Crowcon Tetra 3 User Manual

Crowcon Tetra 3 User Manual

Personal multigas monitor

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M07654
August 2009
Issue 5
Tetra 3
Personal Multigas Monitor
User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Crowcon Tetra 3

  • Page 1 Tetra 3 Personal Multigas Monitor User Manual M07654 August 2009 Issue 5...
  • Page 2: Safety Information

    All rights are reserved. No part of the document may be pho- ture classes and vapours T1, T2, T3 and T4. tocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language with- out the prior written consent of Crowcon Detection . The equipment is certified for use in ambient tem- Instruments Ltd.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Tetra 3 Personal Multigas Monitor Contents Unpacking ..........1 Quickstart guide ........2 Introduction ..........6 Operation ..........8 Batteries ..........12 Alarm indications ........13 Fixing accessories ........14 Flow sampling ........15 Maintenance and calibration....20 PC interface and software......21 i-module replacement ......22 Specification ..........24 Accessories and spare parts ....25 Troubleshooting guide ......27...
  • Page 5: Personal Multigas Monitor

    However, if this is the first time you have used the Tetra 3 unit, you may need to charge the batteries to attain the full 16 hour operating time. The actual operating time will depend on the types of sensors installed.
  • Page 6: Quickstart Guide

    Operator button Front plate Switching on your unit Tetra 3 requires little setting up, follow these simple steps to get your unit ready for use. 1. Ensure the unit is in clean air. 2. Switch on Press and hold the operator button until the red LED flashes.
  • Page 7: Tetra 3

    Press the operator button with a single click to confirm auto zero. If the operator button is not pressed within the 10 second time out, Tetra 3 will proceed directly to Run mode without performing zero. Auto zero AUTO ZERO...
  • Page 8 Confidence signals In normal Run mode, Tetra 3 will emit a short beep every 10 seconds and the OK icon flashes to show operational health. 2. In the event of an alarm...
  • Page 9 Switching off 1. When the gas level returns to normal, press the operator button. This will reset your Tetra 3 unit to normal Run mode. If gas levels are still in alarm, the button will have no effect. For any one gas, there are The Tetra 3 alarm is set to latch by default.
  • Page 10: Introduction

    It is suitable for use in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas. Tetra 3 can monitor up to four different gases and display the readings simultaneously on a display screen. Alarm warn- ings are given through a combination of a loud audible alarm, a bright visual alarm of blue/red flashing LEDs and an internal vibrator.
  • Page 11 The processes used to design and develop the Tetra 3 software ensure a high degree of reliability and robustness. Thus Tetra 3 has been designed to be a truly reliable personal gas monitoring system. The internal circuitry includes an exter- nal watchdog, where the software monitors for any malfunction within the unit and will display an error warning to the user should they occur.
  • Page 12: Operation

    NB. During the warm up sequence, the date for next calibration will be displayed. If the date has expired or has passed, the Tetra 3 unit will display a warning message that calibration is due. The instrument can still function, but it is strongly recommended the unit is sent for calibration as soon as possible.
  • Page 13: Run Mode

    For information on peak and TWA readings, go to section 2.4. Confidence signals To reassure users the unit is working correctly, the Tetra 3 unit will emit a short beep every 10 seconds and the OK icon will flash. 2.3 Display symbol guide...
  • Page 14 2. Press the operator button with a single click to scroll through the list. When your choice is highlighted, double-click the operator button. Peak display 1. Scroll 2. Select 20.8 Peak Zero The Tetra 3 operator screen will display the peak or TWA icon and the gas readings recorded.
  • Page 15 Tetra 3 incorporates data and event logging which can be accessed using the communications link with Portable PC software. See section VIII. The Tetra 3 event log records the time and date for a number of operating and diagnostic events including: •...
  • Page 16: Batteries

    3.1 Rechargeable batteries Tetra 3 uses a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery which must only be charged using a Crowcon battery charger. A 5 hour recharge from flat will provide at least 12 hours operating time. A fully charged battery will provide more than 16 hours of continuous use.
  • Page 17: Alarm Indications

    In the event of a Time Weighted Alarm (TWA) In the event the 15 minute or the 8 hour TWA is triggered, Tetra 3 will go into alarm and display the TWA icon with the toxic gas readings. Neither the 15 minute alarm or 8 hour...
  • Page 18: Fixing Accessories

