FTS Bubbler User manual

EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS. EXTREMELY RELIABLE.
Bubbler
User Manual
1.800.548.4264 | www.ftsinc.com
700-Bubbler-Man Rev 12 13 Feb 2020

Contact Information
Canadian Headquarters:
1065 Henry Eng Place
Victoria, BC | V9B 6B2 | Canada
www.ftsinc.com
Toll-free: 1.800.548.4264
Local: 250.478.5561
Technical support portal: http://support.ftsinc.com
Email: [e-mail]

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Contents
1.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 COMPLIANCE INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 2
1.3 DEFAULT VALUES ....................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 BUBBLER RESPONSE TIMES TO STAGE CHANGES ................................................................. 2
1.5 4-20mA OPTION ......................................................................................................................... 3
1.5.1 4-20MA MINIMUM/MAXIMUM, DEFAULT VALUES, AND UNITS OF MEASUREMENT ........... 4
1.6 SD CARD ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.7 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.8 SHIPPING THE BUBBLER ........................................................................................................... 4
1.9 DISPLAY AND KEYPAD ............................................................................................................... 5
1.10 CONFIGURING THE BUBBLER................................................................................................... 5
1.11 FIRMWARE UPDATES ................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 PRIOR TO PROCEEDING TO THE SITE ...................................................................................... 6
2.1.1 EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 SITE SELECTION .......................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 MOUNTING ................................................................................................................................. 6
2.4 CONNECTORS AND WIRING ..................................................................................................... 7
2.4.1 DATA LOGGER CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................. 7
2.5 DESICCATOR ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.5.1 DESICCANT HANDLING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS....................................................................... 8
2.5.2 MOUNTING THE FTS SUPPLIED DESICCANT AIR DRYER ........................................................ 9
2.5.3 REPLACING THE DESICCANT................................................................................................... 10
2.6 CONNECTING AND INSTALLING THE ORIFICE LINE............................................................. 11
2.6.1 USING THE SWAGELOK® FITTING ......................................................................................... 12
2.7 POWER CONNECTIONS ........................................................................................................... 14
3.1 KEYPAD ...................................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 SCREENS, MENUS AND OPERATING THE USER INTERFACE................................................ 15
3.2.1 EDITING A MENU ITEM ........................................................................................................... 16
3.3 STATUS SCREEN........................................................................................................................ 16
3.3.1 OFFSET...................................................................................................................................... 16

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3.3.2 FAULT........................................................................................................................................ 16
3.4 CONDUCTING A MANUAL PURGE.......................................................................................... 17
3.4.1 LINE HIGH DETECTED DURING PURGE.................................................................................. 17
3.4.2 BLEEDING THE TANK............................................................................................................... 17
3.5 CONFIGURING THE BUBBLER USING THE BUBBLER INTERFACE....................................... 18
3.6 SETTING THE STAGE................................................................................................................. 18
3.6.1 USING THE 4-20 MA OPTION TO CONFIGURE STAGE.......................................................... 19
3.7 SETUP MENU............................................................................................................................. 20
3.8 DIAGNOSTICS............................................................................................................................ 21
3.8.1 UPDATING FIRMWARE............................................................................................................. 21
4.1 SETUP GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 24
4.2 SENSOR TAB.............................................................................................................................. 25
4.3 STAGE TAB................................................................................................................................. 25
4.4 SETUP TAB................................................................................................................................. 26
4.5 PURGE TAB................................................................................................................................ 27
4.6 SAVE CONFIGURATION............................................................................................................ 28
4.7 BUBBLER SENSOR SCREEN ..................................................................................................... 28
4.7.1 CONDUCT A MANUAL PURGE ................................................................................................ 29
4.7.2SET STAGE AND CALCULATE/CLEAR OFFSET ......................................................................... 29
4.8 SETTING THE BUBBLER’S TIME ............................................................................................... 32
5.1 STANDARD SDI-12 MEASUREMENT COMMANDS ................................................................ 33
5.1.1 SDI -12 MEASUREMENT COMMAND CODES......................................................................... 35
5.1.2 CONDUCTING A PURGE USING THE M7 COMMAND ........................................................... 35
5.2 EXTENDED (X) COMMANDS .................................................................................................... 36
5.2.1 REQUIRED FORMATTING ELEMENTS ..................................................................................... 36
5.2.2 SETTING THE BUBBLER’S DATE AND TIME ............................................................................ 36
5.2.3 X COMMANDS LIST.................................................................................................................. 37
B.1 MECHANICAL INDICATORS ..................................................................................................... 42
B.2 MEASUREMENT VALUE FAULT INDICATOR........................................................................... 42
B.3 DATA INDICATORS ................................................................................................................... 43
B.4 BUBBLER STATUS SCREEN FAULT INDICATORS ................................................................... 46

