BW Technologies GasAlertMicro 3 User manual

User Manual
GasAlertMicro
1, 2, 3 and 4 Gas Detectors
D2067/2 English
iERP: 113348
©
2001 BW Technologies. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
H2S, CO, O2, SO2, Combustibles

Limited Warranty & Limitation of Liability
BW Technologies Ltd. (BW) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of two years,
beginning on the date of shipment to the buyer. This warranty extends only to the sale of new and unused products to the original buyer. BW’s warranty
obligation is limited, at BW’s option, to refund of the purchase price, repair, or replacement of a defective product that is returned to a BW authorized service
center within the warranty period. In no event shall BW’s liability hereunder exceed the purchase price actually paid by the buyer for the Product.
This warranty does not include:
a) fuses, disposable batteries or the routine replacement of parts due to the normal wear and tear of the product arising from use;
b) any product which in BW’s opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation, handling or use;
c) any damage or defects attributable to repair of the product by any person other than an authorized dealer, or the installation of unapproved parts on the
product; or
The obligations set forth in this warranty are conditional on:
a) proper storage, installation, calibration, use, maintenance and compliance with the product manual instructions and any other applicable
recommendations of BW;
b) the buyer promptly notifying BW of any defect and, if required, promptly making the product available for correction. No goods shall be returned to BW
until receipt by the buyer of shipping instructions from BW; and
c) the right of BW to require that the buyer provide proof of purchase such as the original invoice, bill of sale or packing slip to establish that the product is
within the warranty period.
THE BUYER AGREES THAT THIS WARRANTY IS THE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. BW SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING
LOSS OF DATA, WHETHER ARISING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR RELIANCE OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this warranty is held invalid or
unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
BW Technologies Ltd. BW Technologies Inc. (America) BW Europe Ltd.
2840 – 2nd Ave. SE 3279 West Pioneer Parkway 101 Heyford Park,
Calgary, AB T2A 7X9 Arlington, TX 76013 Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire OX25 5HA
Canada USA United Kingdom

Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 1
Contacting BW Technologies................................................................................................................ 2
Safety Information - Read First ............................................................................................................. 2
Getting Started ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Activating the Detector ........................................................................................................................ 10
Self-Test............................................................................................................................... 10
Self-Test Pass ..................................................................................................................... 11
Self-Test Fail........................................................................................................................ 12
Battery Test.......................................................................................................................... 12
Datalogger Operation .......................................................................................................... 12
Deactivating the Detector.................................................................................................................... 12
Confidence Beep................................................................................................................................. 13
User Option Menu ............................................................................................................................... 13
Latched Alarms Function ..................................................................................................... 14
“SAFE” Display Enable or Disable ...................................................................................... 14
Combustible Sensor Measuring Selection .......................................................................... 15
Language Selection.............................................................................................................16
Sensor Enable or Disable.................................................................................................... 16
Pass Code Protection.......................................................................................................... 17
To activate or deactivate Pass Code Protect ................................................................. 17
To enter the pass code................................................................................................... 17
Pass code not entered or entered incorrectly ................................................................ 17
Automatic Oxygen Calibration Enable or Disable ............................................................... 18
iii

GasAlertMicro
Users Manual
Set Span Concentration Values ..........................................................................................18
STEL Calculation Period......................................................................................................19
“Stealth Mode” .....................................................................................................................19
Change the Date and Time..................................................................................................20
Adjust Datalogger Sampling Rate .......................................................................................20
Alarms .............................................................................................................................................21
Gas Exposures Computed...................................................................................................24
Viewing Gas Exposures.......................................................................................................24
Gas Alarm Setpoints ............................................................................................................25
Resetting Gas Alarm Setpoints............................................................................................25
Stopping a Gas Alarm..........................................................................................................26
Sensor Alarm .......................................................................................................................26
Low Battery Alarm................................................................................................................26
Automatic Shutdown Alarm .................................................................................................26
Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints .............................................................................................27
Guidelines ............................................................................................................................27
Diagnostics Protection .........................................................................................................28
Applying Gas to the Sensors ...............................................................................................28
Calibration Procedure ..........................................................................................................29
Start Calibration ..............................................................................................................29
Auto Zero and Oxygen Sensor Calibration.....................................................................29
Auto Span .......................................................................................................................30
Alarm Setpoints....................................................................................................................31
Setting the TWA Alarm Setpoint.....................................................................................32
Setting the STEL Alarm Setpoint....................................................................................32
Setting the LOW Alarm Setpoint..................................................................................... 32
Setting the HIGH Alarm Setpoint....................................................................................33
Setting the Remaining Alarm Setpoints..........................................................................33
Setting the Calibration Due Date....................................................................................33
iv

