Xcell: User Manual
Xcell: User Manual
USER MANUAL
G IATEC S CIENTIFIC INC .
301 M OODIE D RIVE , S UITE 302,
O TTAWA , ON, K2H 9C4, CANADA
XCell™ User Manual XCell™ User Manual
Limited Warranty
Giatec warrants the physical compact disk(s) on which the Software is distributed to be free from TABLE OF CONTENTS
defects in materials and workmanship and that the Software will function in substantial
accordance to the specifications for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment of the
Software to Customer. General and specific limitations on this warranty are described in Giatec’s
“Warranty” statement, and are incorporated by reference. THE WARRANTIES DESCRIBED
HEREIN AND/OR ACCOMPANYING PRODUCTS ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER PACKAGE CONTENTS ............................................................................................ III
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS AND, SAVE AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED HEREIN, WARRANTY ................................................................................................................... V
GIATEC MAKES AND THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OR
REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND
GIATEC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................... 1
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND THOSE SAFETY SYMBOLS........................................................................................................... 1
ARISING BY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE IN LAW OR FROM A COURSE OF DEALING
OR USAGE OF TRADE. GIATEC DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT THE GENERAL GUIDELINES ................................................................................................ 1
PRODUCTS WILL MEET ANY OR ALL OF ANY ORGANIZATION’S PARTICULAR DEVICE HANDLING ...................................................................................................... 1
REQUIREMENTS, THAT THE OPERATION OF THE PRODUCTS WILL BE ERROR
FREE OR UNINTERRUPTED. Any written or oral information or advice given by Giatec OPERATION .................................................................................................................... 2
distributors, agents or employees will in no way increase the scope of this warranty. CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT ..................................................................................... 2
No Liability for Consequential or Incidental Damages and Limitation of Liability OPERATION ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................................... 2
IN NO EVENT SHALL GIATEC, ITS SUPPLIERS OR DISTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR STORAGE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................ 3
ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION TO GIATEC XCell™ ................................................................ 4
INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF INFORMATION, OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS OR
ATTORNEY FEES) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO USE THIS CORROSION OF STEEL IN CONCRETE ....................................................................... 4
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF GIATEC OR ITS SUPPLIERS OR DISTRIBUTORS HAVE BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME
HALF-CELL POTENTIAL MEASUREMENT .................................................................. 5
JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY APPLICATION ................................................................................................................. 5
FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. FURTHER, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN COMPLICATIONS ............................................................................................................ 6
NO EVENT SHALL GIATEC’S LIABILITY AS TO ANY AND ALL DAMAGES ARISING LIMITATIONS .................................................................................................................. 7
OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE USE OF SOFTWARE EXCEED THE AMOUNT
PAID BY YOU FOR THE RIGHT TO USE THIS SOFTWARE. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................................... 8
Export Controls XCell™ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................ 9
This Software is subject to the export control laws of Canada, the United States and applicable
export and import control laws of other countries. You agree to comply with and use the Software TEST PROBE ................................................................................................................... 9
in a manner consistent with such applicable laws. All rights to use the Software are granted on
condition that such rights are forfeited if you fail to comply with this Agreement.
PROBE SETUP ................................................................................................................. 9
CHARGING THE PROBE.............................................................................................. 10
General Provisions
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and Giatec and supersedes any
STORING THE PROBE ................................................................................................. 10
prior agreement concerning the Software. Giatec is not bound by any provision of any purchase
order or any other type of correspondence (written or verbal). Should any court of competent DATA RECORDING UNIT SETUP ..................................................................... 11
jurisdiction find any provision in this Agreement to be illegal, unenforceable, invalid, or to be ESSENTIAL PACKAGE ................................................................................................. 11
overreaching, in whole or in part and for any reason, such illegal, unenforceable, invalid or
overreaching provisions or part thereof shall be stricken from this Agreement, and such provision ENHANCED/COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE............................................................... 11
shall not affect the legality, enforceability, or validity of the remainder of this Agreement. This FRESH INSTALLATION ................................................................................................ 11
Agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and any disputes or claims arising
hereunder shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts situated in the City of Ottawa, ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................................... 13
Province of Ontario. XCell™ App – ESSENTIAL PACKAGE......................................................................... 14
XCell™ App – ENHANCED & COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGES ................................. 19
DATA PROCESS AND CONTOUR PLOTS ............................................................... 28
XCell™ TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS........................................................... 33 GIATEC IS WILLING TO LICENSE THE SOFTWARE WITH WHICH THIS
AGREEMENT IS PROVIDED ("THE SOFTWARE") TO THE CUSTOMER
GENERAL...................................................................................................................... 33
UTILIZING THE SOFTWARE ONLY ON THE CONDITION THAT THE
OPERATING CONDITIONS ......................................................................................... 33 CUSTOMER, ACTING THROUGH YOU, THE CUSTOMER'S AUTHORIZED
AGENT, ACCEPT ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 34
BY CLICKING ON THE “I ACCEPT THE TERMS IN THE LICENSE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE ................................................................. I AGREEMENT” RADIO BUTTON BELOW, YOU, ON BEHALF OF CUSTOMER,
AGREE TO, AND ARE LEGALLY BOUND BY, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
("SALE AGREEMENT") OF THIS AGREEMENT.