    Tetra 3 V. Fixing Accessories Belt clip Tetra 3 has a strong alligator clip located on the back of the unit. Lifting the small lever will allow the unit to be attached to a belt more easily. Universal harness plate Crowcon provide a universal harness plate which can be used with either a chest harness or a shoulder strap.
  • Page 19: Flow Sampling

    Tetra 3 instrument. When using an extended length of tubing a response time test is recommended. Gas of known concentration should be sampled along the full length of tubing to be used and the time taken for the sensor reading to reach the known gas levels should be noted.
  • Page 20 Diffusion instruments When using the manual aspirator kit, adopt a consistent style whilst using the hand aspirator. Crowcon recommend squeezing once per second to achieve a flow rate of approximately 0.5 - 1 litre/min. At least 10 pumps per sample are...
  • Page 21 Gas testing checks the sensor is responding within set limits to an applied gas of known composition. This can be performed as often as desired, but would usually be carried out each time the Tetra 3 is issued for use. The Tetra 3 itself will determine Pass/Fail status for the gas test.
  • Page 22 To perform a field calibration test, you must first Zero your Tetra 3 unit 15 minutes or less before commencing the gas test instructions. 1. Follow steps 1 to 3 given in 6.2, Tetra 3 will display an alternate screen message;...
  • Page 23 Gas cylinder empty Check gauge, replace cylinder as needed Hose blocked or kinked Ensure no restriction to flow Tetra 3 fails gas test Gas cylinder empty Check gauge, replace cylinder as needed Gas cylinder out of date Check date and replace...
  • Page 24: Maintenance And Calibration

    ESD protection Zero and calibration Tetra 3 is supplied with an auto zero function on start-up. This function can be configured to operate automatically, on user confirmation (see quick start guide), or can be disabled. This configuration can be set with the Crowcon Portables PC software, see section VIII.
  • Page 25: Pc Interface And Software

    PC interface and software VIII. PC interface and software Tetra 3 can be connected to a PC using the single way charger unit with option- al PC interface. The charger unit is fitted with a D-type 9 pin male RS232 sock- et which is located at the rear of the charger, see diagram below.
  • Page 26: I-Module Replacement

    Tetra 3 IX. i-module replacement 1. Ensure you are in a non-hazardous (safe) area. Switch off the unit 2. Remove any accessories, such as the flow adaptor, if fitted. 3. Remove the cover by unscrewing the four M3 screws as shown in the drawing, point Œ...
  • Page 27 Put the battery and plastic holder back into their original positions. 2. Switch on your Tetra 3 unit. The new sensor will be automatically identified. Check the filters and gaskets are all in good condition.
  • Page 28: Specification

    Specification Tetra 3 X. Specification Dimensions 71 x 114 x 48 mm (2.8 x 4.5 x 1.9 inches) Weight 295 g unit, including pocket clip and 3 sensors. Housing, degree of protection Ingress protection IP65 IP67 Operating temperature -20 to +55°C (-4 to +131 F)
  • Page 29: Accessories And Spare Parts

    Quad gas mixture for gas test accessory kit, 34 litre bottle 50%LEL methane, 100ppm carbon monoxide, 15ppm hydrogen sulphide, 18% oxygen balance nitrogen. For calibration gas contact Crowcon, as the required gases depend upon your sensor com- bination. Single way chargers...
  • Page 30 Accessories and spare parts Tetra 3 Sampling accessories: S011952 Aspirator plate M04897 Aspirator plate and gasket C01757 Telescopic aspirator probe C01097 3 foot sample probe M04032 Aspirator hose (please specify length in feet) C03328 6 m drop line C01245 Water trap...
  • Page 31: Troubleshooting Guide

    Tetra 3 Troubleshooting guide XII. Troubleshooting guide Symptom/ Cause Action error message Instrument won't switch on Flat battery. Recharge or replace battery. No confidence beep Function disabled. Reconfigure with PC software. Gas reading when no gas Zero drifted. Restart instrument in clean present air.
  • Page 32: Appendix: Limitations Of Sensors

    Appendix: Limitations of sensors Sensor limitations The sensors used in Tetra 3 have limitations common to all such gas sensors, and users should be aware of the points listed below. Crowcon can advise on particular situations and suggest alternative sensors if the instrument is likely to experience extreme conditions.
  • Page 36 UK Office USA Office Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd 2 Blacklands Way, 21 Kenton Lands Road, Abingdon Business Park Erlanger, Abingdon Kentucky 41018-1845 Oxfordshire OX14 1DY United Kingdom Tel: +1 859 957 1039 or Tel: +44 (0)1235 557700...

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