GE Optica Operator's Manual

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Measurement & Control Moisture

Optica™

Operator’s Manual

A40238752 Rev. G

December 2015

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Optica™

General Eastern Dew Point Analyzer

Operator’s Manual

A40238752 Rev. G December 2015

www.gemeasurement.com

Technical content subject to change without notice.

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[no content intended for this page]

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Contents

Chapter 1. Features and Capabilities

1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 Electronics Enclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2.1 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.2.2 Input/Output Capability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.3 The System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.3.1 System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.3.2 System Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.4 Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.4.1 Dew Point Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.4.2 Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.4.3 Pressure Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.5 Theory of Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.5.1 Hygrometer Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.5.2 Hygrometer Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.5.3 Other Hygrometer Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.6 The PACER Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 2. Installation

2.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.2 Benchtop Optica Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.2.1 Mounting the Benchtop Optica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.2.2 Using the Rack Mounting Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.2.3 Wiring the Benchtop Optica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.3 Wall-Mount Optica Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.3.1 Mounting the Wall-Mount Optica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.3.2 Wiring the Wall-Mount Optica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.4 Output Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.4.1 Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2.4.2 Alarm Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.4.3 Serial Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2.5 Sensor Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2.5.1 Sampling Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2.5.2 Ensuring Heat Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2.5.3 High Dew Point Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2.6 Sensor Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2.6.1 Model 1111H Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2.6.2 Model D-2 Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2.6.3 Model 1211H Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

2.6.4 Model 1311DR Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

2.6.5 Model 1311XR Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

2.6.6 Model SIM-12H Heated Sensor and Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

2.6.7 Connecting the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

3.2 Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

3.3 Operating the VGA Optica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

3.4 Operating the 4x40 Optica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

3.5 Network Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

3.6 Process Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

3.6.1 Actively Measuring Process Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

3.6.2 Manually Entering Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

3.6.3 Measuring at a Different Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

3.6.4 Scenario 1: Measurement Without Enabling the Process Pressure Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

3.6.5 Measuring Dew Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

3.6.6 Scenario 2: Measurement Requiring the Process Pressure Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

3.7 Status Line Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

3.7.1 Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

3.8 Sensor Balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

3.9 Helpful Hints For Operating the Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

3.9.1 Supercooled Dew Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

3.9.2 Contamination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

3.9.3 Mirror Flooding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

3.9.4 Sample Line Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

3.9.5 Pressure Effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

4.2 Programming Fundamentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

4.2.1 The Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

4.2.2 Data Entry Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

4.3 Units of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

4.4 User Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

4.5 Menu 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

4.5.1 Analog Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

4.5.2 Pressure Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

4.5.3 Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

4.5.4 Automatic Cleaning and Balance Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

4.5.5 Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

4.5.6 Buzzer/Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

4.5.7 Network Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

4.5.8 Datalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

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4.6 Menu 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

4.6.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

4.6.2 Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

4.6.3 User Equation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

4.6.4 Communication Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

4.6.5 Serial Output Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4.6.6 Set Time & Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

4.6.7 Restore Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

4.7 Saving Configuration Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

5.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

5.2 Programming Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

5.3 Programmable Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

5.3.1 Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

5.3.2 Communication Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

5.3.3 Serial Output Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

5.3.4 Serial Output Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

5.3.5 Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

5.3.6 Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

5.3.7 Pressure Input. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

5.3.8 Automatic Cleaning and Balance Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

5.3.9 Buzzer and Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

5.3.10 General Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

5.3.11 User Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

5.3.12 Set Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

5.3.13 Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

5.3.14 User Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

5.3.15 Factory Calibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Chapter 6. Network-Based Programming

6.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

6.2 Programming Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Chapter 7. Maintenance

7.1 Minor Maintenance of Sensor Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

7.1.1 Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

7.1.2 Procedure for Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

7.2 Field Replacement of Sensor Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

7.2.1 Replacing the Sensor Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

7.3 Test and Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

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7.4 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

7.4.1 The Display Doesn’t Light Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

7.4.2 “Service” Appears on the STATUS Display Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

7.4.3 Incorrect Dew Point Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

7.4.4 “Balance” Remains on the Status Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

7.4.5 No Analog Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

7.4.6 No Serial Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Appendix A. Specifications

A.1 Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

A.1.1 Accuracy [complete system at 25°C (77°F)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

A.1.2 Measurement Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

A.1.3 Response Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

A.2 Functionality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

A.2.1 Analog Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

A.2.2 Digital Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

A.2.3 Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

A.2.4 Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

A.2.5 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

A.2.6 Operating Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

A.3 Physical (Bench Mount) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.3.1 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.3.2 Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.3.3 Shipping Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.3.4 Environmental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.4 Physical (Wall Mount) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.4.1 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.4.2 Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.4.3 Shipping Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.4.4 Environmental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

A.5 Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

A.5.1 T-100E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

A.5.2 PT-30A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

A.5.3 PT-300A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

A.6 European Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Appendix B. Humidity Equations and Conversion Chart

B.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

B.2 Vapor Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

B.3 Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Appendix C. Configuring the Serial Interface

C.1 Wiring to a Personal Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

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Appendix D. Chilled Mirror Sensors

D.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

D.2 Depression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

D.3 Measurement Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

D.4 Comparing Optica Sensor Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Appendix E. Glossary

Appendix F. Automatic Balance (for earlier software versions)

F.1 Programming Automatic Balance for a VGA Optica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

F.2 Programming Automatic Balance for a 4x40 Optica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Appendix G. Communicating with the OPTICA Using Ethernet

G.1 Direct Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

G.2 Computer Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

G.2.1 Determining the Available Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

G.2.2 Retrieving the Alarm Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

G.2.3 Retrieving the Alarm Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

G.2.4 Retrieving Supported Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

G.2.5 Retrieving Labels and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

G.2.6 Retrieving Analog Output Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

G.2.7 Retrieving the Measured and Calculated Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

G.2.8 4X40 Optica Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

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Preface

Information Paragraphs

Note: These paragraphs provide information that provides a deeper understanding of the situation, but is not

essential to the proper completion of the instructions.

IMPORTANT: These paragraphs provide information that emphasizes instructions that are essential to proper setup of

the equipment. Failure to follow these instructions carefully may cause unreliable performance.

CAUTION! This symbol indicates a risk of potential minor personal injury and/or severe damage to the equipment, unless these instructions are followed carefully.

WARNING! This symbol indicates a risk of potential serious personal injury, unless these instructions are followed carefully.

Safety Issues

WARNING! It is the responsibility of the user to make sure all local, county, state and national

codes, regulations, rules and laws related to safety and safe operating conditions are met for each installation.

Auxiliary Equipment

Local Safety Standards

The user must make sure that he operates all auxiliary equipment in accordance with local codes, standards, regulations, or laws applicable to safety.

Working Area

WARNING! Make sure that power to the auxiliary equipment is turned OFF and locked out before you perform maintenance procedures on the equipment.

Qualification of Personnel

Make sure that all personnel have manufacturer-approved training applicable to the auxiliary equipment.

Personal Safety Equipment

Make sure that operators and maintenance personnel have all safety equipment applicable to the auxiliary equipment. Examples include safety glasses, protective headgear, safety shoes, etc.

Unauthorized Operation

Make sure that unauthorized personnel cannot gain access to the operation of the equipment.

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Preface

Environmental Compliance

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive

GE Measurement & Control Solutions is an active participant in Europe’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) take-back initiative, directive 2012/19/EU.

The equipment that you bought has required the extraction and use of natural resources for its production. It may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environment.

In order to avoid the dissemination of those substances in our environment and to diminish the pressure on the natural resources, we encourage you to use the appropriate take-back systems. Those systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials of your end life equipment in a sound way.

The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use those systems.

If you need more information on the collection, reuse and recycling systems, please contact your local or regional waste administration.

Visit www.gemeasurement.com/environmental-health-safety-ehs

for take-back instructions and more information

about this initiative.

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Chapter 1. Features and Capabilities

1.1 Introduction

The GE Measurement & Control Optica is a multi-purpose chilled-mirror hygrometer, suitable for use in a wide variety of applications. The Optica can function with any GE Measurement & Control chilled-mirror sensor to provide the following measurement ranges (depending on the sensor selected):

• Dew/frost point from –80°C to +85°C (–112°F to +185°F)

• Relative humidity from 0.002% to 100%

• Moisture content from 500 ppb

to over 5.71 × 105 ppm

• Temperature from -100°C to +100°C (-212°F to +212°F)

The Optica also measures and displays gas pressure using a GE Sensing PT-30A or PT-300A pressure sensor, or a user-supplied 4–20 mA or 0–5 VDC pressure sensor.

Note: If the pressure is known to be constant, a fixed pressure can be programmed, eliminating the need for a

pressure sensor.

Using the Optica, you can simultaneously measure and display dew point, temperature and pressure, with a wide variety of units of measure. The Optica is Ethernet-ready, so you can access the unit using the Internet for remote monitoring applications. You can use the data logging function to record and upload weeks of data.

1.2 Electronics Enclosure

The Optica is available in two configurations:

• A benchtop model, with an optional rack-mount adapter available

• A wall-mount unit, housed in a Type 4 enclosure, suitable for industrial environments

See Chapter 2, “Installation” for details on how to mount the Optica.

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Chapter 1. Features and Capabilities

VGA Display Softkeys Alphanumeric Keypad

Power On/Off Switch

1.2.1 Front Panel

The Optica front panel is shown in Figure 1 below. The panel includes: a display, an alphanumeric keypad for data entry, ENTER and TAB keys, and four softkeys to the right of the display screen.

Two display options are available:

• A high-resolution, full-color, liquid crystal display (LCD) with data graphing and on-screen programming

capability (referred to as the “VGA” unit). See Figure 1 below.

• A 4-line by 40-character alphanumeric display (referred to as the “4x40” unit).

Figure 1: Optica Benchtop Version with VGA Display

1.2.2 Input/Output Capability

Available inputs and outputs include the following:

• 4-wire Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) input

• 4–20 mA and 0–5 VDC Pressure Sensor inputs

• Two simultaneous analog outputs, each with 4–20 mA and 0–5 VDC capability

• Two independent alarm relays (Form C, 5 Amp)

• Serial communications port

• Ethernet 10BaseT (on VGA Optica only)

The Optica uses the GE Measurement & Control patented Programmable Automatic Contaminant Error Reduction

PACER) system for automated self-cleaning and optics rebalancing. Detailed specifications for the Optica are given in

( Appendix A, “Specifications”.

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Chapter 1. Features and Capabilities

1.3 The System

1.3.1 System Components

A complete Optica system consists of the following items:

• Electronic monitor • Temperature sensor (optional)

• Dew point sensor • Pressure sensor (optional)

• Interconnecting sensor cable • Maintenance kit

• AC line cord • User’s Manual

• Certification that the unit is traceable to the National Institute of Standards

and Technology (Certificate of Conformance)

1.3.2 System Planning

The Optica can be used for a wide variety of measurement applications, including the measurement of dew points of gasses that are at pressures that exceed the measurement range of GE sensors. In this situation be sure to check “Process Pressure” on page 30 for installation planning.

1.4 Sensors

The Optica can be configured with a chilled-mirror dew point sensor. The specific sensor is chosen according to the expected dew point range and the environment in which the dew point is to be determined. In addition, the Optica can be configured with a temperature and/or pressure sensor.

1.4.1 Dew Point Sensors

GE offers the following sensors for various applications:

• Model 1111H - Single-stage sensor

• Model 1211H - Two-stage sensor; high pressure and temperature

• Model D-2 - Two-stage sensor

• Model SIM-12H - Two-stage heated sensor

• Model 1311DR - Four-stage, liquid or air cooled sensor

• Model 1311XR - Five-stage, liquid cooled sensor

1.4.2 Temperature Sensor

• Model T-100E

1.4.3 Pressure Sensor

• Model PT-30A or PT-300A

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Chapter 1. Features and Capabilities

41.2°F

Dew Point Temperature

(Precision Thermometer)

LED

Regulation

Thermoelectric

Heat Pump Power

Gain

Optical Reference

1.5 Theory of Operation

Optical condensation hygrometry is a precise technique for determining the water vapor content in gases by directly measuring dew point or frost temperatures. Using this technique, a metal mirror is cooled until it reaches a temperature at which a thin layer of condensation begins to form on it. The dew layer is detected optically, and the mirror is held at that temperature. The mirror temperature, measured with a platinum resistance thermometer, is an accurate indicator of the dew or frost point. Because these hygrometers are so accurate, they are widely used as a standard in many of the world’s metrology laboratories.

1.5.1 Hygrometer Function

Figure 2 below illustrates how GE Measurement & Control hygrometers detect and measure dew point. The condensate mirror is illuminated with a solid state, infrared emitter (IR). A photodetector monitors the IR light reflected from the mirror. The photodetector is fully illuminated when the mirror is clear of dew, and it receives less light as dew forms. A separate LED and photodetector pair are used as a known reference to compensate for any thermally induced changes in the optical components. The photodetectors are arranged in an electrical bridge circuit, the output current of which is proportional to the light reflected from the mirror. The bridge output controls the electrical current to the thermoelectric cooler.

A large bridge current develops when the mirror is dry, causing the mirror to cool toward the dew point. As dew begins to form on the mirror, less light is reflected, and the bridge output decreases. This, in turn, causes a decrease in cooling current. A rate feedback loop within the amplifier ensures critical response, causing the mirror to stabilize quickly at a temperature that maintains a thin dew or frost layer on the mirror surface. A precision thermometer element embedded within the mirror directly monitors this dew point temperature.

Figure 2: Chilled-Mirror Hygrometer Diagram

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Chapter 1. Features and Capabilities

1.5.2 Hygrometer Calibration

The Optica unit can be sent to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland for certification or to any National Standards lab for calibration against their primary humidity standards. A calibrated instrument can then be used as a transfer standard in local laboratories to calibrate lower echelon instruments.

CAUTION! Field calibration of the Optica is not recommended.

Hygrometers used as calibration standards must have the following characteristics:

• The mirror thermometer must have suitable long-term accuracy (such as that obtained with a platinum

resistance thermometer).

1.5.3 Other Hygrometer Applications

Many GE Measurement & Control Chilled Mirror Hygrometers are used in industrial applications in addition to metrology. The optical condensation hygrometer is not readily damaged or contaminated by industrial process gases that can degrade other secondary measurement schemes such as saturated salt and polymer-based sensors. If the sensor or sampling components should become contaminated with oils, salts, etc., they can be cleaned without harm to the sensor or impairment to the system accuracy. The performance of the hygrometer can be checked at any time by heating the mirror above the dew point, causing the dew deposit to evaporate, then reclosing the servoloop and checking to see that the system cools and returns to the same dew point.

The GE optical condensation sensors cover a wide range of applications limited only by the heat pumping capabilities of the thermoelectrically-cooled mirror.

At high dew points (up to 100°C), the sensor is limited by the thermal properties of the solid state optical components as well as the thermoelectric heat pump capacity.

In a typical application measuring sub-ambient dew points, a two-stage thermoelectrically-cooled mirror can reach a temperature approximately 65°C lower than an ambient (heat sink) temperature of +25°C. The thermoelectric cooler pumps heat from the mirror into the heat sink. By reducing the temperature of the heat sink with a coolant such as chilled water, or by applying the sensor in a low-temperature condition such as monitoring of a test chamber, even lower dew points can be measured. In meteorological applications where the heat sink temperature is considerably lower, frost points down to –75°C can be monitored.