EXHIBIT A: END USER SOFTWARE LICENSE ......................................... VII IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH, AND DO NOT WISH TO BE LEGALLY BOUND
BY, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT DO NOT CLICK
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The Giatec Software (the "Software") and the Documentation (all of the online help files and
manuals, and all of the printed material included with this Software) are owned by Giatec and are
protected by Canadian, United States and international copyright laws and international treaty
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License Grant
Giatec grants you a nonexclusive license to use this Software on a single (dedicated) computer.
You may copy this Software onto the hard disk of this computer, and make one copy for archival
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original and updated Software and Documentation, and that you not retain any copies of the
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Comprehensive
to such breach or any subsequent breaches. Giatec expressly reserves the
right to assign this Sale Agreement and to delegate any of its obligations Part Qty Photo
Enhanced
Essential
hereunder. Customer may not assign, delegate or otherwise transfer
(whether by operation of law or otherwise) this Sale Agreement or any of
Customer rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent
of Giatec. Giatec may assign the provision of repair services to third parties.
XCell™ Measuring Probe 1X
Governing Law; Dispute Resolution. All disputes arising out of or in
connection with this Sale Agreement shall be finally settled under the Rules
of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce by one or more
arbitrators appointed in accordance with the said Rules. The place of
arbitration shall be Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The language of the Alligator Test Clips 1X
arbitration shall be English. For the purposes of this arbitration, this Sale
Agreement shall be governed by and construed under Ontario law as such
law applies to agreements between Ontario residents entered into and to be
performed within Ontario, Canada. The decision of the arbitrators shall be
Measurement Cable 1X
binding upon the parties hereto, and the expense of the arbitration
(including without limitation the award of attorneys' fees to the prevailing
party) shall be paid as the arbitrators determine. The decision of the
arbitrators shall be executory, and judgment thereon may be entered by any
court of competent jurisdiction. Charging Cable 1X
Contact Sponge 3X
Verification Kit 1X - - Export. Customer must comply with all export laws and restrictions and
regulations of Canada. Furthermore, Customer will not export, or allow the
export or re-export of the Product in violation of any such restrictions, laws
or regulations. Additionally, Customer agrees to comply with the above and
represents and warrants that it is not located in, under the control of, or a
Cable Reel (30 m) 1X - - resident of any restricted country.
* Please note that the images above are for illustration purpose only and might Entire Agreement. This Sale Agreement constitutes the entire
not be in scale. understanding of the Parties as to the subject matter hereof and supersedes
all prior offers, agreements, arrangements, negotiations and understanding,
written or oral between the parties relating to that subject matter.
THE WARRANTY SET FORTH IS EXCLUSIVE AND NO OTHER Repair. Customer should carefully inspect the Product upon its delivery.
WARRANTY, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, IS EXPRESSED OR Customer should maintain all original packaging upon receiving the Product
IMPLIED. GIATEC SCIENTIFIC INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS until the Product has been installed and is found to be in proper working
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND order.
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
If the Product arrives to Customer (the date of arrival is referred to herein
* Please refer to the complete Terms and Conditions of Giatec’s products for more details. as the “Delivery Date”) damaged or defective at initial delivery, Customer
* The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
must notify Giatec Technical Support within 30 days from the Delivery
Date of the condition of the Product and obtain return instructions if
needed. Product must then be returned immediately to Giatec for repair or
replacement at Giatec’s discretion. Giatec will then arrange for delivery of
temporary or permanent replacement Product. Customer is responsible for
properly packing the return shipment of the Product. Giatec will arrange
for shipping and insurance.
