Oldham BM 25A/AW User manual

BM 25A/AW
Area
Gas Monitor
Part Number: NP25AEN
Version: C.4
User Manual

2
BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual
Copyright April 2019 by Oldham Simtronics S.A.S.
All rights reserved. The reproduction of all or any section of this document in
any form whatsoever without the written permission of Oldham Simtronics
S.A.S. is forbidden.
The information contained in this manual is accurate to our knowledge.
As a result of continuous research and development, the specifications of
this product may be modified at any time without prior notice.
Oldham Simtronics S.A.S.
Rue Orfila
Z.I. Est –CS 20417
62027 ARRAS Cedex
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Table of Contents
3
Contents
Chapter 1 | Introduction ...........................................................9
General information....................................................................................9
Product Overview.....................................................................................10
Additional equipment................................................................................12
Connections .............................................................................................13
Gas sensors.............................................................................................15
LCD Display .............................................................................................16
Visual alarm..............................................................................................17
Audible alarm ...........................................................................................17
Sampling system......................................................................................17
Chapter 2 | Installation and Connections..............................19
Power supply............................................................................................19
Charging the batteries..............................................................................19
Alarm Transfer..........................................................................................21
Connection of a manual call point............................................................22
Chapter 3 | Operation.............................................................23
Start-up.....................................................................................................23
Gas monitor positioning ...........................................................................24
Diffusion mode .........................................................................................24
Aspirated mode (with pump option) .........................................................25
Measurements..........................................................................................27
Alarms......................................................................................................29
Data transfer.............................................................................................32
Switching off.............................................................................................33
Chapter 4 | Wireless Version .................................................35
Overview ..................................................................................................35
Start-up.....................................................................................................39
Self-healing ..............................................................................................42
Mac list menu...........................................................................................45
Chapter 5 | Maintenance ........................................................47
Accessing maintenance menus ...............................................................47
Program menu..........................................................................................48

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BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual
Sensor calibration menu ..........................................................................49
Auto-adjustment menu.............................................................................50
Date and time management menu...........................................................50
Radio communication menu.....................................................................50
MAC List menu.........................................................................................50
Exit menu .................................................................................................50
Chapter 6 | COM2100 software ..............................................51
Subject .....................................................................................................51
Gas monitor connection ...........................................................................52
Maintenance menu...................................................................................52
Alarm relay configuration and logic inputs ...............................................57
Screen menu............................................................................................58
Chapter 7 | Technical Specifications.....................................59
Gas monitor..............................................................................................59
Sensors....................................................................................................61
Chapter 8 | Accessories and Spare Parts.............................67
Accessories..............................................................................................67
Spare Parts ..............................................................................................68
Chapter 9 | Special Instructions for use in explosive
atmospheres or hazardous locations ......................................71
ATEX areas and general rules.................................................................72
Input/output parameters...........................................................................72
Trickle charging connection (external power source) ..............................73
Connectors wiring diagram ......................................................................73
ATEX and IECEx Markings......................................................................74
CSA Hazardous Locations.......................................................................74
Radio Communication Marking................................................................76
Chapter 10 | Declaration of EC Conformity..........................77

General Information
5
Thank you for choosing this OLDHAM SIMTRONICS instrument.
All of the necessary actions have been taken in order to ensure your complete
satisfaction with this equipment.
It is important that you read this entire manual carefully and thoroughly.
The extent of our responsibility
■OLDHAM SIMTRONICS shall not be held responsible for any damage to the
equipment or for any physical injury or death resulting in whole or in part from the
inappropriate use, installation, or storage of the equipment, which is the result of
not complying with the instructions and warnings, and/or with the standards and
regulations in force.
■OLDHAM SIMTRONICS does not support or authorize any business, person, or
legal entity in assuming responsibility on behalf of OLDHAM SIMTRONICS, even
though they may be involved in the sale of OLDHAM SIMTRONICS products.
■OLDHAM SIMTRONICS shall not be responsible for any damage, direct or indirect,
or for damages and interest, direct or indirect, resulting from the sale and use of
any of its products UNLESS SUCH PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN DEFINED AND
CHOSEN BY OLDHAM SIMTRONICS FOR THE USE THAT THEY ARE
INTENDED.
Ownership clauses
■Drawings, specifications, and information herein contain confidential information
that is the property of OLDHAM SIMTRONICS.
■This information shall not, either in whole or in part, by physical, electronic, or any
other means whatsoever, be reproduced, copied, divulged, translated, or used as
the basis for the manufacture or sale of OLDHAM SIMTRONICS equipment, or for
any other reason without the prior consent of OLDHAM SIMTRONICS.

