Syrinix PIPEMINDER S User manual

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Content
1 Safe Usage of PIPEMINDER-S ...................................................................................................................... 4
2 Revision History........................................................................................................................................... 5
3 Introduction................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Primary Functions................................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Syrinix Severity Score (S3) ................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Timekeeping ........................................................................................................................................ 7
3.4 Specification ........................................................................................................................................ 8
3.5 Frost Protection................................................................................................................................... 9
4 System Components.................................................................................................................................. 10
5 SIM Installation and Configuration............................................................................................................ 12
5.1 To install the SIM card:...................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 To configure PIPEMINDER-S to use the SIM card:............................................................................. 13
6 PIPEMINDER-S Deployment ...................................................................................................................... 15
6.1 PIPEMINDER-S Site Selection –Pressure Transients ......................................................................... 15
6.2 PIPEMINDER-S Site Selection –Burst Monitoring ............................................................................. 15
6.3 Cellular Signal in Chambers ............................................................................................................... 15
6.4 Hydraulic Connection ........................................................................................................................ 15
6.5 Flow Meter Connections ................................................................................................................... 16
6.6 Antenna Selection ............................................................................................................................. 17
6.7 Deep Chambers ................................................................................................................................. 17
6.8 At the Deployment Site ..................................................................................................................... 18
6.9 Signal Strength................................................................................................................................... 18
6.10 USB Data Removal and Upload ......................................................................................................... 19
6.11 Remote Software Update.................................................................................................................. 20
6.12 Manual Software Update .................................................................................................................. 21
6.13 Battery Life ........................................................................................................................................ 22
7 RADAR........................................................................................................................................................ 24
7.1 RADAR Address.................................................................................................................................. 24
7.2 Devices, Sites and Groups ................................................................................................................. 24
7.3 Remote Device Configurations.......................................................................................................... 24
7.4 Transient Sensitivity Adjustment....................................................................................................... 26

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7.5 Flow Meter Input Modes................................................................................................................... 27
7.6 Plotting Data...................................................................................................................................... 27
7.7 Data Download.................................................................................................................................. 28
8 Event Source Identification ....................................................................................................................... 29
8.1 PIPEMINDER-S Deployment .............................................................................................................. 29
8.2 PIPEMINDER-S Manual GPS Time Synchronisation........................................................................... 29
8.3 Source Identification ......................................................................................................................... 30
9 Common Problems.................................................................................................................................... 32
9.1 CSQ Reported as 99,99 at Start-Up. .................................................................................................. 32
9.2 CSQ Reported OK but Communications Fail (above ground)............................................................ 32
9.3 CSQ Reported OK Above Ground but no Communications from Chamber...................................... 32
9.4 USB Download doesn’t work............................................................................................................. 32
9.5 Device displays “Waiting for leap seconds” for more than 5 seconds.............................................. 32

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1Safe Usage of PIPEMINDER-S
1. Please read these instructions thoroughly before attempting to use PIPEMINDER-S.
2. Retain the instructions and make them available to others who may use PIPEMINDER-S.
3. Follow the instructions when deploying PIPEMINDER-S.
4. Take care when handling PIPEMINDER-S and its battery pack. If it is dropped or damaged please
contact Syrinix for instruction.
5. There are no user serviceable components inside PIPEMINDER-S. In the event of failure, do not
attempt to use the instrument and contact Syrinix for guidance.
6. Use only electrical attachments and accessories supplied by Syrinix. Syrinix cannot be responsible for
the performance of the instrument when used with non-approved parts. A USB cable is provided in
the box.
7. Do not place PIPEMINDER-S, accessories or battery pack on or near a heat source.
8. Do not incinerate.
Syrinix hereby declare that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
provisions of Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2004/108/EC, R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC and further
conforms with the following EU Harmonized Standards:
EN55022:2010
EN55024:2010
EN301 489-7 V1.3.1

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2Revision History
Document Number
Date
Changes
100592
16th November 2014
First Release
100593
16th November 2014
Added antenna options
100789
26th July 2016
Update for PIPEMINDER-S
100953
22nd February 2018
Notes on frost protection
100692
5th March 2018
Notes on Timekeeping

