Valco Instruments Co. Inc. 340-0X User manual

Valco Instruments Co. Inc.
Rev 9/13
Dynacalibrator
Model 340
Instruction Manual
Valco Instruments Co. Inc.
800 · 367· 8424 sales
713 · 688· 9345 tech
713 · 688· 8106 fax
[email protected]
VICI AG International
Schenkon, Switzerland
Int + 41 · 41 · 925· 6200 phone
Int + 41 · 41 · 925· 6201 fax
[email protected]
North America, South America, and Australia/Oceania contact: Europe, Asia, and Africa contact::
Manufactured by:
Valco Instruments Co. Inc.
8300 Waterbury
Houston,TX 77055

Attention
Radiant heat warning
Entanglement warning
Electrical warning
Symbols used in this document

Table of Contents
Introduction
General Description.......................................................................................................................... 1
Dynacal® Permeation Devices...................................................................................................... 1
How to Use This Manual.................................................................................................................. 1
Basic Design ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Options ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Input Configurations ............................................................................................................. 4
Rack Mount Options.............................................................................................................. 4
Special Customer Options................................................................................................... 4
Specifications...................................................................................................................................... 5
Getting Started ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Initial Receiving Inspection/Check.............................................................................................. 6
Unpacking the Dynacalibrator..................................................................................................... 6
Concealed Damage .......................................................................................................................... 7
Unit Location.......................................................................................................................................8
Permeation Device Conditioning................................................................................................ 8
Rear Panel Connections .................................................................................................................. 9
Supply Inlet............................................................................................................................... 9
Carrier/Dilution Inlets..........................................................................................................10
Bypass Loops..........................................................................................................................11
Stream, Span, and Zero Outlets .......................................................................................11
Overflow and Chamber Vents..........................................................................................11
Front Panel Controls and Indicators .........................................................................................12
Main Power Switch...............................................................................................................12
Heater Power Switch ...........................................................................................................12
Permeation Chamber..........................................................................................................12
Permeation Chamber Flowmeter ...................................................................................12
Temperature Readout and Controller...........................................................................12
Dilution Flow Control Valves.............................................................................................12
Dilution Flowmeters............................................................................................................12
Oven Temperature Limit Thermostat ............................................................................12
Mode Selector Switch and Indicators............................................................................13
Calculations................................................................................................................................................14
Initial Power Up.........................................................................................................................................15
Basic Connections...........................................................................................................................15
Remote Control Connections .....................................................................................................15
Chamber Temperature ..................................................................................................................15
Setting the Chamber Temperature Manually........................................................................16
Setting the Chamber Temperature Limit Switch .................................................................16
Setting the Chamber Temperature via Serial Port (RS-232).............................................17
Installing the Permeation Device(s)..........................................................................................17
Verifying Operation.................................................................................................................................18
Serial Port Communication ..................................................................................................................20
Setting Up Serial Communication via HyperTerminal®.....................................................20
Entering Commands ......................................................................................................................24
Analyzer Calibration................................................................................................................................25
Shutdown Procedure..............................................................................................................................26

Table of Contents (continued)
Advanced Theory of Operation...........................................................................................................27
Plumbing Configurations .............................................................................................................27
Configuration 0 .....................................................................................................................28
Configuration 1 .....................................................................................................................28
Configuration 2 .....................................................................................................................29
Configuration 3 .....................................................................................................................29
Configuration 4 .....................................................................................................................29
Configuration 5 .....................................................................................................................31
Electrical Description..............................................................................................................................32
Maintenance..............................................................................................................................................33
Instrument Inspection and Cleaning .......................................................................................33
Carrier Flow Rate Verification......................................................................................................34
Dilution Flowmeter Calibration..................................................................................................34
Chamber Temperature Calibration ...........................................................................................35
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................36
Electrical Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................36
Pneumatic Troubleshooting........................................................................................................36
Leak Detection.......................................................................................................................36
Fluid Method....................................................................................................................36
Component Isolation Method ...................................................................................37
Other Pneumatic Issues......................................................................................................38
Model Number Breakdown..................................................................................................................39
Warranty .....................................................................................................................................................40
If this equipment is used outside manufacturers’ specification the protection provided
by the equipment may be impaired.

