H2Scan HY-ALERTA 500 User manual

HY-ALERTA™500 Handheld Hydrogen Leak Detector

HY-ALERTATM 500 HANDHELD HYDROGEN LEAK
DETECTOR OPERATING MANUAL
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Our Mission
Deliver unsurpassed value and optimize green initiatives with our one of a
kind continuous hydrogen-specific sensing technology worldwide.
Our Value Propositions
Enable end-user customers to efficiently and effectively optimize:
Electric utility power transformer fleet and other oil-filled assets (Grid)
Petroleum refinery and other industrial process control
Facility and equipment safety to minimize downtime
...at a much lower total costs of ownership than the competition.
Our Strategic Objectives
H2scan's technology accepted as the new gold standard in hydrogen
sensors. H2scan's business recognized for innovation and ingenuity, high
quality products and systems, application -specific solutions, and
exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
H2scan's success results from teamwork, strategic partnerships and market
leadership leading to sales growth and improved profitability.

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CONTENTS
1DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................................................5
2SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................................................................................5
3OPERATION ...........................................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Startup...........................................................................................................................................................7
3.2 Shutdown ......................................................................................................................................................7
4BATTERY LEVEL....................................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Normal Operation..........................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Hydrogen-Free Areas....................................................................................................................................9
4.3 Reset Operation............................................................................................................................................9
4.4 Zero Operation..............................................................................................................................................9
5KEYPAD..................................................................................................................................................................9
5.1 Numerical Changes.......................................................................................................................................9
5.2 Top Level Keypad Functions ........................................................................................................................9
5.3 General Keypad Functions .........................................................................................................................10
5.4 Information Display .....................................................................................................................................10
5.5 Firmware Revision ......................................................................................................................................10
5.6 Serial Number:............................................................................................................................................10
5.7 Factory Calibration Date: ............................................................................................................................10
5.8 Reset Sensor ..............................................................................................................................................10
5.9 Zero Sensor ................................................................................................................................................10
6HYDROGEN SENSING CONSIDERATIONS.......................................................................................................10
7BUMP TEST..........................................................................................................................................................11
8BATTERY CHARGING..........................................................................................................................................11
9CLEANING ............................................................................................................................................................11
10 TROUBLESHOOTING.........................................................................................................................................11
11 MENU STRUCTURE...........................................................................................................................................12
12 EUROPEAN DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY...............................................................................................14

