Rae Q-RAE User manual

Q-RAE
MULTI-GAS MONITOR
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
(Document No.:027-4001)
Rev. B
RAE SYSTEMS INC.
1339 Moffett ParkDrive
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
November 2001

§Gas Detection Tubes & Pumps
§SampleRAE Electronic Sampling Pump
§MultiRAE PLUS Multi-gas Monitors
§MultiRAE IR Multi-gas Monitors w/CO2
§MultiRAE Confined Space Monitor
§QRAE PLUS Multi-gas Monitors
§QRAE Confined Space Monitor
§VRAE Five-Gas Monitors
§DRAE Two-Gas Monitors
§MiniRAE 2000 Portable VOC Monitor (PID)
§ppbRAE Portable ppb-Level VOC Monitor (PID)
§UltraRAE Specific Compound Monitor
§CDRAE Corona Discharge VOC Monitor
§ToxiRAE PLUS PID Monitor
§ToxiRAE PLUS Single Gas Monitors
§ToxiRAE PLUS Oxygen Monitor
§ToxiRAE PLUS Combustible Gas Monitor
§MiniRAE PLUS Classic PID
§ModuRAE Fixed System PID
§AreaRAE Wireless Multi-point, Multi-gas Systems
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Table of Contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ........................... 1-1
1.1 General Specifications........................................1-2
2. OPERATION OF Q-RAE................................. 2-1
2.1 Physical Description ...........................................2-2
2.2 Keys and Display................................................2-4
2.3 Power On/Off......................................................2-7
2.4 Operations.........................................................2-10
2.5 Alarm Signals ...................................................2-18
2.6 Backlight...........................................................2-21
2.7 Preset Alarm Limits and Calibration ................2-22
2.8 Integrated Sampling Pump................................2-23
2.9 Datalogging.......................................................2-24
3. OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES.................. 3-1
3.1 Battery Charging Operation................................3-2
3.2 Alkaline Battery Adapter....................................3-4
3.3 Water Trap Filter ................................................3-5
3.4 Remote Sampling Probe or Tygon Tubing.........3-6
3.5 Dilution Fitting ...................................................3-7
3.6 Calibration Adapter.............................................3-8
4. PROGRAMMING OF Q-RAE......................... 4-1
4.1 Programming Mode............................................4-2
4.2 Keys for Programming Mode .............................4-4
4.3 Entering into Programming Menu......................4-5
4.4 Calibration of Q-RAE Monitor...........................4-7
4.4.1 Fresh Air Calibration.......................................4-9
4.4.2 Multiple Sensor Calibration ..........................4-10
4.4.3 Single Sensor Calibration..............................4-13
4.4.4 Modify Span Gas Value.................................4-16
4.4.5 Change LEL Span Gas...................................4-17
4.5 Change Alarm Limits........................................4-18

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4.6 View or Change Datalog...................................4-20
4.6.1 Reset Peak and Minimum..............................4-21
4.6.2 Clear All Data…………………………… …4-22
4.6.3 Change Datalog Period..................................4-23
4.6.4 Select Data Type............................................4-24
4.6.5 View Datalog………………………………..4-25
4.6.6 Enable / Disable Datalog...............................4-26
4.7 Change Monitor Setup......................................4-27
4.7.1 Change Site ID...............................................4-28
4.7.2 Change Alarm Mode .....................................4-29
4.7.3 Change User Mode........................................4-30
4.7.4 Change Real Time Clock...............................4-31
4.7.5 Change Back Light Mode..............................4-32
4.7.6 Change Password...........................................4-33
4.7.7 Change Pump Speed......................................4-34
4.7.8 Change Averaging Method............................4-35
4.8 Change Sensor Configuration...........................4-36
4.8.1 Change LEL Gas Selection............................4-38
4.8.2 Enable / Disable Sensor.................................4-40
4.9 Exit Programming Mode ..................................4-42
5. COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR Q-RAE....... 5-1
5.1 Install ProRAE-Suite Software...........................5-2
5.2 Connect Q-RAE to PC........................................5-4
5.3 Start ProRAE-Suite Software .............................5-5
5.4 Setup Communication Port.................................5-7
5.5 Processing the Configuration Data.....................5-8
5.5.1 Editing the Configuration Data........................5-9
5.5.2 Send Configuration to Q-RAE ......................5-20
5.5.3 Saving Configuration Data............................5-21
5.5.4 Configuring All Settings................................5-22
5.6 Processing the Logged Data .............................5-24
5.6.1 Receive Data from Q-RAE............................5-25
5.6.2 View Logged Data in Text Mode..................5-26
5.6.3 View STEL/TWA/AVG Value .....................5-28

