MiniRAE Plus Classic

Transcription

1 MiniRAE Plus Classic PID MONITOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL (Document No.: ) Rev. B RAE SYSTEMS INC Moffett Park Drive Sunnyvale, CA July 2001

2 RAE Systems Product Line Gas Detection Tubes & Pums SamleRAE Electronic Tube Pums D-RAE Combustible/O 2 /H 2 S/CO Monitors MultiRAE PLUS Multi-gas Monitors Q-RAE PLUS Confined Sace Monitors V-RAE Five Gas Surveyors MiniRAE 2000 Portable VOC Monitor brae Parts Per Billion Monitors UltraRAE Secific Comound Monitors ToxiRAE PLUS PID Monitors ToxiRAE PLUS Single Gas Monitors ToxiRAE PLUS Oxygen Monitors ToxiRAE PLUS Combustible Monitors ModuRAE Fixed System PID How can I be informed and udated? Please send in your warranty card via , ost or fax to get on RAE s rivate database (information is never sulied to others). You will be udated on new roducts, technical advisory notices, new accessories and much more. Thank you for your urchase!

3 Table of Contents 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION General Secifications OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC Physical Descrition Oeration Mode Keys and Dislay Power On/Off Dislay Readings Dislaying Average & Peak Alarm Signal Preset Alarm Limits and Calibration Data Back Light Diagnostic Power-on Sequence Disconnect Battery OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES Charging of MiniRAE Classic Samle Gas Collection Remote Access Probe Audio Interface Adater and Earhone Analog Signal Outut Water Tra Filter PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Menu Otions Keys for Programming Entering into Programming Select Site Number i

4 4.5 Calibration of MiniRAE Classic Zero Gas Calibration Enter Standard Calibration Gas Value Standard Reference Gas Calibration Alternative Calibration Methods Calibration for Other Gases Set Samling Period Clear Data Set Low Alarm Limit Set High Alarm Limit THEORY OF OPERATION MAINTENANCE Battery Charging and Relacement Filter Relacement Sensor Module Cleaning Probe Assembly Cleaning Lam Cleaning and Relacement Pum Relacement TROUBLESHOOTING APPENDIX A. SURVEY MODE...A-1 APPENDIX B. RESPONSE INFORMATION...B-1 APPENDIX C. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE...C-1 APPENDIX D. REQUEST RMA FORM...D-1 APPENDIX E. RAE TECHNICAL NOTES...E-1 APPENDIX F. RAE APPLICATION NOTES...F-1 APPENDIX G. LITERATURE REQUEST...G-1 Main Contact Numbers...Outer Back Cover ii

5 THIS DEVICE IS NOT INTENDED TO DETECT COMBUSTIBLE LEVELS OF GASES. THIS DEVICE IS CLASSIFIED FOR USE IN ATMOSPHERES CONTAINING COMBUSTIBLE LEVELS OF GASES. CET APPAREIL CEST NE PAS INTENDER POUR DETECTER DES NIVEAUX DE COMBUSTION DES GAZ. CET APPAREIL EST CLASSIFIE POUR USAGE DANS DES.ATMOSPHERES CONTENANT DES NIVEAUX DE COMBUSTION DES GAZ. iii

6 WARNING -DO NOT PROCEED BEFORE READING- THIS MANUAL MUST BE CAREFULLY READ BY ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE OR WILL HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR USING, MAINTAINING, OR SERVICING THIS PRODUCT. The roduct will erform as designed only if it is used, maintained, and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. CAUTION!!! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, TURN OFF THE POWER BEFORE REMOVING THE SENSOR FOR SERVICE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF IGNITION OF HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES, RECHARGE BATTERY ONLY IN AN AREA KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS. NE CHARGER LES BATTERIES QUE DANS EMPLACEMENTS DESIGNES NON- DANGEREUX. THE MODEL PGM-76 EQUIPMENT IS SUITABLE FOR USE IN CLASS 1, DIVISION 2, GROUPS A, B, C, D OR NON-HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS ONLY. iv

7 THE MODEL PGM-76IS EQUIPMENT IS CLASSIFIED AS TO INTRINSIC SAFETY FOR USE IN CLASS 1, DIVISION 1, GROUPS A, B, C, D OR NON-HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS ONLY. WARNING!! EXPLOSION HAZARD - SUBSTITUTION OF COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR SUITABILITY FOR CLASS 1, DIVISION 2 AND CLASS 1, DIVISION 1. AVERTISSEMENT!! RISQUE D'EXPLOSION - LA SUBSTITUTION DE COMPOSANTS PEUT RENDRE CE MATERIEL INACCEPTABLE POUR LES EMPLACEMENTS DE CLASSE 1, DIVISION 2 / CLASSE 1, DIVISION 1 v

8 CALIBRATION WARNINGS: THE CALIBRATION OF ALL NEWLY PURCHASED RAE SYSTEMS INSTRUMENTS SHOULD BE TESTED BY EXPOSING THE SENSOR(S) TO KNOWN CONCENTRATION CALIBRATION GAS BEFORE THE INSTRUMENT IS USED OR PUT INTO SERVICE. FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY, THE ACCURACY OF THE MINIRAE PLUS CLASSIC SHOULD BE CHECKED BY EXPOSING THE SENSOR(S) TO KNOWN CONCENTRATION CALIBRATION GAS BEFORE EACH DAY S USE. AVERTISSEMENT: LA CALIBRATION DE TOUTE INSTRUMENTS DE RAE SYSTEMS DOIVENT ETRE TESTE EN EXPOSANT L INSTRUMENT A UNE CONCENTRATION DE GAZ CONNUE PAR UNE PROCEDURE DIETALONNAGE AVANT DE METTRE EN SERVICE L INSTRUMENT POUR LA PREMIERE FOIS. POUR UNE SECURITE MAXIMALE, LA SENSIBILITE DU MINIRAE PLUS CLASSIC DOIT ETRE VERIFIER EN EXPOSANT L INSTRUMENT A UNE CONCENTRATION DE GAZ CONNUE PAR UNE PROCEDURE DIETALONNAGE AVANT CHAQUE UTILISATION JOURNALIERE. vi

