ion science GasClam User manual

GasClam Instrument User Manual V1.5
Part number: 25001

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Contents
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . 3
Introduction to GasClam . . . . . . . . . 4
Effect of Water . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Keeping GasClam Dry and Clean . . . . . . . 5
Effects of Flooding . . . . . . . . 6
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Packaging List . . . . . . . . . 7
Turning on the GasClam. . . . . . . . 7
Physical Charateristics . . . . . . . . 8
How GasClam Works and Access Areas . . . . . . 9
Software Installation . . . . . . . . 10
Running Installation . . . . . . . . 10
Battery Change . . . . . . . . . 11
Software . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16
Connecting . . . . . . . . . 12
Main Screen . . . . . . . . . 13
Last Reading Stored . . . . . . . . 14
Errors . . . . . . . . . . 15
Switching Off The Unit . . . . . . . . 17
Set Up . . . . . . . . . . 18
Sampling Rate . . . . . . . 18
Sampling Count . . . . . . . 18
Device ID . . . . . . . 18
Venting . . . . . . . . 19
Water Height . . . . . . . 19
Unit Date and Time . . . . . . 20
Write Setting to GasClam . . . . . 20
Erasing Data Memory . . . . . . 20
Returning to Main Screen . . . . . 20
Downloading . . . . . . . . . 21
Viewing Data . . . . . . . . . 22
Selecting File for Display. . . . . . 22
Data Display Options . . . . . . 22
Sampling Data . . . . . . . 23
Selecting Data Channel . . . . . . 24
Displayed Multiple Parameters . . . . . 25
Importing Data to an Excel Spreadsheet . . . . 26
Infrograph . . . . . . . 27
Start-Stop Data . . . . . . . 27
Calibration Data . . . . . . . 28
Error Messages . . . . . . . 28
Eeprom . . . . . . . . 28
Bump Test . . . . . . . . . 29
Other Test . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Service and Calibration . . . . . . . . . 32-34
Unit Calibration . . . . . . . . . 32
Service . . . . . . . . . . 32
User Serviceable Parts . . . . . . . . 32
Spare Parts . . . . . . . . . 34
Technical Specification . . . . . . . . . 35
Update Log . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer, Elok-Opava, hereby declares and confirms that the characteristics of the product conform to the
technical requirements stipulated by the technical standards. Furthermore, the manufacturer declares the product to be
safe whilst adhering to the correct conditions for its installation, maintenance and use.
Manufacturer: Elok-Opava s r.o., Sàdek 17, 747 75 Velké Heraltice, Czech Republic
Product Description: A landfill Gas monitor designed for in-situ borehole monitoring. The entire casing is made from
solid stainless steel. The battery pack is in the upper part of the housing in a flame-proof casing. The measuring unit
consisting of four gas sensors is located in the intrinsically safe lower part of the housing. The valves, pump and filter
assembly are located at the bottom of the housing.
Authorised Subject: FTZÚ, AO 210, NB 1026, Pikartská 7, 716 07 OSTRAVA-RADVANICE, IČO-00577880
Type of Protection: II 2G Ex d ib [ib] IIB T4
Certificate Number: Quality assurance notification: FTZÚ02 ATEX Q 025 according to EN 13980, CE 1026
FTZÚ07 ATEX 0105X
Method of Determining Conformity: The product‟s conformity with the respective requirements of directive 94/9/EC
-it was compared with the submitted documentation
-it was tested according standards
List of Technical Regulations and Standards:
02600-00-001, NKO
PTTI EN 60079-0:2006 Electrical Apparatus for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres –General Requirement
PTTI EN 60079-1:2004 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres. Flameproof enclosures „d‟
PTTI EN 60079-11:2007 Explosive Atmospheres –Equipment Protection by Intrinsic Safety „I‟
Directive 2004/108EC EN 61326-1:2006 –Electrical Equipment for Measurement
Name: Ing. Jiri Klein Position: Managing Director
Signature: Date: 03/06/2008

