Function testing of Hydraulic Settlement Cells
Introduction
This article outlines ways to fault find Hydraulic Overflow
Settlement Cells if you believe them to be giving inaccurate or
anomalous readings
Fault finding steps
The air tube (please refer to figure 1 of the manual) could have water within it or could be blocked.
To remove excess water or a blockage, close valve 3 on the reading
panel, apply a pressure to the air tube in order to push/flush out the
water. You would expect to see an output from the drain tube of either
water or air. If pressure or resistance is present when pumping air into
the air tube then this indicates a blockage and this requires to be
resolved.
Ensure
that the drain tube is clear. When flushing the system if no water
exits the drain tube this indicates a blockage and requires to be
resolved. If the drain tube is blocked the air tube will then fill with
water and you would see water exit the air tube.
Ensure
that the overflow tube has been thoroughly flushed and is free from
air. Please follow instructions in section 3.02.2 of the manual
to achieve this.
If any of the tubes are squashed and the inner profile has reduced the system will take longer to respond and settle.