Summary of Contents for RKI Instruments Eagle Series
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Instruction Manual Eagle Series Portable Multi-Gas Detector Part Number: 71-0028RK Edition: Third Released: July 2001 RKI Instruments, Inc. • 1855 Whipple Rd. • Hayward, CA 94544 • (510) 441-5656...
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Warranty RKI Instruments, Inc., warranties gas alarm equipment manufactured by RKI and sold by RKI to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment from RKI Instruments, Inc. Any parts found defective within that period will be repaired or replaced, at our option, free of charge.
Introduction Overview The RKI Eagle is the most advanced portable gas detection system available. The Eagle is built for rugged reliability and ease of use and includes the latest innovations in gas detection technology: • Simultaneous detection of one to six gases. Standard target gases include combustible gas (% LEL and ppm), oxygen deficiency, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide.
About this Manual This manual is intended for use with all Eagle models. Examples used in this manual are for the standard four-gas model (combustible gas, oxygen, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide). Differences between the standard four-gas model and other Eagle models are noted where applicable.
Specifications Table 1 lists physical and environmental specifications for the Eagle. Table 2 lists specifications for the Eagle’s standard sensors. Table 1: Eagle Specifications Combustible gas; Oxygen (O Target Gases Carbon monoxide (CO); Hydrogen sulfide (H Case High-impact polycarbonate-polyester blend CSA/NTRL and UL classified intrinsically safe Safety/Regulatory (Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, and D)
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Table 2 lists specifications for the Eagle’s standard sensors. Your Eagle model may not include all of the sensors listed below. The alarm settings are user-adjustable (see “Updating the Alarm Point Settings” on page 32.) Table 2: Standard Sensor Specifications Combustible Combustible Hydrogen...
Description Case The Eagle has a plastic case with a full-sized handle. The high- visibility case is shielded to reduce radio frequency and electromagnetic interference (RFI/EMI). The system is light-weight and balanced, which makes the Eagle easy to carry and use for extended periods.
Alarm Lights Two ultra-bright, red, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) provide visual alarms for gas concentrations and malfunctions. They are mounted on the top rear of the case for greatest visibility. Battery Charger Connector The battery charger connector is mounted on the top right rear of the case.
Sensors This section describes the Eagle’s standard sensors. Non-standard sensors are described in Appendices C, D, and E. Your specific Eagle model may not include all of the sensors described below. Under normal conditions, the Eagle’s standard sensors have an operating life of approximately two years.
Circuit Boards The Eagle circuit boards analyze, record, control, store, and display the information collected. The analog PCB is mounted perpendicular to the base of the instrument case. It is located in the same half of the case as the sensors and sample-drawing system.
Operation The Eagle has four operating modes: normal operating mode, display mode, setup mode, and calibration mode. This section describes the Eagle in normal operating mode. It includes procedures to start up the Eagle, set various detection options for the combustible gas channel, and shut down the Eagle.
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The Battery Voltage screen displays the minimum usable and actual battery voltage (for example, 6.0V). If the battery voltage is too low, the Eagle will not continue. NOTE: The following screen only displays if the data logging option is installed. If the data logging option is not installed, the Self Diagnosis screen displays after the Battery Voltage screen.
CAUTION:Do not use gas from a cigarette lighter to test response to combustibles. Exposing the combustible gas sensor to uncontrolled high concentrations of gas will reduce response and sensor life. 4. Verify that the Eagle is operating correctly. Use the RKI Check Kit to easily verify correct operation of the Eagle.
Monitoring Combustible Gases Other than Methane If the combustible gas sensor is calibrated to methane (CH ), use Table 4 to determine the concentration of combustible gases other than methane. This table is based on Eagles in full response mode (methane elimination switch set to CH4) and calibrated to methane.
Setting User Access The CAL/SETUP switch controls the Eagle functions available to the user. The switch setting does not affect the Eagle’s ability to display gas readings and indicate gas and malfunction alarms. 1. Turn off the Eagle. 2. Unscrew the two large screws on the top of the case. 3.
Alarms Alarm Indications This section describes the Eagle’s audible and visual alarm indications for gas, over range, low flow, low battery, and sensor failure alarms. This section also describes how to reset gas alarms. The default alarm settings are listed in Table 2, “Standard Sensor Specifications”...
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STEL alarm (toxics only) If a toxic gas channel’s average gas reading for the past 15 minutes exceeds the STEL alarm setting: • STEL displays in the alarm field for that channel. • The channel’s display line flashes. • The buzzer sounds a pulsed tone. •...