If Customer fails to notify Giatec within 30 days of the Delivery Date, (i)
the Refund Policy below will not apply, (ii) Customer will bear the cost of
returning the Product for repair, and (iii) damaged Product will not be
accepted.
If during the Warranty Period (as described herein) but following the initial
30 day period the Product is not working properly, Customer must contact
Giatec Technical Support to confirm the problem and obtain return
instructions if needed. Customer will pay shipping and insurance costs
when returning the Product for repair.
Giatec disclaims all other warranties, express or implied, including without S AFETY S YMBOLS
limitation implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, or against hidden or latent defects. Giatec’s responsibility for In order to ensure the safety of the operator, and increasing the service life
warranty claims is limited to repair or replacement. Giatec reserves the right of the instruments, pay attention to safety precautions described in this
to modify this Warranty at any time, at its sole discretion, and with notice to manual. These messages are indicated by a symbol throughout this user
Customer. manual.
Giatec does not warrant that the operation of the Product will be WARNING: Identifies conditions or practices that could result
uninterrupted or error-free. Giatec is not responsible for damage arising in injury or loss of life.
from failure to follow instructions relating to the Product’s use. This CAUTION: Identifies conditions or practices that could result
Warranty is voided immediately if repair, modification (to include upgrades, in damage to Giatec XCell™ or to other properties.
expansions or usage or addition of non-manufacturer parts or accessories),
alteration or other service is attempted other than by Giatec. In this regard, ATTENTION: Refer to the User Manual
the integrity of the appliance casing (aka the box) should not be violated for
any reason, unless expressly authorized by Giatec in writing. G ENERAL G UIDELINES
Technical Support. Giatec will provide technical support to Customer in 1. Always follow basic safety precautions when using this product to
accordance with the then-current support policy in effect and in accordance reduce risk of injury from fire or electric shock.
with the Warranty provided herein, unless full payment for the purchase of 2. Read and understand all instructions in the documentation that comes
the Product is not received. Giatec will respond to Customer support with Giatec XCell™.
problems by phone or by email inquiry. If a support problem cannot be 3. Observe all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
rectified via phone or email, Customer will be provided with return
instructions. D EVICE H ANDLING
Customer agrees and understands that it may be necessary for Giatec to CAUTION
collect, process, and use Customer data to perform the support and repair
obligations identified herein. This may include the necessity to transfer data Giatec XCell™ is a non-destructive testing device. The electronic parts and
to affiliate third parties that are contracted with Giatec to assist in meeting electrochemical cell are sensitive components. Please handle them with
these obligations. In doing so, Giatec will (i) protect and keep confidential care.
such information, (ii) not use such information for reasons other those Do not place any heavy object on the XCell™ probe or the tablet.
discussed above, and (iii) not sell, distribute or pass on such information to Avoid severe impact or rough handling that leads to damaging
any third party. XCell™ or the tablet.
Do not disassemble XCell™.
Store the product in a protected location (e.g. carrying case) where TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE
no one can step on or trip over the connection and USB-charging ("SALE AGREEMENT")
cables, and in a location where these cables cannot be damaged.
O PERATION Please read this Sale Agreement before using the Giatec Scientific Inc.
(“Giatec”) product (the “Product”). By finalizing Your purchase order,
You, the purchaser of the Product, and, if applicable, any end user (“End
WARNING
User”) on whose behalf You are making this purchase for (You and the
Device Input: USB only End User are hereafter collectively referred to as “Customer”; Customer
Only use the provided USB charging cable for XCell™, and the and Giatec are hereafter together referred to as “Parties”) agree to be
provided power adapter for the tablet (the latter is applied to the bound by and accept the terms and conditions provided below. If You
enhanced and comprehensive packages). and/or the End User, as the case may be, disagree with these terms and
conditions, do not finalize Your order, or if the order has been placed,
Do not perform measurement at circuits directly connected to
return the Product immediately upon receipt without using it.
Mains (Live circuit).
Place the instrument in the place where the chance of spilling
Payment; Purchase Price and Associated Charges. Payment must be
liquids on the device is negligible.
made at the time of order unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties.
