Can be used in accordance with:
Australian Standard AS3894.1
ASTM G62, ASTM D5162, ASTM D4787, NACE SP0274,
NACE SP0490, NACE SP0188, ANSI/AWWA C213,
ANSI/AWWA C214, ISO 2746
CE Marked PCWI Compact Detectors comply with the requirements
of EMC Directives 89/336/EEC EMC and its amending directives.
Operator’s Handbook
For
Compact
High Voltage
DC15 & DC30
POROSITY (HOLIDAY) DETECTORS
®
POROSITY DETECTOR ACCURACY:
+5% of reading or + 50V below 1kV
(Note: at the time PCWI tested the Porosity Detector
at the reference temperature & humidity).
Refer to the PCWI Manufacturer’s Calibration
Certificate provided with the Porosity Detector.
Range: 0kV to 30kV
Recertification available.
1
CONTENTS
1.0 Safety Precautions 4
2.0 Operation 5-6
3.0 Specifications 6
4.0 Control Panel Layout 7
5.0 Voltage Recommendations 8-9
6.0 Troubleshooting 10-11
7.0 Optional Accessories 12-13
8.0 PCWI NiMH Battery & Charger Clip 14-15
9.0 Warranty 16
10.0 Service & Maintenance 17
WARNING
This Equipment generates a high voltage and should
be used with care. Please consult these operating
instructions before use.
2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the PCWI Compact for
pre-installation and post installation corrosion detection.
PCWI have designed this instrument with care, to
provide ongoing corrosion detection efficiency under a
wide variety of coating application conditions and to
ascertain Porosity for the many protective coatings
currently in use. Under reasonable care in operation,
the unit will provide many years of trouble free
detection.
To support the unit, PCWI maintain a comprehensive
range of Electrodes (probes) - extending the versatility
of the Compact from large to small and from accessible
to inaccessible surfaces.
PCWI, in a continuing desire to achieve the maximum
in corrosion detection competence, welcomes user
enquiries and recommendations.
Yours sincerely
Paul Van Gaal
3
1.0 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
All hand-held high voltage test equipment should be operated by
responsible, trained and authorised personnel.
The unit must be earthed to both the item under test and to ground.
CAUTION
The Detector output can be up to 35,000 volts. Should the
operator accidentally make contact with the test electrode, they
may experience a mild shock or zap, and in order to avoid this
possibility, the wearing of rubber gloves is recommended.
Furthermore, the operator should enjoy good health and not suffer from
a cardiac condition. If the operator has a pacemaker, then they should
not use this equipment.
This equipment should only be used for the purpose for which it was
designed, ie: checking the porosity, or electrical breakdown, of dielectric
or insulating materials.
It is also recommended that testing should be carried out well clear of
personnel not involved in the testing procedure, or in such a position
whereby the surprise of receiving an electric shock could cause a
related accident, if for example, tests being carried out close to moving or
rotating machinery, or in such an unstable position that the operator could
fall and injure themselves.
It is recommended that the operator should have an assistant, to
ensure that unauthorised personnel are kept well clear of the testing
area, and generally assist when necessary with the testing procedure.
It is also recommended that the Detector not be operated within close
proximity of sensitive electronic apparatus, such as computer equipment.
DANGER
Do not use the test equipment in any combustible or flammable
atmosphere, as a test voltage can cause an arc or spark to be
generated and an explosion could result.
Always consult the plant or safety officer before carrying out a test
procedure.
When testing tank internals, be certain the tank does not contain
solvents remaining from the painting procedure.
4
Coating Thickness Range
Applied coats should be cured, thickness tested, visually inspected and
accepted – before high voltage porosity testing is carried out. Coating
thickness should be above 150µm; coatings below this thickness
should be tested with a wet sponge unit.
2.0 OPERATION
Connect the probe and earth leads to the unit. Connect the earth clamp
to the metallic substrate of the item to be tested – substrate should be
earthed to ground. Select the probe best suited for the test and attach
to the probe handle.
Fit the Fuse (if not already fitted).
Turn the unit on.
Check the batteries to ensure that they are charged.
Turn the voltage control clockwise to the required test voltage.
Note: If the neon is in place allow an additional 200v.
Place the probe near the metal substrate.
A spark should occur (if not re-check all leads and connections).
Place the probe on the surface to be tested.
Re-check the output – adjust if necessary. Turn alarm sensitivity until
the alarm is just off.
Place the probe on the coated surface and move at approximately one
metre per four seconds.
