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BW Technologies GasAlertMax User Manual

H2s, co, o2, combustibles 2, 3, and 4 gas detectors
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GasAlertMax
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S, CO, O
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2, 3, and 4 Gas Detectors
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Summary of Contents for BW Technologies GasAlertMax

  • Page 1 GasAlertMax S, CO, O , Combustibles 2, 3, and 4 Gas Detectors User Manual...
  • Page 2 Limited Warranty & Limitation of Liability BW Technologies Ltd. (BW) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of two years, beginning on the date of shipment to the buyer. This warranty extends only to the sale of new and unused products to the original buyer. BW’s warranty obligation is limited, at BW’s option, to refund of the purchase price, repair, or replacement of a defective product that is returned to a BW authorized service...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Title Page Introduction............................1 Contacting BW Technologies........................ 2 Safety Information - Read First ......................2 Getting Started ............................6 Activating the Detector ........................10 Self-Test ............................10 Battery Test ..........................13 Pump Test ........................... 13 Self-Test Pass ..........................14 Self-Test Fail ..........................14...

  • Page 4: Title Page

    GasAlertMax User Manual Title Page Sampling Hose ............................23 Datalog ..............................23 Alarms ..............................24 Gas Exposures Computed ......................27 Viewing Gas Exposures.......................28 Gas Alarm Setpoints........................29 Resetting Gas Alarm Setpoints ....................29 Stopping a Gas Alarm........................30 Sensor Alarm ..........................30 Pump Alarms ..........................30 Low Battery Alarm........................31 Automatic Shutdown Alarm ......................31...
  • Page 5 Title Page Replacement Parts and Accessories ....................55 Specifications ............................57 General Specifications for Datalogger Units ................59 GasAlertMax with Black Box Datalogger ..................60 GasAlertMax with User Downloadable Datalogger..............60...
  • Page 6 GasAlertMax User Manual...

  • Page 7: List Of Tables

    List of Tables Table Title Page GasAlertMax Gas Detector ..................viii Gases Monitored ....................1 International Symbols..................... 5 GasAlertMax Detector .................... 7 Display Elements....................8 Pushbuttons......................9 Alarms ........................24 Computed Gas Exposures ................... 27 Gas Alarm Setpoints .................... 29 Factory Set Alarm Setpoints................. 29 Applying Gas to the Sensors................
  • Page 8 GasAlertMax User Manual...
  • Page 9 List of Figures Figure Title Page GasAlertMax Detector .................... 7 Display Elements....................8 Applying Gas to the Sensors................34 Replacing the Battery ................... 49 Replacing a Sensor, Pump, or Pump Filter............51...
  • Page 10 S, CO, O , %LEL) center in the event of an incident or occurrence. GAMAX3-4-DL1 GasAlertMax (4 Gas) c/w Black Box Datalogger GasAlertMax with User Downloadable Datalogger GAMAX3-4-DL2 GasAlertMax (4 Gas) c/w User Downloadable Datalogger Provides full-time continuous datalogging while the...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    (ppm) Information” before you use the detector. Carbon monoxide (CO) parts per million (ppm) The GasAlertMax gas detector (“the detector”) warns of Oxygen (O percent by volume (%) hazardous gas at levels above factory set alarm setpoints.

  • Page 12: Contacting Bw Technologies

    Safety Information - Read First Contacting BW Technologies Use the detector only as specified in this manual, otherwise To contact BW Technologies, call: the protection provided by the detector may be impaired. USA: 1-888-749-8878 International symbols used on the detector and in this manual Canada: 1-800-663-4164 are explained in Table 2.
  • Page 13 Alarms.) ⇒ It is recommended that the accuracy of the GasAlertMax be checked with known concentration calibration gas before each day’s use and immediately after any known exposure to contaminants (e.g., after an H alarm if such a sensor is fitted).
  • Page 14 GasAlertMax User Manual a Cautions (con’t) ⇒ BW recommends to “bump test” the sensors before each day’s use, to confirm their ability to respond to gas by exposing the detector to a gas concentration that exceeds the high alarm setpoints. Manually verify that the audible and visual alarms are activated.
  • Page 15 To avoid possible damage to the detector: ⇒ Extended exposure of the GasAlertMax to certain concentrations of combustible gases and air may stress a detector element, which can seriously affect its performance. If an alarm occurs due to high concentration of combustible gases, recalibration should be performed, or if needed the sensor replaced.