Four- and five-stage sensors are available for measuring the lowest dew/frost points.

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Chapter 1. Features and Capabilities

Mirror Heats

Start of Cycle

End

Cooling Heating

Data is Sampled

and Held

(3 min)

Optical System Automatically Adjusts for Correct Reflectance (5 sec)

Prevailing Dew Point

Mirror Cools and Coalesces (30 sec)

Mirror Returns To Dew Point (60 sec)

To Dry State (90 sec)

Before

PACER Cycle

After

PACER Cycle

1.6 The PACER Cycle

GE Measurement & Control has developed and patented a compensation technique called PACER (Programmable Automatic Contaminant Error Reduction) that is very effective in reducing the Raoult Effect error associated with

soluble contaminants, particularly for near-ambient dew points. The Optica is equipped with the

AUTO balance as found on earlier models. The user can choose which self-cleaning and balancing routine to run

depending on the severity of the contamination.

PACER cycle, diagrammed in Figure 3 below, begins with a coalescence period, during which the mirror is cooled

The well below the dew point of the sample gas, condensing out a large amount of water.

PACER cycle as well as

This excess water easily dissolves any water-soluble contaminants. The mirror is then heated. During the heating phase, the large puddles of water gradually evaporate, carrying increasingly heavy concentrations of salts as the puddles become smaller. Finally, when all the puddles have evaporated, dry “islands” of crystallized salt are left on the mirror. The area between the islands (80-85% of the mirror surface) is now clean and shiny, whereas before the cycle it may have been completely covered. The total amount of contamination has not been reduced, but instead, redistributed as shown in Figure 4 below, with more clean mirror surface available for dew formation. The reflected light signal is then electronically balanced against the reference.

Figure 3: A Typical PACER Cycle

PACER

Figure 4: Results of the PACER Cycle

6 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

Page 19

Chapter 2. Installation

Dimensions =

*Add .75” (19 mm)

6.5*

13.5

(330)

(343)

(165)

inches

(mm)

for Feet

Chapter 2. Installation

2.1 Introduction

This chapter explains the installation of the benchtop and wall-mount versions of the Optica, the various sensors used with the system and the I/O and power wiring. To install your Optica, refer to the instructions and drawings for your specific configuration:

• Benchtop - see “Benchtop Optica Installation” on page 7

• Wall-Mount - see “Wall-Mount Optica Installation” on page 12

WARNING! To ensure the safe operation of this unit, you must install and operate the Optica as described in this manual. In addition, be sure to follow all applicable safety codes and regulations for installing electrical equipment in your area.

2.2 Benchtop Optica Installation

2.2.1 Mounting the Benchtop Optica

The Optica benchtop dimensions are shown in Figure 5 below. Two feet on the bottom of the case can be unfolded to raise up the front for easier viewing, if desired.

Figure 5: Optica Benchtop Dimensions

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 7

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.2.2 Using the Rack Mounting Option

There is an optional kit for mounting the benchtop unit in a standard 19-inch rack (see Figure 6 below, Figure 7 on page 9, and Figure 8 on page 10). The two brackets are attached to the front panel using four #8 screws. The Optica is

mounted to the brackets using the eight mounting holes located just in front of and behind the unit’s feet.

Figure 6: Optica Rack-Mount Adapter

8 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

Page 21

2.2.2 Using the Rack Mounting Option (cont.)

1.32

(33.5)

1.11 (28.2)

6.52 (165.6)

2.69 (68.3)

3.91 (99.3)

19.00 (482.6)

14.62 (371.3)

12.53 (318.3)

0.50 (12.7)

2.19 (55.6)

1.32

(33.5)

2.88 (73.2)

2.38 (60.5)

8.75 (222.3)

4.00 (101.6)

3.00 (76.2)

2.74 (69.6)

3.23 (82.0)

18.25 (463.6)

13.53 (343.7)

7.07 (179.6)

0.59 (15.0)

0.09

(2.3)

FH-032-8

4 places

0.38

(9.7)

Note: Dimensions are in inches (millimeters).

Chapter 2. Installation

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 9

Figure 7: Optica Rack-Mount Adapter - Front Panel

Page 22

Chapter 2. Installation

Note: Dimensions are in inches (millimeters).

0.66 (16.8)

0.75 (19.1)

1.44

(36.6)

11.00 (279.4)

1.50

(38.1)

1.13 (28.7)

1.00 (25.4)

1.09 (27.7)

0.55 (14.0)

3.91 (99.3)

5.86 (148.8)

6.00 (152.4)

0.98 (24.9)

3.19 (81.0)

1.82

(46.2)

0.59 (15.0)

0.80 (20.3) 3.03 (77.0)

1.00 (25.4)

12.41 (315.2)

1.04

(26.4)

2.2.2 Using the Rack Mounting Option (cont.)

Figure 8: Optica Rack-Mount Adapter - Bracket

10 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 2. Installation

*Note: Depending on the model revision, the LAN connector is located in one of two places.

2.2.3 Wiring the Benchtop Optica

2.2.3a Input Power

The Optica operates with input power from 100 to 120 VAC at 4 amps, or from 200 to 240 VAC at 2.5 amps. It is designed for a nominal 100, 115 or 230 VAC source. A switch on the rear panel selects the appropriate voltage range (see Figure 9 below).

• The 115 VAC setting operates over a range of 100 to 120 VAC

• The 230 VAC setting operates over a range of 200 to 240 VAC

The Optica’s voltage and frequency rating are listed on the rear panel.

2.2.3b Sensors

Connect the dew point sensor cable to the 25-pin connector in Slot B on the Optica’s rear panel (see Figure 9 below). Connect the optional temperature sensor cable to the 9-pin connector in sensor and other I/O wiring connects to the terminal block in

Slot A.

Slot B on the rear panel. The optional pressure

Figure 9: Optica Benchtop Rear Panel

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 11

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Chapter 2. Installation

Dimensions =

6.5

13.7

(348)

(165)

inches

(mm)

16.725

(425)

Use the two mounting holes to secure the enclosure to the chosen wall, using 1/4” fasteners of the appropriate type for the wall material. Be sure that the mounting holes are located on a vertical line on the wall.

below unit for cabling.

Allow adequate space

17.43"

(443 mm)

Ø.261 (6.63 mm)

2 places

2.3 Wall-Mount Optica Installation

The Optica Wall-Mount unit is designed to mount on a flat, vertical surface, such as a wall or panel. To mount the wall-mount version, see Figure 10 and Figure 11 below.

2.3.1 Mounting the Wall-Mount Optica

Figure 10: Optica Wall-Mount Unit Dimensions

Figure 11: Optica Wall-Mount Unit Mounting Hole Locations

12 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 2. Installation

I/O Terminal Blocks

Ethernet LAN Connector

I/O Cable Gland

Serial Port

Temperature Sensor

Dew Point Sensor

AC Wiring Terminal Blocks

AC Power Input Gland

DEW POINT

Gland for

I/O Wiring

INPUT

LAN

COM

Optional Ethernet

LAN Connector

Serial Port

Dew Point Sensor

Gland for AC Power Wiring

4 ASB 250V TYPE T

115/230 VAC 50-60 Hz

AC LINE

TEMP

Temperature Sensor

2.3.2 Wiring the Wall-Mount Optica

All connections to the wall-mount unit are made through the panel at the bottom of the case as shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13below. Any I/O cabling is brought into the unit through a gland at the lower left of the case and connects to

the terminal blocks on the left side of the case. Wiring for these connections is shown in Figure 15 on page 14. The dew point sensor and temperature sensor cable connectors are located near the center of this panel.

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 13

Figure 12: Wall-Mount Wiring Entrance Locations

Figure 13: Wall-Mount Bottom Panel (viewed from bottom of Case)

Page 26

Chapter 2. Installation

Front of Case

Top

Case

AL2 NC

OUT A

0-5

PRESSURE

I in

Benchtop Unit

RTN

4-20

OUT B

0-5

V in

Case

Front

ALARM 1

ALARM 2

COM

4-20

COM

Slot A

COM

AL1 NC

Wall-Mount Unit

PRES

I in

RTN

V in

Top

OUT B

OUT A

4-20

0-5

2.3.2a Input Power

Power wiring enters the case through a gland fitting at the lower right of the unit and connects to a screw terminal block mounted on the right side of the case. Wiring of this terminal block is shown in Figure 14 below. The voltage and frequency rating and tolerances, as well as fusing data, are listed on the bottom of the unit.

WARNING! There is a potential shock hazard at this location. Disconnect and lock out the main power prior to any service procedures.

Figure 14: Wall-Mount AC Power Wiring

2.4 Output Wiring

The benchtop Optica outputs are connected to removable terminal blocks on the rear panel. Figure 9 on page 11 shows the location of the benchtop unit terminal blocks and Figure 15 below shows the

The Wall-Mount Optica input/output terminal blocks are located inside the front door as shown in Figure 12 on

page 13. Cabling is brought in through the gland on the bottom of the unit and wired to the terminal blocks shown in Figure 15 below.

Note: Output programming is described in Chapters 4, 5 and 6.

14 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

Figure 15: Benchtop and Wall-Mount Input/Output Terminal Blocks

Slot A connections.

Page 27

Chapter 2. Installation

out

actualTlower

–()

upperTlower

–()

----------------------------------------

5×=

23 0–()

100 0–()

---------------------

5× 1.15V=

out

mA()

actualTlower

–()

upperTlower

–()

----------------------------------------

20 4–()× 4+=

23 0–()

100 0–()

---------------------

16()× 4+ 7.68mA=

2.4.1 Analog Outputs

Note: When the Optica is being programmed, the analog outputs provide 4–20 mA and 0–5 VDC signals representing

the designated parameters.

• For 4–20mA output, connect to terminals labelled 4–20 (+) and RTN (–).

Note: The maximum load allowed for current output is 500 Ohms.

• For 0–5 VDC output, connect to terminals labelled 0–5 (+) and RTN (–).

Note: The maximum current allowed for voltage output is 5 mA.

Example:

Assume a temperature output, scaled to range from 0°C (T of 23°C (T

actual

The voltage output is calculated by:

yielding an output voltage of 1.15V.

The current output is calculated by:

yielding an output current of 7.68 mA.

) to 100°C (T

lower

), with a measured actual temperature

upper

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 15

Page 28

Chapter 2. Installation

out

actualTlower

–()

upperTlower

–()

----------------------------------------

51–()× 1+=

23 0–()

100 0–()

---------------------

4× 1+ 1.92V=

2.4.1a Additional Voltage Outputs

It is possible to use either analog current output as an additional voltage output by connecting a precision resistor from the current output to its return. A voltage will be produced equal to the output current times the load resistance. To produce a voltage output range of 1 to 5 volts, connect a 250 ohm resistor (0.1% tolerance recommended).

Using a 250 ohm resistor, the voltage output is calculated by:

yielding an output voltage of 1.92V for this example.

2.4.2 Alarm Outputs

Each alarm output connects to the contacts of a 5-Amp, Form C (SPDT) relay.

Make connections as follows:

• For normally open contacts, connect to NO and COM.

• For normally closed contacts, connect to NC and COM.

Any available parameter can be used to control an alarm relay by programming the parameter name and its threshold values. An alarm can also be programmed to monitor the state of the Control, Chapter 4, 5 or 6 for programming instructions.

Both Upper and Lower threshold values are programmed for each parameter. These values designate an alarm band. How they are used depends on the programmed alarm type. Details are shown in “Inner Band Alarm” on page 17 and “Outer Band Alarm” on page 17.

PACER Balance, or Service indicators. See

16 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 2. Installation

UPPER edge of band

LOWER edge of band

Parameter

Alarm

Deactivated

Alarm

Deactivated

Alarm

Activated

“NC” Contacts

Closed

“NC” Contacts

Closed

Alarm

Activated

“NO” Contacts

Closed

“NO”

Closed

Contacts

“NO” Contacts

UPPER edge of band

LOWER edge of band

Parameter

Closed

Alarm

Deactivated

Alarm

Deactivated

Alarm

Activated

“NC” Contacts

Closed

“NC” Contacts

Closed

“NC” Contacts

UPPER edge of band

LOWER edge of band

Parameter

Closed

Alarm

Activated

Alarm

Activated

Alarm

Deactivated

“NO” Contacts

Closed

“NO” Contacts

Closed

2.4.2a Set Point Alarm

For the Set Point alarm type, the alarm band provides hysteresis to prevent frequent operation of the alarm relay when the parameter is near the specified value. The relay is

deactivated when the parameter goes below the lower limit.

activated when the parameter exceeds the upper limit, and

Figure 16: Set Point Alarm

2.4.2b Inner Band Alarm

For the Inner Band alarm type, the alarm relay activates whenever the parameter value is between the lower and upper limits.

Figure 17: Inner Band Alarm

2.4.2c Outer Band Alarm

For the Outer Band alarm, the alarm relay activates whenever the parameter value is greater than the upper limit or less than the lower limit.

Figure 18: Outer Band Alarm

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.4.3 Serial Output

The Serial Output connector is located at the lower left of the rear panel of the bench-mount unit, and the bottom panel of the wall-mount unit. The output provides RS-232 serial communications between the unit and a terminal or a PC running in terminal emulation mode.

The connector is a standard 9-pin D connector. For connection to another serial device, the cable is wired as shown in Table 1 below. For a basic interface without handshaking, only pins 2, 3 and 5 (RX, TX and GND) on the Optica connector are needed. Pin connections are given for both 25-pin and 9-pin devices.

Table 1: Serial Output Wiring Connections

Optica Connector 25-Pin Device 9-Pin Device

Pin Connection Pin Connection Pin Connection

2(RX)3(TX)3(TX) 3 (TX) 2 (RX) 2 (RX) 4 (DTE) 6 (DSR) 6 (DSR) 5 (GND) 7 (GND) 5 (GND) 6 (DSR) 20 (DTE) 4 (DTE) 7 (RTS) 4 (CTS) 8 (CTS) 8 (CTS) 5 (RTS) 7 (RTS)

The baud rate, format of the data, number of stop bits, number of data bits, and parity can all be programmed using the menus.

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.5 Sensor Information

GE Measurement & Control produces a variety of sensors compatible with the Optica, ranging from one to five stages of thermoelectric cooling. A comparison chart listing specifications of each sensor is given in Appendix D. “Chilled Mirror Sensors“. The following sections provide information on installing the following GE dew point sensors:

• Model 1111H — Single-stage sensor

• Model 1211H — Two-stage sensor; for high pressure and temp.

• Model D-2 — Two-stage sensor

• Model SIM-12H — Two-stage heated sensor

• Model 1311DR — Four-stage heated sensor

• Model 1311XR — Five-stage water-cooled sensor

When selecting a location for installing a sensor, consider the following criteria:

• Locate the sensor as close as is practical to the source of the gas to be measured, to keep the sampling lines as

short as possible. This minimizes the system response time and reduces the error rate at low frost points due to sample line outgassing.

