Sensit VMD Operating instructions

SENSIT®VMD
Manufactured by:
SENSIT Technologies
851 Transport Drive • Valparaiso, IN 46383 (USA) • www.gasleaksensors.com
Set Up & Operating inStrUctiOnS
Read and Understand Instructions prior to use
VEHICLE METHANE DETECTOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Description....................................................................4
Parts and Accessories................................................................4
General Specications................................................................5
Warnings ....................................................................................5
Installation .............................................................................. 6-8
User Interface....................................................................... 9-13
Operation............................................................................ 13-15
How to plot Survey Logs on Google Earth ......................... 16-17
Warranty ....................................................................Back Cover
SENSIT®VMD
3
VEHICLE METHANE DETECTOR

Sensit VMD
Vehicle Methane Detector – Open Path IR
Set up and operating instructions
General Description
The Sensit VMD is a vehicle mounted methane gas detection system. The principle of operation
is open path Infrared absorption spectroscopy technology. As the beam of light passes through
a methane (natural gas) plum some of the light is absorbed between the IR Transmitter and IR
Receiver . This is measured using specialized electronics and software. The information is sent
to a computer for processing and displaying real-time information for the operator.
Parts and Accessories
Emitter assembly
Tablet computer
Mounting assembly (for use with front mount 2” Reese style hitch, NOT INCLUDED)
Blue tooth module (wireless connection to computer)
4

General Specifications
Sensitivity: 0.1 PPM / meter CH4 at 25 MPH
Measurement Range: 1.0 to 1000 PPM / meter
Display Ranges: Automatic
System test: Automatic during turn on
Response Check: Operator initiated; pass/fail determined by preset software limits
Calibration Adjustment: Field performed with calibration cell and on-board operator selection
via PC.
Data connection: Bluetooth
Operator Interface and Display: Backlit 7” touchscreen weatherproof notebook.
Alarms: Audible with adjustable set point
Error indications: Low Light Detection failure, Communication failure, Zero Fail, Test Fail, Cal Fail
System Power: 60 watts @ 12 VDC
System Voltage: 10-16 VDC
Mechanical Mounting: bracket mount
Installation Time: <2 hours (typical)
External Housing Rating: IP 54
Display Housing Rating: Waterproof tablet style PC
External Sub-System Materials: Aluminum and plastic
Operating Temperature Range: -22 o F to 122 o F
Operating Humidity Range: 5 to 100% RH
Warnings
Clean the lenses prior to each days use for best results.
Use extreme caution when monitoring the computer when driving. Any adjustments should be
made only when the vehicle is safely stopped away from traffic.
When not in use refer to transport position recommendation to prevent potential damage.
5

Installation
Mounting; two brackets on pipe; 10” minimum clearance from light transmitter and receiver.
Electrical; 5A 250v fuse; Red wire positive; Black wire negative;
Computer; Electrical connection; serial connection; External Bluetooth module.
1. Install a 2” front mount hitch on the front of the vehicle. If a bolt on hitch cannot be
sourced, a local welding shop should be able to mount one for you as pictured below.
2. Insert the short end of the “L” bracket into the hitch with the long side up. There a
several adjustment holes for distance in and out from the bumper. Insert the pin and
tighten the hitch stabilizer.
Pin
Hitch Stabilizer
6

3. Ensure that the “Jam Bolt” is backed out from the VMD bracket. Slide the VMD (with
mounting bracket) over the “L” bracket and lower the VMD until it bottoms out on the
“L” bracket (DO NOT INSERT THE PIN).
4. Route the power wires (red+ and black-) through the grill and engine compartment to
the battery. Allow a little bit of slack to allow for full range of adjustment. The wires will
have stripped ends. Use of crimp connectors can used at the end of the wires to attach
to the battery. Be sure to use dielectric grease on connections to prevent corrosion.
CAUTON: RED wire attaches to the positive (+) of the battery and the BLACK wire
attaches to the negative (-). Plug in the power connector to the VMD.
5. Raise the VMD up the highest position on the “L” bracket, referred to as the “transport
position”, and insert the pin.
Note: Raise to the highest position without obstructing headlights, turn signals, etc.
Jam Bolt
Pin
Transport Position
7

6. The computer can be mounted to the dash or floor of the vehicle. Mounting options can
be found at the link below.
http://downloadt.advantech.com/ProductFile/PIS/9668TREK37E/Product%20-
%20Datasheet/Accessories%20for%20TREK%20Series_DS_010912_A-
DLoG20120111094933.pdf
7. Plug power cord into the computer and the other end into 12 volt outlet.
NOTE: We always recommend when vehicle is not being used for an active survey that
the VMD is locked into the “Transport Position”. When being used for an active survey,
the “Survey Position”, the VMD sensor/detector should be no higher than the bottom of
the vehicle bumper. If used in lower positions caution must be taken not to allow the
VMD to impact the ground or road surface. The “Jam Bolt” should be tightened in all
positions.
Transport Position Survey Position
8

