at
the
9 o’clock position)
DO NOTtwist the Bubbler outlet. Only turn the nut
Shipping
Plug
IMPORTANT: To maintain a tight seal, FTS
recommends using the provided Swagelok
fitting with brass ferrules. If using plastic
ferrules, do not re-use them.
Desiccant
Adaptor
Part# 19469
AIRFLOW
Low
resistance
inlet vent
Part# 20625
5

POWER
The Bubbler requires a dedicated +12VDC power source to operate. Power supplied
from dataloggers is insufficient to run the compressor.
IMPORTANT! If not using an FTS supplied power cable (Part #18945)
between the battery and the Bubbler, an equivalent power cable
should be used. The power cable should be 14 AWG to a maximum of
8 ft with an integrated 20A slow blow fuse.
To connect the power cable:
1) Remove the power terminal block from the port
2) Secure the power wires to the appropriate pins (positive
and negative)
3) Connect the power cable to the power source (positive
to positive, negative to negative).
4) To apply power to the Bubbler, re-insert and secure the
power terminal block.
CONFIGURING THE BUBBLER
DEFAULT SETTINGS
The Bubbler is shipped with the following default settings:
SDI-12 Address 0 Sample period 8 secs
Bubbler rate/minute
60
Temperature
°F
Purge Pressure
90 psi
4mA (min)
0 feet
Stage Units
Feet
20mA (max)
69.2 feet
6

CONFIGURING USING THE BUBBLER’S FRONT PANEL
The Bubbler can be configured through its front panel using the Set Stage and Setup
sub-menus or through a data logger. The Bubbler will retain the last input configuration
whether set through the Bubbler or the data logger. However, changes made using the
Bubbler’s interface will not be reflected in the data logger (unless it is an FTS Axiom
Datalogger).
SUB-MENUS
PRESSURE
PURGE
BLEED
STAGE
UNITS
4mA
20mA
Output mA
SLOPE
SITE/FAULT *
STAGE
OFFSET
TANK PSI
PURGE
SET STAGE
SETUP
DIAGNOSTICS
SITE
ADDRESS
RATE
TEMP F/C
AVG DUR
SDCARD
BATTERY
TEMP
VERSION
UPDATE
DATE
TIME
Only shows when
custom units (cu) are
indicated
Only shows if it is
a 4-20mA model
BUBBLER’S MENU TREE
* Normally the Status screen will
display the Site’s name. If a fault is
detected, the Site name will be
replaced with FAULT: followed by the
type of fault
STATUS SCREEN*
MAIN MENU
Select/
Accept
Navigate the bubbler’s
menus by using the arrows
and the Select/Accept
buttons on the front panel
7

CONFIGURING WITH AXIOM DATALOGGERS
For detailed instructions, refer to the Axiom Operator’s Manual found on the
FTS Support site.
PRE-CONFIGURED AXIOM DATALOGGERS
For efficient set up of the station, it is recommended to use a pre- configured
Datalogger or load a Configuration file from a USB stick.
1) Insert the USB stick into one of the USB HOST ports on the Datalogger and
select Station> About > Load Configuration.
2) Connect the Bubbler to an SDI port on the Datalogger. Select SDI12 >
Vendor/Serial > Bubbler:
3) Once a valid reading has been returned, from the
Bubbler’s home screen select the Set Stage button
and enter the stage reading.
8

UNCONFIGURED AXIOM DATA LOGGERS
1) Connect the Bubbler to an SDI port. Select SDI12 > Search icon > OK
2) Tap on the “NEW” box. Review each tab, input desired parameters, and
select OK when done.
3) The Bubbler will be mapped.
Select Home > Sensors > Bubbler Icon. Once a valid reading has been
returned, select the Set Stage button and enter the stage reading.
4) Set up Telemetry, Logging (Data>Set-up cog> Add), and other desired
Features
NOTE: The sensor must be mapped (all boxes yellow) to have communication
between the Axiom and the Bubbler.
Note: The default Sensor
Name is Stage and that is
what will show on the icon
unless it is changed using
the Sensor tab.
9

CONFIGURING USING OTHER DATA LOGGERS
Use SDI-12 commands to change the Bubbler’s default settings. Confirm
communication with the sensor, by entering the Send Identification command.
To use SDI-12 commands with an Axiom Datalogger enter Transparent Mode.
Select SDI-12 > which appears at the bottom of the screen.
SDI-12 COMMANDS
The FTS Bubbler complies with SDI-12 Standard version 1.3 communication
protocol and standard commands and responses. Replace the a in all SDI-12
commands with the Bubbler’s address. Some common SDI-12 commands are
listed here.
?! Address
query
Response will be
the SDI-12 address
aI!Send
Identification
Responds with
identifying
information on
sensor at the input
address
aAb! Change
address b=the new address
MEASUREMENT COMMANDS
See the X-Command table for stage units, temperature and purge state codes
aM!
aC!
aMC!
aCC!
Measures:
•Stage
•Units of stage
•Status
aM2!
aC2!
aMC2!
aCC2!
Measures:
•Purge state*
•Pump on time
•Pump on-off count
•Pump fault count
•Uncompensated stage
•
Status
aM1!
aC1!
aMC1!
aCC1!
Measures:
•Stage
•Units of stage*
•Temperature
•Units of Temperature*
•Offset (Units same as Stage)
•Low accuracy Line Pressure (psi)
•Tank Pressure (psi)
•Battery Voltage (volts)
aM7!
aC7!
aMC7!
aCC7!
Measures:
•Purge state
•Pump on time
•Pump on-off count
•Pump fault count
•Uncompensated stage
•Status
10

