Summary of Contents for biosystems PhD Ultra
- Page 1 Reference Manual PhD Ultra Multi Gas Detector 651 South Main Street Middletown, CT 06457 USA 860 344-1079, 800 711-6776 FAX 860 344-1068 http://www.biosystems.com Version 2.60 28JAN2008 Part Number 13-037...
- Page 2 THE PhD ULTRA PERSONAL PORTABLE GAS DETECTOR HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR THE DETECTION OF OXYGEN DEFICIENCIES, FLAMMABLE GAS, AND TOXIC VAPOR ACCUMULATIONS. IN ORDER TO ASSURE THAT THE USER IS PROPERLY WARNED OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BE READ, FULLY UNDERSTOOD, AND FOLLOWED.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
LTRA ACCESSORIES 1.11.1 “Alkaline” PhD Ultra detectors 1.11.2 “NiCad” PhD Ultra detectors 1.11 P LTRA KITS 1.11.1 PhD Ultra Confined Space Kits 1.11.2 PhD Ultra Value Packs CHAPTER 2 BASIC OPERATION PERATION OVERVIEW 2.1.1 Turning the PhD Ultra on 2.1.2 Start-up sequence 2.1.3... - Page 4 3.1.1.2.1 Effects of high concentrations of combustible gas on the combustible sensor 3.1.1.3 EFFECTS OF CONTAMINANTS ON TOXIC GAS SENSORS 3.1.2 Biosystems “CO Plus” dual purpose carbon monoxide / hydrogen sulfide sensor 3.1.2.1 RELATIVE RESPONSE OF THE “CO PLUS” SENSOR TO CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROGEN SULFIDE 27 3.1.3...
- Page 5 3.5.2 Span calibration using keypad buttons CHAPTER 4 PHD ULTRA ADVANCED FUNCTIONS LTRA ADVANCED FEATURES OVERVIEW ETTING ALARM LEVELS 4.2.1 Alarm adjustment sequence 4.2.2 Viewing current or restoring the factory default alarm settings 4.2.2.1 VIEWING CURRENT ALARM SETTINGS 4.2.2.2 VIEWING OR RESTORING FACTORY DEFAULT ALARM SETTINGS NSTRUMENT SETUP 4.3.1...
- Page 6 5.2.2.2 PROBLEM: UNIT WILL NOT TURN OFF 5.2.2.3 PROBLEM: SENSOR READINGS UNSTABLE IN A KNOWN FRESH AIR ENVIRONMENT 5.2.2.4 PROBLEM: "X" APPEARS IN PLACE OF READING FOR SENSOR 5.2.2.5 PROBLEM: DISPLAY IS BLANK 5.2.2.6 PROBLEM: NO AUDIBLE ALARM 5.2.2.7 PROBLEM: KEYPAD BUTTONS (+,-, CAL, ALARM) DON'T WORK 5.2.2.8 PROBLEM: CAN’T MAKE A “ONE BUTTON”...
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Page 7: Introduction
The PhD Ultra offers a choice of three modes of operation, providing the right amount of information for users with different needs. The PhD Ultra microprocessor software allows true one-button operation. All procedures necessary for day-to-day operation, including automatic calibration adjustment, are controlled through the single on / off “mode”... -
Page 8: Warnings
Use only Duracell MN1500 or Ultra MX1500, Eveready Energizer E91-LR6, or Eveready EN91 size AA 1.5V Alkaline batteries in the PhD Ultra Alkaline Battery Pack. Substitution of batteries may impair intrinsic safety. The accuracy of the PhD Ultra should be checked periodically with known concentration calibration gas. -
Page 9: Chapter 1 Phd Ultra Description
1% LEL Methods of sampling 0 – 30 %/Vol. 0.1% The PhD Ultra may be used in either diffusion or 0 – 1000 PPM 1 PPM sample-draw mode. In either mode, the gas sample 0 – 200 PPM 1 PPM must reach the sensors for the instrument to register 0 –... -
Page 10: Instrument Identifiers
It is possible to set PhD Ultra gas alarms so that the LED over the gas name and the audible alarm they "latch". In the latched condition, once an alarm are also activated. -
Page 11: Low Battery Alarm Settings For Nicad Battery Packs
1.6.4.4 “Can’t ID sensor” PhD Ultra software includes a number of additional If the PhD Ultra is unable to read the EEPROM of a alarms designed to safeguard proper use of the smart sensor currently installed, or if a smart sensor instrument. -
Page 12: Down-Scale Or Negative Reading Alarms
Hazardous Locations Class I, Division 1, Groups A, toxic sensors the downscale alarm is set to negative B, C, & D. This means that the PhD Ultra has been one-half of the TWA alarm currently installed. (As successfully tested for safety in combustible gas / an example, if the TWA alarm is set at 15 PPM, air (21 % oxygen) mixtures. -
Page 13: Nicad Battery Pack
PhD Ultra components from damage. another it will be necessary to manually turn the PhD Ultra off if the instrument is not going to be Pump status is continuously monitored by the put to immediate use. -
Page 14: Phd Ultra Accessories
1.11.2 PhD Ultra Value Packs (10) Bottom surface: A sturdy clip allows the user to wear the PhD Ultra on a belt or other It is also possible to order the PhD Ultra configured as a “Value Pack”. The Value Pack comprises an article of clothing. -