9 Secial Note -1- When the MiniRAE Classic (PGM-76) PID is taken out from the transort case and turned on for the first time, there may be some residual organic vaor traed inside the ionization chamber. The reading may therefore show a few m. When connecting the zero gas adater sulied with the unit it will clear the residual vaor and reduce the reading to zero quickly. -2- The lead-acid battery of the MiniRAE Classic unit drains slowly even when turned off. If the unit has not been charged for 4-5 days, the battery voltage will be low. Therefore, it is a good ractice to leave the unit in the charger so that it is fully charged and ready for immediate use. It is also recommended to fully charge the unit FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS before using it. If the unit is going to be ut on the shelf for more than 4-5 days, it is highly recommended to turn off the battery switch at the back of the unit. This will revent the battery from being deely discharged. -3- The battery switch also serves as a reset switch for the microrocessor inside the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit. If for some reason, the unit is hung u (for examle, no resonse to key ress or dislays funny characters on LCD dislay), turn off the switch and then turning it on again should reset the microrocessor. vii

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11 SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION MiniRAE Classic (PGM-76) is a rogrammable Photo- Ionization Detector (PID) used to measure organic vaors in hazardous or industrial environments. It incororates a samling um for continuous monitoring, site survey and leak detection alications. The unit is sulied with a standard 10.6 ev lam, which measures a broad range of organic comounds. Interchangeable 9.8 ev and 11.7 ev lams are available, which rovide, resectively more selective and broader range measurements. Features are: Lightweight and Comact - 18 ounces with batteries, handheld size Deendable and Accurate - rugged design, microrocessor control User Friendly - menu driven, intuitive end-use oeration Programmable Alarm Thresholds - audio buzzer & flashing dislay alarm MiniRAE Classic PID Kit (PGM 76K) consists of: A PID Unit, AC charging adater, interface cable, user manual, calibration accessories and a hard transort case. 1-1

12 SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 General Secifications Size: Weight: Detector: Table 1.1 PID Unit Secifications 7.1"L x 2.7"W x 1.8"H (18.0 cm x 6.9 cm x 4.6 cm) 18 ounces with battery (0.5 kg) Interchangeable 10.6 ev, 11.7 ev, or 9.8 ev electrodeless ultraviolet discharge lam with Teflon /stainless steel chamber Oerating Hours: 10 hours continuous Battery Charging: Two rechargeable 6V, 500 mah sealed lead-acid. Field relaceable. Gas Samling: Diahragm um with >500 ml/min. intake flow rate Gas Inlet Probe: Gas Outlet: Attachment: Dislay: Analog Outut: Range: 6" flexible, 5/32" diameter tube 5/32" diameter barb fitting Wrist stra 7 digit LCD with LED backlight 0 V to 2.5 V m with 0.1 m resolution; m with 1 m resolution; m with 1 m resolution 1-2

13 SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION Accuracy: ±2 m or ±10% in the reading range of m and ±20% in the range of m Resonse Time: < 5 seconds to reach 90% of exosed concentration Keyads: Alarm Setting: Alarm: Calibration: 2 oeration keys, 2 rogramming keys and ON/OFF key Low and high alarm limits 90 db buzzer and flashing red LED to indicate exceeded reset limits, low battery, or lam failure Two oint field calibration for zero and san gases Temerature: Humidity: 0oC to 40oC 0% to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing) 1-3

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15 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.0 OPERATION OF MINIRAE PLUS CLASSIC The MiniRAE Classic PID Unit is a ortable organic vaor monitor/samler. It gives the real time measurements and activates alarm signals whenever the exosure exceeds reset limits. Before factory shiment, the MiniRAE Classic is reset with default alarm limits and the sensor is calibrated with 100 m isobutylene gas. However, the user should calibrate the instrument before the first use. After receiving the unit, first charge the unit for at least 24 hours to fully charge the battery. Then turn on the battery switch on the back of the unit (see Figure 2.1). Once the monitor is fully charged and calibrated, it is ready for immediate oeration. Note: For accurate work it is recommended that the MiniRAE Classic be calibrated on each day of use. The time between calibrations can be extended u to 30 days if it can be shown that the calibration does not change significantly under the users conditions for such time. 2-1

16 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.1 Physical Descrition Figure 2.1 shows the main comonents of the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit, which includes: Five keys for the user to interact with the unit: One ower key, two oeration keys for normal oeration, and two rogramming keys for setting u the unit LCD dislay with back light to show real time and calculated measurements Buzzer and red LED for alarm signal whenever the exosures exceed reset limits Probe assembly (including gas inlet tube and sensor ca) to draw air samle Battery charging jack for connection to AC or DC charging adater and a battery switch to disconnect battery from the unit Gas outlet ort for connection to samle collection bag Multi-interface jack for connection to PC, audio interface or analog outut The oeration details are exlained in the following sections. 2-2

17 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC Figure 2.1 Major Parts of the MiniRAE Classic 2-3

