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BW Technologies GasAlertMax User Manual

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BW TECHNOLOGIES
GasAlertMax
Gas Detector
User Manual
D1430/2 (English)
BW1009-27-01-8.25x5.75-5272-2
December 2002
© 2001 BW Technologies, All rights reserved. Printed in Canada
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
D1430/2
English

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  • Page 1 BW TECHNOLOGIES GasAlertMax Gas Detector User Manual D1430/2 (English) BW1009-27-01-8.25x5.75-5272-2 December 2002 © 2001 BW Technologies, All rights reserved. Printed in Canada All product names are trademarks of their respective companies. D1430/2 English...
  • Page 2 Limited Warranty & Limitation of Liability BW Technologies 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. Parts, product repairs and services are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer of a BW Technologies authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries or to any product which, in BW Technologies’...

  • 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 Datalogger Operation ....................... 11 Sensor Test........................12 Self-Test Pass........................12 Self-Test Fail........................12 Sampling Pump Test ......................
  • Page 4 GasAlertMax User Manual Pump Alarms ........................23 Low Battery Alarm......................23 Automatic Shutdown Alarm ....................23 Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints ................24 Guidelines ........................24 Applying Gas to the Sensors.................... 25 Calibration Procedure ...................... 26 Start Calibration ......................26 Auto Zero and Oxygen Sensor Calibration ..............
  • Page 5 List of Tables Table Title Page Gases Monitored........................1 International Symbols......................... 5 GasAlertMax Detector ........................ 7 Display Elements ........................8 Pushbuttons ..........................9 Alarms ............................ 16 Computed Gas Exposures ......................20 Gas Alarm Setpoints ........................21 Factory Set Alarm Setpoints....................... 22 Applying Gas to the Sensors......................
  • Page 7 List of Figures Figure Title Page GasAlertMax Detector ........................ 7 Display Elements ........................8 Applying Gas to the Sensors...................... 25 Replacing the Battery......................... 35 Replacing a Sensor, Pump or Pump Filter ................. 39 D1430/2 English...
  • Page 8 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 9: 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 10: Contacting Bw Technologies

    GasAlertMax User Manual Contacting BW Technologies Safety Information - Read First To contact BW Technologies, call: Use the detector only as specified in this manual, otherwise the protection provided by the detector may be impaired. USA: 1-888-749-8878 Canada: 1-800-663-4164 International symbols used on the detector and in this manual Europe: +44 (0) 1869 233004 are explained in Table 2.
  • Page 11 Do not use the detector if it is damaged. Before you use the detector, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. ⇒ If the detector is damaged or something is missing, contact BW Technologies immediately (see p. 2). ⇒ Approved by BAM for use in potentially explosive atmospheres where oxygen concentrations do not exceed 20.9% (v/v).
  • Page 12 GasAlertMax User Manual a Cautions (cont.) ⇒ Make sure the pump filter is not blocked. ⇒ The LEL sensor is factory calibrated to methane. If monitoring a different combustible gas, calibrate the sensor using the appropriate gas. ⇒ High off-scale % LEL readings may indicate an explosive concentration.

  • Page 13: International Symbols

    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 14: Getting Started

    GasAlertMax User Manual Getting Started The detector comes with sensors installed. The "Maintenance" section describes how to install the batteries. The items listed below are included with your detector. If the To become familiar with the features and functions of the...

  • Page 15: Gasalertmax Detector

    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 D1430/2 English...

  • Page 16: Display Elements

    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 Multi-Gas Alarm Condition or View TWA and Maximum Gas Exposure Figure 2.

  • Page 17: Pushbuttons

    GasAlertMax Getting Started Table 5. Pushbuttons Pushbutton Description • To turn on the detector, press F. • To initiate the Confidence Beep, press C while pressing F at startup. • To turn off the detector, press F and hold for 5 seconds.

  • Page 18: Activating The Detector

    GasAlertMax User Manual Activating the Detector The display shows the Low and High Alarm setpoints. The detector must be activated before entering a potentially Note: The alarm setpoints on a shipped detector explosive area. may vary by region. See Resetting Gas Alarm ⇒...

  • Page 19: Datalogger Operation

    GasAlertMax Activating the Detector If the card is missing or malfunctioning, the detector beeps MultiMediaCard icon is displayed continuously on Black and flashes quickly. The display advises card error and the Box Dataloggers and when card is present in User detector continues the self-test and proceeds to normal Downloadable Dataloggers.

  • Page 20: Sensor Test

    GasAlertMax User Manual Sensor Test Self-Test Pass The pump draws air over the sensors. If a sensor fails the If the detector passes the self-test, the detector begins self-test, the audible alarm emits a slow modulating tone and normal operation. The display shows the ambient gas the visual alarm flashes slowly.