A fault is indicated by:
A spark at the probe – this can usually be seen and heard.
A light flashes on the front panel of the unit.
An audible sound – buzzer is mounted inside the unit.
Digital test voltage drops drastically.
The neon in the probe flashes.
Note: A definite flaw should be made in the coating and located with
the designated test voltage, therefore proving that the unit is locating
the type of fault you wish to find.
Probes must be kept in full contact with the surface, gaps in or between
the probe and the coating may result in flaws going undetected.
Wire brushes, rubber and coil spring probes should all be kept in good
condition. Probes other than fine wire brushes may require higher
voltages.
Wet and contaminated coatings should not be tested until dry and
clean (see also troubleshooting pages).
5
Earthing
Where the item to be tested is not earthed to ground, a
ground spike must be attached.
The unit should always be switched off before removing and
repositioning the earth lead. After the earth is repositioned, the
probe should always be flashed on the substrate to prove a
good contact has been made.
Leads
Carbon cored 22kΩ High Voltage leads must be used.
Use of copper cored leads will void warranty.
3.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 2.2kg
Display: LCD 3¾ digits with battery indicator
Voltage 0 to: DC15: 15kv DC30: 30kv
Resolution: 10v 10v
Short circuit: Test current less than 0.5mA
Power supply: 3Ah Slide-off
Recharge Time: 400mA for 10hrs.
Battery Test: When Porosity (Holiday) Detector is switched on,
the result is displayed on the LCD.
Dimensions: 260 x 160 x 70mm
Alarms: Audible – with sensitivity adjustment.
Visual – front panel light.
Neon in probe – 360° visibility
Probe lead: 2m carbon-cored high-voltage silicon-rubber.
Earth lead: 7m silicon-rubber with a clamp fitted to one end.
Probes: 250mm Flat Brass Wire brush, trim length of 50mm
Carry Case: 150 x 370 x 440mm
Optional coils & brushes available: See accessories pages
STORAGE:
The Detector should be stored in a dry place. Leads should
not be wound tightly. Battery should be fully charged.
6
4.0 CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT
1 LCD display (including battery condition
indicator)
2 Voltage control (10 turn)
3 Visual alarm indicates when fault is found
4 On switch
5 Off/test switch
6 Sensitivity control for the alarm
7 Audible alarm when fault is found
8 High Voltage probe connector
9 Fuse (1.6A slow blow) 5 x 20mm
10 Earth connection point
11 Slide-off power pack
12 Earphone jack (opposite side)
Carbon Cored Lead “O” Rings
Screw Fitting
Neon
Lock Nut
End Cap
Neon Holder
Screw
Probe Handle
Washer
Spring
Probe Handle Diagram
1
2
3
4
5
6
Side View
7
8
9
10
11
12
7
5.0 VOLTAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
AS 3894.1 recommends minimum voltages for testing specified
thickness of film of various Coating Products
Tables 1 and 2 below provide guidance for determination of minimum
voltage for high voltage porosity testing of the indicated generic types of
coating products, at the indicated dry film thicknesses which may
contain residual solvents.
V = minimum test voltage applied in volts
T = dry film thickness of cured coating in microns
F = a whole number factor which rates a coating’s generic
type and residual solvent content (Table 1)
The above minimum test voltages have been derived from Australian
Standard AS3894.1; the whole of this Standard should be used. The
above voltages relate to the following: the detector should have a direct
earth connection to the substrate and a fine wire brush electrode must be
connected to the probe.
ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL 200 VOLTS IF THE NEON IN THE PROBE HANDLE IS IN USE.
Table 1. Determination of the coating film rating (F) from coating type and
volume solids content.
Generic Type of Coating
Volume Solids %(V/V)
Volume Solids
%(V/V)
Factor (F)
Factor
(F)
Chorinated Rubber, Vinyl
15 to 39 4
Low Build Epoxy, some Tar Epoxy
40 to 59 3
High Build Epoxy, some Tar Epoxy
60 to 79 2
Polyester/Vinyl esters, Solventless Epoxy,
Fusion-bonded Epoxy.
80 and greater 1
Table 2. Determination of the test voltage (V) from dry film
thickness (T) and coating material rating (F).
Nominal dry film thickness in
microns
Test Voltage (kV)
F=1 F=2 F=3 F=4
150 3.06 1.53 1.01 0.77
250 3.96 1.98 1.32 0.99
400 5.00 2.50 1.67 1.25
600 6.12 3.06 2.04 1.53
800 7.07 3.54 2.36 *
1500 9.69 4.84 * *
2500 12.50 * * *
4000 15.81 * * *
V = 250 x T
F
8
International Standard
NACE SP0274 derived table
Table 3 below is derived from a NACE standard and should
be used as a guide only.