X-COMMANDS
For Get commands the optional P( or other italicized indicator) is not required;
for Set commands, the P must be replaced with the desired parameter
numeral(s) or characters.
COMMAND
DEFINITION
COMMENTS
aXBLD!
Begin tank
bleed
aXBLDP!
End tank bleed
P=E
Bubbler needs to be power cycled after this
command to return to normal operations.
aXBRP!Get/set bubble
rate per minute
Range: 30-120
aXBVIP.p!
Get/set battery
voltage idle
P.p is the minimum voltage that will trigger a
voltage fault.
Default = 10.8.
aXBVLP.p!Get/set battery
voltage low
P.p is the minimum voltage that will trigger a
battery fault,
Default = 8.0
aXDOM!
Get date of
manufacture Format is: YYYYMMDD
aXDTYYYYMMDD,
HHMMSS!
Get/Set date
and time
Format is: YYYYMMDD,HHMMSS
aXFSN!
Get serial
number Returns the Datalogger’s serial number
aXI!
Get firmware
version and
build date
Format: version number, YYYY-MM-DD
HH:MM:SS UTC
Example: 1.0.65,2017-06-21 17:19:29 UTC
aXIDP! Get/set site ID
Maximum 10 characters.
Symbols are not supported on the Bubbler’s
display.
aXIMINP! Get/set 4-20 mA
minimum
Default = 0.0
aXIMAXP!
Get/set 4-20 mA
maximum
Default = 0.0
The minimum and
maximum values must
differ by 0.2 psi (6
inches). Stored in psi.
11

COMMAND
DEFINITION
COMMENTS
aXPCB!
Get hardware
revision
This is derived by a resistor set in the
hardware.
aXPUMPP!
Get/set pump
(compressor)
statistics
Returns on-time, on-off count, and fault count.
P=Z then statistics are zeroed
aXPR!
Get purge
pressure Returns purge pressure setting in psi
aXPRP!
Begin/end purge
or
If Pis B = begin purge mode
If Pis E = end purge mode.
Set purge
pressure
Replace Pwith desired purge pressure (in psi)
Valid range is 20 to 90. Default :90
aXSHP!Get/set stage
height value
Returns the value in current units.
If P=Z the stage offset is set to zero (does not
zero the stage reading, only the offset).
aXSLP!Get/set slope
Range: 0.100 - 999.999
Used when the site requires non-standard
stage unit. See X command aXSUP! for the
built-in list of stage units.
Setting the slope will display “cu” (for custom)
in the Units field of the Set Stage screen. The
user must be aware of the units associated
with the input slope value
aXSOP! Get/set stage
offset in psi
Used when swapping a Bubbler and
replacement Bubbler is to use the same offset.
Before swapping the Bubbler, get and record
the offset
Swap Bubblers and then set the offset.
Although this command requires psi, the offset
displayed on the Bubbler’s screen and returned
as part of an M command will be in the
selected measurement units not psi.
12

COMMAND
DEFINITION
COMMENTS
aXSPP!
Get/set period
for samples in
seconds
Range: 2-60
The stage value is an average of the number of
samples taken over the specified sample period
(averaging duration). Each sample takes
approximately 2 seconds.
aXSUP!
Get/Set stage
units
0 = ft (feet) (slope=2.307)
1 = in (inches) (slope=27.680)
2 = m (meters) (slope=07.03)
3 = cm (centimeters) (slope=70.3250)
4 = mm (millimeters) (slope=703.250)
5 = cu (Custom Units)*
* Indicates a slope was manually set using the
‘aXSLP!’ command. The user must be aware of
the units associated with the input slope value.
aXTUP!
Get/set
temperature
units
6 = Fahrenheit
7 = Celsius
13

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact FTS Service & Support.
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PST
Except Canadian statutory
holidays
Local (Victoria, B.C.): 250.478.5561
North America (toll free): 1.800.548.4264
International: (country exit code)+ 1.250.478.5561
E-mail:
[email protected]
Technical Support Portal:
http://support.ftsinc.com
SPARE PARTS / ACCESSORIES ORDERING INFORMATION
Part #
Description
19861 Power terminal block, Bubbler
19862
Data terminal block, Bubbler
19865
Swagelok Nut Set, Bubbler
18729
Barbed hose fitting for 5/16” ID hose
For connecting desiccant tubing to the Bubbler
19443
1.5m SDI communication cable with flying leads both ends
19442
1.5m SDI communication cable, MC one end and flying leads other end
18945
8ft cable with 20A fuse, flying leads on both ends
19062
Orifice Tubing, .125" ID x .375" OD - 500ft Roll
19063
USGS Standard Orifice Fitting, Galvanized
19469
Barbed hose fitting for 5/16” ID hose
For connecting desiccant tubing to the desiccant canister
20625
Low resistance inlet vent/filter.
19055
Desiccant Air Dryer – large (includes one charge of desiccant)
19056
Replacement desiccant - large
DESICCANT-BRKT-LRG
Desiccant bracket and screws - large
19060
Desiccant Air Dryer – small (includes one charge of desiccant)
19057
Replacement desiccant - small
DESICCANT-BRKT-SM
Desiccant bracket and screws - small
19468 Desiccant tubing – 1ft sections