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Rae MultiRAE PLUS PGM-50 Operation And Maintenance Manual

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MultiRAE PLUS
MULTI-GAS MONITOR
PGM-50
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
(Document No.: 008-4001)
Rev. G
RAE SYSTEMS INC.
1339 Moffett Park Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
October 2001

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Summary of Contents for Rae MultiRAE PLUS PGM-50

  • Page 1 MultiRAE PLUS MULTI-GAS MONITOR PGM-50 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL (Document No.: 008-4001) Rev. G RAE SYSTEMS INC. 1339 Moffett Park Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 October 2001...
  • Page 2 § ModuRAE Fixed System PID § AreaRAE Wireless Multi-point, Multi-gas Detection Systems How can I be informed and updated? Be sure to mail in your warranty card via email, post or fax to get on RAE’s private database (information is never supplied to others).
  • Page 3 You will be updated on new products, technical advisory notices, new accessories and much more. Thank you for your purchase!

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents 1. GENERAL INFORMATION ........1-1 General Specifications........... 1-2 2. OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS......2-1 Physical Description..........2-2 Keys and Display ............ 2-4 Power On/Off ............2-7 Operations ............. 2-10 Alarm Signals............2-17 Back Light ............. 2-20 Preset Alarm Limits and Calibration....2-21 Integrated Sampling Pump ........
  • Page 5 View or Change Datalog ........4-22 4.6.1 Reset Peak and Minimum ........4-23 4.6.2 Clear All Data 4-24 4.6.3 Change Datalog Period........4-25 4.6.4 Select Data Type..........4-26 4.6.5 View Datalog..........4-27 4.6.6 Enable / Disable Datalog........4-28 Change Monitor Setup ......... 4-29 4.7.1 Change Site ID 4-30 4.7.2 Change Alarm Mode........4-31 4.7.3...
  • Page 6 APPENDIX A. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE.....A-1 APPENDIX B. CORRECTION FACTORS....B-1 APPENDIX C. MULTIRAE PLUS DATA ® CONVERSION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL .....C-1 APPENDIX D. RAE SYSTEMS TECHNICAL NOTES................D-3 APPENDIX E. RAE SYSTEMS APPLICATION NOTES................E-1 APPENDIX F. LITERATURE REQUEST.....F-1 APPENDIX G. REQUEST FOR RETURN AUTHORIZATION FORM..........
  • Page 7 ! WARNING ! - DO NOT proceed before reading - This manual must be carefully read by all individuals who have or will have the responsibility for using, maintaining, or servicing this product. The product will perform as designed only if it is used, maintained, serviced accordance...
  • Page 8 Special Note When the PGM-50 Multi-gas Monitor is taken out from the transport case and turned on for the first time, there may be some residual organic or inorganic vapor trapped inside the detector chamber. The initial PID or toxic sensor reading may indicate a few ppm. Ensure an area free of organic or toxic vapor and turn on the monitor.
  • Page 9 WARNINGS: Use only RAE Systems battery packs, part Nos. 500- 0028, 500-0029, or 500-0039. This instrument has not been tested in an explosive gas/air atmosphere having an oxygen concentration greater than 21%. Substitution of components may impair intrinsic safety. Recharge batteries only in non-hazardous locations.
  • Page 10 CAUTION: For safety reasons this equipment must be operated and serviced by qualified personnel only. Read and understand instruction manual completely before operating or servicing. ATTENTION: Pour des raisons de sécurité, cet équipment doit être utilisé, entretenu et réparé uniquement par un personnel qualifié.
  • Page 11 CAUTION: Before each day’s usage, sensitivity must be tested on a known concentration of methane gas equivalent to 20-50% of full scale concentration. Accuracy must be within 0 to +20% of actual. Accuracy may be corrected by calibration. ATTENTION: Avant chaque utilisation journalière verifier la sensibilité...
  • Page 12 The calibration of all newly purchased RAE Systems instruments should be tested by exposing the sensor(s) to known concentration calibration gas before the instrument is used or put into service. For maximum safety, the accuracy of the MultiRAE PLUS should be checked by exposing the sensor(s) to known concentration calibration gas before each day’s use.

  • Page 13: General Information

    GENERAL INFORMATION 1. GENERAL INFORMATION MultiRAE PLUS is a programmable Multi-gas monitor designed to provide continuous exposure monitoring of toxic gases, oxygen and combustible gases for workers in hazardous environments. It monitors three classes of hazardous gases: Organic v apors in the ppm range with the supplied Photo-Ionization Detector (PID) using a 9.8, 10.6 eV or 11.7 eV gas discharge lamp, Combustible gases near their lower explosive limits...

  • Page 14: General Specifications

    GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 General Specifications Table 1.1 Multi-Gas Monitor Specification Dimensions: 4.65”L x 3.0”W x 1.9”H (11.8 cm x 7.6 cm x 4.8 cm) Weight: 16 oz (454 g) with battery. Detector: Up to five sensors (oxygen, combustible, two toxic and VOC). Electrochemical sensors for toxic gases and oxygen, photo- ionization detector for ppm level VOCs, and catalytic sensor for LEL level...
  • Page 15 GENERAL INFORMATION Multi-Gas Monitor Specification (Continued) Alarm Settings: Separate alarm limit settings for TWA, STEL, Low and High alarm. Range, Resolution and Response Time (t diffusion): 0-500 ppm 1 ppm 20 sec 0-100 ppm 1 ppm 30 sec 0-20 ppm 0.1 ppm 15 sec 0-250 ppm 1 ppm...
  • Page 16 GENERAL INFORMATION Multi-Gas Monitor Specification (continued) Intrinsic Safety: UL & cUL Class 1, Division I, Group A,B,C,D (US & Canada), E Ex ia IIC T4 (Europe). No effect when exposed to 0.43 mW /cm 2 EM Immunity: RF interference (5 watt transmitter at 12 inches).

  • Page 17: Operation Of Multirae Plus

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2. OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS The MultiRAE PLUS Monitor gives real time measurements and activates alarm signals whenever the exposure exceeds preset limits on any of the five possible sensors. Prior to factory shipment, the MultiRAE PLUS is pre-set with default alarm limits and the sensors are pre-calibrated with standard calibration gas.

  • Page 18: Physical Description

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2.1 Physical Description Figure 2-1 shows the main components of the MultiRAE PLUS Multi-gas Monitor which include: Gas Inlet and Filter Buzzer & Gas Outlet Charge Contact Serial Port for PC Communication LCD Display Wrist Strap LED Alarm Programming Keys Figure 2-1 Major parts of the MultiRAE PLUS...
  • Page 19 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS • Buzzer and red LED for alarm signal whenever the exposures exceed preset limits and for error conditions. • Wrist strap. • Charge contact for plugging directly to the charging station. • Gas entry port. • Serial communication port for PC interface.

