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RKI Instruments GX-86A Instruction Manual

Portable four gas detector
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODEL GX-86A
PORTABLE FOUR GAS DETECTOR
RKI Instruments, Inc.
33248 Central Ave, Union City, CA 94587 • Tel: 510-441-5656

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  • Page 1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL MODEL GX-86A PORTABLE FOUR GAS DETECTOR RKI Instruments, Inc. 33248 Central Ave, Union City, CA 94587 • Tel: 510-441-5656...
  • Page 2 INTRODUCTION The RKI Model GX-86A is an advanced gas detection instrument, incorporating proven detection hardware and microprocessor controls. The GX-86A is compact, convenient, and offers a full range of features, including: • Simultaneous detection of combustible gas, oxygen deficiency, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide. (Other toxic gases optional.)
  • Page 3 0 - 100 ppm (parts per mil- lion) 0 - 300 ppm The GX-86A has a rugged plastic housing, touch-pad control panel, and a back-lit dot matrix LCD. The included carrying case protects the instrument and allows hands-free operation for the user. See Figure 1.
  • Page 4 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual Internal Control Panel Buzzer Interface Port Battery Cover Earphone Jack Remote Alarm/ Sensor Charger Jack Cover Figure 1. GX-86A Components RKI Instruments, Inc. Page 3...

  • Page 5: Components And Controls

    Model GX-86A Instruction Manual COMPONENTS AND CONTROLS Case The GX-86A has a durable plastic case. The sensors are housed in a detachable block at the bottom of the instrument. Control Panel The control panel contains the display, alarm lights, and switches that control the many functions of the GX-86A.
  • Page 6 Four red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) provide visual alarms for gas concentrations and malfunctions. Battery Compartment The GX-86A uses two “C” size cells; alkaline batteries will run the GX-86A for approximately 10 hours, rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries will run for approximately 7 hours. (Rechargeable batteries can be recharged in the GX-86A with the optional battery charger.)
  • Page 7 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual analysis programs. Buzzers and Earphone An electronic buzzer is mounted at the back of the case, behind a felt screen. The buzzer sounds for gas alarms and system malfunctions. A 2.5 mm phone jack at the bottom left rear corner of the case connects to an earphone, for use in high noise environments.
  • Page 8 The reaction of gas with oxygen on the catalyst causes a change in the resistance of the element, which is converted by the GX-86A into a reading of gas concentration. The LEL sensor responds to a wide range of gases; see Appendix A for the Relative Response Chart.
  • Page 9 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual atmosphere, producing a current proportional to the concentration of gas. The current is converted by the GX-86A into a measurement of gas concentration. The CO sensor uses a charcoal filter disk that covers its opening, to eliminate interference from H To maintain sensitivity and stability, these sensors are kept on a continuous bias current, even when the instrument power is off.

  • Page 10: Operation

    (See USER OPTIONS). Press the AIR/ switch to continue Short Term Exposure Limit (STL) and Time-Weighted Average readings from the last use of the GX-86A. Press DISP/ (ADJ.) to start new STL and TWA readings STL TWA RESUME YES:AIR NO:DISP Lunchbreak can accumulate up to 100 hours of STL/TWA read- ings.
  • Page 11 HC O2 H2S CO 2. Verify Operation To easily verify correct operation of the GX-86A, breathe out over the diffusion grill of the instrument. The O2 reading should drop measurably before returning to normal. To verify detection of combustibles use a controlled source of flammable vapor, for example a bottle of isopropyl alcohol.
  • Page 12 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual audible alarm will sound, the ALARM LED will blink, and the HC will flash on the display. RKI Instruments, Inc. Page 11...
  • Page 13 The GX-86A will continuously monitor the atmosphere, and display the LEL, O , and toxic gas concentrations present. If the GX-86A is taken into a low-light environment, the display backlight will automatically turn on. To use with sample-drawing attachments, insert the probe into the area to be monitored and wait a few seconds for response.

  • Page 14: Display Functions

    Model GX-86A Instruction Manual DISPLAY FUNCTIONS While the GX-86A is in normal operation, press the DISPLAY/(ADJ.) switch to step through the measurement functions. The display will hold for 20 seconds before reverting to normal detection, or until DISPLAY/(ADJ.) is pressed to go to the next screen.
  • Page 15 The Average function shows the average gas concentrations (indicated by “A” at the left side of the display) detected since the last time the GX-86A was turned on or the data logger was cleared. HC O2 H2S CO A18 20.8 2.5 100...
  • Page 16 BATTERY MIN. 2.3V BATTERY NOW 3.0V Note The GX-86A automatically checks battery voltage during start-up; if the measurement is below 2.3V, the GX-86A will not operate. Date / Time This function shows the current time, date, and ambient temperature, for example:...
  • Page 17 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual Clear Data Logger The Clear Data Logger function allows the user to reset the data logger storage to accept a new set of data. Clearing the Data Logger also resets the Peak, Average, Time in Operation, STL, TWA, and Log.
  • Page 18 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual ALARMS Alarm Indications 1. Combustibles (%LEL) If the combustible gas detected exceeds the first level alarm setting (20% LEL for most applications), a pulsed tone will sound, the %LEL LED will blink, and the “HC” on the display will flash.
  • Page 19 field for that gas. Resetting Alarms The GX-86A can be set for latching or self-resetting logic. Latching alarms can not be reset until the gas concentration falls below the alarm point. When the condition is corrected, press DISPLAY to reset the alarm.
  • Page 20 (CO sensor in this example): SELF DIAGNOSIS FAIL( To continue using the GX-86A, turn it off, then follow the appropriate start-up sequence. During start-up the display will show the failed channel before the count down. In normal operation display will indicate the failed sensor as “xx or xx.x.”...

