Crowcon Tetra User Manual

Personal multigas monitor

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M07238
August 2005
Issue 4
Tetra
Personal Multigas Monitor
User Manual

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Crowcon Tetra

  • Page 1 Tetra Personal Multigas Monitor User Manual M07238 August 2005 Issue 4...
  • Page 2 Safety Certification: • High off-scale %LEL readings may indicate an explosive concentration. Tetra is classified to both US and Canadian standards by • Protect the combustible gas sensor from exposure to Underwriter Laboratories Inc as suitable for use in Class 1 lead compounds, silicones and chlorinated hydrocar- Groups A, B, C, D.Division I locations.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Tetra Personal Multigas Monitor Contents Unpacking ..........1 Quickstart guide ........2 Introduction ..........6 Operation ..........8 Batteries ..........12 Alarm indications ........14 Fixing accessories ........15 Flow sampling ........16 Maintenance and calibration....21 PC interface and software......23 i-module replacement ......24 Specification ..........26 Accessories and spare parts ....27 Troubleshooting guide ......29...
  • Page 5: Unpacking

    The Tetra Personal Multigas Monitor has two battery options: Li-ion recharge- able or alkaline non-rechargeable batteries. Depending on the battery option chosen, the Tetra will operate for a minimum of 12 hours and up to 18 hours when fully charged.
  • Page 6: Quickstart Guide

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

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

    It is suitable for use in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas. Tetra can monitor up to four different gases and display the readings simultaneous on a display screen. Alarm warnings are given through a combination of a loud audible alarm, a bright visual alarm of blue/red flashing LEDs and an internal vibrator.
  • Page 11 Reliable, anti-shock mechanics and robust housing The Tetra housing is built from resilient material, giving it strength and flexibili- ty to withstand the hardest of working conditions, water and dust tight to IP65, and with a non-slip grip. The internal structure has been carefully designed to make servicing easy and at the same time very rugged.
  • Page 12: Operation

    NB. During the warm up sequence, the date for next calibration will be displayed. If the date has expired or has passed, the Tetra unit will display a warning message that calibration is due. The instrument can still function, but it is strongly recommended the unit is sent for calibration as soon as possible.
  • Page 13 Tetra Run mode 2.2 Run mode Screen Icons The Tetra unit will display up to four gas readings simul- Warm up taneously on the operator display screen. A typical display with four sensors installed, is shown below. Flashing icon, Tetra...
  • Page 14 2. Press the operator button with a single click to scroll through the list. When your choice is highlighted, double-click the operator button. Peak display 1. Scroll 2. Select 20.8 Peak The Tetra operator screen will display the peak or TWA icon and the gas readings recorded.
  • Page 15 Tetra incorporates event logging which can be accessed using the IR communi- cations link with Portables PC software. See section VIII. Tetra records the time and date for a number of operating and diagnostic events including: • Switch on and switch off •...
  • Page 16: Batteries

    On disconnecting the charger power supply this display icon will update in 20 seconds to show actual charge state. The unit is fully charged when the charging battery icon is flashing, Battery fully charged Tetra warning message Battery full WARNING Low battery...
  • Page 17 4. Remove the lead from the charging socket and replace the protective cover. 3.2 Non-rechargeable batteries Tetra uses a three AA alkaline battery pack which will give 11 hours operating time. The following battery types are suitable for the non-rechargeable version: Energizer type LR6 MN1500...
  • Page 18: Alarm Indications

    In the event of a Time Weighted Alarm (TWA) In the event the 15 minute or the 8 hour TWA is triggered, Tetra will go into alarm and display the TWA icon with the toxic gas readings. The 8 hour TWA alarm cannot be cleared.
  • Page 19: Fixing Accessories

    Fixing accessories V. Fixing Accessories Belt clip Tetra has a strong built-in belt clip located on the back of the unit. Lifting the small lever will allow the unit to be attached to a belt more easily. Universal harness plate Crowcon provide a universal harness plate which can be used with either a chest harness or a shoulder strap.
  • Page 20: Flow Sampling