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Low flow alarm If the Eagle’s sample system becomes restricted or blocked (for example plugged probe, fouled filter, pinched tubing): • The message FAIL LOW FLOW LEVEL replaces the normal screen. • The buzzer sounds a steady tone. • The alarm lights are on continuously. •...
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Sensor failure alarm and emergency operation The Eagle continuously monitors itself for proper operation. If a malfunction occurs, the Eagle alerts you with audible and visual alarms. If a sensor fails during start-up or normal operation: • The message FAIL SENSOR displays. •...
Resetting Gas Alarms You can set the Eagle’s gas alarms for latching or self-resetting alarms (see “Updating the Alarm Latching Setting” on page 34). Self-resetting alarms Self-resetting alarms automatically shut off and reset when the gas reading falls below (or rises above for oxygen) the alarm setting. You cannot silence or reset self-resetting alarms.
Display Mode The Eagle has four operating modes: normal operating mode, display mode, setup mode, and calibration mode. With the Eagle in display mode, you can: • set user and station IDs • display peak readings • display elapsed time •...
To enter a user and station ID: To scroll to the next screen at any time, press the DISP/ADJ button. 1. Press the POWER/ENTER button. The first character under USER ID flashes (* is default). 2. Press the AIR/ and SHIFT/ buttons to scroll through the available characters.
TWA/STEL Screen The TWA/STEL screen displays the time-weighted average (TWA) and the short-term exposure limit (STEL) readings for toxic gases only. The TWA reading is the average reading during the last 8 hours. If 8 hours have not elapsed since the last time the TWA/STEL reading was cleared, the average is still calculated over 8 hours.
Clear Data Logger Screens CAUTION:Once you clear the data logger, you cannot retrieve any data previously stored in the data logger. The Clear Data Logger screens allow you to clear the data logger storage to accept new data. (Press the DISP/ADJ button to go to the Remaining Log Time screen).
Setup Mode NOTE: The screens illustrated in this section are examples only. The screens displayed by your Eagle model may be slightly different. The Eagle has four operating modes: normal operating mode, display mode, setup mode, and calibration mode. This section describes the setup mode.
• To exit setup mode, from the main menu place the prompt next to the last menu option, START MEASUREMENT, then press the POWER/ENTER button. The Eagle begins its normal start-up sequence. Entering Setup Mode WARNING: The Eagle does not detect gas or display readings while in setup mode.
Updating Channel Settings This procedure describes how to update channel settings for the combustible gas, oxygen, and toxic gas channels. CAUTION:Verify that the correct sensor is installed before you update a channel’s settings. Updating combustible gas channel settings This section describes how to update the target gas label, set a custom gas label, and update the fullscale PPM setting for the combustible gas channel.
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The number in parenthesis indicates the display increment for that portion of the PPM range. In the example below, the PPM reading would display in increments of: • 5 from 0 to 100 ppm • 50 from 100 to 1000 PPM and 1000 to 10,000 PPM •...
The maximum fullscale setting for the combustible gas channel is 50,000 PPM; the minimum setting is 1000 ppm. The default setting is 50,000 ppm. 2. Press the AIR/ and SHIFT/ buttons to display the desired fullscale setting (see Table 5), then press the POWER/ENTER button to enter the setting.
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Updating oxygen channel settings This section describes how to update the target gas label, fullscale setting, and display increment setting for the oxygen channel. Updating the target gas label 1. From the main menu, select the GAS COMBINATIONS menu option. 2.
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Updating the display increment setting 1. Press the SHIFT/ button to place the prompt in the third line, then press the POWER/ENTER button. The display increment setting flashes. The allowable settings are 0.2 VOL% (default) and 0.5 VOL%. 2. Press the AIR/ or SHIFT/ button to display the desired display increment setting, then press the POWER/ENTER button...
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5. Press the AIR/ or SHIFT/ buttons to display the available target gas labels for the toxic gas channel (H2S, CO, SO2, Cl2, NH3, CO2 (5.00%), CO2 (10000 PPM), CO2 (5000 PPM), ***, and NOT USED). 6. Press the POWER/ENTER button to enter the new target gas label. If you entered a label other than ***, continue with step 7.
Updating the display increment setting 1. Press the SHIFT/ button to place the prompt in the third line, then press the POWER/ENTER button. The display increment setting flashes. The minimum display increment setting is 0.1 PPM; the maximum display increment setting is 2.5 PPM. 2.