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IMPORTANT NOTICES
Read and understand this operating manual before installing or using the unit.
Only use cables, battery pack, battery charger, and AC/DC power supply from H2scan with this unit.
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by H2scan, the protection provided by this equipment may be
impaired.
Hydrogen is flammable at 4% in air. Take indications seriously and be prepared to take action. In the event of
detection of 4% or higher of a hydrogen gas concentration there is a high probability of a hazard to safety. Inform
local emergency response personnel immediately.
Any exposure to condensation will damage the sensor. The sensor die is made of a Palladium Nickel film and is
sensitive to any form of condensation (organic and aqueous). Keep the sensor die dry.
Limitation of Liability: SELLER SHALL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL,
PUNITIVE, OR OTHER DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF BUSINESS OR PROFIT, PROMOTIONAL OR MANUFACTURING
EXPENSES, INJURY TO REPUTATION, OR LOSS OF CUSTOMER, BASED ON ANY ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF WARRANTY, STRICT
LIABILITY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY ARISING OUT OF THE USE, MISUSE, PURCHASE, SALE OR
POSSESSION OF ITS GOODS OR ITS PERFORMANCE OF THIS CONTRACT TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH LIABILITY EXTENDS SELLER’S
OBLIGATIONS BEYOND THE PRICE PAID BY BUYER TO SELLER FOR THE ITEM ON WHICH SUCH CLAIM IS BASED. SELLER ADVISES BUYER
TO PERFORM ACCEPTABLE TESTS ON ALL HARDWARE PRIOR TO DEPLOYMENT AND TO PERFORM MAINTENANCE AS DESCRIBED IN THE
SELLER’S INSTRUCTION GUIDE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE EQUIPMENT PROVIDED HEREUNDER BE USED IN A MANNER
WHERE IT IS THE SOLE PROTECTIVE SYSTEM FOR FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL SAFETY; THE EQUIPMENT IS INTENDED
FOR USE IN CONUNCTION WITH OTHER APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS.
LIMITED WARRANTY
H2scan Limited Warranty: Each hydrogen instrument (“Product”) will conform, as to all substantial operational features, to the Product
specifications set forth this Manual and will be free of defects which substantially affect such Product’s performance for twelve (12) months from
the ship date for such Product.
Must Provide Notice of Defect: If you believe a Product that you believe is defective, you must notify H2scan in writing, within ten (10) days of
receipt of such Product, of your claim regarding any such defect.
Return Product to H2scan for Repair, Replacement or Credit: If the Product is found defective by H2scan, H2scan’s sole obligation under this
warranty is to either (i) repair the Product, (ii) replace the Product, or (iii) issue a credit for the purchase price for such Product, the particular
remedy to be determined [by H2scan] on a case-by-case basis.
Voided Warranty: H2scan’s 12 Month Limited Warranty is void for any of the following:
The unit is opened and the manufacturing seal is broken
Unauthorized repair work performed at the customer’s location or carried out by anyone other than H2scan’s factory trained technicians
Equipment or parts that have been tampered with, misused, neglected, mishandled, improperly adjusted, or modified in any way without the
written consent of H2scan.
Equipment or parts that have been damaged due to shipping, misuse, accidents, mishandling, neglect, or problems with electrical power sources.
Repair work performed during the warranty period does not prolong the warranty period past the original period.
System operation in incorrect or inappropriate environments.
Usage that is not in accordance with system guidelines or an operator’s failure to follow manual instructions.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY: THE ABOVE IS A LIMITED WARRANTY AS IT IS THE ONLY WARRANTY MADE
BY H2SCAN. H2SCAN MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AND EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES
ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. YOUR SOLE
REMEDY HEREUNDER IS REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT OR A CREDIT FOR THE
PURCHASE PRICE FOR SUCH PRODUCT, THE PARTICULAR REMEDY TO BE DETERMINED BY H2SCAN ON
A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. H2SCAN SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER
THIS AGREEMENT FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE STATED EXPRESS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL
LIABILITIES OR OBLIGATIONS OF H2SCAN FOR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE
DELIVERY, USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCTS.

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1 DESCRIPTION
H2scan believes that protecting lives means being able to locate and find hydrogen leak as quickly as possible. With
two sensing elements on the same semiconductor die, the HY-ALERTA™500 can detect hydrogen leaks as low as
15 ppm and will not saturate or be destroyed when detecting concentrations of hydrogen up to 100%. The flexible
cable allows the sensor probe access to virtually all potential leak sources.
2 SPECIFICATIONS
Sensitivity Range:
0.0015% (15 ppm) to 100% hydrogen by volume in air.
Response Time:
Indication of hydrogen within seconds.
Stabilization to final value depends on concentration.
Ambient Temperatures:
Operating: 0°C to +40 °C
Storage: -20°C to +45 °C
Relative Humidity:
0-95% non-condensing
Power:
Internal rechargeable Lithium Ion battery yields over 10 hours of operation and is
recharged in 4 hours with included charger.
Battery charger input: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 0.6A.
Environmental:
Indoor/Outdoor Use
Altitude up to 2000 meters
Pollution degree 2 environment
Ingress Protection:
IP64 capable
Calibration Period:
Recommended factory calibration on a 12 month basis.
Weight:
975 g (2.15 lb.) unit and carrying pouch
2.2 kg (5 lb.) shipping weight (unit with accessories)
Product Life Expectancy:
10 years
Certifications:

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Coiled Cord
Sensor Probe
Controller
Controller Carry Pouch
Battery Charger with Regional Plugs