  • Page 16: Getting Started

    GasAlertMax User Manual The detector comes with the sensors installed. The Getting Started Maintenance section describes how to install the battery. The items listed below are included with your detector. If the To become familiar with the features and functions of the...
  • Page 17 GasAlertMax Getting Started Table 3. GasAlertMax Detector Item Function Audible alarm Visual alarm Display Pushbuttons Accessory output jack Pump and pump filter Sensors Battery Datalogger (optional) Sampling hose Figure 1. GasAlertMax Detector...
  • Page 18 GasAlertMax User Manual Table 4. Display Elements Item Function Set value Increment or decrement value Gas cylinder Battery Automatically span the sensor Gas identifier bars Alarm setpoint or alarm Automatically zero the sensor Pump Alarm condition Figure 2. Display Elements...
  • Page 19 GasAlertMax Getting Started Table 5. Pushbuttons Pushbutton Description • To turn on the detector, press F. • To turn off the detector, press F and hold for 5 seconds. • To initiate the confidence beep, press F while pressing C at startup.

  • Page 20: Activating The Detector

    GasAlertMax User Manual The display shows all the elements. Activating the Detector The audible alarm beeps, the visual alarm flashes, Note and the backlight briefly turns on. The detector must be activated before entering a potentially explosive area. Note Steps #4 and #5 are for datalogger models only.
  • Page 21 GasAlertMax Activating the Detector Note User Downloadable Datalogger The detector does not require the data card to be The detector tests the data card. The display advises if the present or functioning in order to operate. card is present and ready for use.
  • Page 22 GasAlertMax User Manual The display reads tESt as the detector tests the The calibration status is shown. The number of sensors. days remaining before a calibration is due is displayed. The pump draws air over the sensors. If the sensor test fails, the audible alarm emits a slow modulating tone and the visual alarm flashes slowly.

  • Page 23: Battery Test

    GasAlertMax Activating the Detector Pump Test The detector then runs a pump test check (if enabled in the user options). The pump is tested continuously after activation. If the pump test fails, the display will show the following: 10. The Oxygen sensor is then automatically calibrated (if enabled in the user options).

  • Page 24: Self-Test Pass

    GasAlertMax User Manual Deactivating the Detector Self-Test Pass To turn off the detector, press F and hold for 5 seconds. If the detector passes the self-test, the detector begins normal operation. The display shows the ambient gas The audible alarm beeps four times, the visual alarm flashes readings.

  • Page 25: Confidence Beep

    GasAlertMax Confidence Beep User Options Menu Confidence Beep The following are the available user options: The confidence beep tells you the detector is on and the battery has sufficient power to respond to a hazardous level Finish options and exit the user options menu.

  • Page 26: Finish Option

    GasAlertMax User Manual Date and Time Option To access the user options menu press H and G simultaneously until Note the display reads the following: Time and date adjustments only apply to user downloadable datalogger detectors. To set the real-time clock calendar,...

  • Page 27: Sensor Enable/Disable Option

    GasAlertMax User Options Menu Sensor Enable/Disable Option Note Whenever you enter the sensor enable/disable a Warning option, it toggles the option on or off (depending on its current status). Disabling an installed sensor configures the detector to a one, two, or three gas unit. No The display advises whether the sensor is now on or off.

  • Page 28: Pass Code Protection Option

    GasAlertMax User Manual Pass Code Protection Option No code entered or incorrect code entered and confirmed. Pass code protection prevents unauthorized personnel from • Beeps and flashes having access to the user option menu, calibration function, • and alarm setpoints adjust function.

  • Page 29: Latching Alarm Option

    GasAlertMax User Options Menu Enable/Disable Pass Code Protect Latching Alarm Option To enter the pass code protection If an alarm is set to latch, the audible and visual alarms option, press C when the display persist in the event of an alarm condit ion until the alarm is acknowledged by pressing C.

