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TinyPumper: Pressure Sensors
TinyPumper: Pressure Sensors

Basic overview of the Pressure Sensor, how to install as well as how to replace batteries...

Greg Archbald avatar
Written by Greg Archbald
Updated over a week ago

Whatโ€™s in the box? ๐ŸŽ

TinyPumper Pressure Sensor Kit comes standard with:

  1. TinyPumper

  2. Zip ties

  3. Pressure Sensor

Overview

TinyPumper Gateway

TinyPumper works like a cellular modem for your production asset...

Essentially, the TinyPumper connects to the internet and the sensors around it connect to the TinyPumper via Bluetooth.

Magnetic Strips

The two soft black strips on back of device are actually a pre-installed magnetic base.

These work really well when attaching to metal surfaces like tanks and wellheads ๐Ÿงฒ

Zip ties

Thread zip ties through eyelets and attach the gateway to any handrail, equalizer line, pole, etc.

Pressure Sensor

TinyPumper's Pressure Sensor (pictured below) is a Bluetooth Low Energy wireless transmitter intended for monitoring all types of pressures including Casing, Tubing, Flow Line, Heater/Separator, Injection Wells, Water Transfer Pumps, Salt Water Disposal Wells, Hydrostatic, Natural Gas, and even Hydrogen Monitoring.

Pressure Sensors come rated for 4 different ranges of pressure and are accurate up to 0.5%:

  • 0-2500 psi

  • 0-5000 psi

  • 0-7500 psi

  • 0-10,000 psi

The Pressure Sensor is powered with 2 AA Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries (L91).

The Pressure Sensor reads the pressure from the equipment and sends that pressure data to the TinyPumper. And, the TinyPumper then communicates the pressure level(s) to the Greasebook portal via cellular or satellite data transmission.

Please note: The Pressure Sensor DOES NOT work as a stand-alone monitor. โŒ๐Ÿ™…โ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ“ถ

To be clear, Pressure Sensor must be located within 50 meters (150 feet) of the TinyPumper (pictured in image below) to connect to the internet and send its measurements.

Pro Tip ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ

Positioning the TinyPumper closer to the Pressure Sensor will yield a better signal reliability and battery longevity. ๐Ÿ”‹๐Ÿ“ˆ

Quick Installation Guide

Your Pressure Sensor comes preinstalled with Lithium AA batteries.

While the threading is 1โ„4" MNPT for all Pressure Sensors 0-7,500PSI, please note the threading for 10,000 PSI Pressure Sensor is a bit larger at 1/2" MNPT.

  1. Locate (or create) an unused port on the pressure line.

  2. When installing, be sure to isolate any point by completely closing the valve(s) that lead to the open port

  3. Remove the threaded port fitting to expose the open port. Given your port size, additional fittings may be required to step up (or down) to the 1/4โ€ MNPT fitting of the Pressure Sensor.

  4. Using a thread sealer on the threads of the Pressure Sensor, hand-tighten the Pressure Sensor into the open 1โ„4โ€ FNPT port ๐Ÿ–๏ธ

  5. Using the integrated nut on the Pressure Sensor body (and with an open-end wrench๐Ÿ”ง), completely tighten the pressure sensor into the 1โ„4โ€ FNPT port.

    Pro Tip: NEVER tighten using the plastic housing... you may break the sensor fitting.

    Once the sensor is completely installed, open the valve to the sensor face to

    allow for pressure to interface the sensorโ€™s diaphragm.

Finally, check for any signs of leaking fluid or gasses.

If there are signs of any leaks, go back to Step 3 and repeat Steps 3-5, with extra attention to the thread sealer in Step 4.

Battery Replacement

Need to replace the battery? Our Pressure Sensors make it fairly simple.

1. Ensure all valves that lead to the pressure line where the Pressure Sensor is installed are turned off.

2. Using an open-end wrench ๐Ÿ”ง, loosen the Pressure Sensor via the sensor bodyโ€™s integrated nut turning it counterclockwise ๐Ÿ”„ (image 2.1)

3. Before completely removing the sensor, allow the excess fluid or gas to bleed out. Follow safety procedures for bleeding/containment.

4. Remove the Pressure Sensor from the pressure port which you monitor.

5. ๐Ÿšจ Before you open the Pressure Sensor, take Pressure Sensor with you to an unclassified area (non-explosive atmosphere) ๐Ÿšจ

6. AFTER YOU CONFIRM YOU ARE AWAY FROM ANY FLAMMABLE GAS OR LIQUID (yes, we are watching you! ๐Ÿซต ๐Ÿ‘€), with a Phillips screwdriver remove the 3 screws that hold the lid to the body of the Pressure Sensor (image 2.2)

7. Using your fingertips, gently pull the chip board from the cavity of the monitor

body exposing the batteries. (image 2.3)

8. Remove the batteries and replace them with 2 fresh AA Energizer Ultimate Lithium Batteries. (image 2.4)

9. Once the batteries are replaced, position the chip board so that the batteries are positioned opposite of the light tube (image 2.5).

10. Align the edge of the chip board with the grooves in the monitor body (image 2.6 A&B)

11. Carefully guide and push the chip board back into the monitorโ€™s body (image 2.3๐Ÿ‘†)

12. Replace the cap/lid of the Pressure Sensor ensuring the sealing O-ring is in the proper groove.

13. Insert and tighten the 3 screws holding the cap making sure not to over-tighten the screws.

14. Reinsert the Pressure Sensor body back in the pressure port and tighten.

Pro Tip: You may want to add some pipe thread tape for a good seal.

15. Return to the valve port and open it, releasing the pressure back to the Pressure Sensor.

A Few Examples of Installed Pressure Sensors ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

Common Questions

What do the 'flashes' on Pressure Sensor mean?

One flash means all systems go โ€“ the sensor is healthy and it's properly transmitting data. โœ…

Two flashes means sensor has low battery โ€“ you should switch out battery at your earliest convenience. ๐Ÿชซ

Three flashes means there is a wiring fault or bad sensor โ€“ give us a buzz and we'll help you troubleshoot it immediately. ๐Ÿค

Rapid flashes for 30+ seconds means sensor is sending data.

Once the attempt is finished, sensor will return to whichever blinking status it was in from the three listed above.

How often does the device poll?

It can poll as often as you require. Generally, we set it for 8, 4, or 1 hour intervals โ€“ but if you have power onsite and need every 5 minutes we can do that, too.

What kind of batteries does the Pressure Sensor use?\

Pressure Sensor users standard lithium energizer batteries (<$10). These can be easily (and cost-effectively) sourced via Amazon, Walmart, or any drug store.

How often will I have to replace my sensor's batteries?

At 1-hour frequency intervals, youโ€™d replace battery 1X every 5 years. Of course, less frequent intervals means less frequent replacement of batteries.

Will your pressure sensors work on wells with a vacuum (negative pressure)?

Pressure sensors and vacuums do not play well together. However, as long as your vacuum pressure doesn't exceed the rating of the sensor won't be affected.

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