PCE Instruments COMPACT S User manual

1
Hydromette BL Compact S
HYDROMETTE BL
COMPACT S
Operating Instruction
Version 2.0
PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/us
www.industrial-needs.com
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/english

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HydrometteBLCompact S
Contents
0.1 ConformityDeclaration............................................................4
0.2 Publication Declaration...........................................................5
0.3 WEEE Directive 2002/96/ECElectricalandElectronic
Equipment Act ..........................................................................5
0.4 Safety Instructions...................................................................6
1Introduction...................................................................................8
1.1 Description................................................................................8
1.2 Instrument Design and KeyAssignments............................9
1.3 DisplayIcons...........................................................................10
2Basic Functions .........................................................................11
2.1 Switching the Instrument On................................................11
2.2 Displayin Measuring Mode..................................................12
2.3 Settings Menus.......................................................................12
2.3.1 Measuring Menu (mainmenu)...................................13
2.3.2 Setting the Wood Type:..............................................16
2.3.3 Maximum Value...........................................................17
2.3.4 Minimum Value............................................................18
2.4 Additional Functions..............................................................19
2.4.1 Automatic Shut-down..................................................19
2.4.2 Battery Monitoring........................................................19
2.4.3 Electrode Replacement..............................................19

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HydrometteBLCompact S
3Specifications .............................................................................20
3.1 Technical Specifications.......................................................20
3.2 Intolerable Ambient Conditions:...........................................20
3.3 Measuring Range...................................................................21
4Notes on Use...............................................................................21
4.1 General Notes.........................................................................21
4.1.1 Definition: Woodmoisture (u)....................................21
4.1.2 Definition: Water content (w)......................................22
4.1.3 Calorific Value..............................................................22
4.1.4 Conversion Table.........................................................22
4.2 Notes on Measuring Wood Moisture..................................23
5Annex............................................................................................24
5.1 Setting the Type .....................................................................24
5.2 Wood Types Table for the Compact S...............................25
5.3 ComparisonGraphofHumidity- Material Moisture
Content....................................................................................26

Introduction
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Hydromette BL Compact
0.1 Conformity Declaration
For conformity to electromagnetic compatibility: EC Directive
89/33/EECin the version93/31/EEC for the measuring instrument:
GANN HYDROMETTE BL COMPACT S
We herebydeclarethat the design and model of the above-named
measuringinstrumentconformstothe above-nameddirectiveinthe
design introduced to the market byus. This declaration is invalid if
unauthorised modifications are made to the instrument.
The following standards were consulted for electromagnetic
compatibilitypurposes:
Interferenceimmunity: EN 61326-1:2006-05;
EN 61326-1:2006-10;ESD.
EN 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998+A2:2001
Electromagnetic
fields: EN 61000-4-3:2006-12
Emittedinterference: EN 61326-1:2006 –05;
EN 61326-1: 2006-10
Electromagnetic
interferencefieldstrength: 30 MHz –16GHz
EN 55011:1998+ A1: 1999+ A2: 2002

Introduction
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Hydromette BL Compact S
0.2 Publication Declaration
This publication replaces all previous versions. It may not be
reproducedorelectronicallyprocessed,duplicated or distributed in
any way without the written permission of Gann Mess- u.
Regeltechnik GmbH. Subject to technical and documentary
change. All rights reserved. This document was compiled with the
necessary care. Gann Mess- u. Regeltechnik GmbH accepts no
liabilitywhatsoever for errors or omissions.
GANN Mess- u. Regeltechnik GmbH, Gerlingen, 07 Nov. 2014
0.3 WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC Electrical and
Electronic Equipment Act
The packaging, battery and instrument must be disposed of at a
recycling centre in accordance with legal regulations.
The instrument was manufactured after 01.10.2009

