ion science PhoCheck+ Series, PhoCheck+ 5000Ex, PhoCheck+ 2000Ex, PhoCheck+ 3000Ex, PhoCheck+ 1000Ex User Manual

PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000Ex User Manual V2.1

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Part No 845221 www.ionscience.com

PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Page 1 of 52

PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Declaration of conformity

Manufacturer: Ion Science Ltd, The Way, Fowlmere, Cambridge, England. SG8 7UJ

Product: PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 and 5000

Product description: Intrinsically safe photo-ionisation detector for detecting volatile organic compounds

Directive 94/9/EC ATEX

Identification: II 2 G Ex ia IIC T4 (-20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +60°C)

Notified Body: Baseefa Ltd, 1180, Buxton, UK

EC Type Examination Certificate(s)

Baseefa03ATEX742 latest supplement Baseefa03ATEX742/7X issued 19th November 2008

IECEx BAS 04.0033 latest revision no.4 issued 20th November 2008

Standards

BS EN 60079- 0:2006 Electrical Apparatus for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres – General Requirement

BS EN 60079- 1:2007 Explosive Atmospheres – Equipment Protection by Flameproof Enclosures ‘d’

BS EN 60079- 11:2007 Explosive Atmospheres – Equipment Protection by Intrinsic Safety ‘i’

BS EN 61010- 1:2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and
Laboratory use – General requirements

Directive 2004/108EC Electrical Equipment – Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

BS EN 61326- 1:2006 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC
Requirements (Class B and General Immunity)

Other Standards

BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems – Requirements

BS EN 13980:2002 Potentially Explosive Atmospheres – Application of Quality Systems

On behalf of Ion Science Ltd, I declare that, on the date this product accompanied by this declaration is placed on the
market, the product conforms to all technical and regulatory requirements of the above listed directives.

Name: Mark Stockdale Position: Technical Director

Signature: Date: 20th November 2008

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Contents Page

Declaration of Conformity . . . . 2

ATEX intrinsic safety ratings . . 2
EMC Emissions and Immunity . . 2

Statements . . . . . 5

Responsibility for use . . . 5

Warnings . . . . 5

Caution . . . . . 5

Quality Ass urance . . . 6

Disposal . . . . 6

Calibration Facility . . . 6

Ion Science Contact Details . . 6

Introduction to PhoCheck+. . . . 7

Getting Started . . . . . 8

Instrument Functions . . . . 10

Quick Reference . . . . . 13

Instrument Displays . . . . 15

Symbols Explained . . . 15

Instrument Menu . . . . . 18

Data logging . . . . 18

View Data . . . . 18

Zone Maintenance . . . 19

Data Transfer . . . . 20

Alarm . . . . . 20

Sound (Confidence Beep) . . 21

Calibration . . . . 21

Back-light . . . . 24

PID Gas Selection . . . 24

PID Lamp . . . . 25

Unit Selector . . . . 25

Data Log Memory Alarm . . . 25

Packing List . . . . 8

Removing PhoCheck+ from its case . 8
Setting alarm levels . . . 9

Setting date and time . . . 9

Selecting a gas . . . . 9

Rechargeable Batteries . . . 9
Alkaline Batteries . . . 9

Keypad Function Descriptions. . . 10
Function Locations . . . 11

How the PhoCheck+ Menu Works . 12

Graph Screen. . . . . 16

Large Number Screen . . . 17

Function Menu . . . . 17

Date / Time . . . . 24

Application (Health & Safety). . . 26
Application (Survey) . . . 26

Security . . . . 26

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Contents Page

IonPC Software . . . . . 27

PC Requirements . . . 27

Installation . . . . 27

Connection . . . . 28

Starting . . . . . 28

IonPC Software Features . . . . 29

Download data logged readings . . 29

File . . . . . 30

Calibration . . . . 30

Data . . . . . 31

Gas Table (and setting alarm levels) . 31

Instrument . . . . 32

Menu Set-up . . . . 32

Settings. . . . 32

Lamp . . . . 33

Applications . . . 33
Backlight . . . 34
Setting the clock . . 34

File . . . . 34

Zones . . . . . 35

View . . . . . 35

Help . . . . . 35

Software disclaimers . . . 36

Batteries . . . . . . 38

Diagnostics . . . . . 40

Maintenance . . . . . 43

Accessories . . . . . 46

IS protective cover instructions . . . 47

Upgrade Options . . . . . 48

Service Options . . . . . 49

Technical Specification . . . . 50

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Statements _____

Responsibility for Use

PhoCheck+ instruments detect a large range of gases, w hich are potentially dangerous from both a
poisoning and/or a n explosive perspective. PhoCheck+ instruments have many adjustable and selectable

features allowing the detector to be used in a variety of ways.

