Category Archives: Site Type

Field - Download Data, Schlumberger Diver, Stream

Schlumberger Diver – Download Data

equipment_baroAt several locations, Mini-Divers have been installed as a redundant water level sensors to the existing gas purge systems. With a 5-minute data logging setting, the internal memory of the Divers will be full in ~83 days. There is no memory wrap feature and the Divers must be stopped/started in order to erase existing data. Data for the Mini-Diver and BaroDiver must be downloaded individually.

  1. Connect the threaded end of the USB interface cable to the Baro-Diver
  2. Open Diver-Office
Stream, Wire Weight

Wire Weight

wire_weightThe basic parts of a wire weight gage include a drum wrapped with a single layer of cable, and a weight attached to the end of the cable. A readable disc, graduated in tenths and hundredths of a foot is attached to the side of the drum. A Veeder counter, reading in whole feet is also included. One complete turn of the drum represents one foot of vertical movement of the weight. To take a reading of stage, perform the following:

  1. Open the wire weight gauge house
  2. Move the checkbar forward so it rests in position under the weight, if not already in position
  3. While grasping the drum crank handle, disengage the pawl and lower the weight until it touches, but not fully rests on the check bar
  4. Read the interval at the pointer on the graduated disc (the numbered hash marks correspond to tenths and five-hundredths of a foot graduations and the small hash marks correspond to one-hundredth foot increments)
  5. If the check-bar value does not match, perform the following inspections:
    • Make sure the check-bar is set correctly
    • Check that the cable is wrapped on the drum properly and the threading sheave is positioned properly, directly above the wrap on the drum
    • Make sure the graduated disc is not slipping (caused by loose clutch screws)
    • Check the Veeder counter for proper operation (occasionally the counter is not synchronized with the graduated disc and will not turn over to the next whole foot in synchronization with the disc
  6. If the check-bar value is satisfactory, slide the bar back and slowly lower the weight to the water surface (the weight should only touch the water surface enough to form a distinctive “V” shape on the water surface)
  7. Read the Veeder counter and disc as previously described
  8. Record the stage height on the front sheet
  9. Wind in the weight.
  10. Confirm the check bar elevation and reengage the pawl before closing and locking the wire weight gauge enclosure
Field - Maintenance, Rainfall, Standard Rainfall Gauge

Standard Rainfall Gauge – Maintenance

equipment_standard_gage

  1. Remove funnel from top of can and clean all dirt and debris
  2. Locate measuring mark on side of can; if no mark present, use the seam of the can
  3. Measure distance to oil surface from rim of can
  4. Record distance in yellow field book and subtract from previous visit to determine depth of rainfall
  5. If oil cap has turned white/milky:
    • Pump material into “ook” container
    • Add 1” of oil to can
    • Measure new distance to water surface and record value in yellow field book
  6. Replace funnel on top of cap
Field - Maintenance, Hydrological Services TB3, Rainfall

Hydrological Services TB3 – Maintenance

This is the tipping rainfall bucket used at most rain gauge sites. Field maintenance is often performed concomitantly with data downloads, so please refer to this when servicing TB3 units.

Cleaning

  1. Loosen three screws at bottom of TB3 and remove circular enclosure
  2. Clean funnel and enclosure using paintbrush and/or damp rag
  3. Turn enclosure over an unscrew syphon
  4. Apply grease to syphon O-ring, if necessary
  5. Remove and clean filter screen
  6. Reassemble filter screen and syphon, hand-tighten back on to enclosure
  7. Remove debris and clean bucket assembly
  8. Verify base is level by utilizing bullseye levels
  9. Reattach enclosure and tighten 3 screws at bottom of TB3

 Annual Maintenance

To decrease the likelihood of lost data, the 3.6V battery in ML1s must be changed each year during annual maintenance runs. Also, rain gages must be calibrated each year.

Dynamic Test

Prior to this dynamic test, disconnect TB3 from the terminal block (preferred) or from the transmitter. After the test is complete, make sure to reattach TB3 and confirm tips via website.

  1. Download data and clear ML1
  2. Place funnel back on top of TB3
  3. Set tripod on top of funnel
  4. Fill calibration cylinder until meniscus forms on top
  5. Screw on 100 mL nozzle taking care not to spill water
  6. Set on tripod, open valve and wait for water to drain out of bottle
  7. Target is 82 tips, but a range of 78-86 (5%) is acceptable
  8. Download data into calibration file and clear ML1 again
  9. If number of tips is out of range, perform static calibration below
Static Calibration
  1. Fill syringe with 10 mL of water
  2. Slowly add water to bucket on one side of TB3
  3. When bucket tips, record volume expelled from syringe
  4. Target is 6.8 mL, but a range of 6.46 – 7.14 mL (5%) is acceptable
  5. Repeat calibration on other side
  6. Use set screws underneath each bucket to increase or decrease the amount of water needed to tip the bucket
  7. Once calibrated, perform dynamic test (above) again