Vaisala SHM40 User manual

USER'S GUIDE
Vaisala Structural Humidity
Measurement Kit
SHM40
M211423EN-C

PUBLISHED BY
Vaisala Oyj Phone (int.): [phone]
P.O. Box 26 Fax: [phone]
FI-00421 Helsinki
Finland
Visit our Internet pages at www.vaisala.com.
© Vaisala 2015
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical (including photocopying), nor may its contents be communicated to a third
party without prior written permission of the copyright holder.
The contents are subject to change without prior notice.
Local rules and regulations may vary and they shall take precedence over the
information contained in this manual. Vaisala makes no representations on this
manual’s compliance with the local rules and regulations applicable at any given time,
and hereby disclaims any and all responsibilities related thereto.
Please observe that this manual does not create any legally binding obligations for
Vaisala towards the customer or end user. All legally binding commitments and
agreements are included exclusively in the applicable supply contract or Conditions of
Sale.

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VAISALA_________________________________________________________________________ 1
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION............................................................................5
About This Manual...................................................................5
Contents of This Manual.......................................................5
Version Information...............................................................6
Related Manuals ...................................................................6
Documentation Conventions.................................................6
Safety.........................................................................................7
ESD Protection......................................................................7
Recycling .................................................................................. 8
Regulatory Compliances.........................................................8
Trademarks...............................................................................8
Warranty.................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW................................................................................11
Introduction to SHM40 Kit.....................................................11
SHM40 Kit Contents...............................................................12
CHAPTER 3
HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT IN CONCRETE .............................................15
Humidity Measurements in a Borehole................................15
Measurement Depth............................................................16
Humidity Profile...................................................................16
Maximum Humidity Levels for Coating................................18
Importance of Temperature Differences..............................19
Preparations for Measurement .............................................20
Preparations for Solid Concrete..........................................21
Preparations for Freshly Cast Concrete..............................22
Inserting the Probe and Sealing the Hole ...........................24
Alternate Sealing Materials.................................................27
Plastic Tubes..................................................................27
Rubber Plugs .................................................................27
Protective Covers...........................................................27
Performing the Measurement ...............................................28
Ending the Measurements.....................................................29
CHAPTER 4
USING THE HM40 INDICATOR...................................................................31
HM40 Indicator........................................................................31
Batteries..................................................................................32
Battery Life..........................................................................33
Charging..............................................................................33

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Connecting the Probe ............................................................34
First Startup ............................................................................35
Initial Settings ......................................................................35
Quantities Explained..............................................................36
Screen Layout and Controls..................................................37
Indicators.............................................................................38
Numeric View ......................................................................38
Statistics View .....................................................................39
Graph View..........................................................................39
Hold and Tag...........................................................................40
Main Menu...............................................................................42
Tagged Points .....................................................................42
Graph Duration....................................................................43
Settings................................................................................43
Calibration ...........................................................................44
Help .....................................................................................44
Settings Submenu..................................................................45
Language.............................................................................45
Units.....................................................................................45
Time & Date.........................................................................46
Pressure ..............................................................................47
Reminder.............................................................................47
Backlight..............................................................................48
Battery .................................................................................48
Power off .............................................................................48
Navigation............................................................................49
Rounding .............................................................................49
Factory Settings...................................................................49
CHAPTER 5
MAINTENANCE............................................................................................51
Periodic Maintenance.............................................................51
Cleaning ..............................................................................51
Changing the Filter..............................................................52
Calibration ...........................................................................52
Calibrating the HMP40S Probe Using HMK15 Humidity
Calibrator.............................................................................53
Repair Maintenance................................................................56
CHAPTER 6
TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................................................57
Avoid Condensation and Rain ..............................................57
Problem Situations.................................................................58
Technical Support ..................................................................59
CHAPTER 7
TECHNICAL DATA ......................................................................................61
Specifications .........................................................................61
Spare Parts and Accessories................................................63
Dimensions in mm..................................................................64
APPENDIX A

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HUMIDITY REPORT FORM.........................................................................65