18 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.2 Oeration Mode The MiniRAE Classic PGM-76 PID Unit oerates in the survey mode, in which the air samle is measured once each second and comared to a reset alarm limit. When the alarm limit is exceeded, a variable frequency alarm signal is generated in roortion to the magnitude of the measurement. When samling is enabled, the unit records the average and eak values over a samling eriod that can be rogrammed from 1 second to 9999 seconds (166 hours). Indication of Current Firmware: When the MiniRAE Classic Unit is first turned on, an instrument name and firmware version message will aear in the LCD dislay. The message will dislay "Su - x.xx" where x.xx is the version number of each oerating software. 2-4

19 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.3 Keys and Dislay Figure 2.2 shows the LCD dislay and the keyad on the front anel of the unit. The function of the 5 keys during normal oeration are summarized below: PPM TWA PEAK ON MENU ENTER Figure 2.2 Keyad Dislay of MiniRAE Classic 2-5

20 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC Key [on] [u] [down] [enter] [menu] Table 2.1 Function in Normal Oeration -Toggle on/off the ower -Toggle on/off the back light -Choose dislay readings -Confirm to turn off the ower only after the [on] key is ressed once -Enter into rogramming task Caution: Entering rogramming task will interrut normal gas monitoring oeration of the unit. The MiniRAE Classic PID includes a 7-digit LCD dislay with three labels of TWA, PEAK, and PPM marked on the window, as shown in Figure 2.2. The dislay will show the following four tyes of readings: Real time gas concentration in m Average (TWA) value of the gas concentration in m over the samling eriod Peak gas concentration in m Battery voltage in volts (from 5.3 V to 6.4 V) 2-6

21 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.4 Power On/Off To turn on the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit, ress [on] key. The audio buzzer will bee once and the dislay will show Classic and "Su - x.xx" to indicate the oerating survey mode and firmware version number. The unit will then go through a self-diagnostic routine to check the key comonents of the unit. A nxxxxxx" message of the serial number of the unit will be dislayed with the red back light turned on while the self-diagnostic routine is executing. The red LED will flash once and the buzzer bees once to ensure that they are functional. The samling um will be turned on and start to draw air samle. After about 30 seconds, the dislay will change to instantaneous reading of the gas concentration in m if the unit asses diagnostics tests. If there is any roblem with the unit, an error message will be dislayed (refer to Section 9 for troubleshooting of the articular error condition). To turn off the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit, ress the [on] key once and release. Note: You must be in the user or regular mode in order to turn off this unit. The message "Off" will flash on the LCD dislay. Press the [enter] key to confirm and the unit will be turned off. Pressing any other key will return the unit to normal oeration. 2-7

22 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.5 Dislay Readings The MiniRAE Classic PID Unit can dislay four different readings: Instantaneous gas concentration, Average, Peak, and Battery Voltage. Below is a brief exlanation of each reading: 1) The Instantaneous reading is the gas concentration in arts er million (m). The reading is udated once a second and is shown as "xxxx" in the LCD dislay without any arrow cursor or character dislay. Note: A two digit site number will also be dislayed together with the instantaneous reading as "00 xxxx." The site number starts from 00 and ends at 49. 2) The Average (AVG) (indicated as TWA on some units) reading is the average gas reading during the revious samling eriod (not an 8-hour time weighted average). 3) The Peak reading is the eak gas reading during the revious samling eriod. 4) The Battery Voltage reading is the current battery voltage in volt(s). The reading is udated once a minute and is shown as "bat xxx.x" in the LCD window. Selecting a reading: 2-8

23 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC The four readings are arranged in a "round robin" order: Instantaneous AVG (TWA) Peak Battery Voltage Instantaneous To choose a secific reading, ress the [down] key one or more times in normal oeration mode until the desired reading shows. For examle, to dislay the reading, ress the [down] key once. To dislay AVG reading, ress the [down] key twice, and so on. 2-9

24 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC Recording Average and Peak Values To record Average or Peak values during instantaneous readings, ress [Enter] to initiate the samling eriod (SP). A letter "d" will flash during the active samling eriod. The Average and Peak values are stored when the samling eriod ends, either automatically, or when [Enter] is ressed again to sto it manually. The revious values are overwritten and cannot be recalled. The SP must be set to at least 3 seconds to give enough time for the "d" to be observed. Also, if the SP is too short, it may end before the robe is inserted into the intended samle. Conversely, the samling eriod should not be set too long, because the Peak and Average values are udated only after the samling eriod is comlete, not while the "d" is still flashing. 2-10

25 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.6 Alarm Signal The built-in microcomuter constantly udates and monitors real time gas concentration and comares it with the rogrammed alarm limits (low and high limits for the Survey Mode). Whenever the concentration exceeds any of the reset limits, the alarm buzzer and red flashing LED will be activated immediately to warn user of the alarm condition. The alarm is non-latching and will go off as soon as the concentration dros below the reset lower limit. Note: A fully charged battery should show 6.3 volts or higher. Whenever the battery voltage falls below 5.5 volts or the UV lam or sensor module fails, the unit will also activate the buzzer and red LED alarm signal. When the low battery alarm occurs, there will be about minutes oerating time left from the battery. When the battery voltage falls below 5.3 volts, the unit will be turned off automatically. Note: It is extremely imortant that when the lam or sensor failure alarm occurs, users should sto the oeration of the unit immediately and follow the troubleshooting guide in Section 7 to diagnose the roblem. The alarm signal is roortional to the magnitude of the gas concentration. Therefore, when gas concentration exceeds reset limits, the alarm signal may vary from a "single bee" and a "single flash" er second to a raid "7 bees" and "7 flashes" er second when the high 2-11

