SDI Solutions simple SDI User manual

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simple SDI:auto
Operators Manual
Revised April 2010
© 2005-2010 spears design and consulting inc.
Manufactured by:
A division of Procam Controls, Inc.
2605 Technology Drive #300 Plano, TX 75074
PH 972-422-1212 FAX [phone]
email: [email protected]

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simple SDI:auto
Table of Contents
Topic Page
Introduction.............................................................................................................. 3
Getting to know simple SDI: Overview..................................................................... 4
Setting up simple SDI:
Getting Started .................................................................................................... 5
Prefilter Installation and supply water connection ............................................... 6
Drain line connection .........................................................................................7
Start-up and test procedure ................................................................................. 8
Test Procedure..................................................................................................... 9-11
Operating simple SDI:
End of test clean-up and routine maintenance..................................................... 12
Controller Operation........................................................................................... 13-15
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 16
Battery care and Charging...................................................................................17
How to use our Quick-connect fittings................................................................ 18
Specifications ........................................................................................................... 19
Parts Drawings.......................................................................................................... 20 & 21
Declaration of Conformity, CE ..................................................................................22
Warranty .................................................................................................................. 23

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simple SDI:auto
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing simple SDI. We hope you’ll find simple SDI to be an indespen-
sible tool.
We designed simple SDI with feedback from experts familiar with other automated SDI
measurement systems as well as those who’d performed more manual tests than they care
to remember. We incorporated as many of their suggestions as we could. For example:
• simple SDI is battery powered for true portability.
• simple SDI uses standard .45 micron, 47 mm membranes, no encapsulated or propri-
etary size single-source membranes.
• simple SDI operates on as little as 35 psi feed water pressure. Testing is now possible
on many water supplies that previously required a booster pump.
• simple SDI is housed in a rugged crush-proof case. No flimsy tissue-thin plastic here.
As good as simple SDI is, there’s always room for improvement. If you have an experi-
ence, idea or input either positive or negative we’d love to hear from you.
Again, thanks for your purchase. Welcome to the community of simple SDI users.
David Spears
spears design and consulting inc.
email: da[email protected]

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simple SDI:auto
Getting to know simple SDI: Overview
Power In (9VDC)
Pressure Gauge
Pressure Regulator
Inlet Valve
Water Inlet (.25”OD)
Controller Enclosure
LCD Display
Enter Switch
Down Switch
UP Switch
Power Switch
Membrane filter holder
(drain line, 0.5” OD)
Included with simple SDI:auto Optional Components
Power Supply-
Baery Charger
Prefilter
(50 micron)
Membrane Filters
(100) & Tweezers
Booster Pump System Prefilter
(5 micron)
WARNING! Do not blow air through the inlet or outlet of the meter or the
flow sensor will be damaged.
!

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simple SDI:auto
Setting up simple SDI: Getting Started
Remove the vinyl plug from the water Inlet fitting
and place it in the Power In jack.
Remove the vinyl cap from the outlet fitting on
the right side of the meter.
Note: Replace the vinyl caps after testing to protect the internal components from foreign
particles and to retain the collets on the fittings.
The minimum prefiltration requirement is the 50
micron prefilter. This filter should be used on every
test. The filter is too large to affect the SDI results
but small enough to protect the internal compo-
nents of simple SDI from damage.
For many water supplies, the optional 5 micron
prefilter is also required. Use the 5 micron filter
on unfiltered water supplies or on water supplies
where the SDI results are high (e.g. SDI-15 greater
than 5) or whenever you receive an “OVER-
RANGE” error message indicating that the plug-
ging factor is 90% or greater.
Setting up simple SDI:auto Prelter Selection
NOTE! simpleSDI is a precision instrument and should be used accordingly. Do not drop
or otherwise physically shock the meter. Do not submerge or spray with water. Do not
leave in direct sunlight or other unprotected environment.
!

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simple SDI:auto
Setting up simple SDI: Prelter installation and Supply Water Connection
Feed water connection for all other water supplies.
Feed water connection for preltered water supplies.
The illustrations below show how to connect the prefilters. Please note the direction of the flow arrows on
the filters and connect them in the proper orientation. Use the blue 1/4” OD Polyethylene tubing supplied.
There are two short pieces for interconnecting the filters and connecting to simple SDI. There’s one long
piece for connecting to the water supply.
Note: These instructions assume familiarity with the Quick-Connect type fittings that we use. If you
haven’t used these fittings before, please see the appendix for a tutorial on how to use them.
Water Source
50 micron
Prefilter
.25” OD
Polyethylene Tubing
(or equiv.)
Water Source
50 micron
Prefilter
5 micron
Prefilter
.25” OD
Polyethylene Tubing
(or equiv.)

