ULTRA-TRAC APL INSTRUCTION MANUAL. Read and understand instructions before use. Patented. 851 Transport Drive Valparaiso, IN

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "ULTRA-TRAC APL INSTRUCTION MANUAL. Read and understand instructions before use. Patented. 851 Transport Drive Valparaiso, IN"

Joan Sparks
5 years ago
Views:

Patented MADE IN USA 851 Transport Drive Valparaiso, IN 46383-8432 Phone: 888

1 ULTRA-TRAC APL A C O U S T I C P I P E L O C A T O R INSTRUCTION MANUAL Read and understand instructions before use. Patented MADE IN USA 851 Transport Drive Valparaiso, IN Phone: 888 4SENSIT Fax: SENSIT Technologies is in compliance with ISO 9001:2008

3 ULTRA-TRAC APL A C O U S T I C P I P E L O C A T O R Instruction Manual Section Title Page General Description 4 Safety and Care 4 What is Included 5 Replacement Parts 5 Specifications 5 Principle of Operation 6 Features 7 Battery Charging 7 Operation of Instrument 8-10 Displaying Results Performing a Locate Maintenance 18 Settings Menu 19 Supervisor Settings Menu Warranty Back Cover 3

Ultra-Trac APL Instruction Manual General Description The Ultra-Trac APL is an acoustic pipe locator designed to locate piping systems constructed of any material including (but not limited to):

4 Ultra-Trac APL Instruction Manual General Description The Ultra-Trac APL is an acoustic pipe locator designed to locate piping systems constructed of any material including (but not limited to): plastic, metal, clay, concrete, fiberglass, cast and ductile iron. The piping systems can also be located regardless of the type of surface above the pipe such as gravel, soil, grass, concrete or asphalt. The Ultra-Trac APL uses a highly specialized acoustic transducer (actuator) technology that requires coupling with the ground surface to send the signals into the ground. Highly sensitive accelerometers sense the reflected energy. The data is processed and converted into easy to understand results on the display. There is no connection to the piping system required with the Ultra-Trac APL. The Ultra-Trac APL is not affected by electrical fields or overhead power systems. Tree roots, rocks and other such subterranean structures do not interfere. The system also incorporates noise cancellation technology that eliminates false readings due to traffic or equipment that may be operational in the area of the test. Safety and Care Follow your company and other applicable safety procedures when operating this device. Do not place this instrument in areas where live electrical power may be present. Do not open the housings at any time unless factory authorized to perform service. Do not use in the presence of hazardous gases or chemicals. Follow Federal, State and local regulations when disposing of any batteries. Do not immerse this product in water. Keep in the provided case when not in use or during shipping to reduce the chance of damage. 4

What is included: Ultra-Trac APL with carrying case (926-00000-01) Recharging adapter (871-00029) Measuring tape (360-00342) Instruction Manual (750-00054) Quick Start Guide (750-00055) Replacement

5 What is included: Ultra-Trac APL with carrying case ( ) Recharging adapter ( ) Measuring tape ( ) Instruction Manual ( ) Quick Start Guide ( ) Replacement Parts: Actuator plate ( ) Accelerometer housing ( ) Carrying Case ( ) Specifications: Size (inches): Handle 48; Base 20 X 10 X 10 (L x W x H) Weight: 20 LBS Operational Temp: -4 F to 122 F (-20 C to 50 C) Storage Temp: -20 F to 140 F (-28-9 C to 60 C) Battery life: 25hrs Battery type: 14vdc Lithium-ion Recharge time: 10 hours Time per slice: <5 seconds Time per 20 slice scan: <2 minute Detection specifications: 1/2 ID pipe 30 2 ID pipe 48 4 ID pipe 96 Accuracy: better than ±18 of marking plus selected slice distance Multiple pipes close together can cause inaccurate readings for target pipe Does not measure depth Detects any pipe material Detects one, three or five pipes, as selected on the pipe map screen 5

Principle of Operation The Ultra-Trac APL is set on the ground. The manner the operator uses the device will create good coupling with the ground. A button is pushed to send a signal (pings).

