Campbell Scientific CRS451, CRS456 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible

Copyright © 2013- 2014

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Water-Level Recording Sensor

Revision: 1/14

Warranty

“PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. are
warranted by Campbell Scientific, Inc. (“Campbell”) to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve (12)
months from date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding
Campbell pricelist or product manual. Products not manufactured, but that are
re-sold by Campbell, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original
manufacturer. Batteries, fine-wire thermocouples, desiccant, and other
consumables have no warranty. Campbell’s obligation under this warranty is
limited to repairing or replacing (at Campbell’s option) defective products,
which shall be the sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty. The
customer shall assume all costs of removing, reinstalling, and shipping
defective products to Campbell. Campbell will return such products by surface
carrier prepaid within the continental United States of America. To all other
locations, Campbell will return such products best way CIP (Port of Entry)
INCOTERM® 2010, prepaid. This warranty shall not apply to any products
which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, improper service,
accidents of nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all other
warranties, expressed or implied. The warranty for installation services
performed by Campbell such as programming to customer specifications,
electrical connections to products manufactured by Campbell, and product
specific training, is part of Campbell’s product warranty. CAMPBELL
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Campbell is not liable for any special, indirect,
incidental, and/or consequential damages.”

Assistance

Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following
contact information is for US and international customers residing in countries
served by Campbell Scientific, Inc. directly. Affiliate companies handle
repairs for customers within their territories. Please visit

www.campbellsci.com to determine which Campbell Scientific company serves

your country.

To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone [phone]. After an application engineer
determines the nature of the problem, an RMA number will be issued. Please
write this number clearly on the outside of the shipping container. Campbell
Scientific’s shipping address is:

CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
RMA#_____
815 West 1800 North
Logan, Utah 84321-1784

For all returns, the customer must fill out a “Statement of Product Cleanliness
and Decontamination” form and comply with the requirements specified in it.
The form is available from our web site at www.campbellsci.com/repair. A
completed form must be either emailed to [e-mail] or faxed to
[phone]. Campbell Scientific is unable to process any returns until we
receive this form. If the form is not received within three days of product
receipt or is incomplete, the product will be returned to the customer at the
customer’s expense. Campbell Scientific reserves the right to refuse service on
products that were exposed to contaminants that may cause health or safety
concerns for our employees.

Table of Contents

PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.

1. Introduction ................................................................. 1

2. Cautionary Statements ............................................... 1

3. Initial Inspection and Handling Guidelines .............. 1

3.1 Ships With ............................................................................................ 2

4. Overview ...................................................................... 2

5. Specifications ............................................................. 2

6. Installation ................................................................... 4

6.1 Appropriate Depth ................................................................................ 4

6.2 Avoiding Freezing Conditions ............................................................. 5

6.3 Dislodge Bubbles ................................................................................. 5

6.4 Well Installation ................................................................................... 5

6.5 Other Installations ................................................................................ 6

6.6 Battery Voltage Reading ...................................................................... 6

6.7 Attaching Suspension Cable to CRS451/CRS456 ............................... 6

7. Programming .............................................................. 8

7.1 Settings ................................................................................................. 8

7.2 Connect to the CRS451/CR456 ............................................................ 8

7.3 Configure CRS45X for Measurements ................................................ 9

7.4 Compensating Measurements for Barometric Pressure ...................... 15

7.4.1 Using an Additional CRS45X ..................................................... 15

7.4.2 Using a Barometer ...................................................................... 15

8. Maintenance .............................................................. 20

8.1 Every Visit ......................................................................................... 20

8.2 Every Two to Three Years or on a Rotating Schedule ....................... 20

8.3 Battery Replacement .......................................................................... 21

9. Troubleshooting........................................................ 26

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Table of Contents

Appendices

Calibration Certificate ............................................. A-1

A.

B. Conversion to Units of Measurement ................... B-1

Table

B-1. Conversion Factors .......................................................................... B-1

ii

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible
Water-Level Recording Sensor

1. Introduction

The CRS451 consists of a water-level and water-temperature sensor that has its
own time clock and memory to store the collected data, in a compact stainless­steel case. This frees users to place the sensor in remote sites and let it collect
data for long periods of time. The CRS451/CRS456 supports standard time­based scanning and recording along with event-based recording based on water
level change (Delta) or logarithmic time sequence for pump and slug tests.
HydroSci software is included and supports test set up, data retrieval, and data
display.

The CRS451 has a 316L stainless-steel case that can be submerged in most
canals, wells, ponds, lakes, and streams. The CRS456 has a rugged titanium
case that allows it to be used in saltwater or other harsh environments.