Minimum Testing Voltage for Various Coating Thicknesses
The above table should be taken as a GUIDE only.
It is recommended that the whole of this standard be used.
ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL 200 VOLTS IF THE NEON IN THE PROBE HANDLE IS IN USE.
mm kilo Volts
0.51 6
0.79 7
1.6 10
2.4 12
3.2 14
4.0 16
4.8 17
13 28
16 31
19 34
Table 3
9
6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
In order to ensure that your Compact Porosity Detector is operating to
specification, the Detector handle and lead should be checked prior to
use.
Use the following procedure:
Unscrew the neon holder from the handle.
Using a multimeter, complete the circuit and check the resistance at both
the handle 1 and the high voltage plug 2.
If resistance is outside the 1 meg ohm range, or is open circuit:
(a) Check 1 and 2 for either poor connection or damage;
(b) Check for break or damage to the HV lead 3.
Replace/rectify connection and leads and then re-test.
Neon
Holder
HV Lead
Below
1M
Ω
10
Symptom Cause Solution
No Display
Flat battery
No Power - fuse not fitted
Recharge battery
Fit fuse
Display voltage drops
during test
Slightly conductive, damp or
salty surface
Coating may not be fully cured
Probe surface area too large
Wash and clean the surface
Allow coating to cure
Use smaller probe, or increase
voltage
Alarm sounds continuously
during test
Slightly conductive, damp or
salty surface
Coating may not be fully cured
Probe moved too fast
Probe surface area too great
Wash and clean the surface
Allow coating to cure
Move probe 1 metre every 4
seconds
Use smaller probe
No alarm on fault
Sensitivity adjusted too low a
setting
Voltage set too low
Increase sensitivity
Increase voltage
No spark at probe tip
Neon in handle damaged
Damaged leads
Poor connections
Flat battery
Replace neon (or use a metal
conductor piece)
Repair or replace leads
Clean and reconnect
Recharge battery
Probe voltage lower than
display voltage
Neon in handle can use up to
200 volts
Damaged HV lead
Poor earth connection
Turn up voltage control to
compensate for neon
Replace lead
Check all connections
Display shows -1
Voltage higher than display
capacity
Decrease voltage
Display erratically shows -1
Display drops to -1 when fault
found
Normal operation
Blackening Display
Poor Earthing Make positive earth connections
11
7.0 OPTIONAL DETECTOR ACCESSORIES
PCWI High Voltage DC Crest Meter for verifying
DC Detector output voltage. DC Crest Meter
includes Calibration Certificate.
Brushes & Coils
PCWI manufacture brushes and coils to suit your needs.
50mm (2in) to 600mm (24in) wide flat brushes.
25mm (1in) to 500mm (20in) Spiral wound and Disc Internal circular
pipeline brushes.
25mm (1in) to 500mm (20in) External circular pipeline brushes.
12
OPTIONAL DETECTOR ACCESSORIES
60mm, 125mm, 200mm, 450mm connectors for flat or external
pipeline brushes.
Coil Joiners
Fan Brushes
13
Additional Accessories
Spare slip-out power packs.
7m Earth lead with clamp.
10m trailing Earth lead (1m plastic encased).
Spare neon light holders and neon's
See www.pcwi.com.au for more details.
PCWI Battery Charging Clip with NiMH battery & power adaptors
14
PCWI NiMH Battery + Charger Clip BC-1
The BC-1 charging clip is for use with the PCWI NiMH Battery Pack
and PCWI Charger PA-1015 Only.
Indicator Light Operation.
RED = Charging
GREEN = Charged
Flashing Red Green = Battery Conditioning.
Note: BC-1 and BC-1 V2 operate the same except for BC-1 V2 Flashing
Red Green continuously = No battery connected
When battery is first placed into charging Clip the charge circuit
will check the condition of the battery and the Green Indicator will
illuminate.
If the battery is OK for charging the Indicator Light will change from
Green to Red. It may take 5 to 10 seconds for the battery to be checked.
If the battery is defective or is less than 9 volts the Charge Indicator light
will flash from Red to Green. During this time the charge circuitry will
trickle charge the battery if possible.
The BC-1 Battery Clip will fast charge the battery to 75% of capacity
in approximately 4 hours. The remaining 25% charge will occur in
approximately 20 Hours.
