LI-COR LI-830 User manual

Using the LI-830 and
LI-850 Gas Analyzers

Using the LI-830 and LI-850
Gas Analyzers
LI-COR Biosciences
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Lincoln, Nebraska 68504
Phone: [phone]
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www.licor.com/env/distributors

Notice
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
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LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
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Printing History
© Copyright 2018, LI-COR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Number: 984-17190
Created on Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Notes on Safety
This LI-COR product has been designed to be safe when operated in the manner described in this manual. The safety of
this product cannot be guaranteed if the product is used in any other way than is specified in this manual. The product is
intended to be used by qualified personnel. Read this entire manual before using the product.
Equipment markings:
The product is marked with this symbol when it is necessary for you to refer to the manual or
accompanying documents in order to protect against injury or damage to the product.
The product is marked with this symbol when a hazardous voltage may be present.
The product is marked with this symbol if a Chassis Ground connection is required.
The product is marked with this symbol to indicate that a direct current (DC) power supply is
required.
WARNING Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
CAUTION Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Manual markings:
Warning Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Caution Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Note Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your equipment.
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CE Marking:
This product is a CE-marked product. For conformity information, contact LI-COR Support at [e-mail].
Outside of the U.S., contact your local sales office or distributor.
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Federal Communications Commission Radio Interference Statement
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide a reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the user, at his own expense, will be required
to take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.
Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Notice
This symbol indicates that the product is to be collected separately from unsorted municipal waste. The fol-
lowing applies to users in European countries: This product is designated for separate collection at an
appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste. For more information, contact your
local distributor or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

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Contents
Section 1. General description
Online resources 1-1
Application software 1-1
Integrator's guide 1-1
Instruction manual 1-1
What's what 1-2
Gas analyzer 1-2
Accessories kit 1-3
Air pump (optional) 1-3
Display (optional) 1-3
Connecting with the analyzer 1-4
The terminal strip 1-6
Powering the LI-830 and LI-850 1-7
Using the universal power adapter 1-7
Using the terminal strip power connectors 1-7
Installing device drivers 1-8
Storing the gas analyzer 1-8
Section 2. Configuring the gas analyzer
Overview of the software 2-1
Configuring graphs 2-2
Logging data to a PC 2-3
Instrument settings 2-4
Configuring the DAC outputs 2-4
Optimizing the DAC resolution 2-4
Computing readings from the DAC output 2-5
Other options 2-7
Using alarms 2-8
Using the Pump 2-10
Section 3. Troubleshooting
Instrument will not power on 3-1
Unable to span or zero the instrument 3-1
Instrument reports -50 ppm CO2 or measurements jump around 3-2

Section 4. Maintenance
User calibration 4-1
Setting the CO2 zero 4-1
Setting the primary CO2 span 4-2
Setting the secondary CO2 span 4-3
Setting the H2O zero and spans (LI-850 only) 4-3
Recovering from a bad zero or span 4-3
Cleaning the optical bench 4-4
Replacing a fuse 4-6
Appendix A. Equation Summary
Appendix B. Specifications
Appendix C. Warranty
vi

Section 1.
General description
This section introduces the LI-830 CO2analyzer and LI-850 CO2/H2O analyzer.
The LI-830 and LI-850 both measure CO2in air at concentrations from 0 to 20,000
ppm. The instruments differ in that the LI-850 measures water vapor in air as well,
and the LI-830 does not. As a consequence of the water vapor measurement, the
LI-850 is able to measure CO2concentrations with greater accuracy. Regardless of
this difference, operating both instruments is essentially the same.
Online resources
In addition to the contents of your box, you may be interested in the following
resources. All are available from www.licor.com/env/support. Select the LI-830 and
LI-850 Analyzer.
Application software
Required to configure the instrument through a graphical interface, the software is
available for both Windows®and macOS®operating systems. The software is used
to configure the instrument, read measurements, and configure data logging to a
computer. For Windows®7 and 8, the device drivers must be installed manually
before you can connect with the instrument.
Integrator's guide
The Integrator's Guide describes how to control the instrument using a terminal
program and read data in a command-line interface.
Instruction manual
A .pdf version of this document can be downloaded to your computer.
1-1Using the LI-830 and LI-850 Gas Analyzers

Section 1. General description
What's what
The LI-830 and LI-850 include a core set of components and each may include
optional components. These are described below.
Gas analyzer
This is the gas analyzer in an enclosure. It may include an optional built-in pump
and display.
lPower indicator: Illuminates when the instrument is powered on.
lLow Battery indicator: Illuminates if the power supply voltage drops below 10.5
volts. The instrument will continue to operate with a low battery, but expect a
corresponding decline in performance.
lAlarm indicators illuminate if an alarm threshold has been crossed. See Using
alarms on page2-8.
lRS-232 Serial and USB connectors to connect with a computer or serial device.
lAir Inlet and Air Outlets are shipped with covers in place. Keep the covers so you
can put them back over the ports when the analyzer is not in use.
lPower In: Compatible with 12 to 30 VDC power supplies.
lThe Terminal Strip has another power connector and outputs for alarms and
digital-to-analog converters (DAC).
1-2 Using the LI-830 and LI-850 Gas Analyzers