Customer will pay the total purchase price plus shipping and handling, if
any, as specified on the emailed invoice. Customer is also responsible for all
C LEANING T HE I NSTRUMENT
taxes related to this purchase and to the import of the Product, if
applicable, to include but not limited to all sales taxes, value-added taxes,
import taxes/customs/duties and any other similar taxes imposed by any
ATTENTION governmental entity.
Disconnect the probe from the cable after testing.
Title; Risk of Loss. Title to the Product passes to Customer when the
Do not use chemicals or cleaners containing harsh products such Product is paid for in full. However, Giatec bears all responsibility for loss
as benzene, toluene, xylene, and acetone. of or damage to the Product during initial shipment after purchase and until
Do not submerge the measuring probe Product is received by Customer, unless Customer selects its own mode of
shipping. In repair cases, risk of loss is borne by Customer for return of the
Product, but by Giatec following repair and upon return to Customer.
O PERATION E NVIRONMENT
Limited Warranties. Giatec warrants the Product against defects in
ATTENTION materials and workmanship under normal use (the “Warranty”) for a period
of 12 months (#) from the Delivery Date (the “Warranty Period”), on the
Location: Indoor/outdoor condition that the Product has been completely paid for. Unless as
Relative Humidity: 20% to 90% otherwise mandated by local law, the Warranty Period does not restart if
Temperature: 0°C to 45°C Customer receives a replacement appliance and/or replacement Software.
Avoid direct sunlight This Warranty does not apply: (a) to consumable parts, such as batteries,
Do not submerge the device Plexiglas cell units and cables unless damage has occurred due to a defect in
materials or workmanship; (b) to cosmetic damage, including but not
limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports; (c) to damage
caused by accident, abuse, misuse, neglect or failure to properly maintain (to
S TORAGE E NVIRONMENT
REFERENCES
ATTENTION
[1] Gu, P. and Beaudoin, J.J. 1998. “Obtaining effective half-cell potential Location: Indoor
measurement in reinforced concrete structure”, Institute for research Relative Humidity: 5% to 90%
in construction, NRC, 1-4.
Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
[2] ASTM C876. 1999. “Standard test method for half-cell potentials of
uncoated reinforcing steel in concrete”, Annual Book of ASTM
Standards, Vol.14.02.
[3] RILEM TC 154-EMC. 2003. “Half-cell potential measurements-
Potential mapping on reinforced”, Concrete Structures, Materials and
Structures. 36, 461-471.
[4] Elsener, B., Andrade, C., Gulikers, J., Polder, R., & Raupach, M.
(2003). Hall-cell potential measurements—Potential mapping on
reinforced concrete structures. Materials and Structures, 36(7), 461-
471.
[5] Elsener, B., and Böhni, H. (1995). Condition evaluation of reinforced
concrete bridges–The benefits of potential mapping. Proc. 6th Int.
conf. Structural Faults Repair, London, 47-52.
[6] Strategic Highway Research Program. (2013). “Nondestructive Testing
to Identify Concrete Bridge Deck Deterioration”, Transportation
Research Board, Washington D.C.
[7] CEFRACOR (2007). “Recommendations for the verification of
reference electrodes-PCRA 005”. Committee for Cathodic Protection
and Associated Coatings.
Giatec XCell™ is a revolutionary test device for measuring the corrosion G ENERAL
activity of the reinforcing steel in concrete. The test procedure has been
standardized by different standards including: Type Value
Voltage Measurement Range ± 1,000 mV
ASTM C876
RILEM TC 154 Measurement Resolution 0.1 mV
UNI 10174 Sampling Rate 1 sec
DGZfP B3 Input Impedance >10 MΩ
SIA 2006 Temperature Measurement Range 0 ~ 50 °C
BS 1881, Part 201 Temperature Measurement Resolution 0.5 °C
Communication Protocol Bluetooth V4.0 LE
The device is capable of accurately estimating the electrochemical corrosion
potential of uncoated reinforcing steel in field and laboratory conditions. Probe Weight 250 gr
This will eventually lead to a potential difference between the anodic and
MAINTENANCE
cathodic areas at the surface of the steel reinforcement.
Repairs and servicing not covered in this user manual should only be H ALF -C ELL P OTENTIAL M EASUREMENT
performed by qualified personnel. Periodically wipe the device with a damp
cloth. Do not use abrasives or solvents. The purpose of the half-cell potential measurement is to measure the
potentials on the surface of concrete in order to predict the potential field.
