Spectrex SafEye Quasar 950 Operating instructions

Quasar 950/960
Toxic & Aromatic Open-Path Gas Detection System
User's and Maintenance Manual
Document Ref: TM 888300, Rev. F , January 2015
218 Little Falls Rd., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 USA;
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Web-Site: www.spectrex.net ; Email: [e-mail]

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
ii

Legal Notice iii
Legal Notice
The SafEye monitoring system described in this document is the property of Spectrex, Inc.
No part of the hardware, software or documentation may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer
language, in any form or by any means, without prior written permission of Spectrex, Inc.
While great efforts have been made to assure the accuracy and clarity of this document,
Spectrex, Inc. assumes no liability resulting from any omissions in this document, or from
misuse of the information obtained herein. The information in this document has been carefully
checked and is believed to be entirely reliable with all of the necessary information included.
Spectrex Inc. reserves the right to make changes to any products described herein to improve
reliability, function, or design, and reserves the right to revise this document and make
changes from time to time in content hereof with no obligation to notify any persons of
revisions or changes. Spectrex, Inc. does not assume any liability arising out of the application
or any use of any product or circuit described herein; neither does it convey license under its
patent rights or the rights of others.
Warning: This manual should be carefully read by all
individuals who have or will have responsibility for using,
maintaining or servicing the product.
The Source and Detector are not field-repairable due to the
meticulous alignment and calibration of the sensors and the
respective circuits. Do not attempt to modify or repair the
internal circuits or change their settings, as this will impair
the system's performance and void the Spectrex, Inc.
Product warranty.
.

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
iv Release History
Release History
Rev
Date
Revision History
Prepared by
Approved by
-
December 2013
First Release
Ian Buchanan
Eric Zinn
A
September 2014
Second Release
Ian Buchanan
Eric Zinn
B
October 2014
Third Release
Ian Buchanan
Eric Zinn
C
November 2014
Fourth Release
Ian Buchanan
Eric Zinn
D
November 2014
Fifth Release
Ian Buchanan
Eric Zinn
E
November 2014
Sixth Release
Ian Buchanan
Eric Zinn
F
January 2015
Seventh Release
Ian Buchanan
Eric Zinn

About this Guide v
About this Guide
This manual describes the Quasar 950/960 Open-Path Gas Detection
System and its features, and provides instructions on the installation,
operation and maintenance.
This guide includes the following chapters and appendices:
Chapter 1, Scope, provides a general introduction and overview of the
product.
Chapter 2, Technical Description, describes the Detector’s theory of
operation.
Chapter 3, Operation Mode, describes the Detector’s operation
modes, user interface and indications.
Chapter 4, Technical Specifications, describes the Detector’s
electrical, mechanical and environmental specifications.
Chapter 5, Installation Instructions, describes how to install the
Detector, including wiring and mode settings.
Chapter 6, Operating Instructions, describes the operating
instructions and power-up procedures.
Chapter 7, Maintenance Instructions,describes the maintenance and
support procedures.
Chapter 8, Troubleshooting, describes the solutions to problems that
may arise with the Detector.
Appendix A, Wiring Option Configurations, provides wiring diagrams
for installation.
Appendix B, Accessories, lists accessories for the Detector.
Technical Support, lists contacts for technical support.

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
vi Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviation
Meaning
ATEX
Atmosphere Explosives
AWG
American Wire Gauge
BIT
Built In Test
EMC
Electromagnetic Compatibility
HART
Highway Addressable Remote Transducer-
communication protocol
IAD
Immune at Any Distance
IECEx
International Electrotechnical Commission Explosion
LED
Light Emitting Diode
mA
MilliAmps (0.001 amps)
MODBUS
Master-slave messaging structure
N/A
Not Applicable
NPT
National Pipe Thread
SIL
Safety Integrity Level
UNC
Unified Coarse Thread
VAC
Volts Alternating Current
ppm.m
A unit of measurement for the amount of gas present
in the beam. The ppm.m represents the length of a gas
cloud multiplied by the gas concentration within the
cloud.