• Choose a sensor location that provides access to the dewpoint sample cavity cover, to facilitate periodic mirror

cleaning.

CAUTION! Never place the sensor in a location where temperatures rise above the maximum rated

temperature for the device. See Appendix D. “Chilled Mirror Sensors“ for complete sensor specifications.

2.5.1 Sampling Lines

Keep the length of sample tubing between the source and the sensor short, for quick response and highest accuracy. All sampling line compression fittings provided with the sensor are for ¼-inch diameter tubing, unless otherwise specified at the time of order. The material used for the inlet lines can have an important effect on the validity of the readings. Do not use rubber hose or plastic tubing such as PVC or Tygon, because of their hygroscopic nature.

When measuring frost points below –30°C, sample gas leaving the sensor outlet should be vented through an additional line three to six feet long, since backflow of ambient moisture into the sensor can take place even under positive pressure. Use stainless steel tubing and fittings, and ensure that all plumbing is completely free from leaks.

At dew/frost points above –20°C, tubing material is not as critical. Copper, PTFE, polypropylene, aluminum or brass tubing and fittings may be used. The sampling system should allow for periodic cleaning. It may be helpful to install a tee and closing valve on the inlet side, to permit the sensor to be shut off while the sampling lines are flushed. At very low humidities, even a trace amount of contamination can alter measured frost point, so cleanliness is particularly important.

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.5.2 Ensuring Heat Transfer

Be sure the sensor has an adequate heat sink when operating in hot environments. The sensor must never be allowed to reach a temperature above its rated limit. It is not sufficient merely to ensure that the sensor is in an environment whose temperature is below the rated limit; a means must be supplied to remove heat from the sensor.

When the Model 1111H or D-2 sensors are used at ambient temperatures of 20° to 24°C, full rated depression can be achieved by mounting the sensor on a smooth, thermally conductive surface (such as metal), which tends to remain at the ambient temperature.

If possible, do not operate the sensor continuously at or near full depression. Doing so may decrease the anticipated life of the thermoelectric heat pump.

2.5.3 High Dew Point Measurements

2.5.3a Using Heated Sensors

When measuring dew points at or above the ambient temperature, the sensor must be heated to a temperature of at least 5 to 10°C above the highest anticipated dew point (but not higher than the sensor temperature rating). Some sensors can be mounted on a liquid heat exchanger, or a temperature-controlled electric hot plate, or installed in a heated enclosure. GE recommends closed-loop active control of the elevated sensor body temperature.

The sensor base should be coated with zinc-oxide-filled silicone thermal grease and securely anchored to the heat sink with suitable fasteners. Allow ½ hour for the sensor to reach thermal equilibrium after adjusting the temperature of the heat sink.

The GE

SIM-12H high temperature sensor is designed for high-temperature applications. It measures dew points above

ambient temperature without condensation problems.

2.5.3b Sample Lines for High Dew Point Measurements

Sampling lines carrying gas to the sensor must be heated and insulated when the dew point of the gas is above the sample line’s ambient temperature. The simplest way to achieve this is to use heater tape (either thermostatically controlled, or continuously operating, and sized to provide the required temperature rise). At high temperatures, use stainless steel tubing with adequate insulation to avoid hot and cold sections in the line and to avoid water absorption/ desorption cycling as the heater is thermostatically controlled. Heated sampling lines (HSL) are available from GE.

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.5.3c Filter Requirements

If the gas to be monitored is free from particulates and hydrocarbon liquids or vapor, filtering is not necessary. However, most sample gas streams contain some particulates, and using a filter reduces the need for frequent mirror cleaning. On the other hand, filtering tends to slow the system’s response, particularly at low frost points.

The Series 912 filters manufactured by Balston Company (or equivalent) are effective for most applications. For particulates and liquid hydrocarbons, use a Balston Typ e DX filter element.

To filter out very fine particles, the Type DX filter can be followed by a Ty pe B X filter. A Type CI filter can be used to remove hydrocarbon vapors.

If the sample gas is heavily and routinely contaminated, we recommend using a quick-change filter element. Avoid using glass wool, cellulose, and other hygroscopic materials as a filter medium.

2.5.3d Flow Rate

It is important to have adequate flow through the sensor. Too little flow can slow the response (particularly at very low frost points). Too much flow can cause instability of the control system at high dew points and can reduce the depression capability of the thermoelectric cooler at very low dew points. Too much flow also accelerates the rate of

system contamination. A flow rate of 2 to 2.5 ft

cases, flow rates between 0.2 and 5 ft

/h (0.1 and 2.5 liter/min) may be used.

/h (a little over 1 liter/min) is ideal for most applications. In many

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 21

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.6 Sensor Installation

This section provides installation details for the GE Measurement & Control line of chilled-mirror humidity sensors.

2.6.1 Model 1111H Sensor

The Model 1111H is an open-type sensor (see Figure 19 below). It can be threaded into standard pipe fittings or mounted in a type 0111D pressure boss, which encloses it and adapts it for ¼-inch compression fittings. When installing the sensor in the pressure boss, remove the black aluminum sensor cover.

For maximum thermal conductivity, the base of the Model 0111D pressure boss should be coated with heat-conducting grease. When so installed on a surface suitable for dissipating heat, the sensor will achieve its maximum rated depression. See the Chilled Mirror Sensor Comparison Chart in Appendix D. “Chilled Mirror Sensors“.

Figure 19: Model 1111H Sensor

2.6.2 Model D-2 Sensor

The Model D-2 is a general purpose, two-stage sensor with 65°C (117°F) of depression capability. It features wetted parts of stainless steel and glass, for durability in demanding industrial applications. The Model D-2 can be used as a benchtop sensor, mounted to a heat sink, or mounted to a cooling fan for maximum operating range. Advanced features include field-replaceable optics and cooler assemblies, and auxiliary visible light optics with a viewing window for inspecting the mirror during operation (see Figure 20 below).

For maximum thermal conductivity, the base of the Model D-2 sensor should be coated with heat-conducting grease. When so installed on a surface suitable for dissipating heat, the sensor will achieve its maximum rated depression. See the Chilled Mirror Sensor Comparison Chart in Appendix D. “Chilled Mirror Sensors“.

Figure 20: Model D-2 Sensor

22 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.6.3 Model 1211H Sensor

The Model 1211H is a two-stage sensor with 65°C (117°F) of depression capability. It features wetted parts of stainless steel and may be used at higher temperature and pressure than the D2 sensor. The Model 1211H can be used as a benchtop sensor, mounted to a heat sink. Features include a field-replaceable mirror, optics and cooler assembly. See the Chilled Mirror Sensor Comparison Chart in Appendix D. “Chilled Mirror Sensors“.

2.6.4 Model 1311DR Sensor

The 1311DR is a stainless steel, liquid cooled, four-stage sensor suitable for measuring dew points between –75°C and +25°C.

Mount the 1311DR sensor so that the air inlet and exhaust openings are free from obstruction (see Figure 21 below). If the sensor is liquid cooled, vertical wall mounting is recommended, observing the “UP” arrow on the case. This ensures that condensation forming on cold portions of the 1311DR will drain from the enclosure.

At room temperatures (25°C) with air cooling, dew points from –65°C to +25°C can be measured. When operating it without liquid cooling, switch on the built-in fan. For lower frost point measurements, a chilled-water coolant loop can be used for cooling. Make sure the fan switch is off when using liquid cooling.

Sample flow rates from 0.5 to 5 SCFH (0.25 to 2.5 L/min) should be used.

CAUTION! If it can be avoided, do not operate the sensor continuously at or near full depression.

Doing so may decrease the life of the thermoelectric heat pump.

Liquid cooling is required for measuring frost points below –65°C (at 25°C ambient), and may be used to create faster response at higher dew point temperatures. If a recirculating chiller is used, it should have a capacity of at least 300 watts at the coolant temperature. Switch the internal fan ON if air cooling is used; leave it OFF for liquid cooling. Install the gas sampling lines according to the instructions listed in “Sampling Lines” on page 19.

Figure 21: Model 1311DR Sensor

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.6.5 Model 1311XR Sensor

The 1311XR is a stainless steel, water cooled, five-stage sensor (see Figure 22 below) that can measure frost points as

low as –80°C. The sample gas flow rate should be between 1 and 5 ft

/h. The maximum permissible coolant temperature is +50°C; the minimum is –10°C. A minimum coolant flow rate of 0.1 gallons per minute must be maintained for most dew point measurements. If the fourth stage power supply control is set below –65°C, the minimum coolant flow rate is 0.25 gal/min. The coolant temperature affects the maximum dew/frost point depression. For frost points of –80°C, coolant temperature should be below 20°C.

Figure 22: Model 1311XR Sensor

2.6.5a Electrical Connections

All the electrical connectors on the Model 1311XR dew/frost point sensor are unique. The cables supplied with the sensor can only interconnect the system in one way. Connect the cables as follows:

1. Plug the instrument into a 115/230 VAC power outlet.

2. Connect the 37-pin round black connector on the back of the instrument to the 19-pin military-style connector

on the back of the 1311XR sensor.

3. Connect the 17-pin military style connector on the back of the 1311XR sensor to the 24-pin round connector on the back of the heat pump controller module.

4. Connect the 9-pin round connector on the back of the heat pump controller module to the 8-pin rectangular connector on the back of the fourth stage heat pump power supply.

5. Plug the heat pump power supply into a 115/230 VAC outlet.

2.6.5b Coolant

Connect the two 3/8-inch brass compression fittings on the back of the 1311XR sensor to the coolant lines. Do not run the instrument without sufficient coolant flow.

Suitable coolants include water, glycol and other noncorrosive liquids. The coolant can be recirculated liquid or tap water that is cooled or chilled. If a recirculating chiller is used, it should have a capacity of at least 600 watts at the coolant temperature.

2.6.5c Sample Gas Fittings

The 1311XR sensor has 1/4” stainless steel compression fittings for sample gas inlet and outlet at the back of the sensor chassis.

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.6.5d Heat Pump Controller Settings

The 1311XR’s heat pump controller module has the following settings:

Table 2: Model 1311XR Heat Pump Controller Settings

Setting Function

AUTO When set to AUTO, the system operates fully automatically, controlling the heat pump in

response to any dew/frost point within its operating range. In AUTO mode, the controller senses the current supplied by the Optica to the top two stages of the thermoelectric coolers. The controller switches on the fourth stage power supply, as required to maintain the mirror temperature at the dew/frost point. The AUTO setting is recommended for most applications.

Below –55°C If the frost point is known to be below –55°C, the switch can be set to this position to

provide slightly faster response than the AUTO setting. However, depression is limited at this setting. If frost points approaching –80°C are to be measured, use the AUTO setting.

–65°C to –10°C If the dew/frost point is known to be between –65°C and –10°C, the switch can be set to

this position to reduce overshoot and settling time.

Above –25°C If the dew/frost point is known to be above –25°C, the switch can be set to this position to

reduce overshoot and settling time.

Note: The third-stage power indicator may blink in any setting. This is normal.

2.6.5e Fourth-Stage Power Supply Control Knob

The control knob on the 1311XR’s fourth-stage power supply sets the power consumption limit and the coolant requirement when measuring dew/frost points using the

AUTO or BELOW –55°C settings. Set this knob to the lowest

anticipated dew/frost point.

If the control is set lower than necessary, the system dissipates excess power and requires additional cooling to remove the extra heat generated. If the setting is too high, the system may not be able to reach the true dew/frost point.

To allow the 1311XR sensor to act as a turnkey system (whereby it will cover its entire range automatically), set the switch to

AUTO and the power supply control knob to the –80°C position.

2.6.5f Heat Pump Controller Error Indicators

The heat pump controller module has two overheat indicators connected to thermal shutdown switches. If either indicator comes on, check for and correct any problems before continuing operation. Check the cable connections, coolant flow and coolant temperature.

2.6.5g Purging the Sensor

CAUTION! The 1311XR must be purged after each use, either with the sample gas after measuring

it, or with another dry gas source. Otherwise, condensation inside the sensor housing may cause corrosion and eventual failure of the thermoelectric coolers.

For extremely dry gas measurements, the 1311XR sensor enclosure must be purged with a gas having a frost point lower than –20°C. For intermediate temperatures, any gas having a frost point at least as low as the sample gas can be used.The sample gas outflow from the sensor can be used for this purpose, if it is suitable (non-explosive, non-lethal, etc.). Introduce the purge gas to the enclosure via the purge fitting on the rear of the sensor. The simplest method for purging is to run the sample gas outflow through the U-tube supplied with the sensor.

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Chapter 2. Installation

2.6.6 Model SIM-12H Heated Sensor and Components

The SIM-12H heated sensor module is suitable for measuring dew/frost points between –10°C and +85°C. It contains precision heating, as well as cooling, capability. Three separate heaters are located in the sensor walls, 120 degrees apart. Three temperature sensors measure the body temperature at those points, and three control circuits precisely adjust the temperature of each heater. Any detected temperature gradient across the sensor cavity is immediately eliminated, resulting in very even control. All three heaters are controlled by the temperature set by the front panel selector knob. The sensor is a two-stage unit, providing 65°C of depression capability, and 60°C actual measurement range.

2.6.6a Type SIM-HFT Heated Filter Module

The SIM-HFT heated filter module allows the sample gas to be purged of particulate contaminants prior to entering the sensor. The incoming gas is first passed through a 90-micron prefilter, then a 15-micron final filter. All parts in contact with the sample are heated to a constant 105°C, eliminating any possibility of condensation. The sintered filters are easily removed for cleaning or replacing if required.

2.6.6b Type SIM-HFM Heated Flow Meter

The SIM-HFM heated flow meter module allows the sample gas flow rate to be both measured and controlled at a rate

that is optimum for the sensor. A metering valve mounted on the front panel allows control over a range of 0 to 2 ft All parts in contact with the sample gas are heated to a constant 105°C, so that no condensation occurs. The flow meter is normally mounted downstream from the heated sensor.

/h.

2.6.6c Type SIM-HSL Heated Sampling Line

The SIM-HSL heated sampling line is self-regulated at a temperature high enough to ensure that no condensation occurs. The line is made of ¼-inch outside diameter PTFE, with stainless steel fittings.

2.6.6d Type SIM-MPL Mounting Plate

The SIM-MPL mounting plate is designed to accept one, two or three heated modules: the heated sensor, the heated filter, and the heated flow meter. The mounting plate provides a convenient method of wall-mounting the entire heated sampling system. When ordered with one or more modules, the factory performs all mounting, plumbing and wiring work, thus providing a complete system ready for installation.

2.6.7 Connecting the Sensors

Dew point, temperature and pressure sensors provided by GE for the Optica monitor are pre-wired with connectors installed. Plug these connectors into their corresponding sockets as shown in Figure 9 on page 11 for the benchtop unit, or Figure 12 on page 13 for the wall-mount unit.

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.1 Introduction

Operating instructions fall into three categories:

• Normal Operation - Using the unit’s controls.

• Setup and Programming - Customizing the unit for specialized applications (not required for many

conventional applications).