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simple SDI:auto
Setting up simple SDI: Filter Holder and Drain Line Connection
Connections Complete
simple SDI is now connected and ready for start-up.
The drain should be able to handle 2 liters/minute for a short duration during flushing and 1 liter/
minute or less for the duation of the test. If a bucket is used it should have about 5 gallons capacity.
To Drain
Slip the drain tubing
over the barb on
the membrane filter
housing.
Insert the tubing on the membrane filter housing
into the fitting on the side of the meter. Press
firmly to securely engage the tubing..
To Drain
From
Water
Supply

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Setting up simple SDI: Start-up & Test Procedure
The Start-Up and Test procedure is really 4 simple steps.
1. Flush the air out.
2. Install the membrane filter.
3. Adjust the pressure.
4. Start the test.
However, simple things are often harder to explain than they are to do. Bear with us. We’ll have you up and
running in no time.
Allow the water to run for 15 seconds or so or
until you see a clear bubble-free stream of water
flowing through the clear blue tubing. Close the
Inlet Valve.
Close the Inlet Valve on simple SDI.
Open the valve at the water source.
Slowly open the Inlet Valve on simple SDI by
turning the handle counterclockwise. Water will
flow through simple SDI.
Tapping on the pressure regulator and/or turning
the knob helps to dislodge air bubbles.
No bubbles

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simple SDI:auto
Setting up simple SDI: Test Procedure
The next step is to install the membrane filter. As simple as this sounds there are at least two distinct ways
and perhaps a number of hybrid methods for doing this. We’re going to explain two methods. You chose
the method that works best for you.
Open the membrane filter housing. Using the
tweezers provided, place a membrane on the face
of the filter housing. (Note that the membranes
are white and are separated by light blue pieces of
paper. Make sure that you have a membrane and
only a membrane.)
Put the top back on the membrane filter housing
but do not fully tighten it. Leave it loose enough
so that water can freely escape, about 1/2 turn
less than fully tight.
Open the inlet valve-just enough for water to flow.
Allow water to dribble out of the housing.
When you see clear bubble-free water in the clear
blue tubing, tighten the housing and close the
Inlet Valve. With the inlet valve closed, tighten
the housing further if necessary. (Go to Page 10.)
Filter installation:Technique #1
12
34
No bubbles

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simple SDI:auto
Setting up simple SDI: Test Procedure
Once the membrane has been wetted thoroughly,
put the top back on the membrane filter housing
and tighten fully. (Go to Page 10.)
Filter installation:Technique #2
Open the membrane filter housing. Hold the inlet
half of the filter housing in one hand. Tilt the
filter housing UP so that the face of the housing
is up and parallel to the ground. Open the inlet
valve very slightly so that water spills out of the
housing. Close the valve while keeping the filter
housing face up and parallel to the ground.
Using the tweezers provided, place a membrane
on the face of the filter housing. (Note that the
membranes are white and are separated by light
blue pieces of paper. Make sure that you have a
membrane and only a membrane.) The “shiny”
side of the membrane should be placed “UP”.
Next, wet the membrane thoroughly. An eye-
dropper or small bottle with a spout are helpful
in doing this.
12
34

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simple SDI:auto
Setting up simple SDI: Test Procedure
With the system purged of air bubbles and the membrane filter installed, the only things
left are to adjust the pressure and start the test.
Monitor the meter as the test begins. As the mem-
brane fouls, the pressure will increase. For opti-
mum accuracy re-adjust the presssure to 30 psi.
After the first 4 to 5 minutes the pressure will
stabilize. The test will take approximately 20 min-
utes to complete.
Adjusting the test pressure.
Open the Inlet Valve and as quickly as possible
adjust the pressure to 30 psi. (Turning the knob
on the pressure regulator clockwise increases the
pressure, turning it counter-clockwise reduces the
pressure.)
As soon as you reach 30 psi, close the inlet valve.
This procedure is only necessary on the first test
on a given water supply. On subsequent tests the
pressure can be adjusted, if necessary, during the
first few seconds of the test.
Turn the Power ON. After the Welcome screen
comes up, Press ENTER to begin the test. OPEN
the inlet valve. As soon as the water starts flowing,
the test will begin automatically.
Adjust to 30 psi
POWER ENTER

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simple SDI:auto
Operating simple SDI: End of test clean-up and routine maintenance
When you are finished testing, close the valve at
the supply source. Disconnect simple SDI from
the source. Disconnect the prefilters and drain
line. Drain as much of the water from the tubing
and filters as possible.
Place the vinyl cap into the outlet fitting on the
right side of the meter.
Close the case and stand the meter vertically so
that the handle is up. This will allow any water
inside the bottom part of the meter to drain out.
Remove the plug from the Power Inlet fitting and
put it into the inlet fitting.
WARNING!
WARNING! Do not blow air through the inlet or outlet of the meter or
the flow sensor will be damaged.
!
NOTE! simpleSDI is a precision instrument-use with care. Do not drop or physically shock the meter. Do
not submerge or spray with water. Do not leave in direct sunlight or other unprotected environment.
!