Page 15: Chapter 2 Basic Operation
The large black push-button on the top of the PhD Ultra case is called the "MODE" button. It is used to turn the PhD Ultra on and off, and to control most During the self-test the audible alarm will sound and other operations of the instrument. -
Page 16: Other Start-Up Screens
LCD will display the Operating modes message “Non-Standard Alarms” at start-up. The The PhD Ultra offers a choice of three modes of LCD will display the alarm settings for the affected operation, "Text Only”, "Basic”, and "Technician”. -
Page 17: Basic Mode
LED alarm light flashes, and the audible alarm be exposed in any 15 minute interval during the day. sounds. The STEL value displayed by the PhD Ultra is the... -
Page 18: Twa Readings
PhD Ultra off if the instrument is not going to be It is not possible to compute a toxic gas TWA until put to immediate use. -
Page 19: Nicad Battery Pack
NiCad pack is a sealed assembly that may not be screen. Allow the PhD Ultra to operate two to three disassembled in the field. The NiCad battery may minutes before checking battery voltage. A reading be recharged while the pack is installed in the of 3.8 Volts or higher indicates that either type of... -
Page 20: Charging Procedure With Nicad Battery Pack Installed
(2) Connect the charger cradle to the 110 VAC “wall NiCad battery pack: cube” power source. (1) Install the battery pack in the PhD Ultra and turn (3) Plug the “wall cube” in and check to see that the the instrument on. -
Page 21: Methods Of Sampling
This type of "diffusion" operation monitors only the atmosphere that immediately surrounds the detector. It is possible to use the PhD Ultra to sample remote locations by using a sample-draw kit. Two sample- Figure 2.4.1.1. PhD Ultra hand aspirated sample draw draw kits are available. -
Page 22: Using The Continuous Sample Draw Pump
PhD Ultra from exposure to water or other liquids. If there is a (3) Slip the pump onto the PhD Ultra as shown change in pressure in the sample draw assembly above in Figure 2.4.2.1.2. -
Page 23: Protective "Low Flow" Shut-Downs
If a protective pump shut-down occurs, the following steps should be taken before the instrument is put back into use: (1) Turn off the PhD Ultra detector and disconnect the sample draw pump. (2) Remove the sample draw assembly from the area being monitored. -
Page 24: Biosystems Eeprom Equipped "Smart Sensors
2.5.5 “Can’t ID sensor” memory device are designed to be read and If the PhD Ultra is unable to read the EEPROM of a updated directly by the PhD Ultra. The fact that smart sensor currently installed, or if a smart sensor... -
Page 25: Chapter 3 Calibration
Verification of accuracy is a two step procedure. In exposure to "acid" gases such as carbon dioxide. the first step the PhD Ultra is taken to an area where The oxygen sensors used in Biosystems instruments the atmosphere is fresh and the readings are are not recommended for continuous use in checked. -
Page 26: Effects Of High Concentrations Of Combustible Gas On The Combustible Sensor
In addition to “substance specific” the PhD Ultra is located in air that is known to sensors designed to measure these toxic hazards, be fresh. After a combustible sensor alarm-latch... -
Page 27: Relative Response Of The "Co Plus" Sensor To Carbon Monoxide And Hydrogen Sulfide
(29 CFR 1910.146) explicitly requires current gas reading display will identify a “CO+” the use of direct reading, substance specific sensor as currently installed and the PhD Ultra will sensors whenever a particular toxic hazard is automatically use the alarm settings for carbon known to be likely to be present. -
Page 28: Functional (Bump) Test
Note: It is necessary to be in either the Basic or If the PhD Ultra cannot be taken to an area where Technician operating mode to make calibration the air is fresh, or if it is not certain whether or not adjustments. -
Page 29: Reading "Too High" Or "Too Low" For Zero Adjust
(2) Attach the cylinder of calibration gas, regulator, zero adjust short section of tubing and calibration adapter to To reduce the chances of the PhD Ultra being the PhD Ultra as shown in Figure 3.4.2. inadvertently zero calibrated in contaminated air,... -
Page 30: Manual Calibration Procedure
(1) Turn the instrument on. that will be used to calibrate the PhD Ultra. Non- matching calibration gas and calibration gas (2) Wait at least three minutes after turning the... -
