_ IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

USER MANUAL

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

INDEX IntroduCTION Pag. 4

DescriPTION Pag. 5

PRELIMINARY CHECKS Pag. 8

INSTALLATION Pag. 8

TAKING MEASUREMENTS Pag. 14

DATA MANAGEMENT Pag. 15

Troubleshooting Pag. 17

MAINTENANCE SERVICE Pag. 17

APPENDIX 1 Pag. 18

APPENDIX 2 Pag. 19

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 2 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

Notes on the use of product
For safe and efficient use of the product, please read carefully the following
instructions before starting any operation.
Any use of the product other than the one described in this manual shall be considered the
user’s full responsibility.
The same applies for any unauthorized modifications.
In addition to the hereby listed standards, the user must comply with the provisions of the
current legislation regarding personal safety and health together with all other persons in the
workplace.
SISGEO is not responsible for any accident, breakdown or other problems due to lack of
knowledge and / or non-compliance with the requirements contained in this manual.
Check that the product has not been damaged during the transport.
Verify that the package includes all items as well as any requested optional accessories; if
anything is missing, please promptly contact SISGEO.
The user must strictly follow all the operations described in this manual.
Maintenance or repair of the device is permitted only by authorized operators.
These operators must be physically and intellectually suitable.
For information about instrument or to order spare parts, always specify the product
information which can be found on the identification label.
When replacing parts, always use ORIGINAL SPARE PARTS.
The manufacturer reserves the right to make either technical and / or commercial changes
without prior notice.
It is our policy to keep manuals continuously updated.

Symbols

Pay particular attention to the following instruction.

Identification Instruments can be identified

• From a production lot number (written on the Compliance Certificate)
• From a serial number (s/n) engraved indelibly on the instrument
• From a label on the instrument
• From a label on the cable

Note The present Manual is issued by SISGEO in English Language and translated in other
different languages.
In order to avoid discrepancies and disagreements on the interpretation of the meanings,
Sisgeo Srl declares that English Language prevails

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 3 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

INTRODUCTION

The vertical in-place inclinometers (IPI) are used to

monitor horizontal displacement and deformations in soil
or structures where the critical depth are known; as a
consequence the IPI could be concentrated only some
areas along the borehole.

They are used in many application: diaphragm walls, dams,

tunneling, deep excavations, unstable slopes, piles.

IPI are installed within the inclinometer casing like a “chain”,

suspended by a stainless steel wire fixed to the
protection cap and connected to readout or datalogger with
single cable (digital model) or with one signal cable from
every inclinometer (analog model)

IPI monitoring depth is usually determined using previous

surveys with a removable inclinometer probe.
IPI measure the angular local variation compared to the
vertical.

SISGEO manufactures two kind of IPI:

• digital (RS485, Modbus)
• analog (4-20mA current loop)

In agreement with the Customer, digital IPI are configured

in factory for:
• univocal RS-485 address
• power supply configuration
• measuring unit.

In a Ø 60mm casing can be installed up to 15 analog IPI

chain (cable dimension issue) and up to 50 digital IPI.
Sisgeo suggests that the chain isn’t longer than 250m (to
avoid voltage drop in the powering) in case of “always
on” powering.

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 4 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

DESCRIPTION 4 IPI consists of:

1. A differential MEMS sensor and its electronic board

housed in a waterproof stainless steel body.The
3
sensor could be mono or biaxial. Temperature can be
read in both model;
2. wheels assembly to slide along the grooves of the
2 inclinometer casing;
3. electrical cable for the connection to the readout.
A male/female connectors are assembled on the
digital IPI’s cable at each end (5);
4. termination resistor on last IPI of chain (only for
digital IPI).

The available accessories could be:

• stainless steel wire;
• stainless steel clamp, screw, clevis and redance;
• suspension pin with ring;
• copper clamps;
• plier for copper clamps;

Digital IPI note

Principal parameters configured at factory:

1 • Serial number;
• Calibration parameters;
• RS485 address. Each IPI has an univocal address also
reported in a label on the cable.
• Powering type :
A) always-on (all IPI switched on together)
B) timed (only one IPI switched on at time)

In “always-on” the consumption is higher (and the voltage

2 drops could be heavy) but the reading times are lower.
In “timed” the incremental delay [sec] and the warm-up
time [sec] are set. Every IPI is turned on, read and then
3 turned off from the Modbus master.

Unit of measurement:
the standard output is sinα. Upon request is possible
5
to configure IPI with sinα with K≠1 or another unit of
measurement ( °, mm/m, inch/feet).

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 5 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

Inclinometer’s casing grooves, once installed, are identified with numbers 1-2-3-4,
clockwise; the groove nr. 1 is the one closer to geographic north or the one turned towards
the expected movement.
Model, serial number and “A” are marked on the reference side.
The pictures below shows the sign’s convention:

View from top

A>0 A<0
reference wheel
A+

B- B+

reference
wheels A-

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 6 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

PRELIMINARY Before starting the installation we recommend to check the instrument connecting to a

CHECKS portable readout (see “Taking Measurements”).