Ion Science Ltd can accept no responsibility for the incorrect adjustment of features that cause harm or
damage to persons or property.

PhoCheck+ can be used as a personal safety device. It is the user’s responsibility to respond appropriately t o
an alarm situation.

! WARNINGS!

1. For reasons of Intrinsic Safety, batteries MUST NOT be charged or replaced within potentially

flammable areas. Ensure you are in a SAFE area before carrying out any type of maintenance on
the PhoCheck+ instrument.

2. Substitution of components may impair intrinsic safety and result in unsafe conditions.

3. For safety reasons, the PhoCheck+ must only be operated and serviced by qualified personnel.

4. Please read and understand this User Manual fully before operating or servicing the PhoCheck+.

! CAUTION!
It is essential that the PhoCheck+ is always used with a supplied PTFE 0.5 micron filter fitted to the front of

the instrument. The PhoCheck+ internal pump draws over 200 ml/min of air into the instrument and without
a filter; particles of debris and dust will be drawn into the cell inhib iting the correct function of the

instrument. These filters are consumable and should be changed every 100 hours of use. The frequency of
replacement should be increased for dusty or moisture laden environments. Filters are available for purchase

from Ion Science; see our accessories page (pg 46) for more information.

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Statements _____

Quality Assurance

PhoCheck+ has been ma nufactured in compliance with ISO9001:2000, which ensures that t he e quipme nt
supplied to our customers has been designed and assembled reproducibly, from traceable components, and

leaves Ion Science calibrated to stated standards.

Disposal

Dispose of PhoCheck+, its components and any used batteries in accordance with all local and national
safety and environmental requirements. This includes the European W EEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment) directive. Ion Science Ltd offers a take back service. Please contact us for more information.

The PhoCheck+ field case material is recyclable polypropylene.

Calibration Facility

Ion Science Ltd offers a calibration service including the issue of certification confirming calibration with
equipment traceable to UK national standards.

A PhoCheck+ Calibration Kit is available from Ion Science to allow a two-point calibration to be carried out in
the field as a custom calibration. However Ion Science does recommend the annual return of all instruments

for a yearly service and calibration.

Contact Ion Science Ltd

By Post Ion Science Ltd

The Way
Fowlmere

Cambridge
SG8 7UJ

By Telephone [phone]

By Fax [phone]

By Email [e-mail]

UK

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Introduction to PhoCheck+_________________________________________

PhoCheck+ is a portable gas detector, suitable for the detection of a large range of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC's), which are dangerous from both a poisoning and explosive perspective. Total VOC’s are

detected using PID (Photo Ionisation Detection) technology.

The PhoC heck+ versions are fully upgradeable in the field (i.e. PhoCheck+ 1000 to a 5000 or a 2000 to a
3000 etc). Also available is the option to upgrade to the FirstCheck+ multigas range of instruments upo n

return of your instrument to Ion Science. Please see page 48 for more details relating to upgrade options.

PhoCheck+ has two principle modes of operation, Health & Safety and Survey mode.

Health & Safety mode is used to check for conformity of short-term exposure levels (STEL) or time-weighted
averages (TWA) that are specific for particular hazardous e nvironments (for example EH40 in the UK and

OSHA in the USA). In this mode of operation STEL's and TWA's are continually calculated and compared t o
levels set in the instruments gas table.

Survey is the default mode of operation whenever the Health & Safety mode is NOT selected. This mode is
often used in applications where several areas (or Zones) are to be monitored and readings data logged. All
sensor readings are real time measurements and alarm levels are set manually.

For more information on these modes of operation please see page 25.

PhoCheck+ versions 2000, 3000 and 5000 automatically data log the instruments readings every second.
These readings are stored in the instrument's memory with a date a nd time stamp. For more i nformation

please see page 17.

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Getting started _____

Packing List

Please take a little time to check the contents in the PhoCheck+ case.

Item Description Qty.

1. PhoCheck+ instrument 1

2. PID lamp (fitted) 1

3. Probe - 100mm (fitted) 1

4. PTFE filter - 50 micron (fitted) 1

5. Battery charger (if rechargeable type) 1

6. Battery clip (if non-rechargeable) 1

7. Screw driver (if non-rechargeable) 1

8. Manual 1

9. IonPC software CD 1

10. IS Protective Cover 1

11. Cal Kit Sample containing:

· PID lamp cleaning Kit (Includes alumina

powder and 2 applicators f or 1 clean) 1

· Carbon canister 1

· PTFE filter – 50 micron 1

· Cal adaptor* 1

·

Lamp removal tools (neoprene sleeves) 2

* Please note that the Cal adaptor is to be used in conjunction with a PhoCheck+ Calibration Kit accessory
(part number A-845213). WARNING: when fitting the Cal adaptor onto the gas tube (part of the

Calibration kit) ensure that the small breather hole of the Cal adaptor is not covered as this will cause the
instruments internal pump to be damaged beyond repair. Your warranty will be invalidated if the pump is

damaged in this way.