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3Introduction
3.1 Primary Functions
The primary function of PIPEMINDER-S is to continuously measure pressure and flow at a high sample rate.
From these continuous data streams, high sample rate event data and 15 minute summary data are derived.
The following outputs are available:
•Continuous high sample rate data at 128 S/s (pressure) and 1 S/s (flow);
•Pressure transient event data at 128 S/s (data leading up-to and following a transient event);
•Burst event data at 128 S/s (pressure) and 1 S/s (flow)
•Daily summary data at 1 S/15 minutes for minimum, mean, maximum and S3 score computed from
the 128 S/s history.
Each of these outputs can be (see figure 1,):
•stored internally to 2GB of Flash storage; and/or
•sent to Syrinix's servers using the GPRS modem.
For the daily summary data, the minimum, mean and maximum streams are calculated using every sample (at
128 S/s for pressure and 1 S/s for flow) of the 15 minute window.
Figure 1 : PIPEMINDER-S Data Flow
Continuous Pressure at 128 S/s
Continuous Flow at 1 S/s
Pressure Transient Events
(128 S/s Pressure, 1 S/s Flow)
SMS Alert
Internal
Memory
GPRS to RADAR
Burst Events
(128 S/s Pressure, 1 S/s Flow)
SMS Alert
Internal
Memory
GPRS to RADAR
Pressure at 128 S/s
Flow at 1 S/s
Internal
Memory
GPRS to RADAR
Min, Mean, Max & S3 at 1
S/15 min
Internal
Memory
GPRS to RADAR

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3.2 Syrinix Severity Score (S3)
The S3 score is a non-dimensional measure of pressure transient activity calculated within PIPEMINDER-S
itself. Large changes which happen quickly result in a high score, small changes over a longer period result in
a lower score and a continuously stable pressure results in a score of zero.
Tracking and profiling S3 for a particular site over time is a good measure of the pipeline’s transient activity
and readily indicates if the activity level has increased or if mitigation work has been successful in reducing it.
3.3 Timekeeping
PIPEMINDER-S contains a very low drift clock which is used to time stamp data. This clock is set on deployment
using an internal GPS receiver and antenna.
Upon deployment it is important to consider the intended use of the PIPEMINDER-S device. For applications
that require a high degree of time accuracy Syrinix have made available software which incorporates a
Network Time Protocol (NTP) function. NTP is a method to synchronise all participating device clocks within
50 to 100 milliseconds of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) via the cellular network.
NTP requires a reliable cellular signal, in situations where a poor cellular signal is affecting the accuracy of NTP
please follow chapter 8.2 Manual GPS Time Synchronisation.
Table 1 provides examples of different deployment scenario’s and what is required to achieve a high time
accuracy.
Application
Initial GPS Lock/Leap Seconds
NTP Software
Standard deployment
For Network Monitoring
Triangulation of Network
Events
x
Table 1: Timekeeping application

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3.4 Specification
General
Functions
•Real time pressure transient monitoring
•Burst event data (in conjunction with Flow meter)
•Pressure & flow delivery (when used with customer supplied flow
meter)
Interface
•Remote managed alerts (SMS, Email)
SIM Card
•Standard size with GPRS allowance
Cellular
•3G/GPRS
Sample rates
•Pressure 128S/s
•Summary data 1 s/min or 1 s/15 min
•Flow 1 S/s
Pressure Range
•0-20 Bar absolute
Pressure accuracy
•0.25%
Temperature Range
•-20°C to +65°C (See Frost Protection Chap 3.5)
Flow Meter inputs
•Pulse Input 1: Internal pull up, Pulses or Forward Pulses.
•Pulse Input 2: Internal pull up, Direction or Reverse Pulses.
•Alarm Input: Internal pull up, Alarm Signal
Flow Meter Input Voltage
•Inputs internally pulled up to 3.3V, compatible with open
collector or relay switched outputs.
•Low voltage must be less than 0.5V with respect to ground
Control Unit: Part no. 100808
Enclosure
•Housing: Acetal
Dimensions
•108mm x 108mm x 49mm (4.2” x 4.2” x 1.9”)
Weight
•0.95Kg (2lb 1 0z)
Environmental rating
•IP68
Antenna
•External 3G/GPRS (various options available)
•Internal GPS
*12V 19AHr Rechargeable Battery: Part no. 101667
Type
•Rechargeable Lithium iron phosphate
Voltage
•12 V
Enclosure
•Housing: ABS
Environmental rating
•IP68
Dimensions
•205mm x 89.5mm x 115mm
Weight
•3Kg
Table 2: PIPEMINDER-S Specification

