How to Get the Most Accurate Readings from a Solinst Sonic Water Level Meter скачать в хорошем качестве

How to Get the Most Accurate Readings from a Solinst Sonic Water Level Meter

Welcome to the Solinst Customer Video Series In this video, we provide tips on how to get the most accurate reading from a Model 104 ‪@SolinstCanada‬ Sonic Water Level Meter. But first, what is sonic technology and how does it work? Sonic uses sound waves to detect a water level in any closed tube. It is a non-intrusive method, as nothing is lowered down a well. The Sonic Water Level Meter is set up at surface with no open space around the probe – we’ll touch on this point again later. Here, we are using a Solinst well-mount field table to support the control unit. When the Sonic Water Level Meter is turned on, the probe generates a sound pulse that travels down the well until it makes contact with water and is reflected back to the probe. A microphone receiver inside the probe listens for the returning pulse and measures the time it takes for the return. The time, and speed of sound are used to calculate the depth to water, which is displayed on the control unit within seconds. Since the speed of sound varies with temperature, a sensor in the probe compensates the reading. Before taking readings with the Sonic Water Level Meter, here are some factors to consider. The diameter of the well or pipe you are measuring in. Any obstructions or potential interferences in your well. The downhole air temperature just above the water level. The approximate depth to water, if known. Using the supplied disc to cover the well opening. And, ensuring the batteries in the control unit have enough charge. Let’s talk about each of these tips in more detail. The Sonic Water Level Meter uses six double A batteries that are replaced when the voltage falls below 6.5 volts. To check the voltage, simply press the down arrow after the control unit is turned on. Sonic technology works best in wells with inside diameters less than 8”. As diameter increases, the strength of the sound wave weakens, making it harder for the probe to detect the returning pulse. A drop tube can be used in this case, in a range from 2” in diameter to 1/2 an inch. Ensure that the drop tube extends below the maximum expected water depth. Drop tube diameter is entered into the control unit to compensate for a slower speed of sound in narrow tubes. Knowing what’s down your well is important so you can screen out any obstacles, such as a large step down in casing or open well diameter, large couplings, centralizers torque arrestors, etc., which may reflect some of the sound wave creating an erroneous reading. You can do this by programming the control unit with a minimum and/or maximum detection range. It should be noted that things like cascading water, tubing or cables going down the well are generally not an issue. As long as you have about 20% open space or more, you will get an accurate reading. In this example, there is a large step down in the well casing. Here, a minimum detection range is set to just below the obstacle so the probe will ignore any reflection from that depth. This can be done to avoid any obstacle, such as a large bend or sudden change of direction in the well, which could reflect too much of the sound wave. It is important to note that in shallow wells, it’s possible for the sound pulse to bounce back and forth many times, so without a maximum depth setting the Sonic Water Level Meter may indicate multiple depths. In deep wells, especially with rough or porous well casing of well walls, sound waves lose energy, so the Sonic Water Level Meter is forced to increase the gain (or listen harder) to detect the return signal. This can result in other noise (such as downhole pumps or even surface sounds) being stronger or louder than the sonic meter’s signal, thus causing incorrect readings. In both of these cases, to prevent incorrect readings, you should set the maximum range to a point just below your maximum expected water level. You can also set a minimum detection range below any collars or centralizers in the well to avoid reflection they may cause above the water level. If the top of your well or pipe is open, then it should be covered except for access for the Sonic Water Level Meter probe. This should not be airtight though. Solinst includes a plastic disc with each Sonic Water Level Meter, providing a good option for covering well openings. External noise from wind or a drill rig, for example, can be detected by the probe. Covering the well opening will help ensure that the sound detected by the probe is only the returning pulse, and it keeps the pulse from escaping the well. The seal around the probe doesn’t need to be tight, so if you don’t have the Solinst disc handy, or your well setup doesn’t allow for its use, a piece of cardboard or even your coat could be used to cover the opening. Knowing the typical temperature of the groundwater in your area is helpful; it does vary on location