User Interface
The user interface of the Sensit VMD is controlled by a tablet computer with touch screen and
“hot key” operation. Using a stylus or your finger in the button areas will activate the function.
The “hot keys” F1 thru F5 also control the bottom row of functions. Only those functions with
darkened commands are active in the particular operation mode.
VMD User Interface is divided onto 2 sections.
1. General Function Panel:
This section contains the following general function that are always accessible.
a. CLOSE: Close VMD application without turning VMD off. If you do not open
application again and power on VMD, VMD will shut down after 10 min.
b. CONVERT FILE TO KML: This function creates a file that can be used with google
earth to plot the survey logs.
c. BT: If DataStream is activated in USER SETUP, the Bluetooth function is activated.
Color of button text indicates the status of data stream. If button text is green,
streaming is on. If button text is red, streaming is off. If DataStream is disabled,
this button is grayed out and not usable.
d. GPS: Color of button text indicates the status of GPS.
i. Green: GPS module is connected and acquiring data.
ii. Gray: GPS module is connected but satellite signal is not strong enough to
received GPS data.
iii. Red: If GPS module is not connected. You can click button to scan again
to see if module is connected.
e. Information Box: This display status of operation performed.
9

f. STAND BY/WAKEUP: Standby disables the lamp and places the VMD in standby
mode to conserve power when unit is not in use. After unit goes in standby
mode, this button changes function and is displayed as WAKEUP. Use WAKE UP
button to start using the VMD again. This enables the lamp. A 120 second wait
period will be displayed for the lamp to power on and stabilize.
g. POWER ON/SHUTDOWN: It establishes the communication between the
computer and VMD, turns on VMD, and connects to GPS if connected. After
power on, this button changes function and is displayed as SHUTDOWN. Clicking
SHUTDOWN will turn instrument off.
2. Mode/Tab Panel:
This panel provides 4 different modes. Not all modes are displayed all the time.
a. WARMUP Mode:
This is initial screen for VMD application. After pressing POWER ON the VMD will
begin the warm up process.
i. The chart will show the methane sensitivity and the temperature of the
VMD.
ii. Clicking STOP will disable the data logging and allow access to other
modes.
iii. Clicking Clear Chart will clear chart.
iv. Clicking Clear Table will clear data in table.
v. Clicking SAVE will save the warm up data to a file that can be viewed by a
Sensit technician for troubleshooting purposes.
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b. SURVEY Mode:
After WARM UP and Auto Zero are successful the display will show READY in the
SURVEY tab.
i. LAST PEAK: This is highest detection peak for the last running 120
seconds
ii. CALIBRATE: Initiates the calibration procedure. External calibration cell
required.
iii. CLEAR CHART: This clear the chart data and clears the Last Peak reading.
iv. SHOW TABLE/CHART: Use this button to alternate the survey mode from
chart to table or from table to chart.
v. ZERO: Initiates a manual zeroing procedure
vi. TEST: Inserts an internal test vial into the light path to test detection
function. Reaction of cell will vary depending on bar length. Software has
preset limts for pass/fail.
vii. START SURVEY: Starts the survey and the recording of the readings.
viii. STOP SURVEY: Stops the survey and closes the data file used for logging.
Starting the survey will create a new data file.
ix. PAUSE: Pause’s the survey and the recording function.
x. RESTART: Restarts the survey and use the same data file for continuous
logging.
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c. USER SETUP Mode:
i. X-AXIS (TIME) (Default: 120): Sets how many seconds data should be
displayed on chart. The CHART displays the running results for specified
time in this setting. (adjustable 30-300 seconds)
ii. Y-AXIS (PPM) (Default: 0): Sets the maximum scale (ppm reading) for Y-
Axis of chart. Setting 0 will make chart to auto scale. (adjustable 0-
1000ppm)
iii. Activate Alarm Beep (Default: ON –10 PPM): Activates audible alarm on
tablet PC. (adjustable 0-1000ppm)
iv. Filtering Band : Reduce the noise of the system to make chart and
reading easy to interpret for leaks. Password protected.
v. LDL (Lower Detection Limit): The lowest gas reading that can be
displayed. Password protected.
vi. Perform Advance Cal (Default: Off): Activating this will cause the VMD to
perform an additional advanced calibration process. This will require 5 to
15 minutes.
vii. Path to Save Logs: Select the folder you wish to store all the survey logs.
By default, the VMD stores to the desktop. .
viii. ACTIVATE STREAMING: You can activate streaming of data out to any
device that is serially connected to the computer running VMD
Application. If you activate Bluetooth streaming, you need to select the
COM PORT and baud rate for the communication and SAVE using the
SAVE button. By default, it streams PPM readings. To include GPS
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coordinate streaming along with PPM (Comma separated), check
STREAM GPS COORDINATE checkbox.
ix. INTEGRATE PMD: You can stream PMD readings to be displayed
simultaneously with the VMD readings on the computer. You must check
“INTEGRATE PMD” box, select the COM PORT and baud rate. PMD
readings are logged and displayed on the graph or chart. If the PMD
crosses the alarm threshold set for the VMD, the alarm will sound.
x. GET CAL LOG: You can view history of last 5 calibration log.
d. SETTINGS Mode:
This mode provides access to the factory level settings. Please contact Sensit
customer service department if you need to access this.
Operation
1. Activate computer by pressing the button located on the lower right hand side of the
housing. The system will boot up.
a. If the VMD application does not automatically begin double click the icon on the
desktop screen.
2. Click POWER ON to begin VMD warm up process (see Screen Figure 3.)
a. The graph below will begin activity.
b. The chart will show the light level/methane sensitivity and the temperature of the
VMD.
c. The warm up takes 8-12 minutes typically
d. The VMD is optimizing light levels and temperature during WARM UP prior to
zeroing.
3. After WARM UP and Auto Zero are performed SURVEY MODE is activated.
4. When Autozero is successful the display will show READY in the SURVEY mode.
a. If Autozero failed, ZERO FAIL is displayed. Please check the light path and make sure
there are no obstructions, lenses are clean, and lamp is on. Try performing a Zero
using the ZERO (F2) button.
5. Go to the area where you want to perform the survey.
6. Lower the VMD from the “Transport position” (all the way up) to the “Survey position”, the
mount allows for a broad range of height adjustment. Adjust as needed and tighten the
“Jam Bolt”.
7. Click on TEST to check for response. 13