  • Page 21: Calibration And Maintenance

    For automatic one-source calibration, the RKI Four Gas Cylinder can be used to adjust all sensors with one connection and one operation. To calibrate the GX-86A with separate gas sources, you will need the following supplies and equipment: • Known calibrating samples of combustible and the appropriate toxic gases.
  • Page 22 flowmeter, and adapter cup. Note Allow adequate time for the GX-86A to respond to changes in adjustment. Adjust the controls in small increments, then wait approximately 3 seconds for a change in reading.
  • Page 23 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual 2. Enter calibration mode With the instrument on, press and hold the (SHIFT)/ switch, then press the DISPLAY/(ADJ.) switch. The display will show: 1.AUTO CAL. 2.SET SPAN <HC> The “1” will flash, indicating the active selection. To select Auto Calibration, press ON/OFF/ENTER.

  • Page 24: Auto Calibration

    Model GX-86A Instruction Manual Cylinder. AUTO CALIBRATION 50 12.0 25.0 50 To change the calibration values, press the (SHIFT)/ DISPLAY/(ADJ.). The following screen will appear. SET CAL. <HC> 50 LEL Press the AIR/ or (SHIFT)/ to adjust the LEL value to agree with the concentration on the Four-Gas Cylinder.
  • Page 25 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual END screen will appear: AUTO CALIBRATION NORMAL END d.After the end screen, the display automatically returns to the first calibration screen. e Turn off the Four-Gas Cylinder and disconnect it from the valve. f. Press (SHIFT)/ to scroll through the options to “7.RETURN,”...
  • Page 26 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual reading stabilizes: HC CAL. 45LEL GAS/ADJ./ENTER 3. If the reading does not correspond to the sample, press the AIR/ switch to increase the reading, or the (SHIFT)/ switch to decrease the reading. 4. Press ON/OFF/ENTER. The END screen will show: HC CAL.
  • Page 27 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual near the level of the low concentration sample. Adjust the reading using the AIR/ or (SHIFT)/ switches. 5. Press ON/OFF/ENTER to complete the oxygen zero sequence. 6. Turn off the zero oxygen cylinder and disconnect it from the valve.
  • Page 28 S, but the limit of linear response is 60 ppm, well above acceptable exposure levels.. The GX-86A will display up to 499 ppm CO, but the limit of linear response is 150 ppm, well above acceptable expo- sure levels. If any reading cannot be set to agree with the calibrating gas sample, replace the sensor.

  • Page 29: Maintenance

    NiCd) according to the polarity (+/-) markings and replace the cover. 3. Recharging Batteries Rechargeable batteries may be recharged inside the GX-86A in a non-hazardous location. Turn the instrument off, connect the charger to the charger jack, and plug the charger into a 115 V AC outlet.
  • Page 30 The GX-86A sensors are easy to replace, but only the combustibles sensor contains user-serviceable components. If a sensor requires replacement, call RKI or your local distributor. All sensors are warranted usable for one year from the date of shipment.
  • Page 31 Allow up to 1/2 hour after the toxics sensors have been replaced to show a normal response, then calibrate. Sensor Replacement 1. Take the GX-86A to a non-hazardous location and turn the power off. 2. Remove the instrument from the carrying case.
  • Page 32 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual CO sensor with filter; do not use the filter with other other sensors. Sensor Block CO Sensor Filter (CO only) Rubber Collar Figure 4. Sensor Installation (CO only) 5. Insert a new sensor and turn clockwise. Be sure to use the correct socket for the sensor type;...
  • Page 33 3. Flip open the spring clips at the sides of the sensor block. 4. Pull the block straight up to unplug. 5. Plug the extender cable into the GX-86A, in place of the sensor block. Flip closed the spring clips.
  • Page 34 6. Plug the sensor block into the end of the Extender Cable. Close the spring clips. 7. Slide the sensor cover over the block on the end of the Extender Cable. Slip on the rubber guard. 8. Start-up the GX-86A and verify operation as normal. RKI Instruments, Inc. Page 33...

  • Page 35: User Options

    Model GX-86A Instruction Manual USER OPTIONS The advanced microprocessor program in the GX-86A allows the user to select and adjust many of the detection and data logging features. The GX-86A is pre-set to suit most applications; follow these instructions only if required.

  • Page 36: Set Alarm

    SET ALARM Sets the alarm levels for gases detected by the GX-86A. If different gases are specified by the GAS COMBINATION option, the Set Alarm prompts will show those gases. 1. “SET ALARM <HC>”...

  • Page 37: Set Date/Time

    Model GX-86A Instruction Manual 3. “SET ALARM <H2S>” Prompts changes for LOW, TWA, STL, and CLG (ceiling) alarms for H 4. “SET ALARM <CO>” Prompts changes for LOW, TWA, STL, and CLG (ceiling) alarms for CO. SET SERIAL No. Sets the serial number for use by the Data Logger.
  • Page 38 USER and ID values (see Display Functions). SET TIME CAL. Sets the interval between calibration alerts on the GX-86A. Default setting is off, with a range of 1 - 9999 hours. Tip: hold AIR or (SHIFT) to scroll rapidly through values.
  • Page 39 Model GX-86A Instruction Manual SET LOG ALARM Sets the value of Data Logger memory capacity alerts on the GX-86A. Default setting is off, with a range of 1 - 100%. Tip: hold AIR or (SHIFT) to scroll rapidly through values.

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