Geotech PVT PIEZOMETER User manual

GEOTECH PVT DIRECT PUSH PIEZOMETER Manual 2015-11-11
USERS MANUAL
GEOTECH PVT
DIRECT PUSH PIEZOMETER
for pore pressure measuring
Ingenjörsfirman Geotech AB
Datavägen 53
SE-436 32 ASKIM (Göteborg)
Sweden
Ph: +46 - 31 28 99 20
Fax:[phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.geotech.eu
Published date: 2015-11-11

GEOTECH PVT DIRECT PUSH PIEZOMETER Manual 2015-11-11
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GEOTECH PVT DIRECT PUSH PIEZOMETER Manual 2015-11-11
Table of Contents
1 General Information 1
Foreword.................................................................................................................11.1 Safety......................................................................................................................11.2
2 Product Information 2
General Description ................................................................................................22.1 Logging direct push piezometer with memory ........................................................22.2 Direct push piezometer without memory.................................................................32.3 Read-out kit for PC..................................................................................................42.4 Rugged read-out kit with handheld computer.........................................................42.5 Remote read-out solutions......................................................................................52.6 Additional product information ................................................................................62.7 Intended use ...........................................................................................................62.8 System components overview................................................................................72.9
3 Preparations 11
Saturation of the piezometer.................................................................................113.1 Using pipes ...........................................................................................................113.2 Using a release adapter........................................................................................123.3 Pre-drilling.............................................................................................................133.4
4 Installation of the piezometer 13
Pushing down........................................................................................................134.1 Cutting the cable...................................................................................................144.2
5 Programming and data collection 14
6 Maintenance 14
Damaged equipment.............................................................................................146.1 Authorized Workshops..........................................................................................156.2 Trouble Shooting...................................................................................................156.3
Appendix 16
Transport instructions for “Piezometer with memory” ..........................................................16
Notes 17
DOCUMENT HISTORY
Date Comment Sign
2015-02-25 Change of design and content. mcn
2015-09-15 Revised information on Lithium Metal Battery mcn
2015-10-26 Editorial changes. Added items to Trouble Shooting. mcn
2015-11-09 New handheld computer. Added items to 2.4; added Fig. 7 mcn
2015-11-11 Changes in “Preparations” mcn

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General Information
1 General Information
Foreword1.1
This manual contains important information for the proper use and safe operation of the GEOTECH PVT
DIRECT PUSH PIEZOMETERS.
Read the manual carefully before you start operating the system. Also read the maintenance instructions
before performing any maintenance work. The warranty from Ingenjörsfirman Geotech AB is valid only if
the instructions in this manual are followed.
Always keep the manual by the equipment and replace it immediately if it should become wholly or par-
tially unusable. A new copy can always be ordered from Ingenjörsfirman Geotech AB.
Content1.1.1
The information in this publication is on the basis of information that was available at the time that the
publication was written.
The information can change at any time. Ingenjörsfirman Geotech AB reserves the right to change or
update the content of the manual without prior notice.
Safety1.2
The operator must be alert to potential hazards. The operator should also have the necessary training,
skills and tools to perform these functions properly.
The important safety messages in this manual are presented as follows:
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
This warning identifies important messages in this manual, e.g. information on risk for costly
damage. Carefully read the message and inform your colleagues.