Table of Contents vii
Table of Contents
Quasar 950/960 Toxic & Aromatic Open-Path Gas
Detection System User's and Maintenance Manual........................................... i
Legal Notice....................................................................................................iii
Release History ...............................................................................................iv
About this Guide.............................................................................................. v
Abbreviations and Acronyms.............................................................................vi
1Scope......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Product Overview................................................................................... 1
2Technical Description ................................................................................ 3
2.1 Features ............................................................................................... 3
2.2 Applications........................................................................................... 3
2.3 Principle of Operation ............................................................................. 4
2.3.1 Definitions of Terms ......................................................................... 4
2.3.2 Spectral Fingerprint.......................................................................... 4
2.3.3 Optical Path .................................................................................... 4
2.3.4 Detected Gases ............................................................................... 5
2.3.5 UV Source....................................................................................... 5
2.3.6 Heated Optics.................................................................................. 6
2.3.7 HART Protocol ................................................................................. 6
2.3.8 Handheld Unit ................................................................................. 6
2.3.9 Modbus RS-485 ............................................................................... 7
2.3.10 Tilt Mount ....................................................................................... 7
2.4 Product Certification............................................................................... 7
2.4.1 ATEX, IECEx - pending ..................................................................... 7
2.4.2 SIL-2 - pending ............................................................................... 8
2.5 Models and Types .................................................................................. 8
2.6 Description............................................................................................ 9
2.6.1 UV Source Unit................................................................................ 9
2.6.2 Detector Unit..................................................................................10
3Operating Modes...................................................................................... 13
3.1 Operational Modes ................................................................................13
3.1.1 Normal Mode..................................................................................13
3.1.2 Maintenance Call Mode (3 mA Output)...............................................13
3.1.3 Fault Mode.....................................................................................14

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
viii Table of Contents
3.1.4 Zero Calibration Mode (1mA Output).................................................14
3.2 Visual Indicators ...................................................................................15
3.3 Output Signals......................................................................................15
3.3.1 0-20 mA Current Output..................................................................15
3.3.2 RS-485 Interface ............................................................................16
3.4 System Setup.......................................................................................16
3.4.1 Detection Function Programming ......................................................16
3.4.2 Detection Setup Function.................................................................16
3.4.3 Detector Default Setup ....................................................................17
4Technical Specifications........................................................................... 19
4.1General Specifications ...........................................................................19
4.2 Electrical Specifications..........................................................................20
4.2.1 Power Consumption ........................................................................20
4.2.2 Electrical input protection ................................................................20
4.2.3 Electrical outputs............................................................................20
4.3 Mechanical Specifications.......................................................................21
4.4 Environmental Specifications..................................................................22
4.4.1 High Temperature...........................................................................22
4.4.2 Low Temperature............................................................................22
4.4.3 Humidity........................................................................................22
4.4.4 Salt and Fog...................................................................................22
4.4.5 Water and Dust ..............................................................................22
4.4.6 Shock and Vibration ........................................................................22
4.4.7 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).................................................23
5Installation Instructions.......................................................................... 25
5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................25
5.2 General Considerations..........................................................................25
5.2.1 Personnel.......................................................................................25
5.2.2 Required Tools................................................................................26
5.2.3 Site Requirements ..........................................................................26
5.2.4 The Source and Detector .................................................................26
5.2.5 Guidance Tips for Gas Detector Locations...........................................26
5.2.6 Wiring ...........................................................................................27
5.3 Preparations for Installation ...................................................................27
5.3.1 General .........................................................................................27