Note: The unit is shipped pre-programmed to meet typical requirements. The factory default settings are listed in

Table 4 on page 35. Complete programming instructions are given in Chapters 4, 5, and 6.

• Maintenance - Manually testing the unit’s cooling capacity, cleaning the mirror, and other operations that might

be required on a regular basis, or when a problem is suspected, depending on the application. Details are given in Chapter 7. “Maintenance“.

3.2 Normal Operation

Normal operation of the Optica is very simple. To turn the unit on, check that the main power switch on the rear of the benchtop unit is set to ON (—), then press the right-hand side of the power switch (located at the lower left corner on the front of the unit).

The Optica begins its power-up sequence, which lasts about a minute. The unit’s software version is displayed on the initial screen. The status line displays Initializing. Next, the Optica performs a PACER balance. The PACER balance typically requires five to fifteen minutes, depending on the sensor chosen and the humidity of the sample gas during the balance cycle. The status line displays Balance Acquiring.

Once the balance cycle is completed and the unit reaches steady state, Control is displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the screen.

The sensor can be controlled using the softkeys to the right of the display, shown on the screen in Figure 23 on page 28. The operator can manually heat or cool the sensor, or initiate a PACER balance cycle.

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Chapter 3. Operation

Control

Tmp ° C 25.355

%RH 10.3

Tdew ° C 8.47996 Heat

Pacer

Cool

3.3 Operating the VGA Optica

The parameters chosen during programming are displayed numerically in the top half of the screen, and graphically at the bottom (see Figure 23 below). To program the unit, see Chapter 4. “Programming the VGA Optica“.

A balance indicator is shown as a vertical bar on the right side of the screen. It shows the state of the feedback control loop controlling the mirror temperature. When the system reaches steady-state (the Control status indicator is displayed), the balance indicator should be near the center of its range. If the balance indicator is near the top or bottom of its range, the dew point sensor may need to have its optics signal level adjusted (see “Minor Maintenance of Sensor Optics” on page 75).

Figure 23: Typical VGA Display Screen

3.4 Operating the 4x40 Optica

The parameters chosen during programming are displayed numerically on the top three lines of the display. For programming, see Chapter 5. “Programming the 4x40 Optica“. A typical 4x40 display screen is shown below. The system status is shown at the lower left, and the balance indicator is shown at the lower right.

Figure 24: Typical 4x40 Display Screen

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.5 Network Operation

The VGA Optica can be operated and programmed remotely over a network. Networked operation is very similar to operation using the front panel. For programming from a network, see Chapter 6. “Network-Based Programming“. A typical network screen is shown in Figure 25 below.

Figure 25: Typical Network Screen

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.6 Process Pressure

The Optica provides several ways of measuring or specifying sample gas pressure (needed for pressurized humidity measurements). You can do one of the following:

• Actively measure the pressure at the dew point sensor

• Manually enter the pressure, if it is known and stable

• “Sample-off” a high-pressure gas sample for measurement at a lower pressure (usually atmospheric) and let the

Optica calculate dew point at the process pressure.

For example: a sensor with a maximum pressure rating of 300 psi cannot be subjected to a process pressure of

500 psi. A sampling system can be arranged to allow the measurement to be made at atmospheric pressure. The Optica can then calculate and display the dew point at the process pressure (see “Scenario 2: Measurement Requiring the Process Pressure Feature” on page 32).

3.6.1 Actively Measuring Process Pressure

Use this method when the process pressure is within the specifications of the dew point sensor and can be measured directly. In the Pressure Input menu, set the Pressure Input to V or I as appropriate for the pressure sensor. Set the Process Pressure Status to Disabled.

Note: The pressure measured by the pressure sensor will be used to compute the vapor pressure.

3.6.2 Manually Entering Pressure

Use this method when the process pressure is a known and fixed value, and will not be actively measured. In the

Pressure Input menu, set the Pressure Input to Use Default. Enter the pressure into the Default field. Set the Process Pressure Status to Disabled.

Note: The default pressure entered will be used to compute the vapor pressure.

3.6.3 Measuring at a Different Pressure

Use this method when the humidity must be measured at a pressure that is lower or higher than the process pressure, but the reported value must represent the humidity at the process pressure. “Scenario 2: Measurement Requiring the Process Pressure Feature” on page 32 gives examples of programming the Optica for this situation.

Note: The process pressure is entered manually and the humidity sensor pressure may be measured or manually

entered.

Examples of the use of the Process Pressure menu are shown in the following sections.

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Chapter 3. Operation

e1 = Process Vapor Pressure

Sensor

Flowmeter

Optional Pressure Sensor

Process Pressure (P

) = 100 psi

dew

Tdew1 = Process Dew Point

3.6.4 Scenario 1: Measurement Without Enabling the Process Pressure Feature

Process pressure is 100 psi, within the range of a typical GE chilled mirror sensor. Since vapor pressure and dew point are pressure-dependent, a flow meter is installed downstream of the sensor to assure that the sensor cavity is at the process pressure (see Figure 26 below).

Figure 26: Measurement Scenario 1

3.6.4a Measuring Vapor Pressure Without a Pressure Sensor

To measure vapor pressure without a pressure sensor, make the following entries in the Pressure Input menu section for this example:

• Input: Use Default

• Units: psia

• Default: 100

• Process Status: Disabled

3.6.4b Measuring Vapor Pressure With a Pressure Sensor

To measure vapor pressure with a 4-20 mA, 0-30 psia pressure sensor, connect the sensor to the Optica’s terminal block and make the following entries in the Pressure Input menu:

• Input: In 4-20

• Units: psia

• Upper: 30.00

• Lower: 0.00

• Process Status: Disabled

3.6.5 Measuring Dew Point

In this scenario, dew point can be measured without knowledge of the gas pressure. Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 26 above, with or without a pressure sensor, and follow the normal operating procedures.

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Chapter 3. Operation

e1 = Process Vapor Pressure

Sensor

Flowmeter

Optional Pressure Sensor

Process Pressure (P

) = 500 psi

dew

Tdew1 = Process Dew Point

= Vapor Pressure at Sensor

Tdew

= Dew Point at Sensor

3.6.6 Scenario 2: Measurement Requiring the Process Pressure Feature

Process pressure is 500 psi, above the measurement range of a typical GE chilled mirror sensor. A flowmeter is installed upstream of the sensor cavity to expand the gas to be within the measurable range of the dew point sensor. Since we wish to measure the dew point of the process gas and dew point is pressure dependent, an accurate dew point measurement at the process pressure requires accommodating the expansion to the sensor cavity pressure by using the Optica’s Process Pressure feature (see Figure 27 below).

Figure 27: Measurement Scenario 2

3.6.6a Measuring Vapor Pressure Without a Pressure Sensor

To measure vapor pressure without a pressure sensor, make the following entries in the Pressure Input menu section for this example:

• Input: Use default

• Units: psia

• Default: 14.7 (the pressure at the dew point sensor)

In addition, to accommodate the pressure expansion, the following entries are required in the Process section:

• Status: enabled

• Pressure: 500 (specify the process pressure with the same units as the default pressure specified above)

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.6.6b Measuring Vapor Pressure With a Pressure Sensor

To measure vapor pressure with a 4-20 mA, 0-30 psia pressure sensor, connect the equipment as shown above and make the following entries in the Pressure Input menu section:

• Input: In 4-20

• Units: psia

• Upper: 30.00

• Lower: 0.00

In addition, to accommodate the pressure expansion, the following entries are required in the Process section:

• Status: enabled

• Pressure: 500 (specify the process pressure with the same units as the default pressure specified above)

3.6.6c Measuring Dew Point With or Without a Pressure Sensor

In Scenario 2, the dew point measurement requires both the sensor pressure and the process pressure to be known. Sensor pressure can be entered as a default value, or measured as above, and the process pressure must be entered in the Process Pressure field.

Example (using standard atmospheric conditions at 25°C): P

• As measured by the GE chilled mirror dew point sensor: Tdew

• Per Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressure: e

= (P2/P1) × e2 = (500/14.7) × 0.1283 = 4.36 mbar

= 500 psia, and P2 = 14.7 psia

= –40°C @ P2, and e2 = 0.1283 mbar

• Using standard vapor pressure equations, the actual pressurized dew point is calculated by the Optica to be:

Tdew

= –4.022°C

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.7 Status Line Indications

The status line at the bottom of the display shows whether the unit is ready for normal operation. is still in its start-up phase or needs service. The following is a complete list of status indications:

Table 3: Status Indications

Indication Meaning

Initializing The unit is initializing.

Balance The unit is performing a PACER balance to clear the mirror.

Acquiring The unit is acquiring stable mirror temperature.

Service The sensor optics require service, cleaning or adjustment.

Control The unit is actively controlling the mirror temperature at a stable dew point. Alarm 1 Alarm 1 has activated. Alarm 2 Alarm 2 has activated.

Lockout Heat , Cool, and PACER front panel controls are disabled.

Heat Sensor Heating is active.

Cool Sensor Cooling is active.

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.7.1 Factory Default Settings

As shipped from the factory, the Optica is normally programmed with the configuration listed in Tabl e 4 below.

Table 4: Factory Default Values

Function Setting

Analog Output A Analog Output B

Pressure Input 1 Units: psia, Range: 0–30, Default pressure: 14.70,

Humidity, Units: Tdew °C, Range: –40°C to +60°C Temperature, Units: Tmp °C, Range: 0 to 100°C

Process pressure: disabled, 14.70

Alarm 1 Alarm 2

Disabled, Humidity, Units: Tdew °C, Set Point: 100.00

Disabled, Temperature, Units: Tmp °C, Set Point: 100.00 Auto Balance Interval: 720 minutes, Automatic, Disabled, Hold Data Field 1

Data Field 2 Data Field 3 Data Field 4 Data Field 5 Data Field 6

Humidity, Units: Tdew °C, Range: –40.000 to +60.000°C, Color: green, 1 decimal

Humidity, Units: %RH, Range: 0 to 100, Color: blue, 1 decimal

Temperature, Units: Tmp °C, Range: 0 to 100, Color: red, 1 decimal

Pressure, Units: psia, Range: 0 to 100, Color: yellow, 1 decimal

Humidity, Units: ppmv, Range: 0 to 1,000,000, Color: brown, 1 decimal

Humidity, Units: ppmw, Range: 0 to 100, Color: violet, 1 decimal

Buzzer 15 msec General Data Fields: 3, Lockout: disabled, Offsets and filters: 0 Special Molecular Weight of Gas: 28.9645 User Equation None entered Communication

Parameters Serial Outputs

Mode: All, Baud rate: 9600, Parity: none, Data bits: 8, Stop bits: 1,

Flow control: none

Humidity: Units: Tdew °C, Format: DP=##.#, Separator: CR-LF, Terminator: CR-LF,

Interval: 1 second, Time Stamp: Enabled, Show Status: Enabled

Temperature: Units: Tmp °C, Format: DP=##.#, Separator: CR-LF, Terminator: CR-LF,

Interval: 1 second, Time Stamp: Enabled, Show Status: Enabled

Pressure: Units: psia, Format: DP=##.#, Separator: CR-LF, Terminator: CR-LF,

Interval: 1 second, Time Stamp: Enabled, Show Status: Enabled

Selected Outputs Humidity, Units: Tdew °C

Humidity, Units: % RH

Temperature, Units: Tmp °C Data Log Status: Disabled, Interval: 1 second, Separator: comma, Terminator: CR-LF,

Parameters: humidity, Units: Tdew °C

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.8 Sensor Balancing

During normal operation, the sensor mirror surface may become partially obscured with salts or other contaminants from the sample gas. The balance indicator displayed on the screen shows whether the system is operating near the center of its normal range, or has been forced away from the center by mirror contamination. In general, it is recommended to start with an indicator is displayed after an (described in detail in “The PACER Cycle” on page 6). In most applications, it is desirable to perform a balance operation periodically to maintain optimum performance. The interval and type of balance are configurable as described in the Optica programming chapters.

If the Service indicator is displayed after a balance operation, the sensor may need to be adjusted (see “Minor Maintenance of Sensor Optics” on page 75).

AUTO balance cycle provided relatively clean gases are being used. If the Service status

AUTO cycle, the mirror is likely still dirty and may require use of a PACER cycle

3.9 Helpful Hints For Operating the Unit

Time response: At dew points above 0°C, the system stabilizes within a few minutes at a consistent dew layer. The

status Control is displayed when the system is stable and readings are valid.

When the system is operating at low frost points (below –40°C), extra care may be required when interpreting readings because of the longer response times of the system. Time response depends on a number of factors including dew/frost point, slew rate, upstream filtering, and flow rate.

• As the dew/frost point becomes lower, water molecules in the air sample become scarcer, and it takes longer to

condense a frost layer on the mirror thick enough to establish an equilibrium condition.

• Mirror temperature slew rate depends on dew point and depression (the temperature difference between the

mirror and the sensor body); at higher dew points and moderate depressions, it is typically 1.5°C/second. At lower dew points and/or larger depressions, the slew rate is slower.

• Flow rate affects response by determining the rate at which water vapor is supplied or carried off.

There is, of course, a trade-off between response time, control system stability, and sensitivity to contamination.

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.9.1 Supercooled Dew Points

Slightly below the freezing point, water can exist in a supercooled liquid state for extended periods of time. Extra care may be needed when making measurements in the frost point region of 0 to –20°C, because the mirror temperature may temporarily stabilize at the supercooled dew point, 0.5 to 1°C below the actual frost point.

To assure that the unit is operating in the ice phase within this temperature range, allow the instrument to operate continuously. Before manually clearing a frost layer, take a reading, and afterwards allow sufficient time to reform a stable frost layer before taking further readings.

3.9.2 Contamination

3.9.2a Mirror Cleanliness

Proper operation of a condensation hygrometer depends on the condition of the mirror surface. In general, accuracy is reduced when contaminants accumulate on the mirror.

However, the mirror does not have to be microscopically clean. In fact, the mirror performs best a few hours after cleaning, when nucleation sites have formed. On an unscratched, freshly cleaned mirror, there are relatively few nucleation sites on which dew or frost deposits can form, and more time is required to collect a condensation layer at low frost points. Also, overshoot may occur, which can cause oscillations as the temperature stabilizes.

3.9.2b Particulate Contaminants

Particulate matter that is insoluble in water may accumulate on the mirror surface, but does not affect the instrument accuracy until the mirror reflectance is reduced substantially. In many cases, particulates improve instrument response by providing condensation sites.

3.9.2c Water-Soluble Contaminants

Contaminants which readily dissolve in water, such as naturally occurring salts, are detrimental to accurate vapor concentration measurement by any condensation method. These materials readily go into solution with the water condensate on the mirror surface, and then reduce the vapor pressure in accordance with Raoult’s Law. As the concentration increases with time, the saturation vapor pressure of the liquid solution decreases.

The unit responds to this lower vapor pressure by elevating the mirror temperature in order to maintain a vapor pressure that is in equilibrium with the partial pressure of atmospheric water vapor. The displayed dew point, therefore, drifts upward above the true dew point. Because the measurement error increases gradually, it often goes undetected.