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2 Product Information
General Description2.1
The GEOTECH PVT DIRECT PUSH PIEZOMETER is very accurate and cost efficient precision gauge. It
can be used for permanent installation or pulled up for recalibration and reuse. The piezometer has a
ceramic pressure sensor, which is very stable over time, making it the perfect choice for long-time pro-
jects and permanent installations. The output from the piezometer is digital and is not affected by cable
length. Each piezometer is supplied with a calibration certificate.
Fig. 1 – The piezometer is available in several versions – with or without logging function. Pres-
sure transducer, A/D converter, processor with optional log memory and battery are integrated in
the probe. Only the cable is visible on the surface.
The piezometer is delivered mounted on a one meter 1" pipe. For installation, you normally use 1” pipes.
In some cases a release adapter could be used together with your normal sounding rods. When a release
adapter is used, the sounding rods can be pulled back up after installation, leaving only the piezometer
and cable in the ground. This makes it possible to save material by using the same rods for several pie-
zometers.
There are several options for programming and data collection:
1. Use your own standard windows computer with PVTLog software and USB interface with two
crocodile clips.
2. The rugged turn-key readout kit comprises a handheld computer with accessories, mPVT soft-
ware, interface with two crocodile clips and a barometer. All in a sturdy transport case.
3. Remote reading using a permanently installed local cell phone based gateway. Data are availa-
ble from your computer and alarms could optionally be sent as text messages to your mobile
phone.
Logging direct push piezometer with memory2.2
The logging piezometer operates without the need of additional battery, logging box or any kind of per-
manently installed external equipment – just two wires are visible on the surface.
A similar device “Logging Air Pressure Meter” can be installed above the surface, recording barometric
pressure for compensation at each time.
The active component is a ceramic piezoresistive pressure sensor. Small movements of the sensor
membrane result in changes of electrical bridge parameters that are detected, amplified and passed
through an A/D converter. The data are processed in a micro-controller and saved in the on-board
memory. The use of a ceramic diaphragm gives excellent stability over time, ensures high linearity across
the entire range of measurement and reduces effects of hysteresis to a minimum. In addition the sensor
has built in temperature compensation.

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Product Information
Fig. 2 – Logging direct push piezometer with memory: Small movements of the sensor membrane
result in changes of electrical parameters that are detected, amplified and passed through an A/D
converter. The data are processed in the microcontroller and saved in the on-board memory.
Modern electronics and power saving technology enables permanent installation of the equipment for
several years without any need for battery change or charging. Logging intervals are programmed from
your computer with interface and two crocodile clip wires. The same setup is used for uploading log files
and for viewing the real-time value of pressure and temperature.
Direct push piezometer without memory2.3
Connect your computer with crocodile clip interface to the piezometer for real-time reading of temperature
and pressure.
The piezometers can alternatively be connected to a local network with a telematics unit for remote moni-
toring and/or instant alarms upon critical values.
Fig. 3 – Pressure and temperature real-time values are instantly available when connecting the
piezometer to the crocodile clips of the handheld reading kit. Have the similar functionality with
you own standard computer – just install the PVTLog software and connect the USB/crocodile clip
interface (read-out kit for PC).

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Read-out kit for PC2.4
Install the PVTLog software on your own computer and connect it to the piezometer via the USB/crocodile
clip interface. Do real-time readings of pressure and temperature. When used with the piezometer with
logging memory, you can program logging intervals and collect log files. Data is stored on a format facili-
tating further processing in MS Excel.
Fig. 4 – Install the PVTLog software on your own computer and connect it to the piezometer via
the USB/crocodile clip interface.
The delivery comprises software, interface and user manual. Standard Windows computer (XP, 7 or later)
is to be sourced locally by the customer.
Please refer to separate manual for information on installation and use!
Rugged read-out kit with handheld computer2.5
Fig. 5 – The rugged read-out kit comprises a hand-held computer with mPVT software, interface
with crocodile clip wires and a barometer. All packed in a sturdy transport case. Computer and
barometer models are subject to change without notice.

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Product Information
The delivery comprises hand-held computer with accessories and mPVT software, interface with croco-
dile clip wires, a barometer and a sturdy transport case.
When used together with the Geotech PVT piezometer, you can use the equipment for setting logging
intervals and collecting stored log files. Data is stored on a format that facilitates further processing in MS
Excel and similar programs.
Please refer to separate manuals for detailed information on mPVT software and handheld computer!
Remote read-out solutions2.6
Remote data collection is possible with the Geotech PVT Gateway with built-in 3G “cellular phone”. Do
settings and collect data via the Internet. Set thresholds and get alarms as e-mail or text messages to
your phone.
Please refer to separate documents for information on equipment and systems for remote control.
Fig. 6 – Remote read-out solution example: Monitoring of the seabed close to a sea-port building
site. A telematics gateway is installed on buoy for communication via the mobile phone network.
Set thresholds and get alarms as e-mail or text messages to your phone.

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Fig. 7 – Remote read-out solution example: Monitoring of pore pressure in clay at different depths
under a road. The gateway receives settings and sends logged data via the mobile phone network.
Additional product information2.7
Please refer to separate documents for description of additional and special equipment.
Intended use2.8
The system is designed for geotechnical and hydrological monitoring, and may only be used for this pur-
pose. All other use is prohibited.