  • Page 30: Automatic Oxygen Calibration Option

    GasAlertMax User Manual Automatic Oxygen Calibration Option Note This option allows you to enable or disable the automatic Whenever you enter the latching alarm option, it Oxygen calibration. Enabling this option allows the detector toggles the option on or off (depending on its to calibrate the Oxygen sensor during startup.

  • Page 31: Calibration Span Concentration Option

    GasAlertMax User Options Menu Calibration Span Concentration Option Note If you do not press any pushbuttons within 8 With this option you can input new gas concentrations before seconds of viewing this display, the detector calibrating your detector. automatically saves the displayed concentration of the calibration gas.

  • Page 32: Pump Test Option

    GasAlertMax User Manual STEL Period Option Pump Test Option By default, the short-term exposure limit (STEL) is based on The pump test option allows you to enable or disable the a 15-minute period. This option allows you to change the pump test at startup.

  • Page 33: German Language Option

    The detector’s display can be viewed in either English or remote area. (For instructions on how to connect the German. This option allows you to toggle the display sampling hose, refer to Figure 1. GasAlertMax Detector.) between the two languages. The detector is shipped with English as its default.

  • Page 34: Alarms

    GasAlertMax User Manual During an alarm condition, the detector activates the Alarms backlight and the display shows the current ambient gas Table 6 describes the detector alarms and shows how the reading. display looks for each alarm. If more than one type or level of alarm exists at the same Table 7 describes the computed gas exposures.
  • Page 35 GasAlertMax Alarms Table 6. Alarms (cont.) Alarms Display Alarms Display Over Range Alarm: Multi-Gas Alarm: (Over Level Exposure) • Alternating low and high • Fast modulating tone alarm tone and flash and flash • ALARM and target gas bars • ALARM and target gas...
  • Page 36 GasAlertMax User Manual Table 6. Alarms (cont.) Alarms Display Alarms Display Low Battery Alarm: Confidence Beep: (Confidence beep disabled) • 1 beep every 5 seconds • 1 beep and 1 flash every 5 seconds • I LOW flashes Automatic Shutdown...

  • Page 37: Gas Exposures Computed

    GasAlertMax Alarms Gas Exposures Computed Table 7. Computed Gas Exposures a Warning Gas Exposure Description To avoid possible personal injury, do not turn • Time-weighted average based off the detector during a work shift. The (CO and H on an 8-hour workday.

  • Page 38: Viewing Gas Exposures

    GasAlertMax User Manual Viewing Gas Exposures And lastly it shows the maximum gas exposure. Press G and C simultaneously and the display first shows the TWA gas exposure. Press and hold C for 5 seconds to reset the maximum exposures.

  • Page 39: Gas Alarm Setpoints

    GasAlertMax Alarms Gas Alarm Setpoints Oxygen Alarm Setpoints User selectable for low and high alarms in the 0-30.0%** The detector's gas alarm setpoints trigger the gas alarms described in the table below. range. Set both below, both above, or one above and one below 20.9% as desired.

  • Page 40: Stopping A Gas Alarm

    GasAlertMax User Manual Sensor Alarm To change the factory-set alarm setpoints, refer to the Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints section. The detector tests for a missing or defective sensor during the activation self-test. See the Troubleshooting section. Note You can disable an alarm by setting the alarm Pump Alarms setpoint to 0 (display: - -).

  • Page 41: Low Battery Alarm

    GasAlertMax Alarms Automatic Shutdown Alarm Pump Failure Alarm This alarm activates if the startup If the battery voltage is in immediate danger of dropping pump test has failed or the pump is below the minimum operating voltage, the audible alarm missing/broken.

  • Page 42: Calibration And Setting Alarm Setpoints

    User Manual • Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints Calibration accuracy is never better than the calibration gas accuracy. BW Technologies recommends a Guidelines premium-grade calibration gas. Gases with NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) When calibrating the detector, adhere to the following traceable accuracy will improve the validity of the guidelines.
  • Page 43 GasAlertMax Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints • • Calibrate only in a clean atmosphere, which is free of CO measuring values from –3 ppm (v/v) up to +3 ppm background gas. (v/v) and H S measuring values from –1 ppm (v/v) up to +1 ppm (v/v) are indicated during measuring operation •...

