Elcometer 331 H User manual

English
Elcometer 331
Half-Cell Meter
Model H
Operating Instructions
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English
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The Elcometer 331 Half-Cell Meter has been tested in accordance with EU regulations governing
Electro-magnetic compliance and it meets the required directives.
Note: Readings may be affected if the unit is operated within a radio frequency electromagnetic strength of
greater than 3 V/m.
, CoverMaster
®
and are registered trademarks of Elcometer Limited.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Limited. 2008-2009.
All rights reserved. No part of this Document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored (in a
retrieval system or otherwise) or translated into any language, in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without the prior written permission of
Elcometer Limited.
A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via www.elcometer.com/
downloads.
Doc.No. TMA-0434 Issue 03
Text with Cover No: 20447
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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your Half-Cell Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Quick-start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3 Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 The menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5 Measuring half-cell potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6 Half-cell probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7 Personalised welcome screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8 Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
10 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
11 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
12 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
13 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
14 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 331 Half-Cell Meter. Welcome to Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of inspection equipment for concrete
and coatings. Our concrete inspection products include a comprehensive range of concrete, and civil
engineering inspection equipment. Our coatings products cover all aspects of coating inspection, from
development through application to post application inspection.
The Elcometer 331 Half-Cell Meter is a world beating product. With the purchase of this Half-Cell Meter you
now have access to the worldwide service and support network of Elcometer. For more information visit our
website at www.elcometer.com
1 ABOUT YOUR HALF-CELL METER
The Elcometer 331 Half-Cell Meter is a portable Half-Cell Meter for fast and accurate assessment of the
potential for corrosion of concrete reinforcement bars.
Your Half-Cell Meter measures half-cell potential - an electrochemical technique commonly used to assess
the potential for corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. The instrument acts as a voltmeter which
measures the potential difference between the steel reinforcement in the concrete structure and a reference
electrode (the half-cell) placed on the surface of the concrete.
The Half-Cell Meter is available in two versions:
• Model H (entry level)
• Model HM (with data logging)
This manual describes the operation of the Elcometer 331 Half-Cell Meter Model H.
Both versions of the instrument feature an easy-to-use menu-driven graphical interface which guides the
user during setup and measurement. A range of half-cell probes is available to suit your requirements.
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This instrument is packed in cardboard and plastic packaging. Please ensure that this packaging is
disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your Local Environmental Authority for further
guidance.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 331 Half-Cell Meter please take some time to read
these Operating Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer or your Elcometer supplier if you
have any questions.
1.1 FEATURES
Feature Elcometer 331 Model Page
H HM
Menu-driven backlit graphical user interface   12
Weather proof to IP65   -
Multiple languages   14
Memory - multiple linear and grid batches, up to 240 000 readings   -
Text fields for input of user data in each batch   -
Date and time stamping   -
Statistical analysis of readings and batches   -
Alarm if reading is outside limits   -
Transfer readings and statistics to a computer   -
CoverMaster
®
software for batch setup, data transfer and reporting   -
Plot mode   -
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1.2 STANDARDS
The Elcometer 331 Half-Cell Meter can be used in accordance with the following National and International
Standards; ASTM C876, DGZfP:B3, TR60, UNI 10174.
1.3 WHAT THIS BOX CONTAINS
• Elcometer 331 Model H Half-Cell Meter
• Rechargeable battery pack and battery charger
• 25 m extension cable on spool
• 1.7 m red rebar cable with connecting clip
• 1.7 m black half-cell connecting cable
• Earphone
• Shoulder strap
• Plastic carrying case
• Operating instructions
Note: Half-Cell probes are not supplied with the main instrument and have to be ordered separately - see
“Accessories” on page 25.
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Figure 1. Elcometer 331 Half-Cell Meter
1.4 CONVENTIONS IN THESE INSTRUCTIONS
A simple menu structure helps you get the most from your Half-Cell Meter - see “The menus” on page 16.
There are many references to this menu structure in these instructions.
As an example, the LANGUAGE option which is in SETUP from the MAIN MENU would be shown in these
instructions as:
MENU / SETUP / LANGUAGE
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2 QUICK-START
Note: Before switching the Half-Cell Meter on for the first time read “Selecting a language” on page 14.
To configure the Half-Cell Meter quickly and start taking readings:
1. Charge the batteries see page 7
2. Fit half-cell probe and cables see page 10
3. Switch on see page 12
4. Select language see page 14
5. Take readings of half-cell potential see page 18
For an overview of your Half-Cell Meter menus and functions, see pages 16 to 17.
3 GETTING STARTED
This section of the instructions is intended for first-time users of the Half-Cell Meter. It contains essential
information about batteries, assembling the Half-Cell Meter, the controls and the display. At the end of this
section you will be ready to take readings.
3.1 THE POWER SUPPLY
Your Half-Cell Meter is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion
a
battery pack which can be charged inside
or outside the Half-Cell Meter.
a. The Half-Cell Meter is not designed to operate using dry cell batteries.
