Operation Manual PhD2 Multi Gas Detector 651 South Main St Middletown, CT 06457 860 344-1079 800 711-6776 FAX 860-344-1068 15NOV2004 Version 5.
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THE PhD2 PERSONAL PORTABLE GAS DETECTOR HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR THE DETECTION OF OXYGEN DEFICIENCIES, FLAMMABLE GAS, AND TOXIC VAPOR ACCUMULATIONS. IN ORDER TO ASSURE THAT THE USER IS PROPERLY WARNED OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BE READ, FULLY UNDERSTOOD, AND FOLLOWED. AVERTISSEMENT: LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT LES INSTRUCTIONS AVANT DE METTRE EN MARCHE.
Table of Contents Introduction 5 Signal Words --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Chapter 1 PhD2 Description ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 PhD2 capabilities 1.1 7 1.1.1 Methods of sampling 7 1.1.2 Multi-sensor capability 7 1.1.3 Calibration 7 1.1.4 Alarm logic 7 1.1.
3.1 Functional (bump) test 17 3.2 Effect of contaminants on PhD2 sensors 17 3.2.1 Effects of contaminants on oxygen sensors 17 3.2.2 Effects of contaminants on combustible sensors 17 3.2.3 Effects of contaminants on toxic gas sensors 18 3.3 Fresh air "zero" calibration 3.3.1.1 3.3.1.2 18 Fresh air "zero" through MODE button Fresh air "zero" through mini-push-buttons PhD2 span calibration 3.4 19 3.4.
.2.5 6.3 Exiting the Datalogging Adjust mode Downloading recorded data 30 30 6.3.1 Entering the Record Keeping Data Transfer mode 30 6.3.2 Downloading recorded data to the instrument screen 30 6.3.4 6.3.5 Downloading recorded data to a computer Clearing data from PhD2 memory after downloading to P.C. 31 6.3.6 Exiting the Record Keeping Data Transfer mode 32 Chapter 7 Trouble-shooting and repair ------------------------------------------------------------- 33 Changing PhD2 sensors 7.
Introduction The PhD2 is a personal, portable, microprocessor controlled gas detector that can monitor up to four atmospheric hazards simultaneously. The PhD2 measures oxygen, combustible gas, and up to two additional toxic gases. The PhD2 uses a top-mounted, back-lit, "Supertwist" LCD (liquid crystal display) to simultaneously show readings of the gases being measured. A loud audible alarm and individual alarm lights for each gas being monitored warn users of hazards.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS 1. The PhD2 personal, portable gas detector has been designed for the detection of dangerous atmospheric conditions. An alarm condition indicates the presence of a potentially life-threatening hazard and should be taken very seriously. 2. In the event of an alarm condition it is important to follow established procedures.
Chapter 1 PhD2 Description 1.1 Different measurement units are used depending on the gas being measured. Common examples include: Concentration of ... Oxygen (O2) Combustible gas PhD2 capabilities The PhD2 is a gas detector with numerous features that can be modified to meet user requirements. This chapter discusses some of those features. 1.1.
instrument must be manually reset before the alarms are silenced. automatically turn itself off, protecting the battery from deep discharge. 1.1.5 After any low battery alarm the PhD2 battery must immediately be recharged. Atmospheric hazard alarms The PhD2 personal, portable gas detector has been designed for the detection of dangerous atmospheric conditions. An alarm condition indicates the presence of a potentially lifethreatening hazard and should be taken very seriously. 1.1.
1.1.8 Classification for intrinsic safety 1.2 The PhD2 is Classified by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and the Canadian Standards Association as to Intrinsic Safety for use in Hazardous Locations Class I, Groups A, B, C, & D. This means that the PhD2 has been successfully tested for safety in combustible gas / air (21 % oxygen) mixtures. 1.1.9 1.1.9.1 (1) Case: The instrument is enclosed in a solid, stainless steel impregnated polycarbonate case.
8 7 1.3 9 Each PhD2 is delivered in a foam lined box containing: the PhD2 detector, padded vinyl weather cover, carrying strap, battery charger, hand-aspirated sample-draw kit, owner's manual and video training tape. 6 2 The sample draw kit consists of a slip-on sample draw / calibration adapter, squeeze bulb, sample probe, two probe extenders, and ten feet of hose.