  • Page 44: Diagnostics Protection

    GasAlertMax User Manual Diagnostics Protection The detector tests the ambient air (auto zero) and the test gas applied (auto span) to ensure it meets expected values. If a significant level of background target gas is present during an auto zero, the sensor(s) affected will read Err and exit the auto zero function while retaining the previous set value(s).

  • Page 45: Calibration Procedure

    GasAlertMax Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints Auto Zero and Oxygen Sensor Calibration Calibration Procedure To calibrate the detector and set its alarm setpoints, perform The display flashes N while the detector the following procedure. automatically zeroes the H S, CO, and LEL sensors and calibrates the Oxygen sensor.
  • Page 46 GasAlertMax User Manual Pass Code Protect Activated Note If the correct code is entered, the detector After a successful auto zero, the detector asks for the pass automatically proceeds to set span. code if the detector is pass code protected. The pass code...
  • Page 47 (30 seconds), the audible alarm beeps once. The detector then begins spanning the sensor (2 minutes). (These times are valid if a GasAlertMax calibration gas is used.) The audible alarm beeps three times at the end of the span.
  • Page 48 GasAlertMax User Manual The set up/down arrow icon lights, prompting you to input a Setting the Alarm Setpoints new TWA alarm setpoint. Note To change the TWA alarm setpoint, press H or G TWA, STEL, low, and high alarm setpoints are set until the display shows the new value.
  • Page 49 GasAlertMax Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints After the calibration due date is set, the audible alarm beeps Setting the Calibration Due Date four times and the detector returns to normal operation. After all the alarm setpoints have been set, the display shows...

  • Page 50: Pump Calibration

    GasAlertMax User Manual Wait for the auto zero function to complete. The Pump Calibration display advises pump calibration. The pump needs recalibration if the pump alarm continues for more than 5 seconds and the display advises that the inlet is blocked.

  • Page 51: Pump Calibration Pass

    GasAlertMax Pump Calibration Pump Calibration Fail Pump Calibration Pass If the pump calibration/pump test fails, the audible alarm If the pump calibration/pump test passes, the audible alarm beeps six times and the display reads PumP FAiLurE. beeps three times, the display shows rECAL SuccESS, and the detector returns to normal operation.

  • Page 52: Multimediacard (Mmc)

    The new MMC is automatically formatted when it is installed in the detector. When installing a new or blank MMC into the GasAlertMax, the LCD displays CArd IS bLAnk and then the datalogger proceeds to auto format the card.

  • Page 53: Importing The Data File

    Files is selected in the file types field. Manager (E.D.M.) plug-in. Refer to the E.D.M. Help Place the MMC back into the GasAlertMax. The detector will manual once E.D.M. is loaded onto the computer; reformat part of the card and the file should now be available.

  • Page 54: Determining Application Compatibility

    GasAlertMax User Manual • S TWA, CO TWA; Direct Import to a Compatible Program • Status codes, serial number. Note The recorded data includes an eight single-character unit Information in this section only applies to users who status codes. The eight characters represent codes for the are not using the E.D.M.
  • Page 55 GasAlertMax MultiMediaCard (MMC) Table 11. Datalogger Status Codes Codes Explanation Calibration due date (in days) Codes Explanation Last calibration (in days) General Codes — Normal operation Auto-zeroing Pump Codes Backlight is on Pump alarm Sensor Codes Low alarm Pump failure...
  • Page 56 GasAlertMax User Manual When datalogger information is imported into most spreadsheet software, it will appear similar to the example below (line numbers are included here for clarity). Table 12. CSV File Example Date Time H2S TWA CO TWA Unit Serial...
  • Page 57 GasAlertMax MultiMediaCard (MMC) This example shows the following information: Line 8 shows an H S low alarm. CO and LEL gases are present below alarm levels. The unit is in low alarm. Line 1 shows the TWA alarm setpoints (code 3) for H...

