Heath Consultants Remote Methane Leak Detector User Manual
™
User’s Manual
Heath Consultants Incorporated
Houston, TX
Phone: 713-844-1300
Fax: 713-844-1309
1-800-HEATH-US
www.heathus.com
Heath....Safety, Leadership, Innovation, Performance
Then, Now and Tomorrow
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Notice
The contents of this user’s manual are proprietary to Heath Consultants Incorporated
(HEATH). Reproduction in whole or in part of this manual is prohibited without the
express written consent of HEATH. HEATH operates under a continual product
improvement program and reserves the right to make improvements and or changes
without prior notification. This manual supersedes all previous manuals for this
instrument.
RMLD™ is a HEATH registered trademark.
© COPYRIGHT 2005 Heath Consultants Incorporated. All rights reserved.
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Warnings
It is essential that users of this instrument read, understand, and follow the
instructions for operation and maintenance, and the precautions contained in
this manual to insure that the instrument is used in a proper and safe manner.
**Danger**
The visible green Spotter laser is a Class IIIa laser product. Do not stare
into beam or view directly with optical instruments.
No attempt should be made to repair the instrument. Should the
instrument not work properly, or indicate a fault or warning, refer to the
troubleshooting section of this manual.
Do not turn on the RMLD or use the instrument indoors if there is a
potential, indication, or suspicion that an explosive level of gas is
present.
Spotter laser
Fig. 1-1
**Caution**
**Warning**
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Notice................................................................……….. 2
Warnings.......................................................................... 3
Overview................................................................…….. 6
Chapter I
RMLD System Specifications......................................... 8
RMLD System Components…………………………… 9
Controller......................................................................... 9
Transceiver ...................................................................... 10
Carrying Strap with Pad ................................................... 10
Battery Charger ............................................................... 10
Instruction CD ........................................................……. 10
Carrying Case......................................................…….… 10
Headphone.......................................................…………. 10
Optional Accessories…………………………………… 11
Table Of Contents
Chapter II
Battery Charging
Rechargeable Battery .................................................….. 12
Battery Charger ..........................................................…. 13
Charging Procedure ....................................................…. 13
Chapter III
Operating the RMLD...................................................…. 14
Turning the RMLD On…………………………………. 15
Turning on the Spotter Laser…………………………… 16
Turning the RMLD Off………………………………… 16
Using the Menu………………………………………… 16
Using the DMD Mode………………………………….. 18
Using the Pure Tone Mode…………………………….. 19
Self-Test and Calibration………………………………. 20
Calibration Override……………………………………. 21
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Chapter IV
Surveying with the RMLD……………………………… 23
Long Range Scanning…………………………………… 24
Dealing with False Detections…………………………… 26
How Does the RMLD Measure Gas?……………………. 26
Chapter V
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Information
Troubleshooting the Instrument .................................…. 29
Maintenance..................................................................... 31
Chapter VI
Service Information
Warranties and Warranty Repair .................................… 32
Obtaining Service………………………………………. 32
Glossary………………………………………………… 33
RMLD Parts List………………………………………... 34
RMLD Parts List (Continued)…………… …………….. 35
Daily Log ………………………………………………. 36
Declaration of Conformity……………………………… 37
Heath Consultants Contact Information………………… 38
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Overview
The HEATH Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD™) is a highly advanced
technology, capable of detecting methane leaks from a remote distance. The RMLD is
the first of a new generation of leak survey instruments that will greatly improve the
productivity and safety of a walking survey.
With the RMLD it is now possible to survey areas that are hard to reach or not easily
accessible. The RMLD does not have to be within the gas plume because it uses laser
technology known as Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy. As the laser passes
through a gas plume, the methane absorbs a portion of the light, which the RMLD then
detects. This technology makes it possible to detect leaks along the sight line without
always having to walk the full length of the service line.
Fig.
1-2
Using laser technology, remote detection allows you to safely survey areas that may be
difficult to reach such as busy roadways, yards with large dogs, fenced off areas, and
other hard to access places.
It is designed to be selective to detecting methane only, and will not false alarm on other
hydrocarbon gases. Gas concentration is calculated by the amount of Infrared light
absorbed by the gas. Since gas is detected along the line of sight of the laser, the
concentration is reported as Parts-per-Million-Meter (ppm-m). Thus, the RMLD
measures the gas cloud concentration times the width of the gas cloud. Based on the
local meteorological conditions, a given amount of gas escaping from the ground will
produce a plume that varies in size and uniformity of concentration levels. The
by
nature, is variable and dependent on the soil conditions, temperature, wind, and leak
rate.
plume,
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The RMLD consists of two main interactive components:
•
Transceiver
•
Control Module
Fig 1-3: The RMLD system consists of a Laser Emitter/Receiver and a Control
Module
The Transceiver has two lasers. The Infrared laser is non visible and is continuously on
while the unit is turned on. The operator turns on the visible green Spotter laser by
depressing the trigger button.
The RMLD operates under a variety of environmental conditions including cold or hot
weather and light rain. Its rugged design will stand up to normal field use and operating
conditions. Its sensitivity or range is not affected by reasonable amounts of dust on the
optics window.
The RMLD has built-in Self-test and Calibration functions that will assure that the
instrument is operating properly. Using the calibration cell built into the carrying case,
the operator can perform the self-test and calibration as part of a daily start up routine.
While in operation, the RMLD continuously monitors several parameters to ensure that
the instrument is functioning properly. Should any of these parameters go outside of the
operational limits, an audible alarm will sound and a Fault/Warning error message will be
displayed on the display.
A training video is provided with the instrument. It is highly recommended that the user
view the video to learn basic techniques on surveying with the RMLD.