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Introduction to GasClam
GasClam is the world‟s first in-situ borehole gas monitor, suitable for the detection of a wide range of gasses commonly
found in borehole monitoring, including Methane (CH4), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Oxygen (O2). In addition to this the
GasClam monitors temperature, barometric pressure and borehole pressure.
All of these readings can be taken at programmable intervals, providing an invaluable set of data to the user. The default
setting for the Gasclam is to take readings every hour, giving it approximately one months‟ operational life. Data is
downloaded either using a computer or via an optional modem and can be viewed within the GasClam software or
exported for analysis in Excel. Whilst connected to the software the settings of the GasClam unit can be altered,
including the frequency at which samples are taken and selecting venting options.
In addition to the sensors already mentioned, the GasClam can be upgraded with a Photo ionisation Detector (PID) for
detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC‟s), a Carbon Monoxide (CO) sensor, Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) sensor and
a water depth sensor should the data be required.
Ion Science Ltd recommends that regular customer bump tests take place in conjunction with an annual service and
calibration, which is performed by the Ion Science service department or an Ion Science approved service centre. Before
using the GasClam you must read this manual paying particular attention to the section on the effects of water on your
GasClam.
Note: Before removing the GasClam from the field it must be run once in atmosphere to purge any hazardous gasses.

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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The effects of water on your GasClam
GasClam is designed to overcome –as far as possible –the requirement to:
measure gas concentrations,
measure borehole and atmospheric pressure,
allow a venting pathway between the borehole and atmosphere.
To measure gas concentrations the gas must be dry and measurements of atmospheric pressure should not include the
pressure of overlying water. As the GasClam can be in a position liable to flooding from above (flooded headworks) and
below (high borehole water level) your help is required to optimise the performance of your GasClam by:
carrying out simple preventive and remedial maintenance
being aware of the limitations of data gathered under flood conditions.
1. Keeping your GasClam dry and clean in regular use
To dry the gas before measurement there is a moisture stripping filter in the bottom section of the GasClam. Over time
this will hydrate and its ability to remove moisture will decrease. If moisture is not successfully removed, concentration
readings will be affected. If the moisture stripping filter is completely saturated it can dissolve, and it will then be
pumped in to other sections of the GasClam resulting in catastrophic failure. This will always be avoided if the GasClam
is installed vertically and the filter is replaced after every 800 samples. However, it is recommended to renew the filter
whenever a visit is made to the GasClam to ensure optimal performance during data collection (see service and
calibration section).
To prevent water reaching the vent pathway the snorkel should always be attached to the vent hose barb. The top of
this should be supported so it is located at the top of the headworks to reduce the chance of water ingress. In situations
where the headworks is likely to be flooded the hose barb must be replaced by the vent blank. The supplied box spanner
can be used to remove the hose barb and the supplied vent Alan key used to replace with the vent blank and washer.
The GasClam should always have the snorkel attached to the vent hose barb (a). In situations where the
headworks is likely to flood the hose barb must be replaced by the vent blank and washer (b).
A
B

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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The effects of water on your GasClam
2. Effects of flooding on data and GasClam
When the unit is not sampling it has an ingress protection rating of IP-68 (submersible to 10 meters for 1 week).
However,
Immersion will effect data and
May require subsequent corrective action
These effects and requirements will differ whether immersed from above, i.e. flooded headworks, or from below, i.e. rise
in borehole water level, see table below:
Flooded
Headworks
Remedial action
Preventive maintenance
Effects on
data
should vent breather be
submerged:
atmospheric pressure
reading will be incorrect
and will remain incorrect
Scheduled venting will be
ineffective.
Use borehole pressure as approximate
replacement or use data from another
source.
If chamber is known to
flood, or is already full of
water
Chose another
chamber
Or replace
snorkel with
bolt
Effects on
GasClam
If submerged for an extended
period the vent pipe may become
flooded.
The vent breather may become
clogged by dirty water.
When GasClam is visited
Check data and call service
centre if atmospheric
pressure looks strange and
they will advise
If chamber is liable to
flooding
replace vent
breather each visit
Flooded
Borehole
Remedial action
Preventive maintenance
Effects on
data
Should water reach the bottom of
the GasClam the inflow and
outflow valves will remain closed
and no samples will be taken:
borehole pressure reading
will be incorrect
gas concentration
readings will be incorrect
Data points collected whilst the
sampling cycle was disabled will be
marked
If borehole water level is
known to be high or is
already full of water
Chose another
chamber
Or extend the
borehole above
ground level
Effects on
GasClam
None
None