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One battery pack is supplied with the Half-Cell Meter. To increase productivity on site, Elcometer
recommends that you purchase a spare battery pack which can be charged while you are using your Half-
Cell Meter. To order an additional battery pack (see “Accessories” on page 25), contact Elcometer or your
local Elcometer supplier.
CHARGING THE BATTERIES
The rechargeable battery must be fully charged before using the Half-Cell Meter for the first time. Use only
the charger supplied with your Half-Cell Meter to charge the battery. Use of any other type of charger is a
potential hazard, may damage your Half-Cell Meter and will invalidate the warranty. Do not attempt to
charge any other batteries with the supplied charger.
Always charge the battery indoors. To prevent overheating, ensure that the charger is not covered.
1. Unscrew the
retaining screw (1)
and open the
interface access
cover (2) on the rear
of the Half-Cell
Meter.
1
2
3
3
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2. Connect the lead
from the charger into
the socket marked
‘Charger Input’
behind the interface
access cover.
The Half-Cell Meter
will automatically
switch off when the
lead from the
charger is
connected.
3. Plug the charger supplied into the mains supply. The LED indicator on the charger will glow orange.
4. Leave the gauge charging for at least 4 hours. The LED indicator changes colour from orange to green
when charging is complete.
5. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the mains supply before removing the lead
from the Half-Cell Meter.
To remove the battery pack for charging outside the Half-Cell Meter, unscrew the two battery pack retaining
screws (3) at the rear of the Half-Cell Meter and slide out the battery pack. To charge the battery once it has
been removed, connect the lead from the charger into the socket on the battery pack.
Warning: Do not allow metallic objects to come into contact with the battery terminals; this may
cause a short circuit and result in permanent damage to the battery.
(battery in the Half-Cell Meter) (battery removed)
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Warning: Do not attempt to connect the supply side of the battery charger to generators or any other
medium to high power source other than the single phase 50 Hz AC mains outlet supplied from an
approved and safe mains switchboard. Connection to other supply sources such as generators or
inverters may have the potential to damage the charger, the battery and/or the gauge, invalidating
warranty.
BATTERY CONDITION INDICATOR
The state of charge of the battery is shown by a symbol on the display:
= full charge, = low charge, (flashing + beep every 10 seconds) = charging required
When the battery is completely exhausted the instrument will emit 5 loud beeps and then switch off.
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3.2 FITTING HALF-CELL PROBES
Connect the probe and cables as
shown.
Black
cable
Red
cable
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3.3 THE CONTROLS
All functions of the Half-Cell Meter can be controlled using the keypad. There are two types of keys on the
keypad; fixed function keys and ‘soft’ keys (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Half-Cell Meter keypad
Scrolls up/down
through menus
and lists of values
Increases/
decreases
alphanumeric
values
Accesses menus
Escapes from
menus
Discards values
entered on
display
Switches the
Half-Cell Meter
on or off
Selects menu
items
Toggles tick
boxes on/off
Confirms values
entered on
display
The function of these ‘soft’ keys
varies and is defined by symbols
and text on the screen
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3.4 SWITCHING THE HALF-CELL METER ON AND OFF
To switch the Half-Cell Meter on, press [ ].
To switch the Half-Cell Meter off, press and hold [ ] for two seconds.
The Half-Cell Meter includes an automatic switch off feature which will help to extend the battery life (time
between charges). The automatic switch off time can be set to OFF, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 minutes.
MENU / SETUP / AUTO SWITCH OFF
A countdown timer is displayed on the screen 60 seconds before the Half-Cell Meter switches off
automatically. The timer counts down from 60 to 0 to warn you that the Half-Cell Meter is about to switch
off. Press any key while the countdown timer is displayed to cancel automatic switch off.
3.5 THE DISPLAY
Take some time to familiarise yourself with the information shown on the display of your Half-Cell Meter.
The display shows:
• Welcome information
• Measurement information
• Menus to configure the Half-Cell Meter and control functions
• Help and miscellaneous information
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When the Half-Cell Meter is switched on an opening (welcome) information screen
b
may be displayed
briefly before the main reading screen appears.
The information shown depends upon whether you are taking measurements, reviewing readings or setting
up the Half-Cell Meter.
The main screen displayed (while you are taking measurements) is the Reading Screen.
READING SCREEN
1. Half-cell potential - bar graph (zero at centre)
2. Half-cell potential - numerical
SYMBOLS
A wide range of symbols is used on the display. The
meaning of all these symbols is stored in the Half-Cell
Meter.
MENU / ABOUT / HELP
LCD CONTRAST
Adjust the contrast of the display to suit lighting conditions.
MENU / SETUP / LCD CONTRAST
b. The opening (welcome) screen can be disabled. MENU / SETUP / OPENING SCREEN.
Customised welcome screens can be created on a PC and downloaded into the gauge - see “Personalised welcome
screen” on page 22.
