FPI RLGD-100 User manual

RLGD-100
Remote Laser Gas Detector
User Manual
Focused Photonics Inc.
UMRLGD1001504130

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Copyright © 2014 Focused Photonics Inc.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any other language or computer language in whole or in part, in any form or by any
means, whether it be electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual, or otherwise, without the prior
written consent of Focused Photonics Inc. (hereinafter referred to as FPI).
RLGD is an FPI registered trademark.
Warranty
This equipment is sold subject to the mutual agreement that it is warranted by us free from defects of
material and of construction, and that our liability shall be limited to replacing or repairing at our factory
(without charge, except for transportation), or at customer plant at our option, any material or construction in
which defects become apparent within 12 months from shipment date, except in cases where quotations or
acknowledgements provide for a shorter period. Components manufactured by others bear the warranty of
their manufacturer. This warranty does not cover defects caused by wear, accident, misuse, neglect or repairs
other than those performed by FPI or an authorized service center. We assume no liability for direct or
indirect damages of any kind and the purchaser by the acceptance of the equipment will assume all liability
for any damage which may result from its use or misuse.
We reserve the right to employ any suitable material in the manufacture of our apparatus, and to make any
alterations in the dimensions, shape or weight of any parts, in so far as such alterations do not adversely
affect our warranty.
Safety Messages
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have provided many important safety messages
in this manual. Please read these messages carefully.
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Each safety message is
associated with a safety alert symbol. These symbols are found in the manual and inside the instrument. The
definition of these symbols is described below:
WARNING/CAUTION: Refer to the instructions for details on the specific danger. These cautions
warn of specific procedures which if not followed could cause bodily injury and/or damage the instrument.
CAUTION: LASER RADIATION HAZARD:This warning is specific to laser light emission and
associated dangers. Failure to heed the warning could result in serious eye damage.
NOTE: Additional information and comments regarding a specific component or procedure are

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highlighted in the form of a note.
CAUTION: THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD ONLY BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE AND IN
THE MANNER DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL.
IF YOU USE THE EQUIPMENT IN A MANNER OTHER THAN THAT FOR WHICH IT WAS
INTENDED, UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOR COULD RESULT POSSIBLY ACCOMPANIED
WITH HAZARDOUS CONSEQUENCES.
This manual provides information designed to guide you through the operation and maintenance of your new
equipment. Please read this manual and keep it available.
Occasionally, some instruments are customized for a particular application or features and/or options added
per customer requests. Please check the front of this manual for any additional information in the form of an
addendum which discusses specific information, procedures, cautions and warnings that may be peculiar to
your instrument.
Manuals do get lost. Additional manuals can be obtained from FPI at the address given below. Some of our
manuals are available in electronic form via the internet. Please visit our website at: www.fpi-inc.com.

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Important Notice
The customer should ensure that the principle of operating of this instrument is well understood by the
operator. Misuse of this equipment in any manner, tampering with its components, or unauthorized
substitution of any component may adversely impair intrinsic safety of this instrument. No user serviceable
components supplied within this instrument. Should the instrument not work properly, or indicate a fault or
warning, please refer to the maintenance & troubleshooting section of this manual and contact FPI or an
authorized service center immediately if further assistance required.
It is the customer's responsibility to ensure the operator is qualified to perform leak detection in the areas
where flammable and hazardous gases probably exist. Since the use of this instrument is beyond the control
of Focused Photonics Inc. (hereinafter referred to as FPI), no responsibility by FPI, its affiliates, and agents
for damage or injury from misuse or neglect of this equipment is implied or assumed.
1. Laser Radiation Hazard
WARNING: DO NOT VIEW DIRECTLY OR WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENT INTO
THE LASER BEAM. DO NOT POINT LASER BEAM INTOANOTHER PERSON’S EYE.
In conformity with IEC60825-1.2007, a class 1 laser is equipped on this instrument as the detector and a
class 2 or 3R laser used as the spotter.
1. Class 1 lasers and laser systems are considered safe and incapable of producing damaging laser radiation
levels during normal operation.
2. Class 2 is low-powered lasers with an output of approx. 1 MW continuous wave. All class 2 lasers
operate in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum of 400-700nm. Eye protection is usually
afforded by aversion response and blink reflex (0.25 seconds). However, a class 2 laser beam could be
hazardous if one were to intentionally expose the eyes for longer than 0.25 seconds.
3. Class 3R lasers operate at 1-5 MW of continuous wave. Direct viewing of the Class 3R laser beam could
be hazardous to the eyes.
2. General Cautions
1. When operating the instrument, if any unusual odor or smoke is emitted, fire or possible short circuit is
observed, power off the instrument immediately and remove the battery. Contact FPI or its authorized
service center for assistance.
2. If any liquid enters into the instrument, or damage caused to the instrument body, do not use it. Keep
using it may result in electric shock, fire or irreversible damage to the instrument. Contact FPI or its
authorized service center for assistance.

