METER VARIOS Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. METER Manuals
  4. Measuring Instruments
  5. VARIOS
  6. Manual

METER VARIOS Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for VARIOS:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
VARIOS

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the VARIOS and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for METER VARIOS

Summary of Contents for METER VARIOS

  • Page 1 VARIOS...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    2.1 Installation ....................3 2.2 Key Factors to Get Reliable Measurements ..........4 2.3 Connect VARIOS Configurations ..............4 2.3.1 VARIOS Thermal Dryout Configuration ..........4 2.3.2 VARIOS Standalone Configuration ........... 7 2.4 Prepare Soil Sample................... 8 2.4.1 Undisturbed Soil Sample ..............9 2.4.2 Disturbed Soil Sample ..............
  • Page 3 2.7.6 Additional Function of LABROS SoilView ........35 2.7.7 Postprocessing a Measurement ............. 36 3. System ....................... 39 3.1 Specifications ..................39 3.2 Components .................... 41 3.2.1 Sensors ..................41 3.2.2 Soil Sample Ring ................42 3.2.3 HYPROP Balance ................42 3.2.4 Saturation Ring ................

  • Page 5: Introduction

    VARIOS is an automated measurement and evaluation lab system for determining thermal conductivity as a function of water content of soil samples and other suitable materials. This manual will help the user understand and use the VARIOS in its possible combinations to the best of its capability.

  • Page 6: Varios-Standalone Set

    Š 2 Saturation trays Š 6 Silicone retaining rings Š Glycerin verification standard Items sold separately Š VARIOS USB Adapter and cable (order separately if applicable) Š VARIOS Power Adapter and cable (order separately if applicable) Š Sensor Installation Tool 1.3 VARIOS—STANDALONE SET The components listed below are available individually.

  • Page 7: Operation

    METER sensors are built to the highest standards, but misuse, improper protection, or improper installation may damage the sensor and possibly void the manufacturer’s warranty. Before integrating VARIOS into a system, make sure to follow the recommended installation instructions and have the proper protections in place to safeguard sensors from damage.

  • Page 8: Key Factors To Get Reliable Measurements

    The VARIOS Thermal dryout configuration uses both the VARIOS and a HYPROP Balance to calculate the thermal conductivity as a function of water content of soil samples or various suitable materials. Both the VARIOS Complete Set and the Extension Set can be used for the Thermal dryout configuration.
  • Page 9 NOTE: The Complete Set uses a HYPROP Balance (VARIOS ready) and the Extension Set uses a legacy HYPROP Balance. If HYPROP Balance is used, it can mean either version and depends on the equipment being set up.
  • Page 10 When using an existing HYPROP Balance (that is not VARIOS ready), the Extension Set should be used. The Extension Set includes a METER power supply that plugs into the back of the Balance to provide enough power to run the VARIOS unit. Contact Customer Support ordering information if a VARIOS power adapter is needed.

  • Page 11: Varios Standalone Configuration

    SoilView software screen (Figure 19). Be sure that the device stays connected during the entire measurement. NOTE: Make sure that the VARIOS connecting cable is not under any tension or touching anything that may influence the accurate weight data.

  • Page 12: Prepare Soil Sample

    Place the soil sample directly on top of the VARIOS (Section 2.4). Connect the VARIOS to the VARIOS USB adapter. NOTE: Make sure that the VARIOS connecting cable is not under any tension or touching anything that may influence the accurate weight data.

  • Page 13: Undisturbed Soil Sample

    Balance can weigh when using VARIOS thermal dryout set up. The HYPROP Balance is able to weigh as much as 2,200 g and, if a larger sample ring is used, it could end up weighing more than the Balance can handle.
  • Page 14 Make sure there are no large stones or roots at the selected location. Place the soil sample ring with the cutting edge down on the ground. Place the METER hammering adapter (available for 250 mL) on the sample ring (Figure 6). Soil Hammering...
  • Page 15 Soil Hammering Adapter Soil Sample Ring Figure 7 Pound METER hammering adapter with PE hammer to drive soil sample ring into ground Remove the hammering adapter. Use a spade to dig the sample ring out of the hole, including the undisturbed soil sample.

  • Page 16: Disturbed Soil Sample

    The tools needed to collect a disturbed soil sample are listed below: • duct tape • METER soil sample ring • HYPROP Balance • fork • knife The following steps describe how to collect a disturbed soil sample.