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Getting Started
Packing list
Please take a little time to examine the contents of the GasClam package.
Item Description Qty
Barbs (Fitted) 3
Box spanner for removing barbs 1
Blank (NOT Fitted) + washer 1
Length of pipe (30cm) 3
Battery Allen Key 1
Vent blank Allen Key 1
Communication cable 1
Start cable 1
Manual and software (on CD) 1
Rubber Collar 1
GasClam Unit 1
1.5v Duracell Batteries (Fitted) 2
Moisture Stripping Filter 1
Accessory Kit 1
Moisture stripping filter 6
Snorkel (complete) 1
Snorkel filter 2
O-ring (part 22) 5
O-ring (part 21) 5
Turning on the GasClam
The GasClam can be switched on and off using the remote. The remote connects to the
communication port on top of the GasClam.
To start the GasClam hold the button down for two seconds, the red LED will flash rapidly
indicating the GasClam has started and is currently going through the processes in a sampling
cycle, this equates to „sampling‟ mode.
After the sampling processes have finished the red LED flashes intermittently, this equates to
the „measuring‟ mode.
To stop the GasClam press the button for two seconds, when it has stopped the LED will stop flashing, this equates to
„sleeping‟ mode
No flashing
Sleeping
Rapid flash
Sampling
Intermittent flash
Measuring

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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1
8
Getting Started
Physical Characteristics
1. Communication port
2. Pressure transducer port
3. Pressure transducer port cap
4. Gas inlet
5. Gas Outlet
6. Water proximity sensor
7. Pressure transducer hook
8. Battery compartment lid
9. Vent (with hose barb)
10. Rubber Collar
GasClam identification plates with intrinsic safety specifications.
9
10
3
5
6
4
2
7

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Getting Started
How the GasClam Works and access areas

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Getting Started
Software Installation
System Requirements
The GasClam software needs 30MB free space on the hard disk for installation.
The programme will run on the following platforms:
- Windows 98
- Windows 98 Second Edition
- Windows 2000 service pack 3
- Windows ME
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows XP service pack 2
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
The programme needs .Net Framework 2.0 (x86) installed to run properly. This version is included on the software CD,
alternatively it can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.
Running the installation software
Insert the installation CD or USB stick and copy the software folder on to the PC.
There are two installation options.
1) If you have an old version of DotNetFX, 2.0 (x86) then double click the „setup‟ icon to update the DotNetFX. (If
you already have this version and you try to upgrade an error will occur, ignore this and go to the next option)
2) If you already have this version of DotNetFX then double left click the „GasClamUnit‟ icon.
The guide will then take you through the installation process step by step.
The default location for the GasClam software is:
C:\Program Files\Salamander\GasClam

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Getting Started
Battery Change
Warning:
For reasons of intrinsic safety, batteries MUST NOT be changed within potentially flammable areas. Always ensure you are in a safe
area before carrying out any type of maintenance on your GasClam
Battery types that can be used:
For Intrinsic Safety and reduced risk of explosion you must only use Duracell 1.5 V LR20 Alkaline-Manganese
MN1300 batteries or a 2 x 1,2V LR20 Nickel-metal hydride Saft VH D 9500 rechargeable pack. Do not mix old and new
batteries within the same unit, change both batteries at the same time. Failure to do so will reduce battery
life of the new cell fitted.
The battery compartment is accessed by removing the 4 screws from the battery compartment lid, see diagram. To remove the
batteries tilt the GasClam until they fall out. Replace with the stipulated batteries positive terminal facing down. Take care when
replacing the cover to ensure the O-ring is not damaged by following the instructions below:
The integrity of this O-ring should be
checked every time the batteries are
replaced. This needs to be replaced if any
damage is noticed.
When tightening the cover alternate between
screws to ensure the cover sits on the
GasClam squarely. If this is not done the O-
ring may be damaged.
Push the battery compartment lid down square on the
GasClam
When the O-ring is resting on the battery compartment
push the lid down evenly on both sides to ensure it
travels down square. This will prevent damage to the
O-ring. When the O-ring is sitting in the compartment
loosely tighten the screws.

