mru NOVAplus BIOGAS User manual

9472EN-BIO
NOVAplus biogas
USER MANUAL

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 2 / 78
Producer:
Legal notices / Intellectual property rights comments
Original user manual
© 2020 by MRU
No part of this manual my be published in any form (print, fotocopy, electronic media or
any other publication form) without a written approval by the publisher.
All user trade marks and name mark descriptions, even those which are not marked as
such, are properties of the respective owners.
Edition: 2020-09-14-V1.00.EN

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 3 / 78
Table of content
1Information for product and safety .....................................................6
1.1. Safety manual .......................................................................................................6
1.2. Safety precautions...............................................................................................6
1.3. Ensure safety .........................................................................................................7
1.4. Important general information.......................................................................9
1.5. User guideline for rechargeable batteries................................................ 10
2Introduction ........................................................................................ 11
2.1. Intended use ...................................................................................................... 11
2.2. About us............................................................................................................... 13
2.3. Packaging............................................................................................................ 14
2.4. Return of hazardous materials ..................................................................... 14
2.5. Return of electronic equipment .................................................................. 14
3Description.......................................................................................... 15
3.1. Gas flow diagram.............................................................................................. 15
3.2. Remote control unit (RCU)............................................................................. 16
3.3. Base unit .............................................................................................................. 17
Connectors depending on the options (gas cooler)..................................... 18
3.4. Gas sampling probes....................................................................................... 19
4Operating ............................................................................................ 20
4.1. Display.................................................................................................................. 20
4.2. Keypad.................................................................................................................. 21
4.3. Connection Remote control unit (RCU) to base unit............................ 22
Declaration of symbols ........................................................................................... 22
4.4. Reset and Blink codes...................................................................................... 23
4.5. Menu structure.................................................................................................. 24
5First usage ........................................................................................... 26
5.1. Preparatory steps.............................................................................................. 26
5.2. Analyzer settings............................................................................................... 26
5.3. Measurement settings .................................................................................... 26
5.4. Switch-On protection...................................................................................... 28
5.5. Print-out settings.............................................................................................. 28
5.6. Bluetooth settings............................................................................................ 29
5.7. Setting date and time...................................................................................... 29
6Preparing measurement .................................................................... 30
6.1. Ensure power supply....................................................................................... 30
6.2. Automatic Auto off function......................................................................... 30
6.3. Measuring with grid power supply / Battery charging........................ 30
6.4. Battery charge condition ............................................................................... 30
6.5. Operating temperature .................................................................................. 31
6.6. Connections and tightness ........................................................................... 31
6.7. Automatic zero-point setting....................................................................... 32

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 4 / 78
6.8. Repeating the zeroing .....................................................................................32
7Performing measurement.................................................................. 33
7.1. Select measuring program.............................................................................33
7.2. Performing Biogas measurement................................................................34
7.3. Flue gas measurement ....................................................................................35
7.4. Setting CO-limit (only with optional flue gas measurement).............36
7.5. Storing measured values ................................................................................36
7.6. Terminate measurement ................................................................................36
7.7. Printing measurement results.......................................................................36
7.8. Last measurement values...............................................................................37
7.9. Pressure measurement....................................................................................38
7.10. Differential temperature measurement ....................................................39
7.11. Performing measurements on CHP units (option).................................40
7.12. Performing Auto-measurement (Option) .................................................41
Auto-measurement incl. data logger..................................................................41
Semi-continuous Auto-measurement incl. data logger...............................43
Selecting sites .............................................................................................................43
8Data Storage........................................................................................ 44
8.1. Organizing data storage..................................................................................44
8.2. Calling up information about data storage..............................................44
8.3. Site administration............................................................................................45
Create new site ...........................................................................................................45
View sites......................................................................................................................46
Searching site..............................................................................................................46
Changing sites ............................................................................................................47
Deleting sites...............................................................................................................47
Data transfer using SD card (option)...................................................................48
Importing sites............................................................................................................49
Exporting sites ............................................................................................................51
Exporting combustion measurements...............................................................51
Exporting differential pressure measurements...............................................52
8.4. Measurements in Data storage.....................................................................52
Viewing Measurements ...........................................................................................52
Deleting Measurements..........................................................................................53
Transferring measurements to SD-Card (Option)...........................................54
9Extras / Adjustments........................................................................... 55
9.1. User definable Logo print out.......................................................................55
9.2. Service calibration menu ................................................................................57
9.3. Default settings..................................................................................................58
9.4. Service values RCU / Service values Base unit..........................................59
9.5. Performing leak test .........................................................................................60
9.6. Contents SD card...............................................................................................61
9.7. Contents Analyzer info ....................................................................................62
Options list remote control ....................................................................................62
Options list base unit................................................................................................62