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5.6.4 View Summary Information..........................5-29
5.6.5 View Logged Data in Graph Mode................5-30
5.6.6 Export the Displayed Data to a Text File......5-34
5.6.7 Export Graphic to a File................................5-35
5.6.8 Print the Logged Data....................................5-36
5.7 Upgrade the Datalog Option.............................5-37
5.8 Upgrade the Firmware......................................5-39
6. THEORY OF OPERATION............................. 6-1
7. MAINTENANCE ............................................... 7-1
7.1 Battery Replacement...........................................7-2
7.2 Sensor Replacement............................................7-4
7.3 Sampling Pump Replacement.............................7-7
8. TROUBLESHOOTING .................................... 8-1
8.1 Special Diagnostic Mode....................................8-2
8.2 Troubleshooting Table........................................8-8
APPENDIX A. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE.........A-1
APPENDIX B. CORRECTION FACTORS...............B-1
APPENDIX C. Q-RAE DATA CONVERSION
TO MICROSOFT EXCEL...............C-1
APPENDIX D. RAE TECHNICAL NOTES..............D-1
APPENDIX E. RAE APPLICATION NOTES ..........E-1
APPENDIX F. LITERATURE REQUEST................F-1
APPENDIX G. REQUEST FOR RETURN
AUTHORIZATION FORM............... G-1
Main Contact Numbers .......................Outer Back Cover

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! WARNING !
-DONOT proceed before reading -
This manual must be carefully read by all
individuals who have or will have the responsibility
for 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.
CAUTION!!
To reduce the risk of electric shock, turn off power
before removing the monitor cover. Disconnect the
battery before removing sensor module for service.
Never operate the monitor while the cover is
removed. Remove monitor cover and sensor
module only in an area known to be non-hazardous.
The model PGM-50Qequipment is classified as to
intrinsic safety for use in class I, division 1, groups
A, B, C, D, or non-hazardous locations only.

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Special Notes
-1-
When the Q-RAE monitor is taken out from the
transport case and turned on for the first time, there
may be some residual organic or inorganic vapors
trapped inside the detector chamber. The initial toxic
sensor reading may indicate a few ppm. Place the unit
in an area free of organic or toxic vaporsand turn on
the monitor. After running for several minutes, the
residual vaporsin the detector chamber will be cleared
and the reading should return to zero.
-2-
The battery of the Q-RAE monitor will discharge slowly
even if it is turned off. If the monitor has not been
charged for 5-7 days, the battery voltage will be low.
Therefore, it is a good practice to always charge the
monitor before using it. It is also recommended to fully
charge the monitor for AT LEAST 10 HOURS before
initial use. See Section 7 for more information on
battery charging and replacement.

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WARNINGS:
Use only RAE Systems battery packs, part numbers
500-0028, 500-0029, 500-0037, or500-0039. This
instrument has not been tested in an explosive gas/air
atmosphere having an oxygen concentration greater
than 21%. Substitution of components may impair
intrinsic safety. Recharge batteries only in non-
hazardous locations.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Utiliser seulement l'ensemble de batterie RAE Systems,
les references500-0028, 500-0029, 500-0037, ou 500-
0039. Cet instrument n’a pas été essayé dans une
atmosphère de gaz/air explosive ayant une
concentration d’oxygène plus élevée que 21%. La
substitution de composants peut compromettre la
sécurité intrinsique. Ne charger les batteries que dans
l’emplacements désignés non-dangereux.
STATIC HAZARD:
Clean only with a damp cloth.
DANGER RISQUE D'ORIGINE
ELECTROSTATIQUE:
Nettoyer uniquement avec un chiffon humide.
CAUTION:
For safety reasons this equipment must be operated and
serviced by qualified personnel only. Read and
understand instruction manual completely before
operating or servicing.

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ATTENTION:
Pour des raisons de sécurité, cet équipment doit être
utilisé, entretenu et réparé uniquement par un
personnel qualifié. Étudier le manuel d’instructions en
entier avant d’utiliser, d’entretenir ou de réparer
l’équipement.
CAUTION:
Before each day’s usage,sensitivity must be tested on a
known concentration of methane gas equivalent to 20-
50% of full scale concentration. Accuracy must be
within -0-+20% of actual. Accuracy may be corrected
by calibration procedure.
ATTENTION:
Avant chaque utilisation journaliere verifier la
sensibilitéavec une concentration connue de methane
equivalente a 20 -50% de la pleine échelle. La précision
doit être comprise entre 0 -20% de la valeur vraie et
peut être corrigée par une procédure diétalonnage.
CAUTION:
Any rapid up-scale reading followed by a declining or
erratic reading may indicate a gas concentration beyond
upper scale limit which may be hazardous.

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AVERTISSEMENT:
Toute lecture rapide et positive, suivie d’une baisse
subite au erratique de la valeur, peut indiquer une
concentration de gaz hors gamme de détection qui peut
être dangereux.
WARNING:
The calibration of all newly purchased RAE Systems
instruments should be tested by exposing the sensor(s)
to known concentration calibration gas before the
instrument is put into service for the first time.
For maximum safety, the accuracy of the Q-RAE should
be checked by exposing the sensor(s) to known
concentration calibration gas before each day’s use.
AVERTISSEMENT:
La calibration de toute instruments de RAE Systems
doivent être testé en exposant l’instrument a une
concentration de gaz connue par une procédure
diétalonnage avant de mettre en service l’instrument
pour la première fois.
Pour une securite maximale, la sensibilité du Q-RAE
doit être verifier en exposant l’instrument a une
concentration de gaz connue par une procédure
diétalonnage avant chaque utilisation journalière.