Verification (optional)...................................................................................................... 33
Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 34
Replacing the Batteries ....................................................................................................... 34
Replacing a Sensor or Sensor Filter ................................................................................... 36
Installing the MultiMediaCard (MMC) .................................................................................. 38
If the Detector Does Not Work ............................................................................................................ 39
Replacement Parts and Accessories.................................................................................................. 42
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 44
Appendix A.......................................................................................................................................... 47
Excel Datalog Manager (E.D.M.) ........................................................................................................ 47
Excel Datalog Manager (E.D.M.) Software Plug-in ............................................................. 47
Sample Data Files ...............................................................................................................47
Installing Excel Datalog Manager (E.D.M.): ........................................................................ 48
MMC Card Reader Installation ............................................................................................ 48
Types of MultiMediaCard Readers ...................................................................................... 48
Start Excel Datalog Manager............................................................................................... 49
Import Your Data File...........................................................................................................49
E.D.M. Workbook Features and Functions ......................................................................................... 52
Data workbook format.......................................................................................................... 52
Titles and worksheets..................................................................................................... 52
Type and order of displayed data................................................................................... 52
Overlapping or older data............................................................................................... 52
Working with the data .......................................................................................................... 53
Entering user data or comments .................................................................................... 53
Changing or removing the preformatted cell color-coding ............................................. 53
Sorting: Reorganizing the data....................................................................................... 53
Filtering: Restricting the viewed data by date, gas reading or status code.................... 54
Charting: Automatically charting the data ...................................................................... 54
Charting: Manually charting the data.............................................................................. 55
v

GasAlertMicro
Users Manual
Printing: Printing the data ...............................................................................................55
Security: Locking or protecting the data .........................................................................56
Customization: Calculating long-term average exposures.............................................56
Importing the Data File Into Compatible Desktop Applications ........................................... 56
Determining Application Compatibility.................................................................................56
MultiMediaCard Compatibility .............................................................................................................61
MultiMediaCard Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................61
Recovering Data Files .........................................................................................................61
vi

vii

GasAlertMicro
Users Manual
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1. Gases Monitored....................................................................................................................1
2. International Symbols ............................................................................................................5
3. GasAlertMicro Detector .........................................................................................................7
4. Display Elements ...................................................................................................................8
5. Pushbuttons ...........................................................................................................................9
6. Alarms ..................................................................................................................................21
7. Computed Gas Exposures...................................................................................................24
8. Gas Alarm Setpoints ............................................................................................................25
9. Sample Factory Set Alarm Setpoints...................................................................................25
10. Applying Gas to the Sensors ...............................................................................................28
11. Replacing the Batteries........................................................................................................35
12. Replacing a Sensor or Sensor Filter....................................................................................36
13. Troubleshooting Tips ...........................................................................................................39
14. Replacement Parts and Accessories...................................................................................42
A: Datalogger Status Codes.....................................................................................................57
viii

List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. GasAlertMicro Detector ......................................................................................................... 7
2. Display Elements ................................................................................................................... 8
3. Applying Gas to the Sensors ............................................................................................... 28
4. Replacing the Batteries ....................................................................................................... 35
5. Replacing a Sensor or Sensor Filter ................................................................................... 37
6. Installing the MultiMediaCard (MMC) .................................................................................. 38
ix