26 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC threshold level has been exceeded. The higher frequency of alarm signal indicates higher gas concentration. The lam or sensor failure alarm signal is a single bee and a single flash er second. The battery low alarm signal is a single flash er second. A flashing message of "Err xxxx" in the LCD dislay indicates the lam or sensor failure condition. A flashing message of "bat xxxx" indicates the low battery voltage condition. In addition, there will be a "single bee" er minute to remind users that battery voltage is low. 2-12

27 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.7 Preset Alarm Limits and Calibration The MiniRAE Classic PID Unit is factory calibrated with standard isobutylene gas, and is rogrammed with default alarm limits as listed below. Refer to Section 4 for rogramming rocedures if new calibrations or new alarm limits are required. Table 2.2 Factory Calibration and Preset Alarm Limits Calibration Standard Gas isobutylene 100 m Survey Mode: Low Alarm Limit High Alarm Limit Battery Low Level Power Off Level 10 m 100 m 5.5 volts 5.3 volts 2-13

28 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.8 Back Light The LCD dislay is equied with a red LED back light to assist the readings under oor lighting conditions. This back light can be turned on by ressing the [u] key. When the back light is already on, ressing the [u] key will turn it off. Note: The LED back light consumes higher amount of ower from the battery and will shorten the oerating time of the unit. Therefore, it is imortant to turn the back light off when it is not needed. 2-14

29 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.9 Diagnostic Power-on Sequence The MiniRAE Classic PID Unit offers a secial diagnostic ower on sequence to allow users to read "raw" (or un-calibrated) instrument readings during zero gas calibration rocedures. This feature can rovide additional information to users regarding the sensor erformance. Note: To get the diagnostic ower-on sequence, the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit must be turned off. To accomlish this diagnostic ower-on sequence, start by ressing the [u] key first and holding it down. At the same time, ress the [on] key to turn on the ower. Next, use the [menu] key to scroll to the C0 dislay menu otion. Here, the C0 means the raw reading so you will see a raw reading being dislayed. Note: Using the secial diagnostic ower on sequence, the unit will erform normally excet during the zero gas calibration rocedure (see Section 4.5.1). The dislay will show a "raw" reading, instead of the "m" reading. Tyically, the reading should be between "330.0" to "370.0". When exosed to a calibration gas, the reading should go down quickly. The reading can be anywhere between "0.0" and " If the reading does not change when exosed to a calibration gas, then it is an indication that the lam is very weak or the sensor module is defective. 2-15

30 SECTION 2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE CLASSIC 2.10 Disconnect Battery The MiniRAE Classic PID Unit rovides a mechanical switch to allow the user to disconnect the battery from the unit. This is to revent the battery from being deely discharged when the unit is laced on the shelf or during shiment. The lead-acid batteries used in the MiniRAE Classic can be ermanently damaged if allowed to be discharged comletely. To disconnect the battery, oen the rubber cover at the rear side of the unit, find a small switch between the battery charging jack and the multi-interface jack. Use a ball en oint to move the switch to the OFF osition (down). When the switch is in the OFF osition, the battery will retain 85% of its charge after 6 months. Reset Microrocessor The battery switch also serves as a reset switch for the microrocessor inside the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit. If for some reason, the unit is hung u (no resonse when ressing keys or the unit dislays unrecognizable characters on the LCD dislay), turning off the switch and then turning it on again should reset the microrocessor. 2-16

31 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.0 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES There are a number of accessories for MiniRAE Classic PID Unit: 110 V or 220 V AC charging adater Gas outlet ort adater and samle collection Tedlar bag Remote access robe (8 feet) Audio interface adater cable and earhone Analog interface adater cable Water tra filter The oeration details of these accessories are exlained in the following sections. 3-1

32 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.1 Charging the Batteries On the rear side of the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit, there is a battery charging jack that is normally covered by a rotective rubber cover. Oen the rubber cover and connect the AC adater (or the automotive DC charging adater, deending on the ower source) to the charging jack. There is a bi-colored LED inside the LED window that rovides an indication of the charging status: Red - battery is being charged Green No Light - charging is comleted - bad connection or defective battery Plug in the AC (or DC) adater, which will turn on the red charge status LED first. If the battery is fully charged, it will turn to green quickly. A comletely discharged battery will be charged to its full caacity within 10 hours. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF IGNITION OF HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES, RECHARGE BATTERY ONLY IN AREAS KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS. REMOVE AND REPLACE BATTERY ONLY IN AREAS KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS. 3-2

33 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES Note: The factory-sulied battery is designed to last 10 hours of normal oeration for a new battery under the best conditions. As the battery becomes older or oerated under adverse conditions, the battery caacity will be reduced significantly. The battery of the MiniRAE Classic unit will drain slowly even if the unit is turned off. If the unit has not been charged for 4-5 days, the battery voltage will be low. The charging circuit is designed to revent over charging. Therefore, it is a good ractice to always leave the unit in the charger when it is not used so that it is fully charged and ready for immediate use. There is an otional automotive charging adater (/n ), which allows users to charge the MiniRAE Classic unit directly from the 12 V cigarette lighter socket inside a car. 3-3

34 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.2 Samle Gas Collection On the right side of the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit, there is a gas outlet ort where the gas samle can be collected after going through the sensor module and um unit. A gas outlet ort adater with two feet Tygon tubing is sulied with the basic kit. Insert the threaded end of the adater into the gas outlet ort and turn clockwise to tighten the adater. The oen end of the Tygon tubing can be connected to a samle gas collection bag. A comlete gas collection kit that includes a gas outlet adater, connecting tubing and a three-liter Tedlar samle collection bag is also available as an accessory. When collecting samles, we recommend keeing the Tygon connections less than 6 inches because this tubing can adsorb some organic comounds, articularly higher boiling ones. 3-4

