Solinst LevelVent User manual

High Quality Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring Instrumentation
Quick Start Guide
LevelVent

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PC Interface Cable
Getting Started
1. Download the latest version of Solinst Levelogger
Software from: www.solinst.com/downloads and
install the software on your PC.
2. Connect the LevelVent Wellhead and logger to the
Vented Cable:
Alignment socket in the
Vented Cable connectors
Alignment pin in the Wellhead
and logger connectors
Coupling
Connector
Body
LevelVent
Logger
Vented
Cable
LevelVent
Wellhead
Line up the alignment socket in the Vented Cable
connector with the alignment pin in the Wellhead
connector.
Carefully push the connectors together. Twist the cable
connector slightly until you will feel a small click when
the properly aligned connection is made.
Tighten the stainless steel coupling while holding the
stainless steel cable connector body still. Tighten the
coupling until it seats. Do not twist the Vented Cable
or Wellhead.
Follow the same procedure when connecting the logger
to the Vented Cable.
3. Connect the USB PC Interface Cable to the top of the
LevelVent Wellhead. Plug the PC Interface Cable into
your computer.

LevelVent Quick Start Guide
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Datalogger Settings Window
1. Start the Levelogger Software.
2. Select the appropriate Com Port for the connected device from the centre drop-down
menu.
3. Click the ‘Retrieve Settings’ icon. This will retrieve and display the current
programmed settings for the connected LevelVent.
4. You can now customize the LevelVent including your Project ID, Location,
Sampling Mode and Rate, and Future Stop and Start times
Programming the LevelVent
Note: Ensure the LevelVent logger is operating with the latest firmware, and that you are
using the latest software. Visit the Solinst website or use the software update feature
for assistance.
Tip: If a number of LevelVent dataloggersare to be programmed with identical
inputs, clicking the ‘Save Default Settings’ icon will create a template.
Note: Clicking on the embedded in the software will provide
you with a short explanation of that feature, e.g. Com Port,
Slate Mode, Time Synchronization, etc.

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3. To start logging immediately, do not fill in the Future Start field, and click the ‘Start Now’
icon.
4. To stop the LevelVent immediately, click the ‘Stop Now’ icon.
Downloading and Working with Data
1. Click the ‘Data Control’ tab to access the ‘Data Control’ window.
This window is laid out in three sections: datalogger settings, tabular data, and
graphical data.
2. To download the data from a connected LevelVent, select the ‘Download Data’
icon. There are four options for downloading data. They are: All Data, Append
Download, Partial Download and Recover Previous Log. The data will be
presented in both tabular and graphical format.
3. To save data, click the ‘Save Data’ icon and input desired name for the saved file.
4. To export the file for use in other software, click the ‘Export’ icon. The file can be
exported to a *.csv or *.xml file.
Note: To change the default directory for downloaded data, use the ‘Configuration’
menu at the top of the software window. Select ‘Application Settings’ and input
or navigate to a different folder destination. Click ‘OK’.
Starting and Stopping the LevelVent
1. If desired, enter a Future Start and/or Future Stop Time.
2. When the ‘Start’ icon is selected, all settings are applied to the LevelVent and it will
start logging at the specified time.
Note: When the ‘Start’ icon is selected, a window will pop-up as an alert that the
previous data will be erased.
Note: The default directory for downloaded and saved data is in the ‘Data’ folder:
<C:\Program\Files\Solinst\Levelogger 4_4\Data>. Data is saved as a .xle
data file.
Tip: The ‘future start’ and ‘future stop’ options are ideal for synchronizing the data
collection of multiple LevelVent dataloggers.

LevelVent Quick Start Guide
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Data Control Window
Real Time View
Real Time View provides on-screen measurement as data is being recorded by the
connected datalogger. A view rate is set independently of the logging period of the
LevelVent and does not interfere with internal logging taking place. To take a reading at
any specific time, click and that reading will be added to the displayed data. The data
can be exported and saved.
Compensate the Data
Click the ‘Data Wizard’ tab to open the ‘Data Wizard’ window. In this window the ‘Wizard’
will guide you through Manual Data Adjustments (elevation or height of water conversions)
and Parameter Adjustments (units, elevation, density adjustments) on your open data files.
Multiple LevelVent data files can be compensated at once.
Tip: ‘Manual Data Adjustment’ allows you to use manual water level measurements to
adjust your data to depth to water readings.
Tip: The *.csv and *.xml file formats are supported and can be imported by most
spreadsheet and database programs.
The data graph can be exported to a *.bmp file or a *.png file by clicking
File > Export >Graph.