  • Page 17: Saturate Soil Sample

    VARIOS If no specific dry density is requested, fill the sample ring until it is completely full and the surface is flush (planar) with the soil sample ring. If required, cut overlapping material with a knife. For storage, place the two covers on the sample ring.
  • Page 18 OPERATION Examine the cut side for irregularities such as big stones, pebbles, woody debris, roots, and intensive smell. Estimate the possible lack of volume in mL attributed to the space taken up by irregularities identified in step 3. Enter the volume in mL under the Information tab in the LABROS SoilView-Analysis software (Figure 10).
  • Page 19 VARIOS Place a LABROS saturation plate on the noncutting side of the sample ring. NOTE: The sample ring should fit snug in the LABROS saturation plate. Turn the sample ring over, holding onto the filter paper and LABROS saturation plate, so the noncutting side is facing down.

  • Page 20: Disturbed Soil Sample

    OPERATION 2.5.2 DISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE The steps below describe how best to saturate the soil sample. Take the soil sample out of the refrigerator. Remove the cover from the noncutting side of the sample ring. If soil material is protruding above the top of the sample ring, cut off the protruding material until the surface is flush (planar) with the top of the sample ring.
  • Page 21 VARIOS Turn the sample ring over, holding onto the filter paper, so the noncutting side is facing down. Place the noncutting side of the sample ring with filter paper onto a LABROS saturation plate (Figure 8). Figure 16 LABROS Saturation plate Remove the cover from the cutting side of the sample ring.

  • Page 22: Insert Sensor Needle Into Sample Material

    Follow these instructions for use with soil, and other loose material. METER designed the two VARIOS sensors to be easy to install and use. The sensor needle(s) must be inserted all the way into the sample material. It is easier to get the needles inserted into some materials than others.
  • Page 23 VARIOS Place a retaining ring around the sample ring and into the notch of the installation tool (Figure 19). Place the sensor on the installation tool guide rail (Figure 19). Insert the sensor needle continuously into the soil sample through the duct tape with even pressure by pushing it forward on the installation tool guide rail.

  • Page 24: Solid Material Sample (Tc-S100 Sensor)

    The possible device combinations for soil measurements are described in the following sections. 2.7.1.1 VARIOS PLUS BALANCE (COMPLETE SET OR EXTENSION SET) To measure the thermal conductivity dryout curve, place the VARIOS and sample on a HYPROP Balance (VARIOS ready or existing) to record the weight and thermal data points continuously during the measurement.

  • Page 25: Connecting Devices To A Pc Computer

    To measure the thermal conductivity of various materials, the sample can be placed directly on the VARIOS. Then connect the VARIOS to a computer via a METER USB adapter and USB cable (Figure 4). Thermal conductivity data is recorded and evaluated using the LABROS SoilView and LABROS SoilView-Analysis software, respectively.
  • Page 26 (e.g., away from air conditioner and heater vents, windows). Ideally, this place is not used for other laboratory work during VARIOS measurements. Adjust the Balance by turning the Balance adjusters on the legs of the Balance until the level air bubble rests in the center of the level red circle (Figure 23).
  • Page 27 VARIOS Please follow the instructions below to perform a calibration test: Remove the VARIOS from the HYPROP Balance for calibration. Replace the original measurement pan that came with the Balance. Be sure nothing is placed on the Balance. Press the ZERO/TARE button on the Balance weight.

  • Page 28: Configure A Measurement

    Select the type of sample ring (250 mL or customized). NOTE: A custom soil container can be used with the VARIOS. The container volume and weight will need to be recorded and entered into the LABROS SoilView-Analysis software. The maximum weight that the balance can read is 2,200 g.
  • Page 29 The measurement profiles are located in the Settings window in the upper right corner of the LABROS SoilView software screen. The LABROS SoilView software provides one example profile for each of the following VARIOS measurement types: •...
  • Page 30 OPERATION Figure 27 Example VARIOS point-by-point measurement profile Figure 28 Example VARIOS IEEE 442-2017 standard measurement profile...
  • Page 31 VARIOS Figure 29 Example VARIOS Glycerin verification measurement profile To generate a new customized measurement profile, follow the steps below: Press the New Profile button. Enter all necessary values. Press the Save Profile button to enter a profile name and store it (Figure 30).
  • Page 32 OPERATION Table 3 lists all parameters that can be defined for the measurement profile. Table 3 Measurement Profile Parameters Measurement Parameter Description Mode Type of measurement mode continuous point by point verification Measurement interval [hh:mm:ss] Time between consecutive conductivity measurements (each with a duration of Total Measure Time ).
  • Page 33 VARIOS Table 3— Measurement Profile Parameters (continued) Thermal Conductivity Parameter Description Total Number of Samples [–] Sum of Drift, Heat, and Cool samples. Total Measure Time [hh:mm:ss] Duration of an active conductivity measurement; i.e., Total Number of Samples x Sampling Interval [sec] .

