Rae Q-RAE PLUS Manual

Q-RAE PLUS
PGM-2000/2020
MULTI-GAS MONITOR
SHORT FORM
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
Document Number: 015-4011-000
Revision B, April 2005

* READ BEFORE OPERATING *
The instrument manual must be carefully read by all individuals
who have 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.
THIS IS A SHORT FORM OF THE MANUAL – THE
COMPLETE MANUAL WITH ALL OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS IS CONTAINED ON THE
CD-ROM SHIPPED WITH THIS PRODUCT
CAUTION!
To reduce the risk of electric shock, turn off power
before removing the monitor cover. Disconnect the
battery before removing sensor modules for service.
Never operate this monitor while the cover is removed.
Remove monitor cover and sensor modules only in an
area known to be non-hazardous.
ATTENTION!
For European Applications
A. CE 0575 II 2G
DEMKO 02 ATEX 04201X
EEx ia d IIC T4 (with Battery Pack P/N 015-3052)
EEx ia d IIC T3 (with Battery Pack P/N 015-3053)
B. Recharge batteries only in non-hazardous locations
C. Do not connect external cable to serial interface jack in
hazardous locations.
D. Use RAE Systems Adapter P/N 500-0072 for connection to
communication port and charging jack only in a non-hazardous
area.

SPECIAL NOTE
When the QRAE Plus multi-gas monitor is taken out of the transport case
and is turned on for the first time, there may be some residual vapors
trapped inside the monitor and the initial toxic gas sensors may indicate a
few ppm. After running the monitor for several minutes in clean air, the
residual vapors should clear and readings should return to near zero.
WARNINGS!
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 RAE Systems battery packs, part number 015-305, 015-
3052, or 015-3053. *Battery pack 015-3051 is not approved for use in
Europe. 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.
Do not connect external cable to serial interface jack in hazardous
locations.
STATIC HAZARD
Clean only with a damp cloth.
CALIBRATION
The calibration of all newly purchased RAE Systems Instruments
should be tested by exposing it to known concentration calibration
gases before the instrument is put into service for the first time.
For safety, check the accuracy of the QRAE Plus by exposing the
sensors to known concentration calibration gas before each day’s use.
READINGS
Anyrapidup-scalereading followedby adeclining orerratic readingmay indicate
a gas concentrationbeyond upper scale limit,which maybe hazardous.

AVERTISSEMENTS!
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.
Utiliser seulement l'ensemble de batterie RAE Systems avec numéro
de série 015-3051, 015-3052, our 015-3053. *Le batterie avec
numéro de série 015-3051 est intérdit pour usage en Europe. 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.
Connectex pas le cable externe au port parallel dans un environment
non-dangereux.
DANGER RISQUE D'ORIGINE ELECTROSTATIQUE
Nettoyer uniquement avec un chiffon humide.
LA CALIBRATION
La calibration de toute instruments de RAE Systems doivent être
testé en exposant l’instrument a une concentration de gaz connue
par une procédure dietalonnage avant de mettre en service
l’instrument pour la première fois.
Pour une securite maximale, la sensibilité du QRAE Plus doit être
verifier en exposant l’instrument a une concentration de gaz connue
par une procédure dietalonnage avant chaque utilisation journalière.
LES LECTURES
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 dangereuse.

GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1
1. General Information
The Q-RAE Plus is a programmable multi-gas monitor
designed to provide continuous exposure monitoring of toxic
gases, oxygen and combustible gases for workers in
hazardous environments. There are two models available:
PGM-2000, a pumped unit, and PGM-2020, a diffusion unit.
Table 1. QRAE Plus Specifications
Dimensions: 3” L x 4.5” W x 1.8” H (7.6 x 11.4 x 4.3 cm)
Weight: 15 oz (525 g) with battery
Detectors: 2 Electrochemical toxic gases sensors
1 Electrochemical oxygen sensor
1 Catalytic/Thermal conductivity sensor for
combustibles
Battery: Rechargeable 3.6V/3000 mAh, Li-ion battery
pack with built-in charger – 8 hours of charge
time, up to 20 hours run time
Alkaline battery adapter (2 AA’s)
Operating Time: Up to 20 hours continuous w/ Li-ion battery pack
Display: Two-line, 16-character LCD with automatic LED
backlight for dim lighting conditions
Keypad: One operation key. 2 programming keys
Direct Readout: Up to 4 instantaneous values, sensor name, high
and low values for all sensors, TWA and STEL
values for toxic, battery voltage and elapsed time
Sampling Pump: Internal integrated pump with adjustable settings
for low or high speed sampling
Alarm Settings: Separate limits for TWA, STEL, low and high
Alarms: 95 dB buzzer, flashing red LED, vibration alarm,
LCD to indicate exceeded preset limits, low
battery, or sensor failure
Calibration: Two-point field calibration for fresh air and
standard reference gas
Three-point optional oxygen calibration
Attachments: Rubber boot, belt clip, wrist strap
Protection: Password protected calibration settings, alarm
limits, and data

GENERAL INFORMATION
1-2
(Continued)
Intrinsic Safety: UL Class I, Division I, Groups A, B, C, D, and Class II,
Division I, Groups E, F, G
(Europe)
CE 0575 II 2G
DEMKO 02 ATEX 04201X
EEx ia d IIC T4 (with Battery P/N 015-3052)
EEx ia d IIC T3 (with Battery P/N 015-3053)
EM Immunity: No effect when exposed to 0.43mW/cm2 RF
interference (5 watts at 12”)
Data Storage: 16,000 points of non-volatile memory (up to 67
hrs of reading 4 sensors at one-min. intervals)
Datalog Interval: Programmable 1- to 36,000-second intervals
External Alarm: Optional, plug-in, pen-size vibration alarm
External Printer: Optional, plug-in, thermal serial printer
Communication: Download data to PC
Upload monitor setup from PC through an RS-
232 link to serial port on PC
Temperature: -20°C to 45°C (-4°F to 113°F)
Humidity: 0% to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Table 2. Range, Resolution & Response Time
(t90 for pump-equipped instruments)
Sensor Range Resolut. t90 (Sec)
Presoak time
for 60-s Cal.
LEL 0-100% LEL 1% 15 0 Seconds
VOL 0-100% Vol 1% 20 0 Seconds
O20-30% 0.1% 15 0 Seconds
CO 0-500 ppm 1.0 ppm 40 0 Seconds
H2S 0-100 ppm 1.0 ppm 35 0 Seconds
SO2 0-20 ppm 0.1 ppm 35 0 Seconds
NO 0-250 ppm 1.0 ppm 30 0 Seconds
NO20-20 ppm 0.1 ppm 25 0 Seconds
Cl20-50 ppm 0.1 ppm 60 60 Seconds
PH30-5 ppm 0.1 ppm 60 60 Seconds
NH30-50 ppm 1.0 ppm 150 90 Seconds
HCN 0-100 ppm 1.0 ppm 200 170 Seconds

OPERATION
2-1
2. Operation
2.1. Physical Description
Main components of the Q-RAE Plus multi-gas monitor:
Figure 1. Front View of the Q-RAE Plus
Figure 2. Back View of the Q-RAE Plus
Communication Port
Power Port
Gas Exit Window
Gas Inlet
Buzzer Window
External Filter
Mode & On/Off Key
Light Sensor
Alarm and
Indication LED
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Sensor Cover
Battery Pack
Yes & No