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3. When charging the battery, if any unusual odor or smoke is emitted, fire or possible short circuit is
observed, unplug the charger cable immediately and remove the battery. Contact FPI or its authorized
service center for assistance.
4. Do not charge or replace the battery in flammable or explosive atmospheres.
5. Do not insert any metallic or flammable material into the charger socket.
3. General Warnings
1. No attempt should be made to repair the instrument or substitute its components by other than trained
personnel of FPI. Unauthorized action may impair intrinsic safety of the instrument or cause irreversible
damage to the instrument.
2. Do use the shoulder strap and wrist strap to ease fatigue of the personnel who carrying the instrument for
continuous operation. Accidental fall may result in damage to the instrument or hurting operator in the
feet.
3. An accidental fall or severe strike may cause damage to the LCD screen and leaking of corrosive/toxic
liquid. Do not touch, inhale and ensure no splash of the liquid into the eyes.
4. Do not use any battery on the instrument other than the specified battery.
5. Do not short circuit the terminals of the battery. Do not store the battery with metallic or flammable
materials.
6. Do not try to disassemble or heat the battery, or cast the battery in fire. If the battery not properly
function, contact FPI or its authorized service center for assistance.
7. If any liquid leak from the battery, do not touch, inhale and ensure no splash of the liquid into the eyes.
8. Do not use any other than the specified AC adapter. Unplug the power cable when the battery charging
finished.
4. General Notes
1. When the instrument is not in use, power off and remove the battery.
2. If the instrument is operated in the environment with strong electromagnetic interference or electronic
noise, the detection may not properly function.
3. If the instrument is placed in the environment with high hydrogen sulfide or salinity, may shorten its life.
4. Operating temperature of this instrument is -20 ~ +50ºC and relative humidity is 30-95%, not to use in
condensing environment.

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5. Storage temperature of this instrument is -30 ~ +60 ºC and relative humidity is ≤90%, not to store in
humid or condensing environment.
6. Keep the instrument, battery, changer and other accessories always in the specified toolkit during storage,
transportation or return to repair.

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Content
Copyright © 2014 Focused Photonics Inc..................................................................................................ii
Warranty......................................................................................................................................................ii
Safety Messages ...........................................................................................................................................ii
Important Notice ........................................................................................................................................iv
Content...........................................................................................................................................................vii
1Introduction...............................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Overview............................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Features ................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.3. Principle of Operation........................................................................................................................... 2
1.4. Main Components................................................................................................................................. 2
1.5. Technical Data....................................................................................................................................... 3
2Packing List...............................................................................................................................................5
3Accessories & Fittings .............................................................................................................................. 6
3.1. Shoulder Strap.......................................................................................................................................6
3.2. Wrist Strap.............................................................................................................................................7
3.3. Battery Charging ...................................................................................................................................8
3.4. Lens Cover .......................................................................................................................................... 10
3.5. Sight Device........................................................................................................................................ 10
4Start/Stop................................................................................................................................................. 11
4.1. Start Detection..................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2. Stop Detection..................................................................................................................................... 11
4.3. Power off............................................................................................................................................. 11
5 Operation ....................................................................................................................................................13
5.1. Front Panel .......................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2. Start-up................................................................................................................................................14
5.3. Main Interface..................................................................................................................................... 14
5.4. System Menu....................................................................................................................................... 15
5.5. Alarm Level......................................................................................................................................... 16
5.6. Offset Value......................................................................................................................................... 16
5.7. Sound & Light..................................................................................................................................... 17
5.8. Brightness............................................................................................................................................ 17
5.9. System Settings................................................................................................................................... 18
5.9.1 Date & Time.............................................................................................................................. 18
5.9.2 Screen Standby.......................................................................................................................... 19
5.9.3 Language................................................................................................................................... 20
5.9.4 Wireless..................................................................................................................................... 20
5.9.5 Data storage............................................................................................................................... 21