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LevelVent Field Measurement
LevelVent Ranges
LevelVent Models are rated to a specific submergence depth (Table 1). The choice of model
depends on the accuracy of the level required and the submergence depth. Most important,
your selection should be based on the maximum anticipated water level fluctuation.
LevelVent
Model Submergence Depth Accuracy
M5 5 m (16.4 ft.) ± 0.3 cm (0.010 ft.)
M10 10 m (32.8 ft.) ± 0.5 cm (0.016 ft.)
M20 20 m (65.6 ft.) ± 1 cm (0.032 ft.)
Table 1 - LevelVent Ranges
Measurement Fundamentals
LevelVent loggers detect both water (W) and barometric
pressure (+B). However, a vent tube to surface allows
barometric effects on the pressure sensor to be eliminated
(-B). Therefore, LevelVent loggers provide readings of the
actual pressure of just water above the pressure sensor zero
point (A).
A = (W + +B) + (-B)
Therefore, A=W
A= LevelVent readings
W= Water column height
+B = Barometric pressure detected by the pressor sensor
-B = Barometric pressure applied through the vented cable
Verifying Readings
Compare LevelVent readings (A) with a measured depth
to water level value (d) (Using a Water Level Meter).
The deployment depth of the LevelVent (D), minus the
manual depth to water measurement (d), should equal the
LevelVent reading:
D - d = A
Note: The LevelVent logger can withstand over-
pressurization of 2 times the intended range,
e.g. a Model M10 can accommodate a
fluctuation of 20 meters or 60 feet and still
record pressure. However, over-range accuracy
is not guaranteed.

LevelVent Quick Start Guide
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LevelVent Field Notes
Before Deployment
Before deployment, make sure you do the following:
• Program your LevelVent, using Levelogger Software, with the correct project identification,
memory mode, sampling regime, time, etc.
• Set a future start time in the office, or start the LevelVent logger in the field using
Levelogger PC Software and a laptop, or the Solinst Levelogger App & Interface.
• Determine borehole depth to ensure the LevelVent logger does not touch the bottom of
the well (avoid submergence in sediment)
• Record the deployment depth of your LevelVent logger.
Tip: To adjust all readings in your LevelVent file to depth to water below a well casing (d),
record a manual water level measurement using a water level meter. This reading should
correspond in date and time with an actual LevelVent recording. Use this as a reference
datum in the Manual Data Adjustment option in the Levelogger Software Data Wizard.
Note: It is useful to synchronize the times of all LevelVent dataloggers being used for the
same project.
Tip: It is recommended to take a manual water level measurement before installing a
LevelVent, shortly after installation, periodically during your monitoring interval, and
at the end of your measurement period. Use these measurements to verify LevelVent
readings, and for data adjustments later on. Ensure you take manual readings as close
in time as possible to a scheduled LevelVent reading.
Note: The length of the Vented Cable should not be assumed as the deployment depth,
as there may be some slack in the cable, especially when using the Support
Hanger Bracket
• Use a Solinst Model 101 or 102 Water Level Meter to take a manual depth to water
measurement that will be used to verify LevelVent readings
• Determine the minimum and maximum expected water levels, as LevelVent loggers must
remain submerged for the entire monitoring period.

