INW PT2X User manual

19026 72nd Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032 USA
253.872.0284
FAX [phone] / [email protected]
INW, A Division of Seametrics
INW PT2X
Pressure/Temperature Smart Sensor and Datalogger
©1997 - 2016 Seametrics. All rights reserved. Instrumentation Northwest and INW are trademarks of Seametrics.
Doc# 9B0730r20.1 1/6/2016 / PN 6D275-NI
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
For PSIG
sensors, refer
to page 12
regarding
desiccant
use!

INW - PT2X Instruction Manual 1
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................3
What is the PT2X?.....................................................................................................3
Initial Inspection and Handling .................................................................................3
Do’s and Don’ts.........................................................................................................4
How Pressure Sensors Work......................................................................................4
Installation and Operation.................................................................................................6
Connecting External Power.......................................................................................6
Connecting the PT2X to a Computer.........................................................................6
Installing the Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite Software ..............................................7
Installing the Sensor ..................................................................................................7
Battery Life Calculator..............................................................................................8
Collecting Data..........................................................................................................8
Maintenance....................................................................................................................12
Changing Batteries...................................................................................................12
Removing Debris from End Cone ...........................................................................12
Desiccant Tubes.......................................................................................................13
Miscellaneous..........................................................................................................14
Trouble Shooting.............................................................................................................14
Erratic Readings.......................................................................................................14
Oscillating Readings Over Time..............................................................................15
Zero Readings When Pressurized............................................................................15
Grounding Issues.....................................................................................................15
Appendix A: Technical Specifications............................................................................16
Wiring and Component Information........................................................................16
Dimensions and Specifications................................................................................17
Continuous Rate and Filter Settings........................................................................19
Appendix B: Settings and Calibration ...........................................................................20
Preparation...............................................................................................................20
Submergence............................................................................................................22
Depth-to-Water ........................................................................................................23
Elevation Above Sea Level......................................................................................24
Staff Gauge..............................................................................................................25
Appendix C: Alternate Connection Options...................................................................26
Connecting via RS232 Serial Port...........................................................................26
Connecting with a USB/Serial Adapter...................................................................26
Appendix D: Reading the PT2X via Direct Read..........................................................28
Setting Units for Direct Read ..................................................................................28
Power Consideration................................................................................................29
Reading Via Modbus®RTU.....................................................................................29
Reading Via SDI-12.................................................................................................31
Appendix E: Battery Changing Details...........................................................................33
Reordering Information ..................................................................................................38
Limited Warranty/Disclaimer - INW PT2X Pressure/Temperature Sensor....................39

2 INW - PT2X Instruction Manual
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of the manufacturer. No part of this manual may
be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written
permission of the manufacturer.
©1997 - 2016 Seametrics. All rights reserved.
Registered trademarks and trademarks belong to their respective owners.

INW - PT2X Instruction Manual 3
Introduction
What is the PT2X?
INW’s AquiStar® PT2X Smart Sensor is an integrated datalogger and pressure/
temperature sensor and is ideal for monitoring groundwater, well, tank, and tidal
levels, as well as for pump and slug testing. This sensor networks with all of the INW
AquiStar®Smart Sensor family. Its compatibility with INW’s Wireless Data Collection
technology makes it ideal for remote monitoring.
This industry standard digital RS485 interface device records up to 520,000 records of
pressure, temperature, and time data, operates with low power, and features easy-to-
use software with powerful features. Constructed with 316 stainless steel or titanium,
PTFE, and fluoropolymer, this sensor provides high-accuracy readings in rugged and
corrosive field conditions.
Two internal AA batteries power the PT2X. (Auxiliary power supplies are available
for data intensive applications.) The unit is programmed using INW’s easy-to-use
Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite control software. Once programmed the unit will
measure and collect data on a variety of time intervals.
Replace your analog sensor / datalogger with the AquiStar®PT2X as a stand-alone
unit or network with other INW Smart Sensors. Most users will use the PT2X with
INW’s Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite software. However, the PT2X is quite versatile,
communicating via either Modbus®or SDI-12 interfaces, allowing you to do the
following:
• Read a PT2X via the Modbus®protocol using your own software.
• Read a PT2X via SDI-12 protocol.
• Display readings from a PT2X on a panel meter.
Initial Inspection and Handling
Upon receipt of your smart sensor, inspect the shipping package for damage. If any
damage is apparent, note the signs of damage on the appropriate shipping form. After
opening the carton, look for concealed damage, such as a cut cable. If concealed
damage is found, immediately file a claim with the carrier.
Check the etched label on the sensor to be sure that the proper range and type were
provided. Also check the label attached to the cable at the connector end for the proper
cable length.

