Palmer Environmental MD MicroCorr Digital Leak Detector Out-Station User Manual MicroCorr 6 short form manual

Palmer Environmental Ltd MicroCorr Digital Leak Detector Out-Station MicroCorr 6 short form manual

Contents

User manual pt 1

1 MicroCorr Digital Users GuideTy Coch HouseLlantarnam Park WayCwmbranNP44 3AWUnited KingdomTel: +44 (0) 1633 489479Fax: +44 (0) 1633 877857Email: info@palmer.co.ukInternet: www.palmer.co.ukMcorr Dig UGIssue 5b August 2003Based on SW-042-01-109aBased on FW-042-02-107a
2MicroCorr Digital Users GuideIntroduction and Features.......................................................................................................... 3New features.............................................................................................................................. 3Operational Benefits .................................................................................................................. 4Principle of Correlation .............................................................................................................. 5System Overview....................................................................................................................... 6Standard system configuration .................................................................................................. 6Optional accessories ................................................................................................................. 6Fully Digital Correlation ............................................................................................................. 7Features of the correlator unit ................................................................................................... 8Features of the Out Stations...................................................................................................... 9MicroCorr® DIGITAL correlator unit operational features ........................................................ 11Key functions ........................................................................................................................... 11Using the MicroCorr Digital Correlator................................................................................... 12BATTERY WARNING.............................................................................................................. 12Step 1: Charging and installing batteries................................................................................ 12Step 2: Set up and deployment of Out Stations ..................................................................... 14Step 3: Switching on the Correlator........................................................................................ 15Correlating ............................................................................................................................... 16Main Menu ............................................................................................................................... 17Correlate ..................................................................................................................... 17File .............................................................................................................................. 17Regression Analysis ................................................................................................... 19Set-up ......................................................................................................................... 22Test and Service......................................................................................................... 24Other System Options ................................................................................................ 26Correlation Screen................................................................................................................... 27Pipe data..................................................................................................................... 28Zoom........................................................................................................................... 32Peak Suppression Screen .......................................................................................... 33View Settings .............................................................................................................. 34Calculate Velocity ....................................................................................................... 35Filters ....................................................................................................................................... 37Program upgrade (Software and Firmware)............................................................................ 40Technical Specification............................................................................................................ 43Warranty .................................................................................................................................. 45Patents..................................................................................................................................... 45
3MicroCorr Digital Users GuideIntroduction and FeaturesMicroCorr® DIGITAL is the latest model of the world’s leading correlator brand (over 4,000MicroCorr® units in use worldwide) but is the first fully digital system. This enables it toachieve performance levels well in excess of previous analogue-based systems, withimportant benefits to the user.• Totally digital system• Superior leak detection performance on all pipe materials and sizes• Quick and easy to use, especially for less experienced operators• Automatic parametric filtering (APF)• Ergonomically designed – lightweight, compact system• 1/4 VGA colour display• Software upgrades via Internet web site• Optional third Out Station for velocity measurement and rapid survey• Select dedicated or PC-based modelsNew features• Transceiver communication enables all system functions to be controlled centrally,enabling quicker deployment• Expert system leak detection algorithms eliminate transient, non-leak effects• Tricorrelation (optional third Out Station/sensor) automatically calculates site-specific velocity• Data replay function allows immediate post-processing or off-line correlation• Software upgrades downloaded directly from www.palmer.co.uk• Results transferable into Windows PC for post-processing or exportBest in the fieldLeak detection staff require a high performance correlator in order to maximise theirproductivity (number of leaks found per hour) and minimise the incidence of “dry” holes, whenexcavation reveals no leak to be present. However, because it is used constantly in the field,the correlator must also be robustly designed. The Control Unit and Out Station are injection-moulded housings, providing maximumstrength and durability. They are designed to IP65 protection and to survive a 1 metre drop.The Control Unit incorporates an external antenna and a magmount antenna (optional extra)may be connected for longer correlation distances if the Control Unit is vehicle-based.External antennae are used with the Out Stations.All connectors are military specification and cables are fitted with strain relief to protectagainst fatigue damage. The complete system, comprising control unit with two Out Stationsand sensors, is easily carried by one person. The Out Stations have been designed to bevisible over typical correlation distances and allow back-to-back portability.
