mPower Electronics NEO BENZ User manual

NEO BENZ
Photo-ionization Detector
MP186
User’s Guide
Version 1.01
November 2019

2
Contents
Read Before Operating......................................................................................................................3
General Information..........................................................................................................................4
User Interface...................................................................................................................................5
Display .............................................................................................................................................6
Charging a Lithium-Ion Battery.......................................................................................................7
Low Voltage Warning..................................................................................................................7
Clock Battery................................................................................................................................7
Data Protection While Power Is Off ............................................................................................7
Instrument Basic Functions...............................................................................................................8
Turning The Instrument On..............................................................................................................8
Turning the Instrument Off ..............................................................................................................8
Integrated Sampling Pump...............................................................................................................8
Pump Status..................................................................................................................................9
External Water-trap Filter ................................................................................................................9
Alarm Signals...................................................................................................................................9
Alarm Signal Summary................................................................................................................9
Preset Alarm Limits & Calibration ............................................................................................10
Testing The Alarms....................................................................................................................10
Backlight ........................................................................................................................................10
Datalogging....................................................................................................................................10
Man Down......................................................................................................................................10
Wireless..........................................................................................................................................10
Operating Mode Overview..............................................................................................................11
VOC Mode Main Menu .................................................................................................................11
Benzene Tube Mode Main Menu...................................................................................................12
Benzene Tube Measurements.........................................................................................................12
STEL Measurement........................................................................................................................13
Benzene Tube Replacement...........................................................................................................14
Configuration Mode.........................................................................................................................15
Navigating Config Mode................................................................................................................15
Selection From a List .................................................................................................................15
Entering Numerical Values........................................................................................................15
Entering and Exiting Config Mode................................................................................................15
Config Mode Menus.......................................................................................................................16
Calibration..................................................................................................................................18
Measurement..............................................................................................................................20
Alarm Settings............................................................................................................................21
Datalog .......................................................................................................................................22
Monitor (Mnt) Setup ..................................................................................................................23
Computer Interface Using mPower Suite......................................................................................26
Connecting and Configuring..........................................................................................................26
Custom Gas (User Gas) in VOC Mode..........................................................................................28
Datalog Retrieval............................................................................................................................29
Real-time Data................................................................................................................................30
Maintenance......................................................................................................................................31
Cleaning or Changing PID Sensor/Lamp.......................................................................................31
Lamp Cleaning and Changing....................................................................................................31
Sensor Cleaning..........................................................................................................................32
Sampling Pump..............................................................................................................................32
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................33
Contact Information ........................................................................................................................34

3
Read Before Operating
This manual must be carefully read by all individuals who have or will have the responsibility of
using, maintaining, or servicing this product. The product will perform as designed only if it is used,
maintained, and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The user should
understand how to set the correct parameters and interpret the obtained results.
CAUTION!
To reduce the risk of electric shock, turn the power off before removing the instrument cover.
Disconnect the battery before removing sensor module for service. Never operate the instrument
when the cover is removed. Remove instrument cover and sensor module only in an area known to
be non-hazardous.
Special Notes
When the instrument is taken out of the transport case and turned on for the first time, there
may be some residual organic or inorganic vapor trapped inside the detector chamber. The
initial PID sensor reading may indicate a few ppm. Enter an area known to be free of any
organic vapor and turn on the instrument. After running for several minutes, the residual
vapor in the detector chamber will be cleared and the reading should return to zero.
The battery of the instrument discharges slowly even if it is turned off. If the instrument
has not been charged for one week, the battery voltage may be low. Therefore, it is a good
practice to always charge the instrument before using it. It is also recommended to fully
charge the instrument for at least 10 hours before the first use. Refer to this User Guide’s
section on battery charging for more information on battery charging and replacement.
Do not remove the filter when the instrument is on, otherwise, dust entry will reduce the
accuracy of measurement, shorten the life of the sensor, and possibly damage the sensor.
Benzene filtering tubes can form chromic acid when humid air is drawn through them for
extended periods. Tubes should be used for no more than a 15-minute STEL measurement
because the acid formed can severely damage the instrument if drawn into it by the
sampling pump. The quantities in each box of tubes are under the de minimus amounts for
shipment of hazardous materials; however spent tubes should be disposed of according to
local regulations.