Before using the CRS451/CRS456, please study:

• Section 2, Cautionary Statements

• Section 3, Initial Inspection

• Section 6, Installation

2. Cautionary Statements

• The CRS451/CRS456 will be damaged if encased in frozen liquid (see

Section 6.2, Avoiding Freezing Conditions, for more information).

• Although the CRS451/CRS456 is a rugged and reliable device, it is also a

highly precise scientific instrument and should be handled as such.

• Dropping the instrument or allowing it to “free fall” down a well may

damage the transducer.

• Confirm the compatibility of the instrument to non-water environments

before installation.

• The CRS456 should be used in harsh water applications, including salt

water.

3. Initial Inspection and Handling Guidelines

• Upon receipt of the CRS451/CRS456, inspect the packaging for any signs

of shipping damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.

• Immediately check package contents against the shipping documentation

(see Section 3.1, Ships With). Contact Campbell Scientific with any
discrepancies.

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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor

• The model number and pressure range are etched on the housing. Check

this information against the shipping documentation to ensure that the
expected product was received.

3.1 Ships With

• 27555 USB 2.0 Cable Type A Male to Micro B Male, 6ft

• 29225 HydroSci Software on CD

4. Overview

The CRS451/CRS456, Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor, provides
reliable, accurate pressure/level measurements that are fully temperature
compensated.

The 24 bit A/D has simultaneous 50/60 Hz rejection and automatic calibration
for each measurement. A number of additional advanced measurement
techniques are employed to harness the best possible performance available
from today’s state of the art pressure sensor technology. The CRS451/CRS456
reverts to a low power sleep state between measurements. A series of
measurements are performed yielding a temperature and pressure value. This
measurement cycle can be as fast as 1 second.

The design features a piezoresistive sensor housed in a 316L stainless steel
(CRS451) or titanium (CRS456) package to enhance reliability. The rugged
construction makes the CRS451/CRS456 suitable for water level measurement
in irrigation applications, water wells, lakes, streams, and tanks. The titanium
package of the CRS456 makes it ideal for salt water or other harsh
environments.

The CRS451/CRS456 has three nose cone options. The weighted nose cone
makes the transducer easier to submerge to depth. The NPT option allows the
sensor to be mounted to a 1/4 inch fitting. The nose cones can be exchanged at
a later time.

Communicating with the CRS451/CRS456 requires a micro USB cable and
HydroSci software running on a computer with Windows XP or later.
Configurable settings can be changed using Campbell Scientific’s HydroSci
software utility.

5. Specifications

Features:

• Field replaceable batteries

• Campbell Scientific quality

2

• No additional datalogger, enclosure, and power supply; reduces

system costs and simplifies installation

• Free customer-friendly software for communication, configuration,

data collection

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor

Pressure
(psig)

Pressure
(kPa)

Meters of
fresh water

Feet of
fresh water

0 to 7.25

0 to 50

0 to 5.1

0 to 16.7

0 to 14.5

0 to 100

0 to 10.2

0 to 33.4

0 to 29

0 to 200

0 to 20.4

0 to 67

0 to 72.5

0 to 500

0 to 50.9

0 to 167

0 to 145

0 to 1000

0 to 102

0 to 334.5

• Fast scan rate

• Large data storage capacity

• High accuracy

• Long battery life

• Data retrieval through sealed USB connector

Measurement Time: < 1 s typical

Output: micro USB

Internal Data
Collection Memory: 4 MB

HydroSci Supported
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7

Logging/Scanning Modes: Standard, Delta, Logarithmic

Power Requirements: Internal user-replaceable lithium battery

Battery Life: 5+ years when logging interval is once per

hour

Power Consumption

Quiescent Current: < 80 μA
Measurement/

Communication Current: 4 mA for 1 s measurement

Measurement Ranges

1

:

Accuracy
Pressure Reading

2

: 0.1% full-scale range TEB3

Temperature: ±0.2°C

Resolution: 0.0035% full-scale range

Overpressure: 2x pressure range

Dry Storage Temperature: –30° to 80°C

Operating Temperature: 0° to 60°C

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CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor

CAUTION

Freezing conditions may damage the CRS451/CRS456
(see Section 6.2, Avoiding Freezing Conditions, for more
information).