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BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual
Warnings and cautionary statements
This is not a contractual document. In the best interest of its customers and with the
aim of improving performance, OLDHAM SIMTRONICS reserves the right to alter the
technical features of its equipment without prior notice.
IMPORTANT: Failure to perform certain procedures or note certain conditions may
impair the performance of this product. For maximum safety and optimal performance,
please read and follow the procedures and conditions listed below.
IMPORTANT: Read and understand this manual before operating.
WARNING: SERVICING THE UNIT OR CHANGING THE BATTERIES
MUST ONLY BE DONE IN AN AREA KNOWN TO BE NONHAZARDOUS.
Prior to each day’s use, a bump test should be performed. If the instrument
does not pass the bump test, a full calibration is recommended.
Oxygen deficient atmospheres may cause combustible gas readings to be
lower than actual concentrations.
Oxygen enriched atmospheres may cause combustible gas readings to be
higher than actual concentrations.
Verify the calibration of the combustible gas sensor after any incident where
the combustible gas content has caused the instrument to display an over-
range condition.
Silicone compound vapors or other known contaminants may affect the
combustible gas sensor and cause readings of combustible gas to be lower
than actual gas concentrations. If the instrument has been used in an area
where silicone vapors were present, always calibrate the instrument before
next use to ensure accurate measurements.
Sensor openings and water barriers must be kept clean. Obstruction of the
sensor openings and/or contamination of the water barriers may cause
readings to be lower than actual gas concentrations.
When in the hazardous area, connections to the battery charging or
communications ports must be done in accordance with this technical
manual.
WARNING: Substitution of components may impair intrinsic safety and may
cause an unsafe condition.

General Information
7
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: High off-scale readings may indicate explosive concentration.
CAUTION: Any rapid up-scale reading followed by a declining or erratic
reading may indicate a gas concentration beyond the upper scale limit which
may be hazardous.
CAUTION: Before each day’s usage, sensitivity must be tested on a known
concentration of pentane or methane equivalent to 25%-50% of full scale
concentration. Accuracy must be within -0% to +20% of actual
concentration. Accuracy may be corrected by referring to the zero/calibration
section of the instruction manual.
The BM 25A/AW is CSA certified according to the Canadian Electrical Code
for use in Class I, Division 1 and Class I, Zone 1 Hazardous Locations within
an ambient temperature range of -20°C to +55°C. CSA has assessed only
the combustible gas detection portion of this instrument for performance
according to CSA Standard C22.2 No. 152. applicable only when the
instrument is used in the diffusion mode and has been calibrated to 50%
LEL CH4.
The BM 25A/AW is CSA certified according to the US National Electrical
Code for use in Class I, Zone 1 Hazardous Locations within an ambient
temperature range of -20°C to +55°C. CSA has assessed only the
combustible gas detection portion of this instrument for performance
according to ISA standard 12.13-1 applicable only when the instrument is
used in the diffusion mode and has been calibrated to 50% LEL CH4.
BM 25A/AW with pump or with PID sensors or with infrared sensors for
combustible gases detection is not CSA certified.
CSA certification does not include wireless communication used for
combustible gas performance. The wireless communication may only be
used for data collection or record keeping with regard to combustible gas
detection.
BM 25A/AW (with radio communication module) complies with Part 15 of
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interferences, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

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BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual
BM 25A/AW complies with FCC Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)
requirements when used with an approved antenna and the antenna is at
least 20cm away from the user. Use of the product closer than 20cm may
exceed the MPE limits. Use of any antenna other than approved antennas
will invalidate the certification of the product.
Warranty
■Under normal conditions of use and on return to the factory, parts and workmanship
carry a two year warranty, excluding consumables such as sensors, filters, etc.
Destruction of the equipment
European Union (and EEA) only. This symbol indicates that, in conformity
with directive DEEE (2002/96/CE) and according to local regulations, this
product may not be discarded together with household waste.
It must be disposed of in a collection area that is set aside for this purpose, for example
at a site that is officially designated for the recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment (EEE) or a point of exchange for authorized products in the event of the
acquisition of a new product of the same type as before.