35 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.3 Remote Access Probe A remote access robe is available as an otional accessory for the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit. This robe is constructed with an aluminum telescoing ointer and 6.5 feet Teflon tubing. The telescoing ointer allows the robe unit to be stored in a comact sace when not in use. Also, this ointer can conveniently be extended into a 4 feet long ointer to reach difficult samling sace, e.g. above a ceiling or inside a large container, etc. The other end of the Teflon tubing can be inserted directly into the gas inlet tube of the PID unit. Note: When the remote robe is used, there will be an additional delay of about 2-3 seconds of the instrument resonse because the samle gas has to travel through the 8 feet tubing before it reaches the sensor module inside the unit. The traveling seed of the air samle inside the tubing is three feet er second. The samling um can ull in samle gas from as far as 200 feet horizontally or 100 feet vertically. 3-5

36 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.4 Audio Interface Adater and Earhone On the rear side of the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit, there is an 8 in round multi-interface jack which is normally covered by a rotective rubber cover. An audio interface adater cable and a small earhone are available as an otional accessory for the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit (/n ). Oen the rubber cover and connect the interface cable to the jack. The audio buzzer signal is brought out through this interface cable. Plug the earhone into the mini-rca jack on the end of the interface cable. Users can now hear the same alarm signal through the earhone. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF IGNITION OF HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES, DO NOT CONNECT THE EARPHONE OR EXTERNAL ALARM DEVICES TO MINIRAE CLASSIC IN AREAS KNOWN TO BE HAZARDOUS. 3-6

37 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES Audio alarm signal The audio alarm signal consists of a series of 2 khz ulses aearing at in 7 of the multi-interface jack. The duty cycle of the signal is 50%. Figure 3.1 shows the secifications and waveform of the alarm signal: Alarm signal secifications: Voltage: 6 V eak to eak Current: 14 ma (max) Frequency: 2 khz Duty cycle: 50% square wave Duration: 50 milli-seconds Pin out: Pin 7 - signal Pin 8 - ground milli-seconds Figure 3.1 Alarm Signal Waveform Note: The audio interface can be connected to an external alarm box which can amlify the alarm signal or roduce a strong flashing light signal, if needed. If users need to use their own earhones, make sure that the earhones have at least 200-ohm imedance. 3-7

38 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.5 Analog Interface Adater An analog interface adater cable is available as an otional accessory for the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit. Oen the rubber cover and connect the interface cable to the multi-interface jack. The analog signal outut from the sensor module (0 V- 2.5 V) is brought out through this interface cable. Connect the mini-rca lug on the other end of the interface cable to any external recording equiment, such as a stri chart recorder, or an analog datalogger. Users can readily interface the MiniRAE Classic Unit to external equiment for datalogging or other field alications. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF IGNITION OF HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES, DO NOT CONNECT THE ANALOG INTERFACE CABLE TO MINIRAE CLASSIC IN AREAS KNOWN TO BE HAZARDOUS. Analog outut signal Pin 1 of the multi-interface jack carries the uncalibrated analog signal directly from the PID sensor. The outut imedance of the signal is 3.5 k Ohms. The range of the voltage outut is 0 V- 2.5 V. Note: The analog signal outut has a built-in offset of about 50 mv. When a 100 m isobutylene gas is alied to the instrument, the outut signal will increase by about 100 mv. At 4,000 m of isobutylene, the 3-8

39 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES outut signal will increase by about 1.0 V. The raw analog outut signal is not a linear function of the gas concentration in the 0 4,000 m range. Note: In order to revent overloading of the analog outut signal, when connecting to external device, only high imedance inuts should be used. Multi-interface in assignment The multi-interface jack at the bottom of the unit is a circular DIN recetacle with 8 holes. The signal assignment on this connector is shown in Figure 3.2 Pin # Descrition 1 Analog outut 2 Reset (from PC) 3 Data inut (from PC) 4 Not Alicable 5 Not Alicable 6 Not Alicable 7 Alarm outut 8 Ground Rear View Figure 3.2 Pin Diagram of the Multi-Interface Connector 3.6 Water Tra Filter 3-9

40 SECTION 3 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES A water tra filter device is offered as an accessory to the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit. This device is constructed with a olyroylene housing and PTFE membrane filter. This device is to be inserted into the front end of the gas inlet robe during oeration. The water tra filter will revent liquid from being sucked into the PID unit by accident. If water is sucked into the filter, the airflow will be reduced significantly and the um will stall. Users can also sto the unit immediately when observing water inside the filter or hearing the um stalling. 3-10

41 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.0 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE The MiniRAE Classic PID Unit is built with a microrocessor to rovide rogramming flexibility. In the Survey Mode oeration, users can choose a new site number, re-calibrate the unit, change the samling eriod, clear data memory, and change the gas concentration alarm limits. The rogramming is menu-driven to rovide intuitive end-use oeration. The dislay shows the menu otion and the keyad is used for the menu selection or data entry to each menu otion. 4-1

42 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.1 Menu Otions The rogramming menu includes seven menu otions as shown in the Table 4.1. The user enters the rogramming menu by ressing the [menu] key. The first menu otion will aear in the dislay. The user can use the other three keys to erform the desired rogramming tasks. At the comletion of each menu entry, the dislay will automatically advance to next menu otion. Pressing the [menu] key will exit the current menu otion and move to the next menu otion. After sequencing through all seven menu otions, the unit will return to normal oeration. Each otion is exlained in the following sections. The flow chart of the rogramming task in the Survey Mode is shown in Aendix A (g. A-2). 4-2

43 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Table 4.1 Menu Otion Dislay 1 Site selection SItE xx 2 Zero gas calibration C0 xxx.x 3 Enter standard gas value C1u xxx.x 4 Set samling eriod (in seconds) SP xxxx 5 Clear all data Clr ALL 6 Set low alarm limit LA xxx.x 7 Set high alarm limit HA xxx.x Note 1: xxxx is the reviously stored value. 4-3

44 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.2 Keys for Programming The oeration of the five keys during the rogramming task in the Survey Mode. Key [on] [u] [down] [enter] [menu] Table 4.2 Function Programming This key does not function during rogramming Increment numerical value for data entry Decrement numerical value for data entry Confirm menu selection Exit current menu selection and go to next menu otion 4-4

45 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.3 Entering Programming CAUTION!! Do not rogram the unit while in otentially hazardous environments that require continuous rotection. Real time monitoring of gas concentration will be interruted during rogramming. 1. The MiniRAE Classic PID Unit should already be turned on already before entering the rogramming function. If it is not on, refer to Section 2.4 for ower on rocedure. 2. Press the [menu] key to enter into the rogramming menu. 3. Note: If the unit is in the middle of the samling eriod (a d will be flashing next to the site number), it will not resond to the [menu] key. This is to revent entering the rogramming mode while the samling eriod has not been comleted. Wait for the samling eriod to comlete or force the samling eriod to sto by ressing the [enter] key, then enter the rogramming mode again. 4-5

46 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.4 Select Site Number 1. The first menu otion (item 1 in Table 4.1) is to allow users to select a new site number. - Dislay shows the following message "SItE xx". where xx is the current site number. 2 Press the [u] key once to increase the site number by one. Press the [down] key once to decrease the site number by one. 3. By holding down the [u] or [down] key, the site number will automatically advance to next number at aroximately once every half second. This allows users to advance to a new site number raidly without reetitively ressing the keys. 4. When the site number reaches the maximum value of 49, it will automatically wra around to zero. 5. When a desired new site number is reached, ressing the [enter] key will accet the new site number and move to next menu otion. 6. If the [menu] key is ressed in Ste 3, the revious site number will not be changed and the dislay will show next menu otion. 4-6

47 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.5 Calibration of MiniRAE Classic CALIBRATION WARNINGS: THE CALIBRATION OF ALL NEWLY PURCHASED RAE SYSTEMS INSTRUMENTS SHOULD BE TESTED BY EXPOSING THE SENSOR(S) TO KNOWN CONCENTRATION CALIBRATION GAS BEFORE THE INSTRUMENT IS USED OR PUT INTO SERVICE. FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY, THE ACCURACY OF THE MINIRAE PLUS CLASSIC SHOULD BE CHECKED BY EXPOSING THE SENSOR(S) TO KNOWN CONCENTRATION CALIBRATION GAS BEFORE EACH DAY S USE. The user may re-calibrate the MiniRAE Classic PID Unit. This is a two-oint calibration rocess using "zero gas" and standard reference gas. First, a "zero gas" which contains no detectable organic vaors is used to set the zero oint (C0). Then a standard reference gas that contains a known concentration of a secific gas is used to set the second oint of reference (C1). The calibration rocedures are detailed on the following ages. 4-7

48 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Zero Gas Calibration The organic vaor zeroing kit, see Figure 4.1, is sulied to erform zero gas calibration. This kit consists of: Calibration adater to link u with the gas inlet tube of the PID Unit Charcoal filter to exclude any organic gas Figure 4.1 Zero Gas Calibration Setu 4-8

49 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Zero Gas Calibration Procedure 1. "Zero gas calibration" otion is the second menu otion in Table Dislay shows "C0 xxx.x" where "xxx.x" is the gas reading based on the current calibration of the instrument. Note: This reading may not be zeroed due to background gas concentration, dirty charcoal filters or instrument drift. 2. Insert the zero gas adater into the gas inlet tube of the Personal PID Unit, as shown in Fig Alternatively, move the instrument to a location that is known to be free of organic contaminants in the ambient fresh air. 3. The samling um draws air samle into the sensor chamber through the charcoal filter of the organic zeroing kit. - Dislay then shows the reading of the gas free of organic vaor. Again, this reading may not be zeroed due to dirty charcoal filter or instrument drift. Relace the filter if it is susected to be dirty or if the number of uses exceeds the number of check boxes on the filter. 4. If this reading is not zero, ress the [enter] key to zero it. If the reading still shows a small value after a few seconds, ress the [enter] key again to zero it. Reeat this rocess until the reading is stabilized around zero or 0.1 m. This comletes the zero gas calibration rocedure. Press the [menu] key to 4-9

50 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE exit zero gas calibration and move on to next menu item. 5. Remove the zero gas calibration adater from the Personal PID Unit. 6. One may ress the [menu] key before ressing the [enter] key in Ste 4 to ski the zero gas calibration. In this case, the reviously stored zero gas calibration data is not changed. Note: Even if the reading shows a zero during Ste 4, it is recommended to ress the [enter] key at least once to ensure that the zero gas calibration is udated roerly. This comensates for ossible drift below zero, which is dislayed as zero on the unit. 4-10

51 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Enter Standard Calibration Gas Value 1. "Enter standard gas value" otion is the third menu otion in Table Dislay shows "C1u xxx.x" where "xxx.x" is the reviously stored standard calibration gas value. For examle, "C1u 100.0" will be shown when the unit is first shied from the factory because it is calibrated using 100 m isobutylene gas as standard calibration gas. 2. If the concentration of the standard calibration gas to be used is the same as the dislayed value, ress the [enter] key 4 times to accet the dislayed calibration value one digit at a time and move to Ste If the concentration of the standard calibration gas to be used is different from the dislayed value, the user needs to enter the new value in the range of 5.0 m to m. Starting from the left-most digit of the dislayed value, use the [u] or the [down] arrow key to change the digit value and the [enter] key to confirm the digit, the flashing digit will move to next digit to its right. Reeat this rocess until all four digits are entered. 4-11

