InfoSense SL-RAT Sewer Series User manual

Version 3-05 www.infosense.com | 877-747-3245

Portions of this product produced under license from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool &

Sewer Line Data OrGanizer

User Manual

 

 
Table of Contents 
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................3 
SL-RAT Overview...........................................................................................................................................3 
1. Features................................................................................................................................................3 
2 Applications..........................................................................................................................................3 
3 Identify Parts and Controls ...................................................................................................................4 
4Transporting .........................................................................................................................................6 
4.1. Transporting by Foot....................................................................................................................6 
4.2. Transporting by Vehicle................................................................................................................7 
Daily Acoustic Operation Process .................................................................................................................7 
1. STEP 1. Turn on both TX and RX Devices ..............................................................................................9 
2. STEP 2. Deploy TX and RX units over Adjacent Manholes.....................................................................9 
3 STEP 3. Prepare RX (Receiver) Unit for Inspection..............................................................................11 
4. STEP 4. Start Test on TX unit, then Start Test on RX unit....................................................................12 
5. STEP 5. Complete Test........................................................................................................................13 
6. STEP 6. View Test Result on RX...........................................................................................................14 
General Operations.....................................................................................................................................16 
1 Menu Operations ...............................................................................................................................16 
2. Startup Menu (2/2) –XBEE Status & GPS ...........................................................................................18 
3. Battery................................................................................................................................................19 
Sewer Line Data OrGanizer (SL-DOG®) ........................................................................................................20 
1. Required Items for SL-DOG Access.....................................................................................................20 
2. Desktop App Installation Instructions.................................................................................................20 
3. Uploading Measurements from SL-RAT..............................................................................................22 
3.1. Troubleshooting Issues with Uploading SL-RAT Data .................................................................23 
4. Operating SL-DOG Web Portal............................................................................................................24 
5. SL-DOG Term Definitions....................................................................................................................25 
6. Exporting SL-DOG Reports..................................................................................................................27 
6.1. Sample Report from CSV File (Excel)..........................................................................................29 
6.2. Sample Report from KML File (Google Earth).............................................................................30 
6.3. Sample Report from PDF File .....................................................................................................31 
SL-DOG®Mobile App (optional) ..................................................................................................................32 
SL-RAT, SL-DOG & Mobile App Workflow ...................................................................................................33 
Additional Information................................................................................................................................34 
1. Wireless Device ..................................................................................................................................34 
2. Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................34 
2.1. General Cleaning Recommendation...........................................................................................34 
2.2. TX Speaker & RX Microphone.....................................................................................................34 

8.2.3. Lock Knob Maintenance.............................................................................................................34

8.2.4. Battery........................................................................................................................................34

9. Specifications..............................................................................................................................................34

9.1. General...........................................................................................................................................34

9.2. Power .............................................................................................................................................35

9.3. Operational ....................................................................................................................................35

10. Document Revision History.........................................................................................................................36

User Manual for V2.8 –2/21/2020

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool or SL-RAT® device from InfoSense. The SL-

RAT® uses a patented technology to quickly provide an assessment of blockage conditions in gravity fed

sewer lines. Our device is comprised of two portable components –a transmitter unit (TX) that “yells” and a

receiver unit (RX) that “listens.” The TX and RX are placed on top of adjacent manholes, requiring no flow

contact or confined space entry. Our technology enables you to understand blockage conditions in real-time

and aids in effectively deploy cleaning resources.

The associated software, the Sewer Line Data OrGanizer or SL-DOG®, enables quality control and archiving of

SL-RAT data. Pipe segment location and length can be verified with the integrated GPS, and acoustic scores

can be integrated with GIS data. The full standard practice for prioritizing sewer pipe cleaning operations

using transmissive acoustic technology can be found in the F3220-17 ASTM Standard Guide (ASTM

International).

2. SL-RAT Overview

2.1. Features

•Low Operational Cost

•Rapid Results –Typically Under 3 minutes/segment

•Safe - No Flow Contact

•Field Tested –Ruggedized Design

•Easy to Use –Train Operators in Minutes

•Onsite Results –Easy to Interpret

•Portable –Transmitter and Receiver Combined Weight Less Than 30 lbs

•GIS Integration - GPS Enabled

•Wireless communication between TX and RX (XBEE)

2.2 Applications

•Focus Cleaning Crews on Dirty Pipes

•Perform Quick & Low Cost “Pre-maintenance” Basin Assessments

•Avoid Downstream Overflows Caused By Upstream Cleaning Activity

•Avoid Repeat Overflows –Identify Hot Spots After Spill Events

•Post-Cleaning –Quality Assurance

User Manual for V2.8 –2/21/2020

2.3 Identify Parts and Controls

The SL-RAT® device is composed of two parts. The transmitter (TX) component is identifiable by its bulkier

speaker housing containing a heavy-duty marine grade speaker, and its heavier weight (Figure 1). The

receiver (RX) is identifiable by its smaller sensor housing containing a high-quality microphone, and its lighter

weight (Figure 2). Each component is also labeled with a “TX” or “RX”.