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Product Information
System components overview2.9
Item No.
Item
Illustration
Description
Direct push piezometers
10591 Piezometer with memory.
25 m wire. Logging direct push pie- zometer with memory.
Range 40 mH2O (approx.
400kPa).
10590 Piezometer without memory.
25 m wire. Direct push piezometer without memory. Range 40
mH2O (approx. 400kPa).
13186 Piezometer with memory.
50 m wire. Logging direct push pie- zometer with memory.
Range 40 mH2O (approx.
400kPa).
13185 Piezometer without memory.
50 m wire. Direct push piezometer without memory. Range 40
mH2O (approx. 400kPa).
27928 Piezometer with memory
2MPa. Logging direct push pie- zometer with memory.
Range 2MPa. Note: Cable
length and type to be speci-
fied separately.
29029 Piezometer without memory
2MPa. Direct push piezometer without memory. Range
2MPa. Note: Cable length
and type to be specified
separately.
19653 Piezometer cable Standard cable for piezom-
eter. Permanently mounted
on piezometer from factory.
Specify length upon order-
ing.
10663 Special cable PVT Double insulated copper
cable. Permanently mount-
ed on piezometer from fac-
tory. Specify length upon
ordering.
On
request Piezometers with special characteristics are available
on request.
Direct push piezometer with
special characteristics
available on request. E.g.
different range, cable type
or cable length.
Please refer to separate
documents for detailed
information. Note that some
of the information in this
manual might not be appli-
cable for these items.

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Item No.
Item
Illustration
Description
10592 Logging air pressure meter Logging air pressure meter
for capture of barometric
reference file.
Included
in 10592 Holder air pressure meter
Interface and software for
Laptop computer
19656 Reading kit El. Piezom. for
PC Reading and programming kit for standard windows
computer comprising:
PVTLog software and
USB/crocodile clip inter-
face. Computer not includ-
ed.
Connect the interface to the
USB outlet of your comput-
er and the crocodile clips to
the piezometer. The pro-
gram makes it possible to
collect data and to change
settings.
Included
in 19656
above
PVTLog PVTLog read-out and pro-
gramming software. Right
to use on one computer,
licensed by owner of all
rights Ingenjörsfirman Ge-
otech AB.
The program makes it pos-
sible to collect data and to
change settings.
Medium for delivery may be
changed without notice.
Included
in 19656
above
PVT Interface USB USB/crocodile clip inter-
face.
Connect the interface to the
USB outlet of your comput-
er and the crocodile clips to
the piezometer.

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Product Information
Item No.
Item
Illustration
Description
Handheld read
-
out and
programming kit
19600 Reading kit El. Piezom. Portable read-out and pro-
gramming kit. Transport
case comprising:
- Rugged hand-held com-
puter
- Charger and cables
- Interface with cables
- Software mPVP
- Barometer
Computer and barometer
models are subject to
change without notice.
Included
in 19600
above
mPVP software mPVP read-out and pro-
gramming software. Right
to use on one handheld
computer, licensed by own-
er of all rights Ingenjörsfir-
man Geotech AB.
Normally delivered pre-
installed from Geotech.
De
-
airing tools
19651 Syringe PVT Syringe for saturation of the
piezometer.
20351 Funnel PVT Funnel for saturation of the
piezometer.
Tools (optional)
15123 Release adapter PVT, CPT
stand Release adapter for per- manent installation of the
piezometer using standard
36 mm CPT rods.
On re-
quest Release adapter PVT, for other rod type Release adapter for per- manent installation of the
piezometer using other type
of rod. Please revert with
requirements!

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Item No.
Item
Illustration
Description
Pipes for installation
Note: galvanized pipes should
not be used!
01727 Pipe 1" 1m Steel pipe 1”, length:
1000mm. Weight approx. 3
kg
07509 Pipe 1" 2m Steel pipe 1”, length:
2000mm. Weight approx. 6
kg.
28545 Pipe 1" 1m stainless Stainless steel pipe 1”,
length: 1000 mm.
28500 Pipe 1" 2m stainless Stainless steel pipe 1”,
length: 2000 mm.
24835 Transport case for rods Transport case for 1 m rods
and pipes. Dimensions: 113
x 27 x 22 cm. Weight 19.3
kg
The GEOTECH PVT product family is being continuously developed and improved. We therefore reserve
the right to changes of the information above.