GasAlertMicro
Users Manual
x

xi

GasAlertMicro
Users Manual
CAUTION: FOR SAFETY REASONS, THIS EQUIPMENT
MUST BE OPERATED AND SERVICED BY QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL ONLY. READ AND UNDERSTAND
INSTRUCTION MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE
OPERATING OR SERVICING.
GasAlertMicro Gas Detector
Order
Number
Description
GAMIC-4 GasAlertMicro (4 Gas) Detector (H2S, CO, O2,
*Combustibles)
GAMIC-3H GasAlertMicro (3 Gas) Detector (H2S, O2, *Combustibles)
GAMIC-3M GasAlertMicro (3 Gas) Detector (CO, O2, *Combustibles)
GAMIC-3S GasAlertMicro (3 Gas) Detector (SO2, O2, *Combustibles)
GAMIC-3X GasAlertMicro (3 Gas) Detector (H2S, CO, O2)
GAMIC-2 GasAlertMicro (2 Gas) Detector (O2, *Combustibles)
GAMIC-2HW GasAlertMicro (2 Gas) Detector (H2S, *Combustibles)
GAMIC-2HM GasAlertMicro (2 Gas) Detector (H2S, CO)
GAMIC-2HX GasAlertMicro (2 Gas) Detector (H2S, O2)
GAMIC-2MW GasAlertMicro (2 Gas) Detector (CO, *Combustibles)
GAMIC-2MX GasAlertMicro (2 Gas) Detector (CO, O2)
GAMIC-W GasAlertMicro (1 Gas) Detector (*Combustibles)
GAMIC-H GasAlertMicro (1 Gas) Detector (H2S)
GAMIC-M GasAlertMicro (1 Gas) Detector (CO)
GAMIC-X GasAlertMicro (1 Gas) Detector (O2)
For other gas combinations please contact BW Technologies
. See “P.2”.
Add suffix “-DL2-IR” for detectors equipped with datalogger.
Versions with -IR suffix are MicroDock compatible.
Add suffix (-UK) for United Kingdom mains plug, (-EU) for
European mains plug, (-AU) for Australian mains plug.
* Combustibles: Field-selectable for 0-100% LEL (lower
explosive limit) or 0-5.0% methane v/v.
GasAlertMicro Multi-Gas Detector
Standard instrument is equipped with integral concussion-
proof boot and internal vibrator alarm.
GasAlertMicro with User Downloadable Datalogger
Provides full time continuous datalogging while the
instrument is operating. Data is saved on a convenient
MultiMediaCard and can be removed and downloaded by the
user. Data is imported into standard office software
(Microsoft® Excel, Access etc.). Wraparound memory
ensures the most recent data is always saved.
xii

GasAlertMicro
Introduction
aWarning
To ensure your personal safety, read “Safety
Information” before you use the detector.
The GasAlertMicro gas detector (“the detector”) warns of
hazardous gas at levels above user-selectable alarm
setpoints. This product is a gas detector.
The detector is a personal safety device. It is your
responsibility to respond properly to the alarm.
Table 1 lists the gases monitored.
Table 1. Gases Monitored
Gas Detected Unit of Measure
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) parts per million (ppm)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) parts per million (ppm)
Oxygen (O2) percent by volume (%)
Combustible Gases
Field selectable for:
a) percent of lower
explosive limit (% LEL)
b) percent by volume
methane 0-5.0% v/v
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) parts per million (ppm)
1

GasAlertMicro
Users Manual
Contacting BW Technologies
To contact BW Technologies, call:
1-888-749-8878 USA
1-800-663-4164 Canada
[phone] Europe
[phone] Middle East
[phone] Australia
[phone] China
[phone] South East Asia
[phone] other countries
Address correspondence to:
BW Technologies Ltd.
2840 – 2 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB T2A 7X9
CANADA
Or visit us on the World Wide Web:
http://www.gasmonitors.com/
ISO 9001
Safety Information - Read First
Use the detector only as specified in this manual, otherwise
the protection provided by the detector may be impaired.
International symbols used on the detector and in this
manual are explained in Table 2.
Read the Warnings and Cautions on the following pages
before using the detector.
ecNote
This instrument contains batteries. Do not mix with the
solid waste stream. Spent batteries should be disposed
of by a qualified recycler or hazardous materials handler.
2

GasAlertMicro
Safety Information - Read First
a Cautions
⇒ Warning: Substitution of components may impair Intrinsic Safety.
⇒ Do not use the detector if it is damaged. Before you use the detector, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing
parts.
⇒ If the detector is damaged or something is missing, contact BW Technologies immediately. See “Contacting BW
Technologies”.
⇒ Make sure the battery holder is locked in place before you operate the detector.
⇒ Use only a sensor specifically designed for your GasAlertMicro model. (See the section “Replacement Parts and
Accessories.”)
⇒ Calibrate the detector before first-time use and then on a regular schedule, depending on use and sensor
exposure to poisons and contaminants. BW recommends at least once every 180 days (6 months).
⇒ BW recommends to “bump test” the sensors, before each day’s use, to confirm their ability to respond to gas by
exposing the detector to a gas concentration that exceeds the high alarm setpoints. Manually verify that the
audible and visual alarms are activated. Calibrate if the readings are not within the specified limits.
⇒ It is recommended that the combustible sensor be checked with a known concentration of calibration gas after
any known exposure to catalyst contaminants/poisons (sulfur compounds, silicon vapors, halogenated
compounds, etc.).
3