52 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4. Now the standard calibration gas value is entered. - Dislay shows the message "GAS On" to remind the user to turn on the calibration gas bottle now. After the gas bottle is turned on, ress the [enter] key to continue the standard gas calibration rocedure as described in Section Anytime during Ste 2 or Ste 3, if the [menu] key is ressed, the data entry oeration will be aborted. It is also assumed that the user wants to ski the standard gas calibration rocedure and move on to the next menu item. Therefore, it is very imortant that all four digits are entered (i.e. ress the [enter] key four times) even if the user does not want to change the standard calibration gas value in Ste

53 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Standard Reference Gas Calibration Figure 4.2 shows the tyical installation of standard reference gas calibration. It includes: Calibration adater with flow controller Reference gas bottle of 100 m isobutylene Figure 4.2 Standard Reference Gas Calibration Setu 4-13

54 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Standard Gas Calibration Procedure 1. Insert the calibration adater into the gas inlet tube of the Personal PID Unit, and connect the calibration adater with the standard gas bottle, as shown in Figure Continue from Ste 4 of the revious Section, the dislay should show a message of "GAS On". Turn the flow controller knob counter-clockwise about half a turn to start the flow of gas, then ress the [enter] key. - Dislay shows "CAL..." for about 30 seconds while the instrument erforms calibration. Afterwards, the dislay shows "C1 xxx.x" where C1 indicates that this is the standard calibration gas and "xxx.x" is the actual gas reading in m based on the new calibration data. Note: The reading should be very close to the value of the given calibration gas (e.g m). If the reading is higher or lower than the standard gas value and continues to rise slowly, it means that the calibration has not been accurately established. Press the [enter] key and reeat this rocess a few more times if necessary until the reading is stable and sufficiently close to the standard gas value, for examle, within 1 or 2 m of 100 m. This comletes the standard gas calibration rocedure. 3. Press [menu] to exit the standard gas calibration rocedure and move onto the next menu item. 4-14

55 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4. Turn the flow controller knob fully clockwise to turn off the flow of gas. Disconnect the calibration adater from the Personal PID Unit. 5. One may ress [menu] any time before ressing [enter] key in Ste 2 to abort the calibration. In this case, the reviously stored calibration data is not changed. Note 1: If the [enter] key is ressed inadvertently during Ste 2 before the standard reference gas starts to flow, an error message of "CAL Err" will be dislayed. Simly turn on the gas flow, wait for it to stabilize and ress the [enter] key. This should allow the instrument to be calibrated. In case the user does not have a calibration gas, then ress the [menu] key to exit Ste 2. A factory-reset value will be used to calculate the standard gas calibration. Note 2: The other ossible cause for the "CAL Err" message to be dislayed is that the instrument does not have enough sensitivity for the given calibration gas. There are several ossible reasons for low sensitivity. First, the instrument and lam are not sensitive to the secific calibration gas. In this case, the user needs to increase the signal by 1) using a higher concentration of the gas, 2) using a different calibration gas or 3) using a higher energy lam. The second reason is that the UV light intensity of the lam is weak. In this case, relace the UV lam with a newer and stronger one. 4-15

56 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Alternative Calibration Methods Two alternative calibration methods of the reference gas often are used by some users. These methods are described briefly here: A) Samling Bag Calibration method: First, fill a Tedlar samling bag with the reference gas from a standard gas bottle. The size of the Tedlar bag should be at least one liter or more. Connect the air intake robe of the MiniRAE Classic to the Tedlar bag and erform the gas calibration rocedures as described in Section In general, the samling bag calibration method will allow the airflow from the bag to match the flow rate of the samling um of each individual PID unit. Therefore, it should rovide a slightly more accurate calibration result. The disadvantage of the samling bag calibration method is that it uses more gas for each calibration. Do not store calibration gas in a Tedlar bag for more than one hour, as the concentration may decrease. B) Demand Flow Regulator method: RAE Systems rovides a demand flow regulator (DFR) whereby the instrument robe is connected directly to the regulator gas flow out of the cylinder is initiated by the suction of the instrument um, and it matches the um seed closely. 4-16

57 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE This method is simle, convenient, accurate, and uses only the amount of gas required for the calibration rcedure. It also avoids otential gas losses or contamination ossible with the Tedlar Bag method. The demand flow regulator is more exensive to urchase initially but saves gas costs in the long run. C) Tee Connection or Oen Cu method: In order to match the flow rate between the fixed regulator and the samling um, it is ossible to insert a Tee connector between the regulator and the MiniRAE Classic unit. The Tee connector will allow the excessive gas from the regulator to flow out through the third oening on the Tee connector. Alternatively, the tubing from the cylinder can be widened or connected to an oen cu, and the instrument robe inserted into the cu. Excess gas flows by the inserted robe. This method will also imrove the calibration result. 4-17

58 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Calibration for Other Gases The most accurate results are always obtained by calibrating directly with a standard of the gas of interest. However, it is often imractical to carry a range of different standard gases into the field for calibration. For such cases, correction factors (CFs) have been determined that enable the user to quantify a large number of chemicals using a single calibration gas, tyically isobutylene. The CF is multilied by the instrument reading (calibrated to isobutylene) to obtain the true concentration of the gas of interest. The correction factor for a secific gas is defined as: Sensitivity to a standard gas Correction Factor = Sensitivity to a secific gas For examle, when the PID sensor is calibrated to 100 m isobutylene gas, and then exosed to 100 m benzene gas, the instrument will measure about 189 m. Then the correction factor for benzene, relative to isobutylene is: 100 m Correction Factor (benzene) = = m Aendix B contains a list of correction factors for common organic vaors. There are two ways to use these correction factors to obtain a calculated concentration of another gas: 4-18