4 INW - PT2X Instruction Manual
Do’s and Don’ts
How Pressure Sensors Work
Liquids and gasses do not retain a fixed shape. Both have the ability to flow and are
often referred to as fluids. One fundamental law for a fluid is that the fluid exerts an
equal pressure in all directions at a given level. Further, this pressure increases with
an increasing depth of “submergence”. If the density of a fluid remains constant
(noncompressible...a generally good assumption for water at “normal” pressures and
temperatures), this pressure increases linearly with the depth of “submergence”.
We are all “submerged” in the atmosphere. As we increase our elevation, the pressure
exerted on our bodies decreases as there is less of this fluid above us. It should be
noted that atmospheric pressure at a given level does vary with changes in the weather.
One standard atmosphere (pressure at sea level at 20º C) is defined to be 14.7 PSI
(pounds per square inch).
There are several methods to reference a pressure measurement. Absolute pressure is
measured with respect to an ideal vacuum (no pressure). Gauge pressure is the most
common way we express pressure in every day life and is the pressure exerted over and
above atmospheric pressure. With this in mind, gauge pressure (Pg) can be expressed
as the difference between the absolute pressure (Pa) and atmospheric pressure (Patm):
Pg = Pa - Patm.
To measure gauge pressure, atmospheric pressure is subjected to one side of the
system and the pressure to be measured is subjected to the other. The result is that the
differential (gauge pressure) is measured. A tire pressure gauge is a common example
of this type of device.
Recall that as the level of submergence increases (in a noncompressible fluid), the
pressure increases linearly. Also, recall that changes in weather cause the absolute
atmospheric pressure to change. In water, the absolute pressure (Pa) at some level of
depth (d) is given as follows:
Pa = Patm + kd
where k is simply a constant (i.e.: 2.307 feet of water = 1 PSI)
Don’t support the device with the connector.
Use a strain relief device to take the
tension off the connectors.
Don’t allow the device to free-fall down a
well as impact damage can occur.
Don’t bang or drop the device on hard
objects.
Do handle the device with care.
Do store the device in a dry, inside area
when not in use.
Do install a desiccant tube if using a gauge
sensor.
Do install the device so that the connector
end is kept dry.

INW - PT2X Instruction Manual 5
INW’s standard gauge submersible pressure devices utilize a vent tube in the cable
to allow the device to reference atmospheric pressure. The resulting gauge pressure
measurement reflects only the depth of submergence. That is, the net pressure on the
diaphragm is due entirely to the depth of submergence.
Pressure Diagram: See detail A.
Absolute pressure is given as Pa = Patm + kd
(where k is 2.307 feet of water)

6 INW - PT2X Instruction Manual
Installation and Operation
Connecting External Power
The PT2X comes with two AA internal batteries.
If auxiliary power is desired, you can use a 6 - 13 VDC supply that can provide 15
mA. Connect to Vaux++ (pin 1 - white) and Ground (pin 5 - blue) or contact INW for
auxiliary power supplies.
Connecting the PT2X to a Computer
In its cabled configuration, the sensorcable is terminated with a weather-resistant
connector. In its cableless configuration, the sensor is terminated with a weather-
resistant connector inside a screw-cap. Connect the weather-resistant connector to
your computer’s USB port as shown below. (For alternate connection options, see
Appendix C.)
Connect the sensor to your PC using INW’s USB to RS485
adapter. (See Appendix C for alternate connections.)
PC or Laptop
Computer
USB Port
USB to RS485
Adapter
Sensor
Cableless
Configuration
Screw-
Sensor
cap