  • Page 58: Maintenance

    GasAlertMax User Manual Replacing the Battery Maintenance a Warning To keep the detector in good operating condition, perform the following basic maintenance as required: To avoid personal injury: • • Replace the battery as soon as the detector emits a Calibrate, test, and inspect the detector at regular low battery alarm.
  • Page 59 GasAlertMax Maintenance The following table and figure illustrate how to replace the battery. If the detector is on, shut down the detector before replacing the battery. Push the release button; the battery pulls out and snaps back in. Table 13. Replacing the Battery...

  • Page 60: Replacing A Sensor, Pump, Or Pump Filter

    GasAlertMax User Manual Replacing a Sensor, Pump, or Pump Filter Pump Filter Check if the pump filter is clogged by viewing the pump filter aWarning through the window on the back of the detector. Clean the To avoid personal injury, use only sensors filter using a soft, clean brush and clean, warm water.
  • Page 61 GasAlertMax Maintenance The following table and figure illustrate how to replace a sensor, pump, or pump filter. If the detector is on, shut down the detector. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen and tighten any screws. Do not use excessive force when removing or inserting the sensor, or the sensor can be damaged.

  • Page 62: Troubleshooting

    GasAlertMax User Manual Troubleshooting The detector’s electronics are protected from variations in If you still are unable to correct the problem, contact humidity and corrosive atmospheres. If you encounter a Technologies. problem, try the solutions listed in the following table.
  • Page 63 GasAlertMax Troubleshooting Table 15. Troubleshooting Tips (cont.) Problem Possible Cause Solution → → The activation self-test fails during General fault Contact BW one of the checks. → → The detector does not display normal Sensor not stabilized Used sensor: wait 60 seconds...
  • Page 64 GasAlertMax User Manual Table 15. Troubleshooting Tips (cont.) Problem Possible Cause Solution → → The detector does not enter alarm. Alarm setpoint(s) are set Reset alarm setpoints incorrectly → → Alarm setpoint(s) set to zero Reset alarm setpoints → →...

  • Page 65: Replacement Parts And Accessories

    GasAlertMax Replacement Parts and Accessories Model No. Description Replacement Parts and Accessories GA-BMAX-# Concussion-proof boot carrying a Warning (# = 2-7) case To avoid personal injury or damage to the GA-WS-2 Wrist strap, nylon for detector, use only the specified replacement concussion-proof boot parts.
  • Page 66 GasAlertMax User Manual Model No. Description M1806 Replacement tygon tube for /ft. sampling hose M0931K Quick connector spares for sampling hose GA-CPROB1 Collapsible sample probe with handle GA-TPROB6 Telescopic sample probe (6.5 ft./2 m) GAMAX-CK Confined space kit without detector...

  • Page 67: Specifications

    GasAlertMax Specifications measuring principle: Capillary controlled concentration Specifications sensor Instrument dimensions: 40 x 75 x 150 mm Pump flow rate: 250 ml/min (minimum) (1.6 x 3.0 x 5.9 in.) Detection techniques: Weight: 396 g (15.4 oz) S and CO: TWA, STEL, low, and high alarms and LEL: Low and high alarms Operating temperature: -20°C to +50°C (-4°F to +122°F)
  • Page 68 GasAlertMax User Manual User enable/disable options: First-time charge: Confidence beep, latching alarm, pass code protect, NiCd: 6 hours for two batteries automatic O calibration at startup, automatic pump test at NiMH: 12 hours for two batteries startup (supplied by manufacturer with these options Normal charge: disabled);...

  • Page 69: General Specifications For Datalogger Units

    GasAlertMax Specifications General Specifications for Datalogger Units Performance data according to EN 45544 Part 1 and 2: Media type: MMC (MultiMediaCard) Target Gas Size: 32 MB (standard); 32 and 64 MB cards available Time of response 19 s 25 s...

  • Page 70: Gasalertmax With Black Box Datalogger

    Card alarm: MMC fail or missing Support: BW E.D.M. (Excel Datalog Manager): E.D.M. is an Excel software add-in that enhances the abilities of Microsoft Excel when handling GasAlertMax User Downloadable Datalogger data files. Refer to the EDM help file for more information.
  • Page 71 D1430/3 English iERP: 113356 © 2001 BW Technologies. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

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