To determine whether dissolved contaminants are affecting dew point measurement, perform the following steps:

1. Note the indicated dew point.

2. Clean the mirror.

3. Balance the detector by initiating a

PACER cycle.

4. Measure the dew point again.

If the new reading is lower than the first reading, it is likely that soluble material was present in sufficient quantity to cause a measurement error.

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Chapter 3. Operation

3.9.2d Gaseous Contaminants

When a gaseous material that has a higher condensation temperature than that of water is present (even in very low concentrations), the unit will eventually control on that material, rather than on water. The system then displays the condensation temperature of the contaminant, not of water. Such material accumulates on the mirror only when chilled. In the normal atmosphere, gaseous contaminants do not have a detectable effect.

3.9.2e Minimizing the Effects of Contaminants

The following steps are suggested for maintaining optimum performance:

• Use the PACER feature to reduce the effect of contaminants on the unit’s performance (see “The PACER Cycle”

on page 6).

• Reduce the gas flow rate to reduce the rate of accumulation of contaminants on the mirror.

• Clean the mirror according to the recommended optics cleaning procedure (see “Cleaning and Balancing the

Sensor Mirror” on page 75). To determine the proper cleaning interval for a given set of conditions, take a dew point reading before and after the cleaning. Any appreciable shift indicates that under these conditions, the mirror should be cleaned more often.

3.9.3 Mirror Flooding

If there is an abrupt transition from dry to moist conditions (particularly when accompanied by a transition from cold to warm temperatures), the mirror may accumulate an overload of moisture. It then may take several minutes before the sensor dries out and valid readings can be obtained. The drying process can be accelerated by heating the sensor.

3.9.4 Sample Line Maintenance

Contaminated sample lines slow the unit’s response time and can cause erroneous readings, usually on the high side. Clean the sample lines as often as necessary. To determine the required cleaning frequency, take dew point readings before and after cleaning the lines, sensor cavity, and mirror. If the two readings differ appreciably, the sampling lines should be cleaned more often. To reduce the rate of contamination, reduce flow and/or install a filter upstream.

3.9.5 Pressure Effects

If the pressure of the gas is increased or reduced from atmospheric pressure, but the mixing ratio (moisture content) stays constant, the dew point is correspondingly increased or decreased. The Optica displays the dew/frost point at the pressure to which the sensor chamber is exposed. The sensor location and hookup arrangement can influence the pressure.

When the pressure at the sensor is different from the process pressure, the Optica can perform a conversion from the measured pressure to the desired process pressure (see “Process Pressure” on page 30 for details).

Alternatively, the dew point change due to pressure change can be calculated by using Dalton’s Law and the Smithsonian Tables or a proper nomograph. Appendix B. “Humidity Equations and Conversion Chart“ contains basic data for these calculations.

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.1 Introduction

The Optica is programmed at the factory to display and output the data required for many applications (see Table 4 on page 35). In these cases, no further programming is required.

By programming the Optica, the following categories of data can be customized for your application:

the front panel display (up to six parameters displayed numerically and, on the VGA screen, a graphical display)

• Pressure input

• Analog outputs

• Serial output

• Built-in alarms

• Datalogging

• Miscellaneous functions

A built-in help system is included to answer questions you may have while operating the unit. Select the and press

ENTER to access it.

HELP button

4.2 Programming Fundamentals

Programming is accomplished using two main menu screens and several secondary screens. Each screen displays data fields and control buttons. Use the

TAB key to step through both the data fields and the control buttons on each screen.

• When a data field is selected, you can change the value of the field as described in “Data Entry Fields” on

page 40.

• When a control button is selected, pressing ENTER performs the button’s function.

• The MORE control button accesses the next programming menu.

• The OK control button returns to the previous menu level.

• The HELP button accesses the unit’s built-in help system.

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.2.1 The Keys

The following keys on the Optica’s front panel are used for programming:

• ENTER performs the function shown on a selected control button.

• TAB moves cursor to the next field or control button to select it.

• SHIFT is an alternate action key. Each press toggles SHIFT-KEY mode on or off. When SHIFT-KEY mode is on, a

green annunciator is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen.

SHIFT-KEY mode does the following:

• Accesses the alphabetic characters below the keys on the alphanumeric keyboard.

• Causes the TAB key to move the cursor backwards through the fields.

• Ten alphanumeric keys are used for entering numbers, letters and math functions.

• BSP (Backspace) is used during direct data entry to delete the character to the left of the cursor.

• Four softkeys are used as follows:

• During normal operation, to control the sensor heating and cooling, and balance functions.

• During programming, to move the cursor on the screen and select specific characters for each key on the

alphanumeric keyboard.

4.2.2 Data Entry Fields

There are two types of data entry fields:

• Direct entry

• Drop-down list boxes

4.2.2a Direct-Entry Fields

Direct-entry fields allow new values to be entered directly from the alphanumeric keyboard. Use the left and right softkeys to move the flashing cursor on the screen to the desired character.

• To ente r numeric data, just press the appropriate key.

• To ente r alphanumeric data, first press SHIFT to access the letters on the keypad, and then press the appropriate

key containing the desired letter. Finally, press the available for that key, both upper and lower case.

UP or DOWN arrow softkeys to step through the letters

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4.2.2a Direct-Entry Fields (cont.)

Note: It is NOT necessary to press ENTER after setting each value in its field.

Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

Figure 28 below shows a typical direct-entry field, with the

GrphMin (Graph Minimum) field selected and ready for

numeric input from the keypad.

Figure 28: Typical Direct-Entry Field

4.2.2b Drop-Down Boxes

Most programming is done using drop-down boxes that allow the user to select from a list of possible choices for the field.

First, select the field with the selected field. Be careful not to confuse this drop-down list with other fields below the selected one, which look similar. Use the

UP and DOWN arrow softkeys to select the desired value for the field. When finished, press TAB to

move to the next field.

TAB key. A drop-down list showing the available options opens immediately below the

Figure 29 below shows a drop-down entry box, with the GrphColor (Graph Color) field selected and ready for choosing the desired color using the UP and DOWN arrow softkeys.

Figure 29: Typical Drop-Down Box

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.3 Units of Measure

Table 5 below shows the units of measure available for each parameter:

Table 5: Available Units of Measure

Parameter Available Units

Humidity Tdew °C, Tdew °F, %RH, Twet °C, Twet °F, ppmv, ppmw,

Grains/lb, Grains/SCF, g/kg, g/m BTU/lb(0), BTU/lb(32), pw (mbar)

Temperature Tmp °C, Tmp °F, Tmp °K, Tmp °R

Pressure

psia, mbar, bar, Pa, kPa, mmHg, inHg, kg/Cm

, lb/mft3, kj/kg(0), kj/kg(32),

, Dyne/Cm

4.4 User Equations

In some applications an output may be needed that is not a simple function of a single parameter, but a combination of two or three parameters. One or more user equations can be defined within the Optica to calculate new parameters that meet the application requirements. The equation can be formed from following elements:

• The identifiers for the measured or derived parameter units (listed in Table 6 on page 43).

• The math operators +, –, ×, /, (,) and ^ (accessed through the math key in SHIFT mode)

• The math functions LOG and LN

• Constants

• Other user equations

The new parameter defined by this equation is given a name and can be displayed or output just like any other parameter.

User Equations are entered from Menu 2 (see “Menu 2” on page 53). A list of parameters and other elements is displayed. Each element is specified by an identifier such as another user equation can be used as an equation element by entering its identifier.

A1. Use these identifiers to form the equation. In addition,

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4.4 User Equations (cont.)

Identifier Units Identifier Units

Humidity Units: Temperature Units:

A0 Tdew °C A17 Tmp °C A1 Tdew °F A18 Tmp °F A2 %RH A19 Tmp °K A3 Twet °C A20 Tmp °R A4 Twet °F Pressure Units: A5 ppmv A21 PSIA A6 ppmw A22 mbar A7 grains/lb A23 bar A8 grains/scf A24 Pa

A9 g/kg A25 kPa A10 g/m3 A26 mmHg A11 lb/mft3 A27 inHg

Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

Table 6: User Equation Parameters

A12 kj/kg(0) A28 kg/cm2 A13 kj/kg(32) A29 Dynes/cm2 A14 BTU/lb(0) A31 User Equation 1 A15 BTU/lb(32) A32 User Equation 2 A16 pw(mbar) A33 User Equation 3

Example: The equation 2 × Tdew °F + (%RH/Twet°C) would be entered as 2 × A1 + (A2/A3).

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.5 Menu 1

Menu 1 is shown in Figure 30 below. This menu is accessed by selecting the Menu control button on the main screen

and pressing

ENTER.

Figure 30: Menu 1

Menu 1 allows programming of the items in the following sub-sections.

4.5.1 Analog Outputs

For more information on using the analog outputs, see “Analog Outputs” on page 15.

Table 7: Analog Output Options

Item Function Available Options

Output Choose which output channel is being programmed A and/or B Parameter Choose which parameter will be output on the selected

channel

Units Choose the units for this parameter (See Table 5 on page 42 for the

Upper Limit Set the parameter value that will produce full-scale output

Lower Limit Set the parameter value that will produce zero output

Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User Equation

parameter chosen.)

(Enter a number)

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.5.2 Pressure Input

For more information on using these items, see “Process Pressure” on page 30.

Table 8: Pressure Input Options

Item Function Available Options

Input Choose which pressure input channel is in use, or disable this

input.

Units Choose the units for the pressure input. (See Table 5 on page 42 for

Upper Limit Set the pressure that corresponds to full-scale input. (Enter a number.) Lower Limit Set the pressure that corresponds to zero volts or 4 mA input. (Enter a number.) Default Pressure value to be used if the measured input is disabled. (Enter a number.) Process Enter a process pressure when it is different from the pressure

at the dew point sensor (see “Process Pressure” on page 30). Status Set whether the process pressure is active (enabled). Enable/Disable Pressure Enter the process pressure, if this feature is enabled. (Enter a number.)

V in (0-5), I in (4-20), or Use Default

parameter chosen.)

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.5.3 Alarms

For more information on using the alarms, see “Alarm Outputs” on page 16.

Table 9: Alarm Options

Item Function Available Options

Alarm Choose which alarm relay is being programmed. 1 and/or 2 Status Set whether or not the alarm is enabled. Enabled or Disabled Parameter* Set the parameter that can activate this alarm. Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User

Equation

Units* Set the units for this parameter. (See Table 5 on page 42 for parameter

chosen.)

Type Set the type of condition that will activate the alarm SetPoint, Inner Band, Outer Band, Control,

Service, PACER Upper* The upper side of the alarm band Enter a number. Lower* The lower side of the alarm band Enter a number. *These fields are ignored if the alarm is set to Control, Service, or PACER.

Upper and Lower limits set the alarm thresholds as described below for each alarm type (see details in “Alarm

The Outputs” on page 16):

• SetPoint: alarm activates when parameter exceeds upper limit, and deactivates when parameter is less than

lower limit.

• Inner Band: alarm activates when parameter is between upper and lower limits.

• Outer Band: alarm activates when parameter is outside upper and lower limits.

• Control: alarm activates when Optica is actively controlling mirror temperature.

• Service: alarm activates when Service indicator is activated.

• PACER: alarm activates when PACER balance is active.

46 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.5.4 Automatic Cleaning and Balance Function

Note: For Optica Analyzers with earlier versions of software, see Appendix F. “Automatic Balance (for earlier

software versions)“.

Optica Analyzers with version 1.4.1a software have been upgraded to include the ability to program the

PACER

self-cleaning and rebalancing cycle to run once per day at a preset time. This is referred to as a Clock Time Interval. When the unit is programmed in this manner, the front panel initiates the

PACER at a preset time after the last PACER was run. The automatic balance cycle will always run upon

PACER softkey is disabled. The Elapsed Time Interval

power up of the analyzer.

To prog ram the Automatic Cleaning & Balance Function on the Optica VGA monitor:

1. Make sure the internal clock of the Optica has the correct time.

a. From the main screen enter

b. Highlight the

Date and Time fields and use the Keypad and Softkeys to set the correct time.

Menu, then More, then Set Time and Date.

2. Set the Time Programmed Balance Cycle.

a. Enter

b. Open the

Menu and go to the Automatic Balance Section.

Type pull down menu and choose one of the four selections (see Table 10 below).

Table 10: Automatic Cleaning and Balance Functions

Item Function Type

AUTO Heats the mirror and balances the optics. Elapsed Time Interval

PACER First cools the mirror to develop a thick dew/frost

layer, then heats and balances the optics.

Elapsed Time Interval

AUTO-D Heats the mirror and balances the optics. Clock Time Interval

PACER-D First cools the mirror to develop a thick dew/frost

layer, then heats and balances the optics.

Clock Time Interval

Note: The

PACER function will provide more thorough cleaning than the AUTO function because it first develops a

thick dew/frost layer into which soluble contaminants dissolve. When heated, some of the contaminants are flash-evaporated and the remaining residue accumulates in clusters, resulting in an approximately 85% cleaner surface. The

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 47

PACER cycle generally takes longer to complete.

Page 60

Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.5.4 Automatic Cleaning and Balance Function (cont.)

3. Manually clean the mirror as required.

Note: Manual cleaning provides the most thorough cleaning.

4. After manual cleaning, initiate the Automatic Cleaning & Balancing.

5. To program a specific time of day at which to initiate the Automatic Cleaning and Balancing:

a. Highlight either

b. In the

Enter Time dialog box, input the time of day that you would like to initiate the balance cycle in a

Auto-D or Pacer-D.

24-hour format (e.g., 13:30 would be 1:30 PM).

Note: In this mode the front panel

have no effect on the time programmed; however, the

PACER initiation function is disabled. Powering down and restarting the unit will

PACER will run on startup as is the normal function.

6. To program an elapsed time to initialize the Automatic Cleaning and Balancing:

a. Highlight either

b. In the

Interval dialog box, input the elapsed time in minutes (e.g., 720 would enable the balance cycle to

Auto or Pacer.

run every 12 hours).

Note: If the unit is powered down and restarted, or the Automatic Balance is initiated from the front or by using a

LAN, the elapsed time will reset.

Note:

Note: If

Show Status should read Enabled.

7. Select either

Track is selected, the actual temperature of the mirror will be transmitted. If Hold is selected, the last

Track or Hold for the analog outputs (4-20 mA/0-5 VDC).

prevailing dew point, measured before the balance cycle was initiated, will be transmitted during the time that the balance cycle is running.

IMPORTANT: For environments or a gas sample where the mirror accumulates contamination rapidly, the use of an

inline filter is recommended. Lower flow rates will also reduce the accumulation of contaminants.

48 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.5.5 Data Fields

Table 11: Data Field Options

Item Function Available Options

Field Graph line number and numeric display number to be

programmed

Parameter For the field selected above, choose which parameter will be

output.

Units Choose the units for this parameter See Table 5 on page 42 for the

GrphMax Set the parameter value that will produce full-scale on the

graph.

GrphMin Set the parameter value that will produce zero on the graph. (Enter a number.)