  • Page 34: Running A Measurement

    This measurement mode is recommended when single conductivity (and weight) values at different moisture steps need to be recorded. Verification Mode. This is a measurement that verifies the sensor needles and VARIOS performance using a Glycerin standard. For more information please refer to Section 4.1.
  • Page 35 VARIOS The Start Measurement Wizard in the LABROS SoilView software can also be used to start a measurement. Click on the Start Measurement Wizard icon that appears below the Main menu toolbar. Trigger the Start Measurement Wizard in the drop-down menu under the Extras menu in the Main menu.
  • Page 36 Name user gives to the data file; should include the folder structure. By selecting the ellipsis button, a measurement can be continued (Section 2.7.6). Device VARIOS_PRO-[000] The name of the VARIOS device used. Measurement Profile Measurement profile used (Section 2.7.4.1). Mode continuous, point by point, or verification (Section 2.7.4.2).
  • Page 37 Durations Days, hours, minutes and seconds since the measurement is running. Last readings Last recorded thermal conductivity value in W/m × K. K-Value Last recorded weight in g (only for the VARIOS dryout version). Weight [empty] Start/Stop/Remove from Manager [empty] Select the SHOW MEASUREMENT TAB button and the surface jumps to the respective Measurement tab.
  • Page 38 Table 6 Measurement Tab Data (continued) First Row–Heading Second Row–Data Device information View the VARIOS serial number, sensor unit name, and device ID, SN needle sensor. Balance information View the Balance serial number and Balance name. During the measurement, all determined measurement results are displayed graphically in the LABROS SoilView software.

  • Page 39: Additional Function Of Labros Soilview

    Displays a menu to help start a measurement and select the right adjustments. Feedback Provides feedback. Settings Adjust general settings and define measurement profiles for the HYPROP and VARIOS measurements. For more information refer to Section 2.7.4.1. Manual View the current manual.

  • Page 40: Postprocessing A Measurement

    NOTE: When continuing a measurement, the same sensor has to be used because the weight of the sensor is a critical parameter for the evaluation. A different VARIOS device may be used when continuing a measurement, as that will not adversely affect the data.
  • Page 41 • Export graphs, raw data, calculated data, fitted functions, and other parameters of interest. The software leads the user through the VARIOS evaluation process using the tabs shown in Figure 40 and defined in Table 9:...
  • Page 42 For more details about how to use LABROS SoilView-Analysis, please read the LABROS SoilView-Analysis User Manual. 2.7.7.2 LED INDICATOR The status of the VARIOS is indicated by the LED light on the front of the VARIOS unit (Table 10). Table 10 VARIOS LED Status MAIN Menu Option Description Flashing white light—three times Powered on.

  • Page 43: System

    VARIOS 3. SYSTEM This section describes the VARIOS system. 3.1 SPECIFICATIONS MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS Volumetric Water Content (VWC) Range TC-S70 sensor 1.3–10.3 [W/m] TC-S100 sensor 0.8–6.0 [W/m] Accuracy ±5% Temperature Sensor Storage/ –50 to +120 °C Drying Range Operation Range –40 to 85 °C Resolution 0.01 °C...
  • Page 44 SYSTEM PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions Length 162.0 mm (6.38 in) Width 185.0 mm (7.28 in) Height 30.0 mm (1.18 in) TC-S70 Sensor Dimensions Length 114.0 mm (4.49 in) Width 19.4 mm (0.76 in) Height 13.25 mm (0.52 in) TC-S100 Sensor Dimensions Length 144.0 mm (5.67 in) Width...

  • Page 45: Components

    VARIOS. 3.2.1 SENSORS The VARIOS can read the TC-S70 and TC-S100 sensor data. Each sensor is available for sale individually when purchasing a VARIOS. The type of sensor, serial number, and weight is stored in the sensor and automatically transferred to the LABROS SoilView-Analysis software.