6 Principle of Operation The Ultra-Trac APL is set on the ground. The manner the operator uses the device will create good coupling with the ground. A button is pushed to send a signal (pings). The pings will last approximately 2 seconds. This is called a slice. The operator then moves 6-12 either to the right or left and perform another slice. After numerous slices a button is pressed to map pipe. A series of at least 5 slices followed by mapping the pipe creates a display result called a scan. Multiple scans create the final result for locating the piping system. The Ultra-Trac APL locates the voids in the ground created by a pipe through the science of impedance mismatch. The speed of sound through ground materials versus the internal portion of a pipe (even when filled with liquid) is detectable using the Ultra-Trac APL. The acoustic wave pattern of specific timing and frequency is monitored and processed using the accelerometers. Based on the return signature the instrument will determine if a void is present within the minimum requirements as set in the software. Reflective Wave Obstacle (Pipe) Ground Surface Transmitted Wave Review: 1. APL is placed on the ground. 2. Good ground contact (coupling) is required 3. Transmitter (Actuator) sends a set of pings 4. Receivers (Accelerometers) listens to reflected ping. 5. Strength, speed and duration of the reflected pings are monitored. 6. Each activation of the transmitter and receiver device is a slice 7. A series of at least 5 slices, followed by mapping the pipe creates a display result called a scan. 8. A single scan is not a full search Detection Specifications: 1/2 ID pipe 30 2 ID pipe 48 4 ID pipe 96 Accuracy: better than ±18 of marking plus selected slice distance Multiple pipes close together can cause inaccurate readings for target pipe Does not measure depth Detects any pipe material Detects one, three or five pipes, as selected on the pipe map screen 6

Features Control box The control box is located at the end of the handle. This houses the display, operational buttons, speaker and scan button.

The chassis houses the battery, the components and electronics to operate and the actuator and accelerometers, the battery charging port, the handle connection and locking

GRAPHIC DISPLAY OPERATION BUTTONS SCAN BUTTON POWER BUTTON SPEAKER Battery Charging Port Accelerometers Actuator Handle Locking Mechanism Battery Charging 1.

With the instrument off remove the cover from the battery charge port located on the left side of the chassis. 3.

7 Features Control box The control box is located at the end of the handle. This houses the display, operational buttons, speaker and scan button. Features Chassis The bottom of the instrument is referred to as the chassis. The chassis houses the battery, the components and electronics to operate and the actuator and accelerometers, the battery charging port, the handle connection and locking mechanism, and the kickstand. GRAPHIC DISPLAY OPERATION BUTTONS SCAN BUTTON POWER BUTTON SPEAKER Battery Charging Port Accelerometers Actuator Handle Locking Mechanism Battery Charging 1. Open the box containing the charger and the assortment of wall plug adapters. Install the proper adapter for your global requirement. 2. With the instrument off remove the cover from the battery charge port located on the left side of the chassis. 3. Insert the charge adapter and secure by rotating the locking ring clockwise to prevent accidental disconnection. Do not over tighten. 4. The green light on the control box will illuminate indicating there is a connection. 5. The red light will begin flashing within 60 seconds indicating charging is in progress. 6. A solid red light indicates charge is complete. 7. The green light may turn red if there is a failure to properly charge. Disconnect the charger and reconnect to attempt again. WARNING: Do not attempt to service this battery unless factory authorized. 7

Operation of Instrument 1. Unfold the Handle Unfold and lock the handle in the upright position using the locking pin.

Extend the Kickstand Extend the kickstand downward from the front to support the instrument. 3.

The display will illuminate for approximately 15 seconds though it will be blank while the programming loads into the secondary

8 Operation of Instrument 1. Unfold the Handle Unfold and lock the handle in the upright position using the locking pin. The locking pin is held in place using a ¼ turn action. 2. Extend the Kickstand Extend the kickstand downward from the front to support the instrument. 3. Power ON Press the power button until a beep is heard and release. A green light will flash. The display will illuminate for approximately 15 seconds though it will be blank while the programming loads into the secondary processor. The Sensit Technologies logo will illuminate followed by the date, time, software version and the first onscreen prompt. 4. Select a Surface Type Select the Surface Type using the corresponding A or C button. Soft is for grassy or loose surfaces. Hard is for concrete, hard soil, rock and asphalt. 8

