CPN 503 ELITE Hydroprobe Operating Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. CPN Manuals
  4. Measuring Instruments
  5. 503 ELITE Hydroprobe
  6. Operating manual

CPN 503 ELITE Hydroprobe Operating Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

CPN 503 ELITE
™
Hydroprobe
OPERATING MANUAL
www.InstroTek.com

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the 503 ELITE Hydroprobe and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for CPN 503 ELITE Hydroprobe

Summary of Contents for CPN 503 ELITE Hydroprobe

  • Page 1 CPN 503 ELITE ™ Hydroprobe OPERATING MANUAL www.InstroTek.com...
  • Page 2 ‘This page may be removed from the manual to prevent the unauthorized access to the restricted menu functions of the InstroTek/CPN 503 Elite Hydroprobe.’ Restricted Menu Function Access Code: 3548 Please note up to 2% of the mechanical components used in the gauge may...
  • Page 3 This page may be removed from the manual to prevent the unauthorized access to the restricted menu functions of the InstroTek/CPN 503 Elite Hydroprobe.
  • Page 4 © 2018 InstroTek, Inc. 503 Elite Hydroprobe ™ Operation Manual Version 12...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    InstroTek 1. Table of Contents **************************************** 1. INTRODUCTION 2. GAUGE FUNCTIONS 3. OPERATION 4. CALIBRATION 5. LOGGING AND PROJECTS 6. MENU ITEMS 7. MAINTENANCE 8. OPERATION PRECAUTIONS 9. TROUBLESHOOTING 10. PRINT DATA/TRANSFERS 11. STANDARD COUNT INFORMATION 12. COUNTING STATISTICS 13. CONNECTOR PINOUTS 14.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    InstroTek 1. Introduction Thank you for your purchase of the InstroTek/CPN Model 503 Elite Hydroprobe. The Model CPN 503 Elite HYDROPROBE, NEUTRON MOISTURE PROBE, measures the sub-surface moisture in soil and other materials by use of a probe containing a source of high-energy neutrons and a slow (thermal) neutron detector.
  • Page 7 InstroTek CPN 503 Elite Features The CPN 503 Elite Direct Readout Model Provides:  Integral microprocessor for simple function selection.  Rapid, precise repeatable soil moisture measurements.  Light weight and portable.  Field service and component exchange with tools provided.
  • Page 8 InstroTek Functional Description The CPN 503 Elite HYDROPROBE® operates by emitting radiation from encapsulated radioactive source, Americium-241:Beryllium. To determine the moisture content in the soil, the Americium-241:Beryllium source emits neutron radiation into the soil under test. The high-energy neutrons are moderated by colliding with hydrogen in the moisture of the soil.
  • Page 9 Accessories Each 503 Elite is provided with a durable plastic shipping case and the items shown listed below. There are no special instructions for unpacking the 503 Elite Hydroprobe ®. It comes fully assembled. Fig 1.2 Standard Equipment 1. 503 Elite Hydroprobe®...
  • Page 10 InstroTek Specifications Dimensions/Shipping Weights: Model Weight Length Width Height Gauge 15.7lbs 7.0” 6.8” 14” Only (7.12kg) (178mm) (173mm) (356mm) Gauge & 36.5lbs 13.0” 24.0” 10.0” Carry (16.6kg) (330mm) (610mm) (254mm) Case Probe Weight Length Diameter 1.7lbs 12.7” 1.50” Model 1.5 (0.77kg) (323mm) (38.1mm)
  • Page 11 Ambient - 32º to 150º F (0º to 66º C)  Storage - -4º to 140º F (-20º to 60º C) Humidity (Non-Condensing) - 95% Radiological: Neutron Source - Maximum 1.85 GBq (50 mCi) Americium- 241:Beryllium Encapsulation - Double-sealed capsule CPN-131 Shielding - Silicon-Based Paraffin...
  • Page 12 SPECIAL FORM, 7 Special Form Approval - CZ/1009/S An NRC or agreement state license is required for domestic use. Contact CPN - InstroTek for assistance in obtaining training for a license. CPN - InstroTek reserves the right to change equipment specifications and/or design to meet industry requirements or improve product performance.
  • Page 13 InstroTek CPN 503 Elite HYDROPROBE® Inspection To familiarize yourself with the CPN 503 Elite HYDROPROBE®, perform the following review. 1. Remove the HYDROPROBE® from the shipping case and place it on a solid flat surface, such as a concrete floor.
  • Page 14 Unless specified otherwise at the time of order, an adapter ring for aluminum tubing will be supplied. Adapter rings for other types (e.g. diameters) are available from CPN/InstroTek, Inc. or can be constructed locally. Fig 1.4 503 Cross Section...