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Preparations
3 Preparations
Saturation of the piezometer3.1
Fig. 7 – Keep the filter of the de-aired probe under water.
Secure the piezometer in a vice (or another sort of device which can hold the piezometer in a steady
grip).
Put the funnel over the tip and remove the screw from its tip. Use a syringe to fill the tip as many times as
it requires in order too saturate the filter. Use distilled water. No air bubbles should be visible.
When ready, put the screw back and tighten it up. Remove the funnel. If possible, the piezometer should
be kept under water until use. You might apply a plastic or rubber membrane while it the filter held under
water. That makes it easier to handle the piezometer above ground, still keeping the filter saturated until
the piezometer can be pushed down.
Store the saturated piezometer at a temperature above 3oC – the water inside the piezometer expands as
temperatures get close to freezing temperatures, with cracked sensor membrane as result.
Store the saturated piezometer at a temperature above 3oC. The sensor membrane might crack if
the water inside the piezometer starts freezing.
Using pipes3.2
If pipes or hollow rods are used for installation without release adapter, the cable must be rolled out and
threaded through the rods. Make sure that there are no sharp edges that could damage the cable. A
damaged cable could make the piezometer unusable. You may use a stick or plastic pipe attached to the
cable end when pulling the cable through the pipe segments.
Do not use the equipment together with galvanized rod /pipes. A chemical reaction may occur with the
stainless steel of the piezometer body, resulting in generation of gas and unreliable measurements.

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Fig. 8 – Thread the cable through rods/pipes – do not forget the joints. Only use high-quality pipes
free from sharp edges and burr.
Make sure that there are no sharp edges that could damage the cable.
Do not use galvanized rods/pipes. A chemical reaction may occur with the stainless steel of the
piezometer body, resulting in generation of gas and unreliable measurements.
Using a release adapter3.3
For installation in soft soils, at limited depths a release adapter could be used together with your normal
sounding rods. When a release adapter is used, the sounding rods can be pulled back up after installa-
tion, leaving only the piezometer and cable in the ground. This makes it possible to save material by us-
ing the same rods for several piezometers.
The release adapter is to be screwed on the pushing rod and slipped into the one-inch pipe end of the
piezometer. The cable comes out of the slit and should run freely on the outside of the pushing rods dur-
ing installation. Make sure that there are no sharp edges or dirt in the cable slit of the adapter. Also make
sure that the cable is not squeezed between the adapter and the piezometer pipe.
We recommend you to pull the cable inside the rod string if you should be using rods that are thicker than
32 mm, e.g. standard 36 mm CPT rods.
Fig. 9 – Release adapters are available for most common rod types.
Make sure that there are no sharp edges or dirt in the cable slit of the adapter. Also make sure
that the cable is not squeezed between the adapter and the piezometer pipe. Pull the cable inside
the rod string if rod diameter should be larger than 32 mm in order to avoid damages to the cable.

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Installation of the piezometer
Pre-drilling3.4
If the first meters consist of dry crust with clay or silt, pre-drilling is recommended. Depending on soil con-
ditions and local quality requirements for pore pressure measurements, pre-drilling may need to be car-
ried out all the way down to the ground water table. If possible, keep the hole filled with water.
If the first meters consist of fillings, pre-drilling is recommendable through the whole filling. If the soil
seems to collapse into the hole it should be stabilized with a casing pipe or a fluid, e.g. bentonite. If cas-
ing is being used, it should be filled with water.
Should the ground be frozen, pre-drilling is always to be carried out. If the piezometer is pressed through
frozen soil, a negative pressure might occur, sucking the water out of the filter. In worst case the water
inside the piezometer could freeze and crack the sensor membrane.
Pre-drilling should always be carried out through frozen ground. Negative pore pressure could
affect de-airing. The sensor membrane might crack if the water inside the piezometer freezes.
4 Installation of the piezometer
Pushing down4.1
The piezometer should be pushed down through the soil with a constant speed of max. 2 cm/sec – in
some soils you have to push even slower. To prevent overloading of the sensor membrane, it is recom-
mended to connect the read-out instrument and check the pressure regularly during the installation. The
pressure may never exceed the pressure range with more than 75% (valid for standard equipment). Low-
er limits may apply for piezometers with special range.
Protect the cable from tangling and from high pull forces. Make sure that there are no sharp edges that
may damage the cable. A damaged cable could make the piezometer unusable.
Push down the piezometer slowly and monitor the pressure during installation – the pressure may
never exceed the pressure range with more than 75% (valid for standard equipment). Lower limits
may apply for piezometers with special range.
Push down the piezometer with constant speed. Any kind of hammering will permanently damage
the sensitive ceramic membrane of the pressure sensor.
Protect the cable from tangling and from high pull forces. Make sure that no sharp edges damage
the cable. A damaged cable could make the piezometer unusable.