9 Operation of Instrument (Continued) 5. Select a Depth Select the depth using the corresponding A or C button. Normal is used for up to 4 ft (1.3m) depths. Deep is used for depths greater than 4 ft (1.3m) or for pipes greater than 2 (5cm) in diameter. 6. Select Scan Direction Select the desired direction of travel you wish to perform the slices using the corresponding A or C buttons. 7. Select Step Distance Select the desired distance per slice. Six inch slices produce the most accurate results as all readings are to the nearest slice width plus or minus regulatory requirements of ±18 inches from the marking. 9

10 Operation of Instrument (Continued) 8. Prepare to Take First Reading Observe the two check marks in the upper right corner of the display. This indicates the accelerometers are ready for a reading. Any plus sign (+) sign indicates a fault or disconnect. Any minus sign (-) indicates the accelerometer has been physically struck and will require a few seconds to return to a zero condition. The top line will also indicate selected slice width and an arrow showing selected direction of travel. 9. Perform a Pipe Map After taking 5 s, the results may be displayed by pressing the C button. A maximum of 25 s can be taken per Scan. 9. Options Menu The options menu can be selected by pressing the A button. After entering the menu use the A or B button to highlight the desired action. Use the C button to select and perform the action. The selections include: a. Continue the current scan (accidental activation of options menu) b. Switch scan direction d. Restart this scan e. New Settings (Change Set-up) 10

11 Displaying Results g. Changing Max Pipe Setting This represents the number of detections the APL will show on the display. Pressing the A button Max 3 Pipes will convert that scan to a Max 5 Pipes scan. Pressing the A button again will display Max 1 Pipe based on the strongest signals. 11

12 Displaying Results MS Readings Above each pipe found a Millisecond (MS) Reading is displayed to the left. This is the time for the signal to travel from the APL to the object and back. This will assist in identifying objects at similar depth. Consult the APL Time Conversion Chart (below) for approximate depths. Caution: There are no guarantees on accuracy due to range of soil types. APL Time Conversion Chart Soil Condition H/Dry H/Moist H/Wet F/Dry F/Moist F/Wet S/Dry S/Moist S/Wet Factor m/s ms reading Depth formula (m/s)*ms*1.5 (1.5 is derived by divide ms reading in half and mult by 3ft/m) Yellow denotes potential need for deep mode Use green area to update vertical speed of sound Use deep mode setting for anything greater than 5 feet Use deep mode setting for pipes greater than 2" in diameter "H" surface is a hard surface that leave no mark when you place your foot on it. "F" surface is a firm surface that leaves a small mark when place your foot on it. "S" surface is a soft surface that leaves a obvious depression in the soil. A dry surface has little or no moisture in it A moist surface is damp to the touch A wet surface is one you can see water or is muddy. When considering a surface type consider the consistency of the surface througout the depth being tested. 12

13 Displaying Results Signal Strength Indicator The Signal Strength Indicator represents the size of the return signal in relation to the baseline noise. This number is This is an indication of the relative size of the object detected and it s depth. 13

Performing a Locate Determine the area to grid. Plan to perform 12-25 ft scans in such a manner the area is covered.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Scan Row 1 Scan Row 2 Scan Row 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Scan Row 4 Scan Row 1 Scan Row 2 Scan Row 5 Scan Row 3 Scan Row 4 Scan Row 5 Scan

(Marked) What to avoid When testing, always perform a scan on surfaces of like material.

14 Performing a Locate Determine the area to grid. Plan to perform ft scans in such a manner the area is covered. In areas with multiple systems to identify, use six inch slices and a maximum of 26 slices per scan (approx. 12 ft (4m)) Scan Row 1 Scan Row 2 Scan Row Scan Row 4 Scan Row 1 Scan Row 2 Scan Row 5 Scan Row 3 Scan Row 4 Scan Row 5 Scan Row 6 Scan Row 6 Scan Row 7 Scan Row 7 Scan Row 8 Scan Row 9 Scan Row 8 Scan Row 9 Example Grid Plan: 9 Scan Rows 9 s Per Row = 1 = Pipe Found (Marked) What to avoid When testing, always perform a scan on surfaces of like material. A scan requires a minimum of 5 slices on pavement, gravel, grass or dirt. Do not perform 12 scans on loose or freshly excavated soil. Soft soil requires narrow slice distances. Do not mix surface types in a single scan. 14 Do not perform a slice on large cracks or expansion joints.