4Operational Benefits• Pinpoints a higher percentage of leaks...• ...and a significantly higher percentage of “difficult” leaks (plastic pipes, trunk mains, lowpressure situations)• Fewer “dry” holes reduces excavation costs• Improved productivity – more leaks found per hour• Easier to use – less training required• Improved reliability with less downtime• Lightweight and robust• Easily integrates into Company-specific reporting• New software versions available from www.palmer.co.uk• Ground microphone “foot” option to improve versatility• Permalog “Patroller link” option to improve versatility• Designed for easy portabilityFully automatic• Immediate correlation – switch on and go (enter pipe details later)• Automatic parametric filtering (APF)• Velocity measurement using (optional) third Out Station/sensorEasier to Use• Colour graphical user interface• Intuitive display and operation• Quick correlation• Batteries field-changeableReliability to inspire confidence• All functions self-calibrated automatically on power-up• In-built power management• Increased battery life – batteries rechargeable and field replaceable
5Principle of CorrelationIn the "classic" correlation process, two sensors are deployed on pipe fittings ("dry"connection) or connected to hydrants ("wet" connection). The sensors are positioned eitherside of the suspected leak position. Noise is created by the leak as it escapes from the pipeunder pressure. This noise is conducted in both directions away from the leak through thepipe wall (as minute vibrations) and through the water column (as a pressure wave). The leaknoise travels at a constant velocity (V), which depends on the material and diameter of thepipe, and arrives first at the sensor nearer the leak. The arrival time at each sensor isregistered. The difference (Td) between the two arrival times, combined with knowledge of thepipe type and length, enables the leak position to be calculated by the correlator. Dependingon the environmental conditions, accuracy of leak pinpointing can be to within centimetres.Principle of correlation: L = ½ (D-(VxTd))Leak positionV x Td L LD
6System Overview Standard system configurationThe standard MicroCorr Digital system comprisesthe following equipment:-1. Control Unit2. External Antenna for C.U.3. Carry strap for C.U.4. Red Out Station5. Blue Out Station6. 2 x External Antennae for O/S7. 2 x Digital Sensors with cables8. Headphones (for use with C.U. or O/S)9. MicroCorr Digital PC communicationscable10. Mains power supply/charger for 2 OutStations11. Mains power supply/charger for ControlUnit12. 12V DC power/charge lead for C.U. orO/S13. Operating manualOptional accessories1. PC software (for upgrades, diagnostics, PC interface)2. Spare battery pack with charge lead3. Vehicle magmount antenna with cable4. Digital hydrophones with cables (set of 2)5. Leak noise CD6. Digital microphone foot7. Tripod or ground plate for accelerometer (magnetically attached)8. Printer cable to standard Epson/HP printer9. Rechargeable colour printer with batteries10. “Tricorrelation” 3rd (yellow) Out Station and digital sensor, with antenna andcharge lead11. Measuring Wheel12. Soft carry bags for control unit and Out Station(s)13. Hard transit case for all system components.14. Permalog Patroller radio unit
7Fully Digital CorrelationDigital sensor• New sensor with improved sensitivity to low frequency noise (for plasticand large diameter pipes and low pressure situations) - down to 1.0Hz• Wider dynamic range than any previous sensor - can distinguish leaknoises much quieter than previous sensors• True 16 bit Σ∆ ADC with 10kHz sampling• Immediate digitisation of received signal• Low noise electronics with digital protocol eliminates interference• Longer sensor cables possibleDigital radio Out Station• Two-way communication with control unit using transceiver technology• Virtually no data loss, interference or distortion of the transmitted signal • Single radio frequency for all Out Stations• Improved dynamic range over analogue radios• High speed data transmission using transformcoding techniques• No directional restrictionsNew digital sensor with enhanced low frequencysensitivity
8Features of the correlator unitLarge backlit colour displaywith protective screenTactile rubber keypadRubber hand gripCarry-strap attachmentExternal antenna / magmountconnectionHeadphone / chargerconnectorInjection moulded housingSensorconnectorCommunicationsconnectorBattery compartment(accessed from underside)
9Features of the Out Stations The Out Station consists of a transmitter unit (red, blue – or optionally yellow) and a digitalsensor unit complete with cable to connect to the transmitter. Its design incorporates sensorstowage and cable wrap.Sensorstowageat rearFlashinghazardlightsCable withstrain reliefDigitalsensorHighstrengthmagnetCable wrapBattery compartment(accessed from underside)Injection mouldedhousingMilitaryspecificationconnectorsDetachableantenna