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 5 / 78
9.8. Self diagnostics.................................................................................................. 63
10 Maintenance and care .................................................................... 64
10.1. Cleaning............................................................................................................... 64
10.2. Maintenance....................................................................................................... 64
10.3. Service messages.............................................................................................. 64
11 Appendix ......................................................................................... 65
11.1. Technical data.................................................................................................... 65
General Data............................................................................................................... 65
Gas conditioning and sampling........................................................................... 65
Measured values ....................................................................................................... 66
Calculated values ...................................................................................................... 70
Data communication............................................................................................... 71
11.2. Analysis and calculations ............................................................................... 72
11.3. Text input ............................................................................................................ 73
11.4. Asking user for decision ................................................................................. 73
11.5. Firmware update .............................................................................................. 74
11.6. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 76
Troubleshooting the analyzer .............................................................................. 76
12 Declaration of conformity .............................................................. 77

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 6 / 78
1Information for product and safety
1.1. Safety manual
All general information and safety precautions of MRU products are listed in
the supplied separate safety manual.
Therefore, this manual must be read and observed before the first use of the
instrument.
Instrument-specific safety and warning requirements in this manual are pre-
fixed before dangerous actions.
1.2. Safety precautions
The used categories of safety precautions are here explained once more
DANGER
Identifies an immediate, impending hazard that, if
ignored, will result in severe bodily injuries or death.
WARNING
Identifies an immediate, impending hazard that, if
ignored, may result in severe bodily injuries, material dam-
age or death.
CAUTION
Identifies a possibly dangerous situation that, if
ignored, may result in minor injuries.
ATTENTION
Identifies a possibly harmful situation that, if ignored, may
result in damages to the device or its
surroundings.
NOTE
Identifies user tips and other especially important infor-
mation.
The explanation of safety notices:
CAUTION
HOT – danger of burns and fire hazards from gas ex-
traction probe.
Physical harm and property damage can be caused.
►Cool down the probe tube.

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 7 / 78
1.3. Ensure safety
►Please read the user manual completely before the first use.
►Only use the analyzer for the intended use and within the parameters
specified in the technical data.
►Do not use any violence.
►Avoid falls.
►Do not put the analyzer into use, if the housing, power supply unit or sup-
ply leads are damaged.
►Do not store the analyzer together with solvents. Do not use
desiccants.
►Only carry out maintenance and service work on this analyzer as de-
scribed in the User Manual. Observe the prescribed action steps.
►Operate the analyzer only in closed, dry rooms and protect it from rain
and moisture.
►When operating the analyzer on mains power, operate it only with the
mains adapter supplied
►The analyzer must not be located in the immediate vicinity of open fire or
great heat.
►Do not use the metal tube of the gas sampling probe or other metallic
parts / accessories as electrical conductors.
►Do not use the analyzer in or under water.
►The specified temperature range of the gas sampling probe must not be
exceeded, otherwise the probe tube and temperature sensor will be de-
stroyed.
►Moisture, being pumped out of the condensates trap can be slightly
acidic.In case of skin contact IMMEDIATELY: clean affected parts of the
body. Avoid getting liquid in eyes. Please carefully clean all parts that
come into contact with the condensates.
►After measurement, vent the analyzer with ambient air and allow the
probe to cool. A hot probe could cause burns or ignite flammable mate-
rial.
►Electrochemical sensors are by their operating principle not only sensitive
to the gas they are intended for, but for other gases as well. This cross
sensitivity is compensated by MRU for the typical application of flue gas
analysis. However, unusual high concentration levels of single gas com-
ponents might lead to a reduced measurement accuracy of other gas
components and to a temporary change of the sensitivity of sensors,
which may require several hours recovery time.
Especially concentration levels as high as several % for single gas compo-
nents may affect the measurement of other gas components at ppm
level. Those applications need to be discussed with MRU in detail