4
WARNINGS
STATIC HAZARD: Clean only with a damp cloth.
For safety reasons, this equipment must be operated and serviced by qualified personnel only. Read
and understand the instruction manual completely before operating or servicing.
•Use only mPower battery pack M011-3002-000. Substitution of components may impair
intrinsic safety. Recharge batteries only in non-hazardous locations.
•Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries from different manufacturers.
•For maximum safety, the accuracy of the instrument should be checked by exposing it to a
known concentration calibration gas before each day’s use.
•Do not use USB/PC communication in a hazardous location.
General Information
The NEO BENZ uses a combination of a selective 9.8 eV lamp and benzene filtering tubes to
measure benzene selectively in mixtures of hydrocarbons as may be present in fuels or hazardous
waste sites. It has two main detection modes: A continuous mode for VOCs (Volatile Organic
Compounds) with a range from about 5 ppb up to 10,000 ppm, and a single-sample mode using a
filtering tube for benzene specific measurements in the range 0.05 to 200 ppm. The continuous
mode can be used to screen for benzene without a filtering tube, and if a response over the alarm
limit is detected, a tube can be inserted to measure what fraction of the alarm response was actually
due to benzene. The 45-second benzene-specific measurement time at room temperature is the
fastest on the market.
The NEO Series is one of the most advanced handheld VOC monitors available for ppb (parts per
billion) detection, offering other models from the most sensitive 1 ppb to a high range up to 15,000
ppm for different applications and user selections. Novel designs of the photo-ionization detector
(PID) and ultraviolet (UV) lamp provide outstanding sensitivity, stability and reproducibility.
Options include real time data monitoring with a built-in wireless modem using mPower Suite
application software.
Key Features
• Size: 13.7 x 2.9 x 2.2 in (350 x 74 x 55 mm) with boot and tube holder
• Weight: 28 oz (788 g)
• 50 ppb to 200 range for benzene and 5 ppb to 10000 ppm for VOC
• Fast 45-second benzene-specific response (at room temperature)
• 3-second response time for 90% change (using isobutylene in VOC mode)
• Large and intuitive display
• Integrated correction factors list of several hundred compounds
• Built-in pump for up to 30 meters sampling distance
• Man-down alarm with real-time remote wireless notification
• ISM wireless connection option
• Easy service and maintenance
• Micro-USB charge port

5
User Interface
The instrument’s user interface consists of the LCD display, Alarm LEDs, an alarm transducer, and
four keys. The keys are:
Left Key：
Right Key：
Up Key：
Down/Mode
Key：
NEO BENZ user interface
Alarm LEDs
Left Key
Move Cursor
Down/Mode
Key (On/Off)
Right Key
Move Cursor
Buzzer
Up Key
LCD
Display
Inlet Filter
Sensor Cap
Gas
Outlet
Filter Tube
Holder
USB Charge &
Comm Port

6
Display
The LCD display provides visual feedback that includes the reading, tube mode indicator, pump
status, Man-Down, time, battery condition, and other parameters.
The display shows the following information:
LCD display
Item
Description
Gas Name and CF
Shows the measurement gas and its correction factor
Reading
Concentration of gas measured by the instrument
Tube Mode
Indicates unit is in tube sampling mode
Calibration Due
Cylinder icon appears when calibration is due
Pump Status
Indicates whether the pump is working or blocked
Man-Down Status
Icon appears when Man-Down alarm is enabled
Lamp Status
Lamp icon is shining when on and crossed out when off
Bluetooth Enabled
Local Wireless Communication is enabled
Datalog On
Verifies that datalogging is on
Battery Status
Indicates battery capacity in 3 bars
Time
Indicates current time or STEL sampling time remaining
Temperature
Indicates current temperature inside the instrument
Time
Pump Status
Temperature
Battery Status
Datalog On
Concentration
Reading &
Unit
Gas Correction
Factor
Calibration/Bump Status
Man-Down
Enabled
Lamp Status
Alarm
Notice
Calibration Due
Tube Mode Indicator
Gas Name
Bluetooth On