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simple SDI:auto
The controller is the heart of simple SDI. It performs all of the control, measurement
and calculation functions necessary to conduct a SDI test. Below is a close-up view
of the controller with call-outs explaining the primary control elements.
Display
Shows current information relative to the status of the
meter. Shows status of tests in process and the final
results of tests when they’re completed.
Power Switch
Turns the
meter On and
Off.
spearsdesign.net
simple SDI
POWER
UP DOWN
ENTER
Up and Down
Not used in normal
operation.
Reserved for
special functions.
ENTER
Used to
start a new
test.
Operating simple SDI: Controller Operation

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Operating simple SDI: Controller Operation
Display after
inital flow
measurement
Start-up screen
First 100ML 13.1 sec
First 500ML 44.2 sec
Run Time 2:26
Flow 746 ml/min
Welcome to simpleSDI
Press:
ENTER to begin test
This screen comes up
after you press ENTER
and before you open the
Inlet Valve.
Open Inlet Valve
Waiting For Flow
Detection
First 100ML 13.1 sec
First 500ML 33.2 sec
Run Time 33:2
Flow 943 ml/min
Display during
inital flow
measurement.
Values update in
real-time
Total Elapsed time since
starting the test.
Real Time flow rate.
First Screen
after starting
a test
Shown below and on the next page are representative displays from different points
during the course of an SDI 15 test.

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Test complete
After 5 minute
SDI measurement
After 10 minute
SDI measurement
SDI-5 100ml 1.7
SDI-5 500ml 2.3
Run Time 8:21 Flow
247 ml/min
RESULTS 100ml/500ml
SDI-5 1.7/1.8
SDI-10 3.1/3.2
SDI-15 5.2/5.3
SDI 5 Test
in process
SDI-5 100ml 1.7
SDI-5 500ml
Run Time 5:41
Flow 289ml TOT 321ml
SDI-10 100ML 03.1
SDI-10 500ML 04.2
Run Time 12:33
Flow 183 ml/min
This screen will remain
on the display at the
end of the test. To
start a new test,
Press ENTER.
Operating simple SDI: Controller Operation

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simple SDI:auto
Operating simple SDI: Troubleshooting
There are two basic error conditions that the controller reports. One condition is related to
low flow, the other to an increase in flow.
Low flow error/OVERRANGE
FLOW RATE GREATER
THAN INITIAL FLOW.
CHECK FOR TORN
MEMBRANE OR LEAK.
RESULTS 100/500
SDI-5 OVERRANGE
SDI-10
SDI-15
Cause
When the results screen appears with a value or OVERRANGE for the 5, 10 or 15
minute SDI a low-flow condition is indicated. This message is displayed whenever the
time to conduct the 5 or 10 minute SDI test exceeds 5 minutes or when the SDI15
result would be 6.0 or greater.
Correction
If you receive this error, the water you are testing is so high in the constituents of SDI
that a meaningful test is not possible. Check the filtration that’s in place before the
meter. If the 5 micron prefilter was not used during the test, adding it may allow a
meaningful reading. If the 5 micron filter was used, the water is high in sub-5 micron
constituents. Installing an absolute rated 5 micron filter or a 1 or 2 micron filter may be
necessary to obtain meaningful results. If you’re evaluating an existing filtration system,
corrective measures are indicated.
High Flow Error
Cause
This message is displayed whenever the flow rate increases relative to the initial
flow rate. An increase in flow usually indicates an air-bubble on the surface of the
membrane at the beginning of the test that subsequently cleared and allowed an
increase in membrane surface area with a corresponding increase in flow. It can also
indicate a torn membrane or an error in setting the initial pressure. (e.g. test was started
at less than 30 psi and then manually adjusted up to 30 psi after the test had begun.
Correction
Purge the air from the system and begin a new test.
Replace the torn membrane and begin a new test.
Carefully adjust the pressure when starting a new test.
To clear the error condition
press ENTER on the controller.
To clear the error condition
press ENTER on the controller.

