AMC AMC-360-IREP User manual

360-IREP
Infrared Methane
Sensor/Transmitter
0-100% LEL Range
INSTRUCTIONS
Installation, Calibration & Maintenance
of the AMC-360-IREP Sensor/Transmitter
IMPORTANT:
Please read these installation and operating instructions completely
and carefully before starting.
Filename:
3144405A.doc Revised, 30/04/2007 Copyright ©, October 1994, AMC
The Armstrong Monitoring Corporation
215 Colonnade Road South, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2E 7K3
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • Canada & U.S. Toll Free: 1-800-465-5777
E-mail: [email protected] • Internet: www.armstrongmonitoring.com

AMC-360-IREP 0-100% LEL Methane Sensor/Transmitter
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1WARRANTY............................................................................................................iii
1.1 LIABILITY...........................................................................................................iii
1.2 MODIFICATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS.........................................................iii
1.3 PRODUCT RETURN .........................................................................................iii
2PRODUCT INFORMATION.....................................................................................iv
2.1 TRANSMITTER..................................................................................................iv
2.2 FACTORY SETTINGS.......................................................................................iv
3PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................1
3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.................................................................................1
3.1.1 BASIC REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................1
3.1.2 SENSOR DETAILS .................................................................................................1
3.2 HOUSING OPTIONS.........................................................................................2
4INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................3
4.1 LOCATION AND MOUNTING............................................................................3
4.2 CABLE SELECTION AND WIRING...................................................................4
4.2.1 TRANSMITTER INTERFACE TO COMPUTER, DATALOGGER OR NON-AMC
SYSTEM................................................................................................................................4
5OPERATION AND CALIBRATION..........................................................................6
5.1 OPERATION......................................................................................................6
5.2 CALIBRATION...................................................................................................6
5.2.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.......................................................................................6
5.2.2 TRANSMITTER CALIBRATION / VERIFICATION SET-UP PROCEDURE............7
5.2.3 ADJUSTMENTS (STANDARD CALIBRATION)......................................................7
6PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE................................................................................9
6.1 GENERAL..........................................................................................................9
6.2 VERIFICATION OF OPERATION......................................................................9
6.3 SENSOR REPLACEMENT................................................................................9

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AMC-360-IREP 0-100% LEL Methane Sensor/Transmitter
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1WARRANTY
The AMC-360-IREP transmitter is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a
period of two (2) years from the factory shipping date. Refer to section 2.1 (next page) for the
sensor warranty period. During the warranty period, The Armstrong Monitoring Corporation will
repair or replace components that prove to be defective in the opinion of AMC. Maintenance
items are not warranted. Any equipment deemed to be defective by the user should be returned
to The Armstrong Monitoring Corporation for evaluation (see product return below). Site visits
by Armstrong personnel, to evaluate/repair equipment, are not covered by this warranty.
AMC is not liable for auxiliary interfaced equipment, nor consequential damage. This warranty
shall not apply to any product which has been modified in any way, repaired by any party other
than a qualified technician or authorized AMC representative, or when failure is due to misuse
or conditions of use.
1.1 LIABILITY
All AMC products must be installed and maintained according to instructions. Only qualified
technicians should install and maintain the equipment. AMC shall have no liability arising from
auxiliary interfaced equipment, for consequential damage, or the installation and operation of
this equipment. AMC shall have no liability for labour or freight costs, or any other costs or
charges in excess of the amount of the invoice for the products.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
AND SPECIFICALLY THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE
DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE THEREOF.
1.2 MODIFICATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Due to an ongoing development program, AMC reserves the right to substitute components and
change specifications at any time without incurring any obligations.
1.3 PRODUCT RETURN
All products returned for warranty service will be by prepaid freight and they will only be
accepted with an R.M.A. number issued by AMC. All products returned to the client will be
freight collect.
WARNING
USING ELECTRICALLY OPERATED EQUIPMENT NEAR GASOLINE OR OTHER
COMBUSTIBLE VAPOURS OR GAS MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION, CAUSING
PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. CHECK TO ASSURE THE WORKING
AREA IS FREE FROM SUCH HAZARDS AND USE PROPER PRECAUTIONS DURING
INSTALLATION AND OTHER PROCEDURES.

