IPI-X In-Place Inclinometer Extensometer
The IPI-X is designed to be installed in inclinometer casing to automatically measure settlement or heave, together with tilt for full 3D borehole profiling.
The IPI-X is an Automatic Magnetic Extensometer combined with an In-Place Inclinometer which can be used typically to measure vertical and horizontal displacement in embankments, dam foundations, deep foundations and around tunnels and diaphragm walls.
It comprises an In-place Inclinometer with the addition of a low power digital Magnetic Positional Sensor inside the adjoining extension rod, placed in conventional inclinometer casing.
Magnetic targets are positioned along the length of the inclinometer casing next to the location of the Magnetic Positional Sensors. Horizontal displacement is measured through tilt by the In-Place Inclinometer to provide a 3D profile of the borehole. All the digital sensors are bussed together allowing fast and reliable communication.
Any combination of extension rods (1, 1.5, 2 & 2.5m) and IPI sensors (0.5m) allow placement at the desired depths.
To provide an absolute reference for vertical displacement, the bottom magnetic target should be installed into stable ground together with a geodetic survey of the top of the installation.
The RS-485 BUS is compatable with wireless interfaces and conventional data loggers that support serial interfaces.
You can download a case study of IPI-X installation and use here.
System Components
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Top Hangar
Used to suspend the complete string. Placed on the top of the 70mm inclinometer casing. Weight 0.3kg -
Wire Hangar Extension
A 3mm wire suspension rope used to position the first sensor at the required depth and is connected to the top collar hanger and the IPI top fly lead assembly. Available either as pre-assembled lengths (1, 2, 3, 4m) or supplied as site adjustable. Weight 0.05kg/m -
IPI Top Fly Lead Assembly
A universal component which acts as top suspension adaptor and cable connector. Fitted as standard with 4.5m of digital BUS cable for connection to a readout or data logger. Other cable lengths available on request. Weight 0.5kg -
In-Place Inclinometer Probe
Instrument fitted with two (Biaxial) MEMS sensors. It is mounted within a watertight stainless steel tube fitted with two wheel sets that run in the internal grooves of inclinometer casing. One set has a fixed wheel and the other is sprung loaded. The output from the sensors is digital RS-485 BUS so that several IPIs can be connected together on one single cable. Weight 1.3kg -
Extension Rod
Used to connect each IPI sensor together to create a full tilt profile. Specially designed quick connecting fittings on each end, together with anintegral internal signal cable. Available in 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5m lengths. (Special lengths are available on request). Weights: 0.5m - 0.75kg; 1m - 1kg; 1.5m - 1.45kg; 2m - 1.9kg; 2.5m - 2.35kg -
Extension Rod with Settlement Sensors [IPI-X only]
Extension Rod with internal Positional Sensor to create a full settlement profile. -
![Magnetic Target [IPI-X only]](/images/Instrumentation/Inclinometers/IPI-X-6-Magnetic-Target.png)
Magnetic Target [IPI-X only]
Attached to the outside of the casing to measure vertical displacement. -
Bottom Wheel / Termination
Fitted with a rigid joint, the bottom wheel assembly acts as the base reference from which all other readings are taken. It is fitted with an integral end termination resistor which is required at the end of the RS-485 string. Fitted with an eye bolt for support rope. Weight 0.5kg.
Specifications
Settlement Sensor (IPX)
| Sensor Type | Positional |
| Measuring Range | 400 mm (± 170 mm) |
| Minimum Target Spacing | 1.5 m |
| Resolution | 0.1 mm |
| Accuracy | ± 1 mm |
| Output Signal | RS-485 digital Bus |
| Output Unit | mm, m |
| Extension Rods | 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5m x 25 mm Ø |
Tilt Sensor (IPI)
| Sensor Type | Biaxial MEMS |
| Accuracy | ±0.004° (±13.5 arc sec, ±0.07 mm/m) ±0.0125% FS |
| Resolution* | 0.0005° (2 arc sec, 0.01 mm/m) 0.0017% FS |
| Repeatability | ±0.002° (±7.2 arc sec, ± 0.037 mm/m) ±0.007% FS |
| Output Signal | RS-485 digital BUS |
| Output Unit | Sine of angle, degrees |
| Temperature Sensor Range | 40 to +85 °C |
| Temperature Sensor Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to +85 °C |
| Thermal Stability | ±0.005% FS/°C |
| IPI Probe Diameter | 32 mm |
| IPI Probe Gauge Length | 500 mm |
| IPI Probe Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Compatable Casing Sizes | 70-85 mm |
| Enclosure Rating | IP68 (20 bar) |
Materials
| IPI Probe | 316 Stainless Steel |
| Extension Rods | ± 1mm/30m |
| Wheels | Heat-treated 17/4 stainless steel |
| O-rings | Viton® |
Extension Cable
| Construction | 2 x twisted pair, braided, PUR sheath |
| Type | Type 800 - multi-core with braid |
| Diameter | 8 mm |