TM 888300, Rev. F, January 2015
Table of Contents ix
5.3.2 Equipment .....................................................................................27
5.3.3 Unpacking the Product.....................................................................28
5.4 Certification Instructions........................................................................29
5.5 Conduit/Cable Installation......................................................................30
5.6 Detector/Source Mounting......................................................................31
5.6.1 Tilt Kit P/N 888270..........................................................................31
5.6.2 Detector/Source Installation.............................................................31
5.7 Detector Wiring ....................................................................................31
5.8 Detector Terminal Wiring .......................................................................35
5.9 UV Source Wiring..................................................................................35
5.9.1 Wiring ...........................................................................................35
5.9.2 Terminal Wiring..............................................................................36
6Operating Instructions ............................................................................ 37
6.1 SafEye Operation..................................................................................37
6.2 Alignment of Unit..................................................................................37
6.3 Powering up the System ........................................................................38
6.4Safety Precautions ................................................................................39
6.5 Signal Verification.................................................................................39
6.5.1 Signal Values Limitation...................................................................39
6.6 Zero Calibration....................................................................................40
6.7 Functional Check...................................................................................42
7Maintenance Instructions ........................................................................ 43
7.1 General Maintenance.............................................................................43
7.2 Periodic Maintenance.............................................................................43
7.2.1 Routine Optical Surface Cleaning ......................................................44
7.2.2 Signal Verification...........................................................................44
7.2.3 Functional Check of Unit ..................................................................44
8Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 45
Appendices.................................................................................................... 47
AWiring Configurations.............................................................................. 49
A.1 RS-485 Communication Network.............................................................52
BAccessories.............................................................................................. 53
B.1 Tilt Mount P/N 888270...........................................................................53
B.2 Pole Mount (U-Bolt 5 inch) P/N 799225....................................................53
B.3 Commissioning Kit P/N 888847...............................................................53

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
x Table of Contents
B.4 RS485 Hand-Held Diagnostic Unit P/N 799810..........................................54
B.5 HART Hand-Held Diagnostic Unit P/N 888810 ...........................................54
B.6 HART Hand-Held Harness Kit P/N 888815 ................................................54
B.7 USB/RS-485 Harness Converter Kit P/N 794079-7 ....................................54
B.8 Mini Laptop Kit P/N 777820....................................................................54
B.9 Sunshade P/N 888263 ...........................................................................55
Technical Support ......................................................................................... 56

TM 888300, Rev. F, January 2015
List of Figures xi
List of Figures
Figure 1: P/N Definition of Quasar 950/960 ........................................................... 9
Figure 2: UV Source ..........................................................................................10
Figure 3: Detector.............................................................................................11
Figure 4: Tilt Mount...........................................................................................32
Figure 5: Detector and Tilt Mount Assembly..........................................................33
Figure 6: Detector with Cover Removed...............................................................34
Figure 7: Source with Cover Removed .................................................................36
Figure 8: Magnetic Mode Selector........................................................................41
Figure 9: Detector Wiring Terminal......................................................................49
Figure 10: Source Wiring Terminal ......................................................................50
Figure 11: 0-20mA Sink 4-Wire...........................................................................51
Figure 12: 0-20 mA Non-Isolated Sink 3-Wire.......................................................51
Figure 13: 0-20 mA Source 3-Wire......................................................................52
Figure 14: RS-485 Networking for Wiring Option 3 ................................................52

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
xii List of Tables
List of Tables
Table 1: Model Numbers and Installation Distances ................................................ 8
Table 2: Detector LED Indications .......................................................................15
Table 3: Source LED Indications..........................................................................15
Table 4: Standard (default) 0-20 mA Current for the Gas Channel...........................16
Table 5: Detector Default Setup..........................................................................17
Table 6: Source Default Setup ............................................................................17
Table 7: Detection Distance Range ......................................................................19
Table 8: Detector and Source Maximum Power Consumption ..................................20
Table 9: Tools...................................................................................................26
Table 10: Tilt Mount Kit......................................................................................31
Table 11: Wiring Options....................................................................................35
Table 12: UV Source Wiring Options ....................................................................36
Table 13: Maintenance Channels Limitation Values................................................39
Table 14: Troubleshooting..................................................................................45