Updating the Alarm Point Settings Each of the Eagle’s gas detection channels includes low and high gas alarms. The combustible gas channel also includes low and high alarms for PPM readings; the toxic gas channels also include STEL and TWA alarms. This screen allows you to update one or more alarm points (the reading at which the Eagle recognizes the alarm).
7. To exit the Set Alarm Points menu, press the SHIFT/ button until the prompt is next to Channel 4, then press the SHIFT/ button again. The ESCAPE message displays. (Press the AIR/ button if you want to return to the Set Alarm Points menu. 8.
2. Press the AIR/ or SHIFT/ button to display the desired setting. 3. Press the POWER/ENTER button to enter the setting and return to the main menu. Updating the Alarm Latching Setting With Alarm Latching ON, the Eagle remains in alarm condition until the alarm condition passes and the RESET/SILENCE is pressed.
Turning the User ID Function On or Off With User ID Input ON, the User and Station ID screen displays during start up. From this screen, you can enter user, location, or other information at the beginning of each gas detection session (see page 19).
2. Press and hold the SHIFT/ button, then press the DISP/ADJ button. The Auto Calibration screen for the combustible gas channel displays. 3. Press the AIR/ or SHIFT/ button to display the desired setting. 4. Press the POWER/ENTER button to enter the new setting. The Auto Calibration screen for the next channel displays.
With Auto Fresh Air Adjust ON, the Eagle automatically set the fresh air reading for all channels during the start-up sequence. With Auto Fresh Air Adjust OFF (default), you must press the AIR/ button to set the fresh air reading for all channels. 1.
1. From the main menu, select the LOG DATA OVER WRITE menu option. 2. Press the AIR/ or SHIFT/ button to display the desired setting. 3. Press the POWER/ENTER button to enter the setting and return to the main menu. Updating the Time Calibration Setting (data log option) This setting indicates how often the Eagle alerts you to needed calibration.
3. Press the POWER/ENTER button to enter the setting. The day setting flashes. 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to enter the day, year, hours, and minutes settings. The main menu displays after you enter the minutes setting. Updating the Zero Follow Settings The Zero Follow setting is not intended for customer setup.
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To reset all default settings: 1. From the main menu, select the DEFAULT menu option. 2. Press the POWER/ENTER button to display the Set Default All screen. 3. Press the AIR/ button to reset all parameters to their default settings. The messages SAVING DATA and END display, then the main menu displays.
Calibration Calibrate the Eagle when you replace a sensor. Also calibrate the Eagle periodically to assure proper sensor response. You can program the Eagle to notify you when it is due for calibration (see “Updating the Time Calibration Setting” on page 38). The frequency of calibration depends upon the amount and type of use.
Calibrating the Eagle Press and hold the SHIFT/ button, then press the DISP/ADJ button. The Calibration menu displays. NOTE: The following screens illustrate a four-gas Eagle with the data logging option and are intended as examples only. Your Eagle may display slightly different screens. The Eagle’s Calibration menu includes two methods of calibration: Auto Calibration and Single Calibration.
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3. To adjust the values on the screen, hold down the SHIFT/ button, and press the DISP/ADJ button. The Auto Calibration screen for the combustible gas channel displays. 4. Use the AIR/ (increase) and SHIFT/ (decrease) buttons to set the correct combustible gas value. 5.
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Calibrating with the Single Calibration method This section describes calibration using the Single Calibration method. To calibrate using the Auto Calibration method, see “Calibrating with the Auto Calibration method” on page 42. CAUTION:The single calibration method does not have a “FAIL” notification.
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7. Press the POWER/ENTER button to set the span value. SINGLE CALIBRATION END displays, then the Single Calibration menu displays. 8. Disconnect the tubing from the probe. 9. Repeat steps 3 through 8 for any other channels you want to calibrate.
Maintenance Displaying the Battery Voltage Check the battery voltage periodically. Replace or recharge the batteries before the voltage drops to 4.5 V. WARNING: Take the Eagle to a non-hazardous location before replacing or recharging the batteries. To display the battery voltage: 1.
NOTE: Setup mode allows you to select between alkaline and Ni-Cd batteries. The two types of batteries have unique low battery alarm characteristics. To prevent unexpected low battery alarms, always make sure the battery type setting in Setup mode matches the type of batteries installed in the Eagle. Replacing Sensors Electrochemical sensors (O S, and CO) gradually deteriorate,...