  • Page 46: Soil Sample Ring

    This prevents air gaps between the sensor and the soil. 3.2.6 USB-A TO USB-B ADAPTER AND CABLE This cable will connect the VARIOS to a computer. This component is required to use the VARIOS. 3.2.7 GLYCERIN VERIFICATION STANDARD The glycerin standard is used to verify that VARIOS sensors are reading correctly.
  • Page 47 The VARIOS is characterized by a very fine adjustment of the heat input and the measuring duration. These parameters can be user-defined with high flexibility. This allows for ideal...
  • Page 48 SYSTEM SINGLE-NEEDLE ALGORITHM The thermal conductivity of the VARIOS needle is derived from the following equation for dual needle measurments.: – r ΔT = Equation 1 4πk Where: = the temperature rise at the measuring needle q = the heat input at the heated needle (W/m)
  • Page 49 VARIOS Using only the first term of the series expansion is only valid at long heating times, so early time data are left out of the analysis. Equation 2 can, in fact, be shown to give correct results after long enough times, but the times are very long, especially for low-conductivity materials.

  • Page 50: Service

    • Material has high viscosity and reliable measurement values even at temperature changes. The thermal conductivity value of the standard material delivered with the VARIOS sets, is defined by 0.285 W/m × K at 25 °C.
  • Page 51 VARIOS Place the base of the glycerin vial into the lower adapter (Figure 45). Lower adapter Figure 45 Lower adapter on Glycerin vial Place the upper adapter on top of the glycerin vial (Figure 46). Upper adapter Glycerin vial Lower adapter Figure 46 Upper adapter on top of Glycerin vial Insert the sensor needle into the top of the upper adapter (Figure 47).
  • Page 52 SERVICE Push the needle through the upper adapter toward the septum of the glycerin vial. Press the sensor through the glycerin vial septum (Figure 48). Be sure that the sensor is inserted completely and no air bubbles are produced near the sensor. Sensor Upper adapter Glycerin vial...

  • Page 53: Cleaning

    The VARIOS can be cleaned with a paper towel dampened with water. NOTE: The VARIOS case and connector plugs are not waterproof. Therefore, DO NOT clean the VARIOS under running water. DO NOT clean the device with other substances such as alcohol to avoid damaging the VARIOS...

  • Page 54: Troubleshooting

    This will appear as blue text in the upper right hand corner of the screen. To update the firmware, click on the notification in the top left corner. This will download the latest firmware from the METER website. Next, right-click on the VARIOS unit in the manager tab and select the Update Firmware option.

  • Page 55: Customer Support

    NOTE: For products purchased through a distributor, please contact the distributor directly for assistance. 4.6 TERMS AND CONDITIONS By using METER instruments and documentation, you agree to abide by the METER Group, Inc. USA Terms and Conditions. Please refer to metergroup.com/terms-conditions...

  • Page 56: References

    REFERENCES REFERENCES ASTM International. 2014. Standard Test Method for Determination of Thermal Conductivity of Soil and Soft Rock by Thermal Needle Probe Procedure, Designation: D 5334-08. https:// www.astm.org/d5335-08.html. Bristow KL, White RD, Kluitenberg GJ. 1994. Comparison of single and dual probes for measuring soil thermal properties with transient heating.

  • Page 57: Index

    VARIOS INDEX Measurement tab 33 measurement modes 29 balance. See  measurement configuration measurement profile 25 best practices 4 LED indicator 38 light. See  LED Indicator calibration. See  measurement configuration cleaning 49 maintenance. See  service compliance 40 measurement components 41 continuing a measurment 36 configuration.
  • Page 58 INDEX setup 4 VARIOS complete set 5 VARIOS extension set 6 VARIOS standalone configuration 7 software. See  LABROS SoilView software; See  LABROS SoilView-Analysis software software download 3 specifications 39 start a measurement. See  Measurement stop a measurement. See  Measurement support. See  Customer Support...
  • Page 59 18473-00 7.2022 METER Group, Inc. USA 2365 NE Hopkins Court Pullman, WA 99163 T: +1.509.332.2756 F: +1.509.332.5158 E: info@metergroup.com W: metergroup.com METER Group AG Mettlacher Straße 8, 81379 München T: +49 89 1266520 F: +49 89 12665220 E: info.europe@metergroup.com W: metergroup.de...

Table of Contents