The sponge on the tip of the probe should be completely wetted with The potential measurement is used to predict the state of rebar corrosion in
the storage solution and the probe cap should be placed and tightened concrete. This technique allows for the plotting of a potential contour map
on the probe head before storing the probe. This practice will of the concrete surface, which can be used to identify the corroding areas
significantly increase the lifetime of the electrode. and estimate the probability of corrosion (Elsener and Bohni, 1995).
In the half-cell potential measurement, a reference electrode is used to
S ERVICE measure the potential values of a specific location on the surface of the
concrete with respect to an arbitrary reference point on the reinforcement
If the XCell™ probe does not connect with the mobile app; check the cable mesh. The traditional half-cell potential measurement is schematically
to see if it is connected properly. If XCell™ still does not work properly; illustrated below.
review this user manual to make sure you are operating it correctly.
R EPLACEMENTS
For Giatec XCell™, use only the replacement part specified. The USB cable
is intended to be used only by XCell™ device and connecting it to other
instruments might damage the cable. To order replacement parts call Giatec Half-cell potential measurement
Scientific Inc. using the number provided on the back of the user manual or
on the test probe. A PPLICATION
XCell™ can be used in either field or laboratory applications to measure the
For the latest updates, please refer to the Giatec website at [Link]
corrosion potential of steel reinforcement in concrete structures. This
technique can be utilized for various applications such as:
Estimation of corrosion potential of uncoated reinforcing steel
Determine corrosion activity of steel rebar
The measured corrosion potential values are indicative of corrosion
probability as presented in Table 1.
Table 1- Relationship between the potential values and corrosion probability VERIFICATION
(adapted from ASTM C876)
Probability of
Measured Potential (mV/CSE*) It is strongly recommended to verify the accuracy of the measuring probe
Steel Corrosion Activity
prior to any field or laboratory test using the verification kit (only included
> -200 Less than 10% in the comprehensive package). The verification kit consists of a very
-200 to -350 Uncertain accurate reference electrode. To perform verification of the probe, follow
< -350 More than 90% these instructions:
* Note 1: CSE= Copper Sulfate Electrode
Step 1- Open the cap of the verification kit and the measuring probe. Make
It is noted that half-cell potential measurements can also be affected by sure that the sponge of the verification kit and probe are both wet.
testing condition. RILEM TC-154 (2003) reported typical range for half-cell Step 2- Connect the tablet to the probe (refer to the instructions on page
potential measurements in different conditions (see Table 2). 24, Step 4).
Table 2- Typical ranges of half-cell potentials of rebar in concrete (adapted Step 3- Connect the cable of the test probe to the end of the verification
from RILEM TC-154, 2003) probe by pushing the banana jack into the socket. Make sure there is a good
contact between the verification probe sponge and the measuring probe
Condition Potential values (mV/CSE*) sponge as shown below.
Push
Humid, chloride free concrete -200 to +100
Wet, chloride contaminated concrete -600 to -400
Water saturated concrete without oxygen -1000 to -900
Humid, carbonated concrete -400 to +100 Make sure the electrode tips have proper contact
Dry, carbonated concrete 0 to +200
Dry concrete 0 to +200
* Note 1: CSE= Copper Sulfate Electrode Connect the end cables of the reference
electrode and the measuring probe
Step 4- Read the potential difference value from the tablet screen. The
C OMPLICATIONS potential difference should be within -110 ± 20 mV (ranging from -130 mV
While half-cell potential measurement is a straightforward procedure, the to -90 mV). If your reading is out of this range, please contact our technical
application of this technique has several complications as ambient condition support team using the information on the back of this user manual.
can influence measurements. These complications can lead to
misinterpretation of collected data. The most important parameters that can
influence measurements are briefly described below:
as email, cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) or through Bluetooth Moisture: Surface moisture has a significant effect on the measured values.
communication. Since performing the test may take quite a long time, the change in
moisture content of concrete surface can affect the consistency of
measurements (RILEM TC-154, 2003). As a rule of thumb, the drier the
concrete is, the more positive values will be obtained performing the test.