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Replacing the oxygen sensor Replace the oxygen sensor when: • The O channel cannot be set to 00.0% on an oxygen-free sample. • The O display cannot be set to 20.9% by the Demand Zero command. • The O reading drifts noticeably. For example, if the O reading varies from 20.5 to 21.5 while you view the display for a few seconds.
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To replace the H S or CO sensor: 1. Take the Eagle to a non-hazardous location, and turn the power off. 2. Unscrew the two large screws on the top of the case, then carefully lift the top of the case and lay it aside. 3.
Appendix A: Parts List Table 6 lists part numbers for the Eagle’s replacement parts and accessories. Table 6: Parts List Part Number Description 13-0100RK Shoulder strap 20-0640RK Carrying case (for Eagle and standard accessories) 20-0642RK Carrying case (for Eagle, standard accessories, and calibration kit) 30-0600RK-01 Pump 33-0156RK-01...
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Table 6: Parts List (cont.) Part Number Description 80-0131RK Probe, 10-inch hydrophobic (standard probe) 80-0132RK Probe, 10-inch hydrophobic (for non-standard toxic gas sensors) 80-0505RK Hose, 5-foot polyurethane (standard hose) 81-0154RK-02 Calibration cylinder for demand-flow regulator kit, 58L; four-gas (CH ; CO; H 81-1054RK Regulator, demand-flow type (for 58- and 103-liter calibration cylinders)
Appendix B: Methane Elimination For applications where methane is an interfering gas, you can set the Eagle to eliminate most response to methane. The methane elimination switch is a standard feature on the circuit board inside the top of the Eagle’s case. An external switch is available as an option. For this type of detection, the combustible gas channel must be programmed to display HEX or *** (see “Updating Channel Settings”...
2. Allow 2 minutes for the combustibles sensor to stabilize. 3. Perform the demand zero procedure as described in “Preparing for Calibration” on page 41. Monitoring combustible gases other than hexane Use Table 7 to determine the concentration of combustible gases other than hexane.
Appendix C: Non-Standard Toxic Gas Sensors Appendix C describes the Eagle’s non-standard, electrochemical toxic gas sensors. This appendix also offers information for calibrating and replacing non-standard toxic gas sensors. Non-standard electro- chemical toxic gas sensors are toxic gas sensors other than CO or H Specifications Table 8 lists specifications for the non-standard toxic gas sensors.
to the sensor allows the sample to flow through the non-standard toxic gas sensor. A seven-position connector plugs into the EC3 (channel 3) or EC4 (channel 4) socket on the analog PCB. CAUTION:Eagle’s equipped with non-standard toxic gas sensors include a special inlet fitting that requires a Teflon sample hose.
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Adjusting the sensor controls CAUTION:Only perform the following steps if you are unable to set the correct calibration reading with the AIR/ and SHIFT/ buttons. 1. Use the AIR/ and SHIFT/ buttons to set the reading to the middle of the range in which you can currently adjust the reading. For example, if you can set the reading from a minimum of 1.0 ppm to a maximum of 3.0 ppm, set the display to 2.0 ppm.
NOTE: If a non-standard toxics channel displays Zero Fail after the Demand Zero procedure, adjust the ZERO control (next to SPAN) until the reading displays the smallest increment above 0.0. For example, 0.01 or 0.1. Repeat Demand Zero. Replacing Non-Standard Toxic Gas Sensors Replace the non-standard toxic gas sensor when: •...
NOTE: Allow up to 4 hours after you replace a non-standard toxic gas sensor, or if charged batteries have not been installed for an extended period, for the channel to show a normal response, then calibrate the sensor. Parts List Table 9 lists part numbers for replacement parts and accessories of the Eagle’s non-standard toxic gas sensors.
Appendix D: Carbon Dioxide Sensors Appendix D describes the Eagle’s non-standard, infrared carbon dioxide (CO ) sensors. It also offers additional information for calibrating and replacing CO sensors. Specifications Table 10 lists specifications for the carbon dioxide sensors. The alarm settings are user-adjustable (see “Updating the Alarm Point Settings”...
Normal Operation of Carbon Dioxide Sensors Carbon dioxide is a background gas in fresh air. Table 11 indicates typical gas readings for each of the Eagle’s carbon dioxide sensors. Table 11: Carbon Dioxide Fresh Air Readings Approximate Range Fresh Air Reading 0 - 5000 ppm 400 ppm 0 - 10,000 ppm...