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3.5 Frost Protection
It is possible to permanently damage the pressure transducer if it is not protected from frost. Under these
conditions the pressures exerted by the expansion of freezing water can exceed the maximum burst pressure
of the transducer.
The following precautions should be taken when deploying in a climate where temperatures below 0°C will be
experienced:
•Install below ground as close as possible to the pipeline;
•Install insulation above and around the PipeMinder-S;
•Do not install above ground without frost protection as necessary;
Devices damaged due to overpressure events, whether due to the expansion of freezing water or very high
water pressures, will not be replaced under warranty.

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4System Components

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Figure 2: Device overview
101667

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5SIM Installation and Configuration
Initial configuration is best carried out somewhere comfortable and clean with a reliable internet connection.
The following procedure will have been carried out by Syrinix if the SIM card and details were sent to us prior
to PIPEMINDER-S being delivered. Before starting you will need:
•Small cross-head screwdriver;
•Standard size SIM card;
•APN, Username and Password information for SIM card;
•Mini USB lead (supplied).
5.1 To install the SIM card:
1. Remove the SIM cover on the rear of PIPEMINDER-S;
2. Slide the metal cover to open the hinge-type SIM holder;
3. Pull SIM holder upwards
4. Insert the SIM card into the hinged part of the SIM holder following orientation shown in Figure 2;
5. Close and lock the SIM card holder by folding down and sliding the clip back, replace SIM cover
IMPORTANT:
•Failure to fit the SIM cover and O-Ring correctly can result in water ingress and
damage to PIPEMINDER-S;
•The screws retaining the SIM cover are into plastic threads, do not over tighten.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Figure 2: SIM card Installation

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5.2 To configure PIPEMINDER-S to use the SIM card:
1. Log on to the RADAR at https://radar.syrinix.com using your username and password.
2. Ensure that the side bar is visible by clicking the symbol
3. Download and install Syrinix Device Manager from the Help and Resources section
4. Select the device that you wish to configure from the Select a Device drop down box
5. Click on the Manage tab from the menu across the top of the page
6. Enter the APN settings (APN Address, Username and Password) and click Save Configuration
7. Click Download Config File at the top of the page and save the file to your desktop
8. Start Syrinix Device Manager
9. Connect the USB lead to the PIPEMINDER-S and PC
10. In Syrinix Device Manager select the Manage Device tab
11. Select the device from the Select Device… dropdown
12. Expand the Update Configuration section and click Update Configuration
13. Select the file that was downloaded in step 7
14. “Mission file updated successfully” should be display
15. Disconnect USB lead
Figure 3: TRM Config Application

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Figure 4: Configuration editor on RADAR

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6PIPEMINDER-S Deployment
6.1 PIPEMINDER-S Site Selection –Pressure Transients
In residential and industrial areas where multiple routes can be taken across the network the devices should
be deployed approximately every 1.5 km.
In long pipelines, with few service connections and take-offs, the devices can be spaced more widely apart
along the length. Every 3 to 5 km works well.
When investigating, a known or suspected transient event sources the devices should be placed upstream and
downstream so that the source identification procedure in section 8 can be followed.
6.2 PIPEMINDER-S Site Selection –Burst Monitoring
PIPEMINDER-S requires an external flow meter for burst detection. When both flow and pressure signals are
available it continuously monitors them for changes characteristic of a burst. Upon detection of a burst:
•An SMS alert is sent to the configured mobile number;
•A section of flow and pressure data containing the event is sent to Syrinix’s servers.
PIPEMINDER-S can indicate whether the burst is upstream or downstream of the installed location. For fast
burst events, which cause pressure transients, a more accurate location may be possible by following the
procedure in section 8, Event Source Identification.
6.3 Cellular Signal in Chambers
Chamber selection can have an impact on the cellular signal strength:
•Chambers with concrete or composite lids allow better cellular signal penetration;
•Metal lids reduce the signal strength in the chamber but small holes (25mm diameter), normally found
for lifting handles, can help a lot.
•If the signal in the chamber is marginal, then the sub-manhole antenna should be used.
•Good signal strength above ground is needed if the in-chamber signal is to be acceptable.
6.4 Hydraulic Connection
The hydraulic connection from the PIPEMINDER-S to the pipeline should be kept to a minimum length as long
distances of narrow tubing will attenuate the transient events present in the pipeline. Do not connect multiple
flexible hoses in series.
Any height difference between the PIPEMINDER-S and the pipeline being monitored will result in a pressure
offset (10m height difference = 1 bar). This is complicated by not knowing if the connecting pipe is full of fluid
or air.
PIPEMINDER-S uses a 21KA quick release plug for its pressure connection. Quick release couplers providing
adaption to common hydraulic threads are available from:
•Nycoil in the US, e.g.: http://www.nycoil.com/couplers/21ka&kf.html#
•Parker Hydraulics in the UK, e.g.: http://www.parkerhydraulics.co.uk/

