
Interface Meter Operating Instructions
Model 122M (CSA-P8)
Sonalert
On/OFF Button
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Indicator Light
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Battery Drawer
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. Five brief tones and red light flashing indicates
that the meter is functional. It will automatically turn off after 5
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. Five brief tones and the red
light flashing indicates that the meter is functional. The
meter automatically turns off after 5 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 are read at the V-notch on the tape guide.
Remember to deduct 2/10 ft or 6.0 cm.
Tape Guide (Optional)
Measurement point
(Deduct 2/10 ft or 6.0 cm)
Fit onto well casing
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.
(Page 1 of 2)
High Quality Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring Instrumentation

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.
Troubleshooting
When instrument is turned ‘ON’ there is a solid
red light (no tone)
1. Indicates a connection issue. Contact Solinst for further
troubleshooting options.
Instrument will not turn ‘ON’ (no starting tone)
1. Replace the battery
2. Check the polarity of the battery in the drawer: make sure
the + and - on the battery and the drawer match. The
probe may be harmed by a reversed battery.
3. ON/OFF button could be faulty. Contact Solinst.
When instrument is turned ‘ON’, it immediately
sounds product tone or intermittent water tone
1. Probe sensor may be dirty. Clean according to Cleaning
and Maintenance instructions.
2. Water may have leaked into the probe. Carefully, remove
the probe, keeping the wires connected. Dry out the
probe, wipe and inspect the o-ring, replace if necessary
and/or lubricate with silicone. To avoid any nicks, make
sure the wires are tucked back into the probe body when
replacing the probe. See Probe Replacement Instructions.
3. Cable may be damaged. Clean the cable and look for any
cuts or nicks. If necessary, replace the damaged cable. To
maintain the 122M Intrinsic Safety rating, do not splice
or repair a damaged cable. You may contact Solinst for
assistance.
4. The reel or probe circuitry could be damaged.
Please contact Solinst.
Instrument does not detect liquid
1. Check battery. Replace if necessary.
2. Clean probe tip following the Cleaning and Maintenance
instructions.
3. Probe may be damaged. Please contact Solinst.
Instrument detects “Product” as “Water”
1. Note that this can happen if the probe is pulled into
product too quickly and therefore pulls water in with it.
Thoroughly dry the probe tip or shake the probe and try
again at a slower speed.
2. Product may have degraded or is now disturbed enough
to become an emulsion. If it has a detectable level of
conductivity, it will read water. Wait for it to settle and try
again.
Instrument does not detect water
1. Clean the probe tip. Follow the Cleaning and Maintenance
instructions.
2. The water could be pure and non-conductive or product
may be coating the probe, in which case, shake the probe
for a while in the water column to clean product from the
probe.
3. The probe circuitry could be damaged due to high
voltage (static) in the well. Always use a ground cable.
Please contact Solinst.
®
Solinst is a registered trademark of Solinst Canada Ltd.
Printed in Canada
May 31, 2018
(#110941 Rev.f)
(Page 2 of 2)
35 Todd Road, Georgetown, Ontario Canada L7G 4R8
Web Site: www.solinst.com E-mail: instruments@solinst.com
For further information contact: Solinst Canada Ltd.
Fax: +1 (905) 873-1992; (800) 516-9081 Tel: +1 (905) 873-2255; (800) 661-2023