Product Overview 1
1 Scope
➣In this chapter…
Product Overview
page 1
1.1 Product Overview
The SafEye Quasar 950/960 UV Open-Path Gas Detector employs an
advanced Xenon UV Source and integrated electronics package, both
encased in improved stainless steel housings to provide high quality and
performance, fast response, and line of sight gas monitoring. This high
quality system is backed by 3 years warranty for the complete SafEye
system.
Quasar 950/960 is manufactured only in stainless steel, with a heated
optical window to improve performance in icing, snow, and condensation
conditions. The programmable functions are available through a RS-485 or
HART port, used with Host software supplied by Spectrex, and a standard
PC or an I.S handheld unit.
The Quasar Source and Detector unit enclosures are pending to ATEX and
IECEx Exd flameproof with an integral segregated rear, and an Exe terminal
compartment which avoids exposure of the sensors and electronics to
surrounding environment. The Detector also has a plug interface for
connection to a handheld PC or HART handheld unit, which is intrinsically
safe.
This manual provides a full description of the Detector and its features. It
contains instructions on the installation, operation and maintenance.
To use the WinHost software to change the required functions, and for a
description of its maintenance, refer to Manual TM 899060 for
instructions.
To use the I.S Handheld Unit to change the required functions, and for a
description of its maintenance, refer to Manual TM 799061 for
instructions.
To use the HART Protocol to change the required functions, and for a
description of its maintenance, refer to Manual TM 899030. To set
functions, the HART can be connected on the 0-20 mA line or through
the IS port.
The SafEye Quasar 950/960 detects and monitors toxic gases, such as
ammonia, H2S, and aromatics, at ppm.m concentrations in the air. SafEye
has a fast response detection time of no more than 10 seconds.

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
2 Product Overview
The SafEye system uses an open path beam of flash light pulses that
provides a long line of sight coverage equivalent to a large number of point
Detectors along the path. The transmitted beam covers a UV spectrum from
200 nm to 300 nm. The SafEye Quasar 950/960 constantly monitors for the
gas through the collimated beam, over an optical path of up to 263 ft.
(80m).

Applications 3
2 Technical Description
➣In this chapter…
Features
page 3
Applications
page 3
Principle of Operation
page 4
Product Certification
page 7
Models and Types
page 8
Description
page 9
2.1 Features
Long Range Gas Detection up to 263 ft. (80m)
Detection of toxic gases (H2S, NH3)
High sensitivity and fast response to toxic gases
Heated optics to improve performance in icing, condensation and snow
conditions
Continuous operation in extreme and harsh environmental conditions
Solar blind and immune to industrial environments
Withstands extreme vibration conditions
Standard 0-20 mA output
“Maintenance Call” (3 mA)
HART Protocol: Communication Protocol
RS-485 Output Modbus compatible for PC Communication Network for a
maximum of 247 systems
Simple one-person installation, alignment, and calibration
ATEX & IECEx pending per Ex II 2(2)G D
Ex d e ib [ib Gb] IIB+H2 T4 Gb
Ex tb IIIC T135°C Db IP66
Programmable configuration via the handheld unit
Fast connection to I.S. approved handheld diagnostic/calibration unit
Warranty: 3 years for the complete SafEye system
2.2 Applications
The Quasar 950/960 SafEye system can be used to monitor toxic gas
concentration in various applications such as:
Petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and other chemical storage and
production areas of aromatic hydrocarbons, such as Benzene, Toluene,
Xylene, etc.

