Lab Unlimited GF500 User manual

Operations Manual 1
Operations Manual
GF500
Digital Gas Flowmeter
labunlimited.com
PN: Z-CSL-100-580
Version 2.0

2 GF500 Flowmeter

Operations Manual 3
Contents
CE Compliance 4
Safety 5
Overview 8
Operating Instructions 11
Turning on the Flowmeter 11
Turning off the Flowmeter 11
Changing Modes 11
Flow Measurement Mode 12
Split Measurement Mode 13
Options Mode 14
Settings Available 15
Information Mode 16
Low Power and Charging the Flowmeter 16
Maintenance 17
Technical Specification 17

4 GF500 Flowmeter
CE Compliance
Marking with the symbol CE indicates compliance of this
product system to the following European directives;
89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
73/23/EEC Electrical equipment designed for use within
certain voltage limits. Low Voltage Directive
Declaration of Conformity according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and
EN 45014.
Carl Stuart Ltd T/A Lab Unlimited hereby declares that the
GF500 Digital Gas Flowmeter conforms with the following
standards and documents.
Safety EN 61010-1 1993 Part 1 General Requirements
EMC EN 50082-1 Part 1 Generic Immunity
IEC 801 Part 2 Immunity to Electrostatic
Discharge
IEC 801 Part 3 Immunity to Radiated Fields
IEC 801 Part 4 Immunity to Conducted
Transients
EN 55022 Class B Radio Frequency
Emission
Supplementary Information: The document relating to this
declaration is on file. The products herewith comply with the
requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the
EMC Directive 89/3.

Operations Manual 5
Safety
Safety Warning
If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may
be impaired.
The safety statements in this manual comply with the
requirements of the UK Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
You must read this section to ensure the safe operation of your
instrument.
The instrument is designed to be used by properly trained
personnel and a level of knowledge is assumed.
You should adhere to the standard safety conditions in your
laboratory, in addition to the advice given in this manual.
For the correct and safe use of this instrument it is essential
that operating personnel follow generally accepted safety
procedures in addition to the safety precautions specified in
this manual.
Compressed gases present a hazard. Ensure that the
requirements for positioning and use of gas cylinders are met.
Use copper tubing for connecting gas supplies and make
sure that all connections are gas tight. Test regularly for gas
leaks. Ensure that all exits from the system are piped to a fume
cupboard.
Hydrogen Warning
Hydrogen is explosive. Do not use hydrogen unless the
application makes it essential. If you must use hydrogen, follow
the safety information supplied by your gas supplier and use
an in-line flow limiter.

6 GF500 Flowmeter
Repairing or Modifying a GF500 Gas Flowmeter
Never attempt to repair or modify a GF500 Gas Flowmeter
yourself. Disassembling a GF500 Gas Flowmeter may cause
damage that is not covered under the warranty. The GF500
Gas Flowmeter does not contain any user-serviceable parts.
Service should only be provided by Lab Unlimited or an Lab
Unlimited authorised distributor.
Flowmeter Inlet and Outlet pipes
Excessive force should not be applied to the inlet or outlet
pipes as this could cause them to become disconnected from
the flow sensor. Damage of this type is not covered under
warranty.
Flow Sensor
Do not blow into the GF500 Gas Flowmeter this can damage
the flow sensor and alter the calibration. Damage to flow
sensors caused by this are not covered under warranty.
Battery Replacement
The rechargeable battery in a GF500 Gas Flowmeter should be
replaced only by Lab Unlimited.
Charging the GF500 Gas Flowmeter
The flowmeter should only be charged with a rating of 5 V 300
mA DC max.
Storing the GF500 Gas Flowmeter
Store the GF500 Gas Flowmeter in a place where the
environment is non-condensing and the temperature is
between -20° and 45°C (-4° to 113°F).

Operations Manual 7
Disposal and Recycling
Your GF500 Gas Flowmeter must be disposed of properly
according to local laws and regulations. Because it contains
a battery, the GF500 Gas Flowmeter must be disposed of
separately from household waste. When your GF500 Gas
Flowmeter reaches its end of life, contact Lab Unlimited to find
out about recycling and disposal options.

8 GF500 Flowmeter
Overview
Power Input Gas Inlet
Gas Inlet
Display
Keypad

Operations Manual 9
The solid-state flowmeter measures the flow of gases using
a fully solid-state sensor, monitored by a microprocessor
controlled system.
The flowmeter can display the flow rate of up to eight gases.
In addition, it can measure and display a second flow (the split
flow), comparing this with the first flow and displaying the ratio
of the two. This is particularly useful for measuring split flows
in capillary chromatography.
A further feature enables the velocity of the gas in the column
to be calculated from the internal diameter and the flow rate
so that the user can establish optimal flow conditions for the
column in use.

10 GF500 Flowmeter
Mass Flow
The GF500 Gas Flowmeter uses a Mass Flow Sensor, this
measures the mass of the gas flowing through it, this is then
converted to give a volumetric reading.
In order for this calculation to be accurate the density of
the gas must be known. This is why the correct gas must be
selected when measuring flows.
It is also important to ensure the correct temperature and
pressure are set in the flowmeter as gas density can vary with
changes in either.
Gas Inlet Line Connector
A connector is Supplied to allow different lengths of tubing to
be attached to the inlet of the GF500 Gas Flowmeter. When
removing an additional length of pipe care must be taken to
firmly hold the length of tubing attached to the flowmeter to
prevent excessive strain on the internal connection to the flow
sensor.