The ARBOTOM® is a 3-D Tree Impulse Tomograph designed for assessing the internal mechanical condition of trees. It operates by measuring the propagation of impulse waves through wood, providing insights into wood density and potential defects. The system is compatible with Microsoft Windows® 98, 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
Function Description:
The ARBOTOM® system utilizes impulse tomography, a non-invasive method, to evaluate the inner mechanical condition of trees. It works by inducing mechanical impulses into the tree via shock bolts on sensors and measuring the runtime of these impulses to other sensors. Impulse velocities in wood are highly correlated with density and material properties. Dense wood transmits stress waves better than decayed wood or wood with cracks. The system's software records the sensor positions, distances between sensors, impulse runtimes, velocities, and percent errors. These data are then displayed in various graphical formats, including line graphs, surface graphs, and 3D tomograms, to visualize the internal structure and identify areas of decay or damage.
The ARBOTOM®-sensor, referred to as the "brain" of the system, contains a vibrometer and processing units to digitize and interpret signals. Sensors are connected in a line, with each having two sockets for connecting cables. The number of sensors used (typically 4-24) can be chosen by the user depending on the task, with a higher number increasing resolution. Sensors are attached to the tree using steel pins via a holding device, and impulses are induced through shock bolts. It is crucial to only hit the shock bolt to avoid damaging the sensor.
The system includes a battery pack that supplies the necessary voltage for measurements. The battery pack needs to be recharged after a few hours of use, with a full charge taking 12-14 hours. It is recommended to check the battery charge monthly even when not in use. The charger provided with the device must be used, and charging should only occur in dry rooms.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Software Compatibility: Microsoft Windows® 98, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7.
- Sensor Quantity: Typically 4-24 sensors, user-selectable based on task and desired resolution.
- Battery Pack: Provides basic voltage for operation.
- Charger: 13.7V DC, 12-14 hours for a complete charge. Only the delivered charger should be used.
- Connectivity: Serial cable for PC/laptop connection, USB adaptor cable for USB-only PCs, or wireless Bluetooth® connection (approx. 10-meter radius).
- Measurement Units: Sensor positioning unit can be set to cm or inch.
- Velocity Range: Normally, data below 50 m/s and above 4000 m/s are not expected.
- Temperature Range: Measurements below 0°C (32°F) can lead to incorrect results due to changes in wood properties.
Usage Features:
- Preparation:
- Visual assessment of the tree is recommended to choose the right sensor positions.
- An adequate number of sensors should be chosen; more sensors increase resolution for larger trees.
- The ARBOTOM® can be applied to trunks (horizontal) and branches (vertical).
- Sensors are attached by steel pins, ensuring they penetrate the bark completely and are fixed in the wood.
- Sensors are connected in ascending order, with the battery pack connected to the first sensor via a long cable.
- Sensor input and output plugs must be correctly connected (Version 5: right side of shock bolt is input, left side of sensor holder is output; Version 3: near shock bolt is input, near sensor holder is output).
- The battery pack must be switched off before making any cable changes.
- Software Installation: The ARBOTOM® software is installed from a CD-ROM, following on-screen instructions. After installation, the software needs to be unlocked by RINNTECH.
- Geometry Input:
- The height above ground of the measuring level is entered into the "Height" column.
- Sensor positions along the measuring tape are entered into the "Pos [..]" column, starting with the first sensor having the highest value (e.g., circumference).
- The software displays sensor positions around a perfect circle.
- Deviations from circularity are entered as "Radius-Diff [cm]" values, with positive values for outward deviations and negative for inward.
- Measurement Process:
- Ensure the sensor chain is correctly connected and the battery pack is switched on.
- Start sensor recognition by hitting one sensor.
- Knock on each sensor once with a hammer, using equal intensity. Sensors indicate a detected signal by flashing red diodes (white/pink for sending, blue for receiving, red for no signal).
- Wait for an acoustic signal after each measurement before proceeding.
- Check the Runtime table for signal arrival at every sensor. If no or few signals arrive, drive pins further into the wood or knock slightly harder.
- Avoid disturbing signals during measurements; do not touch sensors or cables.
- For ARBORADIX™™ measurements (root detection), a metal pole is used to induce impulses into the ground, and runtimes to sensors on the stem base are measured.
- Display of Measured Values:
- Runtimes: Recorded and presented line by line, with high values indicating extraordinary runtimes (e.g., due to large hollow spaces).
- Velocities: Impulse velocities are calculated from runtimes and distances, correlating with wood density and elasticity.
- Graphic Display:
- Line Graph: Transfers impulse velocities into a colored image (red-yellow-green palette recommended for traffic light interpretation). Allows localization of defects through the combination of several sensor pairs.
- Surface Graph: Calculated from the line graph using a mathematical algorithm, localizing wood defects based on sensor network density. Color palette can be adapted to specific wood species requirements.
- 3D Tomography (Additional Module): Visualizes axial and cross-sectional sections through the trunk or branch. Requires at least 16 sensors for reliable scanning. Cross-sections (top, intermediate, bottom) and axial sections (left, right) can be shifted and turned.
- Mechanic Graph (Additional Module): Assesses relative moment of resistance for trees with any cross-sectional geometry, considering decayed areas and wood strength. Displays Geometric moment (Wg), Weighted moment (Ww), and Relation moment (Ww/Wg).
- ARBORADIX™™ (Additional Module): Detects roots and estimates the area covered by roots, especially for fungal infections. Impulses are induced into the ground via a metal pole, and runtimes to stem base sensors are measured.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Recharging: Battery pack needs to be recharged from time to time, even when not in use (monthly check recommended).
- Cable Care: Do not over-bend or fold cables.
- Sensor Protection: Protect all parts from moisture, dust, frost, and shock. Handle with care.
- Device Repair: Only RINNTECH or authorized persons are allowed to repair the device. Opening the device by unauthorized personnel invalidates the warranty.
- Pin Removal: After measurement, remove pins from the tree carefully to avoid injuries. Never use sensors to remove pins.
- Calibration: Sensors should be re-calibrated every 2 years to ensure greatest precision.
- Returning for Service: When returning the device for maintenance or repair, include a clear description of the error and, for non-EU customers, a pro-forma invoice (3-fold) with serial number and "for repair" statement to avoid customs duties. Use original packaging for shock protection.
Safety Instructions:
- Protect all parts from moisture, dust, frost, and shock.
- Do not open the device; only RINNTECH or authorized personnel may repair it.
- Do not over-bend or fold cables.
- Remove pins from the tree after measurement to prevent injuries.
- Never use sensors to remove pins.
- Use only the charger delivered with the device, and only in dry rooms.
- In case of emergency, switch off the main switch.
- Never short circuit the battery.
Important Notes:
- Tomograms are limited reconstructions of the inner mechanical condition of the tree due to physical properties and anatomy of wood. They should not be used as the sole basis for stability evaluation but in combination with other data.
- The color palette in graphic displays represents the range of values only and does not necessarily judge wood quality. Different tree species have different impulse speeds in sound wood, which must be considered during interpretation.
- ARBOTOM® measurements are not self-explaining and require interpretation by a tree expert. RINNTECH offers training seminars for optimal results. The user is responsible for interpretation.
- Physical properties of wood change significantly below 0°C (32°F), leading to incorrect results.
- Very low residual wall thickness and asymmetric tree shapes can further reduce tree stability beyond what the Mechanic Graph suggests.
- Measurements on stem disks in a test environment may not resemble actual wood conditions due to drying cracks or stress wave conduction by underlying material. Disks should be fiber saturated and isolated from underlying material.
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