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Detection Method:
Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS)
Measurement Range:
0 to 99,999 ppm-m
Sensitivity:
5 ppm-m at distance from 0 to 50 ft (15 m)
10 ppm-m or better from 50 to 100 ft (15 to 30 m)
Detection Distance:
100 ft (30 m) nominal. Actual distance may vary due to
background type and conditions
Beam Size:
Conical in shape with a 22” width at 100 ft. (56 cm at 30 m)
Detection Alarms Modes
Digital Methane Detection (DMD):
Continuous audio tone relative to concentration
System Fault Warning
Audible tone and indication on the display
Self Test & Calibration
Built-in Self-Test and Calibration function verifies
sensitivity. Test gas cell integrated with carrying case.
Compliance:
EMC (EN61000-6-2, EN6100-6-4) Pending
Laser Eye Safety:
IR Detector Laser:
with optical instruments.
Display:
Large easy to read backlit LCD (.75” Numeric)
Operating Temperature
0° to 122° F (-17° to 50° C)
Humidity
5 to 95 % RH, non-condensing
Enclosure:
IP54 (Water splash and Dust resistant)
Instrument Weight:
9 lbs (Transceiver 3 lbs, Controller 6 lbs) (4 kg; 1.3 kg,
2.7 kg)
Carry Case:
14 lbs; 34” x 9 ½” x 14” (6.4 kg; 86 cm x 24 cm x 36 cm)
Power Supply
Internal rechargeable Li-ion battery
External Backup Battery pack with 5 C cells (Optional)
Battery Operating Life
8 hours at 32° F without backlight on (Internal battery)
Battery Charger
External, in-line, 110 – 240 VAC, 50 / 60 hertz universal
type with charge indicator (8 hours maximum to full charge)
Shoulder Strap
Single over the shoulder padded strap
Ergonomic dual strap and belt system (Optional)
Chapter I
RMLD System Specifications
Audible tone relative to concentration when
detection threshold exceeded.
Adjustable Alarm Detection Threshold from 0 to
255 ppm-m
Pure Tone:
(CDRH, ANSI and IEC)
operation and adjusts laser wavelength for maximum
Class I
Green Spotter Laser:
Class IIIa; Do not stare into beam or view directly
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RMLD System Components
This Chapter describes the features of the RMLD. Please refer to Figure 1-4 for
illustrations of individual parts.
Calibration
Cell
Carrying
Case
Shoulder
Strap
Earphone
RMLD
Battery
Charger
Fig. 1-4: System Components.
Controller
The controller provides the user interface display, menu selection buttons, and external
connections such as RS-232, battery charger port, external power supply port, headphone
port, and on/off button.
Manual &
Training Video
External
Power Supply
(optional)
Charger
Adaptors
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Transceiver
The transceiver provides the laser launch for the infrared detection beam, visible green
spotter laser, and spotter laser button. Harness hooks are provided to allow the unit to be
suspended from the harness.
Carrying Strap
The RMLD is provided with a single carrying strap with shoulder pad. An optional dual
strap harness is also available.
Battery Charger
The battery charger is provided to recharge the instrument after use. The charger is a
universal 110 - 240 VAC, 50 / 60 hertz with charger indicator. Adaptors are provided to
convert the style plug for different types of receptacles.
Instruction CD
The Instruction CD contains the following items:
1. Instruction Manual that provides instructions on the uses and operation of the
instrument.
2. Training Video that illustrates proper use and techniques to fully utilize the
instrument.
3. Additional HEATH product information.
4. HEATH contact information.
Carrying Case
The carrying case provides protection for the instrument during storage or transportation.
The instrument should be kept in the case while not in use. Integrated into the carrying
case is a calibration gas cell.
Headphone
Allows the operator to listen to the audible tones through a headphone instead of the
external speaker.
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Optional Accessories
Dual Shoulder Strap Harness
The dual shoulder strap harness provides extra comfort and support for carrying the
instrument for an extended time. The built-in lanyard is used to carry the weight of the
transceiver and provide additional stability and control of the unit while surveying.
HEATH strongly suggests that this harness be used by personnel who use the instrument
on a continuous basis to limit fatigue when holding the transceiver and to improve
surveying technique.
Fig
1-5
External Power Supply
The external power supply is a back-up battery provided to extend the operating time of
the instrument if the internal battery is not charged enough to run the instrument. This
power supply contains 5 “C” batteries.
Fig
1-6
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Chapter II
Battery Charging
Rechargeable Battery
The RMLD has an internal, rechargeable Li-ion battery that provides the main power to
the instrument. This battery is designed to provide 8 hours of operating time when fully
charged. The battery must be recharged between use to assure no interruption in
The
display features a battery life remaining indicator. Accuracy of this indicator is
within 20% of the actual capacity. This indicator should be used only as a reference.
Always start the day with a full charge to ensure a full day’s use.
To maintain the best accuracy of the battery indicator, periodically deep discharge the
battery and then fully charge the battery without any interruption. To deep discharge the
battery, allow the instrument to run until it shuts itself off. This should also be needed if
the indicator does not follow the actual charge, e.g., if the instrument stops operating
while the battery indicator is reading that a charge remains or if the indicator is flashing
Fig.
2-1
Battery charge
indicator
**Note**
To obtain full battery capacity, charge the battery when the ambient temperature is
50º F (10º C).
**Caution**
To prevent damage to the battery or electrical circuits, always plug the charger into a
surge-protected outlet.
use.
above
**Note**
The prolonged un-use of battery inside or outside the instrument can lead to battery chemistry
being irreversibly damaged leading to permanent failure of the battery. It is recommended to have
the battery go through at least one (1) charge-discharge cycle once every month if the battery is
not being used for long periods of time.
When storing the instrument or the battery for more than a week, leave the battery charged up to
about 40% and store at room temperature of about 60-70º F.
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