Accessories kit
Accessories kit: Part
Number 9980-065
The instrument includes a standard accessories kit, which has accessories and some
replacement parts for your gas analyzer. The accessories kit includes the following
components:
Description Quantity Part Number
Universal power supply; Input: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz;
Output: 12 VDC, 2.5 amps
1 591-13032
Outlet adapter kit for universal power supply 1 591-13033
USB cable; Standard 1.8 m USB-A to USB-Ba1 392-06652
RS-232 null modem, cross-over cable kita1 9975-016
14-pin terminal block; Includes label sticker (250-05340) 1 331-05273
Tube fitting nuts for air inlet and outlet 2 9861-036
Bev-a-line IV plastic tubing; 3.6 meter roll 1 222-01824
Air filters 2 9967-008
Quick-connect straight unions 2 300-03123
Cleaning kit 1 9980-066
3" Source and detector cleaning swabs 5 610-05314
5" Optical path cleaning swabs 5 610-05315
O-Rings (AS-018 Nitrile 70) 4 192-00226
Black polyurethane feet 4 234-02268
Air pump (optional)
An optional air pump is available for the gas analyzer. The pump (if applicable) is
installed in the gas analyzer case. If you want to add a pump, you can order one
later.
Display (optional)
An optional display is available. The display shows CO2concentration, H2O con-
centration (LI-850 only), bench temperature, and pressure.
aThe use of cables other than those provided may result in improper electrical performance.
Section 1. General description
1-3Accessories kit

Section 1. General description
Connecting with the analyzer
The following tutorial describes the basic steps you'll follow when you turn on the
LI-830 or LI-850 for the first time.
1Install the software on your computer
The software is used to configure data communication, analog and digital outputs,
alarms, data logging, and to verify the calibration.
2Install an air filter on the air-in port
Caution: Always install an air filter on the input air before operating the LI-830
or LI-850. Failure to use a filter will cause contamination of the optical bench.
Retrieve an air filter and tubing from the accessories kit. Cut a 5 to 10 cm piece of
tubing. Attach the filter and tubing to the air-in port. Observe the arrow on the fil-
ter and be sure that the air flow is in the proper direction.
3Install the USB cable
The USBconnection is the simplest way to connect the analyzer with a computer.
If you want to use the RS-232 serial connection instead, connect the cable to the
serial port, and install a serial-to-USB adapter on the serial cable, if needed.
1-4 Using the LI-830 and LI-850 Gas Analyzers

4Power on the gas analyzer
The LI-830 and LI-850 will turn on when power is supplied, so plug in the power
cable to turn it on. If you use an alternative power supply, it must be able to source
a minimum of 1.2 A at 12 VDC while the instrument warms up. After the war-
mup, the instrument will draw about 0.3 A at 12 VDC.
5Connect with the gas analyzer
Start the software.
Click the Connection button in the upper right of the display. Select your instru-
ment from the list, set the data rate, then click Connect. Data will populate the win-
dow after connecting. You can enter the COM port manually by checking Manual
Port and setting the port number (COM#).
If you are using Windows®7 or 8, install the drivers before you connect, as
described in Installing device drivers on page1-8.
Section 1. General description
1-5Connecting with the analyzer

Section 1. General description
The terminal strip
The terminal strip connects to the front panel of the instrument. The pin assign-
ments are given on the top of the instrument, and there is a sticker in the accessor-
ies kit that you can use to help identify which terminal is which.
Terminal Label Description
1 12-30 VDC Voltage In, 12-30 VDC
2 GND Ground
3 High Alarm High Alarm
4 GND Ground
5 Low Alarm Low Alarm
6 GND Ground
7 V OUT 2 Voltage output channel 2
8 GND Ground
9 V OUT 1 Voltage output channel 1
10 GND Ground
11 4-20 mA 2 Current output channel 2
12 GND Ground
13 4-20 mA 1 Current output channel 1
14 GND Ground
1-6 Using the LI-830 and LI-850 Gas Analyzers

Powering the LI-830 and LI-850
A power supply—either a battery or the universal power adapter—can be connected
to the LI-830 and LI-850 power jack or to pins 1 and 2 on the terminal strip. The
instruments require 12 to 30 VDC. The power supply must be able to provide 14
watts (1.2 A at 12 V) during warmup and about 3.6 watts (0.3 A at 12 V) during
normal operation.
Using the universal power adapter
The included power supply is compatible with mains power in most localities glob-
ally (input 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz; output 12 VDC, 2.5 amps). You may need
to install different blades from the outlet adapter kit to fit your wall outlets.
P
U
S
H
OPEN
LOCK
N. America, Japan
United Kingdom
Australia
Europe
Turn clockwise
to lock
Push button, then
turn counterclock-
wise to release
Outlet Adapter Kit
P
U
S
H
OPEN
LOCK
P
U
S
H
OPEN
LOCK
P
U
S
H
OPEN
LOCK
P
U
S
H
LOCK
OPEN
Using the terminal strip power connectors
The terminal strip has connectors for any power supply that has bare leads. Pin 1 is
the positive (+) terminal, and pin 2 is the negative (-) terminal.
Section 1. General description
1-7Powering the LI-830 and LI-850