  • Page 20: Keys And Display

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2.2 Keys and Display Figure 2-2 shows the LCD display and the keypad on the front panel of the monitor. The functions of the 3 keys during normal operation are summarized in Table 2.1 on the next page: LED alarm/ charge status...
  • Page 21 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS Table 2.1 Function in Normal Operation [MODE]: Turn on/off the power* and choose different display mode. [N/-]: Toggle on/off the back light. Answer as “No.” [Y/+]: Alarm test and alarm acknowledgment (turn off latched alarm, turn on pump or LEL sensor).
  • Page 22 LEL or VOC gas names (if the LEL and VOC sensor are installed). • “Print Reading?” menu to print the reading to the RAE Printer. • “Communicate with PC?” menu to send or receive data between PC and the MultiRAE PLUS monitor.

  • Page 23: Power On/Off

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2.3 Power On/Off To turn on the MultiRAE PLUS Multi-gas Monitor, press key. The audio buzzer will beep once and the [MODE] display will show “ON!..” and then “MultiGas Monitor Ver n.nn” to indicate the software version number. The custom power-on-name which can be changed by the customer using the ProRAE Suite Software.
  • Page 24 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS Turning off the Multi-gas monitor with the AC charger in place will result in a display of “Charging..” or “Battery Charged” and indication of battery voltage. This indicates that the monitor is off, but the smart charger circuit is now active.
  • Page 25 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS Datalog versus Non Datalog monitor There are two versions of the PGM-50 Multi-gas Monitors: Datalog monitors and Non-Datalog monitors. During power on sequence, a letter “D” following the version number indicates that the monitor is configured as a Datalog monitor.

  • Page 26: Operations

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2.4 Operation The MultiRAE PLUS Multi-gas Monitor offers three different user modes of operation: Text mode, Display mode, and Programming mode (default mode setting). The text mode is the simplest mode of operation. The monitor will display the sensor name after the monitor is turned on.
  • Page 27 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS calibrations and change any of the parameter in the calibration mode. The following is the detail explanation of the displays when the [MODE] key is pressed 1) The instantaneous reading actual concentration in parts per million (ppm) for toxic or VOC gases, % of volume for oxygen and % of LEL for combustible gases.
  • Page 28 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS The Peak reading is the highest reading of each gas concentration since the monitor was turned on. The reading is updated at one-second intervals and is shown in the LCD display with “Peak” message. TOX1 TOX2 Peak 20.9 4) The Minimum reading is the lowest reading of each gas...
  • Page 29 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 6) The TWA reading is the accumulated reading of the gas concentration divided by 8 hours since the monitor was turned on. The reading is updated once a minute and is shown in the LCD display with “TWA” message. This reading applies to VOC and toxic gases only.
  • Page 30 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 8) The run time reading is the accumulated “On” time in hours and minutes since the monitor was turned on. The reading is updated at one minute intervals and is shown in the LCD display together with the current date, time and temperature.
  • Page 31 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 12) The Communicate with PC? menu allows the user to upload data from the MultiRAE PLUS to a Personal Computer (PC) or download configuration information from a PC to the MultiRAE PLUS. Press the [Y/+] and the LCD displays the message “Monitor will pause, OK?”...
  • Page 32 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS Displays in display or program mode: The twelve displays are arranged in a “round robin” order: Instantaneous Sensor name Reading PC comm? Peak value Print Reading? Min. value LEL/VOC gas STEL value TWA value Start/stop datalog? Battery voltage Run time/clock To choose a specific display, press the...

  • Page 33: Alarm Signals

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2.5 Alarm Signals The built-in microcomputer updates the gas concentrations every second and compares them with the programmed alarm limits (TWA, STEL, and two instantaneous gas concentration alarm limit settings: Low & High). Whenever the concentration exceeds the sensors’ preset limits, the loud buzzer and red flashing LED are activated immediately to warn the user of the alarm condition.
  • Page 34 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS Alarm Signal Latching: It is possible to setup the MultiRAE PLUS from a PC or in programming mode so that when an alarm condition occurs, the alarm signals stay on even after the alarm condition is no longer present.
  • Page 35 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS PID lamp failure 3 beeps/flash per second plus “Lamp” message on LCD Low battery 1 flash per second, 1 beep per minute plus “Bat” message on Memory full 1 flash per second plus “Mem” message on LCD Alarm Signal Testing: Under normal non-alarm conditions, it is possible to test the MultiRAE PLUS LED, buzzer and back light by pressing the...

  • Page 36: Back Light

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2.6 Back Light The LCD display is equipped with an LED back light to assist in reading the display under poor lighting conditions. This back light can be turned on manually by pressing and holding the [N/-] key for one second in normal operation.

  • Page 37: Preset Alarm Limits And Calibration

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2.7 Preset Alarm Limits and Calibration The MultiRAE PLUS Multi-gas Monitor is factory calibrated with standard calibration gas, and is programmed with default alarm limits as listed below. (refer to Chapter 4 or Chapter 5 for programming procedures if new calibration or alarm limits is required).

  • Page 38: Integrated Sampling Pump

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2.8 Integrated Sampling Pump The MultiRAE PLUS Multi-gas Monitor includes an integrated sampling pump. This is a diaphragm pump providing about 300 cc per minute flow rate at the high setting with the standard filters in place. A low pump speed of about 200 cc per minute is the factory default setting, which will increase the battery life by about 5% and result in an increased LEL sensor lifetime (see...
  • Page 39 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS The user needs to acknowledge the pump shut off condition by pressing the [Y/+] key to re-start the pump. Different pump shut-off thresholds are desired for the two pump settings; this value can be adjusted in the Special Diagnostic Mode as described in Section 8.1.

  • Page 40: Datalogging

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 2.9 Datalogging The MultiRAE PLUS Multi-gas Monitor calculates and stores the gas readings based on a user-specified datalogging period and the type of measurement. Two types of gas measurements, average or peak concentration can be stored for each sensor during each datalogging interval.
  • Page 41 OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS Start/stop datalogging manually If manual datalogging mode has been selected from the normal operation menu, toggle through the menu using the key until the Start Datalog? prompt is displayed. [MODE] Pressing the [Y/+] key turns on datalogging. Likewise, key while Stop Datalog? is displayed, pressing the...

  • Page 42: Operation Of Accessories

    OPERATION OF MULTIRAE PLUS 3. OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES The accessories for MultiRAE PLUS include: • Battery charger • Alkaline battery adapter • Water trap filter and remote sampling probe • Dilution fitting • Calibration adapter WARNING: To reduce the risk of ignition of hazardous atmospheres, recharge battery only in area known to be non hazardous.

  • Page 43: Battery Charging Operation

    OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.1 Battery Charging Operation The charging circuit of the MultiRAE PLUS is built into the monitor. It only needs a regular AC to 12V DC adapter (wall mount transformer) to charge the monitor. 1. Connect the AC adapter (or the optional automotive charging adapter) to the DC jack on the MultiRAE PLUS monitor.
  • Page 44 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES NOTE 1: The latest version of the MultiRAE PLUS monitor has a smart charging circuitry and algorithm to prevent overcharging; removing the charger is not necessary. NOTE 2: After one charging cycle the monitor recognizes whether Li ion or NiCd batteries are installed. When NiCd batteries are present, the firmware displays: Deep Discharge? when the AC adapter is connected.

