It is recommended that the SAAF Install Kit be used during the installation process. This kit is included with every SAAF and was designed to help make the installation process easier. It contains fittings and tools which improve the installation process by providing a more secure way to compress the ShapeArray.
Figure 1: SAAF Install Kit
If the steps outlined in the Installing an SAAF using the SAA+PVC method and Installing a ShapeArray Into a Pre-Cased Borehole guides have been followed, the installation should look similar to Figure 2 below. At this point, in order to finish the installation, compression to the ShapeArray (SAA) will need to be applied. This will cause the joints to expand and snug into the conduit. In order to complete the installation process, follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1 - Apply Compression
Apply downward force of no more than 20 kg (approximately 50 lbs) on the PEX and turn the set screws on the top stack to maintain compression and orientation of the ShapeArray within the PVC.
Note: If the ShapeArray is installed in an area with heavy vibration or blasting, it is possible that the set screws will loosen with time. You should take steps to ensure that the set screws remain tight.
Figure 2: Loosening the set screws to apply compression
Note: Be careful. Over-tightening the set screws will strip the threads in the PVC.
Step 2 - Mark the X-mark
Before closing the SAAF Install Kit, determine the azimuth offset for the X-mark. See the SAA X-mark Protractor guide for more information. Mark the X-mark on the outside of the PVC pipe for future reference
Figure 3: Determining the azimuth and marking the X-mark
Step 3 - Add the Top Stack
Cut away any excess PEX tubing.
Figure 4: Cutting away excess PEX tubing
Thread the top portion of the pre-assembled SAAF Install Kit over the cable and screw it into the bottom portion. Tighten the gland at the top of the top stack until the rubber gasket seals the cable. Make sure to remove the hanging fixture once the grout has set. Leaving it in place may lead to rotation.
Figure 5: The top portion of the pre-assembled SAAF Install Kit threaded over the cable and screwed it into the bottom portion
Step 4 - Run the Cable to a Data Acquisition System
Run cable to the data acquisition system. Use conduit to protect the cable and to ease cable replacement if required, as shown in Figure 5.A below. Since the PVC conduit containing the ShapeArray has been sealed, it is not necessary for the flexible conduit to cover the entire cable. If the top of the ShapeArray is protected using a well head covering or some other buried structure, it is possible to use zip ties provided in the kit to hold the conduit in place under the protective conduit. It is also possible to do cable splices or attach items such as the SAASPD surge protection device at this point, as shown in Figure 5.B below.
Figure 6: Running cable to a data acquisition system - (A) conduit to protect and ease cable placement, (B) SAASPD spliced onto the cable