EL Tiltmeter

Applications

EL tiltmeters are narrow-angle, high-resolution sensors used to monitor changes in the inclination of a structure. They can provide an accurate history of movement and early warning of potential structural damage. Applications for tiltmeters include:

  • Monitoring the rotation of retaining walls, piers, and piles.
  • Monitoring the behavior of structures under load.
  • Documenting effects of nearby excavations and providing early warning of potential damage.
EL Tiltmeter

Operation

An EL tiltmeter consists of an electrolytic tilt sensor housed in a compact, weatherproof enclosure. The tilt sensor is a precision bubble-level that is sensed electrically as a resistance bridge. The bridge circuit outputs a voltage proportional to the tilt of the sensor.

The EL tiltmeter has a very narrow range, so it is necessary to "null" the sensor at installation time. This provides the maximum measurement range and also takes advantage of the sensor's best characteristics. The EL Nulling Device or the EL Data Recorder are convenient tools for the nulling operation.

When the tiltmeter is read manually, changes in inclination are found by comparing the current reading to the initial reading. EL tiltmeters may also be connected to a data logger, which can obtain frequent readings, perform calculations, and trigger alarms if tilt or the rate of change exceeds preset limits.

Advantages

High-Resolution: The EL tiltmeter measures tilt over a range of +/- 40 arc minutes. It can can detect changes as small as one arc second (0.00028 degree).

Easy-Installation: The EL tiltmeter is supplied with a rotating mounting bracket that allows the tiltmeter to be mounted to floors, wall, and ceilings. The mounting bracket requires a single anchor.

Robust and Reliable: The sensor has no moving parts and is protected by a weatherproof enclosure.

Ready for Data Logging: The EL tiltmeter is compatible with most data loggers but can also be read manually.

For more information

Please download the datasheet and manual for the EL Tiltmeter. These documents can be viewed and printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader.

EL Tiltmeter & Beam Sensor Specifications

EL TILT SENSOR
EL Tilt Sensor, Standard56802100
EL Tilt Sensor, SC56802120
SensorUniaxial electrolytic tilt sensor housed in a weatherproof aluminum enclosure with terminals and cable gland for signal cable. Does not include bracket, beam, or anchors. The standard version of the tilt sensor works with Campbell Scientific CR1000, CR800, and CR10X data loggers. The SC version of the tilt sensor includes a signal conditioning board and a temperature sensor. It works with Campbell Scientific data loggers, the M-Logger, and readouts such as the EL/MEMS data recorder.
Range±40 arc minutes
Resolution1 arc second using a Campbell Scientific CR1000 data logger
Repeatability± 3 arc seconds
Adjustment RangeThe sensors provides an adjustment range of ±4° to ease installation
Operating Temperature–20 to +50°C.
Dimensions125 x 80 x 59 mm deep (4.9 x 3.2 x 2.3")
SIGNAL CABLE
Signal Cable for Standard Sensor50612804Shielded cable with four 24-gauge tinned-copper conductors and PVC jacket.
Signal Cable for SC Sensor50613527Shielded cable with seven 22-gauge tinned copper conductors and polyurethane jacket.
BEAM SENSOR CONFIGURATION
Order a tilt sensor, a bracket, a beam, and anchors to secure the beam to the structure.
Omni Bracket56801355KThe Omni-bracket holds the tilt sensor onto horizontal, vertical, or inclined beams. Self-tapping screws are included to fasten the bracket to the beam.
1 meter Beam56801612
2 meter Beam56801614
3 meter Beam56801616
3 foot Beam56801623
6 foot Beam56801626
10 foot Beam56801630
Spare End-Bracket5680181538 x 38 mm square-section aluminum beam includes two end-brackets. Beams are sized to provide a gauge length that is measured from anchor to anchor. Anchors are not included
Groutable Anchors56801910KGroutable anchor for beam Includes one allthread stud, low-friction bushings, and other hardware. For stand-alone beam sensors, order two anchors. For linked beams that share an anchor, order one anchor for each beam plus one additional anchor for the last beam.
TILTMETER CONFIGURATION
Order a tilt sensor, a bracket, and an anchor for each sensor.
Rotating L-Bracket56801350KThe L-bracket holds the tilt sensor perpendicular to the structure. The bracket rotates nearly 360 degrees, so it can be mounted on inclined structures, floors, and ceilings, as well.
Omni Bracket56801355KThe Omni-bracket holds the tilt sensor parallel with the structure.
Expansion Anchor57803128The expansion anchor is installed in a 9.5 x 64 mm (3/8 x 2.5 in) drill hole and includes a bolt and washer to hold the L-bracket.
Groutable Anchor57803130KThe groutable anchor is installed in a 13 x 90 mm (0.5 x 3.5 in) drill hole and includes a bolt and washer to hold the L-bracket. Requires epoxy grout available locally or ordered below.
Epoxy Grout Kit57803133Includes plastic dispenser and cartridge of quickset epoxy grout. Sufficient for 15 anchors.
DATA LOGGERS & READOUTS
Campbell Scientific Data LoggersThe CR1000 Logger can monitor 12 standard or 3 SC sensors directly. Up to 32 standard sensors or 16 SC sensors can be connected to an AM16/32 multiplexer. See separate datasheet.
M-LoggerThe M-Logger can monitor one SC sensor directly or 16 SC sensors connected to an AM16/32 multiplexer. See separate datasheet.
EL / MEMS Data Recorder56813500This portable readout displays and records readings from SC sensors. Tilt readings are displayed in volts; temperature readings in degrees C. It can also be used for nulling the sensors. See separate datasheet.
EL Nulling Device56803300The EL Nulling device provides a convenient way to zero sensors at installation time. The nulling device is compatible with both standard and SC tilt sensors.