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
4 Principle of Operation
Toxic chemical storage sites and hazardous waste disposal areas
Detection of H2S in desulfurization processes at refineries, oil platforms,
pipelines, refueling stations and fuel storage facilities
Transportation depots and shipping warehouses of solvents (aromatic
and polymers origin), degreasing and cleaning solvents
Styrene monomer, polymers, plastic industries
Ammonia production facilities, storage and transportation
Air conditioning, refrigeration and agriculture application areas for
ammonia and derivatives
Semiconductor industry in which ammonia concentration monitoring is
required
2.3 Principle of Operation
The Quasar system detects gases through a dual-spectral range monitoring,
analyzing the absorption of radiation caused by gases in the atmosphere,
and comparing it (ratio) to background atmospheric absorption.
2.3.1 Definitions of Terms
The following defines gas concentrations measurement terms that are used
in this manual:
TLV-TWA: The time average concentration for a normal 8-hour workday
(40-hour workweek) to which all workers may be repeatedly exposed,
day after day without adverse effects.
ppm: Concentration in Parts Per Million. Defines the amount of gas
molecule parts per million molecules of common atmosphere gases.
ppm.m: Integral of Concentration in ppm units times the distance in
meters
2.3.2 Spectral Fingerprint
Each hazardous material is detected at a specific wavelength selected
according to its specific spectral absorption or "fingerprint". The detection
process involves two separate filters, one transmitting radiation that is
absorbed by a particular gas, and one that is not sensitive to it.
2.3.3 Optical Path
The presence of toxic airborne vapors, gases, or aerosols in a monitored
area is detected when the defined substance crosses/enters the optical path
between the radiation source unit and the Detector.
Toxic gases/vapors present in the atmosphere cause absorption of the
radiation pulse at some specific wavelengths in the optical path between the
radiating source and the Detector unit. This causes a change in the signal
intensity received by the Detector, which is translated into an output related
to the Detector’s measurement scale.

TM 888300, Rev. F, January 2015
Principle of Operation 5
The system analyzes the defined open path at the spectral bands specific to
the materials being monitored. The Automatic Gain Control (AGC) unit
compensates for environmental disturbances such as fog, rain, etc., through
a constant comparison with its dual spectral beam.
2.3.4 Detected Gases
The following toxic gases and vapors are detected by the UV SafEye models
according to their unique spectral absorption in the UV solar blind range:
Ammonia (NH3): A flammable and toxic gas that is highly irritant,
colorless, and with a pungent odor. The lower limit of human perception
is 17 ppm. Ammonia TLV-TWA is 25 ppm.
The early detection of NH3at concentrations up to 25 ppm is essential in
order to prevent its toxic effects, such as respiratory tract paralysis. In
the UV band, NH3gas has a typical strong absorption in the solar blind
range of 189 nm - 210 nm that enables its fast and reliable detection at
low concentrations.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): A flammable, poisonous gas with a
characteristic smell of rotten eggs. It is perceptible in air at
concentrations of 0.001 to 0.1 ppm, with a sweetish taste, and TLV-TWA
of 10 ppm.
H2S is heavier than air and very dangerous to humans, causing collapse,
coma and death from respiratory failure within a few seconds of
inhalation.
Early detection of H2S at concentrations of up to 10 ppm is essential to
prevent its toxic influence.
In the UV band, H2S has characteristically strong absorption in the solar
blind range of 189 nm–270 nm, which enables fast and reliable detection
at low concentrations.
Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Such as Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Styrene,
etc., have the unique “conjugated double bonding” chemical
configuration responsible for their spectral absorption in the UV band.
These substances (usually in the liquid phase) are volatile, and their
vapors are highly explosive and toxic (some of them have narcotic
effects and are considered carcinogens). The Benzene’s “paint-like” odor
is perceptible in air at 12 ppm. The TLV-TWA is 10 ppm.
In the UV band, the aromatic compounds have a typically strong
absorption in ranges of 200 nm–230 nm and 250 nm-270 nm, which
enables fast and reliable detection at low concentrations.
2.3.5 UV Source
The Xenon UV Source was originally introduced in the first SafEye
development, and was designed to overcome false alarms which were
experienced by early generations of the open path system. The new SafEye
Quasar 950/960 employs the latest generation of UV bulbs to provide even
more power and extended operation life.