Removing the PhoCheck+ from its case

Carefully remove the PhoCheck+ instrument from its case being careful not to damage the filter and probe
assembly. 'Luer' type connectors are used to connect the PhoCheck+, filter and probe together and require a

quarter-turn ONLY to connect / disconnect them. Do not over tighten.
To avoid drawing dust or particulate matter into the detector cell we suggest always fitting the filter with the

Ion Science logo facing away from the instrument, therefore dust only collects on the same one side of the
filter and is not inadvertently drawn into the instrument if the filter is attached the other way round.

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Getting started

1. Turn the instrument on by pressing the key.

2. Press and hold the key and check the correct gas, alarm levels and zero mode are selected.

3. The screen will flash for 1 minute while the detector warms up – check for a reading on the display
Between 0.2ppm and 2ppm.

4. Replace the probe and filter with the blue carbon f ilter – check for a reading from 0.0 to 0.2ppm.

5. Remove the carbon filter and replace the probe and filter.

6. If the results are not as expected, perform a custom calibration first ensuring the correct gas is
selected.

Setting alarm levels

We recommend that alarm levels are set to user specifications as soon as possible before being used f or the
first time. Please see page 19 for details of how to set alarm levels.

Setting date and time

We recommend that the correct local date and time be set to the instrument as soon as possible before
being used for the first time. Please see page 23 for details on how to set the date and time.

Selecting a gas from the internal gas table

PhoCheck+ instruments leave Ion Science pre-set for gas type TVOC (total volatile organic compounds).
Instruments are factory calibrated against isobutylene and all response factors are equivalent to this . By

changing the gas from the gas table all readings will be given using that gases response factor. To change
the selected gas please see pages 23 & 24.

Rechargeable Batteries

Although PhoCheck+ instruments leave the factory fully charged, prolonged periods of storage may result in
the battery pack discharging. We recommend charging the instrument for 12 hours before use. See the

battery section of this manual page 38.

Alkaline Batteries

Fit the battery pack supplied with the PhoCheck+. For more information please see the battery s ection of
this manual page 38.

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Delay

Instrument Functions _____

Keypad function descriptions

On/Off.

To switch the PhoCheck+ instrument 'ON' - Press the 'ON/OFF' key.
To switch the PhoCheck+ instrument 'OFF' - Ensure you are on the ‘Display/Function

Selection screen’ or a Display s creen. Press and hold the 'ON/OFF' key. A 'Timer' symbol
will appear and a line will travel across the bottom on the screen, release the 'ON/OFF'

button once the line has travelled the length of the screen. The ‘Delay’ symbol will briefly
appear before the instrument turns ‘OFF’ completely. This procedure has been designed

to avoid accidental switch OFF.

ENTER

This key selects options and confirms settings.

ESCAPE

This key is used to return the display to the previous screen and to abort an adjustment.
Repeated pressing of this key will return the display to the 'Display/Function Selection

screen'.

UP
Use to scroll up or changes selection

DOWN

Use to scroll down or changes selection

ZERO

Pressing the Zero key Zeros -out background readings. See the 'Instrument
Displays' section of this manual for mor e detail (Page 15)

Symbol

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

LEL Gas Selection (P26)

Display/Function

View Data (P 17)

Zone Maintenance (P 18)

Data Transfer (P 19)

Alarm (P 19)

Sound (P 20)

Calibration (P 20)

Back-light (P 23)

Date & Time (P 23)
Gas Selection (P 23)

PID Lamp (P 24)

Units (P 24)

Data Log Memory Alarm

Application mode -

Instrument Functions _____

Function locations

Selection (P 14)

H & S or Survey (P 25)

From the ‘Display/Function Selection' screen highlight the function menu icon then press ‘Enter’, use the

'Up/Down' keys to view the available functions then press 'Enter' to select the function options

(P 25)

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Fig 1

Fig 2

Instrument Functions _____

How the PhoCheck+ Menu Works

Once in the function menu with the function-s ymbol you require on the screen press
the 'Enter' key to select it. (See Figure 1.)

A cursor (highlighted symbol or number) can be moved from one selection
to another by using the 'UP' and 'DOWN' keys. (See Fi gure 2.) Pressin g

'Enter' will cause the selection to flash.
When flashing use the 'UP' and 'DOWN' keys to adjust it.

When you have adjusted the parameter to an acceptable level press the 'Enter' key. The adjusted parameter
will be stored. In many cases a tick (ü) will appear to confirm the action.

Although there is a variation in complexity of some functions, this basic concept of selection, adjustment and
confirmation is common throughout this instrument.

