ion science GAS-CHECK SF6 Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GAS-CHECK SF

6

AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE LOCATION AND

MEASUREMENT OF LEAKS IN SF6 FILLED

ELECTRICAL SWITCHGEAR.

User Manual iss 01
Software-Version V1.39BB

Page 1

Contents: Software version V1.39BB

Subject Description Page

3.0 General 2

3.1 Safety 2

4.0 System Properties/introduction 3

4.1 Console controls 3

5.0 Handgun displays and controls 4

5.1 Handgun analogue display 4

5.2 Handgun display LED’s 4

6.0 Handgun buttons 5

6.1 Top Caps 5

6.2 Filters 5

7.0 Getting started 6

7.1 Measuring operation 6

7.2 Possible fault conditions during operation 6

7.3 Low flow error 7

7.4 Flare stall 7

7.3 Low battery voltage 7

7.5 Switching OFF 7

8.0 Switching OFF in case of fault 7

8.1 User setup 8

8.2 Set volume/Contrast 8

9.0 Open Operator Level 8

9.1 Operator ID 8

9.2 Data printout 9

9.3 Clear data memory 9

9.4 Open Supervisor Level 9

9.5 Set alarm levels 9

9.6 Operator ID mode 9

10.0 Do not force operator ID 9

10.1 Force operator ID by name 9

10.2 Force operator ID by key code 10

10.3 Access codes 10

10.4 Changing passwords 10

10.5 Terminate and lock supervisor level 10

10.6 Open Tech level 10

11.0 Calibration 11

11.1 Set clock 11

Page 2

12.0 User setup 12

12.1 Peak hold (gauge) 12

12.2 Peakhold (screen) 12

12.3 Display units 12

13.0 Desen Factor 1 13

13.1 Desen Factor 2 13

13.2 Standby mode 13

14.0 Standby delay 13

14.1 RS232 Protocol 13

14.2 Sound type 14

14.3 Sound begins at 14

14.4 Live tick 14

14.5 Filter threashold 14

14.6 Filter count 14

15.0 Tech data readout 14

15.1 Probe/Sensor/Filter life 15

15.2 Changing the Probe 15

16.0 Known problems. 15

16.1 Power Up During Transport. 15

16.2 Power Up after fuse has been removed 15

16.3 Pre set passwords on delivery 15

16.4 Settings on despatch 16

16.5 Citizen printer 16

16.6 Spares and consummables 16

3.0 GENERAL:

This manual is addressed to those responsible for and using this instrument and applies
to software version V1.37BB

3.1 SAFETY:

Please read this paragraph carefully before operating the instrument.
Do not open any part of the instrument, there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Protect from moisture and water. Use in dry conditions.
Use only to leak test on voltage-free and grounded switchgear.
Touching a finger gently to the screen surface operates the touch screen.

DO NOT USE TOOLS TO TOUCH THE SCREEN.

Page 3

4.0 SYSTEM PROPERTIES:
Introduction:

GAS-CHECK SF6 is a portable, mains-independent instrument for leak detection and
leak measurement of SF6 gas. Although designed for SF6, other gases with a high
affinity for electrons, such as refrigerant R12 may also be detected.

Although designed for operation without training, we recommend that this manual be
read before use. This manual and the instrument have been designed to be understood
by users whose first language is not English. Please advise us of any changes, which will
make this easier.

Two modes of operation are available, volume loss/time cc/sec (leak-detection) and
(ppm) concentration of SF6 in air.

All controls and displays required for detection are found in the hand unit. Accurate and
clear measurement is achieved from the console touch screen display.

Measurements can be stored in the instrument and later transferred to a printer or
computer. A battery-powered printer is available. Results may also be downloaded to a
computer via the RS2323 link.

The only item, which needs to be replaced in normal use, is the ‘Smart Sensor’ probe.
Smart Sensors contain a microchip programmed with specific sensor information. At
Switch ON, the console automatically reads sensor information.

Smart Sensors are not radioactive and contain nothing harmful. Life is approximately
200hours. Sensors are changed by switching OFF the instrument and plugging in a
replacement. Three (3) are supplied and available as exchange items.