  • Page 45: Alkaline Battery Adapter

    The internal charging circuit will automatically detect the alkaline battery adapter and prevent charging of the battery. Note: The AA Alkaline battery adapter supplied by RAE Systems Inc. is intrinsically safe! 3 - 4...

  • Page 46: Water Trap Filter

    OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.3 Water Trap Filter ® The water trap filter is made of PTFE (Teflon ) membrane with a 0.2 micron pore size to prevent liquid water from being sucked into the sensor manifold, which would cause extensive damage to the monitor. It will also prevent any dust from entering the monitor and will prolong the operating life of the sensors.

  • Page 47: Remote Sampling Probe Or Tygon Tubing

    OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.4 Remote Sampling Probe or Tygon Tubing An optional 6-foot Teflon remote sampling probe with a telescoping handle or a 15-foot Tygon tubing are handy accessories for users to probe areas which are difficult to reach, such as ceilings, storage tanks, underground man- holes, etc.

  • Page 48: Dilution Fitting

    OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.5 Dilution Fitting An optional dilution fitting can be installed together with the remote sampling probe or Tygon tubing on the gas inlet port to dilute the gas samples. This fitting is needed if the gas sample does not contain more than 10% oxygen. This is due to the fact that the combustible sensor will not function correctly when the oxygen concentration falls below 10%.

  • Page 49: Calibration Adapter

    OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3.6 Calibration Adapter There are two types of calibration adapter for the MultiRAE PLUS monitor. The PGM50-4P or PGM50-5P model has a built-in sampling pump. Therefore, the calibration adapter for these two models is a simple 6 inch Tygon tubing with a male Luer connector on one end.

  • Page 50: Programming Of Multirae Plus

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4. PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE PLUS The MultiRAE PLUS Monitor is built with a microcomputer to provide programming flexibility for the user. Authorized users can re-calibrate the monitor, change the alarm limits, change site ID, user ID, datalogging period, real time clock, etc.

  • Page 51: Programming Mode

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.1 Programming Mode The MultiRAE PLUS has three user modes: text, display and programming mode. The user can access the programming function only if they are in the programming mode (or from text mode with password). If the monitor is set to display mode, the user cannot enter the programming menu.
  • Page 52 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE Security Level There are three levels of security in the MultiRAE PLUS programming mode to provide further protection against unauthorized changes to the monitor alarm settings and other settings. The level 2 security allows a user to enter programming mode without any restriction.

  • Page 53: Keys For Programming Mode

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.2 Keys for Programming Mode The three keys perform a different set of functions during the programming mode as summarized below. Table 4.2 Function in Programming Menu [MODE]: Exit menu when press momentarily or exit data entry mode when pressed and held for 1 second Increase numerical value for data entry or [Y/+]:...

  • Page 54: Entering Into Programming Menu

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.3 Entering into Programming Menu 1. Turn on the MultiRAE PLUS monitor (refer to Section 2.3 for the power on sequence). 2. Press and hold down both [MODE] [N/-] keys for three seconds to enter programming mode. Note: This is to prevent a user from entering the programming mode by accident.
  • Page 55 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 5. If the correct digit value is not “0”, use the [Y/+] key or [N/-] key to increase or decrease the digit value. Then press key momentarily to confirm the digit [MODE] value. Display shows the actual digit entered and moves the flashing cursor to the next digit (to the right).

  • Page 56: Calibration Of Multirae Plus Monitor

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.4 Calibration of MultiRAE PLUS Monitor CALIBRATION WARNINGS: The calibration of all newly purchased RAE Systems instruments should be tested by exposing the sensor(s) to known concentration calibration gas before the instrument is used or put into service.

  • Page 57: Fresh Air Calibration

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE Calibration Sub-Menu Fresh Air Calibration? Multiple Sensor Calibration? Single Sensor Calibration? Modify Span Gas Value? Change LEL/VOC Span Gas? The preferred calibration method for monitors with pumps is to place the calibration gas in a gas sample bag (Tedlar® bag).
  • Page 58 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE Figure 4-1 Connection of Calibration Gas MultiRAE PLUS diffusion monitors must be calibrated using a fixed flow regulator with a flow rate between 0.5 and 1.0 liters per minute. Diffusion monitors are supplied with a special calibration adapter that covers the gas diffusion port. 4 - 9...
  • Page 59 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.4.1 Fresh Air Calibration This procedure determines the zero point of the sensor calibration curve. To perform fresh air calibration, the calibration adapter and a bottle of “fresh” air (optional) are required. The “fresh” air is clean dry air with 20.9 % oxygen concentration and without any organic, toxic or combustible gases or impurities.
  • Page 60 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.4.2 Multiple Sensor Calibration This function simultaneously determines the second point of calibration curves for multiple sensors in the monitor. Mixed standard reference gases is needed to perform this procedure. The user can choose several gas mixtures to be used in multiple-sensor calibration.
  • Page 61 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE Note: the readings should be very close to the span gas values. After about 5 seconds pause, the display will show the message “Span Cal Done! Turn Off Gas” 3. This completes the multiple sensor calibration procedure and moves to the next sub-menu item.
  • Page 62 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 7. Press the [MODE] key momentarily to move from one sensor location to the next one. Repeat Step 7 until all of the sensors which need to be calibrated during multiple sensor calibration are selected. Press and hold the [MODE] key for 1 second to save the new sensor selection.

  • Page 63: Single Sensor Calibration

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.4.3 Single Sensor Calibration This procedure determines the second point of the sensor calibration curve for a single sensor. A standard reference gas (span gas) is needed to perform this procedure. Table 2.2 shows the standard calibration gas which is typically used as the span gas in the factory (connect the tube to the sampling bag filled with the standard gas as shown in Figure 4-1).
  • Page 64 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE the countdown timer reaches 0, the display shows the sensor name and the calibrated value: TOX1 TOX2 cal’ed reading = 50 ppm If no gas has reached the sensor after 60 seconds, the display will show "No gas flow…” and abort the calibration.
  • Page 65 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE either case, the current calibration data will not be changed. Oxygen Sensor Calibration The oxygen sensor calibration is slightly different from all other sensors. The oxygen sensor measures a range from 0 to 30% of oxygen in the air. During “fresh” air calibration, the oxygen sensor is calibrated to fixed 20.9% of oxygen.

  • Page 66: Modify Span Gas Value

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.4.4 Modify Span Gas Value This function allows the user to change the span values of the standard calibration gases. 1. “Modify Span Gas Value?” is the next sub-menu item in Table 4.3. 2. Press key. Display shows: [Y/+] TOX1 TOX2...

  • Page 67: Change Lel/Voc Span Gas

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.4.5 Change LEL/VOC Span Gas This function allows the user to select a specific LEL or VOC gas to be used as the span gas during LEL or VOC gas calibration. 1. “Change LEL/VOC Span Gas?” is the next sub-menu item in Table 4.3.
  • Page 68 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE VOC Span = ? isobutylene Otherwise, the message “No VOC installed “ will appear. 7. If the user does not want to change the VOC span gas, press [Y/+] key to accept the current selection and exit this sub-menu.