    Tetra instrument. When using an extended length of tubing a response time test is recommended. Gas of known concentration should be sampled along the full length of tubing to be used and the time taken for the sensor reading to reach the known gas levels should be noted.
  • Page 21 Tetra will emit a rapid series of beeps and dis- play a warning message. To restart the pump, clear the blockage and press the operator button.
  • Page 22 Bump testing checks the sensor is responding within set limits to an applied gas of known composition. This can be performed as often as desired, but would usually be carried out each time the Tetra is issued for use. The Tetra itself will determine Pass/Fail status for the bump test.
  • Page 23 Tetra Field calibration 4. Tetra will display a progress bar at the bottom, the names of the gas sensors fitted are shown with a cross beside each. Operate the Trigger regulator and apply gas to the Tetra whilst the progress bar is counting down.
  • Page 24 Gas cylinder empty Check gauge, replace cylinder as needed Hose blocked or kinked Ensure no restriction to flow Tetra fails gas test Gas cylinder empty Check gauge, replace cylinder as needed Gas cylinder out of date Check date and replace...
  • Page 25: Maintenance And Calibration

    CO1852. Zero and calibration Tetra is supplied with an auto zero function on start-up. This function can be configured to operate automatically, on user confirmation (see quick start guide), or can be disabled. This configuration can be set with the Crowcon Portables PC software, see section VIII.
  • Page 26 Maintenance and Calibration Tetra always running even in Calibration or Gas Test modes - it is essential to use the C01874 'bellows' style flow plate. Pumped units with software version 1V08 or later where the default configuration is that the pump is automatically switched off in Calibration or Gas Test mode.
  • Page 27: Pc Interface And Software

    PC interface and software VIII. PC interface and software Tetra can be connected to a PC using an infrared optical link. The Tetra unit has an optical communication port: an IR window is located on the top of the unit.
  • Page 28: I-Module Replacement

    Tetra IX. i-module replacement 1. Ensure you are in a non-hazardous (safe) area. Switch off the unit 2. Remove any accessories, such as the flow adaptor, if fitted. 3. Remove the front cover grill by unscrewing the M3, 2 mm Allen screw as shown the in the drawing, point Œ...
  • Page 29 Ensure all gaskets are in place. Replace the top and front cover grill. 2. Switch on your Tetra unit. The new sensor will be automatically identified. Check the filters and gaskets are all in good condition.
  • Page 30: Specification

    Standards Safety: EN50014, EN50020, EN50018, 94/9/EC USA: UL913 Canada: CSA22.2, 152 Operation EN50270, EN50271, IEC61508 Marine Equipment Directive Tetra can be supplied Wheelmarked compliant 96/98/EC with the Marine Equipment Directive. Contact Crowcon to obtain a copy of the MED certificate...
  • Page 31: Accessories And Spare Parts

    C01877 Tetra Gas Test Accessory Kit for non-pumped units. Refer to Section VII for applicability C01893 Tetra Gas Test Accessory Kit. Refer to Section VII for applicability C01874 Calibration Flow Plate for pumped units. Refer to Section VII for applicability C01875 Calibration Flow Plate for non-pumped units.
  • Page 32 Alkaline battery, AA (3 required) S011330 Rechargeable Li-ion battery pack assembly C01851 Aspirator bulb S011398 Sensor filter assembly C01853 Dummy sensor module M04787 Rubber sealing bung for charger socket M04482 i-module O-ring seal M04431 Sensor clip retaining ring For calibration gases consult Crowcon...
  • Page 33: Troubleshooting Guide

    Tetra Troubleshooting guide XII. Troubleshooting guide Symptom/ Cause Action error message Instrument won't switch on Flat battery. Recharge or replace battery. Pump not running The pump is a PC Reconfigure with PC configurable option. software. No confidence beep Function disabled.
  • Page 34: Appendix: Limitations Of Sensors

    Appendix: Limitations of sensors Sensor limitations The sensors used in Tetra have limitations common to all such gas sensors, and users should be aware of the points listed below. Crowcon can advise on par- ticular situations and suggest alternative sensors if the instrument is likely to experience extreme conditions.
  • Page 36 UK Office USA Office Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd 2 Blacklands Way, 21 Kenton Lands Road, Abingdon Business Park Erlanger, Abingdon Kentucky 41018-1845 Oxfordshire OX14 1DY United Kingdom Tel: +1 800 527 6926 or Tel: +44 (0)1235 553057...

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