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 8 / 78
Biogas or other similar gases (landfill gas, bio-methane, coal seam gas
etc) is containing flammable component CH4 and toxic component as
well (H2S and CO2).
Analyzers sample a certain volume of the biogas, and vent it to the ambient
air.
For this reason, there are two aspects which must be considered:
1.) toxicity danger of sample gas
2.) flammable (explosion) danger of sample gas
1) Inhaling toxic gases is harmful to health and can even cause death in
some cases.
•It is the responsibility of analyzer user to ensure that person is
skilled and trained in safety aspects of gases being analyzed and
procedures to follow while using this instrument.
•Local regulations for possible exposition to toxic gases have to be
known by the user and obeyed by the user of the analyzer
•Using a personal gas detector inside the biogas plant is highly rec-
ommended since H2S in higher (very dangerous concentration)
cannot be detected by human nose. Only small concentrations
around few ppm can be detected by human nose
•CO2 gas is heavier than air and therefore operator shall avoid using
portable biogas analyzer at underground levels. Beside of that CO2
is also odourless!
•It is not allowed using the portable biogas analyzer in confined
space or rooms without sufficient ventilation.
•Sample gas exiting the analyzer will flow in the ambient air and
only outdoor use or forced ventilation rooms are suitable for using
the portable biogas analyzer
2) Regarding flammable gases (e.g. CH4 methane) and hazardous area of
operating the instruments, user must also be able to recognize the area clas-
sification and be aware of using the instrument there. This area classification
is country specific, please observe and notice it.
•MRU instruments may be operated in hazardous areas zone 2 by
skilled users obeying local guidelines e.g. by using LEL gas detec-
tors.

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 9 / 78
1.4. Important general information
This analyzer is not designed to be used for continuous measurements.
Before using the analyzer verify the condition of the various parts of the ana-
lyzer, such as the probe, the ambient air conditions, the condensate separa-
tor, star filter and the connectors for damage and/or blockages.
Depending on the state of the electrochemical sensors, the time taken to
reach the operating status after switching on is 1 to 3 minutes (zeroing) or 4
to 9 minutes with an installed 2-gas cuvette
When starting up the analyzer it will take between 1 – 3 minutes to set to
zero depending on the condition of the sensors and of ambient.
The minimum zeroing time of the analyzer to achieve correct measurement
values can be expected by 1.5 minutes!
Caution: Exposure to acids; aggressive gases such as sulphur; vapours such
as thinners, gasoline, alcohol and paint, etc. can damage, reduce the life of,
or destroy the sensors.
The life of the sensors depends on how they are used, maintained and
treated. Typical average life expectations are: O2- 2 years; CO - 2 - 3 years
and NO - 3 years.
The use of the analyzer for regulatory purposes is subject to special regula-
tions (for example a periodical examination of the analyzer). Please obtain
the appropriate regulations from your local responsible authority.