Body Material

CRS451: 316L Stainless Steel
CRS456: Titanium

Element Material

CRS451: 316L Stainless Steel
CRS456: Hastelloy

®

Standard Cone Material: Delrin

®

Weighted and NPT Material: Stainless Steel

Dimensions
Length: 22.23 cm (8.75 in)
Diameter: 2.22 cm (0.875 in)

Weight: 230 g (0.51 lb)

1

The CRS451 is a sealed gage sensor and when not submerged will read
approximately 1 bar at sea level and less as elevation increases. The CRS451
is calibrated at 9 pressures starting at 0.6 bar up to full scale referenced to 1
bar. Points below 1 bar are used in the calibration for the benefit of those who
deploy this sensor at elevations above sea level.

2

The accuracy specification listed pertains to the level of accuracy that the
CRS451/CRS456 is able to measure pressure. If a barometric pressure sensor
is used to remove the component of atmospheric pressure from the pressure
reading provided by the CRS451/CRS456 while submerged in a column of
water vented to the atmosphere, the error of the barometric sensor must be
considered when calculating the resulting accuracy of the water level reading.

3

Total Error Band (TEB) includes the combined errors due to nonlinearity,
hysteresis, nonrepeatability, and thermal effects over the compensated
temperature range, per ISA S51.1.

6. Installation

6.1 Appropriate Depth

4

The CRS451/CRS456 is designed for water level measurements. Typical
applications include agricultural water level/flow, water wells, lakes, streams,
and tanks. If the device is to be installed in a liquid other than water or in
contaminated water, check the compatibility of the wetted material. The
CRS456 should be used in harsh water applications, including salt water.

The CRS451/CRS456 must be installed below the water at a fixed depth. This
depth should be chosen so that the water pressure will never exceed the
transducer’s pressure range (twice its pressure rating).

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

The output reading will not be correct, and the transducer
can be damaged if pressure is twice its pressure rating.

Pressure can be converted to feet of fresh water using the following simple
equation:

1 psi = 2.31 feet of water

For example, the maximum depth with a pressure range of 0 to 7.25 psig is

16.748 feet of water.

6.2 Avoiding Freezing Conditions

Expansion of water due to freezing will irreparably damage the
CRS451/CRS456. The CRS451/CRS456 can be safely deployed in freezing
conditions if the sensor is placed below the frost line. In a lake or channel of
moving water, often the sensor can be placed deep enough to avoid freezing.
In shallow conditions, where the water body is at risk of freezing solid, placing
the sensor in a stilling well that extends below the frost line will protect the
sensor from freezing water.

6.3 Dislodge Bubbles

While submersing the CSR451/CRS456, air bubbles may become trapped
inside the nose cone, causing small, offset errors until the bubbles dissolve.
Dislodge these bubbles by gently shaking the CRS451/CRS456 while under
water.

Hitting the instrument against the well casing or other solid
surface could damage the CRS451/CRS456.

If the bubbles are not removed by rotation and shaking
underwater (or bleeding out the air in a closed system), the
CRS451/CRS456 reading will drift lower by the distance of
the gap as the air is slowly dissolved into the water over
time.

6.4 Well Installation

Braided stainless steel cable (pn 29221-L) is used to lower the instrument to an
appropriate depth and to suspend the CRS451/CRS456 in a well.

With long drops, it may be necessary to use the weighted nose cone (option
–WN).

For surface installations the instrument’s body can be strapped with tie wraps
or tape. Campbell Scientific offers cable ties (pn 7421) to secure the cable. If
installing in a well, fasten the cable to the well head.

5

CRS451/CRS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor

6.5 Other Installations

The CRS451/CRS456 can be installed in any position; however, when it leaves
the factory it is tested in the vertical position. There will be an offset error if
not installed vertically; contact Campbell Scientific for more information.
Strapping the transducer body with tie wraps or tape will not hurt it.

6.6 Battery Voltage Reading

The voltage of the lithium ion battery used in the CRS451/CRS456 will
abruptly decrease at the end of the battery’s useful life, which makes predicting
remaining battery life difficult by measuring battery voltage alone. Knowing
the energy consumption of the CRS451/CRS456 while in operation, HydroSci
displays a predicted remaining battery life by combining an estimate of the
energy consumed based on the totalized measurements since new and direct
battery measurements. For this reason, if the battery is removed from the
CRS451/CRS456 anytime during deployment and then replaced, HydroSci will
assume a fresh battery was added to the device and the estimated remaining
battery life will be overstated.

For similar reasons, if the operating system is upgraded or sent to the
CRS451/CRS456, the estimated remaining battery life will also be exaggerated
by HydroSci.

6.7 Attaching Suspension Cable to CRS451/CRS456

Attach the split ring to the CRS451 cap.

6