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List of Figures
Figure 1 Contents of the SHM40 Kit.......................................................12
Figure 2 Drying in One Direction ............................................................17
Figure 3 Drying in Two Directions...........................................................17
Figure 4 Measurement Error at 1 °C Temperature Difference ...............19
Figure 5 Pressing the Tube into the Hole...............................................21
Figure 6 Preparing the Tube for Fresh Concrete....................................22
Figure 7 Plugged Tube in Fresh Concrete..............................................23
Figure 8 Cracking the Concrete at the Bottom of the Tube....................23
Figure 9 Locking the Cover in Place.......................................................24
Figure 10 Sealing the Tube with a Rubber Plug.......................................25
Figure 11 Cable Folded in the Protective Cover.......................................25
Figure 12Recommended Setup During Stabilization...............................26
Figure 13 Performing the Measurement...................................................28
Figure 14 HM40 Indicator for Structural Humidity Measurements............31
Figure 15 HMP40S Probe.........................................................................32
Figure 16 Connecting the Probe...............................................................34
Figure 17 Screen Layout...........................................................................37
Figure 18 Elements of the Graph View.....................................................39
Figure 19 Tagged Points in the Graph View.............................................41
Figure 20 Changing the Filter ...................................................................52
Figure 21 HM40S Dimensions..................................................................64
List of Tables
Table 1 Manual Revisions .......................................................................6
Table 2 Related Manuals.........................................................................6
Table 3 Wooden Floor Coverings..........................................................18
Table 4 Other Materials.........................................................................18
Table 5 Quantities Output by HM40S....................................................36
Table 6 Indicators on the HM40 Display................................................38
Table 7 Some Problem Situations and Their Remedies .......................58
Table 8 HMP40S Probe.........................................................................61
Table 9 HM40 Indicator .........................................................................62
Table 10 Spare Parts and Accessories...................................................63

Chapter 1 _________________________________________________________ General Information
VAISALA_________________________________________________________________________ 5
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
This chapter provides general notes for the manual and the SHM40 kit.
About This Manual
This manual provides information for operating, and maintaining the
Vaisala Structural Humidity Measurement Kit SHM40. The manual also
instructs in performing structural humidity measurements using the
borehole method.
Contents of This Manual
This manual consists of the following chapters:
- Chapter 1, General Information, provides general notes for the manual
and the SHM40 kit.
- Chapter 2, Product Overview, introduces the features, advantages, and
the product nomenclature.
- Chapter 3, Humidity Measurement in Concrete, describes the borehole
method of concrete humidity measurement.
- Chapter 4, Using the HM40 Indicator, introduces the functions of the
HM40 indicator and the HMP40S probe.
- Chapter 5, Maintenance, provides information that is needed in basic
maintenance of the SHM40 kit.
- Chapter 6, Troubleshooting, describes common problems, their
probable causes and remedies, and provides contact information for
technical support.
- Chapter 7, Technical Data, provides the technical data of the SHM40
kit.
- Appendix A, Humidity Report Form, contains an example report form
that can be used to record humidity measurement results.

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Version Information
Table 1 Manual Revisions
Manual Code
Description
M211423EN-C
October 2015. This manual. HM40 indicator
software version updated to 1.5 with new
calibration
reminder and automatic power off functionalities.
RH measurement accuracy specification updated.
2-point calibration reference limit information
added. New carrying case model added. Disclaimer
information updated.
M211423EN-B
April 2012. Previous version. Moved measurement
procedures to chapter 3. Updated safety
precautions, calibration screenshots, and
accessories list. Added an example humidity report
sheet.
M211423EN-A
First version.
Related Manuals
Table 2 Related Manuals
Manual Code
Manual Name
M211088EN
HM40 Series User’s Guide
M211087EN
HM40 Quick Guide
M210185EN
HMK15 User’s Guide
Documentation Conventions
Throughout the manual, important safety considerations are highlighted
as follows:
WARNING Warning alerts you to a serious hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions very carefully at this point, there is a risk of injury or even
death.
CAUTION Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions carefully at this point, the product could be damaged or
important data could be lost.
NOTE Note highlights important information on using the product.

