Rae QRAE PLUS PGM-2000 Manual

QRAE PLUS
PGM-2000/2020
MULTI-GAS MONITOR
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
Document Number: 015-4001-001
Revision G-1, December 2002

ATTENTION!
For European Applications
A. E 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.

-READ BEFORE OPERATING -
This manual must be carefully read by all individuals who have
or will have the responsibility of 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 housing top or the sensor cover.
Disconnect the battery before removing sensor
modules for service. Never operate this monitor while
the top or the cover is removed. Remove the top, the
cover or sensor modules only in an area known to be
non-hazardous.
SPECIAL NOTE
When the PGM-2000 or PGM-2020 multi-gas monitor is taken
out from the transport case and is turned on for the first time,
there may be some residual vapor trapped inside the detector
chamber. The initial toxic sensor readings may indicate a few
ppm. Make sure the area is free of toxic vapors before turning
the monitor on. After running the monitor for several minutes,
the residual vapor in the detector chamber should clear and
readings should return to zero.

Table of Contents
1. General Information 1-1
2. Operation 2-1
2.1. Physical Description…………………………….…… 2-2
2.2. Operation of Monitor…………………………………... 2-4
2.3. Alarm Signals………………………………………… 2-12
2.4. Backlight…………………………………………...….. 2-15
2.5. Preset Alarm Limits and Calibration……………..… 2-16
2.6. Datalogging…………………………………………..…. 2-17
3. Operation of Accessories 3-1
3.1. Battery Charging Operation…………………………… 3-2
3.2. Alkaline Battery Adapter…………………………….. 3-3
3.3. Water Trap and C-Filters…………………………….. 3-4
4. Programming 4-1
4.1. Programming Mode………………………………..… 4-2
4.2. Keys for Programming Mode……………………….. 4-4
4.3. Calibration……………………………………………..... 4-5
4.3.1.Fresh Air Calibration…………………………...... 4-8
4.3.2.Multiple Sensor Calibration……………………. 4-8
4.3.3.Single Sensor Calibration……………………… 4-10
4.3.4.Modify Span Gas Value…………………...…… 4-12
4.3.5.Change LEL Span Gas………………………… 4-13
4.3.6.OXY Calibration Type………………………..… 4-14
4.4. Change Alarm Limits………………………………… 4-15
4.5. View or Change Datalog…………………………..… 4-17
4.6. Change Monitor Setup………………………………. 4-18
4.7. Change Sensor Configuration………………………. 4-20
4.7.1.Change LEL/VOL Sensor Type……………….. 4-21
4.7.2.Enable / Disable Sensor…………………..…… 4-22
4.7.3.Change LEL Gas Selection……………….…… 4-23
4.8. Exit Programming Mode…………………………….. 4-25
5. Computer Interface 5-1
6. Theory of Operation 6-1
7. Maintenance 7-1
8. Troubleshooting 8-1
8.1. Diagnostic Mode……………………………………… 8-2
8.2. Troubleshooting Tips………………………………...… 8-7
Appendix A. Programming Functions A-1
Appendix B. LEL Correction Factors B-1

NOTE: THE SYMBOL MEANS “CAUTION-
RISK OF DANGER. CONSULT OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.

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 015-3051, 015-
3052, or 015-3053. *Battery pack 015-3051 is approved for use in USA
only. 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
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.

AVERTISSEMENT!
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 permit pour I’usage seulement aux Etats-Unis.
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 QRAE 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: the PGM-2000, a pump unit,
and the PGM-2020, a diffusion unit. The figures and displays in
this manual are primarily for the PGM-2000 model.
The QRAE Plus monitors inorganic toxic gases and oxygen
concentrations with electrochemical sensors. It monitors
combustible gases with a combination catalytic bead and
thermal conductivity sensor.
The QRAE Plus includes:
•Calibration Adapter
•Quick Reference Guide
•Operation and Maintenance Manual
•Training Video
•Rubber Boot with Belt Clip
•10 Water Trap Filters (PGM-2000 only)
•3” Inlet Probe (PGM-2000 only)
•Water Trap and C-Filter Adapters (PGM-2000 only)
•Alkaline Battery Pack
•Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
•120 V AC/DC Wall Adapter

GENERAL INFORMATION
1-2
Table 1. QRAE Plus Specifications
Dimensions: 3” L x 4.5” W x 1.8” H
(7.6 cm x 11.4 cm 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, Li-ion battery pack with built-in
charger –8 hours of charge time
Alkaline battery adapter (3 AA’s)
Operating Time: Li-ion battery pack –up to 16 hours of
continuous operation
Display: Two-line, 16-character LCD with automatic
LED backlight for dim lighting conditions
Keypad: One operation key; two programming keys
Direct Readout: Up to four instantaneous values, sensor name,
high and low values for all detectors, 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
Alarms: 95 dB buzzer, flashing red LED, vibration
alarm, LCD to indicate exceeded preset limits,
low battery, or sensor failure
Alarm Settings: Separate alarm limit settings for TWA, STEL,
low and high alarms
(Continued)

GENERAL INFORMATION
1-3
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
Intrinsic Safety:
UL Class I, Division I, Group A, B, C, D, and Class II,
Division I, Group 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)
CSA Class I, Division 1, Group A,B,C,D
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
hours of reading four sensors at one-minute
intervals)
Datalog Interval: Programmable 1-second 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: UL / ATEX
-20°C to 45°C (-4°F to 113°F)
CSA
0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
-20°C to 45°C (pending)
Humidity: 0% to 95% relative humidity

GENERAL INFORMATION
1-4
(non-condensing)