59 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 1) Direct reading of a secific gas in m: Ste 1: Obtain the correction factor of a given organic vaor. For examle, benzene has a calibration factor of 0.53 relative to isobutylene. Ste 2: Multily the standard calibration gas value (such as 100 m of isobutylene) by the CF to obtain a comensated calibration standard value for the given gas, i.e. CF x Standard Value = Comensated Value (0.53 x 100 m = 53 m for benzene) Ste 3: Enter the comensated calibration standard value, instead of the actual calibration standard concentration in Ste 3 of Section For examle, enter 53 m instead of 100 m in Ste 3 if readings in benzene m are desired. Continue to finish gas calibration using the standard calibration gas (100 m isobutylene). After the calibration is comleted, the unit will give direct reading in m when of the selected gas. In this examle, the instrument will dislay 100 m when exosed to 100 m benzene gas. 2) Manual conversion of readings for a secific gas: Ste 1: Calibrate the instrument using the standard calibration gas as described in Sections Ste 2: Obtain the calibration factor of a given organic vaor (see the list in Aendix B or 4-19

60 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE Technical Note 106). For examle, benzene has a calibration factor of Ste 3: When exosed to a secific gas, multily the instrument reading by the calibration factor manually. The result is the calculated value in m for the secific gas. For examle, if the instrument is calibrated using isobutylene gas. When exosed to 100 m benzene gas, it reads about 189 m. Multily this value by the calibration factor of benzene (0.53). The result is 100 m which is the actual concentration of benzene. Note: The calibration factor is used to rovide an aroximate reading for a given gas while using another gas (such as isobutylene) as a reference gas during calibration. The secified measurement accuracy of MiniRAE Classic PID Unit can be met only through using the actual gas directly during the calibration rocess. 4-20

61 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.6 Set Samling Period The samling eriod (SP) for collecting Average and Peak values can be set between 1 and 9999 seconds. We suggest setting the samling eriod to at least 5 seconds, which is the t90 resonse time of the monitor. 1. "Set Samling Period" otion is the fourth menu otion in Table Dislay shows "SP xxxx" with the leftmost digit flashing, where "xxxx" is the reviously stored samling eriod in seconds. 2. To modify this eriod, starting from the left-most digit, use the [u] or [down] arrow key to change the digit value and then ress the [enter] key to confirm the digit, the flashing digit will move to the next digit to its right. Reeat this rocess until all four digits of the new samling eriod are entered. Note: If "0" second is entered, the entry will be ignored and the reviously stored samling eriod will be used. 3. To reserve the reviously stored samling eriod, ress the [menu] key at Ste 1 or in the middle of Ste 2, the unit will abort the data entry and move to the next menu otion. The samling eriod is initiated by ressing [Enter] while in the instantaneous reading dislay, and can be stoed early by ressing [Enter] again. See Section for more information on samling for Peak and Average readings. 4-21

62 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.7 Clear Data The Average and Peak data can be cleared by selecting the "clear data" menu otion. 1. Clear data otion is the fifth menu otion in Table Dislay shows a flashing "Clr ALL" message 2. To clear the data, ress the [enter] key to confirm the menu selection. 3. Pressing the [menu] key will move to the next menu otion without clearing the data. It is not necessary to clear the data before starting a new samling eriod because the Peak and Average values are automatically overwritten once the next samling eriod is comleted. 4-22

63 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.8 Set Low Alarm Limit Users are allowed to define a low alarm limit. When the gas concentration is below this limit, the alarm will not be activated. The minimum value for this low limit is zero. 1. Set "low alarm limit" otion is the sixth menu otion in Table Dislay shows "LA xxx.x" with the leftmost digit flashing, where "xxx.x " is the reviously stored low alarm limit. 2. To modify this limit, starting from the left-most digit, use the [u] or [down] arrow key to change the digit value and then ress the [enter] key to confirm the digit, the flashing digit will then move on to next digit to its right. Reeat this rocess until all four digits of the new low alarm limit are entered. Note: If the low alarm limit is higher then the high alarm limit, the data entry will be aborted and the reviously stored low alarm limit will be restored. 3. To reserve the reviously stored low alarm limit, ress the [menu] key at Ste 1 or in the middle of Ste 2, the unit will abort the low alarm limit entry and move to the next menu otion. 4-23

64 SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING IN SURVEY MODE 4.9 Set High Alarm Limit Users are allowed to define a high alarm limit. When the gas concentration exceeds this limit, the alarm will be activated at the highest frequency. The high limit and low limit also define the range whereby the alarm signal will vary its frequency. The maximum value allowed for high limit is Set "high alarm limit" otion is the seventh menu otion in Table Dislay shows "HA xxx.x" with the leftmost digit flashing, where "xxx.x" is the reviously stored high alarm limit. 2. To modify this limit, starting from the left-most digit, use the [u] or [down] arrow key to change the digit value and then ress the [enter] key to confirm the digit, the flashing digit will then move on to the next digit to its right. Reeat this rocess until all four digits of the new high alarm limit are entered. Note: If the high alarm limit is lower then the low alarm limit, the data entry is aborted and the reviously stored high alarm limit will be restored. 3. To reserve the reviously stored high alarm limit, ress the [menu] key at Ste 1 or in the middle of Ste 2, the unit will abort the high alarm limit entry and move to the next menu otion. 4-24