Chapter 1 _________________________________________________________ General Information
VAISALA_________________________________________________________________________ 7
Safety
The SHM40 kit delivered to you has been tested approved as shipped
from the factory. Note the following precautions:
WARNING
When drilling holes in concrete, wear respiratory protection to avoid
breathing concrete dust. If you are drilling through a floor coating, note
that the dust may also contain hazardous materials such as lead, asbestos
fibers, or crysta
lline silica. When cleaning the hole, avoid blowing dust
away from the hole
– use a vacuum cleaner instead.
WARNING
Contact with fresh (unhardened) concrete may cause irritation or burns
to the skin and eyes. Wear adequate protection and observe safe
wor
kplace practices.
CAUTION
Do not modify the unit. Improper modification can damage the product
or lead to malfunction.
ESD Protection
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can cause immediate or latent damage to
electronic circuits. Vaisala products are adequately protected against
ESD for their intended use. It is possible to damage the product,
however, by delivering electrostatic discharges when touching,
removing, or inserting any objects inside the equipment housing.
To make sure you are not delivering high static voltages yourself, avoid
touching exposed contacts on the probe or the meter.

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Recycling
Recycle all applicable material.
Dispose of batteries and the unit according to statutory regulations. Do
not dispose of with regular household refuse.
Regulatory Compliances
The Vaisala Structural Humidity Measurement Kit SHM40 is in
conformity with the provisions of the following EU directive(s):
- EMC-Directive
Conformity is shown by compliance with the following standards:
- EN 61326-1: Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use – EMC requirements – for portable equipment.
- EN 550022: Information technology equipment – Radio disturbance
characteristics – Limits and methods of measurement.
Trademarks
HUMICAP® is a registered trademark of Vaisala Oyj.

Chapter 1 _________________________________________________________ General Information
VAISALA_________________________________________________________________________ 9
Warranty
Visit our Internet pages for more information and our standard warranty
terms and conditions: www.vaisala.com/warranty.
Please observe that any such warranty may not be valid in case of
damage due to normal wear and tear, exceptional operating conditions,
negligent handling or installation, or unauthorized modifications. Please
see the applicable supply contract or Conditions of Sale for details of the
warranty for each product.

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Chapter 2 ___________________________________________________________Product Overview
VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 11
CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This chapter introduces the features, advantages, and the product
nomenclature.
Introduction to SHM40 Kit
Vaisala Structural Humidity Measurement Kit SHM40 is a practical tool
for humidity measurement of concrete and other structures. The kit has
been designed for use with the borehole method.
Main features:
- HM40 indicator
- HM40 indicator with connection adapter for HMP40S probes.
- Large graphical display with graphs for selected quantity and
temperature.
- Outputs a wide range of quantities: RH, Td, Tw, a, x, h, T. See
section Quantities Explained on page 36.
- Powered by standard AA size batteries (2 pcs).
- Belt clip.
- Interchangeable HMP40S humidity and temperature probe
- HMP110 probe and cable with integrated rubber plug.
- Can be calibrated by a Vaisala Service Center or user calibrated
using the HMK15 humidity calibrator, for example.
- Various accessories for ensuring accurate humidity measurement
using the borehole method.
- Durable weatherproof case.
- Conforms to ASTM standard F2170.
NOTE
The
HM40 indicator and HMP40S probe are also sold separately as
the
HM40S.

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SHM40 Kit Contents
1508-113
Figure 1 Contents of the SHM40 Kit
Standard contents:
1
=
Pocket for documents and accessories
2
=
HM40 indicator with quick connection adapter (1 pc, HM40SINDI)
3
=
HMP40S humidity and temperature probe (1 pc, HMP40S)
4
=
Plastic tubes: ∅17.4 mm, length 120 mm (12 pcs, 19266HM)
5
=
Rubber plugs: ∅13 mm, length 21 mm (12 pcs, 233976)
6
=
Protective covers with lid: ∅64 mm, length 101 mm
(3 pcs, 19268HM)
Optional items not included with the standard kit:
7
=
Long rubber plugs for fresh concrete (12 pcs, 26530HM)
8
=
Plastic flanges for fresh concrete (12 pcs, 26529HM)
9
=
HM42 probe for tight spaces (HM42PROBE)
10
=
HM46 stainless steel robust probe (HM46PROBE)

Chapter 2 ___________________________________________________________Product Overview
VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 13
You can order standard items and optional accessories from Vaisala.
For the full list of accessories, see section Spare Parts and Accessories on
page 63.
NOTE
Vaisala recommends using multiple HMP40S probes so
that they can be
inserted in all measurement points and left to equalize
concurrently.