  • Page 21: Sampling Pump Test

    GasAlertMax Deactivating the Detector Sampling Pump Test Deactivating the Detector The pump is tested continuously after activation. If the pump ⇒ To turn off the detector, press and hold for 5 fails the display will show: seconds. The audible alarm beeps four times, the visual alarm flashes...

  • Page 22: Confidence Beep

    GasAlertMax User Manual Confidence Beep User Option Menu The Confidence Beep tells you the Detector is ON and the User options are: battery has sufficient power respond to a hazardous level of Finish options and exit User Options Menu. gas and emit an alarm. Instead of beeping when the battery’s Set latching alarm function.

  • Page 23: Latched Alarms

    GasAlertMax User Option Menu Latched Alarms User Option Change the Date and Time The detector is shipped with the latching alarm function Time and date adjustments apply only to the User disabled. If the gas alarms are set to latch, the audible and Downloadable Datalogger detectors.

  • Page 24: Alarms

    GasAlertMax User Manual Alarms During an alarm condition, the detector activates the 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. The High Alarm overrides a TWA Alarm and a TWA Alarm Table 7 describes the computed gas exposures.
  • Page 25 GasAlertMax Alarms Table 6. Alarms (cont.) Alarms Display Alarms Display High Alarm: Multi-Gas Alarm: • Fast modulating tone • Alternating Low and and flash. High Alarm tone and flash. • ALARM and target • ALARM and target gas bar flash.
  • Page 26 GasAlertMax User Manual Table 6. Alarms (cont.) Alarms Display Alarms Display Sensor Alarm: Pump Alarm: • Slow modulating tone • Slow modulating tone and flash. and flash. • ALARM and gas • ALARM and gas bars bar(s) flash. flash. If LCD reads Inlet Blocked, clear obstruction (p.
  • Page 27 GasAlertMax Alarms Table 6 Alarms (cont.) Alarms Display Alarms Display Automatic Shutdown Normal Shutdown: Alarm: • 4 beeps and flashes. • 8 beeps and flashes. • I I LOW displays periodically. D1430/2 English...

  • Page 28: Gas Exposures Computed

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

  • Page 29: Viewing Gas Exposures

    GasAlertMax Alarms Viewing Gas Exposures Gas Alarm Setpoints ⇒ Press C and G simultaneously. The detector's gas alarm setpoints trigger the gas alarms, which are described in Table 8. The display first shows the TWA gas exposure: Table 8. Gas Alarm Setpoints...

  • Page 30: Resetting Gas Alarm Setpoints

    GasAlertMax User Manual Resetting Gas Alarm Setpoints Stopping a Gas Alarm Note: Standard factory alarm setpoints may vary by region. The Low and High Alarms stop when the ambient gas level returns to the acceptable range. Table 9. Factory Set Alarm Setpoints...

  • Page 31: Sensor Alarm

    GasAlertMax Alarms Sensor Alarm Low Battery Alarm The detector tests the battery on activation and continuously The detector tests for a missing or defective sensor during the thereafter. If the battery voltage is low, the detector activates activation self-test. See the section, "If the Detector Does Not the Low Battery Alarm.

  • Page 32: Calibration And Setting Alarm Setpoints

    • CG-Q58 Calibration Gas (four-gas mix) is available from • The LEL sensor is factory calibrated to methane. If BW Technologies. (See the section "Replacement Parts monitoring a different combustible gas, calibrate the and Accessories.") sensor using the appropriate gas.

  • Page 33: Applying Gas To The Sensors

    GasAlertMax Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints Diagnostics Protection: The detector test the ambient air (auto zero) and the test gas applied (auto span) to ensure it meets expected values. In auto zero if any background target gas is present, the sensor(s) affected will read no and exit the auto zero function retaining the previous set value(s).

  • Page 34: Calibration Procedure

    GasAlertMax User Manual Auto Zero and Oxygen Sensor Calibration Calibration Procedure To calibrate the detector and set its alarm setpoints, perform The display flashes “auto zero” while the detector the following 6-step procedure. automatically zeroes the H S, CO and LEL sensors and calibrates the oxygen sensor.

  • Page 35: Pass Code Protect

    GasAlertMax Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints Pass Code Protect: If the detector is pass code If the pass code is not entered within 8 seconds or the wrong protected, after a successful Auto Zero, the detector will pass code is entered, the detector advises the code is not ask for the pass code before proceeding to Auto Span correct.

  • Page 36: Auto Span

    GasAlertMax User Manual Auto Span Note The detector will not span a sensor if: The display shows a flashing gas cylinder, prompting you to apply a calibration gas to the sensor or skip the span • You do not apply gas to the sensor.