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Additional notes on making the hydraulic connection to the pipeline can be found in 6.8 At the Deployment
Site.
6.5 Flow Meter Connections
The flow meter inputs share an 8-way connector with the power input (see Error! Reference source not f
ound.). A breakout box is used to make the connections to the flow meter.
Cable Colour
Function
Green
Signal Ground and Battery Negative
Red
Battery Positive
Blue
Pulse Input 2: Direction or Reverse Pulses (internal pull up)
White
RS232 Tx
Yellow
Do not connect.
Grey
Alarm Input: Alarm Signal (internal pull up)
Pink
Pulse Input 1: Pulses or Forward Pulses (internal pull up)
Brown
RS232 Rx
Table 3: Flow Meter Connections
Figure 5: Flow Meter Breakout Box
Figure 5 shows the flow meter breakout box with example connections made for an ABB Aquamaster cable.
Cable colours and functions are given in Table 3: Flow Meter Connections.

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6.6 Antenna Selection
PIPEMINDER-S is shipped with an omnidirectional antenna with the blade and Chamber antennas being
available as optional extras, see Error! Reference source not found.. Guidance on antenna selection is given
When using the Chamber antenna it should be positioned with its top 100mm from the underside of the lid.
When using the omnidirectional antenna in a chamber care should be taken to:
•mount PIPEMINDER-S such that the antenna is horizontal;
•ensure that the antenna isn’t in close proximity to large metal objects;
•position the antenna towards the top of the chamber around 100mm from the underside of the lid;
•position the antenna near the lifting holes in the lid.
With any of the above antennas the installed orientation and position may be critical in achieving an
acceptable signal. The signal strength of different configurations can be compared by powering up
PIPEMINDER-S and observing the reported signal strength. In chamber installations, this isn’t possible so the
device can be configured to send an SMS message containing the signal strength every 2 minutes for 20
minutes. The signal strength is also reported to, and visible on, the RADAR each time a connection is made.
Use of a GSM / GPRS signal tester to survey sites before deployment is recommended. The Snyper-3G from
Sequoia in the UK is a good example.
6.7 Deep Chambers
The need to place the antenna near the surface in deep chambers often presents a problem as the hydraulic
connection is generally at the bottom. In these situations, the preference is to extend the antenna connection
and keep the hydraulic connection short. Both whip and sub-manhole antennas are available, as special-order
items, with cable lengths of up to 10m.
Deep pipelines, and therefore chambers, are often found in regions where ground freezes to a large depth.
Caution should be taken to avoid placing the PIPEMINDER-S in a position where it may freeze in order to avoid
frost damage. See 3.5 Frost Protection.
Omnidirectional Antenna
Blade Antenna
Chamber Antenna
Chamber, metal
lid
Requires good signal
strength above ground.
Not suitable.
Best choice, especially when
signal above ground is
weak.
Chamber,
composite lid
Good choice.
Not suitable.
Only when signal strength
above ground is poor.
Building, above
ground
Good choice.
Good choice, allows
placement of
antenna on window.
Not suitable.
Table 4: Antenna selection