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Software
Connecting
The GasClam is connected to a computer using the supplied cable via the communication port on top of the GasClam and
a serial port. If the computer does not have a serial port use a standard USB/Serial converter.
You can either connect the unit before or after starting the software. If the software is opened before the GasClam is
attached the screen appears as below. In this mode the options available are to view data (see later) or to close the
application.
After the GasClam is connected the screen will update (similar to below) with the device ID displayed in box 1.
The window is divided in to 3 sections, navigation tabs (view data, download, setup and user calibration, bump test,
other tests), Online Status and Last Reading Stored.
GasClam ID

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Software
Main Screen
Battery status –displays battery voltage alongside a power bar, the bar changes colour according to capacity providing a
rough guide to battery life*.
Green: capacity is fine for a long sampling period
Orange: Batteries need to be replaced very soon
Red: Replace batteries immediately.
*The voltage in the battery will decrease when the GasClam is sampling due to a load on the batteries, this is the voltage
that should be used to assess battery condition (This is also the voltage that is logged).
Note. If the battery capacity is no longer sufficient for the running of the unit during a programme the unit automatically
interrupts the cycle and switches to sleeping mode, this will be logged as a battery error. The data is stored in the flash
memory therefore the data will remain in the GasClam even if the batteries are completely flat.
Samples left –displays the remaining number of samples that can be stored in the memory.
Samples taken/count –When the GasClam is in sleeping mode this reads „samples taken‟ indicating how many sampling
points are stored on the memory. When the GasClam is in sampling mode it reads „Sample count‟ and displays the
number of finished cycles and the total number of cycles in the programme. For example, 254/4500 means that 254
cycles from 4500 required cycles have finished.
Sampling every - shows the period between sampling. For example, value “1 hour.” means that sampling frequency is 1
hour.
Finish on –displays the date and time that the sampling programme will finish.
Serial number –displays the serial number of the unit
COM port –displays which port the unit is connected to.
Status –displays the mode of the unit:
When the unit is running a programme the following modes are possible:
Sampling –the GasClam is actively making a measurement.
Measuring –the GasClam is between sampling periods.
When the GasClam is not running a programme the following modes are possible:
Sleeping –the unit is not running a programme. In this mode data can be downloaded and the unit programmed.
Clear flash –the unit is erasing flash memory data
If the GasClam is not functioning correctly the status will read „undefined status,‟ if this occurs contact customer services
immediately.

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Software
“START/STOP” Button– this has several modes: The unit is in sleeping mode, to
start the GasClam left click the button.
The unit is actively sampling (it can be stopped by left clicking the button), after
this has finished the button changes to:
The unit is between samples and the programme can be stopped by left clicking
the button.
After starting the GasClam through the software wait until the first cycle is complete. The last readings stored will be
updated and these values can be used to check that the GasClam is functioning correctly. Also this will remind the user
that the GasClam has been started before leaving it for a period of unmanned data collection.
Firmware –shows the firmware version in the unit. Always use the software designated for the given firmware version.
Last reading stored
The last recorded values are displayed in the „Last Reading Stored‟ box. If the sampling cycle has started, these values
will display „measuring‟ and are updated throughout the sampling process.
The displayed ranges of individual sensors are as follows:
Methane –0-100%
Carbon Dioxide –0-100%
Oxygen –0-25%
Borehole Pressure –800 -1200 mBar
Barometric Pressure –800 –1200 mBar
Temperature - -5°C to +50°C
Optional Water Level –0-25m
Optional Dual CO/H2s sensor 0-1000ppm/0-100ppm
Optional VOC 1 PPM 0-4,000PPM

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Software
Errors
If the GasClam is not functioning correctly an error message will be displayed at the top of the Software home screen,
see below.