Figure 1Major sub-components of the SL-RAT® device’s Transmitter (TX) Component

Figure 2 Major sub-components of the SL-RAT® device’s Receiver (RX) Component

User Manual for V2.8 –2/21/2020

1. User Display & 3 Button Control: (TX & RX) Provides the user interface for making acoustic

measurements and obtaining status information from the RX & TX components.

2. ON/OFF Switch: (TX & RX) Turn on by moving the toggle switch forward. This provides battery

power to the component. When in the on position (Forward), the User display & 3 Button

Control will be operational. If you are not planning on using the RX and TX components for an

extended period (more than one hour) - Turn off the power by moving the toggle switch back.

3. Battery Recharge Plug & Cap: (TX & RX) The battery is recharged by connecting the provided AC

adapter’s Battery Recharge Jack into the plug. To comply with the SL-RAT warranty, only use the

provided Battery Recharger which has been specifically engineered to support the SL-RAT

device. When not being charged the Battery Recharge Plug Cover must be securely fastened to

prevent moisture & dirt from entering the RX & TX components and to comply with the SL-RAT

warranty.

4. Speaker: (TX Only) Is a rugged heavy-duty marine-grade speaker used for generating the sound

signal received by the RX component. It needs to be inserted below the plane of the manhole

but never into waste flow during acoustic measurements. Care should be taken to make sure

speaker is not fouled with debris.

5. Microphone: (RX Only) Is a rugged harsh environment microphone used for detecting the sound

waves generated by the TX component. It needs to be inserted below the plane of the manhole

but never into waste flow during acoustic measurements. Care should be taken to make sure

microphone is not fouled with debris.

6. Lock Knobs: (TX & RX) Two lock knobs per RX & TX component which allow the TX speaker or RX

microphone to be transitioned from the open/measurement position to the closed/transport

position.

7. Frame Cushions: (TX & RX) Used to support the RX & TX component during measurements.

Provides limited protection to the electronics case and speaker or microphone during

transportation when Transporting directions are correctly followed.

8. USB Plug & Cap: (RX Only) Allows acoustic measurements conducted in the field are uploaded to

the SL-DOG® Portal via USB Cable. This allows secure historical archiving, and additional analysis.

When not being used the USB Plug Cover must be securely fastened to prevent moisture & dirt

from entering the RX component and to comply with the SL-RAT warranty.

9. Control Box: (TX & RX) Enclosure component that integrates user display and 3 button control,

ON/OFF Switch, & Battery Recharge plug & cap.

User Manual for V2.8 –2/21/2020

2.4 Transporting

2.4.1. Transporting by Foot

When transporting the SL-RAT® TX & RX

components by foot, follow the procedures in this

section to reduce the possibility of damage.

1. Place TX & RX in closed/transport position

(see Figure 3)

2. Securely tighten the two Lock Knobs on both

the TX & RX (see Figure 3)

3. When transporting the SL-RAT TX and RX by

foot over short distances, carry in

closed/transport position.

Fig. 3 –Transporting SL-RAT by foot –tighten lock

knobs to secure in closed position

User Manual for V2.8 –2/21/2020

2.4.2. Transporting by Vehicle

When transporting the SL-RAT TX & RX components

by vehicle the procedures in this section are required

to reduce the possibility of damaging the TX & RX

components and to comply with the SL-RAT warranty.

1. Place TX & RX in closed/transport position

(see Figure 3)

2. Securely tighten the two Lock Knobs on both

the TX & RX (see Figure 3)

3. Place TX in the carrying case on top of first

Foam Insert (see Figure 4)

4. Place second Foam Insert on top of TX

5. Place RX in the carrying case on top of second

Foam Insert (see Figure 4)

6. Place third Foam Insert on top of RX

7. Securely Close the carrying case (see Figure

If dirty, we recommend wiping down the components

prior to placing in the carrying case with a

nonabrasive cleaning agent or damp cloth (see

Section 8.2.1 on General Cleaning Recommendation –

pg 34).This will reduce fouling of the Foam Inserts

and extend the service life of the carrying case.

Additionally, it is a good habit to inspect the

components prior to transport for damage, for

battery charge level, and for dirt or other foreign

material that may have become lodged in the

microphone or speaker housings.

3. Daily Acoustic Operation Process

At the start of each day prior to starting inspections, TX and RX operation should be verified. Use menu to

navigate to “Verify Operation” and run one verification test to ensure that units are synced and communicating

correctly (see pg.16 or reference ASTM Standard for details). We recommend deploying TX and RX in an

“inchworm method” for optimizing data management process. This means moving both the TX and RX, rather

than “leapfrogging” by moving only one of the devices to the next manhole (see figure 5).

