Trouble shooting
67/92
7 Trouble
shooting
Problem
Possible cause and solution
1. It is not possible to achieve a
bubble free filling.
If the tip is completely dry just put
the empty shaft in a beaker with
deionised or distilled water
overnight.
2. The Tensiometer readings only
rise very slowly
a) Could depend on the soil type:
for example sand has a poor
conductivity. Thus, the curve of
the readings will be flatter than
for example in a clayey soil.
b) The Tensiometer is not
sufficiently filled and degassed
(see 1)
c) A leakage has occurred (see 3)
3. The Tensiometer reaches a
maximum of -50 kPa, then the
reading drops
The Tensiometer is not sufficiently
filled and degassed (see 1).
The shaft was not properly screwed
onto the pressure body, and the O-
ring is not tight. Reassemble the
shaft.
4. The Tensiometer shows readings
beyond vacuum (-100 kPa)
This is no error but a particular
feature of the miniature
Tensiometer. Due to boiling
retardation it is possible that the T5
might reach values up to -140 kPa.
Please check fig. 51 for this effect.
5. The curve cannot be fitted
a) Reset start and stop line as
described in the chapter „End of
the measuring campaign“.
b) The curve progression is not
consistently rising, eventually it
is necessary to start a new
measurement (causes see
point 3)
6. The recording of readings has
stopped
Check the USB connections
In the power management menu of
your PC or laptop disable the power
down and select non-stop operation.
7. Tensiometer reach only -50 to -70
kPa, then readings drop slowly
The Tensiometer was not
sufficiently filled. A bubble
assembles inside the ceramic part
