UGT Tensio 100 User manual

Operating Manual
Tensio 100
Version: 22/01/19
Care and Maintenance
Umwelt-Geräte-Technik GmbH
Eberswalder Str. 58 | D-
15374 Müncheberg
phone: [phone] - 89 575 | fax: [phone] -
89 573
e-mail: [e-mail] | www.ugt-
online.de

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Table of contents
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Safety instructions................................................................................................................................................ 5
2. Care and Maintenance..............................................................................................................................6
2.1 General Care and Storage Instructions ................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Filling and Degassing of the Tensiometer ............................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Replacing the ceramic and the O-rings ..............................................................................................................10

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1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the tension 100 series. This manual can help you understand the tension 100 fea-
tures.
The Tensio 100 product line offers a range of tensiometers for the fast and easy in-situ determination of
the tension. Their design in combination with the auger included in the set allow for a rapid installation of
the tensiometers without any additional tools or great installation effort. Due to the specific ceramic cup
and the pre-loading screw the response time is less than 3 seconds. Stowed in the protective tube auger
and tensiometer can be carried easily and safely and are always ready for use.
In adaption to different applications the Tensio 100 is available in three different types:
An additional service to this manual is our tutorial on how to refill the Tensio 100 which can be found at the
following link:
https://www.ugt-online.de/en/products/soil-science/tensiometers/tensio-100/

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There are several ways to contact UGT if you need a quote or product information please contact
Email: [e-mail]
For any technical assistance or feedback or in case of problems with your product please contact
Email: [e-mail]
We look forward to your inquiries or questions and are with pleasure at your disposal.Phone:
+ 49 (0) 33432 – 89 575
Fax:
+ 49 (0) 33432 – 89 573
If contacting us by email or fax, please include as part of your message your instrument serial number, your
name, address, phone, and a description of your problem or question.
Please read these instructions before operating your tensiometer to ensure that it performs to its full po-
tential.

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1.1 Safety instructions
Tensiometers are measurement devices for the determination of soil water tension and should only be
used for that purpose. Please note that damage due to improper handling may not be covered by warranty.
Please attend to the following safety instructions for your own protection and for maintaining the full func-
tionality of the device:
CAUTION
Freezing of water within the tensiometer may result in permanent dam-
age of the tensiometer. Make sure to store the tensiometer in a frost-
free environment. At temperatures below 0° C the tensiometer should
not be used for measurements.
Protect from
frost
CAUTION
High pressure may lead to permanent damage of the pressure trans-
ducer. Avoid compression of trapped media during installation or when
putting on protective caps. The tensiometers are not suitable for use in
a triaxial shear test apparatus.
Protect from
high pressure
CAUTION
Sudden pressure drops inside the tensiometer may result in permanent
da
mage of the pressure transducer. Do not open the screw plug when a
negative pressure is applied
inside the tensiometer. This accounts for all
available types.
Protect from sudden
pressure drops
CAUTION
Mechanical forces may result in damage of the ceramic and/or the pres-
sure transducer. Prevent jolting or hard hitting as well as partial pressure
on the ceramic by rocks in the soil.
Protect from mechan-
ical forces
CAUTION
Grease, talc and solvents may influence the properties of the ceramic.
Aggressive media may affect the whole device and lead to permanent
damage. Do not touch the ceramic with bare hands. Use only pure water
and no detergent for cleaning.
Protect from chemical
influences
CAUTION
Turning the manometer/pressure transducer may influence the tightness
of the tensiometer. Avoid turning the manometer during transport or
measurements, especially when using the manometer version of the
Tensio 100.
Do not twist pressure
transducer

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2. Care and Maintenance
The Tensio 100 tensiometers are largely maintenance-free and factory calibrated. They do not require regu-
lar maintenance or calibration routines. However, suitable maintenance and storage can increase signifi-
cantly the functionality and the life-time of the instrument.
2.1 General Care and Storage Instructions
•The tensiometer should always be stored and transported in the provided protection tube to pro-
tect it from damage due to mechanical stress.
•The sponge in the protection tube must be wet at all times to keep the tensiometer ready for use.
•The Tensiometer must always be protected against frost. Both, storage and measurement at tem-
peratures below 0 ° C can lead to permanent damage of the tensiometer.
•After measurement, clean the tensiometer tip and the ceramic part with a sponge to remove ad-
herent dirt.
•To clean the ceramic cup, push water from the inside through the ceramic by screwing in the pre-
loading screw while the ceramic is in water.
•The tensiometer tip must not dry up being un-cleaned.
•If necessary, the top layer of the ceramic cup can be sanded gently with fine wet sandpaper.