  • Page 69: Change Alarm Limits

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE Change Alarm Limits In the programming mode, the users may change alarm limits MultiRAE PLUS of each sensor for the Monitor. Table 4.4 shows the sub-menus for changing the alarm limits. Table 4.4 Alarm Limit Sub-Menu Change High Alarm limit? Change Low Alarm limit? Change STEL alarm limit? Change Average alarm limit?
  • Page 70 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 19.5 TOX1 TOX2 25.0 STEL TOX1 TOX2 10.0 TOX1 TOX2 10.0 2. To modify this limit, starting from the left-most digit, use the [Y/+] [N/-] key to change the digit value and press the [MODE] key momentarily to advance to the next digit.

  • Page 71: View Or Change Datalog

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.6 View or Change Datalog MultiRAE monitor calculates and stores the gas readings at a specified interval. The user can review these stored readings or change datalog setup from the programming mode. Users can also program additional datalog options in PC and down loaded them to the monitor (see Section 5.0 for details on how to program additional datalogging options).

  • Page 72: Reset Peak And Minimum

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.6.1 Reset Peak and Minimum This function will reset peak and minimum data stored in the non-volatile data memory. 1. “Reset Peak and Minimum?” is the first sub-menu item in Table 4.5. 2. Press the key to clear the peak and minimum data [Y/+] memory.

  • Page 73: Clear All Data

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.6.2 Clear All Data This function will erase all data stored in the non-volatile data memory. This does not change STEL, TWA, Peak, minimum concentration and run time values which are stored in the other location. 1. “Clear All Data?” is the second sub-menu item in Table 4.5.

  • Page 74: Change Datalog Period

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.6.3 Change Datalog Period The datalog period can be programmed from 1 to 3,600 seconds (1 hour). 1. “Change Datalog Period?” is the third sub-menu item in Table 4.5. 2. Press the [Y/+] key, the display shows “New Period = 0060”...

  • Page 75: Select Data Type

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.6.4 Select Data Type The user can choose to store either the average or the peak value during each datalog period. 1. “Select Data Type?” is the fourth sub-menu item in Table 4.5. 2. Press the [Y/+] key, the display shows the current data type: “Data Type = Average?”...

  • Page 76: View Datalog

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.6.5 View Datalog This function allows the user to review all the data that is stored in the non-volatile data memory. 1. “View Datalog?” is the fifth sub-menu item in Table 4.5. Press the [Y/+] key and the LCD display shows the first event number and start date and time of the event.

  • Page 77: Enable / Disable Datalog

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.6.6 Enable / Disable Datalog The user can choose to enable or disable the datalogging function on each individual sensor. This allows users to selectively log certain sensor readings of interest. 1. “Enable / Disable Datalog?” is the sixth sub-menu item in Table 4.5.

  • Page 78: Change Monitor Setup

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.7 Change Monitor Setup In the programming mode, users may change monitor setup MultiRAE PLUS or enter user information for the monitor. Table 4.6 shows the sub-menus for changing the monitor. Table 4.6 Monitor Setup Sub-Menu Change Site ID? Change User ID? Change Alarm Mode? Change User Mode?

  • Page 79: Change Site Id

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.7.1 Change Site ID The user can enter an 8 digit alphanumeric site ID in the programming mode. This site ID will be included in the datalog report. 1. “Change Site ID?” and “Change User ID?” are the first and second sub-menu item in Table 4.6.

  • Page 80: Change Alarm Mode

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.7.2 Change Alarm Mode latched and There are two different alarm modes: MultiRAE PLUS automatic reset in that can be selected from the programming menu. 1. “Change Alarm Mode?” is the third sub-menu item in Table 4.6. 2.

  • Page 81: Change User Mode

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.7.3 Change User Mode There are three different user modes: text, display and MultiRAE PLUS programming in that can be selected from the programming menu. 1. “Change User Mode?” is the fourth sub-menu item in Table 4.6. 2.

  • Page 82: Change Real Time Clock

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.7.4 Change Real Time Clock The MultiRAE monitor is equipped with a real time clock. The user can enter the correct date and time into the real time clock in the programming mode. 1. The fifth sub-menu item in Table 4.6 is “Change Real Time Clock?”...

  • Page 83: Change Back Light Mode

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.7.5 Change Back Light Mode The MultiRAE monitor allows a user to choose to turn on and off LCD back light automatically when ambient light falls bellow or above a threshold level or to turn on and off the back light manually by pressing the [N/-] key.

  • Page 84: Change Password

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.7.6 Change Password The user can modify the password from the monitor. 1. The seventh sub-menu item in Table 4.6 is “Change Password?” 2. Press the key and the display shows the current [Y/+] password: “Enter new password = xxxx” with the left most digit flashing.

  • Page 85: Change Pump Speed

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.7.7 Change Pump Speed There are two speed settings for the pump motor in the MultiRAE PLUS that can be selected from the programming menu: low (default) and high. The “high” setting should be used for long lengths of tubing or when rapid changes in input conditions are expected.

  • Page 86: Change Averaging Method

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.7.8 Change Averaging Method There are two methods of calculation used in the averaging of the monitor. Using this selection can cause the calculation to be performed using an eight hour time weighted average (TWA), the default, or a running average (AVG).

  • Page 87: Change Sensor Configuration

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.8 Change Sensor Configuration In the programming mode, users may change several sensor MultiRAE PLUS related configurations of the monitor. Table 4.7 shows the sub-menus for setting various configurations of the sensors. Table 4.7 Sensor Configuration Sub-Menu Change LEL/VOC Gas Selection? Enable / Disable Sensors? Change Dilution Ratio?
  • Page 88 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE The MultiRAE PLUS monitor store three sets of correction factors: one for the LEL sensor, one for the 10.6 eV PID sensor and the other for the 11.7 eV PID sensor. Each set consists of 20 to 40 different gases. The user can choose one gas from the list to be the calibration gas and another gas to be the measurement gas.
  • Page 89 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.8.1 Change LEL/VOC Gas Selection This function allows users to choose one of the pre-stored LEL or VOC gases in the monitor and calculate its correction factor relative to the LEL or VOC calibration gas. This factor will then be used during gas measurements to show the equivalent concentration of the selected LEL or VOC gas.
  • Page 90 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 5. The display shows “Save new gas?”. To confirm the new gas, press the key to accept the change. Press the [Y/+] [N/-] key or the [MODE] key to discard the change and move to the next step. 6.
  • Page 91 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 8. If the VOC sensor is installed and enabled, the display will show: TOX1 TOX2 VOC Gas = ? isobutylene Otherwise, the message “No VOC installed” will be displayed and move to the next sub-menu. 9. If the user does not want to change the VOC measurement gas, press [Y/+] key to accept the current gas and go to Step 12.
  • Page 92 PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 13. If the user does not want to modify the VOC correction factor, press [Y/+] key and exit the sub-menu. To modify this factor, press [N/-] key first. Then starting from the left-most digit, use the [Y/+] [N/-] key to change the digit value and press the...

