Non-Vented Settlement Cells

Operation

A non-vented settlement cell consists of a liquid reservoir, liquid-filled tubing, and the settlement cell, which contains a pressure transducer. One end of the tubing is connected to the settlement cell, which is embedded in fill or installed in a borehole. The other end of the tubing is connected to the reservoir, which is located away from the construction area.
The transducer measures the pressure created by the column of liquid in the tubing. As the transducer settles with the surrounding ground, the height of the column is increased and the settlement cell measures higher pressure. Settlement is calculated by converting the change in pressure to millimeters or inches of liquid head.

Advantages

The reservoir and readout station can be located away from the construction area. The cell and tubing are buried and do not interfere with construction activities.
Vibrating wire cells can be automated. Tubing lengths of up to 300 m (1000 feet) are permissible with VW cells.

Limitations

Temperature changes in reservoirs and above-ground tubing can affect the repeatability of readings.
Non-vented VW cells require corrections for barometric pressure, so barometric pressure must be recorded.
Vented VW cells automatically compensate for changes in barometric pressure, but desiccant chamber must be maintained.

Non-Vented Settlement Cells Specifications

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
Non-Vented Cells	Components include the non-vented cell, settlement plate, tubing, signal cable, reservoir, readout or data logger, and a barometer
Tubing and Signal Cable	Tubing and signal cable run from the buried cell to the reservoir at the surface. Lateral runs up to 300 m (1000') are possible if tubing is buried to minimize temperature changes and deviations from the upward slope of the tubing are kept very small
Reservoir	The small reservoir accommodates one settlement cell. The level of the liquid in the reservoir must be maintained regularly
Dessicant Chamber	Required for vented cells only. Prevents moisture from entering cable and vent tubing
Barometer	Required for non-vented cells only. Non-vented settlement cells are sensitive to atmospheric pressure, which can vary as much as 0.5 psi during the course of a day. This is equivalent to 350 mm or 14"of water head. Barometer readings are required to correct settlement readings for changes in atmospheric pressure. Barometer readings must be obtained on site at the same time as the settlement reading. Barometer readings from weather radios and airports are not adequate for this purpose. If your system is automated, order the barometer for data loggers. It has an accuracy better than ±20 mm (± 0.8 inches) of water head at temperatures from - 25 to 50 °C. Check for a similar accuracy if you purchase a portable barometer
Readouts	The VW Data Recorder is recommended for manual readings. The CR1000 data logger or VW MiniLogger can be used for automated readings. See separate data sheets for features and specifications
Performance Specifications	Range is the maximum vertical distance between the buried cell and the reservoir. Resolution is based on readings obtained with a VW Data Recorder. Calibration accuracy is determined during calibration. Repeatability depends on proper installation of cell, tubing, and maintenance of the reservoir level, maintenance of deaired fluid, and application of any appropriate corrections

NON-VENTED SETTLEMENT CELLS
50 psi VW Settlement Cell	52612020
100 psi VW Settlement Cell	52612030
Sensor Type	Non-vented vibrating wire sensor with built-in thermistor. Settlement cell includes settlement plate and reservoir. Tubing and signal cable ordered separately. Barometer readings are required to compensate for changes in barometric pressure
Range	33 m (108') with 50 psi cell; 66 m (216') with 100 psi cell
Resolution	0.025% FS
Calibration Accuracy	± 0.1% FS
Repeatability	±0.25% FS to ±1% FS
Dimensions	64 x 179 mm ( 2.5 x 7")
Materials	Stainless steel

TUBING AND SIGNAL CABLE
Tubing	51416950	Twin 1/4-inch tubes inside polyethylene jacket. Tubes are filled with de-aired liquid and terminated with quick-connect sockets for connection to reservoir. Specify length
Non-Vented Signal Cable	50613824	Shielded cable with four 22-gauge tinned-copper conductors and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacket. Does not include connecton. Specify length

BAROMETERS
Barometer for Datalogger	52612080	Barometer is designed for use with Campbell Scientific data loggers only

INSTALLATION ACCESSORIES
De-Aired Liquid	51419552	One quart of ethylene glycol-water 50% mixture for maintaining fluid level in reservoir. Mixture has a relative density of 1.065

REPLACEMENT ITEMS
Settlement Plate	51410100	305 x305 mm ( 12 x 12") steel plate helps maintain required upright orientation of cell
Small Reservoir	51419500	Accommodates one settlement cell. Includes mounting hardware, two quick-connect plugs, and small bottle of de-aired liquid