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After Deployment
After deployment, make sure you do the following:
• Take a manual depth to water measurement after the well has stabilized (approximately 10
minutes)
• Take another manual depth to water measurement just before removing the LevelVent
from the well
Deployment
• The LevelVent is designed to be conveniently installed using a Solinst 2" Well Cap
Assembly (4" well adaptor available). However, other installations are acceptable, if proper
precautions and recommendations are followed.
• A Support Hanger Bracket is provided with each 2" Well Cap Assembly to help secure the
Vented Cable to the Wellhead
• The 2" Well Cap Assembly provides access for manual depth to water measurements,
without disturbing the LevelVent logger from its down hole position.
• The Wellheads have a rating of IP 64 (dust and splash resistant), so should not be
submerged at anytime. They can be secured inside an enclosure, however, it must be
vented to equalize atmospheric pressure.
• Do not drop the LevelVent logger into the water, carefully lower it into place. Avoid
installing in areas where “water hammer” or hydraulic jump” (very sudden, large increases
in pressure) may occur.
• Be careful not to nick or bend the Vented Cable during installation (use a maximum 1"
(25 mm) bend radius as a precaution).
Note: For tips, precautions, and more information on installations in different
environments and applications, see the latest Vented Dataloggers User Guide.

LevelVent Quick Start Guide
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In-field Communication
There are three ways to communicate with a LevelVent in the field:
• A PC Interface Cable connected to the LevelVent Wellhead allows communication with
Levelogger PC Software on a field laptop
• The Levelogger App Interface connects directly to the LevelVent Wellhead allowing
communication with your smart device using the Solinst Levelogger App
• The DataGrabber connects directly to the LevelVent Wellhead allowing you to download
data to a USB flash drive
PC Interface Cable
Solinst Levelogger App & Interface
DataGrabber

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Levelogger PC Software:
1. You must have administrator privileges to install software on a computer.
2. Windows 7, 8, and 10 Operating Systems support Levelogger Software.
LevelVent data has been accidentally erased:
If the LevelVent datalogger has been restarted and the old data has not been saved, select the
download option “Recover Previous Log”. This will download your previous data set.
Troubleshooting Guide
Try the following if your LevelVent is not communicating with
Levelogger PC Software, or you are getting a communication error
message:
1. Check the Vented Cable connections to the LevelVent logger and Wellhead. Ensure they
are lined-up correctly and there is no dirt or debris in the connection.
2. Make sure you are using a USB PC Interface Cable to connect to the PC.
3. Check that the USB PC Interface Cable is connected to the same Com Port that is
chosen in the upper middle of the Main Window of the Levelogger Software.
4. Check the Com Port settings. They should be as follows:
• Bits per second: 9600
• Data bits: 8
• Parity: None
• Stop bits: 1
• Flow control: None (This may have been set to Xon/Xoff – change it to None, Select
[OK] and back out of this pathway.)
5. Try communicating with another LevelVent logger, Wellhead, Vented Cable or USB PC
Interface Cable.
6. Try using a different computer.
7. If problem persists, contact Solinst.
Note: For diagnostic purposes, you may want to install the end of the Vented Cable with
the serial number to the surface connection at the Wellhead.

LevelVent Quick Start Guide
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Maintenance
As with any monitoring project, you should select the proper equipment and determine a
maintenance schedule based on the environment specific to your application.
To ensure the vent tube remains dry, the LevelVent loggers and Wellheads contain permanent
desiccants and hydrophobic membranes at the connections to the Vented Cable—there is no
need to replace them.
Other maintenance tips include:
• Replace the o-rings at the Vented Cable connections on the LevelVent logger and the
Wellhead.
• Clean the connections to ensure a proper seal. A cotton swab can be used to clear any
moisture or debris from the connectors.
• Keep the dust caps on all of the connections, when not in use.
• Store the LevelVent logger in its case, and the Vented Cable on its spool when not in use.
• To ensure the vent tube is dry before deployment or storage, Solinst offers a Vented Cable
Blowout Fitting that allows you to blow nitrogen gas through the tube.
• Clean the LevelVent logger as required.
Note: See the Vented Dataloggers User Guide for more maintenance tips.
Note: A Solinst Biofoul Screen can be used to protect the LevelVent from biofouling on
the pressure sensor.

(#113951) June 19, 2018 Printed in Canada
For further information contact: Solinst Canada Ltd.
Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone]
35 Todd Road, Georgetown, Ontario Canada L7G 4R8
Web Site: www.solinst.com E-mail: [email protected]
®Solinst is a registered trademark of Solinst Canada Ltd.