  • Page 93: Enable / Disable Sensor

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.8.2 Enable / Disable Sensor This function allows the user to selectively enable or disable MultiRAE PLUS individual sensors in the monitor. When a sensor is disabled, the sensor will not measure nor display the gas concentration. 1.

  • Page 94: Change Dilution Ratio

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.8.3 Change Dilution Ratio The user can insert an optional dilution fitting on the MultiRAE PLUS gas inlet port to dilute the gas sample. The user can enter a dilution ratio (from 1 to 10) from the programming menu so that the reading can be compensated to show the actual concentration of the gas sample with the dilution fitting.

  • Page 95: Change Pid Lamp Type

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.8.4 Change PID Lamp Type This programming menu only applies to the monitor which is equipped with a PID detector option. There are two different energy UV lamps available for the PID sensor: 10.6 eV and 11.7 eV. The user can select either lamp from the programming menu.

  • Page 96: Exit Programming Mode

    PROGRAMMING OF MULTIRAE 4.9 Exit Programming Mode 1. To exit programming mode from the first tier menu level (see Table 4.1), press the [MODE] key once. Display shows an instantaneous reading of normal operation mode. 2. To exit programming mode from 2nd tier sub-menu level (see Table 4.2 - 4.6), press the [MODE] key twice.

  • Page 97: Computer Interface For Multirae Plus

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5. COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Each MultiRAE PLUS with a datalogging option is shipped with a software package, called ProRAE-Suite, and a serial computer interface cable. This software package runs on any IBM compatible Personal ®...

  • Page 98: Install Prorae-Suite Software

    If the user choose the default settings in every steps of the process, the ProRAE-Suite software package will be installed under the default directory: C:\Program Files\RAE Systems Inc\ProRAE-Suite. After the software is installed successfully, a new menu item ProRAE-Suite is added to the Programs menu.
  • Page 99 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS click the Start button on the taskbar to display the Start menu, click the Programs menu item to display the Programs submenu, then click the ProRAE-Suite menu item to display the ProRAE-Suite submenu. There are two submenu items under the ProRAE-Suite submenu: ProRAE-Suite and Readme, as shown in Figure 5-2.

  • Page 100: Connect Multirae Plus To Pc

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.2 Connect MultiRAE PLUS to PC The basic kit of a MultiRAE PLUS datalogging monitor includes a serial interface cable. Connect the DB-9 connector side of the cable to the serial port of the PC, and connect another side of the cable to the MultiRAE PLUS monitor.
  • Page 101 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS To start the ProRAE-Suite software, click the Start button on the taskbar to display the Start menu, click Programs -> ProRAE-Suite -> ProRAE-Suite sub-menu item to start the ProRAE-Suite software. Figure 5-3 shows the main window of the ProRAE-Suite software.
  • Page 102 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 3) Upgrade category. This category includes upgrading the datalog feature of the MultiRAE Plus monitor, and upgrading the firmware in the MultiRAE Plus monitor. There is a tool bar beneath the menu bar. The frequently used functions are represented in this tool bar in the form of a small icon.

  • Page 103: Setup Communication Port

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.4 Setup Communication Port It is necessary to setup the communication port on the ProRAE-Suite software so that the MultiRAE PLUS monitor can communicate with the PC correctly. Figure 5-4 shows the Setup Port dialog box. Choose the appropriate port according to the PC’s serial port setup.

  • Page 104: Processing The Configuration Data

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.5 Processing the Configuration Data The ProRAE-Suite software allows the user to edit the configuration data, send the configuration data to the MultiRAE Plus, and receive the configuration data from the MultiRAE Plus monitor. The following subsection describes the detail of each operation.

  • Page 105: Editing The Configuration Data

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.5.1 Editing the Configuration Data There are two different sources of the configuration files. One is loaded from the unit, the other is from a configuration file. To load and review the configuration of the monitor. From the main menu of the ProRAE-Suite software, select the Receive Configuration…...
  • Page 106 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS There should be one or more configuration files in the file list. Each configuration file has a file extension of “.CFG”. There is one generic MultiRAE Plus configuration supplied with ProRAE-Suite software: Default_MultiRAE_V###.CFG, where ### is the version number of the default configuration file.
  • Page 107 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS To edit the opened configuration data file, click the Edit -> Configuration menu item or the Configuration toolbar button to open the Edit Configuration File dialog box, as shown in Figure 5-7. Figure 5-7 Edit Configuration File Dialog Box The Edit Configuration File dialog box contains three tab pages: General, Gas Parameters and Gas Selection.
  • Page 108 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Note: The VOC gas configuration settings applies only to monitors which are equipped with PID detector option. The General tab page, which is shown in Figure 5-7, allows a user to change the general settings of the configuration data.
  • Page 109 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Password: The four digit password must be entered if level 1 is selected as the security level or the monitor is in the Text mode. Entry to the programming menu requires that this password be entered. User mode: In the Text mode, the monitor only displays the sensor name and an OK message during normal operation.
  • Page 110 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Back Light: This option allows the user to choose to turn on and off the LCD back light manually or automatically based on the ambient light sensor input. If Manual mode is selected, the user can also enter a time out period so that the back light will be turned off automatically after the time out period.
  • Page 111 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Datalog Selection: The user can choose one or more sensors for datalogging purpose. This does not activate or inactivate the particular sensor’s readings except for the purpose of datalogging recording. Datalog Mode: This may be set to either of four choices: -- With Automatic start/stop, the datalogging begins when the monitor is turned on and ends when it is turned off.
  • Page 112 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS reached, the datalogging will stop automatically. With periodic start/stop mode, the hours and minutes are used for the data log period to be run each day. Figure 5-8 shows the Gas Parameters tab page which allows the user to change the gas parameters of the configuration data.
  • Page 113 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS This is the place where the user can specify the low alarm level (%) and high alarm leve l (%) for OXY sensor. VOC Alarm Levels (ppm): This is the place where the user can specify the STEL alarm level (ppm), TWA alarm level (ppm), low alarm level (ppm) and high alarm level (ppm) for VOC sensor.
  • Page 114 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS The user can specify the calibration gas span for LEL, OXY, VOC, Tox1 and Tox2 sensor here. Figure 5-9 Gas Selection Settings Tab Page Figure 5-9 shows the Gas Selection tab page. There are three sets of gases for correction factors that the user can choose: one for the LEL sensor, one for the PID sensor with 10.6 eV lamp and other one for the PID sensor with the 11.7 eV lamp.
  • Page 115 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS for calibration and another gas from the Measurement Gas list box for measurement. Each list box contains a list of 20 to 40 gases. Scroll the list using the up or down arrow until the desired gas name is shown. Press key to select the Enter gas.
  • Page 116 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS OK/Cancel: When the configuration changes are completed, click on the OK button to save the configuration and return to the client window. Click on Cancel button to abort the configuration changes. 5 - 20...

