What To Look For In Inclinometers For Sale

Measurement of depression and elevation of an item with regard to gravity is done using a device called an inclinometer. The device also measures angles of slope, also known as tilt. The instrument is known by many other names like slope indicator and tilt meter. The instrument gives measurements for both negative and positive tilts. Measurements are given in three commonly known units, that is, percent, degrees, and topo.

The current market has several types of tilt meters. As such, having knowledge about the various features and device models is important. Inclinometers for sale can be bad investments if one does not take time to check features and capabilities of the instruments. Major factors that need attention are casing and sealing, resolution, accuracy, functionality, sensor technology, interference, parts in a product, and measuring range.

In tilt meters, resolution and accuracy are similar. Resolution in a device should be considered depending on the purpose it is needed for. High-end products in this category have very high resolutions in the range of 0.0001 of a degree. Accuracy in most instruments depends on hysteresis, sensor linearity, zero offset, temperature drifts, and sensitivity among other factors.

The process of measuring slopes involve generation of artificial horizons. The horizon forms the basis for determining angular tilt. The range of measurement and accuracy in measurements is dependent on technology used to build the sensor. One must therefore consider sensor technology when picking an instrument. This can be done by checking the range of tilt angle and number of axes. Various technologies are used in modern devices including pendulum, electrolytic, accelerometer, gas bubble in liquid, and liquid capacitative.

One must also give special attention to the casing that comes with the device. An inclinometer casing refers to a special purpose pipe that is used for inclinometer installations. Normally it does three major functions. First, it conforms to movements in the ground surrounding the device and also controls how the probe gets oriented. Controlling probe orientation is done through internal grooves. Lastly, access for the probe is maintained by the casing. This allows the instrument to obtain subsurface measurements.

Additional factors to consider when buying are diameter of casings, coupling style, and shape of groove. Casings with wider diameters offer more durability and useful life. The durability results from the fact that larger diameters accommodate more deformation preventing faster access to probe. Some of the most common casing diameters are 85 mm, 45 mm, and 70 mm . Devices with 85 mm diameters are applicable on all applications.

Accuracy of readings in tilt meters is directly dependent on quality of groove in casings. Grooves that offer a regular and flat surface for wheels are the best to buy. Grooves should have greater width than the wheels. This is to allow sideway movements. Narrow grooves degrade readings.

QC, CPI, shear wire, standard, and EPIC are among the casings one can choose from. The most popular of all casing types is the QC. Many people prefer it because it has a high level of precision in measurements.