The first shows clock time, number of data points saved, temperature, run time, and battery voltage: Chapter 2 Basic operation This chapter will cover how to use the PhD2 for safe work in potentially hazardous atmospheres. 2.1 Overview of PhD2 operation The second shows the PhD2 data memory being checked: The PhD2 offers a choice of three modes of operation, "Text Only," "Basic," and "Technician.
2.2.1 Text Only mode The simplest mode of operation is the "Text Only" mode. In this mode, during normal operation, the LCD screen does not display numerical readings, only the indication "OK." If an alarm condition occurs, that is, when one of the sensor readings exceeds a pre-set alarm level, the numerical reading changes to reflect the new value, the LED alarm light flashes, and the audible alarm sounds.
PhD2 alarms are normally self-resetting. When readings drop back below the pre-set alarm levels, visual and audible alarms cease, and normal operation of the instrument resumes. Pressing the MODE button again displays the final screen showing clock time, number of data points saved, temperature, run-time, and battery voltage. Pressing the MODE button allows the user to toggle between available meter display screens. Several additional screens are available to the user in the Technician mode.
the PhD2 case. Over tightening may lead to the battery pack being damaged. If the expected duration is not being received, try "cycling" the battery by turning it on for a few hours every day then recharging. If this procedure fails to improve performance, the battery will probably need to be replaced. To ensure the best performance, the PhD2 should be kept on the battery charger continuously whenever the instrument is not being used.
(2) Remove the PhD2 from its protective vinyl carrying case and slip the sample draw cup over the end of the instrument. (3) Plug in the charger. (4) It is possible to verify that the PhD2 is properly charging by turning the instrument on while connected to the battery charger and looking at the meter display. If the battery charger is functioning properly the screen will briefly display battery voltage (V bat) and the current delivered by the charger (Ich).
(8) Note gas measurement readings (1) Connect the slip-on battery operated pump with the hose and probe assembly. (2) Remove the PhD2 from its protective vinyl carrying If a protective pump shut-down occurs, the following steps should be taken before the instrument is put back into use: case. Slip the battery-operated pump over the end of the PhD2. (1) Turn off the sample draw pump. (3) Lightly tighten the retaining screw to secure the pump to the instrument.
Chapter 3 Calibration 3.2 The PhD2 detector has been designed for easy calibration. Adjustments are made by using simple pushbutton controls located on the instrument keypad. The atmosphere in which the PhD2 monitor is being used can have an effect on the sensors. Sensors may be poisoned or suffer degraded performance if exposed to certain substances. The accuracy of the PhD2 should be checked periodically with known concentration calibration gas.
discussed in Section 3.3.1.1. Version 4.6 and lower instruments may only be fresh air zeroed using the hidden push-buttons and procedures discussed in Section 3.3.1.2. (Version 4.7 and higher instruments may be fresh air zeroed using either method.) readings. In the event of a protective over-limit alarm latch condition the instrument must be turned off, taken to an area where the air is fresh, and turned back on to resume normal operation.
3.4 3.3.1.2 PhD2 span calibration Please note: Calibration procedures for certain “corrosive gas” toxic sensors (sulfur dioxide, ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, and hydrogen chloride) differ slightly from the standard procedures which follow. Section 3.4.1. discusses special calibration procedures for these “corrosive gas” sensors. In the span calibration procedure, the PhD2 sensors are Fresh air "zero" through mini-pushbuttons (1) Turn the instrument on.
CAUTION: The “Cal” button must be held down until the screen indicates that span calibration has been successfully completed. (Pressing the MODE button at any time cancels the calibration mode, and returns the instrument to the gas reading screen.) If the button is released before this message is displayed, span values will not be updated, and remain unchanged from the last time a span calibration was successfully completed. (7) Slip the sample draw / calibration adapter over the end of the instrument.
(2) Enter the Span Calibration mode as discussed in Section 3.4. above. the cylinder. Turn the regulator off after it has been screwed into place in the cylinder. (3) Connect the regulator, adaptor and length of FEP lined tubing to the cylinder of calibration gas. Note: Biosystems recommends the use of a special corrosion resistant regulator (part number 12-025) for ammonia and hydrogen chloride calibrations. Biosystems’ standard regulator (part number 12-023) may be used for other corrosive gases.
Chapter 4 Setting alarm levels PhD2 alarms are user adjustable and may be set anywhere within the range of the sensor channel. When an alarm set point is exceeded a loud audible alarm sounds, and an individual bright red LED alarm light for each affected sensor blinks. (7) Pressing the alarm button again will advance the display to the next available alarm adjustment option. Pressing the MODE button at any time cancels the alarm adjustment mode, and returns the instrument to the gas reading screen.