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2PRODUCT INFORMATION
2.1 TRANSMITTER
Transmitter Unit Order Number ……………..…………………….
Transmitter Part Number……………..…..…………...……………
Transmitter Serial Number …………………………………………
Sensor Part Number/WARRANTY………………..………………. /
Sensor Serial Number …………………………….………………..
Power Supply Requirement …………………….…………………. 12 to 26 VDC @ _____ mA
Signal Output Load ……………………………..………………….. maximum 250 ohms
2.2 FACTORY SETTINGS
Gas Type ……………………………………………………………. Methane
Zero Gas, at 4 mA signal …………………………………………..
Gas Concentration at 20 mA signal ………………………………
Calibration Adapter Part Number…………………………….……
Note:
All Armstrong Monitoring equipment must be installed and maintained according to
instructions, to ensure proper operation. Only qualified personnel should install and
maintain the equipment.

AMC-360-IREP 0-100% LEL Methane Sensor/Transmitter
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3PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The AMC-360-IREP sensor/transmitter unit is designed to provide continuous, reliable
surveillance of surrounding air for up to 100% by LEL methane. Used with this sensor, the unit
provides a 4 to 20 mA, variable current signal which is proportional to the gas concentration
currently detected. Each sensor/transmitter unit is factory calibrated with its interconnected
sensor and is ready for field installation and operation.
3.1.1 BASIC REQUIREMENTS
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -40 to +40 ºC (-40 to +104 ºF)
OPERATING PRESSURE: Ambient atmospheric pressure.
HUMIDITY:
0 to 99% RH, non-condensing.
SIGNAL OUTPUT LOAD:
250 ohms maximum.
SIGNAL OUTPUT: Linear
3.1.2 SENSOR DETAILS
SENSOR TYPE: Infrared
RANGE: 0-100% by LEL, methane
RESPONSE TIME: T90 <20 s @20ºC ambient
RESOLUTION: 1% of measuring range
ZERO DRIFT: ±1% full scale per month @20ºC ambient
MTBF: > 5 years
Note:
Turn off power supply before removing or replacing the transmitter or sensor.

AMC-360-IREP 0-100% LEL Methane Sensor/Transmitter
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3.2 HOUSING OPTIONS
The AMC-360-IREP series transmitter units are available in the following housing (see FIGURE
1). The explosion-proof housing is also available with a corrosion resistant finish.
•Explosion-Proof (rated for Class I, Groups B, C, D)
FIGURE 1: Explosion-proof housing options.

AMC-360-IREP 0-100% LEL Methane Sensor/Transmitter
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4INSTALLATION
4.1 LOCATION AND MOUNTING
Mount the sensor/transmitter unit on a solid, non-vibrating surface or structure in an area where
the local concentration of gas is unaffected by the presence of ventilation systems and away
from sources of interference gases. Sensor placement should consider the density of methane
being lighter than air and factors relating to optimum installation location (see FIGURE 2).
Note:
Mounting arrangement of transmitter housing depends on location of transmitter and
mounting surface. Mounting hardware is not supplied.
FIGURE 2: Mounting sensor/transmitter unit.

AMC-360-IREP 0-100% LEL Methane Sensor/Transmitter
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4.2 CABLE SELECTION AND WIRING
Connection should be made using 3-conductor, shielded cable (shield must be grounded at the
power supply). See Figure 4 to select cable length and wire gauge according to supply voltage.
Run cable through steel conduit for best signal transmission and maximum noise rejection.
4.2.1 TRANSMITTER INTERFACE TO COMPUTER, DATALOGGER OR NON-AMC
SYSTEM
All Armstrong transmitter/sensor units can be interfaced with computer terminals or dataloggers
through Analog-to-Digital converters. The transmitter output (-, s, +) terminal block connects to a
filtered, DC power supply through field wiring. (see Figure 3)
The signal output from the transmitter is a 4 to 20 milliamp DC current. This can be measured
from the signal wire, or if a voltage measurement is needed, connect a resistor (250 ohms max.)
between the transmitter signal output (s) and power supply ground (-).
Figure 3: Computer or Datalogger interface wiring layout.

AMC-360-IREP 0-100% LEL Methane Sensor/Transmitter
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12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (volts)
5000 (1524)
4500 (1371)
4000 (1219)
3500 (1067)
3000 (914)
2500 (762)
2000 (609)
1500 (457)
1000 (304)
500 (152)
0
14AWG
16AWG
18AWG
20AWG
SAFEREGIONS
TOTALCABLELENGTH(frommonitortosensor)infeet(metres)
FIGURE 4: Cable selection chart.