GrphColor Set the color for the selected graph line. Black, Red, Green, Orange, Blue,

Decimals The number of decimal places for the numeric display Enter a number (6 maximum).

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6

Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User Equation

parameter chosen. (enter a number)

Violet, Yellow or Brown

4.5.6 Buzzer/Sound

Table 12: Buzzer/Sound Option

Item Function Available Options

Buzzer/Sound Sets the length (apparent loudness) of keyclick sounds. Enter length of keyclick sound in

msec (150 msec maximum).

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 49

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.5.7 Network Menu

Networking settings including IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway. Generally, you will obtain these settings from your network administrator. This menu is accessed by selecting the pressing

ENTER.

Network control button on Menu 1 and

Figure 31: Network Menu

Table 13: Network Settings Options

Item Function Available Options

Host Name Enter the host name for the Optica unit of the LAN. Domain Enter the Domain name for the local network. IP Address

Type* IP Address* If you choose to specify an IP address, you must enter

Subnet Mask* If you choose to specify an IP address, you must enter

Default Gateway*

Use the left and right arrow keys to select between DHCP and Static IP.

it here.

a Subnet Mask. If you choose to specify an IP address, you must enter

a Default gateway.

Get the IP from the Server, or Specify an

IP Address.

Enter four decimal integers between

0 and 255.

Enter four decimal integers between

0 and 255.

Enter four decimal integers between

0 and 255. OK button Save changes and return to the previous screen. Enter a number (6 maximum). Help button Display help for the network screen. *

You may need to contact your local network administrator for this information.

50 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.5.8 Datalog

Enter parameters for automatically logging data within the Optica. This menu is accessed by selecting the Data Log control button on

Menu 1 and pressing ENTER.

Figure 32: Datalog Menu

The large window below the center of the screen shows a list of parameters chosen for logging.

Table 14: Datalog Options

Item Function Available Options

Status* Enable or disable datalog. Enabled/Disabled

Interval* Enter the logging interval in seconds. Enter a number.

Decimals Enter the number of decimal places for logged data. Enter a number (6 maximum).

Separator* Choose separator to be used between parameters. Space, Comma, Tab

Terminator* Choose the terminator(s) for each group of data. CR, CR-LF, LF

Parameters Set the parameter to be programmed (below). Humidity, Temperature,

Pressure, or User Equation

Units Set the units for the selected parameter. See Table 5 on page 42.

REMOVE Control button to remove selected item from the list. Select button and press

ADD Control button to add the selected unit to the list. Select button and press

RESET Delete datalog files. Select button and press

DOWNLOAD Control button to display the logged data on the

Select button and press ENTER.

Download screen (see below).

ENTER. ENTER. ENTER.

Indicated items apply to the entire datalog file.

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 51

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.5.8 Datalog (cont.)

Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to select items in the center window.

Logged data are stored in a file, named with the file’s creation time and date. If logging is in progress at midnight, a new file is automatically started at that time. To view or output the logged data, select the

ENTER. The Optica will display the Download screen, described below.

press

Download control button and

4.5.8a Download Screen

The Download Screen is accessed by pressing Download on the Datalog screen. It contains the following elements:

• A list of any saved files containing logged data (upper left)

• An area for displaying logged data (center)

• View button: displays the contents of the selected file name

• OK button: returns to the previous screen

• Download button: sends the selected file to the serial port

• HELP button: displays help system

• Up arrow button: scrolls the displayed data upwards

• Down arrow button: scrolls the displayed data downwards

Figure 33: Download Screen

52 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.6 Menu 2

Menu 2 is shown in Figure 34 below. This menu is accessed by selecting More on Menu 1, and pressing ENTER.

Figure 34: Menu 2

4.6.1 General

Table 15: General Options

Item Function Available Options

Number of Data Fields

Lockout Set whether or not Heat, Cool, and PACER functions

Dew Point Offset

Dew Point Filter

Temperature Offset

Temperature Filter

Pressure Offset

Pressure Filter

Set the number of parameters to be displayed. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Disabled/Enabled

can be activated by the softkeys on the front panel. Enter offset value for Dew Point parameter in °C. Enter value by which the Dew Point

parameter will be offset.

Enter filter value for Dew Point parameter. Enter number of readings to be averaged

to create filtered Dew Point.

Enter offset value for Temperature parameter in °C. Enter the value by which the Temperature

parameter will be offset.

Enter filter value for Temperature parameter. Enter number of readings to be averaged

to create filtered Temperature.

Enter offset value for Pressure parameter in psia. Enter value by which Pressure parameter

will be offset.

Enter filter value for Pressure parameter. Enter number of readings to be averaged

to create filtered Pressure.

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 53

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.6.2 Special

Table 16: Special Option

Item Function Available Options

Mol. Wt. Gas: The molecular weight of the gas being analyzed

Enter a number.

(Default value is molecular weight of dry air: 28.9645)

4.6.3 User Equation

Table 17: User Equation Options

Item Function Available Options

Selection Select which equation to enter or edit. 1, 2, 3

Label: Enter the test label for the selected equation. Enter an alphanumeric name.

Equation Enter the user equation (see “User Equations” on page 42). Using the keypad, enter the alphanumeric

codes for the equation elements, shown in

Table 6 on page 43.

4.6.4 Communication Parameters

Table 18: Communication Parameter Options

Item Function Available Options

Mode Set the method for sending data.

Baud Set the baud rate as required by the receiving device. 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,

Parity Set the parity as required by the receiving device. None, Odd or Even Data Bits Set the number of data bits as required by the

receiving device.

Stop Bits Set the number of stop bits as required by the

receiving device

Flow Control Set the Flow Control mode as required by the

receiving device.

All (Data is sent continuously.);

Query (Data is sent when requested by

receiving device.) Query mode is described

in “Query Mode Format:” on page 55.

38400, 57600

7 or 8

1, 1.5 or 2

None, X-OFF, RTS/CTS

54 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

Page 67

4.6.4a Query Mode Format:

Command: Returns . . .

$HELP < > Help string $GETDATA 0 <item> <item> <item>... <item> Requested data items $GETSTATUS 0 < > Status string

$GETDATA 0 0 1 < > returns the Dew Point °C, Dew Point °F $GETSTATUS < > Returns a string of 1s and 0s corresponding to

Note: The symbol < > indicates a carriage return.

Note: The 0 and 1 above, following the “GETDATA 0” command, reference the numeric suffix of

the parameter identifier from Table 6 on page 43. For example A0 has units Tdew °C, so the 0 requests Tdew °C.

Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

Table 19: Query Mode Format

Query mode examples:

PACER, Service, Control, Heat, Cool, Alarm 1, Alarm 2

4.6.5 Serial Output Data

Table 20: Serial Output Data Options

Item Function Available Options

Selected Outputs

Time Stamp* Output date and time with each data string. Enabled/Disabled Show Status* Output dew point sensor status with each data string

Parameter Select a parameter to configure. Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or

Units Set the units for the selected parameter. See Table 5 on page 42 for available

Format* Choose output format for the selected parameter. Dp=##.#, ###.#(Dp), No Label Separator* Choose separator to be used between parameters. Space, Comma, TAB, CR, CR-LF Terminator* Choose the terminator(s) for each group of data. Comma, CR, CR-LF Interval (sec)* Enter the output interval in seconds. Enter a number. Decimals Enter the number of decimal places for the selected

The units of currently selected parameters are shown, along with the number of decimals for each unit.

(Heat, Cool, Balance, PACER, Service, Alarm 1, Alarm 2).

parameter.

Units of selected output are displayed. Select one with the UP/DOWN keys to change it or delete it using

REMOVE.

Enabled/Disabled

User Equation

units.

Enter a number (6 maximum).

ADD button Control button to add the configured parameter to the

Select button and press

ENTER.

output list, using the units and number of decimals designated.

REMOVE button

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 55

Control button to remove from the output list the parameter selected at the top of the serial output menu.

Select button and press

ENTER

Page 68

Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.6.6 Set Time & Date

The Time and Date menu is accessed by selecting Set Time and Date on Menu 2, and pressing ENTER.

To set the Optica’s internal clock, press

TAB to select each field of the date and time, and press the up and down

softkeys to set each field. When the settings are correct, tab to the

Figure 35: Time and Date

OK button and press ENTER.

4.6.7 Restore Defaults

To access this choice, select the Restore Defaults button on Menu 2, and press ENTER.

This screen resets all programmable items to the factory defaults shown in Table 4 on page 35. Press and press the

ENTER key.

TAB to select Yes,

56 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.7 Saving Configuration Files

This option allows the user to save a configuration file and then load it onto the system for future use.

Note: To activate the selected configuration, the system must be reset.

To save the current configuration file:

1. Select

2. Type a file name under

Configuration on the Main Screen. A screen similar to the one shown in Figure 36 below appears.

Save Configuration File and click SAVE. The name will appear under Load Configuration

File

3. To load or delete an existing configuration file, highlight the name under

LOAD or DELETE as desired.

4. To exit the Configuration screen, click

OK.

Load Configuration File and click

Figure 36: Configuration Screen

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 57

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Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

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58 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

Control

Tmp ° C 25.355

%RH 10.3

Tdew ° C 8.47996 Heat

Pacer

Cool

Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

5.1 Introduction

The 4x40 Optica can be easily programmed to choose the data to be displayed, the data to be output on the analog or serial outputs, and the alarm settings. A typical data display is shown in Figure 37 below:

Figure 37: 4x40 Optica Typical Data Display

Table 21 below lists the 4x40 Optica’s programmable functions. Each function has a number of settings (discussed in detail in the following sections). Values for some settings are selected from a list of choices; others are entered as numeric or alphanumeric data using the keypad.

Table 21: Programming Functions

Function Settings

About Displays software version Analog Outputs Parameter choice, units and scaling Communication Parameters Baud rate, parity, # data bits, etc. Serial Output Units Parameter choice, units/data format Serial Output Setup Serial data string format Alarms Parameter choice and alarm limits Data Fields Parameters & units for displayed data Pressure Input Units, scaling and default values Automatic Balance Frequency and type of balance Buzzer and Sounds Keyclick loudness General Settings Offsets, filters, lockout User Equations Set user defined calculated values. Set Time and Date Enter the current time and date. Special Set molecular weight of sample gas. User Default Settings Restore default settings. Factory Calibration For factory use only.

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 59

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Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

5.2 Programming Technique

The functions of the four softkeys to the right of the display change according to the current state of the unit. These functions, if any, are displayed at the right edge of the screen. While programming, these keys are labelled

LEFT (displayed as <<<<) and RIGHT (displayed as >>>>).

The general method for programming the unit is as follows:

UP, DOWN,

1. To access the programming menus, press the

2. Press the

3. For a particular function, press the

to step through its available settings.

4. For a particular setting, press the

DOWN key to step through the functions that can be programmed (shown in Table 21 on page 59).

RIGHT key to display the first setting for the function. Press the DOWN key

RIGHT key to open the setting for editing.

ENTER/MENU key.

• If the setting uses a list of specific choices, the DOWN key and/or UP key are shown. Press them to step

through the choices.

• If the setting requires a numeric or alphanumeric entry, use the keypad to enter the data:

• To enter numeric data, just press the appropriate key.

• To enter alphanumeric data, first press SHIFT to access the letters on the keypad, and then press the

appropriate key containing the desired letter. Finally, press the up or down arrow softkeys to step through the letters available for that key, both upper and lower case.

Note: Certain settings have numeric values that are restricted to certain choices. For example, the number of stop

bits for serial output may be 1, 1.5, or 2, and may have no other allowable values. This entry is selected from a list of choices, not entered as a numeric value.

5. After choosing a value for a setting, either press (restoring the original value) and return to choose another setting.

ENTER to lock it in or press the LEFT key to cancel the entry

To return to the function choice, press the

60 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

LEFT arrow key.

Page 73

Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

>> Temperature

Output A Parameter

Analog Outputs UP

<<<<

DOWN

and/or return to previous position.

Press "left" softkey (<<<<) to cancel

Down

Serial Output

Units

Parity

DOWN

Baud

Analog Outputs

Down

Parameters

Communication

Down

>>>>

Serial Mode

DOWN

ENTER

DOWN

300

1200

DOWN

>>>>

600

set

Baud rate

5.2 Programming Technique (cont.)

A typical programming screen (for setting the Analog Outputs) is shown in Figure 38 below.

Figure 38: Typical Analog Outputs Programming Screen

An example of programming the Serial Baud Rate is shown in Figure 39 below. Press the

DOWN and RIGHT (>>>>)

softkeys as shown to select the parameter to be programmed, choose the value using the UP and DOWN softkeys, and

ENTER.

press

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 61

Figure 39: Programming the Serial Baud Rate

Page 74

Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

5.3 Programmable Functions

5.3.1 Analog Outputs

Table 22: Analog Output Options

Setting Description Available Options

Output A Parameter Choose which parameter will be

output on analog channel A.

Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User Equation

Output A Units Choose the units for scaling this

parameter.

Output A Upper Set the parameter value that will

produce full-scale output.

Output A Lower Set the parameter value that will

produce zero output.

Output B Parameter Choose which parameter will be

output on analog channel A.

Output B Units Choose the units for scaling this

parameter.

Output B Upper Set the parameter value that will

produce full-scale output.

Output B Lower Set the parameter value that will

produce zero output.

5.3.2 Communication Parameters

Table 23: Communication Parameter Options

Setting Description Available Options

Serial Mode Set whether data is transmitted

continuously or on demand.

See Table 5 on page 42 for the parameter chosen.

Enter a number.

Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User Equation

See Table 5 on page 42 for the parameter chosen.

Enter a number.

All, Query (see “Query Mode Format:” on page 55)

Baud Set the baud rate to be compatible

with the receiving device.

Parity Set the parity as required by the

300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600

None, Odd, Even, Mark or Space

receiving device.

Number of Data Bits Set the number of data bits as

7 or 8

required by the receiving device.

Number of Stop Bits Set the number of stop bits as

1, 1.5 or 2

required by the receiving device.

Serial Flow Control Set the flow control as required by the

None, Software, Hardware

receiving device.

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Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

5.3.3 Serial Output Units

Table 24: Serial Output Unit Options

Setting Description Available Options

Humidity Units* Set the units for humidity. See Table 5 on page 42 for the

parameter chosen.

Temperature Units* Set the units for temperature. See Table 5 on page 42 for the

parameter chosen.

Pressure Units* Set the units for pressure. See Table 5 on page 42 for the

parameter chosen.

User Units* Set the selected user equation. Choose from any available User

Equation.

*Note: The

TAB key selects or deselects the desired output units. If selected, the number of decimals

can be set using a keypad entry (0-6).

5.3.4 Serial Output Setup

Table 25: Serial Output Setup Options

Setting Description Available Options

Format Choose the output format for the

selected parameter.

Field Separator Choose the separator to be used

between parameters.

Record Terminator Choose the terminator(s) for each

group of data.

Interval in seconds Enter the output interval in seconds

(for Serial Mode: All).

Show Status* Output dew point sensor status with

each data string (Heat, Cool, Balance, PACER, Service, Alarm 1, Alarm2).