  • Page 15: Gauge Functions

    InstroTek 2. Gauge Functions The CPN 503 Elite includes an updated keypad interface with menu related function keys. Function Start/Enter: Take a reading and select from drop down menu functions On/Off: Power on/off function Function key for software/menu requests Yes:...
  • Page 16 InstroTek Menu: 14 Item gauge control functions (See Sect. 6 for details) Arrow Keys: Navigate through the menus Numeric Expanded keypad aids in project and data Keys: entry...
  • Page 17 Note: A new standard count should be taken at least once a day. With the case on the ground, place the gauge on the CPN nameplate depression on the top of the case. No other radioactive sources should be within 30 feet of the gauge, and no source of hydrogen should be within 10 feet after starting the reading.
  • Page 18 InstroTek For scheduling-type operation, a count time of 15 seconds will provide sufficient precision for irrigation scheduling. See section 11 on Standard Count for a further discussion of precision. Select UNITS Gauge units are under menu item These are the different units the user can choose: 1.

  • Page 19: Operation

    InstroTek 3. Operation Operating Procedures Taking A Reading (Standard Count Required to Calculate Moisture) Before taking a reading, you must select UNITS, TIME and CALIBRATION, or PROJECT. After this, lower the probe to the appropriate depth and press START. Note: The gauge must have a valid standard count to function correctly.
  • Page 20 InstroTek Test Results Moisture Count: Raw gauge counts/unit time Ratio: MC/Standard Count Moisture in selected units. (See page 12 for changing units.) The moisture is calculated with the following formula: �� = �� �� �� + �� A and B are from the selected calibration that is stored in the gauge.

  • Page 21: Calibration

    InstroTek 4. Calibration The neutron probe is a source of fast or high energy neutrons and a detector of slow or thermal neutrons. fast neutrons slowed down by collision with the nucleus of matter soil, then absorbed soil matter. Since the mass of the nucleus of hydrogen is the same as that of a free neutron, the presence of...
  • Page 22 InstroTek compact the surrounding soil when taking the samples. Ideally (20) such measurement pairs should be taken over a range of moisture conditions. An alternate method is to use a sampler of smaller diameter than the tube and take volume samples at each depth while making the hole to install the access tube.
  • Page 23 InstroTek Where: m = moisture in inches per foot r = count ratio MH = high moisture value in inches per foot ML = low moisture value in inches per foot RH = probe count ration at the high moisture value RL = probe count ration at the low moisture value Example: A field capacity of 3.8 in/ft gives a ratio of 1.500, while 50...
  • Page 24 InstroTek water per cubic centimeter of soil, or 32% water by volume, or 3.84 inches of water per foot of soil). A low standard of dry sand would be 0.0 gm/cc. This is how the factory calibration is determined. It will be applicable for sandy soils with no significant organics.
  • Page 25 InstroTek  You will be prompted to enter the Password (3548). Enter it and press STORE.  Use the Arrow keys to select ‘1. Enter New Cal’. Press ENTER.  Use the Arrow keys to select the calibration you wish to change.
  • Page 26 InstroTek  Use Arrow and ENTER keys to enter Template ID. Press STORE.  Use UP/DOWN Arrows to select the units of the calibration. Press STORE.  Use LEFT or RIGHT Arrows and ENTER to change the coefficients.  Press STORE. ...
  • Page 27 InstroTek An alternative method of updating the calibrations manually  From the Gauge Ready Screen, press MENU – Use the Arrow keys to select ’13. Calibrations’.  Press Enter. Use the Arrow keys to select ‘4. Send to USB’. Insert a Thumb Drive, and press ENTER. ...
  • Page 28 InstroTek  Enter the first Moisture Reference value.  Press ENTER. Place the probe into the first moisture Standard and Press START.  The gauge will run a 240 second test on the standard. After the test has completed, you will be prompted to repeat the steps for the second standard.
  • Page 29 InstroTek Manual Entry Calibration  From the Gauge Ready Screen, press MENU – Use the Arrow keys to select ’13. Calibrations’.  Press Enter. Use the Arrow keys to select ‘2. Enter/Edit Cal’. Press Enter. Enter the Password (3548).  Use the Arrow keys to select ‘3. Self-Calibration’. Use the Arrow keys to select ‘2.
  • Page 30 InstroTek  Repeat for the second reference. At results page, press YES to accept.

