Solinst 122M CSA-P8 Interface Meter Instruction Manual

Interface Meter Operating Instructions
Model 122M (CSA-P8)

Operating Principle

The Solinst Model 122M Mini Interface Meter has a narrow 5/8″ (16 mm) diameter probe, and uses laser-marked PVDF jacketed cable. It is certified to CSA Standards, for use in hazardous locations Class 1, Div. 1, Groups C & D T3C, and is ATEX certified under directive 94/9/EC, as II 3 G Ex ic IIB T4 Gc. An infra-red circuit detects the presence of a liquid and a conductivity circuit differentiates between conductive liquid (water) and non-conductive liquid (LNAPL or DNAPL product).

Equipment Check

Check the electronics and battery condition by pushing the ‘On/OFF’ button. A brief tone and red light indicate that the meter is functional. It will automatically turn off after 10 minutes to preserve battery life.
IMPORTANT
For safety, always ground the meter by attaching the ground cable to the metal well casing or to a suitable grounding rod. Failure to properly ground this instrument could cause damage to probe/electronics or result in an explosion from any flammable gases trapped in well.

Field Measurements

1. Push the ‘On/OFF’ button. A brief tone and light indicate that the meter is functional. The meter automatically turns off after 10 minutes. Press the ‘On/OFF’ button as necessary during operation to turn the meter back on.

2. Lower probe into well. If a tape guide is used, lay the laser-marked PVDF cable onto the groove on the top. Measurements will be read at the point of the V-notch on the tape guide. Remember to deduct 2/10 ft or 6.0 cm.
   

3. A steady tone and light indicate a non-conductive liquid (e.g. product). An intermittent tone and light indicate a conductive liquid (e.g. water).

4. For floating product (LNAPL), take the air/product interface measurement on the way into the liquid.

5. The interface between the LNAPL and water should be measured as the probe is raised very slowly back up. Once the interface is detected, the probe can be raised and lowered in small increments to precisely determine the interface.

6. Repeat measurements to confirm, reading the levels directly from the cable and subtract one from the other to determine thickness.

7. To determine if there is any sinking product (DNAPL) in the well, continue lowering the probe slowly. If steady signals activate, determine the top of the sinking layer by reading directly from the cable.

8. Continue lowering the probe slowly until the cable slackens when the well bottom is reached. Read the level directly from the laser-marked PVDF cable and subtract one from the other to determine thickness.

9. Upon completion of readings, clean the cable and probe as described overleaf.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After each use, the laser-marked PVDF cable should be wiped clean and carefully rewound onto the reel. An alternative is to steam clean the cable only. The probe should be cleaned as follows:

1. Wash the probe thoroughly with a non-abrasive mild detergent. DO NOT USE ANY SOLVENTS. Use a soft cloth around the pins and on the prism on the end of the probe to remove all product. Use lukewarm water, not hot water or you may damage the probe.
2. Rinse probe thoroughly with distilled water, wipe dry.
3. Return the probe to the holder.

Battery Replacement

If the tones get weak, battery power is getting low and you should replace the battery before you go into the field. Push battery drawer in and up and then pull out. The battery drawer should eject slightly to make pulling out easier. Replace the battery with an alkaline 9 volt battery.
IMPORTANT
Reverse polarity can cause probe damage. Ensure correct battery placement.

General Tips

1. The probe should be cleaned after each use.
2. Always use the grounding cable.
3. Do not drop probe.
4. If the tones are weak, replace battery.
5. Where possible, use a Solinst tape guide to protect the cable from scraping on well casing.
6. Before storage, make sure that the meter is turned ‘OFF’. If the Mini Interface Meter is going to be stored for longer than two months, the 9V alkaline battery should be removed to avoid potential leakage.
7. The meter can be checked by placing the probe in distilled (non-conductive) water or pure phase product, for example lamp oil (avoid bright sunlight during testing and resting the probe on the bottom of the container). A steady tone and light should be  observed.
8. To maintain Intrinsic Safety Certifications, do not splice the cable.

Note: In rare circumstances it is possible that the 122 might sound when directed toward sunlight, and not in a liquid. This is normal and does not affect proper operation in a monitoring well.

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References

• Solinst Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring Instrumentation, Water Level Meters, Interface Meters, Dataloggers
• Interface Meters, Interface Probes, Hydrocarbon Detection, Oil-Water Interface Meters, Oil-Water Interface Probes
• Solinst Interface Meters

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