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 10 / 78
1.5. User guideline for rechargeable batteries
NOTE
The rechargeable batterie is installed inside the analyzer
and is not accessible to the end customer. However, the
following instructions must generally be observed when
handling lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.
•This rechargeable battery can only be used in this analyzer.
•Do not throw the rechargeable battery into a fire, charge it at high tem-
peratures and store it in a hot environment.
•Do not deform, short-circuit or modify the rechargeable battery.
•The rechargeable battery must not be used in or under water.
•Do not expose the rechargeable battery to strong mechanical forces and
do not throw it.
•Do not cut or squeeze the connecting cables of the rechargeable battery.
•Do not connect the (+) contact to the (-) contact or metal.
•Non-observance of the above guidelines can cause heat, fire and
explosions

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 11 / 78
2Introduction
•This manual enables you to understand and safely operate this MRU Ana-
lyzer.
•Please read this manual with great vigilant and get familiar with the
product before using it.
•This analyzer may only be operated by competent personnel and for its
intended use.
•Please pay special attention to all safety directions and warnings to pre-
vent personal injuries and damaging of the product.
•We can’t be held responsible for any injuries and/or damages that occur
by not following the instructions in this manual.
•Always keep the manual near you when working with the analyzer, to be
able to read instructions as needed. Please ensure to hand over all docu-
ments to when handing the analyzer over to others.
2.1. Intended use
The analyzer is used for:
•for BIOGAS simultaneous measurements of O2, CH4, CO2, H2S and
optional the BIOGAS pressure
•optional for combustion measurements of the engine: O2, CO, NO,
NO2and CO2(NDIR) including the calculation of: mg/m3, NOx as
mg/m3 NO2, true NOx-measurement NOx = NO + NO2, referencing
(normalisation) to user settable value
It can also be used (when optionals are activated or external equipment is
used) for a number of measurement tasks, such as:
•Flow velocity measurement
•Differential measurement of pressure and temperature
•Combustibles detection with external HC sensor
•Automatic measurement with data logging
You will find a list of all options for this analyzer on our web page or you can
contact MRU or our local representative. The NOVAplus BIOGAS Analyzer is
available in different versions. This manual will describe all versions indicat-
ing optionals and features not always available on all versions.

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 12 / 78
The analyzer is specifically not intended as a safety device or personal pro-
tective equipment.
The analyzer should not be used as a warning device to warn people against
the presence of harmful gases.
The analyzer must be used according to instructions for the intended use.
Our analyzers are checked according to the following regulations:
VDE 0411 (EN61010) and DIN VDE 0701 before they leave the MRU GmbH
factory.
MRU technical products are designed and manufactured according to DIN
31000/ VDE 1000 and UVV = VBG 4 of the professional guilds for fine me-
chanics and electrical engineering.
MRU GmbH assures that the analyzer complies to the essential requirements
of the legal regulations of the member states of the electro-magnetic com-
patibility (89/336/EWG)
WARNING
Risk from manipulations to the measuring device
Operational safety hazard
►Modifications or changes to the measuring device are
not allowed.

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 13 / 78
2.2. About us
The analyzer is produced by the MRU GmbH in Neckarsulm, Germany
(Founded in 1984), a medium sized company that specializes in developing,
producing and marketing high quality emission monitoring
analyzers. MRU GmbH produces a wide range of instruments, from standard
analyzers up to tailor made industrial analyzers.
Plant 1: Sales, Service, R&D
Plant 2 (Production)
Fuchshalde 8 + 12
74172 Neckarsulm - Obereisesheim
GERMANY
Tel [phone] (Front office)
Tel [phone] (Service)
Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Site: www.mru.eu

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 14 / 78
2.3. Packaging
Save the original carton and packing materials to prevent damage in transit
in case you need to return the unit to the factory.
2.4. Return of hazardous materials
Waste Disposal/Returns/Warranty - MRU GmbH is required to accept the re-
turn of hazardous waste such as electro-chemical sensors that cannot be dis-
posed of locally.
Hazardous waste must be returned to MRU prepaid.
2.5. Return of electronic equipment
MRU GmbH is required to accept the return, for proper disposal, of all analyz-
ers delivered after 13th of August 2005. Analyzers must be returned to MRU
prepaid.