Toxic 2 STEL and TWA: (4) The final screen in the sequence indicates how to make the adjustment. (5) If the "Alarm" button is pushed the default settings are restored and the display shows the following screen: (6) If the MODE button is pushed, the current alarm settings remain unchanged, and the display shows the following screen: (7) After selection of the default or current alarm settings has been made, the display reverts to the current gas reading screen.
Chapter 5 PhD2 Advanced Functions 5.1 The next screen shows the raw output of the combustible gas (LEL) and oxygen sensors. Please note that LEL values (250 counts in the example screen below) are listed to the left, oxygen values (755 counts) to the right hand side of the screen. PhD2 Advanced features overview The PhD2 microprocessor circuitry makes a number of advanced features and capabilities possible.
5.2.2.1 Sensor O2 LEL CO H2S SO2 NO NO2 Cl2 NH3 HCN HCl TOX 1 5.2.3 configurations including latching alarms, timed security beeps, and assigning the instrument a user defined identification number. Each of these options is discussed in greater detail below. Optimal diagnostic count ranges for version 4.7 PhD2 detectors Min. 595 200 24000 24000 24000 21500 24000 24000 21500 24000 20500 20500 Max. 935 275 36500 36500 36500 36500 36500 36500 36500 36500 36500 36500 5.3.
5.3.3 Configuring toxic gas channels There are two toxic channels in the PhD2 design. They are designated "Toxic 1" and "Toxic 2." Pressing the Cal button will advance to the first toxic channel set-up screen. TOX 2 O2 Besides identifying which Toxic channel is currently being configured, the screen also identifies which type of sensor has been selected. In the screen example above, "CO" indicates a carbon monoxide sensor has been selected. TOX 1 L.E.L.
Sensor CO H2S SO2 Cl2 HCN NO2 HCl NH3 NO TOX 1 Type Unbiased Unbiased Unbiased Unbiased Unbiased Unbiased Biased Biased Biased Biased (4) Put a shorting wire across the two bias pin sockets as shown in the above figure. (A resister lead or paper clip may be used for this purpose.) Bias Voltage 0.0 mV 0.0 mV 0.0 mV 0.0 mV 0.0 mV 0.
An identification number is added or changed by using the "+" and "-" keys. Any five digit ID number between 1 and 65,535 may be selected. Select "0" if no ID number is desired. 5.3.6 5.3.8 Security beep Pressing the Cal button again advances to the "Security Beep" screen.
computer monitor screen, or used to automatically generate and print reports, tables and graphs of time history exposure data. It is also possible to export records to other software applications in the form of ASCII, Lotus compatible, or "comma delimited" database files. Another option is to simply retain downloaded records of your gas detection monitoring program. Chapter 6 Record Keeping 6.
PhD2 is capable of logging 3000 intervals of data. The bottom line on the interval adjust screen calculates how many hours of data logging are available with the currently selected interval value. For instance, in the example screen above an interval of 1 minute has been selected. This interval allows 50 hours of data logging before the PhD2 memory is full.
/ RS232 connector located on the side of the PhD2 case and "COM port 1" of your computer. The numbers in this screen signify the session number (0), the time the session was started and completed, (12:37 - 14:54), the date of the monitoring session), and the location identification number, (if one has been assigned). Note: It is important that the instrument is turned off before being connected to the interface cable in order to avoid potential damage or data loss due to static electrical discharge.
6.3.6 Please note: The Computer Link Kit manual contains a more complete discussion of how to set up your computer hardware and software directories to receive data downloaded from the PhD2. Exiting the Record Keeping Data Transfer mode Exit the data downloading mode by using the MODE button to turn the PhD2 off in the usual manner.
Chapter 7 Trouble-shooting and repair 7.2.1 Occasionally it may be necessary to re-boot or "cold start" the PhD2 microprocessor software. Deep battery discharge, disconnecting the battery, static discharge through the dual purpose RS-232 / battery charger connector, or use of keypad push-buttons in unauthorized combinations may occasionally cause the microprocessor to lockup or "crash.
entered and the instrument must be re-calibrated before being put back into service. To re-initialize the PhD2: 7.2.3 Specific problems 7.2.3.1 Unit will not turn on Possible causes: (1) Enter the Diagnostics Test mode by turning the detector on while simultaneously holding down the "+" and "-" buttons. The "Diagnostic Test" screen will briefly appear. Battery discharged, microprocessor / software malfunction. Solution(s): Take the instrument to a non-hazardous location.
