RKI Instruments 65-2395RK-CH4 User manual

RKI Instruments, Inc.
www.rkiinstruments.com
65-2395RK-CH4
Methane Transmitter
Operator’s Manual
Part Number: 71-0183RK
Revision: A
Released: 4/12/11

65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter
WARNING
Read and understand this instruction manual before
operating transmitter. Improper use of the transmitter could
result in bodily harm or death.
Periodic calibration and maintenance of the transmitter is
essential for proper operation and correct readings. Please
calibrate and maintain this transmitter regularly! Frequency
of calibration depends upon the type of use you have and
the sensor types. Typical calibration frequencies for most
applications are between 6 and 12 months, but can be
required more often or less often based on your usage.

65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter
Product Warranty
RKI Instruments, Inc. warrants gas alarm equipment sold by us to be free from defects in
materials, workmanship, and performance for a period of one year from date of shipment
from RKI Instruments, Inc. Any parts found defective within that period will be repaired
or replaced, at our option, free of charge. This warranty does not apply to those items
which by their nature are subject to deterioration or consumption in normal service, and
which must be cleaned, repaired, or replaced on a routine basis. Examples of such items
are:
Warranty is voided by abuse including mechanical damage, alteration, rough handling, or
repair procedures not in accordance with the operator’s manual. This warranty indicates
the full extent of our liability, and we are not responsible for removal or replacement costs,
local repair costs, transportation costs, or contingent expenses incurred without our prior
approval.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
AND ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF
RKI INSTRUMENTS, INC. INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL RKI INSTRUMENTS,
INC. BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND CONNECTED WITH THE USE OF
ITS PRODUCTS OR FAILURE OF ITS PRODUCTS TO FUNCTION OR
OPERATE PROPERLY.
This warranty covers instruments and parts sold to users by authorized distributors,
dealers, and representatives as appointed by RKI Instruments, Inc.
We do not assume indemnification for any accident or damage caused by the operation of
this gas monitor, and our warranty is limited to the replacement of parts or our complete
goods.
a) Absorbent cartridges d) Batteries
b) Pump diaphragms and valves e) Filter elements
c) Fuses

65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter
Table of Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Methane Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Junction Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mounting the Methane Transmitter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Wiring the Methane Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Startup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Introducing Incoming Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Setting the Zero Signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Replacing Components of the Methane Transmitter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Calibration Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Preparing for Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Setting the Zero Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setting the Response Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Returning to Normal Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter • 1
Overview
This manual describes the 65-2395RK-CH4 methane transmitter. This manual also
describes how to install, start up, configure, maintain, and calibrate the transmitter when
it is used with a gas monitoring controller. A parts list at the end of this manual lists
replacement parts and accessories for the methane transmitter.
Specifications
Table 1 lists specifications for the methane transmitter.
WARNING: When using the 65-2395RK-CH4, you must follow the instructions and
warnings in this manual to assure proper and safe operation of the
65-2395RK-CH4 and to minimize the risk of personal injury. Be sure to
maintain and periodically calibrate the 65-2395RK-CH4 as described in
this manual.
Table 1:Specifications
Description Specification
Target Gas Methane (CH4)
Area Classification Explosionproof for Class I, Groups B, C, and D
Sampling Method Diffusion
Signal Output 4 to 20 mA
Detection Range 0 to 100% volume
Response Time 90% in 45 seconds
Operating Temperature -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
Accuracy ± 5% of reading or ± 2% of full scale (whichever is greater)

2 • 65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter
Description
The 65-2395RK-CH4 methane transmitter is calibrated to methane. The transmitter
utilizes an infrared type of detector which has some advantages over a catalytic type of
combustible detector. The infrared detector will generally have a longer service life than a
catalytic detector, it will require calibration less often, and it can detect combustible gas
even if there is no oxygen in the sample which allows detection of combustible gas in an
inert atmosphere.
This section describes the components of the methane transmitter. The transmitter is a 4 -
20 mA type detector head. It consists of the methane detector, amplifier, and junction box.
Figure 1: Methane Transmitter Component Location
Infrared CH4 %Volume Detector
The infrared CH4 %Vol. detector is made up of a miniature infrared methane %Vol.
detector housed and encapsulated in a pipe nipple. The pipe nipple has 3/4” NPT threads
on each end and a 1 1/4” hex that allows removal or installation of the detector with a
wrench. A porous flame arrestor that is coated with a hydrophobic film that repels liquids
is on one end of the detector and allows sample gas to enter the detector. Four color coded
leads, red, white, green, and black, extend from the other end of the detector. The leads
allow you to connect the detector to the amplifier.
GWRB
LEL
57-1053RK
PWR/ SIG
S
S2 001
Amplifier
Controller Terminal
Strip
Detector Terminal Str
ip
J-Box
IR CH4 % Volume Detector
Sensor Current
mA SPAN
Jumper Pins,
F
actory Use Only
Factory Adjust Pot
Zero Pot
Span Pot
Factory Adjust Pot
ZERO
- Test Point
+ Test Point