  • Page 117: Send Configuration To Multirae Plus

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.5.2 Send Configuration to MultiRAE Plus After the configuration data is loaded into the ProRAE-Suite software, the user can send the configuration settings to the MultiRAE PLUS monitor. To send the configuration settings to the instrument, click Communication->Send Config menu item or click the send toolbar icon (right arrow with “Send”...

  • Page 118: Saving Configuration Data

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.5.3 Saving Configuration Data In order to save the configuration information for future use, user can click File->Save or File->Save As menu item to save the opened configuration data to a file. Once the configuration file is saved on disk, it can be opened at a later time for further modification or can be sent to the MultiRAE monitor.

  • Page 119: Configuring All Settings

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.5.4 Configuring All Settings A user can use this function to update the entire configuration settings (except the instrument ID, serial number and the datalog option) in the MultiRAE monitor. To configure all the settings in the instrument, click the Option->Config All menu item, and a message box will appear to remind the user to connect the instrument to the PC through the serial port.

  • Page 120: Processing The Logged Data

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.6 Processing the Logged Data The ProRAE-Suite software allows the user to retrieve the logged data from the MultiRAE PLUS monitor and display the data in many different formats. The user can also export the displayed text to a tab delimited text file so that Microsoft Excel can read it directly.

  • Page 121: Receive Data From Multirae Plus

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.6.1 Receive Data from MultiRAE PLUS To receive the logged data from the MultiRAE Plus, click Communication->Receive Data menu item or click the Receive Data toolbar button (left arrow with “Recv” letters), a message box will appear to remind the user to connect the instrument to the PC through the serial port.

  • Page 122: View Logged Data In Text Mode

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.6.2 View Logged Data in Text Mode Once the user opened a data file or received the logged data from the instrument, a data window appears, as shown in Figure 5-10. Figure 5-10 Display Logged Data The data window is a two pane client window.
  • Page 123 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS left or to the right to enlarge a pane if that pane is not big enough. To view the data points of a specific event, the user can click the item representing that event under the item Data\Text Mode.

  • Page 124: View Stel/Twa/Avg Value

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.6.3 View STEL/TWA/AVG Value To view the STEL, TWA or AVG value of any event, click the event number item under the tree item STEL/TWA/AVG in the left pane, the right pane displays the STEL, TWA and AVG value of each data points of that event, as shown in Figure 5-11.

  • Page 125: View Summary Information

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.6.4 View Summary Information To view the summary information of any event, such as peak data value and minimum data value, click the event number item under the tree item Summary in the left pane, the right pane displays the summary information of that event, as shown in Figure 5-12.

  • Page 126: View Logged Data In Graph Mode

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.6.5 View Logged Data in Graph Mode To view the logged data of a specific event in graph mode, click the event item under the tree item Graph Mode in the left pane, and the right pane displays the graph of that event, as shown in Figure 5-13.
  • Page 127 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Figure 5-14 Graph Type Tab Page Select graph range: The user can choose the value range on the x-axis and y-axis in the Graph Range tab page of the Graph Settings dialog box. To display the Graph Settings dialog box, click any place in the right pane so that pane has the focus, then click Option->Graph Settings menu item to display the Graph Settings dialog box.
  • Page 128 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Figure 5-15 Graph Range Tab Page To choose the range of Y-axis, the user first click the User Defined radio button in the Y-Axis (Data Value) Range group box, then the user can specify the top value and the bottom value in the Data Value Range (Y-axis) group box.
  • Page 129 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Time (X-axis) group box and the end time fields in the End Time (X-axis) group box. If the user select the Default radio button in the X-Axis (Data Time) Range group box, the ProRAE-Suite will scale the range of X-axis by itself to cover the every data points on x-axis.

  • Page 130: Export The Displayed Data To A Text File

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.6.6 Export the Displayed Data to a Text File The ProRAE-Suite software allows the user to export the displayed text to a tab delimited text file so that it can be ® read by Microsoft Excel directly.

  • Page 131: Export Graphic To A File

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.6.7 Export Graphics to a File The ProRAE-Suite software allows the user to export the displayed graph to a windows bitmap (.bmp) file or a windows metafile (.wmf) file. To export the displayed graph in the right pane to a windows bitmap or metafile file, first click any place in the right pane to make sure that the graph pane has the focus, then click Option ->...

  • Page 132: Print The Logged Data

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.6.8 Print the Logged Data After viewing the data results, the user may print the data to a printer in order to obtain a hard copy of the text or graphic data report. First, click any place in the right pane to set the focus on that pane, then select Print function from the File sub-menu, or click the Print toolbar button (a printer) to print the graphic or text data.

  • Page 133: Upgrade The Datalog Option

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.7 Upgrade the Datalog Option To upgrade the datalog option, open the ProRAE-Suite software. Do not open any configuration file or data file so the ProRAE-Suite software has no client window open, as shown in Figure 5-16. Figure 5-16 Main Window of ProRAE-Suite Click Option ->...
  • Page 134 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Figure 5-17 Enable Datalog Dialog Box Figure 5-17 shows that the instrument’s datalog feature is currently enabled. If the user wants to change the datalog option, click another datalog option radio button, and type the three digit authorization code in the Authorization Code field, then click the OK button to close the dialog box.

  • Page 135: Upgrade The Firmware

    COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS 5.8 Upgrade the Firmware To upgrade the firmware in the MultiRAE PLUS monitor, open the ProRAE-Suite software. Do not open any configuration file or data file so the ProRAE-Suite software has no client window open, as shown in Figure 5-16. Click Option ->...
  • Page 136 COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR MULTIRAE PLUS Figure 5-18 Open Firmware File Dialog Box Note: In order to upgrade the firmware, the MultiRAE PLUS monitor must have a 2.04 or later version of the firmware. Call the factory’s Customer Service Department, if the existing firmware version is older than 2.04 for instruction on how to upgrade the firmware.

  • Page 137: Theory Of Operation

    THEORY OF OPERATION 6. THEORY OF OPERATION MultiRAE PLUS monitor uses one to five different sensors to measure a variety of gases. A newly developed electrodeless discharge UV lamp is used as the high energy photon source for the PID sensor (see Figure 6-1). The patented PID sensor will detect a broad range of organic vapors.
  • Page 138 MultiRAE PLUS The PID sensor for this monitor is constructed as a small cavity in front of the UV lamp. The other sensors are mounted next to the PID sensor. diaphragm pump is installed inside the monitor to draw the air sample into the sensor manifold and then distribute it to all sensors.

  • Page 139: Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE 7. MAINTENANCE As shown in Figure 7-1, the major maintenance items of MultiRAE PLUS are: • Battery pack • Sensor modules • PID lamp • Sampling pump Figure 7-1 Main Components of MultiRAE PLUS...

  • Page 140: Battery Replacement

    MAINTENANCE 7.1 Battery Replacement When the display shows a flashing message “Bat”, the battery requires recharging. The battery may be replaced in the field (in area known to be non-hazardous) if required. It is recommended to recharge the MultiRAE PLUS monitor upon returning from field work.
  • Page 141 MAINTENANCE Replacing and Recharging Battery Pack MultiRAE PLUS 1. Turn off power of the 2. Refer to Figure 7-1, unscrew the two captured case screws from the bottom of the monitor case and remove MultiRAE PLUS cover. 3. Unplug the battery from the battery jack, which is MultiRAE PLUS connected to the PC board of the 4.