  • Page 37: Alarm Setpoints

    GasAlertMax Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints Alarm Setpoints Note If you do not press any pushbuttons within 10 Alarms may be set anywhere within the detection range for seconds, the detector automatically retains the Low the sensor (page 46), or set to zero for OFF.

  • Page 38: Setting The High Alarm Setpoint

    GasAlertMax User Manual Setting the High Alarm Setpoint Note If you do not press any pushbuttons within 10 The display shows the High Alarm setpoint for H seconds, the detector automatically retains the High Alarm setpoint. If you change a High Alarm setpoint but pause for 10 seconds before pressing B, the detector rejects the new value.

  • Page 39: Setting The Remaining Alarm Setpoints

    GasAlertMax Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints Setting the Remaining Alarm Setpoints Verification (optional) The display shows the Low Alarm setpoint for the next sensor. Test the detector using a gas cylinder other than the one used The Set up/down arrows lights, prompting you to input a new in the calibration steps.
  • Page 40 GasAlertMax User Manual D1430/2 English...
  • Page 41 GasAlertMax Instrument Maintenance Maintenance............34 Replacing the Battery.........34 Pump Calibration..........36 Replacing a Sensor, Pump or Pump Filter ..38 User Options Upgrade a 2 or 3 Gas Unit .........40 Sensor Enable or Disable .........40 Pass Code Protection ........41 D1430/2 English...

  • Page 42: Maintenance

    GasAlertMax User Manual Maintenance Replacing the Battery To keep the detector in good operating condition, perform the a Warning following basic maintenance as required: To avoid personal injury: • Calibrate, test, and inspect the detector at regular ⇒ Replace the battery as soon as the detector emits a intervals.

  • Page 43: Replacing The Battery

    GasAlertMax Maintenance Table 11 and Figure 4 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 in. Table 11. Replacing the Battery...

  • Page 44: Pump Calibration

    GasAlertMax User Manual Then, the audible alarm beeps twice, the pump icon stays lit, Pump Calibration the auto span icon flashes and the display shows: The pump may need recalibration if the Pump Alarm continues for more than 5 seconds and the display advises the inlet is blocked.
  • Page 45 GasAlertMax Pump Calibration Pump Calibration Successful Pump Calibration Fail • • 3 beeps 6 fast beeps • • Display reads success Display reads failure • Pump Calibration complete Try again. If pump continues to fail, replace • Returns to normal the pump.

  • Page 46: Replacing A Sensor, Pump Or Pump Filter

    If the alarm activates with the new filter in place, vapors and gases. A sensor will most likely clear itself if you contact BW Technologies. (See page 2.) remove the detector to a clean environment and wait 10 to 30 minutes.

  • Page 47: Replacing A Sensor, Pump Or Pump Filter

    GasAlertMax Replacing a Sensor, Pump or Pump Filter Table 12 and Figure 5 illustrate how to replace a sensor or pump filter. If the detector is on, shut down the detector. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen and tighten any screws.

  • Page 48: User Options

    GasAlertMax User Manual Disabling/Enabling a Sensor User Options Select the sensor H S, CO, LEL, or O to be enabled or UpGrade a 2 or 3 Gas Unit disabled. The detector will function normally with remaining A GAMAX3-2 (2-gas: O , LEL) or GAMAX3-3H (3-gas O enabled sensors.

  • Page 49: Pass Code Protection

    GasAlertMax User Options The correct three digit factory Pass Code must be entered in Pass Code Protection 8 seconds or the display advises that the code is not correct The detector is shipped with the Pass Code protection OFF. or error and returns to the options menu.

  • Page 50: If The Detector Does Not Work

    GasAlertMax User Manual If the Detector Does Not Work The detector’s electronics are protected from variations in If you still are unable to correct the problem, contact BW humidity and corrosive atmospheres. If you encounter a Technologies using one of the numbers on page 2.
  • Page 51 GasAlertMax If the Detector Does Not Work Table 13. Troubleshooting Tips (cont.) Problem Possible Cause Solution Activation self-test fails during one of General fault. → Contact BW. (See page 2.) the first five steps. → Detector does not display normal Sensor not stabilized.
  • Page 52 GasAlertMax User Manual Table 13. Troubleshooting Tips (cont.) Problem Possible Cause Solution Detector does not enter alarm. Alarm setpoint(s) are set incorrectly. → Reset alarm setpoints. → Alarm setpoint(s) set to zero. Reset alarm setpoints. → Detector is in calibration mode.