Performing a Locate 1. Set the Measuring Tape Place the measuring tape on the ground in the area you wish to test. Align the housing of the APL with the beginning point of the measuring tape.

A magnet on the front of the chassis housing will keep it in place. Place your foot on the foot pad Push forward on the handle creating good coupling to the ground.

15 Performing a Locate 1. Set the Measuring Tape Place the measuring tape on the ground in the area you wish to test. Align the housing of the APL with the beginning point of the measuring tape. With the instrument displaying take first reading : Push Handle Forward Step On Foot Pad a. b. c. d. Place the kickstand in the up position. A magnet on the front of the chassis housing will keep it in place. Place your foot on the foot pad Push forward on the handle creating good coupling to the ground. The actuator is spring loaded so you will feel the tension. Press and release the scan button. When the slice is completed a beep will be heard and the display will show it is ready for the next slice. Three beeps indicates improper force was applied to the handle or poor ground contact. The unit will prompt you to retake that slice. HINT: If required to retake several times, move the instrument 1-2 in any direction and retry. Press Scan Button e. Move the selected direction and distance corresponding to the measuring tape on the ground (6 or 12 inches). The display will track what distance the next slice should be performed. 15

16 Performing a Locate (Continued) f. Continue to perform the desired number of slices to perform the scan. A minimum of 5 slices is required. There is a maximum of 25 slices per scan. When completed, press the C button to display the pipe map results. The display will show where a pipe (or void) was found corresponding to the measuring tape reference. Mark the corresponding location on the ground Scan Row 1 Scan Row 2 Pipe Found at 72 Inch (Marked) Scan Row 3 If no pipe (or void) is found, the display will indicate No pipes found. 16

17 Performing a Locate (Continued) g. Move the measuring tape to next parallel position forward or backward 5 to 15 ft and repeat the scan procedure. If all settings from the previous scan are desired, press the B button to begin a new scan using the same settings. h. If new settings are desired, press the C button to create new settings. Pressing the A button returns back to the results of the previous scan. Repeat the scan procedure. The display will show where a pipe (or void) was found corresponding to the measuring tape reference. Mark the corresponding location on the ground Scan Row 1 Scan Row 2 Scan Row 3 Pipe Found at 72 Inch (Marked) Scan Row i. Always make a scan perpendicular to make certain there are no pipes parallel to your scans. The APL will only detect a pipe if it crosses it. Scan Row 2 Scan Row 3 Scan Row 4 Scan Row 5 Scan Row 6 Scan Row 7 j. Review the results and align the marks to follow the piping system. A mark on its own may indicate a single void in the ground. Here is a representation of marks created in a grid area. Scan Row 8 Scan Row 9 Example Grid Plan: 9 Scan Rows 9 s Per Row = 1 = Pipe Found (Marked) 17

18 Maintenance The Ultra-Trac APL is designed to be relatively maintenance free. It is important to keep the actuator and accelerometers clean of mud and debris. Good results are the result of good coupling with the ground. In the field it is important to: Keep the instrument clean from dirt/debris build up on the bottom of the chassis Do not submerge this instrument in water. Do not operate in wet weather if the housing is damaged or the cover is missing for the SD card on the control box housing. Check for damaged bellows or cracked components on the actuator and accelerometers. Repairs are required if these are damaged or badly worn. Only factory authorized repair personnel can perform repairs to this product. 18

Set Date and Time Change slice unit of measure

19 Settings Menu Press the B and C buttons simultaneously to activate the Settings Menu. Use the A, B, or C button to move and select the item you wish to adjust. Set Date and Time Change slice unit of measure (in or cm) Adjust screen contrast Exit Menu Supervisor Settings (Password Protected) 19

20 Supervisor Settings Menu The Supervisor Settings Menu contains adjustments for how the APL analyzes the received signals. Supervisor Menu is password protected. 20