Useful tools (not supplied):

• allen key SW2

• flat tip screwdriver
• steel cutting nippers
• adhesive tape, plastic tie

INSTALLATION The inclinometer casing must be already installed and the grouting must be cured.

DIGITAL IPI

Rod

termination
resistor

Identify the IPI according to the project Using a strong rod (not supplied), hang
scheme. Insert the bottom IPI into the the IPI.
casing, checking that reference wheels
are in groove 1. The IPI must have the
termination resistor; be sure it doesn’t
touch the bottom.

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 7 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS
calibrated pin
Connect the second IPI with the
calibrated pin. Remove the red cap from
connectors and join them carefully.Fix
them with wrappers or tape. Slide the IPI
into the casing respecting the reference
wheel groove 1.
1
Stainless steel
wire Ø2.5 mm
www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16
To obtain a correct connection align
the references. Do not strain or screw
tightly to avoid damaging the connectors.
Protection IP68 (1MPa) is guaranteed only
with a good connection.
Continue with the other IPIs.
All reference wheels must be positioned
into groove 1.
Assemble the suspension system
(1) according to the draw (see also
Appendix 2).
Note: in case of re-installation check
the screws of the wheels and tighten if
necessary.
Page 8 of 17
 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

plate

Block the cable with the plate on the Installation example using a measuring
terminal cap. Protect the cable from panel for SISGEO portable datalogger
mechanical damage and the end side from (i.e. New Leonardo).
the water.

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 9 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

Installation scheme
example

IPI

IPI

bottom detail

IPI

~ 1m

Termination resistor

For more details see FAQ #073 on SISGEO Website.

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 10 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS
ANALOG INCLINOMETERS
suspension pin
steel clamps
steel wire
Ø 2mm
Cut the steel wire about 5/10cm longer
than necessary. Following the draw,
assemble the IPI to the suspension pin.
plate
Insert the suspension pin into one of the
protective cap holes. Identify the IPIs.
Block the cable with the plates of the
protective cap. Protect the cables from
mechanical damage and the end side from
water.
www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16
Insert the IPI into the casing. The
reference wheels must be in groove 1.
Using the steel wire, lower carefully the
IPI into the casing.
If the IPI quantity should make the
installation difficult, connect them outside
the casing like a chain. Fix the cables with
adhesive tape or plastic tie in order to avoid
any damage during installation. Keep the
cable a little longer then the steel wire
between two IPI, to avoid ripping it when in
traction. If the total weight would be higher
than 30 kg, we recommend to use copper
clamps and the suitable plier.
Page 11 of 17
 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

TAKING The last digital IPI of every chain must have a termination resistance as follows:

MEASUREMENTS
Chains (to a single datalogger) Resistance

1 120Ω

2 240Ω

3 360Ω

4 480Ω

Manual readings are taken connecting the conductors to a readout according to the following
scheme:

Red + Loop

Black - Loop
Mono axial IPI 4-20mA
White Thermistor
current loop
Green Thermistor

Shield Shield

Red + Loop Ch. A

Black - Loop Ch. A

White + Loop Ch. B

Bi-axial IPI 4-20mA
Green - Loop Ch. B
current loop
Yellow Thermistor

Blue Thermistor

Shield Shield

Standard cable Function Cable WE606IPDZH

Red +Vdc Brown

Black GND or -Vdc Black

Digital IPI
Green Data + (RS485 A) Blue

White/Green Data - (RS485 B) White

Shield Shield Shield

To obtain reliable measures, with 4-20mA IPI, we recommend a warm up time not less
than 10 seconds.
Digital IPI suggests to program the Modbus master (if not supplied from SISGEO) to wait
the third reading before to consider it valid.

Readings are taken connecting the cable to a portable readout with RS485 interface (DCE,
Half duplex, no Echo) able to manage communication protocol SISGEO Modbus RTU.

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 12 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

The power [W] of power supply must be chosen according to the IPI quantity and power
supply mode.
Communication protocol is downloadable from Sisgeo Website (to be used when MODBUS
Master is not supplied by SISGEO).
Sisgeo suggests not to change the parameters set in factory (serial number, calibration
factors etc.).
The Modbus master (readout unit) must be set according to the factory’s IPI configuration.

DATA MANAGEMENT The following formulas allow to convert the electric measurements into engineering values:

Linear factor Leng [sinα] = (Li- L0) / S [sinα]

Polynomial factor Leng [sinα] = (Lel3 x A) + (Lel2 x B) + (Lel x C) + D [sinα]

Leng = Engineering unit

Lel = Electric unit
S = linear sensitivity factor
A, B, C, D = polynomial conversion factors

S, A, B, C, D are stated on Calibration Report.

The digital IPIs read engineering units directly. No conversion is needed.

The excercise readings refer to the initial reading (zero reading).

∆I = Li - L0

L0 = Zero reading
Li = Excercise reading

Zero reading shall be taken carefully once the installation is performed and the system is
stable (no vibrations etc...).
Usually a complete stabilization of the system takes 36/48 hours.
We suggest to consider only the relative and not the absolute measurements.