You can abort a selection by pressing the 'Escape' (Esc) key.

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Quick Reference _____

This quick reference indicates which functions are relevant to which instruments.
1 = PhoCheck+ 1000 2 = PhoCheck+ 2000 3 = PhoCheck+ 3000 5 = PhoCheck+ 5000

Display/Function Selection 1, 2, 3, & 5(Page 14)

Allows the user to view detected VOC levels in either graph or number
format and to adjust the instrument functions and parameters.

View Data 2, 3 & 5 (Page 17)

Allows viewing of stored data in the instruments internal memory.

Zone Maintenance 2, 3 & 5 (Page 18)

Allows the creation, selection and deletion of Zone names.

Data Transfer 1, 2, 3 & 5 (Page 19)

Enables data transfer between instrument and PC/laptop.

Alarm 1, 2, 3 & 5 (Page 19)

Allows the adjustment of upper and lower Alarm levels in survey mode.

Sound 1, 2, 3 & 5 (Page 20)

Allows the selection of audible indicators including a confidence beep.

Calibration 1, 2, 3 & 5 (Page 20)

Allows the selection of Factory or Custom calibration

.

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Quick Reference _____

Back-ligh t 1, 2, 3 & 5 (Page 23)

Allows the selection of back-light options.

Date / Time 2, 3 & 5 (Page 23)

Allows the adjustment of the date and time.

PID Gas Selection 1, 2, 3 & 5 (Page 23)

Allows the selection of gases from the internal gas table.

PID Lamp 2, 3 & 4 (Page 24)

Allows the selection of different PID lamps.

Units 1, 2, 3 & 5 (Page 24)

Allows the selection of ppb, ppm or mg/m3 as measurement units.

Data log Memory Alarm 2, 3, & 5 (Page 25)

Allows the setting of an alarm to warn t he user when the data logging
memory is full.

Application 3 & 5 (Page 25)

Allows the selection of modes of operation, ‘Health and Safety’ for STEL and
TWA monitoring or ‘Survey’ for general use. The PhoCheck+ 1000 & 2000

instruments do not have Health & Safety mode as standard and are Survey
instruments only, however Health and Safety mode is an upgradeable

feature.

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Graph

Large Number

Funct io n menu

Charged

Discharge d

Instrument Displays

Display/Function Selection Screen

The 'Display/Function Selection screen' is s hown when the PhoCheck+ is switched on and can always be
located by repeatedly pressing the 'Esc' (Escape) key. The 'Display/Function screen' allows the user to view

detected gas levels in a variety of formats or to adjust the instruments functions and parameters. The
symbols shown on this screen can be selected using the UP and DOWN keys. The highlighted symbol

appears as shown in the example below for the function menu.

Screen

Instrument Symbols Explained

A number of symbols are used to indicate various features when in the viewing screens. Please see an
explanation of each below.

Bump test

This symbol of a gas bottle can be set via the IonPC software to be displayed once a week when th e
instrument is turned on. This is to remind the user to test the instrument responses accurately when it is

supplied with gas. See page 32 of the software section for more information.

Battery Status

The battery status indicator can be accessed by pressing and holding Enter on the graph and the large number
screens.

Peak Hold

The numerical measurement to the right of this symbol indicates the highest gas concentration reached by
the instrument since being switched ON. This 'Peak' reading can be reset by pressing and holding the 'Enter'

key for 5 seconds.

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PhoCheck+ 1, 2, 3 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd

Relative

Absolute

Indicates that 'He alth & S afety ' mode is s elected

Instrument Displays _____

Background Zero Reference

When in 'Survey' mode pressing the 'Zero' key alternates
between 'Relative' and 'Absolute' modes. There is a constant

level of detectable gas in ambient air, w hich is detectable with
PhoCheck+. 'Absolute mode' displays the entire sensor signal.

'Relative' mode 'removes' the background signal and sets the
'Zero' point at an artificial level.

Alarm arrows

The arrows represent the importance level of the alarm. The single arrow represents the lower alarm and
the two arrows represent the upper alarm.

Upper a nd lo wer
alarm levels

Application

When the symbol is present the instrument is in 'Health & Safety' mode. When it is absent the instrument reverts
to 'Survey' mode. Please see Application section of this manual for more information (page 25).

Display Screens Explained

Graph Screen

Allows the viewing of real-time measurements in graph format
relative to the set alarm levels.

When in 'Survey' mode (see page 25) the type of gas being
detected, the measured units, the peak hold and real-time

readings are also displayed.
Additional information such as alarm levels and battery status

can be viewed by pressing and holding the Enter key.
When i n 'Health & Safety' mode (see page 25) the on screen inf ormation is slightly

different as STEL and TWA calculations are displayed in figures and the graph
remains in real time. Again additional information can be viewed by pressing and

holding the Enter Key.

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