INW - PT2X Instruction Manual 7
Installing the Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite Software
The PT2X comes with the Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite host software that is installed
on your PC or laptop. Use this software to program the datalogger, to retrieve data
from the logger, to view collected data, and to export data to external files for use with
spreadsheets or databases.
Refer to the software manuals for details on installing and using Aqua4Plus or
Aqua4Plus Lite.
Using the PT2X Without Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite
Most users will use the PT2X with INW’s Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite software.
However, the PT2X is quite versatile, communicating via either Modbus®or SDI-12
interfaces, allowing you to do the following:
• Read a PT2X via the Modbus®protocol using your own software.
• Read a PT2X via SDI-12 protocol.
• Display readings from a PT2X on a panel meter.
If you want to use one of these methods, see Appendix D.
Installing the Sensor
The PT2X measures pressure. The most common application is measuring liquid
levels in wells and tanks. In order to do this, the sensor must be installed below the
water level at a fixed depth. The installation depth depends on the range of the sensor.
One (1) PSI is equal to approximately 2.31 feet of water. If you have a 5 PSI sensor,
the range is 11.55 feet of water and the sensor should not be installed at a depth below
11.55 feet. If the sensor is installed below its maximum range, damage may result to
the sensor and the output reading will not be correct.
Lower the sensor to the desired depth. Fasten the cable to the well head using tie
wraps or a weather proof strain-relief system. When securing a vented cable, make
sure not to pinch the cable too tightly or the vent tube inside the cable jacket may
be sealed off. Take a measurement to insure the sensor is not installed below its
maximum range.
Be sure the supplied cap is securely placed on the weather-resistant connector at the
top of the cable. Do not install such that the connector might become submerged with
changing weather conditions. The connector can withstand incidental splashing but is
not designed to be submerged.
For vented sensors, install the sensor so that the desiccant tube will not flood or lie in
water.

8 INW - PT2X Instruction Manual
The sensor can be installed in any position; however, when it leaves the factory it is
tested in the vertical position. Strapping the sensor body with tie wraps or tape will not
hurt it. INW can provide an optional 1/4” NPT input adapter which is interchangeable
with the standard end cone for those applications where it is necessary to directly attach
the sensor to a pipe, tank, or other pipe port. If the sensor is being installed in a fluid
environment other than water, be sure to check the compatibility of the fluid with the
wetted parts of the sensor.
Battery Life Calculator
IMPORTANT NOTE for PT2X sensors with firmware 2.13 or higher!
PT2Xs with firmware version 2.13 and higher have a battery life calculator that is
set at the factory when batteries are first put in the sensor. If you need to replace the
batteries, see Appendix E for replacement information and for information on resetting
the battery life calculator. If the battery life calculator is not reset, the remaining life
information will be incorrect.
Collecting Data
Following is a brief overview on using Aqua4Plus/Aqua4Plus Lite to collect data.
Please refer to the software instruction manuals for further details on configuring and
using Aqua4Plus/Aqua4Plus Lite.
Real Time Monitor
Click Single to get a single reading.
Click Start to get a reading once a second for 60 seconds.
Click Stop to stop the reading.
Note: These are snapshot readings and are not recorded on the sensor. On sensors
with firmware versions lower than 2.0, the pressure is displayed in the first column
and temperature in the second. On sensors with firmware versions 2.0 and higher, the
temperature is displayed in the first column and pressure in the second.

INW - PT2X Instruction Manual 9
The Real Time Monitor gives a snapshot of the
current readings on the sensor.
Setting up Data Recording
Click the tool button. A Logging Schedule Window will open. Refer to the
software instruction manuals for details in describing your schedule. Click the Start
button to save the schedule to the sensor and begin recording.
Using the Logging Schedule Window, describe
the test steps for your particular test.