a. A TEST can be performed at any time during a SURVEY as well. It will be logged along
with your survey data as Test.
b. If TEST fails, please perform calibration (see Operation Calibration). A Failed TEST
pause’s the survey. You can restart the survey by clicking RESTART (F5) button.
8. Select TABLE or CHART preference (default is chart)
9. Click on START SURVEY
10. STOP or PAUSE SURVEY as needed.
11. If the light path is obstructed at any time during a survey, the survey will stop and “LOW
LIGHT will be displayed along with audible tone and warning message. Check for
obstructions and that the lenses are clean. Try to zero the unit by pressing the “ZERO” on
the display or (F2) button.
Operation Calibration:
Note: Failed Calibration will disable the VMD unusable until successfully calibrated.
1. Calibration cannot be performed during a survey. The survey must be “stopped”, and not
“paused”.
2. Hang and tighten the thumbscrew of the external calibration cell into the light path against
the lens of the receiver or transmitter of the VMD . Click the CAL button. It will display
following message.
3. Click OK to start calibration if you already inserted calibration cell.
4. Successful calibration will be indicated by READY shown on the display. REMOVE
CALIBRATION CELL. Do not leave the cell attached during vehicle operation.
5. Failure of calibration will be displayed by the following message box.
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6. Visually confirm the calibration cell is properly positioned in the light path and click Yes.
7. If unit fails calibrating for the 2nd time, it will display following message box asking you to
proceed with Advanced calibration. Advanced calibration can take up to 5-15 min.
8. Click YES, if you would like to proceed further.
9. If you click no, it will display CAL FAIL in the SURVEY MODE. Instrument will not be able to
be used until calibration is successful.
10. If calibration still fails, please contact Sensit customer service for technical help.
15

How to plot Survey Logs on Google Earth?
STEP 1: COVERT SURVEY FILE TO KML FILE FORMAT:
1. Click on CONVERT FILE TO KML button from common function panel.
2. Following screen will be displayed.
3. Click SELECT FILE TO CONVERT to select the Survey log files. By default file browser
window will open the default survey log file folder.
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4. Open the survey file. Survey files are “.csv” files and organized as
YEAR/Month/srno_ddMMMyyyy_hhmmss.csv. Multiple files can be converted at the
same time
5. Please select the appropriate value for PPM to identify the leak detection area on the
map.
6. Click CONVERT button. Following screen will be displayed.
7. Select the appropriate file name and click Save. By default program uses the same file
name as source file name and will save at the same location as the source file.
NOTE: Please make a note of the file/folder you saved this KML file as you will need this
when you plot on Google earth.
8. If conversion is successful, application will display a following message. Acknowledge
the message and repeat the step if you would like to convert more files.
STEP 2: PLOT KML FILE ON GOOGLE EARTH:
1. Open Google Earth Program. (Google Earth should be installed on your computer. If not
you can download it from http://www.google.com/earth/).
2. Using File menu open the file saved in KML format in STEP 1.
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NOTES

NOTES

Warranty
Your Sensit VMD is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two
years after purchase. If within the warranty period the instrument should become inoperative from such
defects the instrument will be repaired or replaced at our option. This warranty covers normal use and
does not cover damage which occurs in shipment or failure which results from alteration, tampering,
accident, misuse, abuse, neglect or improper maintenance. Proof of purchase may be required before
warranty is rendered. Units out of warranty will be repaired for a service charge. Internal repair or
maintenance must be performed by a Sensit Technologies authorized technician. Violation will void the
warranty. Units must be returned postpaid, insured and to the attention of the service department for
warranty or repair.
The computer is covered by its own manufacturer’s warranty. Sensit Technologies has no additional
warranty on this device.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
© SENSIT TECHNOLOGIES ISSUED: 2-14-2014 REV: 12-22-2014
MADE IN USA
851 Transport Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383-8432
Phone: 888 4SENSIT
888 473 6748
219 465 2700
Fax: [phone]
www.gasleaksensors.com