Switch to Technician operating mode. Take the instrument to a non-hazardous location. Plug the PhD2 into the battery charger for several minutes. With the instrument still connected to the battery charger, attempt to turn the detector on. If this works, the battery needs to be recharged or replaced. If the instrument still fails to turn on, re-boot the microprocessor using the procedures discussed in Section 7.2.1. If keypad buttons still fail to function, return to factory for repair.
To replace the PhD2 sealed lead acid battery: Note the position of the squared corner. The chip is designed to fit in only one way. (1) Download any recorded data in the instrument memory prior to replacing the battery. (8) Reinstall the main board. Reconnect the ribbon cable connecting the main board to the meter display board. Disconnection of the battery will result in the loss of recorded data. (2) Turn the PhD2 off. Be careful not to crimp any wires as the main board is reattached.
Appendices Appendix A Toxic gas measurement - Ceilings, TWAs and STELs Many toxic substances are commonly encountered in industry. The presence of toxic substances may be due to materials being stored or used, the work being performed, or may be generated by natural processes. Exposure to toxic substances can produce disease, bodily injury, or death in unprotected workers. It is important to determine the amounts of any toxic materials potentially present in the workplace.
to a higher temperature. The temperature of the untreated reference bead is unaffected by the presence of gas. The difference between the temperatures of the two beads will be proportional to the amount of combustible gas present. Appendix B How to determine where your alarms should be set 1.
The standard combustible alarm set-point for the PhD2 is 10 percent LEL. When not sure what combustible gases might be encountered, use a mixture of 1.1% propane in air (50% LEL) combustible gas to calibrate. OTHER GASES CALIBRATION STANDARD Propane provides a sensor response which is more typical of the wide range of combustible gases and vapors than any other calibration mixture. OTHER GASES RELATIVE LEL METER RESPONSE 2.1.
As an illustration, consider a PhD2 calibrated on methane, which is then used to monitor ethanol. When calibrated to methane, the instrument is actually less responsive to ethanol than to methane, so the readings will be low. Multiplying the instrument reading by the correction factor for ethanol will produce the true concentration. concentration exceeds the permissible eight hour TWA must be separated from each other by at least one hour.
5. PhD2 default alarm settings Appendix C How to calibrate your PhD2 in contaminated air Calibration of the PhD2 is a two-step process. The first The most conservative possible way to set alarms is the method used by Biosystems for the PhD2 default alarm settings. The Ceiling alarm is set at the factory at the 8 hour TWA level (when this is given). With this setting, it is unlikely that either the STEL or TWA alarm will ever be activated.
Appendix D Suggested Calibration Gases Use of a calibration standard with a concentration close to the alarm set point of the gas to be measured affords the most accurate calibration of the sensors used in the PhD2 design. Because combustible gas sensors have different responses to different combustible gases (see Appendix B), Biosystems offers three choices.
Appendix E PhD2 Toxic Sensor Cross Sensitivity Data1 The table below lists the cross sensitivity of electrochemical toxic sensors used in Biosystems portable gas detectors to gases other than their target gas. Depending on the nature of the reaction each gas has with the sensor, the effect can either decrease the signal (negative cross sensitivity) or increase the signal; (positive cross sensitivity).
Appendix F PhD2 sensor ranges The following tables display the ranges for currently available sensors for use in the PhD2. Nominal range values indicate the gas-level range which the PhD2 can detect over extended periods of operation. “Max overload” values indicate the highest instantaneous reading that the PhD2 will be able to attain for a given sensor type.
Appendix G Calibration Frequency One of the most common questions that we are asked at Biosystems is: “How often should I calibrate my gas detector?” Sensor Reliability and Accuracy Today’s sensors are designed to provide years of reliable service. In fact, many sensors are designed so that with normal use they will only lose 5% of their sensitivity per year or 10% over a two-year period. Given this, it should be possible to use a sensor for up to two full years without any significant loss of sensitivity.
Appendix H Biosystems Standard Warranty Gas Detection Products General Biosystems LLC (hereafter Biosystems) warrants gas detectors, sensors and accessories manufactured and sold by Biosystems, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the periods listed in the tables below.