65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter • 3
Amplifier
The amplifier converts the electrical output from the detector to a 4 to 20 mA signal that
corresponds to the detection range and transmits the signal to a gas monitoring controller.
A foam gasket that orients the amplifier and keeps it from rotating is installed on the
bottom of the amplifier. A label on the amplifier indicates the detector drive current. This
drive current is factory set and is dictated by the combustible gas to which the detector is
calibrated. Consult RKI Instruments, Inc. if you plan to change the calibration gas for the
transmitter, for example from a methane calibration to a hexane calibration. The amplifier
includes the detector terminal strip, controller terminal strip, span pot, zero pot, and test
points (see Figure 1).
Controller Terminal Strip
The controller terminal strip is a three position plug-in style terminal strip located near the
top of the amplifier. Use the controller terminal strip to wire the methane transmitter to a
controller.
Detector Terminal Strip
The detector terminal strip is a four position plug-in style terminal strip located below the
controller terminal strip. Use the detector terminal strip to connect the IR %Vol. detector to
the amplifier.
NOTE: The IR %Vol. detector is factory-wired to the detector terminal strip. See “Wiring
the Methane Transmitter to a Controller” on page 5 for all wiring procedures
related to the transmitter.
Zero Pot
The zero pot is located in the upper left corner of the amplifier (see Figure 1). Use a small
flat blade screwdriver to turn the zero pot’s adjustment screw and adjust the amplifier’s
zero (fresh air) output during the start-up and calibration procedures. Turn the adjust-
ment screw clockwise to increase the zero output and counterclockwise to decrease the
zero output.
Span Pot
The span pot is located to the right of the zero pot (see Figure 1). Use a small flat blade
screwdriver to turn the span pot’s adjustment screw and adjust the amplifier’s gas
response output during the calibration procedure. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to
increase the gas response and counterclockwise to decrease the gas response.
CAUTION: The amplifier includes two additional potentiometers. They are factory-set. Do not
adjust them.
Test Points
The test points are on the left side of the amplifier (see Figure 1). The test points produce a
100 mV to 500 mV output that corresponds to the transmitter’s 4 to 20 mA output. Use the
test points and a voltmeter to measure the amplifier’s output during the start-up and
calibration procedures. The black test point in the lower left corner is the negative (-) test
point and the red test point below the zero pot is the positive (+) test point.
Junction Box
Use the junction box to install the transmitter at a mounting site that is remote from the
controller. The junction box protects the amplifier and wiring connections made to the

4 • 65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter
amplifier. Use the top 3/4’’ conduit hub to connect wiring from the amplifier to the
controller. Use the cover on the front of the junction box to access the interior of the
junction box. The detector and amplifier are factory installed in the junction box. Three
spacers installed on the back of the junction box control the distance of the junction box
from a mounting surface and ensure that there is enough room to install a calibration cup
on the detector during calibration.
Installation
This section describes procedures to mount the methane transmitter in the monitoring
environment and wire the transmitter to a controller.
Mounting the Methane Transmitter
1. Select a mounting site that is representative of the monitoring environment. Consider
the following when you select the mounting site.
• Select a site where the transmitter is not likely to be bumped or disturbed. Make
sure there is sufficient room to perform start-up, maintenance, and calibration
procedures.
• Select a site where the target gas is likely to be found first. For lighter gases,
mount the detector near the ceiling; for heavier gases, mount the detector near the
floor.
Figure 2: Mounting the Methane Transmitter
.38
2.70
.75
Rubber
Spacers,
3X
J-Box
3.65
3/4 NPT
Female
IR CH4 % Volume
Detector
7.10 MAX

65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter • 5
2. At the monitoring site you select, hang or mount the junction box with the detector
facing down (see Figure 2).
Wiring the Methane Transmitter to a Controller
WARNING: Always verify that the power to the controller is off before you make
wiring connections.
1. Turn off the controller.
2. Turn off or unplug power to the controller.
3. Remove the junction box cover.
4. The detector leads are factory wired. Verify that the detector leads are wired to the
amplifier’s detector terminal strip as shown in Figure 3.
5. To gain access to a plug-in terminal strip for wiring, pull it out of its socket by
grasping the terminal strip and pulling. The detector strip is keyed so that the
controller and detector terminal strips cannot be reversed inadvertently.
6. Guide a three-conductor, shielded cable, or three wires in conduit through the top
conduit hub of the junction box.
7. Pull out the controller terminal strip, and connect the three wires to the terminal strip
as follows (see Figure 3).
• Connect the positive wire to the PWR/SIG “+” terminal.
• Connect the signal wire to the PWR/SIG “S” terminal.
• Connect the negative wire to the PWR/SIG “-” terminal.
CAUTION: If shielded cable is used, leave the cable shield’s drain wire disconnected and
insulated at the transmitter. You will connect the opposite end of the cable’s drain
wire to the controller’s chassis (earth) ground.
8. Reinstall the controller terminal strip into its socket.
9. Secure the junction box cover to the junction box.
10. Route the cable or wires leading from the methane transmitter through one of the
conduit hubs at the controller housing.
CAUTION: Do not route power and transmitter wiring through the same controller conduit hub.
The power cable may disrupt the transmission of the transmitter signal to the
controller.
11. Connect the wires to the applicable detector/transmitter terminal strip at the
controller as shown in Figure 3.

6 • 65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter
Figure 3: Wiring the Methane Transmitter to a Controller
12. If shielded cable is used, connect the cable’s drain wire to an available chassis (earth)
ground at the controller. RKI controllers typically have a ground stud that can be used
to ground the cable’s drain wire.
Red
Cable Shield
Controller or
Recording Device
- (DC Ground)
4-20mAIn(S)
+ 24 VDC
Amplifier (Transmitter)
IR CH4 % Volume Detector
Detector Wires
Green
White
B
J
-Box
RW G
LEL PWR / SIG
Black
S