1
Introduction
General Description
VICI Metronics Dynacalibrators®use Dynacal®permeation devices to generate
the precise gas concentrations necessary for calibrating air pollution analyzers,
monitors, and other instruments that measure gas concentrations in the parts-
per-million range and lower.
Dynacalibrators are available in three models, each with a large variety of
optional features to fit a wide range of calibration requirements. All critical
factors, such as permeation rates, gas flow rates, and permeation chamber
temperatures are calibrated against standards traceable to the National Institute
of Standards and Technologies.
Model 340 specifications are listed on page 5.
Dynacal Permeation Devices
Metronics Dynacal permeation devices are the simplest and most reliable
method for supplying a source of trace quantities of various gases.They can
accommodate virtually any requirement for generating low concentrations of
gases. Permeation rates from thousands of ng/min down to fractional parts of a
ng/min are possible.The devices can be supplied filled with any one of hundreds
of different compounds, both organic and inorganic.
How to Use This Manual
This manual provides installation, operation, and maintenance information for
all configurations of the Model 340. The identification tag on the rear panel of
every Dynacalibrator is stamped with the unit’s complete model number, which
reflects the exact unit configuration. A chart on the last page of the manual
explains the model numbers.
Basic Design
The Model 340 contains two calibrated gas regulating systems – the carrier system
and the dilution system. The fixed flow carrier gas system includes a permeation
chamber containing the permeation device. The temperature of the chamber,
which controls the permeation rate of the calibration gas from the permeation
device, is set and monitored at the front panel. The carrier stream is pumped
through the chamber to pick up the calibration gas and is then fed on to a mix-
ing tee. The chamber temperature is adjusted from 30°C (or 2°C above ambient,
whichever is higher) to 110°C.
The dilution gas stream flows through an adjustable valve and a flowmeter to
the mixing tee. Front panel access to the valve and flowmeter permits the user
to accurately set the dilution stream flow rate to the mixing tee, thereby setting
the concentration of calibration gas at the outlet port of the calibrator.

2
Introduction
As indicated in Figure 1, the carrier stream passes through scrubber #1 and
30-micron line filter LF1 to the differential pressure regulator DPR1. The scrubber
contains specially-activated charcoal designed for broad-based scrubbing action.
This scrubbing medium is particularly effective in removing sulfur dioxide and
other sulfur compounds.
The differential pressure regulator and carrier flow restrictor FR1 together
provide a highly stable carrier stream flow rate to the permeation chamber.
The standard carrier flow restrictor consists of a disk with a 0.006" diameter
orifice. The flow rate through the orifice is a function of the pressure differential
across it and this differential is maintained at 3.2 psi by DPR1.
The output of the permeation chamber is fed to a mixing tee, where the calibrat-
ed dilution stream is added to set the final concentration. The combined stream
is then fed through another tee to the rear panel overflow vent and span outlet.
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Figure 1: Model 340 plumbing schematic
For those analyzers sensitive to sample feed pressure, the overflow vent dumps
excess calibration gas to ensure that the analyzers receive span gas at near at-
mospheric pressure. The overflow vent is usually left open, but can be plumbed
to an external exhaust point. Any exhaust plumbing must be sized so as not to
increase pressure into the analyzer under calibration.
Referring again to Figure 1, note that the dilution stream passes through
scrubber #2 and feeds into differential pressure regulator DPR2. The differential
pressure regulator maintains a fixed pressure differential across dilution flow
control valve FCV2 and dilution flowmeter FM2.