  • Page 53: Replacement Parts And Accessories

    Technologies. (See page 2.) D4-RW90 Replacement LEL sensor Table 14. Replacement Parts and Accessories D4-HSP-10 Sampling Hose Model No. Description CG-Q58 GasAlertMax Calibration Gas D4-VP130 110 VAC Battery Charger CG-Q34 GasAlertMax Calibration Gas D4-VP130-(UK) 230 VAC Charger U.K. REG-0.5 Regulator (0.5 L/min)

  • Page 54: Specifications

    GasAlertMax User Manual Specifications Sensor type: S/CO: Twin plug-in electrochemical cell (Detectors with Model No. prefix "GAMAX3-") : Plug-in electrochemical cell LEL: Plug-in catalytic bead Operating temperature: -20 °C to +50 °C measuring principle: Capillary controlled concentration Storage temperature: -25 °C to +55 °C...
  • Page 55 GasAlertMax Specifications Display: Alphanumeric liquid crystal display (LCD) Batteries: Two Black & Decker VersaPak™ batteries Backlight: Automatically activates whenever there is Battery Charger: Black & Decker VersaPak™ VP130 insufficient light to view the display and during alarm charger conditions Battery operating time: NiMH: 10 hours...
  • Page 56 GasAlertMax User Manual General Specifications for Datalogger Units* GasAlertMax with Black Box Datalogger Media Type: MMC (MultiMediaCard) Operation: Requires no user intervention Size: 16 MB (standard); 16, 32 and 64 MB cards available Continuous: Full time continuous datalogging while the...
  • Page 57 (CSV) text files (Excel, Access, Quattro, etc.) Card Alarm: Card 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. D1430/2 English...
  • Page 58 GasAlertMax User Manual D1430/2 English...
  • Page 59 Appendix A Appendix A Excel Datalog Manager (E.D.M.) ......B Installing Excel Datalog Manager (E.D.M.).... C MMC Card Reader Installation ......C Direct Import to Compatible Programs ....F Importing the Data File into Compatible Desktop Applications ..........F MultiMediaCard Compatibility .........J Troubleshooting............

  • Page 60: Excel Datalog Manager (E.d.m.)

    Files with the .CSV extension are samples of actual data files downloaded from GasAlertMax Dataloggers. CSV files may be imported into Excel using the E.D.M. wizard or loaded directly into Excel or a compatible database, spreadsheet or Select: word processor.

  • Page 61: Installing Excel Datalog Manager (E.d.m.)

    Universal Serial Bus (USB) or computer, you will find a new item listed in your start menu • PCMCIA (PC card) adapters. called BW Technologies, which contains: • EDM Help – (Use instructions & Help information) • Excel Datalog Manager (Starts the Excel Datalog...
  • Page 62 GasAlertMax User Manual 3. Archive Back-up of Data File: Start Excel Datalog Manager This option enables you to create a complete backup copy of Double click on the E.D.M. icon on the the original card data. Click the 'Browse' button to select the desktop to start the Excel Datalog location to place the backup data file.
  • Page 63 Appendix A Excel Datalog Manager (E.D.M.) Filter: This step allows the user to filter the original files down to a convenient, manageable size without losing any critical information. Click box, to create a backup Select all logged data, or select to include only every 2, 3 or file.

  • Page 64: Direct Import To Compatible Programs

    GasAlertMax User Manual The recorded data can be loaded into most spreadsheet, Direct Import to Compatible Programs database, word processor, or text editor applications, some Information from this point on only applies to users who are examples are: not using the E.D.M. plug-in. The following information applies to direct data import into Excel and other compatible •...
  • Page 65 Appendix A Direct Import to Compatible Programs Table A: DATALOGGER STATUS CODES Code Explanation Explanation General Codes Battery Status Codes — Normal operation — Battery OK Backlight is on Low battery alarm Sensor Codes Confidence beep is active Low Alarm Alarm Status Codes High Alarm Low Alarm...
  • Page 66 GasAlertMax User Manual When datalogger information is imported into most Note: spreadsheet software, it will appear similar to the example Some compatible software packages have an below; line numbers are included here for clarity. internal file size limit of and may not load the entire file.
  • Page 67 Appendix A Direct Import to Compatible Programs In this example: Line 7 shows the H S in high alarm, and CO and LEL in low alarm. The unit is sounding multi-alarm. Line 1 shows the alarm 1 setpoints (code ‘1’) for all 4 sensors.

  • Page 68: Multimediacard Compatibility

    GasAlertMax User Manual MultiMediaCard Compatibility A standard 16MB MMC Flash Memory card is supplied with the GasAlertMax Datalogger. When purchasing additional MultiMediaCards, BW Technologies recommends Sandisk® MMC Flash Memory cards that contain between 8MB and 64MB storage capacity. MultiMediaCard(s) compatible with the “MMC” specification will always have the exact word “MultiMediaCard”...

  • Page 69: Troubleshooting

    In the “Removable Disk” drive window, ensure All Files is selected in the File Types field. “Reformat and Recover Deleted Files” Simply place the MMC card back into the GasAlertMax. The Detector will reformat. The file should now be available. D1430/2...

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