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3 OPERATION
3.1 STARTUP
To power-up the HY-ALERTA™ 500, press and hold the ON/OFF button until the Controller LCD display
indicates an operational message.
Warning: Only power-up the instrument in a hydrogen-free environment.
After power is on, the instrument takes about ten minutes to warm-up. During this time the LCD displays a
countdown to completion and the Probe Tip LED is amber. The following operations occur:
The Wide Range Sensor® reaches operating temperature.
A system self-test is run.
Upon successful completion of the above tasks the instrument zeroes itself and automatically switches to
normal operation. If an error is detected the instrument will display an error code (see Section 10).
3.2 SHUTDOWN
To power-down the HY-ALERTA™ 500, press and hold the ON/OFF button for approximately two seconds
until the Controller LCD display turns off.
4 BATTERY LEVEL
After power-on the BATTERY LED indicates the current battery level (times are approximate, and may vary as the
battery ages.)
Color
Meaning
Green
more than 60 minutes of operation remaining
Amber
approximately 15 to 60 minutes of operation remaining
Red
less than approximately 15 minutes of operation remaining
A fully charged battery should last 10 to15 hours, depending on use.
There is a small load on the battery when the unit is powered off. This load will discharge the battery of the unit in it’s
powered off state in about 6 months. Customers that do not use the device frequently should charge the battery and
perform a bump test with hydrogen gas every one to three months to keep the battery charged and ready for use.
4.1 NORMAL OPERATION
During normal operation the instrument is detecting and reporting the hydrogen concentration near the probe
tip sensor. Hydrogen readings are displayed on the controller LCD and the probe tip LED bar graph array.
Note that due to the extreme sensitivity of the sensor, it may take several minutes to return to a near zero (less
than 0.001%) reading after exposure to hydrogen. If the instrument does not return to an indication of less
than 0.001% after 5 minutes in a hydrogen-free environment, then invoke the Reset operation (See Section
4.3).
The upper line of the Controller LCD indicates a numerical value or range for the percent hydrogen
concentration or peak hydrogen value. The lower line is used to display the hydrogen meter, a logarithmic bar
graph ranging from 0.001% (10 ppm) to 100% hydrogen by volume. An open box on the bar indicates the last
peak value obtained and filled boxes indicate the current value. The following figure describes how to interpret
the hydrogen meter:

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The Probe Tip LED Indicator shows an increase or decrease in hydrogen concentration. Leak detection is
accomplished by watching the Probe Tip LED and the bar graph array and moving the sensor around a
potential hydrogen leak.
The number of yellow LEDs lit in the Probe LED bar graph array indicates detected hydrogen concentrations in
four ranges as noted below:
> 0.002
> 0.005
> 0.010
> 0.022
> 0.046
> 0.100
> 0.220
> 0.460
> 1.000
> 2.200
> 4.600
> 10.00
> 22.00
> 46.00
> 100.0
> 0.001
Hydrogen = 4.67%
Solid Green - Unit ready
- < 15 ppm hydrogen
Pulsing Green
- Decreasing H2 level
Solid Amber - System startup
- Steady H2 level
Pulsing Red - Increasing H2 level
Alternating Red, Green - Fluctuating H2 level
Probe Tip Colors
1 Yellow LED:
> 0.01% hydrogen
> 100 ppm
2 Yellow LEDs:
> 0.1% hydrogen
> 1,000 ppm
3 Yellow LEDs:
> 1% hydrogen
> 10,000 ppm
4 Yellow LEDs:
> 10% hydrogen
> 100,000 ppm
LED Bar Graph Array