Introduction
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Hydromette BL Compact S
0.4 SafetyInstructions
This measuring instrument conforms to the EN 61326-1:2006-05
standard and fulfils the requirements of applicable European and
nationaldirectives.Appropriatedeclarations anddocumentationare
locatedwith the manufacturer.Theusermustread these operating
instructions in order to guarantee problem-free instrument
operation and operational safety. The measuring instrument may
only be operated under the specified climatic conditions. These
conditions canbefound in Section 3.1 "Specifications".In addition,
this measuring instrument may only be operated under the
conditions andforthe purposeitwas designedfor. The operational
safety and functionality are no longer guaranteed if the instrument
is modified or converted. Gann Mess- u. Regeltechnik GmbH
assumesnoliabilityfor anyensuingdamage.All risks areassumed
solelybythe user.
The instrument may not be stored or operated in
aggressive atmospheres or atmospheres containing
solvents!
Static electricity - At low wood humidities, below approx.
12% and low air humidity (especially in the winter
months), high-voltage static electricitycharges maybuild
up, favoured by external influences (friction during
material transport, high environmental insulation value),
which may not only lead to strong fluctuations in the
measured data or negative values, but also to the
destruction of electrical components in the instrument.
Even the instrument operator may —inadvertently —
contribute to the build up of a static charge bythe clothing
worn. A considerable improvement can be achieved if the
operator and the instrument are absolutely still during
measuring,as wellas byearthing(contact withconducting
metal, water or heating pipes, etc.).

Introduction
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Hydromette BL Compact S
Frozen wood cannot be measured.
The notes and tables on allowable or common moisture
conditions in practice and general definitions given in
theseinstructions weretakenfrom the technical literature.
The manufacturer therefore cannot accept anyliabilityfor
correctness. The conclusions drawn from the
measurement results depend on each user's individual
requirements and practical, professional empiricism.
Becausethemeasuringinstrument adheres to the stricter
emittedinterference(EMC) Class B, it maybe operated in
residential and commercial environments.
The measuringinstrumentandanyaccessories used may
only be used for the purpose intended, as described in
theseinstructions.Theinstrumentandaccessories should
be kept awayfrom children!
Do not measure wood or other materials on conductive
surfaces, such as metal, wet surfaces, etc.
Gann Mess- u. Regeltechnik GmbH accept no liabilityfor damage
caused by non-compliance with the operating instructions or by
violation of a duty to care during transport, storage or operation of
the instrument,evenif this duty to care is not specificallydiscussed
in the operating instructions.

Introduction
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Hydromette BL Compact S
CAUTION: There is a danger of injury from the electrode
pins if the measuring instrument is carried without its protective
cover or otherprotective packaging.Thereis also adangerof injury
dueto careless handlingofthe electrodepins duringthemeasuring
procedure.
1 Introduction
1.1 Description
The Hydromette BL Compact S is an electronic moisture meter for
various types ofwoodand has a 3-line LCD display. The electrode
pins arepressedintotherespectivemedium andallowrecording of
the moisture content of wood combustibles.

Introduction
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Hydromette BL Compact S
1.2 Instrument Design and KeyAssignments
Electrode pins
Display
Up key
Measure key
On/Off key
Down key

Introduction
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Hydromette BL Compact S
1.3 Display Icons
Main menu icons
Additional icons
Temperature in °C
Wood type icon
Measured value on hold;
ready to measure
Material moisture in %
Material moisture in %
Min./Max. display
Drained battery icon
Temperature in °C
Wood type icon
Type ID

BasicFunctions
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Hydromette BL Compact S
2 Basic Functions
2.1 Switching the Instrument On
The instrument is switched on bypressing the "On" key .
Last measured value in %
"Hold" icon
Last measured instrument
temperature in° C
Wood type symbol and code
A new measurement can be started in this menu by pressing
measuring key"M". Also see Section 2.2 "Measuring mode".
Figure 2-1 Main menu

Basic Functions
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Hydromette BL Compact S
2.2 Display in Measuring Mode
Displayed measurement value in %
of water content or in weight % /
absolutely dry
"Hold" icon signals measurement
readiness
Instrument temperature in° C
Wood type symbol and code
A measuring process is started bypressing the "M" key.
2.3 Settings Menus
By repeatedly pressing the "Up" and "Down" keys the following
menus can be selected in sequence (sequence using the "Down"
key; the menus are accessed in the opposite direction using the
"Up" key):
Figure 2-2 Measuring mode

BasicFunctions
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Hydromette BL Compact S
1. Measuring menu (main menu): The measuring process
can be performed from here.
2. Type selection: The material type can be selected here.
3. Maximum value: The largest measured value is
displayed.
4. Minimum value: The smallest measured value is
displayed.
2.3.1 Measuring Menu (main menu)
The last measured value is shown together with the comment
"Hold". The instrument temperature and the current type are also
shown on the display.
A new measurement can be started in this menu bypressing the
"M" key.
The "Hold" icon disappears from the display during the
measurement and the % sign flashes. If the measured value
remains stable, the % sign stays on and the measured value is
stored after releasing the "M" key. The "Hold" icon is displayed
again.
If the new measured value is greater or smaller than the previous
maximum or minimum, "Max" or "Min" flash on the display. Press
the "M" key briefly to store the new value as the new minimum or
maximum.Anewmeasurement can be started without altering the
previous minimum or maximum bypressing "M" longer if the value
is notto be stored.
If a measurement is outside of the measuring range (< 10%, >
50%)a flashingvalue, which is additionallymarked by"LO" or "HI",
warns of this.