7
Charging a Lithium-Ion Battery
Always fully charge the battery before using the instrument. The screen will display a battery icon
from empty (no bars) to fully charged (3 bars).
Follow this procedure to charge the instrument:
1. Plug the Micro-USB into the charging port at the bottom of the instrument.
2. Plug the USB connector* into either a) a personal computer, or b) into the AC/DC
adapter and plug the AC/DC adapter into the wall outlet.
The instrument begins charging automatically. The charging LED turns red to indicate
charging. During charging, the 3 bars in the battery icon on the instrument’s display are
animated. When the battery is fully charged, the LED turns green, the icon is no longer
animated and shows a full battery, and the message ‘Fully Charged’ is displayed.
*NOTE: Any locally-obtained USB A to Micro B USB cable will work for charging, but will not
work for communication with mPower Suite configuration and data transfer software. The mPower
USB cable P/N M-011-3003-000 is required for a PC to recognize the instrument and communicate
with mPower Suite.
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of ignition of hazardous atmospheres, recharge and replace batteries only in areas
known to be non-hazardous. Use only mPower’s rechargeable lithium battery part number:
M011-3002-000.
Low Voltage Warning
When the battery’s charge falls below a preset voltage, the instrument warns you by
beeping once and flashing once every minute, and the “empty battery” icon blinks on and
off once per second. Turn off the instrument within 10 minutes and either recharge the
battery, or replace the battery with a fully charged one.
Clock Battery
An internal clock battery is mounted on one of the instrument’s printed circuit boards. This long-life
battery keeps settings in memory from being lost whenever the Li-ion battery or alkaline batteries
are removed. This backup battery should last approximately five years, and must be replaced by an
authorized mPower service technician. It is not user-replaceable.
Data Protection While Power Is Off
When the instrument is turned off, all the current real-time data including last measured values are
erased. However, the logged data are preserved in non-volatile memory, so that even if the battery is
disconnected, the logged data will not be lost.

8
Instrument Basic Functions
The NEO gives real-time measurements or single-point benzene measurements and activates alarm
signals whenever the reading exceeds preset limits. Prior to factory shipment, the instrument is
preset with default alarm limits and the sensor is pre-calibrated with standard calibration gas.
However, the instrument should be tested and the calibration verified before the first use. After the
instrument is fully charged and calibrated, it is ready for immediate operation.
Turning The Instrument On
Press and hold the Mode (Down) key until the display, beep buzzer & LEDs turn on.
If the mPower logo does not appear first, there is likely a problem and a distributor or mPower
Technical Support should be contacted. The instrument then performs self-tests after the screen
displays the firmware version and serial number.
Self-tests include:
After self-tests, the instrument will show sensor information and instrument configuration
information in sequence. Once the startup procedure is complete, and a numerical reading screen
with icons is displayed, the instrument is fully functional and ready for use.
Turning the Instrument Off
Press and hold the Down key for 3 seconds, and continue to hold for a 5-second countdown
until “Unit off...”is displayed.
Integrated Sampling Pump
The instrument includes an integrated, diaphragm-type sampling pump that can operate at low or
high speed, ranging from about 300 to 430 cc/min, respectively, with no filters, 260 to 390 cc/min
with a standard 0.45 µm filter in place, and about 240 to 350 cc/min with both a benzene tube and
0.45 µm filter. Flow will decrease if the 0.45 µm filter accumulates particulate matter, or if a filter is
not used and particles get caught in the pump diaphragm. Connecting Teflon tubing with 1/8" inside
diameter to the gas inlet port, this pump can pull air samples from 200' (61 m) away horizontally, or
Clock…..
Wireless….. OK