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B.5 SDI-12 RESPONSE HEALTH STATUS CODES/ERROR INDICATORS ..................................... 47

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GENERAL
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The FTS Bubbler is an SDI-12 user configurable system for accurately measuring water stage in
streams and reservoirs using pressure differentials. It is a self-contained, sealed system that
includes an air compressor, control electronics and a high accuracy pressure sensor for measuring
water levels. It must be used with a desiccator (see section 2.5) and can be connected to any SDI-12
capable data logger or data collection platform (DCP) using the SDI-12 Data Terminal Block for data
logging capability. The FTS Bubbler also has the option to output the level value as a 4-20mA signal.
Figure 1-1: Bubbler components
The system forces air at a continuous rate through an orifice line, the end of which is mounted at a
known, fixed position. A sensor measures the pressure required to maintain the air flow down the
orifice line such that bubbles emerge from its end, compares that to atmospheric pressure, and
computes the stage level (water depth). Any change in water level causes the air pressure in the
orifice line to vary resulting in updated stage levels.
FTS’ proprietary design allows for a larger orifice (18 times larger than the standard metering valve
orifice of 0.035mm). Not only does this minimize fouling of the manifold but it also allows the purge
to flush particulates throughout the entire system from the compressor valve to the orifice line end
fitting. The purge is achieved without bypassing a portion of the system, as systems which use a
metering valve must do. This results in highly accurate readings, even in environments with high
humidity or containing airborne particulates.
Compressor Air Intake
Outlet/Orifice Line Connection
Data Terminal Block
Power Terminal Block
Mounting
plates
Display
Keypad
Part#18729: Barbed
desiccant line inlet
fitting

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1.2 COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Le présent appareil est conforme à la partie 15 des règlements de la FCC. L'exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
(1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
(2) il doit accepter toute interférence reçue, notamment celles pouvant entraîner un
dysfonctionnement.
This equipment may be operated in the USA and Canada.
This device complies with Australian and New Zealand requirements specific to EMC,
telecommunications and electrical safety.
1.3 DEFAULT VALUES
The Bubbler is shipped with the following default values:
SDI-12 address
0
Bubble rate (per minute)
60
Purge Pressure
90 psi
Stage Units
Feet
Sample period
8 seconds
Temperature
F
4mA (min)
0 feet
20mA (max)
69.2 feet
1.4 BUBBLER RESPONSE TIMES TO STAGE CHANGES
The following table shows the response time for the Bubbler to recover from a stage change at
different bubble rates. Note that response time may vary slightly under different conditions (battery
charge levels, extreme ambient temperatures, etc.)
Bubbler Rate
Response time (3 ft rise)
30 bubbles/min
28 seconds
45 bubbles/min
15 seconds
50 bubbles/min
14 seconds
60 bubbles/min
11 seconds
120 bubbles/min
7 seconds

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1.5 4-20mA OPTION
The Bubbler-has an optional 16 bit 4-20mA output with a resolution of 0.37 µA. A measurement
scale is determined by inputting the minimum and maximum water levels which correspond to 4mA
and 20 mA outputs respectively. The measured current signal is translated into a level
measurement based on the linear relationship between the minimum and maximum levels and the
corresponding current output. The process variable that appears on the 4-20 mA output is the
average stage value calculated by the Bubbler. Note that the process variable (level) and 4-20mA
output are only updated when an SDI-12 measurement command is received
Example:
The Minimum level is 10 feet (4mA); the maximum level is 30 feet (20 mA). A signal output of
12mA (half way between 4 mA and 20 mA) would correspond to a level measurement of 20
feet.
Because the relationship between the level variable and the 4-20mA signal is scaled based on the
range of the minimum and maximum levels, the smaller the range the more precise the level
measurement will be.
The 4-20mA output can be connected to a 4-20mA input on a SCADA system, PLC or chart plotter.
The output from the Bubbler is connected to the SCADA equipment as shown in the following
diagram. The output is isolated from the SDI-12 power supply and relies on current loop to provide
power to the output circuitry.
The 4-20mA output can be validated using a DMM or the SCADA equipment to measure the output
current. It is recommended to use a 6 ½ digit multi-meter for best results.
The expected output current can be determined using the following equation:
Analog Output (mA) = (Analog Slope * Stage) + Analog Offset
New values for the analog slope and analog offset can be determined using the following equations:
Analog Slope = 16/(Max Stage – Min Stage)
Analog Offset = 4 – (Analog Slope * Min Stage)
In which:
Max Stage is the maximum stage expected at the site, represented by a 20mA output.
Min Stage is the minimum stage expected at the site, represented by a 4mA output.
Minimum and Maximum stage