Time Stamp Output date and time with each data

string.

For humidity, e.g., Dp=##.#, ###.#(Dp), No Prompt

Space, Comma, Tab, CR, CR-LF

Comma, CR, CR-LF

Enter a number.

Enabled/Disabled

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Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

5.3.5 Alarms

For more information on using the alarms, see “Alarm Outputs” on page 16.

Table 26: Alarm Options

Setting Description Available Options

Alarm #1 Enable or disable Alarm 1. Enabled/Disabled Alarm #1 Parameter Choose the parameter to control

Alarm 1.

Alarm #1 Units Set the units for this parameter. See Table 5 on page 42 for the

Alarm #1 Type Set the type of condition that will

activate Alarm 1. Alarm #1 Upper The upper side of the alarm band. Enter a number. Alarm #1 Lower The lower side of the alarm band. Enter a number. Alarm #2 Enable or disable Alarm 2. Enabled/Disabled Alarm #2 Parameter Choose the parameter to control

Alarm 2. Alarm #2 Units Set the units for this parameter. See Table 5 on page 42 for the

Alarm #2 Type Set the type of condition that will

activate Alarm 2. Alarm #2 Upper The upper side of the alarm band. Enter a number. Alarm #2 Lower The lower side of the alarm band. Enter a number.

The

UPPER and LOWER limits set the alarm thresholds. Alarm types are listed below (see details in “Alarm Outputs” on

page 16):

Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User Equation

parameter chosen. Set Point, Inner Band, Outer Band,

Control, Service, PACER

Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User Equation

parameter chosen. Set Point, Inner Band, Outer Band,

Control, Service, PACER

• SetPoint: Alarm activates when the parameter exceeds the upper limit and deactivates when the parameter is

less than the lower limit.

• Inner Band: Alarm activates when the parameter is between the upper and lower limits.

• Outer Band: Alarm activates when the parameter is outside the upper and lower limits.

• Control: Alarm activates when the Optica is actively controlling the mirror temperature.

• Service: Alarm activates when the Service indicator is activated.

• PACER: Alarm activates when the PACER balance is active.

64 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

Page 77

5.3.6 Data Fields

Table 27: Data Field Options

Setting Description Available Options

Line 1 Parameter Choose which parameter will be

output on Line 1.

Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User

Line 1 Units Set the units for the selected

parameter.

Line 1 Decimals Enter the number of decimal places

See Table 5 on page 42 for the parameter chosen.

Enter a number (0-6).

for displayed data.

Line 2 Parameter Choose which parameter will be

output on Line 2.

Line 2 Units Set the units for the selected

parameter.

Line 2 Decimals Enter the number of decimal places

Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User

See Table 5 on page 42 for the parameter chosen.

Enter a number (0-6).

for displayed data.

Line 3 Parameter Choose which parameter will be

output on Line 3.

Line 3 Units Set the units for the selected

parameter.

Line 3 Decimals Enter the number of decimal places

Humidity, Temperature, Pressure or User

See Table 5 on page 42 for the parameter chosen.

Enter a number (0-6).

for displayed data.

5.3.7 Pressure Input

Table 28: Pressure Input Options

Setting Description Available Options

Analog Input # Choose which pressure input channel

is in use, or disable this input. Input Units Choose the units for pressure units. See Table 5 on page 42 for units. Input Upper Set the pressure that corresponds to

full-scale input.

4-20 mA, 0-5 volt, User Default

Enter a number.

Input Lower Set the pressure that corresponds to

Enter a number.

zero volts or 4 mA input. Input Default Pressure value to be used if a

Enter a number.

measured input is disabled. Process Pressure

Default

Set whether the process pressure is

active (enabled) (see “Process

Enabled/Disabled

Pressure” on page 30). Process Pressure Enter the process pressure (if this

Enabled/Disabled

feature is enabled).

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Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

5.3.8 Automatic Cleaning and Balance Function

Note: For Optica Analyzers with earlier versions of software, see Appendix F. “Automatic Balance (for earlier

software versions)“.

Optica Analyzers with

Version 1.4.1a software have been upgraded to include the ability to program the PACER

self-cleaning and rebalancing cycle to run once per day at a preset time. This is referred to as a Clock Time Interval. When the unit is programmed in this manner, the front panel initiates the

PACER at a preset time after the last PACER was run. The automatic balance cycle will always run upon

PACER softkey is disabled. The Elapsed Time Interval

power up of the analyzer.

To prog ram the Automatic Cleaning & Balance Function on the Optica 4X40 monitor:

1. Make sure the internal clock of the Optica has the correct time. From the main screen:

a. Press the ENTER key.

b. Press the DOWN soft key until Set Time and Date is displayed.

c. Press the >>>> soft key.

d. Press the >>>> soft key.

e. Highlight the Date and Time fields using the tab key. Use the keypad and softkeys to set the correct time.

2. Set the Time Programmed Balance Cycle:

a. Press the

b. Press the

c. Press the

ENTER key to access the Main menu.

DOWN soft key until Auto Balance is shown.

>>>> soft key.

d. Press the

e. Press the

f. Press the

g. Press the

h. Press the

i. Press the

j. Press the

k. Press the

>>>> to set the interval. Use the soft keys and the key pad.

ENTER key when done.

DOWN soft key to select the pacer type.

>>>> to enter selection mode.

DOWN soft key until the desired pacer type is displayed.

ENTER key to select.

DOWN soft key to enable the PACER status.

>>>> soft key to enter selection mode.

l. Press the UP or

m. Press the

n. Press the

o. Under the

ENTER key to save the selection.

<<<< key several times to exit the menu.

Type pull down menu there will be four selections (see Table 29 on page 67)

DOWN soft key until the enabled status is displayed.

66 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

Page 79

5.3.8 Automatic Cleaning and Balance Function (cont.)

Table 29: Automatic Cleaning and Balance Functions

Item Function Type

AUTO Heats the mirror and balances the

optics.

Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

Elapsed Time Interval

PACER First cools the mirror to develop a

thick dew/frost layer, then heats and

Elapsed Time Interval

balances the optics. AUTO-D Heats the mirror and balances the

Clock Time Interval

optics. PACER-D First cools the mirror to develop a

thick dew/frost layer, then heats and

Clock Time Interval

balances the optics.

Note: The PACER function will provide more thorough cleaning than the AUTO function because it first develops a

thick dew/frost layer into which soluble contaminants dissolve. When heated, some of the contaminants are flash evaporated and the remaining residue accumulates in clusters, resulting in the cleaning of much of the mirror’s surface. The

PACER cycle generally takes longer to complete.

3. Manually clean the mirror as required.

Note: Manual cleaning provides the most thorough cleaning.

4. After manual cleaning, initiate the Automatic Cleaning & Balancing cycle. This can be done by powering the analyzer off then on again, if the front panel softkey is disabled.

5. To program a specific time of day at which to initiate the Automatic Cleaning and Balancing:

a. Highlight either

Auto-D or Pacer-D.

b. In the

Set Time section, input the time of day that you would like to initiate the balance cycle in a 24-hour

format (e.g., 13:30 will be 1:30 PM).

Note: In this mode the front panel

have no effect on the time programmed, but the

PACER initiation function is disabled. Powering down and restarting the unit will

PACER will run on startup as is the normal function.

6. To program an elapsed time to initialize the Automatic Cleaning and Balancing:

a. Highlight either

AUTO or PACER.

b. In the set time section, input the elapsed time in minutes. (e.g., an elapsed time of 720 minutes would

enable the balance cycle to run every 12 hours).

Note: If the unit is powered down and restarted, or the

LAN, the elapsed time will reset. Show Status should read Enabled.

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 67

Automatic Balance is initiated from the front panel or using a

Page 80

Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

5.3.8 Automatic Cleaning and Balance Function (cont.)

7. Select either Track or Hold for the analog outputs (4-20mA/0-5VDC).

Note: If

Track is selected, the actual temperature of the mirror will be transmitted. If Hold is selected, the last

prevailing dew point, measured before the balance cycle was initiated, will be transmitted during the time that the balance cycle is running.

8. Power down and restart the Optica 4x40 display analyzer for the settings to take effect.

IMPORTANT: For environments or a gas sample where the mirror accumulates contamination rapidly, the use of an

inline filter is recommended. Lower flow rates will also reduce the accumulation of contaminants

5.3.9 Buzzer and Sounds

Table 30: Buzzer and Sounds Option

Setting Description Available Options

Buzzer Timing Sets the length (apparent loudness) of

keyclick sounds.

Enter length of keyclick sound in msec (150 msec maximum).

5.3.10 General Settings

Table 31: General Setting Options

Setting Description Available Options

Dew Point Offset Enter the offset value for the Dew

Point parameter.

Dew Point Filter Enter the filter value for the Dew Point

parameter.

Enter the value by which the Dew Point parameter will be offset.

Enter the number of readings to be averaged to create filtered Dew Point.

Temperature Offset Enter the offset value for the

Temperature parameter.

Temperature Filter Enter the filter value for the

Temperature parameter.

Pressure Offset Enter the offset value for the Pressure

parameter.

Pressure Filter Enter the filter value for the Pressure

parameter.

Lockout Set whether or not the Heat, Cool, and

PACER functions can be activated by the softkeys on the front panel.

Enter the value by which the Temperature parameter will be offset.

Enter the number of readings to be averaged to create filtered Temp.

Enter the value by which the Pressure parameter will be offset.

Enter the number of readings to be averaged to create filtered Pressure.

OFF / ON

68 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

Page 81

5.3.11 User Equations

See “User Equations” on page 42 for programming information.

Table 32: User Equation Options

Setting Description Available Options

Select Equation Choose an equation to enter or edit. 1, 2, or 3

Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

Edit Label #1* Enter or edit the label identifying

Alphanumeric

equation 1.

Edit Equation #1* Enter or edit equation 1 using the

See Table 6 on page 43. equation elements shown in Table 6 on page 43.

*The equation number shown is the one chosen in “Select Equation.”

5.3.12 Set Time and Date

Table 33: Set Time and Date Options

Setting Description Available Options

Set Time Sets the time. Enter digits, one at a time, pressing Set Date Sets the date.

TAB to move to the next digit.

5.3.13 Special

Table 34: Special Options

Setting Description Available Options

Gas Mole Weight The molecular weight of the gas being

analyzed. (The default value is the molecular weight of air: 28.9645)

Enter a number.

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 69

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Chapter 5. Programming the 4x40 Optica

5.3.14 User Default Settings

Table 35: User Default Setting Options

Setting Description Available Options

Restore Defaults Restore settings to factory defaults

shown in Table 4 on page 35.

5.3.15 Factory Calibrations

Table 36: Factory Calibration Options

Setting Description Available Options

For factory use only.

NO, YES

70 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 6. Network-Based Programming

6.1 Introduction

The VGA Optica can also be programmed remotely from a computer over a network, using a browser program such as Internet Explorer.

It may be necessary to download and install the either the GE distribution CD or Sun’s website. If the Sun Ethernet, a web page will direct the user to Sun’s website.

To set up the Optica’s networking configuration, see Chapter 4. “Programming the VGA Optica“ for programming using the Optica’s VGA programming method, and follow the instructions listed in “Network Menu” on page 50.

Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which may be obtained from

JRE is not installed on a machine that connects to Optica via

6.2 Programming Screens

Detailed information on using the Optica Web interface is available via the Help buttons. Programming is very similar to programming of the VGA unit described in Chapter 4. “Programming the VGA Optica“. Of course, you may also use the mouse to click directly on fields and control buttons instead of selecting items with the

A typical

Main Data screen is shown in Figure 40 below.

TAB key.

Figure 40: Typical Main Data Screen

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 71

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Chapter 6. Network-Based Programming

6.2 Programming Screens (cont.)

Click on Menu to display the Data programming screen shown in Figure 41 below.

Press More... to display the

Figure 41: Data Programming Screen

Other Options screen shown in Figure 42 below.

Figure 42: Typical Other Options Screen

72 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 6. Network-Based Programming

6.2 Programming Screens (cont.)

Press Display from the Main Data screen to configure the Main Display Setup screen shown in Figure 43 below.

Figure 43: Main Display Setup Screen

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 73

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Chapter 6. Network-Based Programming

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74 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 7. Maintenance

Balance

Indicator

Status

Indicator

Chapter 7. Maintenance

7.1 Minor Maintenance of Sensor Optics

Periodically inspect and maintain the sensor optics as described in this chapter. These procedures can be performed at any time, but are only necessary when the required.

7.1.1 Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror

Under normal conditions, the system is self-checking and self-balancing. However, there are occasions when particulate matter and water-soluble contaminants reduce sensor mirror reflectance and system accuracy (see “Contamination” on page 37). Three features of the Optica system allow users to monitor and adjust the mirror:

• The balance indicator (shown in Figure 44 below) provides a graphic display of how much light is received by

the mirror’s photodetector. It is also an indicator of the dew layer thickness. This indicator increases and decreases in digital steps.

• The bias screw adjusts the light signal received by the reference photodetector and is used as a “coarse

adjustment.”

Service indicator appears on the status display, indicating that service is

• The automatic balance, or PACER cycle (discussed in “The PACER Cycle” on page 6), electronically fine tunes

the optical balance between the IR emitters and reference photodetectors.

In operation, the position of the balance indicator will depend on the level of humidity and the sensor used. As the humidity changes, the chilled mirror system will seek to establish control.

As contaminants deposit on the mirror, the optical balance indicator will increase, as will the dew point readings. The

PACER cycle or manual cleaning and balancing (followed by the PACER cycle) will mitigate the contamination.

Note: If the mirror is severely scratch or pitted, you may not be able to balance it. It may be replaced in the field, as

discussed in “Field Replacement of Sensor Mirrors” on page 79. For industrial applications, GE recommends the solid platinum mirror.

Figure 44: Balance and Status Indicator on Optica Display

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 75

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Chapter 7. Maintenance

a - underbalanced b - balanced c - overbalanced

7.1.2 Procedure for Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror

When necessary, use the procedure below to clean and balance the sensor mirror. To clean the mirror, you will require the MSK Kit, which includes the following essential supplies:

• Cotton swabs

• Screwdriver or hex driver for some sensors

• Cleaning solution

1. From the Optica analyzer, press the soft-key next to the

on your PC, move your mouse pointer over the Figure 44 on page 75.

2. Allow the dew point temperature (mirror temperature) to attain the maximum value.

3. To clean the mirror:

a. Remove the cap or open the cover of the chilled mirror sensor.

b. Put one drop of cleaning solution on a cotton swab.

c. Gently rub the cotton swab on the mirror in a circular motion (spiral outwards) to clean the mirror.

d. Use a dry swab to dry and buff the mirror. The mirror should be bright and shiny.

e. Discard the used swabs.

IMPORTANT: If the contamination is severe, then solvents such as alcohol, acetone or hexane may be used, followed

by a rinse of the cleaning solution then distilled water. Be sure to dry and buff the mirror with a dry swab.

4. Observe the balance indicator. It should have only one bar segment illuminated. Figure 45 below shows the possible variations for the indicator while the mirror is heated.