  • Page 142: Sensor Replacement

    RAE Systems Inc. 1. Turn off power of the MultiRAE PLUS. 2. Refer to Figure 7-1, open the monitor cover by unscrewing the two captured screws from the bottom of the monitor case.
  • Page 143 MAINTENANCE Figure 7-2 Sensor Assembly of MultiRAE PLUS 3. Refer to Figure 7-2, carefully unscrew four No. 2 screws that hold down the gas piping plate to the analog PCB and sensors. Remove the gas piping plate. 4. Refer to Figure 7-2, identify the location of a specific toxic sensor and remove the sensor by gently pulling the sensor upward.
  • Page 144 MAINTENANCE 5. Plug a new sensor into the empty sensor socket. Make sure that black line on the sensor label is lined up with the white marker on the PCB and the sensor pins are aligned with the socket before pushing down the sensor. 6.

  • Page 145: Pid Sensor Cleaning / Replacement

    MAINTENANCE 7.3 PID Sensor Cleaning / Replacement This section only applies to a monitor that is equipped with the PID detector option. During the course of normal operation, a film of gas vapor may build up inside the PID sensor module and the UV lamp. The rate at which the film develops depends on the type and concentration of the vapors being sampled.
  • Page 146 MAINTENANCE 4. Remove the shielding cap for the PID sensor. Gently pull out the PID sensor. Note the sensor is made of Teflon and stainless steel material. 5. Dip the entire PID sensor into GC grade methanol. It is highly recommended that an ultrasound bath to be used to clean the sensor for at least 3 minutes.

  • Page 147: Pid Lamp Care

    MAINTENANCE 7.4 PID Lamp Care The UV lamp is made of a glass envelope and a UV window on one end of the envelope. The inside of the lamp is filled with low pressure gases. To turn on the lamp, a high voltage electric field is applied from the outside of the glass envelope.
  • Page 148 MAINTENANCE The MultiRAE Plus has a built-in sensing mechanism to monitor the status of the UV lamp. If the UV lamp is not on, the error message “Lamp” will be displayed. It is possible that the UV lamp is actually on when the lamp error message appears.

  • Page 149: Sampling Pump Replacement

    MAINTENANCE 7.5 Sampling Pump Replacement The sampling pump is positive displacement piston pump. When approaching the end of the specified life time of the pump, it will consume higher amount of energy and reduce its sample draw capability significantly. When this occurs, it is necessary to replace the pump.

  • Page 150: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING 8. TROUBLESHOOTING To aid the user in diagnosing the monitor, the monitor has a special diagnostic mode that can display critical, low level parameters. Section 8.1 describes the operation of the diagnostic mode. Section 8.2 summarizes the frequently encountered problems and suggested solutions. Turning on the MultiRAE PLUS monitor in diagnostic mode and using the troubleshooting table in Section 8.2, the user can usually narrow the problem down to one or two areas and correct the...

  • Page 151: Special Diagnostic Mode

    TROUBLESHOOTING 8.1 Special Diagnostic Mode To place the monitor into the special diagnostic mode, first turn the monitor off. Next push and hold the key, while [Y/+] still holding the key, also push and hold the [Y/+] [MODE] key for at least two seconds. After the required delay, release both keys, the monitor will now go through the normal start-up display sequence and display a “Diagnostic mode”...
  • Page 152 TROUBLESHOOTING Table Key Action Display Show raw readings Show sensor name [MODE] Adjust PID lamp failure threshold [MODE] Show battery type and Tox1 bias [MODE] [MODE] Show x1 and x10 range of PID sensor [MODE] Adjust LCD contrast [MODE] Check LEL power on/off [MODE] Show clock, battery voltage and temperature...
  • Page 153 TROUBLESHOOTING 1) Raw Sensor Readings The raw sensor readings provide a quick diagnose on the response and the sensitivity of each sensor. When zero gas (fresh clean air) is applied to the monitor, the raw sensor readings typically should be between 200 to 700 for toxic and VOC sensors, between 100 to 1300 for LEL sensor and between 1200 to 2300 for oxygen sensor.
  • Page 154 TROUBLESHOOTING 3) Adjust Lamp Failure Threshold This diagnostic menu only applies to the monitor which is equipped with a PID detector option. This display can be used to calibrate the PID lamp failure threshold. If the lamp appears to be good but in normal operation a lamp failure message (i.e.
  • Page 155 TROUBLESHOOTING 4) Battery Type and Bias Display For some toxic sensors (such as nitric oxide or ammonia sensor), a bias voltage of a few hundred millivolts is required for the sensor to function properly. In the MultiRAE PLUS monitor, the user needs to manually switch on the bias voltage supply located on the analog PCB (see Section 7.2 for details).
  • Page 156 TROUBLESHOOTING This display allows the user to adjust the LCD contrast. Press [Y/+] to increase the contrast and [N/-] key to decrease the contrast. The bar graph shows the current LCD contrast setting. If the display appears having dark lines, press [Y/-] key several times should see a more clear display.
  • Page 157 TROUBLESHOOTING This display can be used to calibrate the pump stall threshold. If the gas inlet is blocked but the pump does not shut down, or the pump shut down too easily with a slight blockage to the gas inlet, then the pump stall threshold value may be set too high or too low.
  • Page 158 TROUBLESHOOTING 11) Check Back Light Threshold This display can be used to adjust the LCD back light turn on and off threshold. Verify that the threshold is 100 which will fit almost all of the situation. 12) Serial Number and Pump Toggle This display shows the unit’s serial number.

  • Page 159: Troubleshooting Table

    TROUBLESHOOTING 8.2 Troubleshooting Table Table 8.2 Problem Possible Reasons & Solutions Cannot turn Discharged battery. Defective Reasons: on power battery. Microcomputer after hang-up. charging the battery Solutions: Charge or replace battery. Disconnect then connect battery to reset computer. No LED or Reasons: Defective LED or LCD back LCD back...
  • Page 160 TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Possible Reasons & Solutions Reading Reasons: Wrong calibration data. abnormally Dirty sensor module. high Dirty water trap filter. Excessive moisture and water condensation. Solutions: Re-calibrate with the gas. Clean sensor module. Replace water trap filter. Blow dry the sensor module. “Lamp”...
  • Page 161 TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Possible Reasons & Solutions Read a small Reasons: Sensor zero drifted. background The unit was out of battery value when power connection or the there is no sensor just plugged in. detectable gas. Solutions: Do fresh air calibration (see Section 4.4.1) Wait for reading to stabilized.
  • Page 162 TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Possible Reasons & Solutions “Bat” Reasons: Discharged battery. message in operation Solutions: Recharge battery. “Voltage Reasons: Battery fuse blown or wrong. too high AC adapter or AC adapter does message” in not fully plug in. charge mode Solutions: Check battery and adapter.