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Chapter 3 _____________________________________________Humidity Measurement in Concrete
VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 15
CHAPTER 3
HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT IN
CONCRETE
This chapter describes the borehole method of concrete humidity
measurement.
Humidity Measurements in a Borehole
SHM40 kit is designed for measuring humidity in concrete using the
borehole method. In the borehole method, a hole is drilled to a suitable
depth in the concrete structure to be measured. After the drilling, the hole
is cleaned and covered, and air humidity in the hole is allowed to
equalize with the humidity in the concrete. The airspace humidity will
reach humidity equilibrium with the concrete in about three days. After
this, the humidity measurement is made.
For successful humidity measurement using the borehole method and the
SHM40 kit, the following points are vital when preparing the hole:
- The hole must be ∅16 mm and reach to proper depth. See section
Measurement Depth on page 16.
- After drilling, the hole must be cleaned from the drilling debris.
- The hole must be allowed to cool down from the drilling, and the
humidity in the concrete must be allowed to equalize with the air in
the hole.
- The hole must be sealed during the equalization time. The plastic tube
and rubber plug in the SHM40 kit are used for this purpose. Ideally,
the probe should be inside the plastic tube during this time.
NOTE
For reliable results, it is r
ecommended to have several measurement
points.

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Measurement Depth
The borehole must reach deep enough into the concrete structure to
provide a representative humidity condition. The correct depth of the
borehole is affected by the drying conditions of the concrete structure:
- When drying occurs from one side only, the measurement depth (d) is
40 % of the depth of a slab. See Figure 2 on page 17.
- For a concrete slab that is exposed to air on both sides, the minimum
depth of measurement (d) is 20 % of the depth of the slab. See Figure
3 on page 17.
The minimum measurement depth using standard SHM40 accessories is
30 mm, maximum is 90 mm.
Humidity Profile
The humidity profile of the slab depends on the drying conditions of the
concrete: whether the concrete dries in one or in two directions. In
concrete slabs that dry in two directions, the humidity is highest in the
middle. If a floor coating is applied, the humidity spreads evenly
throughout the slab until it corresponds to readings measured at the depth
of approximately 20% of the slab.
In concrete slabs that dry in one direction only, the humidity is highest at
the bottom. If a floor coating is applied, the humidity spreads evenly
throughout the slab until it corresponds to readings measured at the depth
of approximately 40% of the slab.

Chapter 3 _____________________________________________Humidity Measurement in Concrete
VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 17
d
holefor the
plastic tube humidity
profile
0,4 × d
concrete
slab
BEFORE COATING AFTER COATING
concrete
slab
hole for the
plastic tube humidity
profile
coating
d
0,4 × d
1111-093
Figure 2 Drying in One Direction
In concrete slabs drying in two directions, the humidity is highest in the
middle of the slab. After coating, the slab is driest on the uncoated side.
concrete
slab
hole for the
plastic tube humidity
profile
d
0,2 × d
BEFORE COATING
humidity
profile
hole for the
plastic tube coating
d
0,2 × d
concrete
slab
AFTER COATING
1111-094
Figure 3 Drying in Two Directions

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Maximum Humidity Levels for Coating
SisäRYL 2000 Code of Building Practice (RT 14-10668, 2000, ISBN
951-682-506-0) recommends the following maximum humidity levels
(at +20 °C) for coating of various materials:
Table 3 Wooden Floor Coverings
Maximum RH (%)
Coating
60*
Wooden parquet boards without moisture barrier (plastic
film) between wood and concrete.
80*
Inlaid wooden floor coverings.
Floating wooden floor coverings with moisture barrier
(plastic film) between wood and concrete.
*SisäRYL 2000 Code of Building practice, RT 14-10668, 2000, ISBN 951-682-506-0,
page 332.
Table 4 Other Materials
Maximum RH (%)
Coating
85*
Plastic floor coverings with fiber felt base or cellular
plastic base
Rubber floor coverings
Cork tiles with moisture barrier (plastic film)
Textile floor coverings with rubber, PVC or latex base
Natural fiber textile floor coverings without base
90*
Plastic tiles
Plastic floor coverings without felt or cellular plastic base
Linoleum (Cork)
Man-made fiber textile floor coverings without base
structure
97
Epoxy mass
Acrylic mass
Polyester plastic mass
*SisäRYL 2000 Code of Building practice, RT 14-10668, 2000, ISBN 951-682-506-0,
page 318.