Vaisala WS425 - Manual (Page 69)

Chapter 5 ______________________________________________________________ Maintenance
VAISALA _______________________________________________________________________ 69
CHAPTER 5
MAINTENANCE
This chapter provides you with general maintenance information.
Visual Inspection of WS425 Ultrasonic Wind
Sensor
WS425 Ultrasonic Wind Sensor is a very reliable and rugged sensor. It
has been wind tunnel tested to over 175 knots for mechanical integrity.
However, the transducers are constructed of ceramic material and can be
damaged by dropping or hitting the transducers. Likewise, applying
enough force to bend the transducer arms will render the anemometer
inoperative.
The wind sensor should be kept in its protective foam shipping container
until the time for the installation on the wind mast or tower. The verifier
should be placed over the sensor when the sensor is installed on the
tower. This provides protection to the transducers and validates that the
mechanical spacing of the transducers is within specifications.
Some cautions and inspection criteria are listed below:
1. Do not rotate the transducers. Rotating the transducers will destroy
the array of the ultrasonic wind sensor. A soldering spot can be
seen on each ceramic transducer. The soldering spots on the
ceramic transducer must be oriented outside the array. For the
correct alignment, see Figure 13 on page 70. Do not rotate the
transducer if the soldering spot is not in the correct location.
Replace the wind sensor.
2. Do not pull the transducers. Pulling the transducers will destroy the
array of the ultrasonic wind sensor. The black RTV sealant can be
seen between the bottom of each transducer and the transducer
mounting arm. The RTV sealant must be free of damage and it
must provide a good seal between the transducer and the transducer
mounting arm. If this seal is damaged, water may enter the wind
sensor.