9
90' (27.5 m) vertically, at about 3' (0.9 m) per second flow rate. Note that at 200’the PID response
will be delayed by about 1 minute, the time required for the gas sample to reach the instrument.
IMPORTANT!
During operation, make sure the probe inlet and the gas outlet are free of obstructions. Obstructions
can cause premature wear on the pump, false readings, or pump stalling.
Pump Status
During normal operation, the pump icon alternately shows inflow and outflow. If
there is a pump failure or obstruction, the alarm sounds and the pump stall icon
blinks on and off. If this occurs, clear the obstruction and press the Right key to
restart the pump.
External Water-trap Filter
The external filter is made of a PTFE (Teflon) or PVDF membrane with 0.45 micron pore size to
prevent dust or other particles from being sucked into the sensor manifold, which could damage the
instrument. It prolongs the operating life of the sensor and pump. To install the external filter,
simply screw it in to the instrument’s inlet probe using the Luer connection.
Alarm Signals
During each measurement period, the gas concentration is compared with the programmed alarm
limits (gas concentration alarm limit settings). If the concentration exceeds any of the preset limits,
the loud buzzer and red flashing LED are activated immediately to warn of the alarm condition.
In addition, the instrument alarms if one of the following conditions occurs: battery voltage falls
below a preset voltage level, failure of the UV lamp, or pump stall.
Alarm Signal Summary
Message
Condition
Alarm Signal
HIGH
Gas exceeds ‘High Alarm’limit
3 beeps/flashes per second
OVR
Gas exceeds measurement range
3 beeps/flashes per second
MAX
Gas exceeds electronics’ max range
3 beeps/flashes per second
LOW
Gas exceeds ‘Low Alarm’limit
2 beeps/flashes per second
TWA
Gas exceeds ‘TWA Alarm’limit
1 Beep/flash per second
STEL
Gas exceeds ‘STEL Alarm’limit
1 Beep/flash per second
Remove Tube
STEL measurement completed
1 Beep/flash per second
Pump icon flashes
Pump failure
3 beeps/flashes per second
Lamp
PID lamp failure
3 beeps/flashes per second
plus ‘Lamp’message
Battery icon
flashes
Low battery
1 flash, 1 beep per minute plus
battery icon flashes
CAL
Calibration failed, or is overdue
1 beep/flash per second
NEG
Gas reading measures less than
number stored in calibration
1 beep/flash per second

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Preset Alarm Limits & Calibration
The instrument is factory calibrated with standard calibration gas, and is programmed with the
following default alarm limits:
Cal Gas
Cal Span
unit
Low
High
TWA
STEL
Benzene
5
ppm
0.5
2.5
0.5
2.5
Isobutylene
10
ppm
50
100
10
25
Alarm limits and calibration parameters can be adjusted in Configuration Mode as desired for
particular testing purposes and applications.
Testing The Alarms
The alarm can be tested whenever the main (Reading) display is shown. Press the Right key, and the
audible and visible alarms are tested.
Backlight
The LCD display is equipped with an LED backlight to assist in reading the display under poor
lighting conditions. Background lights can be turned on automatically under poor light condition
and be set in a variety of ways. We can choose from the settings menu under Config Mode or
through mPower Suite.
Datalogging
During datalogging, the instrument displays a disk icon to indicate that datalogging is enabled. The
default status is to have datalogging on, at 60-second intervals, which allows up to one year of data
storage.
The instrument stores the measured gas concentration at the end of every sample interval (when
datalogging is enabled). In addition, the following information is stored: user ID, site ID, serial
number, last calibration date, and alarm limits. All data are retained (even after the unit is turned
off) in non-volatile memory so that it can be down-loaded at a later time to a PC. Stored data are
organized into ‘events’, with a new event created each time the instrument is turned on, or a
configuration parameter is changed, or datalogging is interrupted.
After an event is recorded, the unit records a shorter form of the data. When transferred to a PC
running mPower Suite, these data are arranged with a sample number, time, date, gas concentration.
Man Down
Settings are available for On/Off depending on the user’s requirement.
The Man Down Alarm is a critical and potentially lifesaving safety feature of the NEO. Its function
is based on the premise that if the instrument is motionless when it is not supposed to be, its user
may be in distress. If that is the case, the NEO not only goes into alarm locally on the instrument,
but also remotely, over a wireless network, to notify people in the vicinity, as well as remote safety
officers at a command center, that a person is down, so that help can be dispatched quickly.
Note: Remote notification requires wireless connection to a network.
Wireless
When NEO is equipped with wireless capability, it is set up through the wireless sub-menu.