Example

Mono axial inclinometer; measuring range±10° ; mA readings

S = 46.29078 mA/sinα
A = -1.483E-06 , B = 5.232E-05 , C = 2.108E-02 , D = -2.789E-01
L0 = 12.965mA , L1 = 17.006mA

Using:
Linear factor (L1-L0)/S : (17.006 – 12.965)/46.29078 = 0.0873 [sinα]
Polynomial factor
[(L13 x A)+(L12x B)+(L1 x C)+D] – [(L03 x A)+(L02x B)+(L0 x C)+D] =
= 0.08742 – (-0.0000352) = 0.08746[sinα]

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 13 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

The local displacement, where the IPI is installed and determined by the wheels assembly
distance, is obtained using the following formula:

Dai = P x sinα
Dbi = P x sinβ
Da
Di P = Wheels step

Db

β
α

It is possible to identify biaxial IPI azimuth following the scheme below (sinα/sinβ) :

A; sinα
+/+
+/-

θr
sinα sinβ k

+ + 0
B; sinβ
+ - ½

- - ½
-/- -/+
- + 1

Temperature Reading (for analog IPIs)

Using readout units, temperature will be displayed directly in °C ; if the resistance value is
read, the conversion formula or the table in Appendix 1 can be used.

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 14 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

TROUBLESHOOTING Analog IPI

Problem Possible cause Solution

Measure not stable Wiring not correct Make proper wiring

Measure 0mA
Cable cut / damaged Repair the cable. Cable splicing kit available at Sisgeo.
Measure overrange

Digital IPI

Problem Possible cause Solution

Verify the right Modbus master configuration (RS485 interface

Modbus master configuration
No IPI read by Modbus included)

master
Verify the correct power and power supply sccording to the IPIs
Wrong IPI power supply
number

Verify the right Modbus master configuration (RS485 interface

Only one IPI can’t be Modbus master configuration
included)
read from Modbus

master Check the IPI with a SISGEO portable datalogger. Contact SISGEO
Electronic board problems
assistance for replacement if problem persist.

A whole IPI chain can

not be read by Modbus Short circuit Check the fuse on the wiring clamps. If it is burned check the cause.

master

The Modbus master

doesn’t read the last Voltage drop too high Split in more than one chain to limit cable lenght

IPIs of the chain

MAINTENANCE After-sales assistance for calibrations, maintenance and repairs, is performed by SISGEO’s
SERVICE service department.
The authorization for shipment shall be activated by RMA “Return Manufacturer
Authorization”. Create your account and then fill in the RMA module clicking on:

http://www.sisgeo.com/repairs.html

Send back the instrument/equipment with the complete accessories, using suitable
packaging, or, even better, the original ones.
The shipping costs shall be covered by the sender.

Please return to the following address with correct delivery documentation:

SISGEO S.r.l.
Via F.Serpero, 4/F1
20060 MASATE (MI)

On the delivery document it is mandatory to indicate the RMA code received.

Technical assistance e-mail: assistance@sisgeo.com

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 15 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

APPENDIX 1 THERMISTOR TEMPERATURE CONVERSION

Resistance to temperature equation:

1
T= -273.2
A + B ( LnR ) + C ( LnR )3

Where:
T= temperature in °C
LnR= natural Log of the thermistor resistance
A= 1.4051x10-3 (coefficents calculated over the -50° to +70°C span)
B= 2.369x10-4
C=1.019x10-7

Ohms Temp Ohms Temp Ohms Temp Ohms Temp

16.60K -10 5971 10 2417 30 1081 50

15.72K -9 5692 11 2317 31 1040 51

14.90K -8 5427 12 2221 32 1002 52

14.12K -7 5177 13 2130 33 965.0 53

13.39K -6 4939 14 2042 34 929.6 54

12.70K -5 4714 15 1959 35 895.8 55

12.05K -4 4500 16 1880 36 863.3 56

11.44K -3 4297 17 1805 37 832.2 57

10.86K -2 4105 18 1733 38 802.3 58

10.31K -1 3922 19 1664 39 773.7 59

9796 0 3784 20 1598 40 746.3 60

9310 -1 3583 21 1535 41 719.9 61

8851 2 3426 22 1475 42 694.7 62

8417 3 3277 23 1418 43 670.4 63

8006 4 3135 24 1363 44 647.1 64

7618 5 3000 25 1310 45 624.7 65

7252 6 2872 26 1260 46 603.3 66

6905 7 2750 27 1212 47 582.6 67

6576 8 2633 28 1167 48 562.8 68

6265 9 2523 29 1123 49 543.7 69

            525.4 70

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 16 of 17

 IN-PLACE INCLINOMETERS

AppendiX 2 Correct use of plier and copper clamp

Plier for copper clamps mm 2, 2.5, 3. Use only for supplied copper clamps.

Execute 2 pressing For better safety, use 2 copper clamps

Analog IPI Digitized IPI

ø 2 mm steel wire ø 2.5 mm steel wire

www.sisgeo.com In-place inclinometers_EN_05_16 Page 17 of 17