Campbell Scientific Sentek EnviroSCAN Access Tube Installation Guide - Manual (Page 17)

Installing EnviroSCAN, EnviroSM ART & Diviner 2000 access tubes
© Sent ek Pt y Lt d Page 14
Disclaimer:
The access tubes, probes and sensors supplied by Sentek are specifically
designed to be used together. Other brands of probe and access tube are not
compatible with the Sentek products and should not be used as they may damage
Sentek equipment through incorrect use and will invalidate warranty agreements.
Sentek has developed precision installation tools to be used for the installation of
Sentek access tubes. The precision of the access tubes and tools is designed to
complement the high value of readings taken by the Sentek sensors. This value of
both relative and absolute readings is compromised when poor and hasty
installation methods are used.
Safety
Sentek encourages the use of safe practices that minimize the risk to users, their machinery and their
property. The following safety information is provided to help you prevent accidents on your property.
Carrying equipment into the field
An access tube installation requires access tube kits, toolkits, miscellaneous tools and duck boards. Often
you cannot drive a vehicle alongside the installation site so it is important to consider how you will get the
required equipment to the site.
The toolkits come in cases that protect them from the elements and from general damage. These kits have
handles to help you carry them into the field. It is important to carry the longer kits in a way that does not
place undue stress on your body nor damage crops.
When carrying equipment into the field remember to:
• Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting
• Make several small trips rather than trying to carry too much at one time
Working with installation equipment
It is important that you wear gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands from burns and to prevent your
eyes from penetration injuries caused by splinters of metal or soil.
When using motors to drive augers, ensure you wear ear protectors to minimize the affects of the motor on
your hearing.
Protecting and caring for equipment
There are numerous items in the various toolkits. It is important to keep all of the items clean and to put
them away in their protective cases when not in use.
Good versus poor installation
The aim of any installation is to cause as little disruption to the normal soil structure as possible, and provide
an environment where the soil moisture may be detected repeatedly and accurately over an extended period
of time.
If the surrounding soil is disturbed during the installation process, then air gaps may form down the side of
the tube, which can lead to preferential flow of water between the soil and the access tube. Water will travel
deeper than in the surrounding soil, leading to a misleading representation of water movement in the soil.