21 Supervisor Settings Menu: (continued) Region of Interest (ROI) The Supervisor Settings Menu contains adjustments for how the APL analyzes the received signals. First, there is the Region of Interest (ROI). This adjustment consists of four settings, ROI Start and ROI End, ROI Start (Deep), and ROI End (Deep). The first pair of ROI settings correspond to the Normal Depth mode, while the second pair of ROI settings correspond to the Deep Depth mode. These settings adjust the time frame of the signal that the APL will include in the detection algorithm. For instance If the ROI start is set to 18ms and the ROI end is set to 42 ms, only the signal received between 18 and 42 ms after each ping will be processed. This adjustment plays a role in how deep in the ground the APL will look for a pipe. The deeper a pipe is located, the longer it will take for a signal to return to the accelerometers. Therefore, by adjusting the time frame in the ROI, one can effectively change how deep the APL is scanning for buried pipe. One must be reminded that a later ROI start time value will result in lower returned signal strength due to signal attenuation in the soil. Region of Interest (ROI) - Normal Depth Mode Settings Adjustment for ROI is for the experienced user looking for piping that may be outside the normal depth range established during development. The ROI for Normal Mode corresponds to the 900hz transmit frequency. Start is 15ms End is 39ms 21

22 Supervisor Settings Menu: (continued) Region of Interest (ROI) - Deep Depth Mode Settings The ROI for Deep Mode corresponds to the 500hz transmit frequency. Start is 18ms End is 60ms 22

Supervisor Settings Menu: (continued) Surface Threshold and Surface Threshold (Deep) Settings The Supervisor Settings Menu contains adjustments for Surface Threshold and Surface Threshold (Deep)

Only received signals with strength higher than the threshold will be included in the detection algorithm.

However, one must be cautious as to not raise the threshold to the point where no signal is analyzed, or decrease the threshold enough to include the background noise.

23 Supervisor Settings Menu: (continued) Surface Threshold and Surface Threshold (Deep) Settings The Supervisor Settings Menu contains adjustments for Surface Threshold and Surface Threshold (Deep) settings. There is one adjustment for each of the Depth modes. The Surface threshold corresponds to the signal to noise ratio. Only received signals with strength higher than the threshold will be included in the detection algorithm. This adjustment is useful for tuning out false positives as a higher threshold will result in less sensitivity. However, one must be cautious as to not raise the threshold to the point where no signal is analyzed, or decrease the threshold enough to include the background noise. Surface Threshold - Normal Mode Adjustment for Surface Threshold is for the experienced user looking for piping that may be in need of a specific sensitivity setting based on soil conditions in normal or deep mode. The default value is the same for both modes. Reset to Factory Defaults Also included in the supervisor settings are the Reset to Factory Defaults and the Power up Reset Enable options. By selecting Reset to Factory Defaults the APL will be returned to the original settings and any adjustments made by the user will be overwritten. If the Power up Reset is set to enable, the user will be prompted to either keep or discard any custom settings upon each initialization of the unit. If Power Up reset is disabled, any changes will be kept until further changes are made or a factory reset is performed. 23

24 Warranty Your Ultra-Trac APL is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years after purchase. The actuator and accelerometers are warranted for one year. The accelerometer housing assembly and the actuator foot (both continuously contacting the ground) are considered replacement items with a 90 day warranty. If within the warranty period the instrument should become inoperative from such defects the instrument will be repaired or replaced at our option. This warranty covers normal use and does not cover damage which occurs in shipment or failure which results from alteration, tampering, accident, misuse, abuse, neglect or improper maintenance. Proof of purchase may be required before warranty is rendered. Units out of warranty will be repaired for a service charge. Internal repair or maintenance must be performed by a Sensit Technologies authorized technician. Violation will void the warranty. Units must be returned postpaid, insured and to the attention of the service department for warranty or repair. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Sensit Technologies 851 Transport Drive Valparaiso, Indiana USA Tel: 219/ Fax: 219/ info@gasleaksensors.com Web: ULTRA-TRAC APL INSTRUCTION MANUAL V

1: Introduction : Caution : Tips for Reading this Manual : Preface : System Highlights : Receiver

1: Introduction : Caution : Tips for Reading this Manual : Preface : System Highlights : Receiver 1: Introduction....1 1 2: Caution.... 2 2 3: Tips for Reading this Manual....3 3 4: Preface....4 4 5: System Highlights....6 6 6: Receiver..7 7 6.1: Specifications......7 7 6.2: Receiver Operation... 7