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4.2 HYDROGEN-FREE AREAS
For the purposes of this document a hydrogen-free area is one with less than 5ppm of hydrogen in the air.
It may be difficult to find a hydrogen-free area in a facility where hydrogen is used. Nearby rooms, or even the
entire building, may not be hydrogen free.
To check these areas reset or zero the sensor outside, away from any hydrogen tanks, pipes, or other
potential sources. Walk through the facility, watching the sensor. It is surprising how far low levels of
hydrogen can spread.
If the sensor is zeroed or reset in hydrogen, there will be a negative offset in the readings that could
compromise the sensor’s ability to find small leaks.
4.3 RESET OPERATION
The Reset operation is used to speed recovery from hydrogen exposure.
It can be invoked from the keypad while in the top menu level (measuring hydrogen) by pressing and holding
◄►(left and right arrow buttons simultaneously) or from the Reset Menu. Reset takes about 75 seconds to
complete.
WARNING:
THE INSTRUMENT MUST BE IN A HYDROGEN FREE ENVIRONMENT WITH THE LCD INDICATING LESS THAN
0.1% HYDROGEN BEFORE INVOKING THE RESET OPERATION.
4.4 ZERO OPERATION
The Zero Operation is used to zero the hydrogen reading if the instrument is reporting low levels (0.001% to
0.01%) of hydrogen when no hydrogen is present.
It can be invoked from the keypad while in the top menu level (measuring hydrogen) by pressing and holding
◄ (left arrow button) or from the Zero Menu. Zero takes about 10 seconds to complete.
WARNING:
THE INSTRUMENT MUST BE IN A HYDROGEN FREE ENVIRONMENT WITH THE LCD INDICATING LESS THAN
0.1% HYDROGEN BEFORE INVOKING THE ZERO OPERATION.
5 KEYPAD
5.1 NUMERICAL CHANGES
In the following sections when queried to change a numeric value the ▲ (up arrow) and ▼ (down arrow) keys
are used to increment/decrement the value based on the selected digit. If the ones digit is selected the value
will increment/decrement by one (1 increments to 2, 2 decrements to 1). The ◄ (left arrow) and ► (right
arrow) keys are used to select another digit. To change a value of 0 to 100 first select the hundreds digit then
press the ▲ up arrow. Pressing ◄► (the left and right arrows simultaneously) will clear any changes made
and restore the previous value. Once the correct value is displayed press the ENTER key to save it.
5.2 TOP LEVEL KEYPAD FUNCTIONS
While in the hydrogen measurement screen, the keypad has these functions:

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Key
Function
ENTER
Go to the Information Display menu.
▲
Display the peak hydrogen reading.
▼
No change
►
Clear the peak hydrogen value.
◄
Zero the sensor.
◄►
Reset the sensor.
5.3 GENERAL KEYPAD FUNCTIONS
5.4 INFORMATION DISPLAY
The Information Display menu allows the user to view useful information about the instrument including
firmware revisions, serial number, and calibration date. Enter it by pressing and holding the ENTER button.
5.5 FIRMWARE REVISION
This displays the sensor pod and controller firmware. The left most number preceded by an ‘S’ is the sensor
probe firmware revision. The right most number preceded by a ‘C’ is the Controller firmware revision.
For example: S1.23 C2.34 for sensor probe firmware version 1.23 and Controller firmware version 2.34.
5.6 SERIAL NUMBER
This displays the product serial number.
For example: 50123
5.7 FACTORY CALIBRATION DATE
This displays the date of last factory calibration, MM/DD/YY.
For example: 5/8/06 for 8 May 2006.
5.8 RESET SENSOR
The Reset Sensor menu is used to invoke the Reset Operation.
5.9 ZERO SENSOR
The Zero Sensor menu is used to invoke the Zero Operation.
6 HYDROGEN SENSING CONSIDERATIONS
From any given source, hydrogen gas disperses rapidly and generally upward due to its very low density compared
to air. Understanding this behavior allows a more effective search for hydrogen leaks.
Key
Navigation
Query Answer
ENTER
Enter submenu
Yes
▲
Previous Menu
No
▼
Next Menu
No
►
Enter Submenu
No
◄
Exit Submenu (Back)
No
◄►
Exit Configuration
No