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Software
Different errors require different solutions, these are summarised below;
Error
Reason
Solution
Low Battery
Battery voltage is below 1.8V for 10s
GasClam will run but batteries need to
be changed
Flat Battery
Battery voltage is below 1.8V for 60s
The GasClam will not sample, batteries
must be changed
Filter Error
The moisture stripping filter is clogged
Change the moisture stripping filter.
If this does not work then call the
service centre
Immersion
Water in the borehole has risen to the
base of the GasClam
When water level drops the GasClam
will start sampling again
AD Overflow
The AD convertor is not working.
Check to see if it has happened only
once or if it is a permanent error. If
permanent reset the GasClam by
removing and replacing batteries. If
problem persists call the service
centre.
Flash Busy
The memory has timed out
Check to see if it has happened only
once or if it is a permanent error. If
permanent reset the GasClam by
removing and replacing batteries. If
problem persists call the service
centre.
Full Memory
The memory is full
Download GasClam and clear memory
Error SPI Flash
The flash memory has not worked
correctly
Check to see if it has happened only
once or if it is a permanent error. If
permanent reset the GasClam by
removing and replacing batteries. If
problem persists call the service
centre.
Error Write
Error writing to the flash memory
Check to see if it has happened only
once or if it is a permanent error. If
permanent reset the GasClam by
removing and replacing batteries. If
problem persists call the service
centre.
Pump
Pump is not working correctly
Call service centre.
After the problem has been resolved clear the error message by clicking „clr‟.
To help trouble shoot errors the service centre will need the .gcl, .gce and .csv file (see page 23)

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Software
Switching off the unit
If the unit is not going to be used for a long period it is recommended that it is turned off using the „OFF‟ button, this
reduces the discharge from the batteries.
When the off button is clicked a message will appear to ask if you really want to switch off.
If the Yes button is clicked the following appears:
The GasClam will turn off after the communication cable is disconnected, until then the main screen will appear as below:
The GasClam will turn back on when the data cable is attached again.

Gasclam Ion Science Ltd
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Software
Setup
The GasClam is programmed in the setup window and is accessed by left clicking the „set up‟ navigation tab, and the set
up window then appears as below.
Sampling Rate
The sampling rate is defined in the Set Sample Rate box, the fastest sampling rate is 3 minutes (This is how long all the
processes take), the longest 999 hours and 60 minutes..
Sample count
The number of samples to be taken can either be set to the maximum possible by clicking the „Always Maximum‟ button
or defined by the user in the Sample count box. The maximum figure displayed is 65000 (total memory space) minus the
number of stored samples, the user defined value can be up to and including this.
The estimated date and time of the end the programme is displayed under the text button. This information is calculated
as follows: (Sample count * sample rate) + actual date and time.
This is set to 800 as default to ensure the moisture stripping filter is not compromised.
Device ID
The user can specify the name of the GasClam in the Device ID box. This is useful if there is multiple GasClam on a site
as the borehole number can be allocated to the GasClam. This information is used to create a filename when the data is
downloaded.

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Software
Venting
The GasClam has four venting modes, which can be selected in the Venting box (see below):
Always Closed –The vent is always closed
Always Open –The vent is always open.
Open once per day - The vent opens once a day
for a period of time defined by the user.
The vent opens open immediately after
the first sample and shuts after the allocated time.
Open after every –The vent opens and stays open for user defined periods.
If the GasClam is to be located in a wet area and the vent blank is installed tick the vent plug inserted box.
Water height
The GasClam can measure the water level in the borehole using an optional pressure transducer. To enable the water
level pressure transducer the „water level enabled‟ box in the Distance water height area needs to be ticked. The
GasClam reports the level in meters below ground level (mbgl) however, in order to calculate this distance 3 parameters
need to be entered; water density, water sensor length and the distance of the GasClam to the surface, see diagram
below. Pure water has a density of 1000 kg/m3 at 4°C. Borehole pressure affects the water level reading but this is
automatically corrected.