  • Page 31: Logging And Projects

    InstroTek 5. Logging and Projects To Log Readings (Press STORE after completion of reading if not using Auto Store) Readings can be logged by the gauge as they are taken in the field or pre-set with count time and number of readings/logs per location.
  • Page 32 InstroTek Simple Project: To start a simple project from the Gauge ready screen:  Press MENU  Press “1” on the key pad or – Use Arrow keys to select ‘1. New Project’.  Press ENTER – Use Arrow keys to select ‘New Simple Proj.’. ...
  • Page 33 InstroTek  Press YES at the Accept Screen if the data is correct. Notice the A on the Gauge Ready screen; it signifies that Auto Store is enabled. To disable Auto Store you must go through the “5 New Project Menu”. ...
  • Page 34 InstroTek  After the test finishes the result screen is shown. Pressing START from here will run another test. Pressing STORE will save the results again. Full Project Template: The Full project would be used in a situation where you have a static setup with 2 or more fields and a known number of tubes.
  • Page 35 InstroTek  Press ENTER – Use Arrow keys to select ‘1. New Project’.  Press ENTER – Use Arrow keys to select ‘New Template’. Press ENTER.  Use Arrow and ENTER keys to enter Template ID. Press STORE.  Use Left and Right Arrow to enter the number of stations, 2 in this example.
  • Page 36 InstroTek  Use Arrow and ENTER keys to enter Station 1 ID. Press STORE.  Use Left and Right Arrow to enter the number of tubes at this station, 5 in this example.  Use Arrow and ENTER keys to enter Tube 1 ID. Press STORE. ...
  • Page 37 InstroTek  Use UP/DOWN keys to select the calibration constant for this tube. Each tube can have a different calibration constant.  Repeat from enter Tube ID for the remaining 4 tubes.  Repeat from enter Station ID for the Field 2. When you are finished you will be presented with the accept screen.
  • Page 38 InstroTek Full Project: Once the template has been created, you can select it for a new Full Project.  Press MENU – Use Arrow keys to select ‘5. Projects‘  Press ENTER – Use Arrow keys to select ‘1. Act/Deact Project’ ...
  • Page 39 InstroTek  Use Arrow and ENTER keys to enter Project ID. Press STORE.  Press NO to leave Auto Store Enabled (The Results will be stored automatically in the project, no need to press STORE at the result page.) Press Yes to Disable Auto Store (to save the results in the project you will have to press STORE at the result page).
  • Page 40 InstroTek  Press START from this screen to take a test. You will be prompted to enter notes at the beginning of each tube. Press YES to enter any notes. Press NO and the test will begin.  After the test finishes the result screen is shown. Pressing START from here will run another test.
  • Page 41 InstroTek How to format Continuous Logging: Use the MENU key item (12) Logging to format the data storage area to agree with the tube conditions. For each access tube at which one record of data is stored, the format will allow 1 to moisture readings location/depth...
  • Page 42 InstroTek How to START and LOG Your Measurements Ensure there is an updated Standard count. Select Set units, time, calibration and format. Then to log a record of information, place the gauge on the access tube and press START. If no project is selected, the results may be stored in the Daily Log by pressing STORE on the keypad.

  • Page 43: Menu Items

    If two out of three stat tests fail the limits set by the gauge, contact your CPN/InstroTek representative. Note: Control the movement of other gauges during this test. Always keep other gauges a minimum of 10 meter (30 feet) away, while taking a Stat test.
  • Page 44 InstroTek iv. Send to Serial – Sends the results of the last Stat Test out the RS232 port. c) Drift Test If there is a consistent drift in the standard counts from count to count or day to day, the electronics may have a drift problem.
  • Page 45 InstroTek h) Backlight Diag – turns the backlight on and off. SD Card Diag – Writes a string to the SD card and reads that string back. USB Drive Diag – Writes a test file to the USB drive k) Defaults – Puts all the gauge control data into their default states.
  • Page 46 InstroTek d) Send to Serial – Sends all 32 calibrations out the RS232 port. e) Send to USB – Saves the results of the last Stat Test to the USB thumb drive. Load From USB – Loads the values for all 32 calibrations from a file on the thumb drive.

  • Page 47: Maintenance

    The only required tools are the screwdriver and the spanner wrench which are supplied with the gauge. A voltmeter capable of reading to 15 vdc is recommended. The model CPN 503 Elite consists of four major assemblies: 1) Surface Shield/Carrying Box 2) Electronic Assembly...
  • Page 48 InstroTek Leak Testing The leak test is required every six months or yearly (check your Radioactive Materials license) for the time interval). 1. Use a Leak Test Kit to perform this required test for leakage of the source material from its capsule. 2.
  • Page 49 InstroTek Surface Electronic Assembly Maintenance All this will change The Surface Electronic Assembly consists of: 1) Surface PC-Assembly 2) Battery Pack 3) Display PC-Assembly 4) Cable Connector Field maintenance of this unit will normally be limited to replacing the battery pack. Removal The Surface Electronic Assembly can easily be removed from the Surface Shield/Carrying Box for convenience or return to...
  • Page 50 InstroTek The Probe Electronic Assembly consists of the connector, brass plug housing a ferrite transformer, an amplifier PC-Assembly, and an HVPS PC-Assembly. Both of these are mounted on a tray and the detector tube itself. These items are shown in Figure 7.2.

  • Page 51: Operation Precautions

    3. Use a dummy probe to verify tube clearance. Error Messages If an error occurs in the CPN 503 Elite, then the function that was being performed is aborted, and an error description or number is displayed (the gauge is actually in the READY mode). Errors that may occur in the normal operation of the gauge, will display a descriptive message.

  • Page 52: Troubleshooting

    InstroTek 9. Troubleshooting Overall Operation CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE Look for a drift in the counts over the Chi ratio too high, no measurement time. (e.g. the average change in the of the first five counts is significantly average standard different than the average of the last count.
  • Page 53 InstroTek Statistics test results in high ratio due to one HV supply noisy or more wild counts. Drift test results in high ratio due to shift of HV supply drifting mean during the test Detector drifting period Statistics test results in Periodic noise being counted, most low ratio with an likely due to open bypass capacitor in...

  • Page 54: Print Data/Transfers

    RS232 connection. 4. Send All Serial – All projects will be sent to PC over a RS232 connection. 5. Legacy Format – CPN Dump Software. The program specifications that pertain to the gauge are:  RS232 type serial communication (TXD, RSD, GND) ...
  • Page 55 InstroTek 503 Hydroprobe Control Software for Windows XP, 7, 10, and Higher The program connects to the 503 through a USB serial cable from the pc to the gauge. It permits the user to control the gauge from the pc, download data from the gauge, and upload calibrations and templates to the gauge.

  • Page 56: Standard Count Information

    InstroTek 11. Standard Count Information The standard count is a measurement of the neutrons which have lost significant energy by collision with the hydrogen in the wax shield. By taking the standard count in the same manner each time, it provides two means for checking the validity of the counting function.
  • Page 57 InstroTek The 503 Elite program uses the new standard to calculate moisture count in the field by using (measured count/standard count). Note: When you first receive the gauge, take 4 standard counts and accept each standard to obtain a good Average. Standard Count A more stable method to take a standard count is in an access tube installed in a 30 gallon or larger water barrel.
  • Page 58 InstroTek Standard Count Statistics Taking such a series of 256 1-second counts will result in a distribution of counts around a central value. The standard deviation is a measure of the spread of these counts about the central value. For a random device, such as the decay of a radioactive source, the ideal standard deviation should be equal to the square-root of the average value.

  • Page 59: Counting Statistics

    InstroTek 12. Counting Statistics General Radioactive decay is a random process. For Cesium-137, which has a half-life of 30 years, it can be expected that in 30 years one-half of the material will have decayed, but in the next minute exactly which atoms will decay and exactly how many will decay is only by chance.
  • Page 60 InstroTek Where: SAMPLE COUNT s = standard deviation of the sample 4370 x = count (value of each 4370 sample) 3742 4370 average of the sample 4370 number of measurements in 3812 the sample. 4370 4370 The above describes the average 4402 value and the standard deviation 4370...
  • Page 61 InstroTek Since the number of atoms is very large and the expected probability of a decay occurring is very low (source life in years measurement time minutes), Poisson distribution which is a special case of the binomial distribution for these conditions. A special property of the Poisson distribution is that the expected standard deviation is equal to...
  • Page 62 InstroTek Fig D.3 Fig D.4 The Poisson distribution to discrete measurements, e.g. count or not count. Provided the average value is large enough (20 or greater), the Poisson distributions can be approximated by the Normal distribution. Using the Normal distribution simplifies things even further. It is a continuous distribution.
  • Page 63 InstroTek the use of the best features of each distribution for three statistical situations concerning the gauge: Single measurement precision. Expected spread of measurements. Expected difference between two measurements. Single Measurement Precision The expected variation for one standard deviation (68.3%) of a single count can be expressed as a percent error as follow: %ERROR = This expression reveals that the only way to improve the count...
  • Page 64 InstroTek The count precision improves with the square of the count. Thus taking four times the counts improves the count precision by a factor of two. To provide a consistent frame of reference to the operator, the count displayed in the 503 Elite is always an equivalent to 60- seconds count or CPM (counts per minute), regardless of the time base selected.
  • Page 65 InstroTek Expected Spread of Measurements An accepted quality control procedure for a random counting device is to record a series of 20 to 50 successive counts while keeping all conditions as constant as possible. By comparing the distribution of this sample of counts with the expected normal distributions, abnormal amounts of fluctuation can be detected which could indicate malfunctioning of the gauge.
  • Page 66 InstroTek values depend upon the degrees of freedom (one less than the number of counts) and the probability that a sample of counts would have a larger value of than in the table. The values for 2.5% and 97.5% (a 95% probability range) and 31 degrees of freedom are 17.54 and 48.23.
  • Page 67 InstroTek  Expressing the value in them of the value plus a factor of the deviation: From the Normal tables, for 95% confidence, the Z value is 1.96.       Thus the new reading should be equal to the average of the old reading plus/minus 1.96 times the square-root of the old average.

  • Page 68: Connector Pinouts

    InstroTek 13. Connector Pinouts The pinout of the MOLEX connector in the rear panel of the gauge is as follows: Pin number Function Power + 10Vdc Not used Ground Detector Signal Access Tubing Almost any tube type can be used as long as the probe is calibrated with the same type of tube that is used in the field.
  • Page 69 InstroTek Thicker walled versions (.125”) won’t dent easily and will last longer. Steel: Carbon and Stainless This is expensive but very durable in rocky soils. Some larger wall thickness versions can be flush coupled and thread together. Some measure sensitivity. PVC Schedule 125 This is inexpensive and readily available.

  • Page 70: Excel Spreadsheet

    InstroTek 14. Excel Spreadsheet...

  • Page 71: Appendices

    InstroTek 15. Appendices Appendix 1: Sample Bill of Lading Bill of Lading Shipper: ABC Company, Inc. 1234 John Smith Rd Raleigh, NC 27617 RQ, UN 3332, Radioactive Material, Special Form, NON FISSILE OR FISSILE EXCEPTED, 7 Type “A” Package, Containing: Am-241:Be, 1.85 GBq (50 mCi) Radioactive Yellow II Label, TI=0.2 ******EMERGENCY CONTACT******...
  • Page 72 InstroTek Appendix 2: Emergency Response Information Nuclear Gauge Emergency Response Information for Transportation Reference DOT ERG 2016 pg 266-267 Guide 164, and 49CFR Potential Hazard 1) Proper Shipping Name  UN3332 Radioactive Material Type A Package, special Form, 7, RQ 2) Health Hazards ...
  • Page 73 InstroTek releases are not expected in accidents except those of utmost severity.  Radioactive White-I labels indicate radiation levels outside single, isolated, undamaged packages are very low (less than 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mRem/hr)).  Radioactive Yellow-II and Yellow-III labeled packages have higher radiation levels.
  • Page 74 InstroTek  Priorities for rescue, life-saving, first aid, fire control and other hazards are higher than the priority for measuring radiation levels.  Radiation Authority must be notified of accident conditions. Radiation Authority is usually responsible for decisions about radiological consequences and closure of emergencies.
  • Page 75 InstroTek  Do not move damaged packages; move undamaged packages out of fire zone.  Small Fires: Dry chemical, CO water spray or regular foam.  Large Fires: Water spray, fog (flooding amounts) 7) Spill or Leak  Do not touch damaged packages or spilled material. ...

  • Page 76: Index

    InstroTek 16. Index Accessories ............5 Americium ..........4, 5, 50 Appendices ............65 Battery Life ............5 Bill of Lading ............65 Cable Stops ..........2, 5, 7 Calibration ........... 15-17 Chi-squared ........... 52, 59-60 Connector Pinouts ..........62 Control Software for Windows ....... 49 Count Time ........
  • Page 77 InstroTek Encapsulation ............. 5 Error Messages ..........45 Excel Spreadsheet ........... 64 Features ............... 3 Field Calibration ........…..15 Full Project ..........25, 28, 32 Functional Description ........4 Gauge Functions ..........9 Humidity ............... 5 Inspection ............7 Laboratory Calibration ........17 Leak Testing ............
  • Page 78 InstroTek Operation ............13 Operation Precautions ........45 Performance ..........4, 47 Precision ........... 4, 57-58 Print Data/Transfers .......... 48 Probe Assembly ..........41, 43 Radiological ..........5, 68-69 Recall ............36-37 Self-Calibration ..........21 Simple Project ..........26, 37 Single Measurement Precision ....... 57 Shielding ...............
  • Page 79 InstroTek Taking a Reading ........13, 25 Taking a Standard Count ......11, 51 Temperature ............5 Operating ............. 5 Storage ..............5 Transport Index ..........67 Troubleshooting .......... 12, 46 Tube Adapter Ring …………………………….. 8 Units ............ 5, 12, 14, 39...

  • Page 80: Warranty

    InstroTek 17. Warranty InstroTek, Inc. extends a 2-year limited warranty on the Model MC 503 Elite Hydroprobe™ to the original purchaser of this equipment. This warranty covers defects material, workmanship, and operation under the conditions of normal use and proper maintenance.
  • Page 81 InstroTek Contact Information Innovators in Instrumentation Technology www.InstroTek.com | (919) 875-8371 | sales@InstroTek.com Research Triangle Park, NC | Austin, TX | Bensalem, PA | Grand Rapids, MI | Denver, CO | Las Vegas, NV | Concord, CA...
  • Page 82 Contact us for top quality, best value and superior service! email: sales@instrotek.com visit: InstroTek.com ª Call a loCaTIon near you: Headquarters: research Triangle Park, nC phone: 919.875.8371 Bensalem, Pa phone: 215.645.1064 Grand rapids, MI phone: 616.726.5850 ª Denver, Co phone: 303.955.5740 austin, TX phone: 512.452.8848 ª...

Table of Contents