Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys

The Allegro Mx Field Computer is a versatile field computer for capturing pipeline and facility cathodic
protection data. It will typically pay for itself in less than a year by saving data collection time, saving
data transcription time and eliminating data entry and transcription errors associated with manual data
entry. Allegro CX is the most advanced, durable, and powerful handheld computer available. It is
Windows CE pen-based with integral Digital Voltage Meter, Periodic and Close Interval Survey Software,
optional GPS receiver, and remote trigger port compatible with wire chainers and push button probes.

The Allegro is compatible with both standard and GPS synchronized current interrupters. It is available in
a colour or monochrome display version. Both use trans-reflective technology for brilliant contrast in
direct sunlight. Colour display versions are Bluetooth compatible.



The Allegro Mx is a must for companies seeking
accurate field data acquisition.

It is ideal For All Field Computing Needs:
Periodic & Bi-monthly surveys
Close Interval Surveys
GPS Data Collection
GIS Data Verification



Allegro Mx Applications are 100% compatible with AIs Pipeline Compliance System Software.

See the following pages to understand the truly remarkable functions of the product in CIPS mode.

Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys


CIPS Survey Set up

Probably the most important part of the survey is the set up of the Allegro Field Computer and this must
be based on the type of survey required by the customer, i.e. On, Off, On/Off etc. In the case of an
On/Off survey, consideration must be given to the accuracy of the interrupters to be used, the stability
and reaction speed of the relay, the number and location of interrupters and the rating in DC Amps of
the output(s) to be interrupted.

There are 5 modes for the recording of data, here we discuss the Interruption types, look at the options
in the set-up and discuss the reasons behind them. All Pictures are screen shots in the Allegro Mx and
are based on the view during the different phases of the set-up. The Allegro Cx view may vary slightly.

1. Only On
2. Only Off (depolarised / native)
3. On/Off High/low
4. On/Off GPS Sync
5. On/Off GPS Real Time

Figure 1 shows a typical set up in CeCi mode for Only On. Note, Only Off is set up similarly but is based
on recording readings on a pipeline with Natural (Native) or de-polarised potentials.


Figure 1


Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys


Figure 2 shows a typical set-up for a On/Off High/Low survey. An example of where this function is used
could be when the operator has interrupters installed in multiple power supplies but is not sure of the
accuracy of the synchronisation. Multiple Interrupters need not be GPS synchronised but must be able
to interrupt synchronously on a reasonably accurate basis and stay in sequence for reasonably long
periods between re-synchronising (2-3 days). The function generally selects the highest (Most Negative)
and lowest (Least Negative) readings over prescribed period of time. To negate the effect of any induced
AC Spikes in the DC voltage On and Off Delays can be utilised which tells the logger to ignore any
readings in these periods. Spikes can be seen with a scope. or in the DVM mode of the Allegro.


Figure 2
Figure 3 shows the graphing mode of the DVM function with a cycle based on 1.4 seconds On, 0.4 Off


Figure 3

Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys


Figure 4 shows a spike (in red) after the Interrupter(s) have turned off


Figure 4

Figures 5-7 show how the delay functions filter out all of the readings in the selected (200mS On and
250mS Off) period in the Hi/Lo setup.
o Of the remaining readings the software assumes
Least negative = off (Figure 5)
Most negative = on (Figures 6 and 7)


Figure 5


Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys


Graph showing a typical On spike


Figure 6

Graph showing how the On delay (200mS) ignores all readings in this period


Figure 7



Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys


The GPS On/Off mode has a similar set up shown in Figure 8


Figure 8

The main difference between this and the High/Low is the point where the On and Off readings are
recorded in the interruption cycle. As the Interrupters are assumed to be GPS synchronised in this mode,
it is possible to take readings at more accurate time points, this is because we can be more sure about
the accuracy of the synchronisation. On these settings the Off delay (200mS) relates to the exact point
after On to Off interruption where the reading is taken (not the least negative reading between the
delay and the On as with the High/Low). The On reading is taken 150mS (On Setup) before the On to Off
Interruption. Both reading points are, therefore, after any spike periods (see Figure 9)


Figure 9

Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys


Figure 10 shows a sample of how the GPS Sync On and Off data is entered into the ISM module after
downloading from the Allegro. The data is the same for the High/Low mode in that an On and Off
reading is recorded at each collection point.


Figure 10

GPS Real-Time Setting. The main difference with this mode is that the operator can specify the exact
time that readings are recoded in the cycle of GPS synchronised interrupters and that the instrument
can recognise whether or not the readings are On or Off readings. A typical use of this mode would be
when a slower interruption rate is required but a reasonable rate of survey is still necessary. As an
example, in High/Low or GPS Sync modes, the unit records an On and an Off reading in every cycle,
therefore, if the rate of switching is 4 Seconds On and 1 Second off this means the operator would
collect 12 sets of readings per minute. Assuming on a CIPS survey we are looking for a spacing of approx
1 metre, this would equate to an absolute maximum rate of progress of 720m (12x60) per hour or
5760m per 8 hour day. In real terms allowing for delays, reconnection at test points etc. the daily
progress is more likely to be 3000-4000m. Using GPS Real-Time we can use the Auto trigger from the
backpack (set to 1 metre) and allow the software to determine whether this is an On or an Off reading.



Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys


Figure 11shows a typical GPS Real-Time set up.


Figure 11

In Figure 12 we show the DVM graph of the following set-up

Green = GPS Real-Time Delay
Blue = GPS RT Off Delay
Violet = GPS RT On Delay


Figure 12



Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys


In Figure 13 we show the same DVM graph and have marked on it the reading locations. In automatic
mode these would be selected by the trigger from the chainer on the back-pack and based on the speed
the operator walks at.


Figure 13

Figure 14 again shows the same DVM graph and reading locations. The yellow shaded areas show the
points in the cycle where the readings are not taken.


Figure 14



Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys


Figure 15 shows a sample of how the GPS Real-Time On and Off data is entered into the ISM module
after downloading from the Allegro.


Figure 15



Allegro Mx Field Computer

Switching Set-Up during CIPS Surveys



For further information on this or other exciting Pipeline Compliance
products and features, please see the following websites:

www.cath-tech.co.uk
www.cathodic.co.uk

Or contact:

Stuart Martin stuart.martin@cathodic.co.uk
Phone: 07530 433720

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