Section 1. General description
Installing device drivers
If you are using Windows 7 and 8, you'll need to install device drivers. After con-
necting the LI-830 or LI-850 to your computer with the USB cable, follow these
steps:
1Download the drivers and unzip the file.
Drivers are available at
https://www.licor.com/documents/pamrygkdwsl8c61wj6y815gnf4tukh3t
2Press the Windows key ( ), type Device Manager, and press Enter to open your
device manager.
3Under Other Devices, select the LI-830/850.
4Right-click LI-830/850 and select Update Driver Software.
5Browse and select the folder with the driver files.
6Click Next to finish installing the drivers.
When they are installed, you should see LI-COR 8x0 under Ports (COM & LPT).
Storing the gas analyzer
When you are done using the gas analyzer, follow these practices to be sure that it
is ready to use the next time you need it. The instrument can be stored in non-con-
densing conditions. If the instrument is stored in high humidity or moderate
humidity for a long time while powered off, some optical components may tem-
porarily become saturated with humidity. If this occurs, the instument may need to
run for several days before readings return to normal. When storing the instru-
ment.
lInstall the covers over the air inlet and outlet. This will keep dust, bugs, and
other contaminants out of the optical cell.
lDisconnect the power supply and power wires.
lIf possible, store the instrument in an air conditioned environment.
1-8 Using the LI-830 and LI-850 Gas Analyzers

Section 2.
Configuring the gas analyzer
This section describes the basic operating procedures for the LI-830 and LI-850 gas
analyzers. This section depends upon the instrument software, which can be down-
loaded from the LI-CORtechnical support web site: www.licor.com/env/support.
Overview of the software
After connecting, the software presents you with live data and graphs. With the
LI-830, you'll have CO2; with the LI-850, you'll have both CO2and H2O.
2-1Using the LI-830 and LI-850 Gas Analyzers

Section 2. Configuring the gas analyzer
Configuring graphs
The software will always display a graph on the main page (two with the LI-850),
and you can configure the graphs by clicking the Charting button or any of the
Chart Settings buttons beside a particular chart. The options available are the same,
regardless of how you get to them.
The graphs display a fixed variable: CO2and H2O with the LI-850. You can con-
figure the settings for each graph and add a second variable. The options are:
Y-Scaling: Choose Autoscale or Fixed Scale. With Fixed Scale, you can set the min-
imum and maximum value for each variable displayed.
X-Axis: With Continuous checked, the graph will display all of the data from the
time you connect to the instrument, rescaling the x-axis when needed. With
Continuous cleared, the graph can be configured to display the most recent data for
a time period.
Series 2 is an option to plot a second variable on the graph with scaling on the
right axis. When checked, you can choose from CO2concentration, cell tem-
perature, cell pressure, CO2absorption, or input voltage. With the LI-850, the H2O
concentration, H2O dewpoint, and H2O absorption will also be available.
2-2 Using the LI-830 and LI-850 Gas Analyzers

Logging data to a PC
The instrument can log data as a text file, which will be stored to the connected
computer. Configure the log file under Settings > Logging Options. To log data:
1Create a file.
Click Select File, then choose the directory where you want to store the file, and
name the file.
2Configure the log parameters.
lFile headings: When checked, the Date and Time and Field Labels for data
columns will be included in the data file header.
lField delimiter: Choose between a space, tab, or semi-colon delimited text file.
lLog rate (seconds): How often a value is recorded. This can be 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
10, or 20 measurements per second. It is independent of the Filter setting
(described in Other options on page2-7).
lLog values: Select the values you want in the log file.
3Click Start logging.
The instrument will create a text file according to the parameters you set. You can
open the logged data in a text editor or most spreadsheet programs.
Section 2. Configuring the gas analyzer
2-3Logging data to a PC

Section 2. Configuring the gas analyzer
Instrument settings
Under Instrument > Settings, you'll find the DAC (digital-to-analog) Outputs (0 to
2.5 V, 0 to 5 V, and 4 to 20 mA), and Other Options, including the heater controls,
pressure compensation control, pump control, and the digital signal filter.
Configuring the DAC outputs
This section describes how to configure the voltage and current outputs. Both
voltage and current outputs are configured at the same time, in the same place:
lDAC 1 configures V Out 1 (pin 9) and 4-20 mA 1 (pin 13) on the terminal strip
lDAC 2 configures V Out 2 (pin 7) and 4-20 mA 2 (pin 11) on the terminal strip
Optimizing the DAC resolution
When configuring the analog outputs, keep in mind that the selected ppm range
will affect the resolution of data that is sent over the analog outputs.
Think of it like this:The 16-bit DACs can output a fixed number of values (65,536
to be exact). If a DAC is configured to output 0 to 5000 mV, you will have res-
olution of 0.076 mV per count.
2-1
With the 0 to 5 volt output range corresponding with a 0 to 20,000 ppm CO2con-
centration range, the finest change in concentration that can be resolved is equal to
0.31 ppm.
2-2
2-4 Using the LI-830 and LI-850 Gas Analyzers