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The hydrogen plume from a leak generally spreads in a roughly conical shape that is easily disturbed by
environmental conditions. Certain conditions such as pressure, temperature, and leak size may act together to
change the shape of the hydrogen plume from a cone to a laser-like beam. This makes finding a leak more difficult.
If the sensor element is near (and above) the leak, the concentration will likely be higher but the leak may be difficult
to locate. As hydrogen dissipates the concentration decreases. Generally, greater distances will increase the chance
of intercepting the leak stream, but if the sensor is too far away, the response may be too weak to detect.
When drafts or air currents are present, hydrogen will tend to be dispersed. Testing for hydrogen leaks downwind of
the leak area may increase the chance of detecting the leak.
If hydrogen is rising in an enclosed building the hot air near the ceiling may slow the hydrogen’s rise. Thus, sensing
hydrogen near ceiling areas with high temperatures present may not be as effective as at a lower level.
Low temperatures can also affect the behavior of hydrogen. Hydrogen stored in a liquid state is at an extremely low
temperature. The density of any escaping hydrogen will be higher than normal and may initially move downward. As
the hydrogen warms, it will begin to rise upward. When checking for a leak in areas where liquid hydrogen is stored,
check both above and below the area of concern.
7 BUMP TEST
A bump test is recommended every three months. The purpose of a bump test is to verify that the sensor is active,
detecting hydrogen and verifying that the sensor is within the pre-set factory tolerance for accuracy.
To perform a bump test perform the following:
In a hydrogen free environment, power on the instrument. Once the instrument has gone through its standard warm-
up, use the calibration cup that accompanies the HY-ALERTA™ Model 500, and apply 2% hydrogen to the probe
sensor. Let the 2% hydrogen flow for 3-5 minutes. After 3-5 minutes the LED bar graph should have three LED’s lit.
If the three LED’s are not lit, the instrument should go through a factory calibration at H2scan.
8 BATTERY CHARGING
Ensure the unit is powered OFF.
Disconnect the coiled cord from the controller.
Connect the battery charger to the controller.
Using the appropriate A/C plug adapter for the region of use, plug the battery charger into the A/C supply.
The battery charger indicator light will illuminate according to charge status as follows:
Off
No Battery
Flashing Green
Fast charging
Steady Green
Fully charged
Steady Amber
Standby
Flashing Red
Error
NOTE: Complete charging may take up to 4 hours for a fully discharged battery.
9 CLEANING
If the unit becomes soiled, clean the unit with a lint-free cloth. Use special care when cleaning the handheld probe
assembly. Small debris or other material may collect over the sensor tip. Clean the tip with a gentle wiping with a
clean, damp, lint-free cloth or paper. Do not use chemicals or soap.
10 TROUBLESHOOTING

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Symptom
Possible Cause
Action
Sensor Error
The probe is disconnected from
the controller.
Turn off the instrument and verify that the
probe is properly connected to the controller.
Error 88
Faulty capacitor
Cycle of power
Error 40
The sensor PCB temperature is
too high.
Turn off the instrument. Let it cool.
Error 20
The sensor temperature is
incorrect.
Cycle of power
Unit won’t turn on
The battery is dead.
Charge the battery completely.
If the recommended action does not solve the problem, the HY-ALERTA 500 should be returned to the
factory for repair.
11 MENU STRUCTURE
Firmware Rev
Serial Number
Factory Calibration date
Information Display
Reset Sensor
Continue?
Zero Sensor
Continue?
Hydrogen=
Exiting Menu
ENTER
ENTER
A dashed outline shows the next display
ENTER
To Reset Menu
To Zero Menu
ENTER

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Zero Sensor
In Progress
Zero Sensor
Done
ENTER
Zero Sensor
Continue?
Reset Sensor
Not Done
Reset Sensor
Done
No
Reset Sensor
Continue?
Reset Sensor
In Progress
ENTER
Zero Sensor
Not Done
No
Hydrogen=
Hydrogen=
Zero Menu
Reset Menu

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12 EUROPEAN DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY