GMI PS500 Instruction Manual

User Handbook
Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd
PS500

Issue 3
28/01/16
Part Number: 61095
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© 2015 Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd

iii
COPYRIGHT
This user handbook is copyright of Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd
(GMI) and the information contained within is for use only with the PS500.
Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission of GMI is prohibited.
LIABILITY
Every care has been taken in the preparation of this handbook, but GMI do
not accept any responsibility for errors or omissions and their consequences.
Information in this handbook is subject to change without notice. This handbook
does not constitute a specication or basis for a contract. Your statutory rights
under law are not affected.
MODIFICATION NOTICES
In view of the policy of continuous product improvement there may be operational
differences between the latest product and this handbook.
Go to, www.gmiuk.com/customer-support/manuals-handbooks/,to access the
latest issue.
SOFTWARE
Softwaresupplied,mayonlybeusedwiththePS500 andmaynotbecopiedwithout
the written permission of GMI. Reproduction or disassembly of such software is
prohibited. Ownership of software is not transferable and GMI does not guarantee
that the software operation will be error free or meet the customer’s requirements.
DISPOSAL ADVICE
When no longer in use, dispose of the instrument carefully and with respect for
the environment. Refer to WEEE directive statement, such as: In compliance
with the WEEE directive, GMI will dispose of the instrument, without charge, if
returned to GMI.
SAFETY
• The instrument must be regularly serviced and calibrated by fully trained
personnel in a safe area.
• Batteries: Alkaline batteries or *Rechargeable battery pack must be
exchanged (*and recharged) in a safe area and tted correctly before use.
Never use damaged batteries or expose to extreme heat.
See “4.3 BATTERY PACKS” on page 4-8.
• Only GMI replacement parts should be used.

iv
USER HANDBOOK
PS500
• If the instrument detects gas, follow your own organisation’s procedures and
operational guidelines.
• Gas can be dangerous and care should be taken in its use.
• Thisequipment is designed and manufactured toprotect against other hazards
as dened in paragraph 1.2.7 of Annex II of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
Any right of claim relating to product liability or consequential damage to any third
party against GMI is removed if the above warnings are not observed.
AREAS OF USE
Exposure to certain chemicals can result in a loss of sensitivity of the ammable
sensor. Where such environments are known or suspected it is recommended
that more frequent response checks are carried out. The chemical compounds
that can cause loss of sensitivity include Silicones, Lead, Halogens and Sulphur.
Do not use instrument in potentially hazardous atmospheres containing greater
than 21% Oxygen.
STORAGE, HANDLING AND TRANSIT
The batteries in the rechargeable pack contain considerable energy and care
should be taken in their handling and disposal.
The instrument is designed to handle harsh environments. The instrument is
sealed to IP65 and the sensing elements, sample inlet sealed to IP54. If not
subject to misuse or malicious damage, the instrument will provide many years
of reliable service.
Theinstrumentcancontainelectrochemicalsensors.Underconditionsofprolonged
storage these sensors should be removed. The sensor contains potentially
corrosiveliquidandcare should be taken when handling or disposing of thesensor,
particularly when a leak is suspected.
There are no special precautions to be taken when the instrument is in transit.
WARRANTY
The PS500 instrument has a warranty against faulty goods or workmanship of 2
years. Consumable parts are not included in this. These are covered under GMI
standard warranty conditions. For details, please contact GMI.

v
CONTENTS
COPYRIGHT..................................................................iii
LIABILITY.......................................................................iii
MODIFICATION NOTICES.............................................iii
SOFTWARE...................................................................iii
DISPOSAL ADVICE.......................................................iii
SAFETY..........................................................................iii
AREAS OF USE.............................................................iv
STORAGE, HANDLING AND TRANSIT.........................iv
WARRANTY...................................................................iv
INTRODUCTION................................................... 1-1
1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION...................................1-1
1.2 FEATURES...........................................................1-3
1.3 DATA LOGGING...................................................1-4
1.3.1 Viewing Data Logged Readings...................1-4
1.4 HYDROPHOBIC FILTER(S).................................1-4
1.5 CONSTRUCTION ................................................1-4
1.6 IDENTIFICATION LABEL.....................................1-4
1.7 CERTIFICATION..................................................1-5
1.7.1 Identication of Symbols ..............................1-5
1.7.2 Performance.................................................1-6

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USER HANDBOOK
PS500
OPERATION.......................................................... 2-1
2.1 OPERATING PROCEDURE.................................2-1
2.2 SWITCHING THE INSTRUMENT ON..................2-2
2.2.1 Instrument Identication ...............................2-3
2.2.2 Time and Date..............................................2-3
2.2.3 Calibration Due Date....................................2-4
2.2.4 Select Calibration Gas..................................2-5
2.2.5 Select VOC Target Gas ................................2-6
2.2.6 Sensor Conrmation Check .........................2-7
2.2.7 Normal Operating Display ............................2-9
2.3 SWITCHING THE DISPLAY BACKLIGHT ON / OFF
..................................................................................2-10
2.4 VIEWING THE MAXIMUMAND MINIMUM
RECORDED VALUES SINCE SWITCH ON .............2-10
2.5 MANUAL DATA LOG .........................................2-12
2.6 SELF TEST........................................................2-12
2.7 VOC TARGET GAS SELECTION ......................2-13
2.8 ALARMS RESET OR ACKNOWLEDGE ............2-14
2.8.1 Condence Signal ......................................2-16
2.9 SWITCHING THE INSTRUMENT OFF..............2-16
2.10 REMOTE SAMPLING (with pump option)........2-17
2.10.1 Pump Option ...........................................2-17
2.10.2 Assisted Diffusion Option .......................2-18
ALARMS................................................................ 3-1
3.1 GAS ALARMS ......................................................3-1
3.1.1 Flammable LEL Alarm Limit ........................3-1

vii
CONTENTS
3.1.2 Over-Range Flammable Gas Alarm Function ...
...............................................................................3-1
3.1.3 Oxygen (O2) Alarm Limits ............................3-1
3.1.4 Toxic Alarm Limits.........................................3-2
3.2 ACKNOWLEDGE GAS ALARMS.........................3-4
3.3 HIGH FLAMMABLE GAS OVER-RANGE ALARM....
....................................................................................3-5
3.4 FAULT ALARMS...................................................3-7
3.4.1 Low Battery ..................................................3-7
3.4.2 Zero Fault.....................................................3-7
3.4.3 Zero Fault - Only applicable to instruments with
CO2 sensor tted ...................................................3-9
3.4.4 Sensor Fault...............................................3-10
3.4.5 Sample Fault (Pumped Instruments Only) .3-12
3.4.6 Calibration Expired.....................................3-13
3.4.7 Service Required........................................3-13
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE ............................... 4-1
4.1 CLEANING...........................................................4-1
4.2 FILTER REPLACEMENT .....................................4-1
4.2.1 Sensor Grille Filter........................................4-2
4.2.2 Sample Inlet Filter ........................................4-4
4.2.3 In-line Hydrophobic Filter (Accessory) .........4-6
4.3 BATTERY PACKS ................................................4-8
4.3.1 Charging (Rechargeable) Battery Pack........4-8
4.3.2 Removing and Replacing a Battery Pack...4-14
4.3.3 Replacing Alkaline Batteries.......................4-16

viii
USER HANDBOOK
PS500
CALIBRATION....................................................... 5-1
5.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION...................................5-1
5.2 CALIBRATION VALIDITY ....................................5-2
ACCESSORIES..................................................... 6-1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION............................... 7-1
7.1 TRAINING............................................................7-1
7.2 GMI WEBSITE .....................................................7-1
PID SENSORS......................................................A-1
What is a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)? ......A-1
How can a VOC be measured?..............................A-1
Maintenance and Cleaning of PID sensors............A-1
Response Factors ..................................................A-2
TYPICAL OPERATING PARAMETERS................B-1
Physical Properties.................................................B-1
Environment ...........................................................B-1
Typical Flow Rate Information................................B-1
Warm-up / Stabilization Time .................................B-1
Response Time (T90).............................................B-1
INDEX.........................................................................i

1-1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
ThePS500 combines qualityandruggedness inauser friendly,
portable gas detector. Small and lightweight, it is suitably
certied to recognised International Standards.
Fig. 1.1 PS500 Instrument
The PS500 is used for confined space applications, for
example, in sewers, underground piping or within tanks,
and other personal monitoring applications. Its high intensity
audible and bright visual alarms provide early warning of
dangerous gas levels.
The instrument is operated by two buttons providing the user
with a simple to use gas detector.
1

1-2
USER HANDBOOK
PS500
Up to ve gases can be monitored from the following list:
• 0 to 100% LEL Hydrocarbons
• 0 to 25% Oxygen (O2)
• 0 to 100 ppm Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)
• 0 to 1000 ppm Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Dual Sensor - Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) / Carbon
Monoxide (CO).
• 0 to 30 ppm Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
• 0 to 100 ppm Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
• 0 to 10 ppm Chlorine (Cl2)
• 0 to 20 ppm Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
• 0 to 100 ppm Ammonia (NH3)
• 0 to 300 ppm Nitric Oxide (NO)
• 0 to 5% Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
• 0 to 100 ppm Phosphine* (PH3)
• 0 to 20 ppm Benzene* (C6H6)
• Volatile Organic Compounds* (VOC)
»Range = 0 to 100 ppm or 0 to 1000 ppm
»Resolution = 0.1 ppm or 1 ppm
Note*: The Photo Ionisation Detector (PID) type sensor is
used for detection of PH3, C6H6and VOC gases.
For further details of PID sensors, see “PID
SENSORS” on page A-1.

1-3
INTRODUCTION
The instrument display identies the gas(es) the instrument is
monitoring. A ve gas instrument display is shown in Fig. 1.2:
Fig. 1.2 (5-Gas) Display Example
Note: This Handbook describes the operation of a typical
ve gas instrument. Congurable options are detailed
in italic text.
1.2 FEATURES
The main features of the instrument are:
• Integral impact resistant housing.
• Two button user operation.
• Up to ve gases detected simultaneously.
• Alphanumeric display with backlight.
• High intensity audible and visual alarms.
• Condence signal (green LED’s and/or sounder).
• Self test.
• Built-in electric pump (optional).
• Automatic & manual data logging.
• Three types of battery pack: Long Duration, Fast Charge,
and Alkaline. For operational lifetime, see “Table 4.1
Battery Life” on page 4-8.

1-4
USER HANDBOOK
PS500
1.3 DATA LOGGING
Datalogging allows gas values, summary logs and calibration
detailsto be logged atregular intervals and laterdownloaded.
1.3.1 Viewing Data Logged Readings
Datalogged readingscan bedownloaded fromthe instrument,
to a PC, using GMI software and communication adaptor.
Contact our Sales Department at GMI for further details.
1.4 HYDROPHOBIC FILTER(S)
Filter(s), if tted, should be checked regularly and replaced if
contaminated. See “4.2 FILTER REPLACEMENT” on page
4-1.
1.5 CONSTRUCTION
Theinstrument ishoused ina tough,impact resistantmoulded
case. The instrument is sealed to IP65 and the sensing
elements, sample inlet and charging socket sealed to IP54.
The instrument withstands physical impact testing to EN
61779.
1.6 IDENTIFICATION LABEL
The label on the rear of the instrument contains the serial
number and certication details (this serial number also
appears on the instrument display after switch on, during
warm-up).

1-5
INTRODUCTION
1.7 CERTIFICATION
The PS500 instrument is certied as follows:
ATEX II 1 G EEx ia IIB T3
or
ATEX II 2 G EEx ia d IIC T3
or
ATEX II 2 G EEx ia d IIC T4
1.7.1 Identication of Symbols
Certication No. DEMKO03 ATEX 133803X
EEx ia IIB T3
Sira 05 ATEX 2295
EEx ia d IIC T3 or EEx ia d IIC T4

1-6
USER HANDBOOK
PS500
0038/YY Marine Equipment Directive (Module B&E)
(European mark of Conformity)
*UL 913 Class I, Div 1 Groups A, B, C, D
Note*: Excludes NDIR sensor option.
1.7.2 Performance
This apparatus conforms to standard EN 50104.
Complies with:
EN 61779 (Flammable)
EN 45544 (Toxic)
Classied as to intrinsic safety only:
WARNING
Theinstrumentis notfor use inOxygen enrichedatmospheres.
WARNING
Rechargeable battery pack must be recharged and replaced
in a non-hazardous area.
WARNING
To prevent ignition of ammable or combustible atmospheres,
disconnect power (i.e. remove battery pack) before servicing.
WARNING
Replace battery pack only with GMI Part No. 66701, 66702
or 66703.
WARNING
Do not mix new batteries with used batteries, or mix batteries
from different manufacturers.

2-1
2
OPERATION
2.1 OPERATING PROCEDURE
Before use, check the following:
• The instrument is clean and in good condition.
• The battery pack is in good condition, fully charged and
tted correctly.
• The hydrophobic lter is clean and in good condition.
• The sample line and any other accessories are in good
condition and leak-free.
• All gas ranges are operational and the instrument is
zeroed.
• The instrument is within the calibration period.
Each time you use the instrument, carry out the following
procedure:
• Switchinstrument on in fresh airand checkthat thebattery
pack is charged.
• Check there are no faults.
• Attach optional accessories, as required.
• If oxygen sensor is tted, check oxygen readings to ensure
correct operation. The oxygen sensor responds to the
user breathing on the instrument front grille by displaying
a decreased value, i.e. below 20.9%.
• Switch the instrument off, in fresh air, after use.

2-2
USER HANDBOOK
PS500
2.2 SWITCHING THE INSTRUMENT ON
Press and hold the button for one second to switch the
instrument on.
Fig. 2.1 PS500 Button Operation
Theinstrument begins its warm-up routine, a countdown timer
appears in the top centre of the display.
Note: The display backlight illuminates during warm-
up. When warm-up is completed, the backlight
automatically switches off.
LEFT BUTTON RIGHT BUTTON

2-3
OPERATION
2.2.1 Instrument Identication
During warm-up, the instrument display identies the model,
serialnumber,software version,dataloggingoption andbattery
status information as shown in Fig. 2.2.
Fig. 2.2 Instrument Identication
2.2.2 Time and Date
Thetime and date is displayed on the screenduring warm-up,
as shown in Fig. 2.3.
Fig. 2.3 Time and Date

2-4
USER HANDBOOK
PS500
2.2.3 Calibration Due Date
The calibration due date appears on the display, as shown
in Fig. 2.4.
A congurable option is available not to display this screen.
Fig. 2.4 Calibration Due Date
Ifthe Calibration Due Date hasexpired, the audibleand visual
alarms activate and Fig. 2.5 is displayed during warm-up.
Fig. 2.5 Calibration Expired
Press the button to cancel the audible / visual alarm, and
continue to the next display.
A congurable option is available to force the user to switch
off the instrument.

2-5
OPERATION
2.2.4 Select Calibration Gas
This congurable option is available to allow the user to select
a different ammable gas from that which was originally used
to calibrate the instrument.
When this option is displayed, as shown in Fig. 2.6, the gas
that was originally used to calibrate the instrument is identied
between two arrowheads.
Note: The instrument calibration certicate also identies
the original calibration gas type.
Fig. 2.6 Cal Gas Selection
To select a different gas type, press the button to scroll
through the available options.
When the required option is highlighted, press and hold the
button to select.
Note: Accuracy for the re-selected gas type is +20%.

2-6
USER HANDBOOK
PS500
2.2.5 Select VOC Target Gas
This congurable option is available to allow the user to select
a different VOC gas from that which was originally used to
calibrate the instrument.
When this option is displayed, as shown in Fig. 2.7, the VOC
gas that was originally used to calibrate the instrument is
identied between two arrowheads.
Note: The instrument calibration certicate also identies
the original calibration gas type.
Fig. 2.7 VOC Gas Selection
To select a different VOC gas, press the button to scroll
through the available options.
When the required option is highlighted, press and hold the
button to select.
Note: Accuracy for the re-selected gas type is +20%.