GENERAL INFORMATION
1-5
Table 2.
Range, Resolution & Response Time
(t90 equipped with pump)
LEL 016-1171-000 0-100% 1% 15 seconds
O2008-1161-000 0-30% 0.1% 15 seconds
CO 008-1112-000 0-500 ppm 1.0 ppm 40 seconds
H2S008-1111-000 0-100 ppm 1.0 ppm 35 seconds
SO2 008-1113-000 0-20 ppm 0.1 ppm 35 seconds
NO 008-1114-000 0-250 ppm 1.0 ppm 30 seconds
NO2008-1115-000 0-20 ppm 0.1 ppm 25 seconds
Cl2008-1116-000 0-10 ppm 0.1 ppm 60 seconds
HCN 008-1117-000 0-100 ppm 1.0 ppm 200 seconds
NH3008-1118-000 0-50 ppm 1.0 ppm 150 seconds
PH3008-1119-000 0-5 ppm 0.1 ppm 60 seconds

OPERATION
2-1
2. Operation
The QRAE PLUS Monitor is a compact multi-gas monitor. It gives real
time gas measurements and alarms when gas levels exceed the preset
limits. Before leaving the factory, default alarm limits are preset intothe
QRAE PLUS and the sensors are pre-calibrated with standard
calibration gases. However, the user should calibrate the instrument
before the first use to guard against changes during shipment. Once
the monitor is fully charged and calibrated, it is ready for operation.
Calibration Frequency
The monitor should be calibrated before each day's use unless
experience in the application shows that less frequent
calibration meets the accuracy requirements for the job. In lieu
of a full calibration, a "bump check" with calibration gas can be
performed to ensure that the sensor(s) respond within the
accuracy limits established by the user. If the bump check fails,
a calibration must be performed. Frequent replacement of
external filters may help extend the required calibration interval.
Sensor Cross-sensitivity and Deactivation
After calibration, all sensors will accurately read the gas for
which they were designed and calibrated. However, all sensors
can exhibit interferences or deactivation under more or less
extreme conditions or concentrations. The user should always
be aware of potential interfering compounds or deactivators and
attempt to avoid such conditions. In particular, LEL sensors can
be deactivated by silicones and compounds of chlorine,
bromine, lead, phosphorus and sulfur. Percent levels of polar
organic vapors (e.g., alcohols & acetone) reversibly affect some
electrochemical sensors, particularly H2S and CO. High levels
of ammonia will shorten the life of the ammonia sensor.
Extremely low or high humidity may dry out or flood
electrochemical sensors and should be avoided for extended
periods. Indications that a sensor is nearing the end of its life
are given by a) an expiration date warning on start-up, b) an
error message during calibration or an inability to calibrate, and
c) noisy readings in a clean atmosphere.

OPERATION
2-2
2.1. Physical Description
Main components of the QRAE PLUS multi-gas monitor:
Figure 1. Front View of the QRAE PLUS
Figure 2. Back View of the QRAE PLUS
Communication Port
Power Port
Gas Exit Window
Gas Inlet
Buzzer Window
Water Trap Filter
Mode Key
Light Sensor
Alarm and
Charging LED
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Sensor Cover
"Yes" and "No" Key Pads
Battery Pack

OPERATION
2-3
1) The buzzer provides an audible warning when an alarm
situation exists.
2) The water trap filter prevents water and dust from being
drawn into and damaging the unit.
3) The Li-ion battery pack provides up to 20 hours of the
continuous operation.
4) A 12V DC power source plugged into the power port is
required to charge the Li-ion battery pack.
5) The unit can communicate with a PC via the
communication port.
6) Concentration readings and messages are shown on the
LCD.
7) Use the [MODE] key to turn the power ON/OFF and cycle
through the displays. Use the [Y/+] and [N/-] keys to enter
data or respond to queries from the instrument.
8) The light sensor will detect ambient light levels and the
Display’s backlight will activate in low-light conditions.
9) Alarm and indication LEDs offer a visual warning if there is
an alarm situation, and give the battery charging indication.
10) Sensors are under the sensor cover and can be easily
changed.

OPERATION
2-4
2.2. Operation of Monitor
Figure 3shows the LCD and the keypad on the front panel of
the monitor. The functions of the three keys during normal
operation are summarized in the next page.
Figure 3. Front Keypad and Display
Figure 4. Side Keypad
LCD Display Alarm and Charging LEDs Light Sensor
MODE and ON/OFF Key
N/- Y/+

OPERATION
2-5
Table 3.
Key Functions in Normal Operation Mode
[MODE] Hold for 1 second and release to turn ON the
instrument.
Hold for 5 seconds to turn OFF the
instrument.
Choose different displays.
[N/-] Answer “No” to a question.
Decrease a number.
Toggle ON/OFF the backlight.
[Y/+] Answer “Yes” to a question.
Increase a number.
Test Alarm.
Alarm Acknowledgment (turns off latched
alarm/ turns on pump or LEL sensor after
alarm conditions clear).

OPERATION
2-6
The QRAE PLUS multi-gas monitor offers two different user
modes of operation:
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 Basic mode
are shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Displays in Basic Mode
2. Advanced mode, shown schematically in Figure 6, displays
more information than the Basic mode and allows access to
more programming functions. The Programming Mode is
explained in detail in Chapter 4.
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
2-7
* Datalog appears only when unit has datalogging option and is
programmed in manual datalog mode. LEL gas appears only when
LEL sensor is installed.
** Appears only if the option is enabled through ProRAE Suite
software.
Figure 6. Displays in Advanced Mode
Date Time
Run time Temp.
Min. Values
Comm with PC? Peak Values
LEL Gas Name* STEL Values
Start/Stop Datalog?*
TWA Values
Print Reading?**
Sensor Names / Instantaneous Readings
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
[MODE]
Datalog Mode = XXX
[MODE]