Heath Consultants RMLD-I User Manual
®
User’s Manual
IS MODEL
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 is a HEATH registered trademark.
© COPYRIGHT 2009 Heath Consultants Incorporated. All rights reserved.
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Spotter laser
Warnings
It is essential that users of this instrument read, understand and follow the
instructio ns for op er a ti on an d m ainte na nc e. The precauti ons contained in
this manual insure that the instrument is used in a proper and safe manner.
The visible green Spotter laser is a Class IIIa laser product. Do not stare into beam
or view directly with optical instruments.
**Danger**
Fig. 1-1
To reduce the risk of ignition of a flammable or explosive atmosphere, batteries must
be recharged only in a location known to be non-hazardous.
**Warning**
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
Substitution of components may impair intrinsic safety. No user serviceable
components contained within this instrument.
**Caution**
manual.
**Warning**
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Table of Contents
Notice................................................................……….. 2
Warnings.......................................................................... 3
Overview................................................................…….. 6
Chapter I
RMLD-IS System Specifications...................................... 8
RMLD-IS System Components……………………….. 9
Controller......................................................................... 9
Transceiver ...................................................................... 10
Carrying Strap ................................................................ 10
Battery Charger ............................................................... 10
Instruction CD ........................................................……. 10
Carrying Case......................................................…….… 10
Headphone.......................................................…………. 10
Optional Accessories…………………… ……………… 11
Chapter II
Battery Charging
Rechargeable Battery .................................................….. 12
Battery Charger ..........................................................…. 14
Charging Procedure ....................................................…. 14
Chapter III
Operating the RMLD -IS................................................... 15
Turning the RML D-IS O n……………………………… 16
Turning on the Spotter Laser…………………………… 17
Turning the RML D-IS O ff……………………………… 17
Using the Menu………………………………………… 17
Using the DMD Mode………………………………….. 19
Using the Pure Tone Mode…………………………….. 20
Bluetooth Module……………………… ………………. 21
Self-Test and Calibration………………………………. 21
Calibration Override……………………………………. 22
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Chapter IV
Surveying with the RMLD-IS…………………………… 24
Long Range Scanning…………………………………… 25
Dealing with False Detections…………………………… 27
How Does the RMLD-IS Measure Gas? ………… ……… 27
Chapter V
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Information
Troubleshooting the Instrument .................................…. 30
Maintenance..................................................................... 32
Chapter VI
Service Information
Warranties and Warranty Repair .................................… 33
Obtaining Service………………………………………. 33
Glossary………………………………………………… 34
RMLD-IS Parts List……………………………………. 35
RMLD-IS Parts List (Continued)…………………… …. 36
Daily Log ………………………………………………. 37
Declaration of Conformity……………………………… 38
Heath Consultants Contact Information………………… 39
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Overview
The HEATH Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD-IS) is a highly advanced
technology, capable of detecting methane leaks from a remote distance. The RMLDgreatly improves the productivity and safety of surveys.
With the RMLD-IS it is possible to survey areas that are hard to reach or not easily
accessible. The RMLD-IS 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-IS
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-IS
measures the gas cloud concentration multiplied by 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 plume,
by nature, is variable and dependent on the soil conditions, temperature, wind and leak
rate.
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Control Module
Hybrid Cable
Transceiver
The RMLD-IS consists of two main interactive components:
• Transceiver
• Control Module
Fig. 1-3: Laser Emitter/Receiver and 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-IS 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-IS 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 startup routine.
While in operation, the RMLD-IS 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-IS.
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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)
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
Battery Operating Life
8 hours at 32° F without backlight on (Internal battery)
Battery Charger
External, in-line, 100-240V~1.6A, 50-60 Hz
Shoulder Strap
Single over the shoulder padded strap
Ergonomic dual strap and belt system
Intrinsic Safety:
Class 1 Division 1 Group D, T4 in accordance with
UL 913 & CSA C22.2 No 157, MetLab Listing #E112840
Chapter I
RMLD-IS 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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Carrying Case
Shoulder Strap
Earphone
Manual and Training Video
Charging Power Supply
AC Cord
RMLD-IS System Components
This Chapter describes the features of the RMLD-IS. Please refer to Figure 1-4 for
illustrations of individual parts.
Fig. 1-4: System Compone nts
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.
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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 is provided with a single carrying strap with shoulder pad.
Battery Charger
The battery charger is provided to recharge the instrument after use. The charger is a
universal 100 - 240 VAC, ~ 1.6A 50-60 Hz with charger indicator on the front of control
box. While charging the light will blink red, once a full charge is reached the light will
turn solid green and eventually fade out.
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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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
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Battery charge indicator
Battery charge indicator light
Chapter II
Battery Charging
Rechargeable Battery
The RMLD-IS has an internal, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that provides the main
power to the instrument. This battery is designed to provide eight (8) hours of operating
time when fully charged. The battery must be recharged between uses to assure no
interruption in use. 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.
Fig. 2-1
**Note**
I order to obtain full battery capacity, charge the battery when the ambient temperature is
above 50º F (10º C) and below 85o F (30o C). When Storing the instrument or the battery
for more than a week, leave the battery charged to at least 40% (3-4 bars) and store at
room temperature of 60-70o F with less than 70% relative humidity.
**Note**
The prolonged non-use of a battery inside or outside the instrument can cause the
battery’s chemistry to be irreversibly damaged leading to permanent failure of the
battery. It is recommended to have the battery go through a charge check once every
month. Battery should be checked to see if it still has at least 40% charge (3-4 bars). The
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