3
Introduction
The flow rate through the flowmeter needle valve is a function of the differential
pressure across it and the setting of the dilution flow control valve. This differen-
tial is maintained at 3.2 psi by DPR2. The needle valve is adjustable at the front
panel. The calibrated output of the dilution flowmeter mixes with the perme-
ation chamber output to provide the final output concentration.
When the non-pressurized internal pump option is included, the rear-panel zero
outlet port is internally connected to a passive scrubber which functions identi-
cally to those previously described. In operation, the zero outlet is plumbed
either to the analyzer sample intake port or to the zero air intake port, so that
analyzer suction provides flow through the scrubber.
The Model 340 features zero air capability for easy two-point calibration. It can
be remotely switched between the zero air and span output modes. A front
panel switch permits selection of the ZERO, SPAN, or REMOTE mode. In the ZERO
mode, a two position valve directs the permeation chamber output to an exhaust
vent. Only the dilution stream passes through the mixing tee to the outlet port,
permitting the analyzer to be calibrated at its zero point.
In the REMOTE mode, the Model 340 can be used to calibrate a remote analyzer
equipped with a separate calibrate input port and remote control capability.
Figure 2 illustrates this application. The calibrator is initially set up and plumbed
to the analyzer at the remote monitoring station. The operator may then periodi-
cally check the calibration of the analyzer by simply switching it to the calibrate
mode and selecting the ZERO and SPAN outputs of the calibrator, or the calibrator
may be automatically sequenced at fixed time intervals. The calibrator requires
only a single contact closure to switch between the two modes.
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Figure 2: Model 340 in remote mode

4
Introduction
Options
The following paragraphs provide general information on each, with more
detailed information found in “Advanced Theory of Operation”on page 27.
Input Configurations
There are six different input plumbing configurations available. The units
may be equipped with or without an internal pump. Units without internal
pumps can be supplied with one or two gas supply inlet ports (carrier and
dilution). Models with pumps are available with gas stream bypasses for either
the dilution or carrier stream or both. (Units without internal pumps do not
require gas stream bypasses.) Those with internal pumps have a single inlet port
supplying the pump, the outlet of which is split into carrier and dilution streams.
The gas stream bypasses on these units are also downstream from the pump,
permitting the user to connect external scrubbers, driers, separate gas supplies,
etc. in either or both streams. All models are available with nominal maximum
flow capacities from 1 to 20 liters per minute.
Rack Mount Options
The standard Dynacalibrator is packaged in a free-standing case with carrying
handles, for bench use.The units may also be packaged for mounting in a
standard 19" equipment rack.
Special Customer Options
Special options, identified by the“S”at the end of the model number, are not
covered in this basic manual. If your Dynacalibrator is equipped with a special
option, the required additional information will be found on the Special Option
Sheets in the back of this manual.The Special Option Sheets carry the serial
number of the Dynacalibrator to which they apply.

5
Specifications
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Introduction

6
Getting Started
Every Dynacalibrator is completely calibrated, thoroughly tested and inspected,
and carefully packed prior to shipment.The carrier has assumed responsibility for
its safe delivery upon acceptance of the shipment.
Initial Receiving Inspection/Check
On receipt of your unit, before signing the waybill and releasing the carrier’s
agent, inspect the shipment for the following:
1. The number of cartons received tallies with that on the waybill.
2. The weight of the shipment agrees with that on the waybill.
3. There is no visible evidence of damage to the shipment or its containers.
Any discrepancies to the above must be clearly described on the waybill and
signed by the carrier’s agent. Failure to adequately describe such external
evidence of loss or damage may result in the carrier refusing to honor any
subsequent claim.
Unpacking the Dynacalibrator
After the initial receiving inspection and check, the Dynacalibrator may be
unpacked. A carefully sized and mated pair of shipping cartons have been
designed to ensure against any damage to the Dynacalibrator while it is in
transit. Use the following procedures to remove the instrument from the
packaging, referring to Figure 3 as necessary.
Save all the packing materials – both cartons, the eight
corner blocks, and the two inner carton supports – for any
future shipment of the Dynacalibrator.
1. Neatly slit the shipping tape along the edges of the flaps on the top of the
carton with a knife. Do not try to pull or tear the tape.
2. Open the outer carton and remove the four corner blocks on top of the inner
carton.
3. Neatly slit the shipping tape along the edges of the flaps on the top of the in-
ner carton with a knife. Take care to penetrate the tape with the knife only far
enough to cut it. The Dynacalibrator is directly beneath the flaps.
4. Carefully lift the Dynacalibrator out of the inner carton.