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NOTE: If you are using the Auto Calibration method, go the Calibration Values screen, verify that the carbon dioxide value matches the concentration of carbon dioxide in the four- gas calibration cylinder, then proceed with step 2. 1. At the Single Calibration screen, press the SHIFT/ button to scroll down to the carbon dioxide channel, then press the POWER/ENTER button.
to a maximum of 3.00% CO , set the display to 2.00% CO 2. Unscrew the two large screws on the top of the case, then carefully lift the top of the case and lay it aside. 3. Locate the carbon dioxide sensor in the front half of the bottom case.
Parts List Table 12 lists part numbers for replacement parts and accessories of the Eagle’s carbon dioxide sensors. Table 12: Parts List: Carbon Dioxide Sensors Part Number Description 33-6010RK-01 Scrubber, carbon dioxide 81-0070RK-03 Calibration cylinder, 103-liter (2000 ppm CO 81-0071RK-03 Calibration cylinder, 103-liter (5000 ppm CO 81-0072RK-03 Calibration cylinder, 103-liter (2.5% CO...
Appendix E: Infrared Methane Sensors Appendix E describes the Eagle’s non-standard, infrared methane sensor. This appendix also offers additional information for calibrating and replacing the infrared methane sensor. Target Gases The infrared methane sensors are setup for and factory-calibrated to methane.
Description The infrared methane sensor is mounted in the front half of the instrument case. The sensor is attached and wired to a dedicated amplifier, which includes ZERO and SPAN controls. A bracket secures the sensor/amplifier assembly to the instrument case. Eagles with an infrared methane sensor that has a 0 to 100% LEL range do not include the standard catalytic combustible gas sensor.
1. Use the AIR/ and SHIFT/ buttons to set the reading to the middle of the range in which you can currently adjust the reading. For example, if you can set the reading from a minimum of 10% LEL to a maximum of 40% LEL, set the display to 25% LEL. 2.
Appendix F: Eagle Tank Tester Model The Eagle Tank Tester model is intended for checking tanks or vessels that may contain residual hydrocarbon vapors or water or may have been purged of oxygen. You can also use this model as a standard Eagle gas monitor by connecting the standard hose and probe and updating the oxygen alarms to the default settings.
Dilution fitting (1:1) CAUTION:When measuring oxygen readings, remove the dilution fitting or use your finger to seal the small dilution hole on the side of the dilution fitting. The standard combustible gas sensor requires oxygen to operate. In environments where there is not enough oxygen to operate the combustible gas sensor, (for example a tank purged with an inerting gas), the 1:1 dilution fitting adds sufficient oxygen by blending ambient air with the incoming sample.
Calibration Use a hexane calibrating source to calibrate the combustible gas LEL range. Use a 100% nitrogen calibrating source to set the zero reading for the oxygen channel. RKI Instruments, Inc., recommends using the Single Calibration method to calibrate the Eagle Tank Tester model. See “Calibration”...
Appendix G: Five-Gas and Six-Gas Models Overview The standard Eagle gas monitor includes one to four channels and displays gas readings for all channels simultaneously. Some Eagle models include five or six channels; however, the Eagle is only capable of displaying gas readings for four of the channels at any one time.
• Cursors to the left of the first and last channels displayed indicate that additional channels are available before and after the currently displayed channels. Press the AIR/ and SHIFT/ buttons to display the remaining channels. Alarms If the Eagle recognizes an alarm condition for a non-displayed channel, the cursor flashes and the standard audible and visual alarms initiate.
Appendix H: Eagle Transformer Gas Tester Model This Eagle Transformer Gas Tester Model is specially set up for electrical transformer gas testing. Large electrical transformers are filled with oil which surrounds the transformer coils, and they have an inert gas head space above the oil. When a transformer begins to fail, electrical arcing between the conductors of the coils can cause flammable gases to form in the head space.
NOTE: The EAGLE can be calibrated either with or without the dilution fitting in place. If calibrated without the dilution fitting in place, then display readings must be doubled to determine the actual gas concentration. If calibrated with the dilution fitting in place, then the sample bag must be used during calibration, and the display readings will be the actual gas concentrations.
Appendix I: Installing the Data Logger Board Appendix H describes the procedure to install the Eagle’s data logger board. The data logging feature is an optional accessory. NOTE: Although the data logger board may be installed in the field, RKI Instruments, Inc., recommends that you return the Eagle to the factory for data logger board installation.
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