  • Page 163: Appendix A. Quick Reference Guide

    APPENDIX A APPENDIX A. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE DISPLAY MODE Display Instantaneous Readings [N]+[MODE] for 3 seconds: Security level=0 or Display Mode: No Action Security level=1 or Text Mode: Password check Wrong password: Back to instantaneous display Correct password: Enter Programming menu. [N]: Toggle back light [Y]: Test alarm/stop alarm Display Sensor names Display Peak values...
  • Page 164 APPENDIX A [N]: Return to Instantaneous display [M] or [N] Return to Instantaneous display PROGRAMMING MODE Press [N] and [MODE] together for 3 seconds to enter, [Mode] to return Calibrate Monitor? (Press [Y] to select menu) Fresh Air Calibration? Multiple Sensor Calibration? Single Sensor Calibration? Modify Span Gas Value? Mode...
  • Page 165 APPENDIX A Change LEL/VOC Gas Selection? Enable / Disable Sensor? Change Dilution Ratio? Change PID Lamp Type? Mode A - 2...

  • Page 166: Appendix B. Correction Factors

    APPENDIX B APPENDIX B. CORRECTION FACTORS A partial list of correction factors for a number of commonly used compounds for the LEL sensor, 10.6 eV and 11.7 eV PID sensors is as follows (refer to TN-106 and TN-156 at www.raesystems.com complete lists of correction factors): Table B.1 Correction Factors for PID &...
  • Page 167 APPENDIX B Compound 10.6 11.7 Diesel Fuel Diethylamine 0.97 Dimethylhydrazine, 1,1- 0.78 0.83 Epichlorohydrin 0.85 Ethanol Ethene Ethyl acetate Ethyl acrylate Ethyl benzene 0.52 0.51 Ethyl ether Ethyl hexyl acrylate, 2- 0.48 Ethyl sulfide 0.51 Gasoline vapors 0.85 Gasoline, whole 0.47 Heptane, n- Hexamethyldisilazane...
  • Page 168 APPENDIX B Methyl isobutyl ketone 0.80 0.60 Compound 10.6 11.7 Methyl methacrylate Methyl t-butyl ether 0.91 Nitric oxide Octane, n- Pentane Perchloroethene 0.57 0.31 Pinene, a- 0.31 0.47 Pinene, b- 0.37 0.37 Propane Propene Styrene 0.40 Tetrahydrofuran Toluene 0.50 0.51 Trichloroethane, 1,1,1- 0.98 Trichloroethene...
  • Page 169 APPENDIX B sensitivity to the gas is higher than that of isobutylene (VOC) or methane (LEL). B - 4...

  • Page 170: Appendix C. Multirae Plus Data Conversion To Microsoft Excel

    APPENDIX C APPENDIX C. MULTIRAE PLUS DATA CONVERSION TO ® MICROSOFT EXCEL The MultiRAE PLUS multi-gas monitor has a built-in 20,000 point datalogger that in conjunction with the ProRAE-Suite software will provide data that can be converted into other application program such as Microsoft ®...
  • Page 171 APPENDIX C Figure C-1 Excel Window 2. Click File->Open menu item to open the Open dialog box, select the folder where the file TextEvent.txt is resided, and select the Files of type as Text Files. Click to select the file TextEve nt.txt, as shown in Figure C-2. Figure C-2 Open Dialog Box 3.
  • Page 172 APPENDIX C Figure C-3 Text Import Wizard Dialog Box 4. Click Finish button, the dialog box disappears and the event data is loaded into the MS-Excel software, as shown in Figure C-4. Figure C-4 File Text Event.txt is Open 5. Click File->Save As menu item to save the loaded event data to a MS-Excel file.
  • Page 173 APPENDIX C dialog box, the Save as type is Microsoft Excel Workbook. ® Graphing MultiRAE PLUS Data in Excel ® 1. Open the Excel data file that contains the data to be graphed by selecting “File” and then “Open.” Highlight the columns that contain the data points.
  • Page 174 APPENDIX C Press the “Next” button to continue. 4. The next step will show the different chart types. For this example, the “Line” chart has been selected. Press the “Next” button to continue. 5. Step 3 of the ChartWizard give additional choices for the line chart, including data markers and gridlines.
  • Page 175 APPENDIX C Press the “Next” button to continue. 6. The next step shows a preview of the chart. This will ensure that the correct columns were chosen in the spreadsheet that comprise the chart. Press the “Next” button to continue. 7.
  • Page 176 APPENDIX C C - 7...

  • Page 177: Appendix D. Rae Systems Technical Notes

    TN-116 ToxiRAE Oxygen Monitor (PGM-36) at a Glance p TN-117 ToxiRAE Combustible Gas Monitor (PGM-37) at a Glance p TN-118 Use of RAE PIDs for Soil Headspace Measurements p TN-119 Calculation of STEL, TWA, Min., Max., and Average Values for ToxiRAE PID.
  • Page 178 Procedures p TN-136 UltraRAE Operations Tips p TN-137 Exiting Diagnostic Mode for ToxiRAE LEL p TN-138 RAE System Year 2000 Compliance p TN-139 UltraRAE Communication with NT p TN-140 Extension Tubing Volume and Delay Time p TN-141 MultiRAE Remote Control Functions...
  • Page 179 APPENDIX D Technical Notes are available at www.raesystems.com. See Appendix F to order hard copies of Technical Notes. D - 3...

  • Page 180: Appendix E. Rae Systems Application Notes

    AP-207 PIDs as an Arson Investigation Tool p AP-208 HAZMAT User List p AP-209 UltraRAE User List p AP-210 North American RAE User List p AP-211 PIDs for Continuous Monitoring of VOCs p AP-212 PIDs for Indoor Air Quality...

  • Page 181: Appendix F. Literature Request

    Please send me the following information: Name: Company: Mailing Address: City, State, Zip: Country: Telephone: Fax: Technical Notes: (just list TN #) Application Notes (just list AP #) Comments: Thank you, RAE Systems Sales & Marketing Department E - 1...

  • Page 182: Appendix G. Request For Return Authorization Form

    APPENDIX G APPENDIX G. REQUEST FOR RETURN AUTHORIZATION FORM Need to send your monitor in for repair, calibration, service or upgrading? RMA Number For proper tracking of your equipment please obtain an before returning the monitor. Photocopy this page and fax to Attn: Service Department: 1.408.585.3544 We will return fax the RMA Number and instructions on how to ship.
  • Page 183 APPENDIX G RAE Systems Service Department G - 2...

  • Page 184: Main Contact Numbers

    RAE Systems Inc. 1339 Moffett Park Drive Sunnyvale, California 94089 Main Contact Numbers TEL: 408.752.0723 FAX: 408.752.0724 Toll Free Numbers Instrument Sales: 877-RAE.CUSTomer (723-2878) Technical Service: 888.RAE.4800 (723.4800) Tube Sales: 888.RAE.TUBE (723.8823) E-mail: Instrument Sales: raesales@raesystems.com Technical Service: tech@raesystems.com raetubes@raesystems.com...

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