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5OPERATION AND CALIBRATION
5.1 OPERATION
The AMC-360-IREP series transmitter/sensor unit is factory calibrated for the gas listed in
section 3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION. The unit should not need recalibration when first
installed and powered up, but a test for correct operation is recommended. All testing should be
done after a stabilization period of 20 seconds.
In general, after the stabilization period, the transmitter should be sending (in a clean air
environment) a signal of approximately 4 mA to the monitor or controller. However, there are a
few situations where a slightly higher or lower than normal signal may be noticed. In many
facilities there are residual background gases (including the gas being detected) in the air at all
times. These can cause a minor response from the sensor, normally causing a rise in signal.
Other causes for minor signal variations include extremes in temperature. In the case of large
signal variations (in a clean environment), check for an installation problem or the possibility of
an interference gas being present.
5.2 CALIBRATION
The transmitter is equipped with a remote calibration feature allowing one-man calibration at the
transmitter location. The transmitter output is measured using a “plug-in” type “Remote
Calibration Lead” (P/N 2900-01) designed to be adaptable to most multimeters. Zero and span
adjustments are made at the transmitter. Recalibration is necessary when replacing the sensor.
Verification of calibration should be done at least once every 6 months for safety reasons and
for highly demanding applications, monthly verification is recommended.
Factory/on-site calibration services, customer training and/or calibration adapter are available.
Specify the sensor/transmitter Part Number & Serial Number listed in section 2.1
SENSOR/TRANSMITTER and refer to section 2.2 FACTORY CALIBRATION for Gas Type and
calibration adapter when ordering any of the above.
Caution:
Only qualified personnel should perform the actual calibration. Users are advised to
consult the Armstrong Monitoring Corporation as to the recommended calibration gas
concentration for the application, and any other questions.
5.2.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
•Digital multimeter
•“Remote Calibration Lead” provided with the transmitter
•“Trimmer Adjustment Tool” or miniature screwdriver
•Calibration adapter
•Zero & Span gases and regulator (Contact factory for information)

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5.2.2 TRANSMITTER CALIBRATION / VERIFICATION SET-UP PROCEDURE
The calibration procedure may cause the monitoring equipment to give a false alarm, therefore
appropriate precautions should be taken. Refer to Figure 5 for the following procedure.
1. Remove cover from transmitter housing
2. Connect “Remote Calibration Lead” to multimeter.
BLACK lead to negative or common (–).
RED lead to positive (+).
3. Switch ON multimeter and select the 200 mA DC milliamp range to allow readings
greater than 20 mA full scale.
4. Insert plug end of “Remote Calibration Lead” fully into CAL jack on transmitter cover
plate. This will block the outgoing signal, causing a “fail” at the monitor.
5. With the sensor in clean air or zero gas, check for a stabilized zero signal of
approximately 4.0 mA.
6. Apply a Span gas sample delivered at a flow rate of 0.5 to 1 litre per minute. Since the
transmitter output range is 4 to 20 mA, a full-scale concentration should register 20 mA
after a few moments exposure. Proportionately, a half-scale concentration of gas should
register 12 mA, and so on.
5.2.3 ADJUSTMENTS (STANDARD CALIBRATION)
For full recalibration adjustments, follow the set-up procedure steps 1 to 6 inclusive. There are
two adjustments to be made for recalibration, Zero and Span.
•ZERO: When there is no gas present (clean air), the transmitter signal should be 4 mA.
This is obtained by adjusting the zero trimmer on the transmitter. It is possible, with
certain conditions, that the “zero” current will go below 4.0 mA.
•SPAN: When the sensor is exposed to the calibration gas sample, adjust the span
trimmer on the transmitter to set up the output current proportional to the gas
concentration applied.

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Figure 5: Calibration/verification set-up procedure.

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6PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
6.1 GENERAL
The transmitter/sensor unit should be brushed or wiped clean once a year or more, of any dust
or dirt which settles on it, depending on the accumulation.
The unit SHOULD NOT be submerged in water or other liquids. Also, hosing and other
conditions that could cause a liquid to enter the enclosure should be avoided.
6.2 VERIFICATION OF OPERATION
To verify the operation of the transmitter/sensor unit, make sure that is still responding to gas.
This test should be performed every few months, but for more demanding applications,
verification should be performed on a weekly basis.
6.3 SENSOR REPLACEMENT
CAUTION:
TURN OFF THE POWER BEFORE ATTEMPING THE FOLLOWING.
Sensor life is typically > 5 years. The sensor should be replaced under the following conditions:
1. When the sensor element becomes an open circuit, the transmitter outputs a fixed 1 mA
signal.
2. When the sensor no longer responds to the presence of gas or has an unstable zero
signal.
When the sensor needs replacing, reorder the “Sensor Part Number” listed in Product
Information, page iv. See Figure 6 for sensor replacement.

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Figure 6: Sensor replacement.