1
2
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BACKLIGHT
The display includes a backlight which illuminates the display for 10 seconds after any key is pressed and
during measurements. Switch the backlight on or off as required. Switching the backlight off will increase
battery life.
MENU / BACKLIGHT
3.6 SELECTING A LANGUAGE
Your Half-Cell Meter has a number of built-in languages. When the
Half-Cell Meter is switched on for the first time after dispatch from
the Elcometer factory the display will show the language selection
screen (Figure 3).
AT FIRST SWITCH ON
1. Press [] or [] to locate language required.
2. Press [] to activate the selected language.
The Half-Cell Meter operates in the new language until changed.
AT ANY TIME
1. Switch the Half-Cell Meter off.
2. Press and hold left hand softkey.
3. Press [ ] to switch on Half-Cell Meter.
The display will show the language selection screen with the current language highlighted by the
cursor.
4. Release left hand softkey.
Figure 3. Language selection
screen
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5. Press [] or [] to locate language required.
6. Press [] to activate the selected language.
Alternatively, select a language at any time.
MENU / SETUP / LANGUAGE
3.7 COMPUTER INTERFACE
Your Half-Cell Meter is fitted with an RS232 interface. The interface is located under the interface access
cover at the rear of the Half-Cell Meter - see page 7.
This 5-pin RS232 interface is used with the data transfer cable to connect the Half-Cell Meter to the RS232
port
c
of a computer. When the Half-Cell Meter is connected to a computer you can:
• Download personalised screens to the Half-Cell Meter (see “Personalised welcome screen” on
page 22).
3.8 USING THE EARPHONE
To use the earphone, plug the connector into the 3.5 mm socket marked on the front of the Half-Cell
Meter. Replacement earphones are available as an optional accessory - see “Accessories” on page 25.
c. An RS232 to USB transfer cable is available which allows you to connect your Half-Cell Meter to a USB port on your
computer. For ordering information, see “Accessories” on page 25.
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4 THE MENUS
The menus of your instrument are
shown in the illustration and a
description of each menu item is
given in the following paragraphs.
To access the menus press the
MENU softkey.
To return to the reading screen
quickly, press and hold the MENU
softkey.
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4.1 MENU
BACKLIGHT . . . . . . . . . Toggles the display backlight on or off
SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opens Setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See 4.2 SETUP
ABOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opens About menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See 4.3 ABOUT
RESET . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opens Reset menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See 4.4 RESET
Note: When Backlight is on, the display is lit for 30 seconds after any key press and during measurement.
4.2 SETUP
BEEP VOLUME. . . . . . . Use Scroll keys to select beep volume 0 (off) to 5 (maximum), then press Enter
LANGUAGE . . . . . . . . . Use Scroll keys to select menu language and then press enter
AUTO SWITCH OFF . . . Use Scroll keys to select auto switch off time, 5 to 10 mins/off, then press Enter
OPENING SCREEN . . . Press Enter to toggle the opening screen on or off
LCD CONTRAST . . . . . Use Scroll keys to select LCD contrast, 0 to 8 and then press Enter
4.3 ABOUT
GAUGE INFORMATION Press Enter to display technical information about the Half-Cell Meter
CONTACT . . . . . . . . . . . Press Enter to display Elcometer offices worldwide and
(if programmed) Supplier contact details
HELP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Press Enter to display an explanation of all the symbols used on the display
4.4 RESET
INTL GAUGE. . . . . . . . . Press Enter to Reset Half-Cell Meter to International settings
d
USA GAUGE . . . . . . . . . Press Enter to Reset Half-Cell Meter to USA settings
e
Note: The Half-Cell Meter will display a Yes/No confirmation screen before reset is activated.
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5 MEASURING HALF-CELL POTENTIAL
5.1 BEFORE YOU START
•Are you using the correct half-cell probe?
See “Half-cell probes” on page 20.
5.2 PROCEDURE
1. Locate the position of a reinforcing bar (using a metal detector, covermeter or similar instrument).
2. Expose the bar, e.g. by drilling through the cover using a large drill.
3. Drill a small diameter hole into the bar suitable for attachment of the positive (red) cable using a screw
or lead plug.
4. Mark out a grid on the concrete. Measurements will be taken at the intersection points of the grid.
Typical grid spacing is 1 m x 1 m, however this may be reduced if localised corrosion is suspected. If
the measured half-cell potential between two adjacent positions differs by more than 100 mV, it is
recommended that the grid spacing is reduced.
5. If necessary, use tap water to wet the whole of the test area, or just the measurement positions.
6. Connect the red cable and extension reel between the exposed reinforcing bar and the red terminal on
the Half-Cell Meter (Figure 4). Connect the black cable between the probe and the black terminal on
the Half-Cell Meter.
d. International settings can also be activated at switch on:
Press and hold third softkey and switch on gauge.
e. USA settings can also be activated at switch on:
Press and hold fourth softkey and switch on gauge.
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