1 –Introduction
9
Chapter 1 |Introduction
General information
The BM 25A/AW is a portable gas monitor that can be used in explosive gas
atmospheres.
It provides simultaneous detection of up to five gases present in the air by means of
sensors specific to each risk to be evaluated (under-oxygenation, presence of
combustible or toxic gases).
Figure 1

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BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual
Product Overview
Figure 2: Product Overview

1 –Introduction
11
Ref.
Description
See page
1.
Carrying handle
2.
LED alarm indicator (visual warning for gas alarms, transferred
alarms and faults)
■Low Alarm: slow flash (1 Hz)
■High Alarm: rapid flash (2 Hz)
■Alarm Transfer: very slow flash (0.5 Hz)
■Fault: steady (0 Hz)
29
3.
Loud speakers (audible warning for gas alarms, transferred
alarms and faults)
■Low Alarm: two-tone, slow (1 Hz)
■High Alarm: two-tone, rapid (2 Hz)
■Alarm Transfer: two-tone, very slow (0.5 Hz)
■Fault: mono-tone, continuous (0 Hz)
29
4.
Charging port connection (red ring)
19
5.
Trickle charge port connection (black ring)
20
6.
Alarm acknowledgement and Menu key (*)
-
7.
Backlight/Menu key (*)
-
8.
On/Off/Enter key (*)
23
9.
LCD display
16
10.
Gas sensors
15
11.
Infrared port connection
51
12.
Relay outputs (black ring)
14
13.
Dry logic inputs (yellow ring)
14
14.
Brief instructions for use and approval label
(*) Push buttons are "piezo" type

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BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual
Additional equipment
Figure 3: accessories
Ref.
Description
See page
1.
Sensors Cover for use with aspirated versions (*)
25
2.
Calibration cup for use with manual sampling system or for
sensors calibration
26
3.
Intrinsically Safe Trickle Charge Kit (provided with cables)
20
4.
Calibration/Sample tubing
-
5.
Communication Adaptor
51
6.
Universal charger 110/230 VAC
19
7.
Cable for IS power supply (see 3)
-
8.
Cable for alarm transfer (25, 50 or 100 meters)
21
(*) Optional

1 –Introduction
13
Connections
Charging port connection (red ring)
■Connection to Oldham Simtronics universal
charger (110/230 VAC) or charger for vehicle
(12/30 VDC)
■Pin 1: V- charge
■Pin 4: V+ charge
Connection prohibited in hazardous
area.
Unused connectors must be
equipped with their protective cap.
See details on pages 19 and 75
Figure 4: local charging port
Trickle charge port connection (black ring)
■Only for connection to the intrinsically safe
certified trickle charger
■Pin 1: V+ trickle charge
■Pin 2: V- trickle charge
■Pin 3: V+ trickle charge
■Pin 4: V- trickle charge
Pins 1-3 and 2-4 are connected in parallel.
Unused connectors must be
equipped with their protective cap.
See details on pages 20 and 75.
Figure 5: trickle charge port

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BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual
Relay Outputs (black ring)
■Pins 1-6: alarm relay (NO) output
■Pins 3-4: fault relay (NC) output
Unused connectors must be equipped
with their protective cap.
See details on pages 21 and 57.
Figure 6: relay outputs
Dry logic inputs (yellow ring)
■Pin 2: logic input for alarm transfer
■Pin 5: logic input for alarm acknowledgement
■Pin 7: common ground
Unused connectors must be equipped
with their protective cap.
See details on pages 22 and 57.
Intrinsic safety parameters
■Alarm relay output: dry relay contact,
Ui = 30 V, Ii = 150 mA, no L or C
condition
■Power supply for trickle charging: Ui = 30 V,
Ii = 160 mA, no L or C condition
■Dry logic input: Uo = 5 V, Io = 50 mA, Lo = 8
mH, Co = 7 µF
Figure 7: dry logic inputs
The person responsible for the gas monitor must create a Descriptive
System Document (for intrinsically safe circuits).

1 –Introduction
15
Gas sensors
The sensors are located on the front of the monitor (Figure 2, ref. 10). They are smart,
pre-calibrated from factory and interchangeable. They are composed of a sensitive
element and electrical components, including an EEPROM memory in which the
sensor characteristics are stored (gas type, range, span value, instantaneous, STEL
and TWA alarm values, date of manufacture, serial number, date of last calibration,
span reserve, etc.). The span reserve is updated after each calibration and allows the
user to gage the optimal time for changing the sensor. Sensors must be positioned as
indicated in the table above.
Figure 8: sensors configuration
Ref.
Description
1.
Combustible gas sensor (0 to 100% LEL)
2.
Mini sensors for toxic gases or the 1 year O2sensor
3.
Mini sensors for toxic gases or the 1 year O2sensor
4.
Medium sensors for:
■O2(>2 year lifetime)
■CO/H2S (combo medium sensor) and other toxic gases
■CO2IR
5.
Medium sensors for:
■O2sensor (>2 year lifetime)
■Toxic gases (medium sensors except CO/H2S sensor)
■CO2IR
■Infrared sensor for combustible gases
■PID sensor for VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Note:

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BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual
■If a sensor is present in slot #5, then sensor in slot #2 is not monitored
■The “combo” CO/H2S sensor can only be plugged in slot #4
■The PID sensor can only be plugged in slot #5
Sensor slots and protection filters must be kept clean. Otherwise, gas
measurements could be jeopardized.
LCD Display
The instrument features a graphic LCD display with backlit (Figure 2, ref. 9). It
automatically illuminates when an alarm or a fault occurs. It can be rotated by 180°
using COM2100.
Figure 9: LCD display
The following information is displayed:
■Up to 5 gas measurements along with gas names and units
■Maintenance call for calibration
■Date and time
■Minimum and maximum values (peak) measured
■STEL (short-term exposure limit) and TWA (time-weighted average) values
■Remaining battery runtime (bargraph)
■User’s and/or location’s identification
■Maintenance menus
■Alarm events (gas alarm, alarm transfer, sensor fault, battery fault, etc.)

1 –Introduction
17
Visual alarm
A red bright flashlight (Figure 2, ref. 2) visible from all direction is located on the top of
the device and alerts the user in the event of an alarm.
Audible alarm
Two powerful speakers (103 dB at 1 meter) located on each side of the BM 25A/AW
(Figure 2, ref. 3) alert the user in the event of an alarm.
Sampling system
The gas monitor can be equipped with an internal electric pump or an external manual
aspirator for confined space monitoring.

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BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual

2 –Installation and Connections
19
Chapter 2 |Installation and
Connections
Power supply
General Information
Power is supplied to the gas monitor through an interchangeable and rechargeable
battery pack (NiMH 7.2 V / 9 Ah). Under normal usage conditions and no radio
communication, the battery life ranges from 40 to 170 hours depending on the
configuration (100 hours under typical configuration: diffusion mode with 1 catalytic or 1
infrared sensor and 2 electrochemical sensors). For the wireless version, the battery
life ranges from 35 to 135 hours (65 hours under standard configuration).
The gas monitor is approved for use in explosive atmosphere only when it
is equipped with the battery pack type recommended by the manufacturer.
Before changing the battery pack, make sure the instrument is off.
Charging the batteries
Charger for vehicle (12 to 30 VDC) or 110/230 VAC universal charger
Insert the male connector (Figure 10, ref. 1) from the charger (ref. 3) into the
corresponding charging port and identified with a red ring (ref. 2) on the BM 25A/AW.
Connect the other end of the power supply (ref. 4) to the power source. Charging time
is 4.5 hours with the 110/230 VAC universal charger.
Charging the BM25A/AW with the truck-charger or the universal charger
shall be done in non-classified area only.

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BM 25A/AW
Instruction Manual
Figure 10: charging in safe area
Trickle charge kit
An intrinsically safe power supply (Figure 11: trickle charger connection provides power
to the monitor while it is located in hazardous area through a dedicated connector on
the left side (Figure 2, ref. 5). In this configuration, the internal battery is charged very
slowly. The current supplied by the trickle charger is mostly used to power the electrical
circuits.
Intrinsically safe power supply (trickle charger) features:
■Io ≤ 160 mA.
■Pmax= 1.2 W.
■Maximum cable resistance = 16 ohm, based on a maximum cable length of 500
meters (AWG 16 –1,5mm²).
Trickle chargers are available with 25, 50 or 100 meters of cable. The dual charging
kits are intended for use with BM 25A/AW monitors equipped with two high current
draw sensors (catalytic, infrared, PID) or when the pump is continuously running. Only
intrinsically safe power supplies provided by OLDHAM SIMTRONICS can be used.
Insert the male connector (Figure 11, ref. 6) from the trickle charger (ref. 1 and 3) into
the port with a black ring that is located on the left side of the BM 25A/AW (ref. 4).
Connect the other end of the power supply (ref. 2) to the mains and only in areas
known to be safe.
The trickle charge connector (Figure 11, ref. 1) must be located in a non-
hazardous location. The BM 25A/AW can be used in hazardous area while
trickle charging.