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6.8 At the Deployment Site
1. If connection to the water main is via a hydrant, the hydrant should be inspected first to ensure that
the frost plug is in place and sound.
2. Lay PIPEMINDER-S on its back with a clear view of the sky (on the roadside, on the pavement or on
your car).
3. Install and connect the GPRS antenna (if not already connected).
4. Connect the battery.
5. The screen will display, in sequence:
oThe unique serial number of the PIPEMINDER-S;
o“PipeMinder Syrinix Ltd”;
o“Registering on Cellular Network”;
oThe IMEI number of the GPRS module and the signal strength at your current location;
oThe battery voltage;
o“Waiting for GPS”;
o“GPS Locked” once the internal clock has been set or “GPS Timeout” after 1 hour if no signal
is available;
o“Connect Pressure, Orient Antenna” once the PIPEMINDER-S is ready for connection to the
pipeline.
6. Connect the flow meter cable to the flow meter, if one is being used.
7. Connect the pressure port to the pipeline taking care to ensure that all air is expelled. This can be
achieved by partially inserting the PIPEMINDER-S 21KA fitting into the quick release hose fitting,
orienting so that the male connector is pointing up, and slightly opening the valve to allow some flow
which will expel any air. Once you are satisfied all the air is expelled, complete the connection.
8. If required, hang the battery and PIPEMINDER-S by their cords.
6.9 Signal Strength
The signal strength reported during start-up comes straight from the GPRS modem within PIPEMINDER-S. It
is of the form “CSQ: 13,99” where the first number, “13”, represents the reported signal strength.
Reported Signal Strength
What does it mean?
0
Very weak signal
1
Weak signal
2..30
Medium Signal
31
Strong Signal
99
No Signal
Table 5: Signal Strength

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6.10 USB Data Removal and Upload
When the device is connected via USB the Device Manager application may be used to copy files from the
device.
1. Connect a battery to the PIPEMINDER-S (USB power is not sufficient when copying files off);
2. Connect the PIPEMINDER-S to the PC using the supplied USB lead;
3. Start Syrinix Device Manager;
4. Select device on Transfer Files tab;
5. Select files to download either directly or by using the bulk selection tool in the bottom left;
6. Click Download Files or Delete File (if you want to delete them);
7. Some files (FILExx.DAT where xx = 00 to 29) are read only and cannot be deleted.
IMPORTANT:
•Once complete, disconnect battery and USB connection –PIPEMINDER-S must be
power cycled before redeployment.
•The USB port in PIPEMINDER-S is disabled after 30 minutes of inactivity.
•PIPEMINDER-S will have to be restarted before a USB connection can be made.
•If measurement of clock drift is required then the procedure in section 8.2 must
be carried out before PIPEMINDER-S is power cycled.
•To avoid duplicate filenames, separate folders should be used in step 7 above.
Data files copied from PIPEMINDER-S may be uploaded to the RADAR via "Upload Device Data" on the
Manage menu of RADAR. The files themselves contain all of the device information for import by the
RADAR. Multiple files can be zipped together before upload.
Table gives a description of the files which, depending upon configuration, may be found on a PIPEMINDER-
S device.
Example Name
Approximate Size
Description
10212019.TNS
50 KB
Transient or burst file, 128 S/s, 21st Oct at 20:19
DL141020.DAT
2 KB
Daily Log file, 1 S/15mins, 20th Oct 2014
FILExx.DAT
21.92MB
30 days of 128 S/s data stored in 30 files, loop.
10212114.DFT
256 B
Drift Test Results, 21st October at 21:14.
Table 6: File Formats
Despite the cryptic names, internally the files follow a common structure where data is interleaved with
markers containing device information, drift information, GPS location, fault information etc. When the data
is imported into RADAR the file name is irrelevant as all the required information is in the file itself.
The files stored on the device are identical to those sent over the modem, providing it was configured to send
them and a cellular signal was available. The data upload functions on RADAR ignore repeated data blocks so
it is safe to upload all of the files using the “Upload Device Data” feature on the Manage menu in RADAR.

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6.11 Remote Software Update
When cellular signal is available PIPEMINDER-S has the capability to remotely update system software via
cellular network.
1. Open https://radar.syrinix.com
2. Select device to update.
3. Click on the manage tab.
4. Under edit PIPEMINDER settings check the current software version; remote update requires 100892
or higher.
5. Click update
6. Select firmware version and update via Remote Network from the dropdown box.
7. Click update.
8. A new device configuration file will be generated.
9. Set configuration file to required parameters.
10. Click save configuration.
Note:
•Remote software updates will take effect upon next time the device checks for configuration changes
•Only one attempt will be made to update software, failed updates will cause device to remain on the
existing firmware version.
•Updates can be confirmed by checking the configuration history for successful download of new
configuration settings.