GasAlertMicro
Users Manual
a Cautions (cont.)
⇒ The combustible sensor is factory calibrated to 50% LEL methane. If monitoring a different combustible gas in the
% LEL range, calibrate the sensor using the appropriate gas. High off-scale % LEL or % v/v methane readings may
indicate an explosive concentration.
⇒ Protect the combustible sensor from exposure to lead compounds, silicones and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Although certain organic vapors (such as leaded gasoline and halogenated hydrocarbons) may temporarily inhibit
sensor performance, in most cases, the sensor will recover after calibration.
⇒ Any rapid up-scaling reading followed by a declining or erratic reading may indicate a gas concentration beyond
upper scale limit, which may be hazardous.
⇒ Use only recommended AA alkaline or NiMH batteries properly charged, and installed in the detector case. (See
the section “Replacement Parts and Accessories.”)
⇒ Charge NiMH batteries using recommended charger only. Do not use any other charger. Failure to observe this
precaution could lead to fire or explosion.
⇒ Do not change or charge batteries in a hazardous location. Doing so will impair the Intrinsic Safety of the unit and
may lead to fire or explosion.
⇒ Read and observe all instructions and precautions in the literature provided with the charger. Failure to do so may
result in fire, electric shock or other forms of personal injury or property damage.
4

GasAlertMicro
Safety Information - Read First
a Cautions (cont.)
⇒ Extended exposure of the GasAlertMicro to certain concentrations of combustible gases and air may stress a
detector element, which can seriously affect its performance. If an alarm occurs due to high concentration of
combustible gases, recalibration should be performed, or if needed, the sensor replaced.
⇒ Do not test the combustible sensor’s response with a butane cigarette lighter; doing so will damage the sensor.
⇒ Do not expose the detector to electrical shock and/or severe continuous mechanical shock.
⇒ Do not attempt to disassemble, adjust or service the detector unless instructions for that procedure are contained
in the manual and/or that part is listed as a replacement part. Use only BW Technologies replacement parts.
⇒ Do not immerse the detector in liquids.
⇒ The detector Warranty will be voided if customer, personnel or third parties damage the detector during repair
attempts. Non-BW Technologies repair/service attempts void this Warranty.
Table 2. International Symbols
Symbol Meaning
n Approved to both U.S. and Canadian Standards by the Canadian Standards Association.
gEuropean Explosion Protection
XConforms to European Union directives
BAM BAM performance verification and expert opinion
ATEX Conforms to European Directive 94/9/EC – ATEX 95
AUS Certified to Australian standards
Type Approved by ABS Americas for use aboard Cargo Vessels.
5

GasAlertMicro
Users Manual
Getting Started
The items listed below are included with your detector. If the
detector is damaged or something is missing, contact the
place of purchase immediately.
• Batteries (two replaceable alkaline cells or four NiMH
rechargeable cells or one GA MicroBatt cell)
• Charger (if applicable) (one AC line charger or one DC
vehicle charger or one GA MicroBatt charger)
• O2sensor
• Combustible sensor
• 4-gas units: H2S/CO sensor (dual sensor)
• 3-gas units: applicable toxic sensor
• Calibration hose and cap
• Instructions
• CD
To order replacement parts, see the section “Replacement
Parts and Accessories”.
The detector comes with sensors installed. The
“Maintenance” section describes how to install the batteries.
To become familiar with the features and functions of the
detector, study the following figures and tables:
• Figure 1 and Table 3 describe the detector’s
components.
• Figure 2 and Table 4 describe the detector’s display
elements.
• Table 5 describes the detector’s pushbuttons.
6

GasAlertMicro
Getting Started
Figure 1. GasAlertMicro Detector
Table 3. GasAlertMicro Detector
Item Function
AAudible Alarm
BVisual Alarm Bars
CSensors
DPushbuttons
EDisplay
FBattery Holder
GDatalogger (optional)
HAlligator Clip
7

GasAlertMicro
Users Manual
Figure 2. Display Elements
Note: The display backlight automatically activates for
10 seconds whenever there is insufficient light to view the
display and during alarm conditions. Any pushbutton
reactivates the backlight in low-light conditions.
Table 4. Display Elements
Item Function
AAlarm Condition
BBattery
CButton Indicator
DClock
EGas Identifier Bars
FOptional Datalogger Card Indicator
GAutomatically Zero Sensor
HGas Cylinder
IAutomatically Span Sensor
JPass Code Lock
K Real Time Calendar (Date, Month, Year)
L Alarm Condition (Low, High TWA, STEL
or Multi-gas) or view TWA, STEL and
Maximum Gas Exposures
M Future Use
Note: The button indicator will be displayed where an
option allows a button press.
8