10Rear of transmitterOn/Off switch with integral flashing LEDSensor stowageTop view of transmitter – connector covers removedHeadphones / charger connectorCommunications connectorSensor connectorAntenna connectorTop view of transmitter – connector covers fitted
11MicroCorr® DIGITAL correlator unit operational featuresThe unit performs accurate leak noise correlations for leak positioning and velocitymeasurement. It has listening and surveying facilities and its stored information can bedownloaded to a computer or printer.Key functionsKeypadfunctions MicroCorr Digital has an alpha-numeric keypad, similar to that of a mobile phone including afull stop, cancel, enter and up/down arrows. Navigation through the menus usescombinations of these keys. • UP/DOWN arrows will select items from within a list• Numeric to select menu item• Enter to accept input• Cancel to move back a menu level.1abc2def3CANCELjkl5ghi4mno6pqrs7tuv80wxyz9.On / OffbuttonUp arrowDown arrowEnter button
12Using the MicroCorr Digital CorrelatorBATTERY WARNINGAll three batteries supplied are rechargeable lithium ion. Do not short circuit thesebatteries. Any misuse of these batteries may result in explosion or fire. They must notbe used in any other application or used with any other equipment. Onlybatteries/battery-packs supplied by Palmer Environmental must be used. The Palmer sealed battery packs contain circuitry to prevent overcharging andoverdischarging.Step 1: Charging and installing batteriesThe battery packs for the correlator and the Out Stations are supplied as separate items andwill need to be fully charged although they are supplied quarter charged. Two different battery chargers are supplied: one for the correlator and one for both OutStations to be charged simultaneously. All three batteries are identical and areinterchangeable. Charging for all batteries takes up to 4 hours from flat.Charging the Correlator1. To charge the correlator battery, the battery must first be fitted inside the correlator.2. To insert the battery pack into the correlator unscrew the three screws underneaththe unit, remove the cover and packing foam and connect the battery pack, place in thebattery compartment, refit the packing foam, and then replace the cover with the threescrews. 3. Connect the charge lead from the correlator charger to the headphone / batterycharge connector on the back of the correlator. Plug the charger unit into the mains supplyand switch on. The correlator will turn itself on and display the battery indicator as charging onthe correlation screen.Unscrew these3 quick-releasescrews toremove batterycompartmentpanel.
134. To charge the Out Station batteries they must first be installed. To do this remove thescrews from the battery compartment on the bottom of each Out Station, connect the batterylead to the connector and insert the battery. Refit the screws and attach the battery chargelead to the headphone / charge connector on the top of the transmitter. The Out Stations willturn themselves on to charge.Remember to turn control unit and Out Stations off after disconnecting charger cables.Although the batteries are rechargeable, they may eventually need to be replaced. Onlybatteries configured to the correct specification and type must be used. These are availablefrom Palmer Environmental.TWO OUT STATIONS CONNECTED VIA CHARGER TO MAINSUnscrew these2 quick-releasescrews toremove batterycompartmentpanel.
14Step 2: Set up and deployment of Out Stations1. Once the batteries have been charged and installed in the correlator and the OutStations, connect the antennae, connect a sensor cable and sensor to each OutStation. Switch on each transmitter by pressing the On / Off button on the back. 2. Transmitter switch functionsTo switch the transmitter on, press the switch on the rear of the transmitter oncemomentarily. The beacons will flash once.To switch the flashing beacons on, press the switch momentarily again.To switch the flashing beacons off, press the switch momentarily once more.To switch the transmitter off, press the switch and hold it in for at least 2 seconds.The beacons will flash three times before the Out Station turns off.3. Green LED functionsThe switch incorporates a green LED, which provides the following functions:-When lit constantly the transmitter is charging.When flashing rapidly, the transmitter battery is almost fully charged.When flashing steadily, the transmitter is switched on and performing normally.When there is a long flash this indicates the battery is discharged and requirescharging.Deploy each sensor on a water pipe fitting either side of the suspected leak position. Thesensor has a strong magnet that will enable it to remain in position on steel / iron fittings.Always try to make a debris free contact between sensor and fitting for the best possibleresults.To check sensors are working correctly, connect sensors as normal to Out Station. Connectheadphones to the Out Station and listen while running your finger over sensor magnet. Aclear crisp noise should be heard.