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 15 / 78
3Description
3.1. Gas flow diagram
A partial volume of the biogas is sucked and analyzed using NDIR and
electrochemical sensors on its ingredients.
Position
Description
Position
Description
B
Gas inlet
7
Filter
C
Differential pressure -
11
NDIR bench
D
Differential pressure +
12
O2 sensor
E
Draft
13
CO sensor
F
Fresh air inlet
14
NO sensor
G
Gas outlet
15
NO2 sensor
H
Condensate outlet
16
SO2 sensor
K
Fresh air inlet for
zeroing
17
Sensor chamber
1
Gas cooler
18
Purge pump
2
Star filter unit
19
Filter
3
Hose pump
20
Pressure sensor
4
Non return valve
21
Pressure sensor
5
Filter
22
Air filter
6
Gas pump
23
Valve for zeroing

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 16 / 78
3.2. Remote control unit (RCU)
Position
Description
Position
Description
1
Keypad
2
Display
3
Cover
4
SD-card reader
(only by using a MRU-SD-
CARD we can assure the
compatibility of all ana-
lyzer functions)
5
USB port
6
Eyes for shoulder strap
7
Analyzer feet
8
Fixing magnets
9
Contactless battery charg-
ing
10
Handle strip
11
Analyzer feet
12
Fixing magnets
13
Temperature connection 1
14
Temperature connection
2
15
Pressure connection 1
16
Pressure connection 2
(Diff. pressure)
17
AUX connector

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 17 / 78
3.3. Base unit
Position
Description
Position
Description
6
Aerial
13
LED condensate con-
tainer
7
ON-/OFF key button
14
Fan gas cooler
8
Built-in speed printer
15
Outlet for condensate
9
Gas outlet
16
Star filter
10
Connector T-gas
17
Connector T-Ambient
air (combustion air)
11
Charging socket
18
Charging frame for Re-
mote control unit
12
Condensate container
X
Connectors see chap-
ter Connectors depend-
ing on the options (gas
cooler), Page 18.

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 18 / 78
Connectors depending on the options (gas cooler)
Connector
2
3
4
5
Models
1 pressure sensor
standard
draft /
pressure -
gas inlet
pressure +
TRGI
Option pipe tests ac-
cording TRGI
draft /
pressure -
gas inlet
TRGI
pressure +
2 pressure sensors
Option Diff. Pressure
measurement with
2nd internal pres-
sure sensor
draft
gas inlet
pressure -
pressure +

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 19 / 78
3.4. Gas sampling probes
The Analyzer is available with different probes, both with fixed and ex-
changeable probe tubes.
A complete list of available probes can be found in the current price list of
this analyzer.
Below are two different probe types
1
Probe tube
2
Probe cone (high grade steel)
3
Hose
4
Connector for sample gas measurement
5
Connector for draft measurement
6
Connector for temperature measurement
Probe
with 300 mm probe pipe (fixed)
and 2,7m sampling line
Probe
with 300 mm exchangeable probe
pipe and 2,7 m sampling line

USER MANUAL NOVAplus BIOGAS
MRU GmbH, D-74172 Neckarsulm 20 / 78
4Operating
All information required to operate the analyzer is displayed as shown be-
low.
4.1. Display
1
Menu bar
2
Function key bar
3
Display panel
Menu
Measurement value,
4
Zeroing active
5
SD-Card in the slot
Indication green Read- and write access
Indication yellow only Read access (SD-Card write protected)
Indication red SD-Card is damaged SD-Card is damaged
6
Blue: Bluetooth connection base unit to RCU
Red: No Bluetooth connection base unit to RCU
Yellow: Base unit is in the update mode
(Press ON-key at the base unit for changing to the
measurement mode)
7
Battery charge condition base unit
8
Battery charge condition RCU