7
SITE VISITS AND MAINTENANCE
The purpose of installing the site is to obtain a continuous and reliable record
of pan evaporation. This data may be used for a range of process,
management and environmental purposes, sometimes in unexpected ways. It
is important that the site be operated to a consistent standard by staff with a
basic understanding of data collection and management.
Although the equipment can operate for up to 1 year, the site may deteriorate
to an unacceptable condition within a few months. Regular site checks and
equipment servicing is essential. The site should be inspected and serviced at
least monthly. The purpose of the site inspection is to check that the present
data is accurate and that this will continue. Experienced site operators prepare
for the site visit and use a report form and checklist to record details of the
visit. Instrument manuals, documents, site access details, special instructions
and visit reports should be kept in a site file, and taken to the site each visit.
Data should be regularly recovered from the site and securely archived in a
system that will permanently preserve the raw data. A copy of this data
should be reviewed and edited to adjust any anomalies or errors, and saved as
an archive for future analysis and use.
7.1
Site Visits
7.1.1
Preparing for the Site Inspection
Do the following:
·
Check the report from the previous site visit. Prepare to complete any
special work that is required.
·
Check your computer. Confirm you have an adequate power supply and
the correct cable.
·
Check and adjust the computer time and date. This will be used to reset the
logger.
·
Carry any required spare parts and check instruments.
·
Take the visit file.
Automatic Evaporation System
SITE VISITS AND MAINTENANCE 41
7.1.2
Carrying Out The Site Inspection
At the site your objectives are to:
·
Recover the recorded data and verify its quality, and
·
Ensure the site will keep operating correctly and the next period of data
will be of good quality.
Your common sense will help you achieve this.
At times it will be better to do nothing, and to return another day. For
example if it is raining heavily and the site has no protection, you will
damage the instruments and your test equipment if they get wet. Rushing
through a site visit, or trying to use a faulty computer, can also cause
problems.
If you encounter a problem, think logically through the process and carry out
checks and tests to eliminate probable causes. It is important to identify the
real problem so it can be fixed. Check the most obvious things first. e.g. is
your computer connected and operating properly? Is the water supply
functional? Do not jump to conclusions.
Do not fiddle with things that are OK. If it is working well, leave it alone.
When you proceed, prepare a comfortable and safe work environment for
yourself, lay out the tools and equipment you will need and work through
your visit in a logical sequence, such as suggested in the following section.
Fill in a report as you go and complete one part of the procedure before
proceeding to the next.
7.1.3
Initial Inspection
Before touching anything, inspect and note the condition of the site,
installation and instruments.
·
Are there any signs of damage or interference?
·
Is the pan water level OK?
·
Is the water supply functional and sufficient to last to the next inspection?
·
Are the instruments clean, dry and secure?
·
Is the water level transducer displaying the correct water level?
UNIDATA
42 SITE VISITS AND MAINTENANCE