15Step 3: Switching on the CorrelatorSwitch the correlator on by pressing the On/Off switch momentarily. A number of systemtests are carried out on power up to ensure the correlator is fully functional. After a fewseconds the main correlation screen will appear on the display as shown below. Note, this isthe default screen on start-up to enable the operator to start correlating immediately. TheMain Menu screen is accessed by pressing Cancel. To switch the correlator off, press the On/Off button and select 2, to switch offTo turn off the display only, press the On/Off button and select 1, to put into standby. (Ifthe correlator is not then used for 2 hours it will switch off). To reactivate the screen, press theOn/Off button again.The top menu bar on the correlate screen shows information for each sensor by displaying inthe relevant colour (except Yellow appears black)Indicates radio signalis transmittingIndicates radiopower settingIndicates sensorconnected to OutStationIndicates batterycharge levelDate and timeIn this situation the Red andBlue sensors are being used,they have communicationwith the Base unit ok, usinglow powerSpace where YellowSensor informationwould be displayed ifattachedCorrelating function optionsControl unitinformation
16CorrelatingThe screen shown on page 15 is the first screen that appears on the control unit when it isswitched on. Once the ENTER key is pressed the system will begin to correlate. Correlationcan be stopped by pressing the ENTER key again. This can be used for quick surveys without having to input any pipe data.If the Enter key is pressed the control unit will start to correlate as shown below.Press ENTER to stop correlation, to return to correlator function optionsThere is an option to select either the Correlate screen or the Main Menu screen as the firstscreen to appear after turning on. This can be selected by using the Set-up screen (option 4)from the Main Menu. Date and time changes tothe run time of thecorrelationTime delaySignal toNoise RatioScrolling arrowsshows correlationis in progress
17Main MenuCorrelateSee previous page for quick correlation instructions or Correlation Screen section for more indepth instructions.File Enables the user to load previously saved files or save a current correlation. The control unitcan store approximately 30 files.
18Press 1(Save) The following screen is displayed. The current correlation information detailscan be typed and saved.Press 2(Load) The saved correlation will be displayed. Arrow over the required saved file andpress 2.From a loaded file the control unit can undertake post correlation. Correlating functions suchas pipe data, filters and peak suppression can be changed on the loaded data without havingto return to site to re-correlate. Using new information may correlate a different result.Press 3(Delete) Deletes a previously saved file. Use the arrow keys to highlight the file fordeletion and press 3.Press 4(Properties) Displays file information and comments, when the file was saved. Usethe arrow keys to highlight the file to view and press 4.Loaded filename isdisplayedin green
19Regression AnalysisRegression Analysis provides an additional way of pinpointing leak positions by using a set ofcorrelation results, rather than an individual correlation result. This also provides a way ofmeasuring an accurate velocity.The time delay / distance relationship of the correlation is linear, as the distance between asensor and the leak noise increases, the time taken for the sound to reach the sensorincreases proportionally with the distance. For example, if you move the sensor twice as faraway, the sound will take twice as long to reach it. It is this linear relationship that makes itpossible to predict values for varying time delays / distances when using a set of correlationresults.Before the regression analysis feature can be used, correlation’s must have been saved onthe control unit. For an accurate result it is recommended to save three correlation’s, butobeying the following two rules :-- One of the sensors must remain static during the collection of data. Which of the sensorsdoes not matter.- The pipe material and diameter must be constant for each of the correlation results. Thisis validated by the control unit.Red Blue Position1Blue Position2Blue Position3Correlation Result 1Correlation Result 2Correlation Result 3Press 3 (Regression Analysis) After correlation results have been saved. Press 1 to Add aresult, the file screen will appear, select the first correlation result saved.The control unit will then ask for the “Static Out Station” colour. The control unit will store thematerial and diameter of the first correlation result and compare with the next results to beadded, this ensures these details remain constant.A regression analysis graph will appear showing time delay and distance. A cross will appearon the graph plotting the first correlation result.
20Then press 1 to add the second correlation result. A second cross will appear and a line willpass through both. A result will be given on the leak position and velocity, but we recommendthe user add a third result for a more confident result.Then press 1 to add the third correlation result. A third cross will appear and a best fit line willpass through or near the three crosses. The result of the leak position and velocity will bedisplayed under the graph.

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