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5.9.6 Status......................................................................................................................................... 21
5.10.Others..................................................................................................................................................22
5.10.1 Low Battery............................................................................................................................. 22
6Maintenance & Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................23
6.1. General Maintenance........................................................................................................................... 23
6.2. Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................... 23

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1Introduction
1.1. Overview
RLGD-100 the Remote Laser Gas Detector is an easy-to-operate portable device, capable of detecting
methane leaks by just pointing it towards the survey areas. Utilizing proprietary technology of Tunable
Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), the RLGD-100 detects methane only with no cross-
interference and will not false alarm on other gases. Featured OFFSET function further to eliminate the
methane in air from affecting detection accuracy.
The RLGD-100 detects methane leak in average concentration along sight line of the laser pass from a
remote distance. It enables easy access to hard-to-reach locations, and provides protection for operator and
industrial applications against a wide range of potential leak sources.
Fig.1-1 Field Survey
1.2. Features
Detects methane from a remote distance up to 30 meters
High sensitivity and ultra-fast response down to 0.1s
Alarm on methane leak only, no cross-interference from other gases
Self-test and automatic calibration before start-up
Easy to operate and maintenance free
Satisfy a continuous operation up to 8 hours
Visual and audible alarms
User-friendly LCD display
Wireless data logging

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1.3. Principle of Operation
The RLGD-100 is possible to detect methane leak from a remote distance by pointing it towards the survey
areas that are hard-to-reach. The methane absorbs a fraction of the laser light, the residual light is then
reflected by survey objectives (like pipeline, ceiling, wall and ground, etc.) to the detector. The methane
concentration is proportional to laser absorption by it thus analyzed and reported as ppm.m.
Fig.1-2 Working Principle
1.4. Main Components
The RLGD-100 main components are shown below as Fig.1-3.

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Fig.1-3 Main Components
1.5. Technical Data
The RLGD-100 technical datas are shown in below table .

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ITEM
DESCRIPTION
Detection Method
Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS)
Detection Gas
Methane (CH4) or Methane contained gases
Measurement Range
0~50,000 ppm·m
Detection Distance
0.5~30 m nominal, actual detection distance may vary from
objectives and conditions
Sensitivity
5 ppm·m at distance from 0-10m
Accuracy
±10% (100~1,000) ppm·m
Response Time
0.1s
Alarm Range
1~9,999 ppm·m
Alarm Modes
Audible tone, visual flash and concentration reported on the
display
Selftest & Calibration
Built-in self-test and automatic calibration before startup
Laser Safety Class
In conformity with IEC60825-1.2007, a class 1 laser is equipped
on this instrument as the detector and a class 2 or 3R laser used
as the spotter
Explosion Proof
Ex ib IIAT3 Gb
Enclosure Protection
IP54
Operating Conditions
(-20 ~ +50)ºC, (30~95)%RH (non-condensing)
Storage Conditions
(-30 ~ +60) ºC, ≤90%RH (non-condensing)
Power Supply
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery Duration
≥8h at 25 ºC under screen brightness level 3 and sound volume
level 2
Battery Charging Time
≤4h
Weight
<1.5kg

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2Packing List
The RLGD-100 is shipped with all components and accessories packed in a carry case. Carefully unpack the
instrument case and inspect it for damage. Immediately report any damage to the shipping agent.
The RLGD-100 consists of the Main Detecor and other accessories including Battery, AC Adaptor, Charger,
Shoulder Strap, Wrist Strap and User Manual.
Main Detector
Battery
AC Adaptor
Charger
Shoulder Strap
Wrist Strap
User Manual

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3Accessories & Fittings
This chapter is to demonstrate fully how to use below accessories & fittings.
Shoulder Strap
Wrist Strap
Battery Charging
Lens Cover
3.1. Shoulder Strap
Step 1: Thread the strap through mounting hole on the top of the handle.
Step 2: Thread the other end through the mounting hole on the side bottom of the handle.
Step 3: Move the buckle to adjust the strap to a proper length.