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
6 Principle of Operation
2.3.6 Heated Optics
SafEye Quasar includes heated optics for the Detector and Source. To
improve performance in conditions where there is ice, condensation, or
snow, the heater increases the temperature of the optical surface by 5-8°F
(3-5°C) above the ambient temperature. The heated optics are configured
to automatically operate when the change in temperature requires heating
(default).
However, the heated optics can be defined as one of the following modes:
1 Not operated (not an option on the Source unit)
2 On continuously
3 Automatic, per temperature change (default)
See System Setup, page 16.
When operated “per temperature change”, the user can define the start
temperature below which the window will be heated (default 41°F (5°C)).
This temperature can be defined between 32°F (0°C) to 122°F (50°C).
Heating stops when the temperature is 27°F (15°C) above the start
temperature.
2.3.7 HART Protocol
The Quasar 950/960 uses the HART Protocol.
HART Communication is a bi-directional industrial field communication
protocol used to communicate between intelligent field instruments and host
systems. HART is the global standard for smart instrumentation and the
majority of smart field devices installed in plants worldwide are HART-
enabled.
HART technology is easy to use and very reliable.
Through the HART connection, the SafEye is able to perform:
Detector setup
Detector troubleshooting
Detector health and status
For more details, refer to the HART Manual TM 899030.
The HART communication can be connected on the 0-20 mA line, or through
the IS connection with a standard Handheld unit loaded with our Host
software and attached by a special harness.
2.3.8 Handheld Unit
The I.S.-approved handheld diagnostics unit (Part No. 799810) is available
to make installation and maintenance easier. This is an all-in-one
diagnostic/calibration /interrogation plugin unit that allows for one-person
installation and maintenance.

TM 888300, Rev. F, January 2015
Product Certification 7
The handheld unit can be used:
1 For onsite function programming and setup changes to the Detector.
2 During installation, the handheld unit displays all the Detector’s
parameters and confirms that installation has been completed
successfully. It is also required to perform the necessary Zero
Calibration function.
3 For Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Follow the handheld unit’s
recommended maintenance actions to overcome and optimize the
Detector’s performance.
For more details, refer to Manual TM 799061.
2.3.9 Modbus RS-485
For more advanced communications, the Quasar 950/960 has a RS-485
Modbus-compatible output that provides data communication from a
network (up to 247 Detectors) to a host computer or universal controller for
central monitoring. This feature enables easy maintenance, with local and
remote diagnostic tools.
2.3.10 Tilt Mount
The newly designed stainless steel tilt mount provides a smaller installation
footprint that can conform to limited space constraints, while the sturdy
construction maintains alignment even in constant vibration. The improved
X and Y axis worm-gear adjustments provide quick and easy alignment for
installation and maintenance procedures.
2.4 Product Certification
The following certifications are pending for the open path Quasar 950/960:
ATEX, IECEx - pending, page 7
SIL-2 - pending, page 8
2.4.1 ATEX, IECEx - pending
The Quasar 950/960 is pending ATEX certification:
ATEX Ex II 2(2)G D
Ex d e ib [ib Gb] IIB+H2 T4 Gb
Ex tb IIIC T135°C Db IP66
T Ambient –55°C to +65°C
This product is suitable to use in hazardous zones 1 and 2 with IIB+H2
group vapors present, and zones 21 and 22 with IIIC combustible dust
types.

SafEyeTM Quasar 950/960 Gas Detector
8 Models and Types
2.4.2 SIL-2 - pending
The Quasar 950/960 Is TUV approved for SIL2 requirements per IEC 61508.
The alert condition according to SIL-2 can be implemented by an alert signal
via the 0-20 mA current loop.
2.5 Models and Types
The Quasar 950/960 is available as 3 models with the same Detector, but a
different Source. This allows for detection at distances of 5-80m. The
various options are listed in Table 1.
Table 1: Model Numbers and Installation Distances
Model
No.
Detector
Source
Min.
Installation
Distance
Max.
Installation
Distance
H2s
951
QRU-C-11X
QTU-C-11X
17 ft. (5 m)
66 ft. (20 m)
952
QRU-C-11X
QTU-C-21X
50 ft. (15 m)
132 ft. (40 m)
953
QRU-C-11X
QTU-C-31X
115 ft. (35 m)
263 ft. (80 m)
Ammonia
961
QRU-C-21X
QTU-C-11X
17 ft. (5 m)
66 ft. (20 m)
962
QRU-C-21X
QTU-C-21X
50 ft. (15 m)
132 ft. (40 m)
963
QRU-C-21X
QTU-C-31X
115 ft. (35 m)
263 ft. (80m)