SWT4 User Manual v3.1
Service and maintenance
27
Connect to pump
Adaptor for
sensor body
Adaptor for
ceramic cup
Vacuum gauge
If the soil dries out more than -1500 kPa (-15 bar), the negative
pressure will drop much faster as air will enter the cup.
4.1.2 Refilling in the lab
To reach the optimal measuring range of -90 kPa Tensiometers should
be refilled in the laboratory using the refill kit.
1) Set up the refilling kit and connect the vacuum pump as shown in
fig. 4.1. The pump should achieve at least 0,8 kPa against vacuum.
Use distilled or de-ionized water which does not necessarily have
to be degassed when a pump is used.
Fig. 4.1: Laboratory refill kit SWT4-RK2
2) Unscrew the cup in clockwise direction and empty it.
Do not touch the ceramic cup with your fingers. Wrap a clean
towel or paper towels around the cup!
The pressure sensor diaphragm is inside the small hole on the
pressure sensor body. It is very sensitive and must never be
touched! It can be destroyed even by the slightest contact!
No contamination should get on to the sealing and gasket.
3) If the cup is dry it should be placed in a beaker filled with distilled
water for several hours or overnight. Initially there should be no
water inside the cup! Place the empty cup into the beaker in an
upright position, with the external water level reaching no higher
than 2/3 of the cup.