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Cutting the cable4.2
When the piezometer is installed at the right depth, the remaining part of the cable may be cut.
5 Programming and data collection
Connect the piezometer’s two wires to the crocodile clips of your PVT Interface. Start up the software on
your computer and connect the interface to one of the computer’s USB ports. You can now read the serial
number and real time value on the computer screen.
We recommend you to monitor the pressure in real time during installation.
If your piezometer is equipped with logging memory, you may use your computer for setting required log-
ging intervals and collecting log files.
A log file from the installation will verify that the equipment has not been exposed to a pressure exceeding
allowed maximum pressure while being pushed through the soil. In this case the logging interval should
be set to the minimum.
Please refer to the separate software manual for your read-out and programming solution.
Please refer to separate documents for information on systems for remote management.
6 Maintenance
Damaged equipment6.1
The piezometer is not designed for repair in the field. Disassembly requires special tools and special
spare parts will be required. The piezometer requires calibration after having been disassembled.
Piezometers with logging memory are powered by Lithium Metal batteries that must be handled with care
as a flammability hazard exists. Do not short-circuit, mishandle or disassemble the battery.
Equipment containing Lithium Metal Batteries
The piezometer with logging memory is powered by a lithium metal battery that must be handled
with care as a flammability hazard exists. Do not short-circuit, mishandle or disassemble the bat-
tery.
Equipment containing Lithium Metal Batteries
When sending a piezometer with memory by air, the package must have a warning label and safe-
ty information. Please refer to appended transport instructions and rules issued by your forward-
er. Never send damaged batteries by air.

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Maintenance
Authorized Workshops6.2
For support, calibration and repair please contact:
Ingenjörsfirman Geotech AB
Datavägen 53
SE- 436 32 Askim
SWEDEN
[email protected]
[phone]
For customs reasons, please declare serial number of probes etcetera when sending equipment for
service.
Trouble Shooting6.3
The trouble shooting table below is not complete, nor subject to any quality assurance, and thus pub-
lished as indication only. Please feel free to revert with additional questions and suggestions.
Issue:
Finding p
ossible cause
s
:
Action
s
:
No communication with the
piezometer. Right COM port selected? Select correct COM port.
Are crocodile clips in contact
with the wire? Remove insulation from the wire and check that the clip is correctly at-
tached.
Is the piezometer or cable
damaged? Repair or replace.
Is the contact damaged? Consult with Geotech.
Is the interface damaged? Consult with Geotech.
Measured value reads 120
mH2O constantly. Has the sensor maximum pressure been exceeded? The sensor membrane has been dam- aged. Install a new piezometer, push-
ing slower while monitoring the pres-
sure real-time.
Has the piezometer been
exposed to hammering? The sensor membrane has been dam- aged. The piezometer must not be
hammered into the ground. Pre-drill of
the ground is too hard.
Has the saturated piezometer
been exposed to tempera-
tures below 3oC?
The sensor membrane has been dam-
aged. The water inside the de-aired
piezometer expands at it starts freez-
ing.

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Appendix
Transport instructions for “Piezometer with memory”
“Piezometer with memory” is powered by a Lithium-Metal battery with Li content not exceeding 2 g. The Li
content for each cell does not exceed 1 g.
When sending by air, the package must have a warning label and safety information. Before sending the
equipment, please check applicable rules with your forwarder. Never send damaged lithium batteries with
air freight.
Equipment containing Lithium Metal cells or batteries The package must be handled with care as a flammability hazard exists. The package should not be damaged or mishandled. If the package is damaged special procedures should be followed; this should include in- spection and re-packaging if necessary. Do not load or transport package if damaged. For more information, call [phone].