GE PM880 How to use

PM880
Portable Hygrometer

August 2003
Process Control Instruments
PM880 Portable Hygrometer
Operation & Installation Guide 910-247A

iii
August 2003
Warranty
Each instrument manufactured by GE Panametrics is warranted to
be free from defects in material and workmanship. Liability under
this warranty is limited to restoring the instrument to normal
operation or replacing the instrument, at the sole discretion of GE
Panametrics. Fuses and batteries are specifically excluded from
any liability. This warranty is effective from the date of delivery
to the original purchaser. If GE Panametrics determines that the
equipment was defective, the warranty period is:
•one year from delivery for electronic or mechanical failures
•one year from delivery for sensor shelf life
If GE Panametrics determines that the equipment was damaged
by misuse, improper installation, the use of unauthorized
replacement parts, or operating conditions outside the guidelines
specified by GE Panametrics, the repairs are not covered under
this warranty.
The warranties set forth herein are exclusive and are in
lieu of all other warranties whether statutory, express
or implied (including warranties or merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose, and warranties arising
from course of dealing or usage or trade).

August 2003
iv
Return Policy
If a GE Panametrics instrument malfunctions within the warranty
period, the following procedure must be completed:
1. Notify GE Panametrics, giving full details of the problem, and
provide the model number and serial number of the
instrument. If the nature of the problem indicates the need for
factory service, GE Panametrics will issue a RETURN
AUTHORIZATION NUMBER (RAN), and shipping
instructions for the return of the instrument to a service center
will be provided.
2. If GE Panametrics instructs you to send your instrument to a
service center, it must be shipped prepaid to the authorized
repair station indicated in the shipping instructions.
3. Upon receipt, GE Panametrics will evaluate the instrument to
determine the cause of the malfunction.
Then, one of the following courses of action will then be taken:
•If the damage is covered under the terms of the warranty, the
instrument will be repaired at no cost to the owner and
returned.
•If GE Panametrics determines that the damage is not covered
under the terms of the warranty, or if the warranty has expired,
an estimate for the cost of the repairs at standard rates will be
provided. Upon receipt of the owner’s approval to proceed, the
instrument will be repaired and returned.

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August 2003
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Features and Capabilities
The PM880 Hygrometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Display and Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
M Series and TF Series Moisture Probes. . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Moisture Image Series Probe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9
The User Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10
Chapter 2: Initial Setup
Choosing a Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Moisture/Temperature Probe Considerations . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Sample System Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Installing the Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Connecting the Probe to the PM880 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Charging and/or Replacing Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Charging the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Replacing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Powering On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Using the Screen and Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Obtaining On-Line Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Chapter 3: Programming Site Data
Entering the Program Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Entering Probe Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Entering Calibration Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Entering Moisture Calibration Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Entering Pressure Calibration Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Entering Saturation Constants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Entering Probe Identification Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Entering the System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
Entering User Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18

August 2003
vi
Table of Contents (cont.)
Chapter 4: Creating and Managing Sites
The Site Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Creating a New Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Opening an Existing Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Saving a Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
Saving a Site with a Different Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Refreshing a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
Renaming a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
Deleting a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-10
Creating a Site Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11
Printing a Current Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-13
Transferring a Site File to a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-13
Transferring a File from a PC to the PM880 . . . . . . .4-15
Listing Files by Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18
Listing Files in Chronological Order. . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18
Chapter 5: Displaying and Configuring Data
The Format Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
The View Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
The Limits Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
The Measurement Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7
Customizing the Display Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9
Specifying the Number of Displayed Parameters . . .5-10
Customizing Softkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11
Managing Files — The Drive Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-14
Transferring a File to a PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16
Transferring a File from a PC to the PM880 . . . . . . .5-17
Refreshing a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19
Deleting a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19
Listing Files by Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Listing Files in Chronological Order. . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21
Accessing Meter Data —The About Option . . . . . . . . . .5-22

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August 2003
Table of Contents (cont.)
Chapter 6: Programming Meter Settings
Entering the Meter Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Selecting Measurement Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
The Battery Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Entering Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Changing Date and Time Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Adjusting the Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10
Setting Backlight Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-12
Changing the Display Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-13
Changing Communications Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-14
Setting Up User Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-17
Taking a Bitmap Capture
of a Current Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-21

August 2003
viii
Table of Contents (cont.)
Chapter 7: Logging Data
Entering the Logging Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
The Log Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
The File Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
Setting up a New Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
Copying (Cloning) a Selected Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-10
Renaming a Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-11
Deleting a Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-11
Deleting All Logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12
Refreshing the Log Manager Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12
Printing a Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-13
Transferring a Log to a PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-14
The Log Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-15
Stopping (Pausing) a Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16
Restarting a Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16
Ending a Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16
Stopping All Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-17
Restarting All Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-17
Ending All Logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-17
View All Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-17
The View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-18
Displaying Log Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-19
Displaying Log Data in Graphical Form . . . . . . . . . .7-20
Displaying Log Data in Spreadsheet Form . . . . . . . .7-23
The Sort Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-24
Listing Logs by Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-24
Listing Logs in Chronological Order. . . . . . . . . . . . .7-24

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August 2003
Table of Contents (cont.)
Chapter 8: Servicing the PM880
Entering the Service Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
Printing Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
Testing the Screen, Keys and Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5
Testing the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-6
Testing the Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7
Testing the Watchdog Timer Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-8
Entering Reference Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Entering Hygrometry Reference Values . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Entering Pressure Reference Values . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10
Resetting to Factory Default Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-11
Updating PM880 Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12
Updating Software Via IrOBEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-13
Updating Software Via IrCOMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-15
Viewing or Changing Security Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-19
Checking Security Levels and
Remote Access Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-20
Viewing or Changing the Security Passcodes . . . . . .8-22
Chapter 9: Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Error Code Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-2
Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-5
Chapter 10: Specifications
Overall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2
Hardware Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2
Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2
Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2
Operational Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-4
Moisture Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-4
Dew/frost Point Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-5
Temperature Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-5
Pressure Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-6
Sample System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-6
Available Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-7

August 2003
x
Table of Contents (cont.)
Appendix A: Application of the Hygrometer
Moisture Monitor Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Response Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
Flow Rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6
Contaminants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Non-Conductive Particulates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Conductive Particulates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Corrosive Particulates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Aluminum Oxide Probe Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9
Corrosive Gases And Liquids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11
Materials of Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12
Calculations and Useful Formulas in Gas Applications. A-13
Nomenclature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13
Parts per Million by Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14
Parts per Million by Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15
Relative Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15
Weight of Water per Unit Volume of Carrier Gas. . A-16
Weight of Water per Unit Weight of Carrier Gas . . A-16
Comparison of PPMV Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . A-26
Liquid Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-27
Theory of Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-27
Moisture Content Measurement in Organic Liquids A-27
Empirical Calibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-34
Solids Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-40
Appendix B: Menu Maps
Appendix C: Establishing IR Communications with the
PM880
Windows 2000/XP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Windows NT4.0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Windows Me/98SE/98/95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Features and Capabilities 1-1
August 2003
Chapter 1
Features and Capabilities
The Model PM880 is a microprocessor-based portable single-
channel hygrometer designed to measure dissolved moisture
concentration in gases and non-aqueous liquids. This highly-
advanced industrial analyzer is adaptable to many applications,
and is certified intrinsically safe for use in hazardous locations.
The PM880 combines the use of hardware and software to make a
variety of measurements. First, a user connects a moisture probe
(with an optional temperature thermistor or pressure transducer)
to the top of the meter using several types of cables. The user then
installs the probe into the process using a sample system. The
sample system delivers a sample of the process to the probe; the
probe then sends a signal to the PM880, which interprets the
signal and converts it into a moisture measurement.
The complete analyzer, including the hygrometer, cables and
measurement probes, forms a “system” designed to monitor a
process accurately and reliably. The following sections discuss
each part of this system.

August 2003
1-2 Features and Capabilities
The PM880 Hygrometer
The center of the measurement system is the PM880 hygrometer.
It includes a Liquid Crystal Display, a membrane keypad, menu
keys, an infrared port, and a probe connection. See Figures 1-1
below and 1-2 on page 1-3.
Figure 1-1: The PM880 Hygrometer

Features and Capabilities 1-3
August 2003
The PM880 Hygrometer (cont.)
Figure 1-2: Probe Connection and Infrared Transceiver
The top of the PM880 (shown in Figure 1-2 above) includes an
input for connecting moisture probes. (Input connections for the
M Series, TF Series and Moisture Image Series probes are
intrinsically safe.) An internal infrared transceiver enables
communication between the meter and other IR devices,
particularly the IR ports or dongles (IR to RS232 adapters) of
Windows®-based PCs. Users can send and receive site and log
data; they can also program the meter via the optional PanaView
software interface. The PM880 was designed for use with
products that comply to the IrDA protocol. For more information
on establishing IR communications between the PM880 and your
PC, refer to Appendix C.
•To transfer files between the PM880 and PC, see Managing
Files — the Drive Manager on page 5-14.
•To transfer a log from the PM880 to a PC, see page 7-14.
Infrared
Transceiver
Probe Cable Input

August 2003
1-4 Features and Capabilities
Display and Keypad
The PM880 front panel (shown in Figure 1-1 on page 1-2) has a
240 X 200 pixel LCD display, which can show data in either
alphanumeric or graphic formats. Below the display, the 25-key
keypad enables users to program and operate the PM880. The
functions for the various keys are discussed in Chapter 2.

Features and Capabilities 1-5
August 2003
Probes
Probes are the part of the system that come into contact with the
process flow. The PM880 uses various types of probes to fit the
needs of a wide range of applications.
The term “probe” includes devices such as moisture sensors and
pressure transducers. Although you can supply your own probes
for certain measurements, GE Panametrics provides the following
standard probes to make moisture, temperature, and pressure
measurements:
•Moisture (M) Series - moisture and temperature (in gases and
liquids)
•Three Function (TF) Series and Moisture Image Series Probes
- moisture, temperature, and pressure (in gases and liquids)
Note: The PM880 only works with standard GE Panametrics
probes.
The most commonly used probes are discussed in more detail
below.
M Series and TF Series Moisture Probes
The M Series and the TF Series probes are very similar. Both
probes use the GE Panametrics aluminum oxide sensors to
measure moisture, and a thermistor bead to measure temperature
(the thermistor is optional). The TF Series, however, also has an
optional built-in strain-gage-type pressure transducer. The sensor
assemblies are secured to a probe mount and are usually protected
with a sintered stainless-steel shield (TF-9 probes do not have a
shield). Other types of shields are available. See Figures 1-3 and
1-4 on page 1-6.
If the optional temperature thermistor or pressure transducer is
not used, the user can enter fixed values for temperature and
pressure into the PM880 memory.

August 2003
1-6 Features and Capabilities
M Series and TF Series Moisture Probes (cont.)
Figure 1-3: The M Series Probe
Figure 1-4: The TF Series Probe
Although the M and the TF Series probes may be installed
directly in the process line, more often these probes are inserted
into a sample system. The sample system protects the probes and
enables the user to easily remove the probes for calibrating,
servicing and cleaning. Sample systems also control various
process and environmental conditions so that the moisture probe
or sample system operates within specifications.
The M and the TF Series probes, when operated with a
BASEEFA-approved PM880, are intrinsically safe (see Chapter
10, Specifications) and designed to meet the requirements of IEC/
CENELEC zone 0 areas.

Features and Capabilities 1-7
August 2003
M Series and TF Series Moisture Probes (cont.)
The M and TF Series probes measure moisture content in a
standard range from -110°C to 20°C (-166°F to 68°F) dew/frost
point temperature and optionally from -110°C to 60°C (-166°F to
140°F). Both probes optionally measure temperature in a range of
-30°C to 70°C (-22°F to 158°F). The TF probe optionally
measures pressure from 30-300/50-500/100-1000/300-3000/500-
5000 PSIG.
Moisture Image Series Probe
The Moisture Image Series Probe measures moisture,
temperature (optional), and pressure (optional). The Moisture
Image Series Probe has its own electronics module that consists
of a built-in microcontroller with 16-bit resolution. See Figure 1-
5 on page 1-8.
The electronics module stores the probe calibration and reference
data in non-volatile memory; therefore, the user never needs to
enter the data by hand. The Moisture Image Series Probe also
features continuous compensation of its own analog circuitry to
assure long-term electronic stability.
The Moisture Image Series Probe, when operated with a
BASEEFA-approved PM880, is intrinsically safe (see Chapter
10, Specifications, for BASEEFA certification numbers) and
designed to meet the requirements of IEC/CENELEC zone 0
areas.
The Moisture Image Series Probe measures moisture content in a
standard range from -110°C to 20°C (-166°F to 68°F) dew/frost
point temperature and optionally from -110°C to 60°C (-166°F to
140°F). In addition, it can be used to measure temperature in a
range of -30°C to 70°C (-22°F to 158°F) and pressure from 30-
300/50-500/100-1000/300-3000/500-5000 PSIG.

August 2003
1-8 Features and Capabilities
Moisture Image Series Probe (cont.)
Figure 1-5: The Moisture Image Series Probe
Electronics Module

Features and Capabilities 1-9
August 2003
Cabling
Each probe requires an interconnecting cable. Cables differ
depending on the probe. The various cables are discussed below
under the appropriate probe type. All of these cable assemblies
can be ordered from GE Panametrics.
M Series and TF Series Probes
The M and the TF Series probes are connected to the analyzer
with a special GE Panametrics shielded cable. Probes can be
located up to 600 meters (2,000 feet) from the PM880 (consult
GE Panametrics for distances up to 1,200 meters). To measure
pressure with a TF probe, the maximum cable length is
approximately 152 meters (500 feet).
Moisture Image Series Probe
The Moisture Image Series Probe can be connected to the PM880
with an unshielded, twisted-pair cable. The probe may be located
up to 915 meters (3,000 feet) from the analyzer using 22 AWG
twisted pair cable. (Consult GE Panametrics for longer cable
lengths.)

August 2003
1-10 Features and Capabilities
The User Program
On the PM880, users access and control the user program by
pressing the Menu key at the bottom of the keypad. This program
enables users to enter the necessary probe and calibration data,
set up the display, log data, and perform service functions. The
meter stores this data in battery-backed RAM.
The user program consists of five main menus:
•SITE - allows users to store site data in files for current and
future access, as well as to set up soft keys and display views
(see Chapter 5).
•PROGRAM - enables users to enter probe, calibration and
system data, as well as user functions (see Chapter 3).
•METER - permits users to check and condition the battery,
select desired units, language and date/time displays, adjust
screen contrast and backlight, program user tables, enter
communication settings, and set up screen captures (see
Chapter 6).
•LOGGING - allows users to set up and view logs, and to
handle log files (see Chapter 7).
•SERVICE - enables users to view reports, test the screen and
keys, check MIS Probe setup, restore Factory Default settings,
change security settings, and update software (see Chapter 8).
In addition, pressing the [SEL] key in Operate Mode (rather than
in Menu Mode) allows users to access and change individual
views and measurements (Chapter 4). Pressing the [?] key opens
an on-line help menu for the various menus within the user
program (page 2-19).