HEAT button and click. The button will turn red, as shown in

HEAT button, or, from the Optica Java applet running

Figure 45: Coarse Adjust Balance Indicator While Mirror is Heated

76 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 7. Maintenance

Sensor Balance adjustment screw

Model D2

Model 1111H

Model 1311H

7.1.2 Procedure for Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror (cont.)

5. If more than one bar segment or no bars are illuminated, use the screw or hex driver to adjust the optical bias

screw (shown in Figure 46 below) on the sensor until only one bar is illuminated. You are performing a coarse balance adjustment.

IMPORTANT: This adjustment is made while the cap or cover is on the 1111H & D2 sensors. For the 1211H, SIM-12H,

6. Once balanced, replace the sensor cap and make sure the balance indicator does not change.

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 77

Figure 46: Balance Adjustment Screw Locations

1311-DR & 1311-XR, the adjustment is made with the cap removed. In these cases the adjustment should

not be made in sunlight, bright incandescent or infrared light. It might be useful to shade the sensor cavity with your hand or place a coin over the sensor cavity.

Page 90

Chapter 7. Maintenance

a - underbalanced: clean & rebalance

b - mirror in dry state

c - control at low humidity d - control at low-medium humidity

e - control at medium-high humidity f - control at high humidity

g - over balanced or contaminated: clean & rebalance

7.1.2 Procedure for Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror (cont.)

7. From the Optica analyzer press the soft-key next to the PACER button, or, from Optica Java applet running on your PC, move your mouse pointer over the Figure 47 below.

PACER button and click. The button will turn magenta, as shown in

Figure 47: Display with PACER Button Activated

If the “Automatic Balance” is set for heat. The system will then automatically fine tune the optical balance. The word the display, followed by the phrase

Pacer, the system will first cool, then heat. If the unit is set for “Auto,” it will only

Balance will appear in the lower left of

Balance_acquiring.

The unit will then cool to the dew point and the balance indicator will increase when dew or frost condenses on the mirror. The dew point reading might overshoot, then it will stabilize (assuming the sensor is exposed to constant humidity). Figure 48 below shows the possible stages of the balance indicator.

Figure 48: Stages of Balance Indicator

78 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 7. Maintenance

7.1.2 Procedure for Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror (cont.)

When a stable dew or frost layer is attained, you will see the word Control in the lower left. The Optica is now reading the correct dew/frost point and a stable dew or frost layer has been established. When the Optica is exposed to typical room humidity, this process takes 5-6 minutes. For very dry conditions, the unit may not display hours. However, the before it can display

PACER indicator will go out. The sensor must first accumulate a dew or frost layer on the mirror

Control.

Control for several

8. If you see the word

Service displayed in the lower left, repeat steps 1-7.

7.2 Field Replacement of Sensor Mirrors

One advantage of using a GE Measurement & Control chilled mirror dew point sensor is that the mirror is user-replaceable. The sensor does not have to be returned to the factory for replacement of the reflective surface, unless that is desired.

A mirror may require replacement for any of the following reasons:

• The mirror is constructed of silver/rhodium plated copper. Copper provides excellent thermal conductivity to

the platinum thermometer. However, some gas constituents, such as sulfur dioxide (SO copper and eventually pit the surface or form a copper sulfate coating.

) may react with the

• The reflective surface may be gradually abraded by sharp dirt particles in the gas being measured.

• The mirror surface may be accidentally scratched or gouged during use or cleaning.

If the sensor mirror has reacted with a corrosive material in the gas sample, such as an acid or sulfur compound, it should be replaced with a solid platinum mirror to remove any possibility of copper corrosion.

In extreme cases, a solid platinum mirror can make possible a successful application of chilled mirror technology. For example, measurements in tobacco factories and malting houses have drastically improved after this change, since both locations have sample gas constituents that attack copper.

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Chapter 7. Maintenance

7.2.1 Replacing the Sensor Mirror

Required equipment: torque driver, set to 20-30 inch-ounces of torque. GE type TW-1 is recommended.

The kit supplied by GE contains the replacement mirror, a container of white thermal compound for proper heat transfer, and (in some models) a mylar washer that is to be placed under the mirror. To install the replacement mirror, complete the following steps:

1. Deactivate the sensor cooler, using one of the following actions:

• Turn the sensor power off

• Place the sensor switch to heat

• Disconnect the sensor cable

2. Turn off the sample gas. Make sure the sensor cavity is depressurized before continuing with the next step.

3. Open the sensor by removing the sensor cover.

4. Unscrew and discard the old mirror, using a 3/16-inch (0.187) hex socket.

5. Use a toothpick or similar tool to place a small amount of thermal compound in the hole supporting the mirror.

CAUTION! Do not apply thermal compound to the mirror stem. Do not use an amount large enough to leak out when the mirror is tightened. Do not allow any compound to get on the mirror surface, as it is very difficult to remove completely.

6. Carefully screw in the new mirror and tighten to the proper torque as specified for the particular sensor.

7. Carefully clean the mirror surface, using a cotton swab and the GE cleaning solution supplied with the

maintenance kit. Distilled alcohol or diluted alcohol is also acceptable.

8. Replace the cover and return the sensor to normal operation. Under some circumstances, a new mirror may operate in a somewhat unstable manner for the first hour or two.

80 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

Page 93

Chapter 7. Maintenance

7.3 Test and Calibration

The procedures in this section effectively test and/or calibrate the following aspects of the Optica:

• Startup and power supply voltage

• Normal sensor operation

• Front panel display

• Digital and analog outputs.

The unit has been completely tested and calibrated at the factory, and is ready to plug in and operate. As shipped, it meets all of our published specifications.

When ordered as a complete hygrometer system with a chilled mirror sensor and cable, it is verified at a number of points against a dew point system that has been certified by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology

NIST). A Certificate of Compliance is supplied with the unit to indicate traceability.

(

7.4 Troubleshooting

7.4.1 The Display Doesn’t Light Up

1. Check the POWER switch on the rear panel. Make sure it is ON.

2. Check the line cord. Make sure both ends are plugged in and that it is plugged into a proper source of

AC voltage.

3. Check the power supply. Make sure it is connected and has the proper output voltage.

4. Check the fuse. Make sure the proper fuse size is installed. Make sure the fuse is not open.

7.4.2 “Service” Appears on the STATUS Display Line

The text Service displayed on the STATUS line means service is required. The most frequent problem requiring service is that the mirror surface is contaminated and should be cleaned.

Clean and balance the sensor mirror (refer to “Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror” on page 75). Next, run the instrument through a balancing procedure, or contact GE.

PACER cycle. If, at the end of the cycle, the Service status appears again, repeat the cleaning and

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Chapter 7. Maintenance

0.0

–10.0

–60.0

°C (±0.1)

Display Reading

60.0

10.0

Din Type 100 Ohms at 0°C 0.385 Ohms/°C

Resistance Table

RX10

123.24

RX0.01

RX0.1

RX1

76.33

100.00

103.90

96.09

Resistance

Ohms

Resistance

Decade Box

RX100

LOWHIGH

140.0

–76.0

32.0

50.0

14.0

°F (±0.2)

Optica

Connector

Cable

Sensor

Optica

Connector

Cable

T L

Sensor

1123HK

7.4.3 Incorrect Dew Point Display

If the dew/frost point reads incorrectly, first check the standard preventive maintenance items:

• Clean and balance the sensor mirror (refer to “Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror” on page 75).

An alternative method for checking the accuracy of the unit’s electronics is to use a precision resistance decade box in place of the platinum thermometer. Wire the decade box to the unit’s sensor connector as shown in Figure 49 below, and verify that the resistance settings shown in the table produce the temperatures shown.

Figure 49: Using a Resistance Decade Box

82 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Chapter 7. Maintenance

7.4.4 “Balance” Remains on the Status Line

When the word Balance remains displayed on the front panel for more than 15 minutes, the instrument has not recovered from a

PACER cycle.

• Check that the sensor and sensor cable are connected. If necessary, connect them, and the unit will complete

PACER cycle after a short time (5 to 15 minutes).

the

• The sensor optical bridge may be out of balance. Refer to “Cleaning and Balancing the Sensor Mirror” on

page 75 for instructions.

7.4.5 No Analog Output

If there is no analog output, but the digital display indicates correctly, check the analog output scaling. For the VGA unit, see “Analog Outputs” on page 44. For the 4x40 unit, see Function 1 in “Analog Outputs” on page 62.

7.4.6 No Serial Output

Check the serial port programming for proper settings. For the VGA unit, see the instructions in “Serial Output Data” on page 55. For the

4x40 unit, see the instructions in “Serial Output Setup” on page 63.

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Chapter 7. Maintenance

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84 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

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Appendix A. Specifications

A.1 Performance

A.1.1 Accuracy [complete system at 25°C (77°F)]

A.1.1a Dew/Frost Point:

±0.2°C (±0.36°F)

A.1.1b Temperature (optional):

±0.15°C (±0.27°F)

A.1.1c Pressure (optional):

A.1.1d ±0.5% of full scale

A.1.1e Relative Humidity (optional):

Governed by accuracy of dew point and temperature sensors

Appendix A. Specifications

A.1.1f Other Humidity Parameters: (optional)

Governed by accuracy of dew point, temperature and pressure sensors

A.1.1g Sensitivity

> 0.05°C (0.09°F)

A.1.1h Repeatability

± 0.05°C (±0.09°F)

A.1.1i Hysteresis

Negligible

Optica™ Operator’s Manual 85

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Appendix A. Specifications

A.1.2 Measurement Ranges

A.1.2a Chilled Mirror Sensors: (available)

1111H, 1211H, D-2, SIM-12H, 1311DR, 1311XR

A.1.2b Range:

–80°C to +85°C (–112°F to +185°F) dew/frost point, depending on sensor used

A.1.2c Temperature Sensor: (optional)

T-100E: –100°C to +100°C (–148°F to +212°F)

A.1.2d Pressure Sensors (optional):

PT-30A: 0 – 30 psia (0 to 2 bar) PT-300A: 0 to 300 psia (0 to 21 bar) User supplied 4-20mA or 0-5 volt signal

A.1.2e Recommended Sample Flow

0.5 to 5.0 SCFH (0.25 to 2.5 L/min)

A.1.3 Response Time

A.1.3a Dew/Frost Point Cooling Rate:

1.5°C (2.7° F)/sec [typical, above 0°C (32°F)]

A.1.3b Temperature Response: (optional)

< 7 sec for step change within +25°C to +70°C (+77°F to +158°F)

A.1.3c Pressure Response (optional):

1 sec to 90% of steady state (10% to 90% change)

A.1.3d Update Time

1 sec

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A.2 Functionality

A.2.1 Analog Outputs

4–20mA DC, 500 Ohm maximum load, 0–5 VDC, 5mA maximum

A.2.2 Digital Output

Serial port

A.2.3 Alarms

A.2.3a Relay (optional):

Form C (SPDT) 2A, 240 VAC or 30 VDC (resistive load)

A.2.4 Displays

640 X 480 pixel color LCD or 4-line X 40-char LCD

A.2.5 Power

Appendix A. Specifications

100 to 120 VAC or 200 to 240 VAC (±10%), 50-60 Hz, 200 W

A.2.6 Operating Ranges

A.2.6a Dew Point Sensors

Ambient Temperature:

–15°C to +80°C (+5°F to + 176°F), depending on sensor

Pressure:

0 to 300 psig (0 to 22 bar), depending on sensor)

A.2.6b Electronics

Ambient Temperature:

0°C to +50°C (+32°F to +122°F)

Relative Humidity:

85% maximum

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Appendix A. Specifications

A.3 Physical (Bench Mount)

A.3.1 Dimensions

13.5"W x 7.25"H x 13.5"D (343 x 184 x 343 mm)

A.3.2 Weight

12.75 lb (5.78 kg)

A.3.3 Shipping Weight

17.75 lb (8 kg)

A.3.4 Environmental

General purpose bench-, panel-, or rack-mount

A.4 Physical (Wall Mount)

A.4.1 Dimensions

13.70"W x 16.725"H x 6.5"D (348 x 425 x 165 mm)

A.4.2 Weight

15.5 lb (7 kg)

A.4.3 Shipping Weight

22.5 lb (10.2 kg)

A.4.4 Environmental

Surface-mount, industrial environment (Type 4)

88 Optica™ Operator’s Manual

GE Optica Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Chapter 1. Features and Capabilities

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Electronics Enclosure

1.2.1 Front Panel

1.2.2 Input/Output Capability

1.3 The System

1.3.1 System Components

1.3.2 System Planning

1.4 Sensors

1.4.1 Dew Point Sensors

1.4.2 Temperature Sensor

1.4.3 Pressure Sensor

1.5 Theory of Operation

1.5.1 Hygrometer Function

1.5.2 Hygrometer Calibration

1.5.3 Other Hygrometer Applications

1.6 The PACER Cycle

Chapter 2. Installation

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Benchtop Optica Installation

2.2.1 Mounting the Benchtop Optica

2.2.2 Using the Rack Mounting Option

2.2.3 Wiring the Benchtop Optica

2.3 Wall-Mount Optica Installation

2.3.1 Mounting the Wall-Mount Optica

2.3.2 Wiring the Wall-Mount Optica

2.4 Output Wiring

2.4.1 Analog Outputs

2.4.2 Alarm Outputs

2.4.3 Serial Output

2.5 Sensor Information

2.5.1 Sampling Lines

2.5.2 Ensuring Heat Transfer

2.5.3 High Dew Point Measurements

2.6 Sensor Installation

2.6.1 Model 1111H Sensor

2.6.2 Model D-2 Sensor

2.6.3 Model 1211H Sensor

2.6.4 Model 1311DR Sensor

2.6.5 Model 1311XR Sensor

2.6.6 Model SIM-12H Heated Sensor and Components

2.6.7 Connecting the Sensors

Chapter 3. Operation

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Normal Operation

3.3 Operating the VGA Optica

3.4 Operating the 4x40 Optica

3.5 Network Operation

3.6 Process Pressure

3.6.1 Actively Measuring Process Pressure

3.6.2 Manually Entering Pressure

3.6.3 Measuring at a Different Pressure

3.6.4 Scenario 1: Measurement Without Enabling the Process Pressure Feature

3.6.5 Measuring Dew Point

3.6.6 Scenario 2: Measurement Requiring the Process Pressure Feature

3.7 Status Line Indications

3.7.1 Factory Default Settings

3.8 Sensor Balancing

3.9 Helpful Hints For Operating the Unit

3.9.1 Supercooled Dew Points

3.9.2 Contamination

3.9.3 Mirror Flooding

3.9.4 Sample Line Maintenance

3.9.5 Pressure Effects

Chapter 4. Programming the VGA Optica

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Programming Fundamentals

4.2.1 The Keys

4.2.2 Data Entry Fields

4.3 Units of Measure

4.4 User Equations

4.5 Menu 1

4.5.1 Analog Outputs

4.5.2 Pressure Input

4.5.3 Alarms

4.5.4 Automatic Cleaning and Balance Function