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Hydromette BL Compact S
Min. value
flashes
Max. value
flashes
Type flashes
Illustrated quick-start guide
Main menu
Type selection
menu
Max. value reset
menu
Min. value reset
menu
M
M
<1 s
M
<1 s
M
<1 s
MPress the measuring key for any
length of time
On/Off key: Instrument deactivates
after 30 sec. of inactivity
M
<1 s
M
>2 s
Hold the measuring key down
for more than 2 seconds
Press the measuring key
briefly
Key
Measurement

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Hydromette BL Compact S
Key
Wood type 3
M
M
>2 s
M
>2 s
M
<1 s
Main menu
Value deleted
Value deleted
Main menu
Main menu
M
<1 s
M
<1 s
Software Version:
Mess- u. Regeltechnik
GmbH
MRelease the measuring key
Press the Up or Down key
Up or Down for menu selection
Illustrated quick-start guide
<1 s
Wood type 3

Basic Functions
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Hydromette BL Compact S
2.3.2 Setting the Wood Type:
The specified wood ID is displayed
with the icon for wood moisture.
Wood type symbol and ID
Press the "M" key(measure key) briefly to change the type.
The type ID flashes and can be set using the "Up" and "Down"
keys. Press the "M" keyagain briefly to save the change.
The type table can be found in the Annex.
Figure 2-3 Wood type menu

BasicFunctions
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Hydromette BL Compact S
2.3.3 Maximum Value
The largest measured moisture
value of a series is displayed
together with the display icon
"Max."
Wood type symbol and ID
To deletea maximum value, the displayed value must be selected
by briefly pressing the "M" key(measure key):
The value and the % sign are now flashing and the value can be
deleted by pressing the "M" key longer. Once the value has been
deleted, only the % sign flashes. By briefly pressing the "M" key
once again the deletion is confirmed and the % sign disappears.
The instrument returns to standbymode.
A new measurement can then be carried out using the "M" key.
Figure 2-4 Maximum value

Basic Functions
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Hydromette BL Compact S
2.3.4 Minimum Value
The smallest measured moisture
value of a series is displayed
together with the display icon "Min"
Wood type symbol and code
To delete a minimum value, the displayed value must be selected
by briefly pressing the "M" key(measure key):
The value and the % sign are now flashing and the value can be
deleted by pressing the "M" key longer. Once the value has been
deleted, only the % sign flashes. By briefly pressing the "M" key
once again, the deletion is confirmed and the % sign disappears.
The instrument returns to standbymode.
A new measurement can then be carried out using the "M" key.
Figure 2-5 Minimum value

BasicFunctions
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Hydromette BL Compact S
2.4 Additional Functions
2.4.1 Automatic Shut-down
If no key is pressedforapprox.30 seconds theinstrumentswitches
off automatically. The current data are retained and are displayed
again after switching on.
2.4.2 Battery Monitoring
If the battery icon appears inthe display, the batteryis empty
and must be replaced.
A list of suitable battery types can be found in the "Specifications"
section.
2.4.3 Electrode Replacement
The knurled screws must be loosened to replace the electrodes.
The tips can then be easilyreplaced.
Caremust be taken that the knurled screws are always sufficiently
tightened to prevent measuring errors and the area between the
tips is keptclean.

Specifications
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Hydromette BL Compact S
3 Specifications
3.1 Technical Specifications
Display: 3-line display
Displayresolution: 0.1%
Reaction time: < 2 s
Storage conditions: + 5° to + 40° C
- 10° to + 60° C (short-term)
Operating conditions: 0° to + 50° C
- 10° to + 60° C (short-term)
Power supply: 9 V battery
Usable types: Type 6LR61 or Type 6F22
Dimensions: 200 x 50 x 30 (L x B x H) mm
Weight: approx. 170 g
3.2 Intolerable Ambient Conditions:
Condensation, continuouslyhigh humidity(> 85%) and wet
Continuous dustexposureandflammablegases,vapours or
solvents
Continuouslyhigh ambient temperatures (> + 50° C)
Continuouslylow ambient temperatures (< 0° C)