Brochure

CO
2
Monitor Introduction
Instruction 3015-9000 Rev 2 3
1.7 Features & Capabilities
 Detects and measures CO
2
in refrigerant applications
 CO
2
detection range of 20 to 100,000ppm, relative to ambient
 Automatically logs up to 200 gas readings that can be later be recalled for analysis
 Eliminates false alarms with use of non-dispersive IR source and sample draw system
 Visual and audible gas alarm indictors that are turned ON when the detected gas level exceeds a user
defined trip-point
 Extensive self diagnostics, providing both visual and audible indications when a fault occurs
 Battery powered, providing a minimum of 8 hours of operation
1.8 Shipping Precaution
When shipping the instrument by air, deflate the purge-air bag to prevent it from bursting due to changes in air
pressure. Deflate the bag by selecting the EMTYBAG function as described on page 13.
1.9 Functional Overview
1.9.1 General Description
The Bacharach CO
2
PGM-IR is a portable CO
2
gas monitor designed to determine the presence and level of CO
2
gas.
The monitor self-zeros using an internal zero-air (purge) bag every 4 minutes to ensure accurate gas
measurements.
During normal operation the monitor displays the type of gas being monitored (CO
2
) along with displaying both the
current gas level and (optionally) the peak gas level detected in that area on its front panel LCD. The monitor
retains a log of previous readings that can be easily accessed at a later time for analysis.
Front panel indicators and an audible alarm are provided to signal gas alarm and instrument fault conditions. The
audible alarm can temporarily be silenced by a push of a button, but will reactivate if the gas level is still above the
alarm trip point after a user defined time period has elapsed.
The unit requires only minor periodic maintenance such as the occasional replacement of filters. The monitor
incorporates active diagnostics that continuously check the system for proper operation. A front panel indicator is
provided to alert an operator of system malfunctions, and fault codes are generated that enable the operator to
identify the cause of the fault.
1.9.2 Ambient vs. Relative CO
2
Readings
CO
2
gas is present in ambient air at a concentration of approximately 386 ppm. CO
2
gas is also in the “air” that we
exhale. This should be considered when testing for CO
2
refrigerant leaks in confined spaces and/or densely-
occupied locations.
The CO
2
PGM-IR has an internal purge air bag that is filled with ambient air prior to performing CO
2
testing. This
air is used to purge the IR detector of sample gas and establish a “zero” ppm baseline. Therefore, for greatest
accuracy, it is important to:
(1) ensure the purge air bag is filled with clean ambient air (away from breathing, car exhaust, etc.), and
(2) fill the purge air bag with air that is as close as possible in temperature and RH level as the area to be
sampled for leaks.
IMPORTANT: If the purge air bag is known or suspected to be filled with “contaminated” air, use
the EMPTY BAG function to clear the bag, then fill the bag with clean air.
IMPORTANT: The CO
2
PGM-IR displays CO
2
PPM gas readings that are relative to ambient air, NOT
absolute CO
2
PPM readings.