L IMITATIONS
Half-cell potential measurement is a very useful technique in studying the
corrosion of existing structures (or elements). However, the test does not
provide any information on the kinetics of corrosion (i.e. corrosion rate of
steel reinforcement). It is always recommended to interpret Half-cell
potential measurements with supplementary data from other tests (i.e. cover
thickness measurement, electrical resistivity, and chloride profile).
The presence of large cracks and delaminations can affect half-cell potential
readings. In case of pre-stressed steel tendons, the test will not provide any
useful information if the tendons are placed in protective tubes. This test is
not applicable to concrete structures with epoxy-coated or galvanized steel
rebar.
Pre-moistening the surface: If the surface of concrete element is too dry, To save the project, select the appropriate file format and press on the Save
there is a chance that it affects the measurements. In order to avoid this button. A dialog box will appear asking for the location of the file. Enter
problem, it is recommended to moisten the surface of the concrete element the location where you want to save the file and click OK.
approximately 15-20 minutes before performing the readings.
Similarly, to share the data, select the appropriate file format and press
Share button. A dialog box will appear asking for the share method, such
T EST P ROBE
Giatec XCell™ test probe benefits from an advanced maintenance-free
reference electrode that measures the corrosion potential. Together with
a potentiometer, a temperature sensor, and wireless technology, the
probe is capable of measuring and correcting the potential values on the
surface of concrete with respect to the reference point and transmitting
the measurements to the Data Recording Unit.
P ROBE S ETUP
First, remove the probe cap and wet the contact sponge with water. To turn
on the probe, connect the test cable to the probe: gently push the cable end
shaft toward the probe socket, until it is locked (as shown below).
The user can zoom in/out and pan over the generated contour plot to
Push the cable
review the details.
The app calculates the area (in % of total test area) corresponding to
the three main categories specified in Table 1 of this manual (see Page 8).
To turn on the probe, connect the test cable to the end of the probe.
To turn off the probe, disconnect the test cable from the probe. This
will increase the battery life.
C HARGING T HE P ROBE
The probe is powered by a rechargeable battery embedded inside. In
order to charge the probe, connect the charging cable to the probe as
shown below. Connect the other end of charging cable (USB end) to any
powered USB outlet (i.e.; computer USB port, USB chargers, etc.).
Similar to on-grid data points, the user can re-test any previously tested
location. To do so, simply move the probe to the location you want to re-
test. Double click on the associated data point. A window will appear where
you can select to discard any previously saved value, or replace it with the
Push the charging cable new value.
In order to check the battery level after charging, connect the probe to
the data recording app. While the battery is charging, a charging battery
icon will appear on the screen. When the probe is completely charged, a
full battery icon will appear on the screen. When this icon appears on
the screen, remove the charging cable from the probe.
S TORING T HE P ROBE
It is strongly recommended to turn off the probe after you have finished
the test. To turn off the probe, disconnect the test cable from the end of
the probe. Push the small button on the socket, and gently pull out the
cable.
The sponge on the tip of the probe should be completely wetted with
the storage solution and the probe cap should be placed and tightened
on the probe head before storing the probe. This practice will
significantly increase the lifetime of the electrode.
Off-Grid Sampling
DATA RECORDING UNIT SETUP
If off-grid sampling feature is on, the user can select any location for test.
To do so, move the probe to the location you want to measure the half-cell
potential. Double click on the corresponding point on the tablet screen. Data recording is performed using an interactive app which is installed
on a smartphone or a tablet, depending on the package selected.
E SSENTIAL PACKAGE
The essential package comes with a mobile app that can be installed on
an Android-based smartphone (with Bluetooth 4.0 LE capability and
x2 Android version 4.3 -or higher- operating system). The app is capable of
receiving and saving potential measurements sequentially. The post-
processing needs to be conducted in the office by the user.
F RESH I NSTALLATION
In order to install a new version or an upgrade to the data recording
app, the user should download the appropriate app (Smartphone version
for the Essential package, or the Tablet version for
Enhanced/Comprehensive packages), from Google Play1.
The following steps need to be followed by the user to install the
smartphone app:
Step 1- In the Google Play™, search for “Giatec XCell™” smartphone app.
Press the Install button to start installing the app on the device. It should
be noted that this version of the app has been developed for smartphones
only.
Or
The user can re-test any previously tested location. To do so, simply
move the probe to the location you want to re-test.