OPERATION
2-2
2.2. Operation of Monitor
The functions of the three keys are summarized below.
Table 3. Key Functions
[MODE] Hold for 1 second and release to turn ON; hold for
5 seconds to turn OFF; toggle to different displays.
Exit program menu tier; exit data entry mode when
held for 1 second
[N/-] Answer “No” to a question; decrease a number;
toggle the backlight on & off.
[Y/+] Answer “Yes” to a question; increase a number;
test alarm; alarm condition acknowledgment
The Q-RAE Plus monitor has two operation modes:
1. Basic mode is the simplest mode of operation. The monitor
alternately displays the instantaneous concentration readings
and the sensor names after the monitor is turned on. The user
can press the [MODE] key to see critical data, battery voltage or
enter the PC communication mode. The displays in the main
loop of the Basic mode are shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Displays in Basic Mode
Sensor Names / Instantaneous Readings
Comm with PC?
Battery Voltage
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
Min. Values
Peak Values
STEL Values
TWA Values
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]

OPERATION
2-3
2. Advanced mode, shown schematically in Figure 4, displays
more information than the Basic mode and allows access to
more programming functions. The Programming Mode is
explained in detail in Chapter 4 of the long form manual.
* Datalog appears only when unit has datalogging option and is
programmed in manual datalog mode. LEL gas appears only when
LEL sensor is installed. ** Print Reading appears only if this option is
enabled through ProRAE Suite software.
Figure 4. Displays in Advanced Mode
To choose a specific display, press [MODE] one or more times
until the desired display appears. An “OK!” mark means the
unit is in Basic mode and no alarm condition exists. A small “L”
means the unit is logging data. Press [Y/+] to perform the
function of any question displayed.
Date Time
Run time Temp.
Min. Values
Comm with PC? Peak Values
LEL Gas Name* STEL Values
Start/Stop Datalog?*
Battery Voltage
Shut off Voltage
TWA Values
Print Reading?**
Sensor Names / Instantaneous Readings
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
Yes & No
Keys
[MODE]
Datalog Mode = XXX
[MODE]

OPERATION
2-4
2.3. Alarm Signals
The Q-RAE Plus will alarm under conditions summarized in
Table 4.
Table 4. Alarm Signals and Reset
Condition Alarm Signal Message Alarm Reset by
Gas exceeds
“High Alarm” limit 3 beeps/flashes per sec/ Vibration Sensor name and “High” Move away from gas.
Gas exceeds “Low
Alarm” limit 2 beeps/flashes per sec/ Vibration Sensor name and “Low” Move away from gas.
Gas exceeds
STEL 1 beep/flash per sec / Vibration Sensor name and “STEL” Move away from gas and wait 15 minutes.
Gas exceeds TWA 1 beep/flash per
sec / Vibration Sensor name and “TWA” Move away from gas, turn unit OFF and ON
Gas exceeds the
sensor range 3 beeps/flashes per sec/ Vibration Sensor name and “OVR” Move away from gas.
Unit short circuit
or reading over
maximum range
3 beeps/flashes
per sec/ Vibration Sensor name and “MAX” Move away from gas.
Excessive sensor
negative drifting 1 beep/flash per sec / Vibration Sensor name and “NEG” Perform a fresh-air zero calibration.
Blocked inlet or
pump failure 3 beeps/flashes per sec “Pump” Unblock the inlet and
press [Y/+]; adjust
pump threshold.
Excessive LEL
gas or LEL sensor
OFF
3 beeps/flashes
per sec/ Vibration LEL sensor name and “Off” Move away from gas and turn the LEL
sensor back ON.
Low battery
(<3.3V) 1 flash per sec 1 beep per min “Bat” Charge the battery.
Memory full 1 flash per sec “Mem” Clear the datalog.
Datalog memory
write error 1 flash per sec “Emm” Turn the unit OFF and then back ON.
Alarm Signal Testing: Under normal non-alarm conditions, the
buzzer, vibration alarm, LED, and backlight can be tested by
pressing [Y/+] momentarily.
WARNING!
The alarm signals are disabled during PC communication,
calibration, and datalog review or when printing to a serial printer.
To reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous atmospheres,
perform these operations only in areas known to be safe. During
these operations, real time monitoring of the gas stops.