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3.2. Wrist Strap
Step 1: Thread the strap through mounting hole on the side bottom of the handle.
Step 2: Thread the other end through the mounting hole on the top of the handle.
Step 3: Move the buckle to adjust the strap to a proper length.

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3.3. Battery Charging
Step 1: Lay the battery into the charger.
Step 2: Connect the charger to the AC adapter.
Step 3: Plug to get power supply.
Step 4: Unplug and remove the battery after the charging finished.
CAUTION: DO NOT CHARGE THE BATTERY IN FLAMMABLE OR EXPLOSIVE
ATMOSPHERES.

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NOTE: The red indicator refers to under charging, the green indicator refers to charging
finished.
Step 5: Loose the screw and open the battery compartment lid.
Step 6: Put the battery into the compartment at right polarity.
Step 7: Put the lid back and tighten the screw.

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CAUTION: DO NOT LOAD OR REPLACE THE BATTERY IN FLAMMABLE OR
EXPLOSIVEATMOSPHERES.
3.4. Lens Cover
Remove the lens cover before operating the instrument.
NOTE: Keep the lens covered when the instrument is not in use.
3.5. Sight Device
Dependent to some probable conditions or if operates from a long distance where the spotter laser may not
be observed, the sight device on the top, as shown below Fig.3-1, can be used to aim the detector to the
objective.
Fig.3-1 Sight Device
Align all 3 planes (front
sight, rear sight, and the
target) of focus.

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4Start/Stop
4.1. Start Detection
Take off the lens cover, point the instrument towards the survey area and press detection switch (Fig.4-1
Detection Switch). The spotter laser emitted from the instrument is used to help align to the detection
target.
Fig.4-1 Detection Switch
NOTE: Detection value in white digits represents detection successfully finished, while the
detection value in grey digits is only for reference due to low laser intensity cannot ensure a high
accuracy.
4.2. Stop Detection
Press detection switch again, the spotter laser is off and the instrument enters to standby mode.
NOTE: Detection value and maximum value displayed every 0.5s, when detection stopped, last
values displayed. The 4 panel buttons are deactivated during operation status, and again will be
activated when detection stopped.
4.3. Power off
Press button about 3s, soon after heard of the beep tone, the instrument will power off.
Detection Switch

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NOTES:
1. A few factors that could possibly affect the detection: 1) extremely low methane may not able to be
detected; 2) Meteorological conditions (like strong wind or high temp) may cause quick dissipation of
the leak that not able to detect; 3) Condensated droplets on the lens due to severe temp difference
may impact the capability of detection.
2. Make sure that the survey objective is able to reflect infrared light.
3. Make sure that the alarm limit is set to meet safety detection needs.
4. Try to set offset value as close as possible to actual ambient methane, to minimize its influence.
5. An over-reflective objective may cause false alarm, check if light intensity is too strong, according to
which adjust detection angle to avoid over reflection.
6. The instrument may false alarm on the pipeline that is too thin (<10mm) possibly being penetrated
and detected actually the gas passing inside.
7. Please check if the time display right during every power-on of the instrument.
Tips:
1. Move steadily and scan smoothly, manage a relative slow moving rate.
2. Use adaptive scanning paths for specific survey areas. Scan known areas (like pipelines, or locations
where fixed gas detector employed) in ‘S’ path and unknown areas in ‘X’ path.
3. How to locate precisely the leak point? Survey the suspect area at a best possible position, if alarms,
do it repeatedly, meanwhile minish scanning scope and scan around till locate the point where alarm
continues.