Before you put your tools away for the season, you should know how to protect them. These tools can endure many different weather conditions. To prevent the damage caused by water, they come with a rain shield that protects their mechanical joints. Extreme heat or cold can interfere with calibration. Keeping your survey instruments in cases will also protect them from dust. In addition, you should make sure to store them at a cool, safe temperature.
Maintenance
Clean the surfaces of surveying instruments thoroughly after each use. Wipe away any dirt and moisture with a damp cloth. Be careful not to wipe the faces with a rag, as this can damage the instruments. If needed, use a rain shield to prevent moisture from getting into mechanical joints. Wipe dry survey instruments after use, and take special care of the battery compartment. Always store them properly, and remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When not in use, cover the survey instruments. Leaving them in a wet environment overnight can harm the equipment’s calibration. You may also consult an expert about survey instrument protection and preservation. Bench Mark is the USA’s leading supplier of used surveying equipment that can surely help you with this.
Carrying case
To protect your survey instruments, it’s a good idea to invest in a carrying case. There are many options to choose from, but one of the essential considerations is durability. Hard cases are sturdy, water-tight, and crush-proof. They are made with an open cell core and a solid wall design and feature easy-open double-throw latches and stainless steel hardware.
These cases are manufactured with more stringent requirements than the average carrying case for survey instruments. They must be shock and vibration resistant and can be made of wood with plastic veneer, aluminum, or certain types of sheet metal. Some cases feature recessed handles for ease of carrying. Whatever your instrument may be, it’s essential to choose a carrying case that’s durable enough to protect it from all types of damage. Carrying cases can be found at your local hardware store, or you can make your own.
Proper lubricant
Choosing a proper lubricant for survey instruments is crucial for proper performance. It is essential to understand how lubricants affect the accuracy of the instruments. The proper dilution of lubricant is necessary. The wrong concentration can make the instrument or device slippery, and it may also make the device appear wet after sterilization. When choosing a lubricant, the manufacturer will give you the necessary instructions for correct dilution. If you are not sure, ask a technician or manufacturer.
A proper lubricant for survey instruments should be able to resist high temperatures and aggressive environments. The proper viscosity of lubricants will help to reduce friction and prevent corrosion. Ensure you choose a lubricant with the appropriate pour point and pour rate. A low pour point will lead to excessive friction and wear in the system, and an inadequate lubricant flow can cause damage.
The application of synthetic lubricants can also reduce waste. The use of synthetic lubricants is better for the environment than mineral oils, which contain wax. This wax affects the flowability rate of the lubricant at low temperatures and oxidation stability at high temperatures. Synthetic lubricants are better at all of these points, which results in better protection for the components of the instrument.
Weather affects accuracy
Survey instruments’ accuracy is dependent on the conditions they are used in. A metal stake will increase contact resistance in dry weather, and soaking electrodes in bentonite or saltwater will decrease contact resistance. A pit made of aluminum foil may be used in dry weather conditions. And in very hot conditions, heat shimmer from the sun may reduce the instrument’s accuracy. Therefore, proper care must be taken when using these instruments in remote areas.
The proper handling of survey instruments is also crucial to their accuracy. Survey tools should be stored in secure compartments to protect them from dust and water. Do not leave them unattended while working in the rain or hot weather. Also, make sure to return them in the same position each time. Always hold survey instruments with both hands. Do not force them or use excessive pressure as this could damage the mechanical joints. In addition, do not use your arms to lift the instrument.
The purpose of a survey determines the degree of accuracy required. For example, highway surveys need more precise measurements to determine the grade and alignment. As precision increases, the measurement process will increase. Survey instruments must be accurate enough to avoid the pitfalls of error. It can be the difference between accuracy and safety.