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2.2 Filling and Degassing of the Tensiometer
Normally the Tensiometer must only be degassed to remove air bubbles before use. If the tensiometer fell
dry (no water visible in the tensiometer head) due to wrong storage, repair or very dry soil it needs to be
completely refilled to restore functionality.
The process is the same for both cases, but must be repeated more often for a complete filling. Therefore,
the work sequence described below applies to both processes.
Deviating for refilling very long tensiometers a hand pump can be connected in place of the screw to apply
the necessary negative pressure more easily.
Approximately 1 L of distilled water is needed. To avoid the occurrence of air bubbles at strong negative
pressures the water may additionally be degassed.
Preparation:
If the ceramic part was completely dry it should be soaked in distilled water for at least 12 hours before
refilling. If the tensiometer has not been used for a longer period the O-rings and the ceramic should be
checked for damages and replaced if necessary. More information on changing the ceramic and the O-rings
can be found in the according chapter of this manual. The ceramic should be clean. If necessary, clean the
ceramic with a wet sponge or carefully sand the top layer with fine wet sandpaper. Make sure not to touch
the ceramic with bare hands. For sanding, the ceramic should already be soaked.
Step 1: Unscrewing the pre-loading screw
Unscrew the pre-loading screw up to a half.
Thereby a negative pressure is created which
is displayed on the manometer/via the pres-
sure transducer. Existing air bubbles inside the
tensiometer expand.
- The ceramic cell has to be dry because otherwise it s not airtight enabling air to be sucked
int
o the tensiometer and precluding the negative pressure. Wipe the ceramic dry with a soft cloth
if necessary.
- If air bubbles enter at the pre-loading screw the sealing ring is either unscrewed too far or
damaged
- If repeatedly air bubbles emerge from t
he standpipe the ceramic cup should be tested for
leaks. Most frequent causes for leaks are wet ceramic cups, loose ceramic cups or damaged ce-
ramic cups. If the ceramic cup is damaged it needs to be exchanged.
Plug screw
Pre-loading screw
Attention!
The tensiometer should only be filled with distilled water to maintain the functionality of the
ceramic.

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Step 2: Refill water
To refill water the tensiometer with the applied
negative pressure is put into distilled water. The
ceramic cup has to be completely submerged.
- The negative pressure sucks the water
through the ceramic into the tensiometer. There-
fore, the negative pressure displayed on the ma-
nometer/pressure transducer decreases.
- Leave the tensiometer in the water until
the displayed pressure is back to 0.
- The tensiometer must be in a vertical posi-
tion.
- Secure the tensiometer against falling
over during the filling process. A big, heavy water-
filled vessel allows for the tensiometer to stand
freely.
- To fill several tensiometers at once they
can be put in one vessel together.
Step 3: Open plug screw
Open the plug screw by approximately 2 turns. The
notch in the screw connects the atmosphere to the
internal space of the tensiometer.
Attention!
The screw must be turned out maximum that far the sealing ring does not touch the
thread.
Notch visible

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Step 4: Screw in the pre-loading screw
Screw in the pre-loading screw completely. In doing so, air bubbles are pressed out of the
tensiometer through the notch of the plug screw.
Step 5: Close the plug screw
Screw the plug screw back in completely to seal the tensiometer.
Step 6: Repeat if necessary
Repeat steps 1 to 5 if there are still air bubbles visible inside the tensiometer head.
An additional service to this manual is our tutorial on how to refill the Tensio 100 which can be found at the
following link:
https://www.ugt-online.de/en/products/soil-science/tensiometers/tensio-100/
Attention!
The ceramic part has to be in the water when the plug screw is being closed and the
screw must be screwed in slowly to avoid overpressure on the manometer/ pressure
transducers.

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2.3 Replacing the ceramic and the O-rings
Step 1: Unscrew the metal tip
Turn the stainless steel tip counterclockwise to
screw it off. After screwing off the metal tip, the
ceramic and the O-rings can be removed from the
supporting bar
Step 2: Screw in the supporting bar
Usually, only the ceramic is broken, so the al-
ready-
mounted supporting bar can be further
used. But, as this may have become loose while
unscrewing of the ceramic tip, always check for
the correct position of the supporting bar before
putting on a new ceramic.
The thread on the thickened end (=spigot) of the
supporting bar must be flush with the pipe.
Step 3: Place O-ring 5x2.5 mm on the spigot
The spigot must still be visible after putting on the O-
ring.
Step 4: Place ceramic on the spigot
Avoid touching the ceramic cup with bare hands.
Gloves or a paper towel may prevent direct contact
between skin and ceramic.
The ceramic must be centered by the spigot.
Spigot
Supporting bar
Attention!
Don not fasten the thread to stop, otherwise the centering of the ceramic cup is not guar-
anteed. The spigot must be clearly visible.

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Step 5: Screw on the tensiometer tip
Place an O-ring 5x2.0 mm on the spigot of the
stainless steel tip. Screw on the tensiometer tip
with the O-ring (hand-tight). Thereby, center the
ceramic on the spigot of the stainless steel tip.
Step 6: Grinding the edges
For a flush join between tip and ceramic and ceramic
and standpipe, grind the projecting edges of the ce-
ramic with fine wet sandpaper to adjust it to the di-
ameter of standpipe and tip.