Page 31: Span Calibration Using Keypad Buttons
(6) While holding down the "Cal" button, press the mode button to turn the PhD Ultra back on. The (6) Press the keypad button marked "Cal". The “Span Calibration” message will appear briefly fresh air calibration message will appear briefly on the screen. - Page 32 When span calibration has been completed for all channels, press and hold the "Cal" button down until the information screen indicates that calibration is complete. The PhD Ultra will then turn itself off. Note: The “CAL” button must be held down until the screen indicates that span calibration has been successfully completed.
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Page 33: Chapter 4 Phd Ultra Advanced Functions
(3) While holding down the "Alarm" button, press be used to change alarm set-points, to change the the mode button to turn the PhD Ultra back on. kind or concentration of calibration gas used during The software version screen will be shown auto-span calibration procedures, to assign an briefly. -
Page 34: Viewing Current Or Restoring The Factory Default Alarm Settings
Basic or message “Mode = Cancel”. Pressing the mode Technician operating mode by doing the following: button at any time returns the PhD Ultra to normal operation. (1) Turn the instrument on. Verify that the instrument is in Basic or Technician operating mode. -
Page 35: Configuration Setup Choices
4.3.2 Changing the precision of the toxic (3) While holding down the "+" and “-” buttons, sensor read-out press the mode button to turn the PhD Ultra back on. The toxic decimal point settings will be the first screen shown after the PhD Ultra successfully loads Do not release the “+”... -
Page 36: Ok Latch - Text Only Mode
If an alarm condition occurs and clears while the section 4.3.1. Then press and release the “CAL” PhD Ultra is operated in text-only mode with the OK button to advance to the “Operating Mode” screen. latch enabled, the instrument will continue to display numeric readings for the sensor that was in alarm. -
Page 37: Calibrating The Combustible Sensor In Ch Mode
%CH4, it will appear as such in will be used to calibrate the PhD Ultra. Non- all modes until it is changed back to reading in matching calibration gas and calibration gas LEL. -
Page 38: Temperature Compensation
Do not release the “+” and “-” buttons until and hold the “CAL” button to save the changes. The the “Instrument Setup” message appears on PhD Ultra will instruct you to release the button after the display screen. about 3 seconds. -
Page 39: Record Keeping
PC to alarm settings. the instrument) are automatic. If a sensor is changed or replaced, the PhD Ultra Once information has been "downloaded" to the notes that a change has occurred, displays a “Needs computer, it may be used for a variety of purposes. -
Page 40: Adjusting Record Keeping Parameters
There is a finite amount of memory storage any time. available in the PhD Ultra. Once the memory is “full”, the PhD Ultra will begin to write the new data 4.5.3.3 Setting the time and date over the oldest data. In this way, the newest data is To access the time and date settings, first enter the always conserved. -
Page 41: Setting The Communication Rate
This screen is used to set the speed or “Baud rate” at which the PhD Ultra sends The PhD Ultra can store the monitoring results for information to your personal computer or printer. up to 3,600 data intervals in instrument memory at There are two communication rate settings, “Turbo”... -
Page 42: Exiting The Datalogging Adjust Mode
Ultra off. The Record Keeping Data Transfer mode is entered 4.5.5 Entering user ID and monitoring by turning the PhD Ultra on while holding down the location identification number "-" key. The unit must be in the Technician mode prior to being turned on to access record keeping. -
Page 43: List Set: Select User / Location Information From The List
Press the "+" key while monitoring in the normal gas displayed on the top row. reading screen to review or modify user or location ID. The PhD Ultra will briefly display the “Set User / Location” screen. Press the mode button to accept the current location ID and return to normal operation. -
Page 44: Downloading Recorded Data To A Computer
Gas Detector Database Software for use with IBM compatible Personal Computers. To download data to a personal computer: (1) Make sure the PhD Ultra is turned off. (2) Connect the PhD Ultra Datadock RS-232 cable to an available COM port on your computer. -