The operation of the instrument and sensor require permanent and precise control by
software. Any faults give immediate error messages, which are then displayed on the
touch screen. This in conjunction with the sample flow monitoring function, ensures the
instrument reliably determines and displays all fault conditions.

All vital user parameters are password protected against unauthorised entry.
Access to the touch-screen is required for set-up only. If used outside or in difficult

conditions the transparent cover over touch-screen can be left locked.

4.1 CONSOLE CONTROLS:

1 Touch-screen for numeric leak rate display and parameter entry.
Two red on/off buttons located at the front and right side panel. Both are lit when the

instrument is on. White light combines mains supply and battery charge control. This
flashes while on charge and is permanently on when the battery is full.

A Key allows the transparent front cover to be locked during use.

Page 4

5.0 Handgun Displays and Controls:

%

A

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a

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F

F

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

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The following controls are found on the hand unit:

5.1 Analogue gauge: displays the response to leaks in %, rather than an absolute
value (displayed on the touch-screen), and shows the leak rate in the form of a
percentage of the alarm value. This is clearer and easier for an operator.

5.2 Handgun Six LEDs indicate status.

COLOUR No DESCRIPTION

Green

1

READY TO MEASURE. Normal operation. If ON, you may
confidently measure. This is OFF whenever the instrument is
in standby or programming mode, error condition, or the

actual reading is above 20% of the alarm level.

Red

2

NOT READY. This light is on whenever the instrument is in
the programming mode, or an error condition exists. It
flashes during standby mode.

Green

3

SPECIAL. Desensitise functions, flashes when one of them
is active.

Yellow

4

SIGNAL. Switches on whenever a reading above 20% alarm
level was taken. Reset by STORE or CLEAR key.

Red

5

ALARM. This light is on as long as a reading equal to or
above the alarm level is taken.

Yellow

6

MESSAGE. Prompts the operator to read a message that is
present on the LCD screen.

Page 5

6.0 HANDGUN BUTTONS:

SQUARE: This has two functions: MEASURE MODE and SEARCH (bar graph) MODE.
On power-up the SEARCH mode is automatically selected, the touch screen displays a
bar graph. This is ideal for fast and ultra low-level leak detection (~10 E-8cc/sec). In this
mode high accuracy is not possible, just leak detection and location.

When a leak is discovered, the audible alarm sounds and the bar graph as well as the
handgun analogue gauge responds, usually full scale.

To change from SEARCH to MEASURE mode, press and hold the SQUARE button for 2
seconds, the RED light comes on and the display changes to 0.00. You are now in the
MEASURE high accuracy mode. If you have selected ‘Peak Hold Console’ leaks will be
measured and held ready for printing if required.

Pressing SQUARE once gives desensitise x1. The second press gives desensitise x2, as
pre set in USER SET-UP section in touch-screen. The LED marked SPECIAL flashes
slowly with x1, and faster with x2.

CIRCLE: This zeroes and cancels desensitise and may be used at any time. During the
short zero time the lights change from RED to GREEN. Do not leak test during this time.

During normal use it is recommended to press the CIRCLE key occasionally to
zero the detector to ambient conditions.

TRIANGLE: The RESULT STORE key. The peak reading shown on the touch-screen is
transferred to memory for later printout.

6.1: TOP CAPS: A choice of top caps are available, Standard (P1-100-0003),

extended (P1-100-0004), and extended with a Stainless Steel tip (P1-100-0005). This
has a 5mm diameter and is designed for leak searching in enclosed spaces or where
rough (welded) surfaces must be checked.

6.2 FILTERS: It is essential that FILTER (P1-100-0005) is always fitted. This

provides a small micron filter and provides a seal for the secondary sinter. This sinter
forms part of the detector vacuum cell and is critical to good stable and accurate
operation. The flow down the top cap past the filter and into the vacuum chamber is
constantly monitored. The vacuum automatically compensates for filter restriction, to a
point when accuracy is threatened. At this time the LOW FLOW ERROR is displayed and
the filter should be changed.

All these items are available ex stock from ISL or your local agent.