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simple SDI:auto
Operating simple SDI: Battery charging and care.
Battery Info
Battery Type: 6 Volt, 1.3 AH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA)
Battery Life: At least 5 years of typical usage.
Battery Capacity: Approximately 13 hours of testing. Power consumption is highest during active
testing. To conserve the battery, simpleSDI shifts into a “sleep” mode when testing
is complete.
Charge Rate:
Charge Frequency: Charging at the end of each day’s use is recommended. This practice will ensure that
you always have a fully charge battery when you need it. Unlike NiCad batteries, the
SLA battery used in simple SDI can be charged after every use without diminishing
the batteries capacity or useful life. Failure to keep a charge on the battery or allow-
ing the battery to fully discharge will shorten battery life.
To charge the battery simply plug the supplied
charger /power adapter into the appropriate elec-
trical supply (110 VAC or 220 VAC). Plug the
other end of the supplied charger into the Power
In plug on simple SDI.
NOTE:
Charge the battery at the end of
each day’s use. Failure to keep a
charge on the battery or allowing
the battery to fully discharge will
shorten the battery life.
WARNING!
Do not blow air through the
inlet or outlet of the meter or
the flow sensor will be damaged.
!
!
NOTE! simpleSDI is a precision instrument-use with care. Do not drop or physically shock
the meter. Do not submerge or spray with water. Do not leave in direct sunlight or other
unprotected environment.
!

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simple SDI:auto
Tubing Preparation
Cut tubing with a plastic
tubing cutter or a razor knife.
Make a clean, square cut.
The outside of the
tubing must be
free of knicks and
gouges.
After cutting, make sure
the end of the tube is
round. Correct any out-
of-roundness that may
have occured in cutting
the tubing.
Fitting Overview
To Attach Tubing:
Cutaway view of fitting and tubing
Fitting Body
Collet/Gripper
(Dark Gray)
To Remove Tubing:
Press collet in to release grippers.
While holding the collet in, pull out
on the tubing.
It may be necessary to use a partially open crescent wrench or similar
device to hold both sides of the collet in while pulling the tubing out.
Note: Resistance will be felt
when the tubing meets the
O ring.
Keep pushing until the
resistance is overcome and the
tubing rests against the stop.
Push tubing straight
in as far as it will go.
To ease insertion, moisten
end of tubing with fresh
water or 3% hydrogen
peroxide solution.
O-Ring
Tube Stop
How to use our Quick-Connect fittings.
Operating simple SDI: How to use our quick-connect ttings

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simple SDI: Specications
Dimensions Inch (mm)
Wide Deep High
10.75 (273 9.75 (248) 5 (127)
Weight 5 pounds, (2.3kg)
Electrical
Battery Type: 6 Volt, 1.3 AH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA)
Battery Life: At least 5 years of typical usage.
Battery Capacity: Approximately 13 hours of testing.
Power Supply: 110VAC-9VDC 500 ma (U.S.)
220VAC-9VDC 500 ma (Int’l)
Sample Water Requirements
Feed Pressure 35 psi minimum, 100 psi maximum.
Minimum flow rate 1.4 Liters per minute at 35 psi at start of test. Flow decreases during test.
Temperature 100°F maximum. (max 1°F variation during test)
Solids Free of large solids. Filter to 50 micron minimum.
Tests Performed
SDI5100 ml and 500 ml sample volumes
SDI10 100 ml and 500 ml sample volumes
SDI15 100 ml and 500 ml sample volumes

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Item
Number
Part
Number Description
14 182-10060 Electronic Controller assy.
Perspective Reference
Item
Number
Part
Number Description
1750-30105 DC Power Inlet Connector
2530-20041 Gauge, 0-60 PSI
3550-02106 Female Elbow, 1/4”
5550-01102 Male Connector, 1/4” x 1/8”
6550-0120 Male Connector, 1/4” x 3/8”
7550-04110 Bulkhead fitting, 3/8”
9560-01047 Pressure Regulator
10 540-40010 Tube Adapter, 1/4” x 3/8”
11 600-70200 Membrane Filter Holder
12 550-62176 Connector, Barb
182-11001 Battery, 6V
14
15
6
7
15 550-5712 Hose Clamp, Nylon
16 530-90250 Flow Transducer-complete
17 550-0816 Reducer, Stem/Tube 3/8”x1/4”
18 520-12207 Ball Valve, 1/4” SMC
19 550-01105 Male Connector, 1/4”
20 800-10015 Handle, Teal SMC Valve
21 580-10010 Tube, 3/8” Blue PU
Isometric View with insert and case hidden.
Note: These drawings reflects changes
to the flow transducer and pressure
regulator that occured on the respective
models and dates as shown in this table.
Part Number Date Serial Number
182-10005 02/27/2007 7B-280-0204
185-10006 04/04/2007 XX-283-0011
182-10025 02/27/2007 XX-281-0099
182-10026 02/27/2007 XX-284-0006
530-90298 04/01/2010 0C-###-####
530-90250 04/01/2010 0C-###-####