Page 45: Changing The Passcode
Once the passcode has been entered, press the For instruments with software versions greater than “CAL” button. The display will toggle back and forth 3.40, the instrument software in the PhD Ultra may between the following screens. be updated at any time. New software will be available through the biosystems website at http://www.biosystems.com. -
Page 46: Chapter 5 Trouble-Shooting And Repair
The PhD Ultra must be recalibrated before being returned to service following any sensor change. The PhD Ultra must be turned off prior to removing or replacing sensors. A Phillips screwdriver is used to remove the three screws securing the sensor cover to the PhD Ultra case. -
Page 47: Troubleshooting
If equipped with a rechargeable NiCad battery pack, plug the PhD Ultra into the battery 5.2.1 Re-booting the microprocessor charger for several minutes. With the... - Page 48 5.2.2.7 Problem: Keypad buttons (+,-, Cal, Alarm) don't work To replace the PhD Ultra PROM chip: Possible causes: (1) Make sure that the PhD Ultra is turned off.
- Page 49 Figure 5.3.2. The reference designator (an electronic component indicator number printed on the Figure 5.3.1. PhD Ultra upper and lower case main circuit board) is “U23”. assembly (9) Use the chip extraction tool supplied with the replacement PROM to remove the old PROM chip.
- Page 50 LCD display indicates that the pump is attached and (1) Attach the pump to your PhD Ultra and turn the in normal operation.) instrument on. Wait for the instrument to complete the self-test sequence. The sample draw pump includes a unique pressure...
- Page 51 Solution(s): Turn off PhD Ultra, remove pump, disconnect sample probe and hose assembly, allow any trapped fluids to drain; replace filters as necessary, examine hose to make sure there are no kinks blocking normal flow.
- Page 52 A maximum of four of these periods and alarm types built into the PhD Ultra design. are allowed per eight hour shift. 1. Ceiling level:...
- Page 53 For this reason The PhD Ultra will also alarm for an excess of oxygen. readings may vary between equivalent concentrations of Too much oxygen in an environment can result in an different combustible gases.
- Page 54 Entry" (29 CFR 1910.146) OSHA has determined that a 2.1.1. Using correction factors combustible hazard exists whenever the concentration of As an illustration, consider a PhD Ultra calibrated on combustible gas or vapor exceeds 10 percent LEL. Per methane, which is then used to monitor ethanol. When...
- Page 55 If OSHA has not determined a STEL value, the drawback to using propane based calibration gas PhD Ultra STEL alarm should be set at the same value mixtures is that a partially poisoned sensor might still as the TWA.
- Page 56 OSHA. Ultra in contaminated air Note: Customers should be aware that OSHA Calibration of the PhD Ultra is a two-step process. The permissible exposure limits may be subject to first step is to expose the sensors to contaminate-free air change.
- Page 57 Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide instruments with CO, H 2 S propane equivalent are all currently available from Biosystems in small (103 50% LEL, in air ) and LEL sensors installed. or 58 liter), disposable, standard calibration gas 54-9031 Methane (CH 4 ) (2.5%...
- Page 58 Appendix E PhD Ultra Toxic Sensor Cross Sensitivity Data The table below lists the cross sensitivity of electrochemical toxic sensors used in Biosystems portable gas detectors to gases other than their target gas. Depending on the nature of the reaction each gas has with the sensor, the effect can either decrease the signal (negative cross sensitivity) or increase the signal;...
- Page 59 One of the most common questions Verifications of Accuracy sensors should trigger that we are asked at Biosystems is: immediate re-verification of accuracy We are often asked whether there are “How often should I calibrate my before further use. any circumstances in which the gas detector?”...
- Page 60 Reference Manual are not covered by the Biosystems standard warranty. The obligation of Biosystems under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of components deemed by the Biosystems Instrument Service Department to have been defective under the scope of this standard warranty. To...
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