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1.5.1 4-20mA MINIMUM/MAXIMUM, DEFAULT VALUES, AND UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
The minimum and maximum default values are:
4mA
0 feet
20mA
69.2 feet
These defaults can be adjusted from the Bubbler’s front panel (section 3.6) or using SDI-12 X
Commands (section 5.2.4) to modify the analog offset and analog slope respectively.
If the units of measurement are changed, either through the Bubbler’s front panel or using SDI-12
commands, the minimum and maximum values will be automatically converted to the new unit of
measurement (e.g. the initial unit of measurement was feet with a minimum and maximum levels
of 5 and 20. Units of measurement were changed to meters. The minimum and maximum levels
will automatically be changed to 1.52 and 6.09).
1.6 SD CARD
The Bubbler has an FTS supplied internal SD card which is used for service and factory logs. This SD
card has been tested to work in the environmental conditions in which the Bubbler is designed to
operate. Replacing it with a non-FTS approved, standard SD card can cause reduced or lost data in
the service and factory logs.
The Bubbler’s SD card stores data independently from the data logger and as such, is timestamped
by the Bubbler. Transmitted data will be timestamped in accordance with the data logger’s clock.
SD card log entries will only be timestamped if the Bubbler’s date and time are set using the “Set
date and Time X-command (see section 5.2.2).
IMPORTANT! The Bubbler’s timestamp is cleared if the Bubbler has been powered off
and must be reset once power is restored.
1.7 MAINTENANCE
The Bubbler itself requires little maintenance. During site visits, inspect the Bubbler, all power and
hose fittings and periphery equipment for signs of damage and to ensure the station setup has
maintained its integrity. Inspect the colour of the desiccant in the desiccator and replace if it is
saturated. Details of the FTS supplied desiccator and desiccant are found in section 2.5. If using a
different desiccator, refer to its operating instructions. It is recommended to bring extra desiccant
on site visits. Should the Bubbler not be operating as expected, contact FTS Support for assistance
and guidance. FTS suggests Bubbler maintenance should be conducted by factory trained
personnel.
1.8 SHIPPING THE BUBBLER
Prior to shipping the Bubbler, bleed the compressor tank (Section 3.4.2) and remove the desiccant
line inlet fitting (Part # 18729). See Figure 1-1 and Section 2.5.

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1.9 DISPLAY AND KEYPAD
The front panel has a display and keypad which is used to view information and perform specific
actions (purge, set stage, setup, and diagnostics). The display will normally be off in power save
mode. Pressing any key will display the status screen. The arrow keys are used to navigate through
the different functions and configuration parameters. Refer to Chapter 3 for details of menu items.
The front panel allows the user to do the following:
•Set purge pressure
•Conduct a manual purge
•Manually bleed the tank
•Set stage
•
Set stage units
•Set minimum and maximum 4-20 mA values
•Set bubble rate
•Set averaging duration
•Set temperature units
•
Set the SDI-12 address
1.10 CONFIGURING THE BUBBLER
The Bubbler can be configured through its front panel using the Set Stage and Setup sub-menus
(Chapter 3) 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.
If using an FTS Axiom Datalogger, configuration can be done through the Axiom using the Bubbler
sensor extension. Configuration changes using the Bubbler’s screen will also be valid. See Chapter
4 for details.
Note that certain features, those which require a real time clock, can only be set through a data
logger. Refer to Table 1-1.
Table 1-1: Configuration using Bubbler vs data logger
FUNCTION
BUBBLER
DATA
LOGGER
Set stage
 
Set stage units
 
Set bubble rate
 
Set temperature units
 
Set averaging duration
 
Perform manual purge
 
Set scheduled purge

Set scheduled stage collection

Set date and time1

1.11 FIRMWARE UPDATES
Periodically, the Bubbler’s firmware may need to be updated. In that event, FTS will issue a
notification with instructions on how to conduct the update.
1This sets the Bubbler’s date and time which is used on the time stamp of the Bubbler’s SD card. It does not affect the time
stamp of sent data or the timing of scheduled events as those are controlled by the data logger and the telemetry in use.