Accuracy, Precision, and Stability of a Vibrating-Wire Transducer Measurement System to Measure Hydraulic Head

A vibrating-wire transducer measurement system was investigated to determine its accuracy, precision, and stability for use in a study of ground water movement in low-permeability material. Twenty transducers with a pressure range of 10 psi were tested for stability over 100 days. half under low pressure (0.256 psi) and half under approximately full-scale pressure (10 psi). Measurement precision and stability were far better than measurement accuracy. Random noise in the data indicates that the transducers were precise to within 0.02 psi. The transducer measurements were generally stable to within 0.05 psi. but most showed a blight decrease in pressure over time. Measurements by transducers under low pressure were within 0.038 psi of actual pressure, and those made by transducers under high pressure were within ?0.20 psi. as indicated by the difference between the mean measurement of each transducer and the mean measurement of all transducers. These measurements were within the reported accuracy for transducers under low pressure, but differed by more than the reported accuracy for transducers under high pressure: this indicates that transducer accuracy is largely determined by the pressure coefficient used to convert transducer readings to pressure units. Pressure coefficient calibration of selected transducers by a water filled standpipe and a digital manometer indicate that hysteresis could be the most significant factor affecting the transducer accuracy Standpipe calibrations indicate a pressure coefficient difference of about 13 percent between increasing and decreasing pressure, but deadweight calibrations indicate a difference of only 1.5 percent. The observed measurement and equipment error could affect interpretation of water level measurements; thus, independent water level measurements and rigorous review of the data arc needed to evaluate the accuracy of transducer measurements.