On the tablet screen, press and hold the corresponding grid point. A
dialogue box will pop up showing the real time value of the potential and
the temperature at the specific coordinate. If you want to replace the old
Google Play™ for downloading and Device Activation after a fresh values with these new measurements, press Replace. The user can keep
installing Giatec XCell™ app installation previous measurements by pressing the Discard button, or delete
previously saved data by pressing Delete.
Step 3- Launch the Giatec XCell™ app by pressing the Giatec icon on the
home screen.
Company Inc.
After pressing the store button, the recorded data will be assigned to the
grid point. Tested points are indicated with red bullets on the screen. The
red bullet with a green margin is the last recorded point.
XCell ™ A PP – E SSENTIAL PACKAGE If the Bluetooth receiver on the tablet is off, a message will appear to
ask the user for permission. Select yes to turn on the Bluetooth, and
The user must launch the mobile app in order for it to communicate with continue.
the probe and receive data.
The data receiving unit of the essential package works with Android-based
app which can be installed on Android smartphone with Bluetooth 4.0 LE
capability and Android version 4.3 – or higher- operating system.
Step 1- Open the App: Open the app by clicking on the Giatec XCell™ icon
on the home screen:
Step 4: The list of available probe(s) will then appear on the screen. In the
search results, select the XCell. This will connect the device to the probe.
Step 2- Click on Giatec XCell™ at the top left corner to start a New
Project.
In the New Project screen, enter the name and description of the project.
Operator can choose for the readings to be corrected for the effect of
temperature. This is selected by default. If user chooses not to take into
account the effect of temperature, remove the selection mark. Press Save to If the device is appropriately connected to the probe, the probe icon on the
proceed. top menu bar will change to green. This indicates that the devices are
paired and ready for testing. The user can see the potential and temperature
values, as well as the battery level of the probe.
Step 3- Press the Probe icon from the top menu (between the battery level
Alpha-Numeric Grid Labels indicator and save icons) to detect the testing probe.
If the Bluetooth device is turned off, a dialogue box will pop up asking for
permission to turn on the Bluetooth transmitter of the Smartphone. Press
Allow to enable the Bluetooth communication.
Step 3: Press on the Probe button to connect the tablet device to the
probe. If the Bluetooth connectivity is off, the user will be asked to give
permission to turn on the Bluetooth communication on the device. Turn on Bluetooth communication Allow Bluetooth communication if it is off
Step 4- Select the appropriate Giatec XCell™ sensor to get connected to the
probe. Following a successful connection, the connect icon changes to
green. You will see potential values on the device immediately, as well as
temperature and the battery level.
The data grid will appear on the screen. The default horizontal and
vertical axis labels on the grid are numbers associated with spacings on each
direction. The user can switch to Alpha-Numeric labeling by clicking on the
“A” on the top right corner of the grid screen.
User can add comments related to the specific grid point. These
comments will be saved along with the potential and temperature values.
The user can delete or modify the temperature and potential values of
previously tested points. Select the point for which you want to delete or
repeat testing, and click on the Green X as indicated. A box will appear at
the bottom of the screen. The user can delete the values of the point by
selecting Delete button, or replace the value with new readings by selecting
the Replace icon. If the user does not want to make any change, select
Return to go back to data recording mode.
Step 2: Enter the name of the project and select the appropriate dimension
and temperature units. Define the horizontal and vertical length of the test
grid; this is the maximum horizontal and vertical length on the concrete
element being tested. Finally, specify the grid spacing in both directions.
Press Save to generate the test grid.
Click on Save/Share Button Select the output format
If you want to save your project, select the appropriate output format XCell ™ App – E NHANCED & C OMPREHENSIVE PACKAGES
(spreadsheet format CSV or plain text format TXT) and click on Save
button. A dialog box will appear asking for the location of the output file. If The Enhanced and Comprehensive packages come with an Android-based
you want to share the output file with other team members, select the tablet.
output file format, and click on the Share button. From the dialog box,
select the method of sharing (email, Bluetooth, etc.) and follow the
instructions.
The tablet comes pre-installed with the Giatec XCell™ Data recording and
Enter saving location Select sharing method processing app. The app can be launched by clicking on the Giatec XCell™
icon on the home screen. The user manual and a tutorial video are also
added to the desktop after a successful activation.
When the test is finished, disconnect the Bluetooth connection on the
data recording unit. This can be done by clicking on the probe icon on the
App. This will save the battery life of the probe.