Figure 3 Recommended closed/transport position,

and how to tighten knobs to secure for transporting

Figure 4 Transporting SL-RAT by Vehicle

Fig. 4 - Transporting SL-RAT by Vehicle

User Manual for V2.8 –2/21/2020

Steps for Using the SL-RAT® - Based on ASTM Standard Verification Process

Once started, the test is automated. The SL-RAT RX displays real time graphics indicating both the test’s

progress and the performance. The SL-RAT TX displays real time graphics indicating the number of tone

sequences completed. The SL-RAT RX & TX control and operation are performed through a series of screens

on the User Display and through the 3 Button Control.

STEP 1

Turn on both Transmitter (TX) and Receiver

(RX) by using toggle switch on the bottom

left side of the control boxes. Sync devices

and acquire GPS coordinates. Verify

Operation by going to menu and selecting

“verify operation.” (see page 16)

STEP 2

Deploy TX and RX by placing the devices on

adjacent manholes (Fig 6).

Do not knowingly skip manholes

STEP 3

Prepare RX unit for pipe inspection –do not

start test yet.

STEP 4

“Start Test” on TX device. Then press “Start

Test” on RX device.

Remember: Start the TX before you

start the RX. “Yell” before you

“Listen”

STEP 5

Test results displayed on the RX once test is

complete and the TX’s tones will

automatically be terminated. If the TX does

not automatically stop after score is

generated, manually stop test by pressing

and holding center button on display

Fig. 5 –When conducting acoustic tests, we recommend using inchworm method of deploying TX and RX rather

than leapfrog method to make it easier to manage and edit the data after downloading.

Fig. 6 –SL-RAT deployment for acoustic

measurement of the pipe segment between two

adjacent manholes.

User Manual for V2.8 –2/21/2020

IMPORTANT UPDATES FOR Version 2.8

•You are now required to download measurements when RX unit reaches storage capacity at 500

measurements to protect data. See SL-DOG Section for more information (page 21)

•If TX unit states “RX/TX Synch Required,” sync devices by turning both TX and RX units off (Step 1;

page 8) or going to menu and selecting “Data Sync” (Menu Operations – Pg. 16)

3.1. STEP 1. Turn on both TX and RX Devices

The SL-RAT TX and RX components are provided as a pair. They are

factory calibrated to operate as a single device when performing an

acoustic measurement.

The TX and RX automatically go through a series of initializing screens

on the user display when both devices are turned on (toggle switch is

turned to the “on” position) and positioned close to each other (less

than 50 ft). They will synchronize data and acquire GPS. It is best

practice to turn devices on outside, with a clear view of the sky, so

GPS coordinates can be easily acquired.

Once initializing is complete, operators see respective start up screens

in step 2 (RX) and step 3 (TX).

Verify Operation should be done once a day at the start of the day.

Select menu (see page 16 or reference ASTM Standard for details).

3.2. STEP 2. Deploy TX and RX units over Adjacent Manholes

An acoustic measurement is typically conducted by deploying the TX and RX components in adjacent manholes.

The following guidelines should be followed with Figures 7 and 8 illustrating typical deployments.

Do not knowing skip manholes in this process –see #5 below for exception case

Fig 7. Devices will automatically

go through the initializing stages

of synchronizing and acquiring

GPS when turned on.

TROUBLESHOOTING –GPS Reset/Cold Start

If a device cannot acquire GPS within three minutes, the operator is given the option of resetting the

GPS, by pressing the <Cold Start> button. Operator must verify that they wish to reset the GPS.

Please note, resetting the GPS takes 15-30 minutes. The device will continue to search for GPS when

the “GPS Reset” screen populates, so operator can choose to wait for device to acquire GPS without

cold starting, if desired.

Table of contents

Other InfoSense Tools manuals

InfoSense

InfoSense SL-RAT User manual

InfoSense

InfoSense SL-RAT User manual

Popular Tools manuals by other brands

Martor

Martor SECUNORM 175 quick start guide

ERKCO

ERKCO 1000 user manual

jbc

jbc N4473 instruction manual

FEINMETALL

FEINMETALL FZWZ-SET-001 quick start guide

Worx Professional

Worx Professional Sonicrafter WU676 Original instructions

Gage Bilt

Gage Bilt GB713SH Original instructions

Hilti

Hilti DX 9-ENP Original operating instructions

norbar

norbar NORTRONIC 34399 Operator's manual

BGS technic

BGS technic 8578 manual

Makita

Makita DHR241 instruction manual

Motor Guard

Motor Guard JMB-1250 instructions

Power Adhesives

Power Adhesives 805-12 operating instructions

Clemco

Clemco 24189 quick start guide

VVG

VVG VNG 903 Series instruction manual

Hilti

Hilti FX 3-A operating instructions

Grizzly

Grizzly H6472 Manual insert

axing

axing BWZ 5-02 Operation instructions

Dh-Robotics

Dh-Robotics RGI-100 Short manual