If BC-1 Charge Clip is used with PCWI AC/DC Adapter Model No:-
Select. A Part No:- SA48-1005 the battery will not be fast charged.
PCWI NiMH battery Pack
NiMH Battery Pack Warning label
15
9.0 WARRANTY
Subject to the warranty conditions below this PCWI Instrument is warranted by
PCWI International Pty Ltd to be free from defects arising from faulty design,
material, or workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of original
purchase by the end user or a maximum period of 15 months from dispatch to
authorised distributors.
Probes and leads are warranted for 3 months. They are consumable items, and
subject to wear and deterioration during use. The life of these parts can be much
extended by keeping them in a dry clean condition, and storing them in suitable
protective containers. During use, avoid “scrubbing” the probe along the surface of
the work-piece.
WARRANTY CONDITIONS
During the warranty period listed above PCWI or it’s authorised service
representative will make good any defects covered by this warranty.
PCWI or it’s authorised service representative will decide if there are any defects in
design, material or workmanship.
This warranty only applies provided the instrument has been used in accordance
with the manufacturers operating handbook recommendations.
This warranty does not cover damage, malfunction or failure resulting from misuse,
neglect, abuse or used for a purpose for which it was not designed and no repairs,
alterations or modifications have been attempted by other than PCWI on an
authorised service.
This warranty applies only to the original user buyer.
This warranty does not cover any service that is needed after an accident,
alterations, misuse, fire or floods.
This warranty is the only one given by PCWI and no one has the authority to
change, or add to, the obligations and liabilities listed in it.
This warranty does not cover batteries, probe handle brushes (electrodes) and
leads which are subject to wear.
During the warranty period PCWI or its authorised service representative will bear
the transportation cost of the return of instrument/s repaired under warranty back to
the users premises within the country of purchase.
HOW TO MAKE A WARRANTY CLAIM
Defective goods must be returned to PCWI or an authorised service representative
at the Purchaser’s expense. The goods must be accompanied by the Purchaser’s
written order describing the defect and authorising PCWI or its authorised service
representative to invoice the Purchaser for any charges not covered by the
warranty.
The purchasers order must also include the model and serial numbers of the
instrument and address of the distributor and date of purchase.
Upon receipt at the service point the instrument will be examined to determine the
nature and cause of the defect.
If the defect is covered by the warranty, a repair will be effected at PCWI’s or
authorised service representative expense. If the defect is not covered by the
warranty, PCWI or authorised service representative will quote the Purchaser for a
replacement or repair, and will not proceed until written acceptance of the quotation
is received.
16
10.0 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
AUTHORISED SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
To enable speedy “return to service” whether under warranty or otherwise, PCWI
have appointed your distributor as a service centre and have provided all relevant
information and recommended parts to be carried to assist distributor’s technical
staff carry out this essential part of the PCWI customer service.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
This equipment is protected against hostile environments and is designed for
prolonged use in the field without any special maintenance, other than routine
battery recharging. However, the equipment is not totally sealed and appropriate
precautions should be taken. Remember, it is a precision electronic instrument and
should be treated as such. There are no internal user controls.
The equipment should only be operated by qualified personnel.
Some organic materials may attack plastic parts and cause early degradation.
Contact with such materials should be avoided.
Do not operate damaged equipment.
Where the power supply is derived from internally mounted rechargeable cells and
disassembly of the unit is necessary to access those batteries, this action would
void all warranty.
SERVICE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
Repairs not covered by the warranty or carried out after the warranty period, will be
charged at the current hourly or set service rate, plus the cost of materials.
Goods for repair must be sent at the Purchaser’s expense, and be accompanied by
the Purchaser’s written order describing the defect and authorising PCWI to invoice
the purchaser for labour, materials and return delivery cost.
No service or repair will be undertaken until a written order is received.
BEFORE YOU CALL FOR SERVICE
Read the section on “troubleshooting” in this handbook and check the symptom,
cause and solution before you call for service.
AUTHORISED SERVICE AGENT:
17
Notes:
P:\Instruction Manuals\Manual - PCWI\DOM DC15 & DC30 (4 Oct 2016) NiMH Battery (V4).pdf
PCWI OFFERS
Strong technical support
In-house development and manufacturing enables us to
provide strong technical support and a quick response to
enquiries and orders.
Market and product knowledge
We understand technical specifications demanded by industry
and recognise customer requirements are specific in relation to
testing and measuring instruments.
Calibration laboratory
PCWI’s in-house laboratory supports testing for a range of
instruments operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. All
certification is Traceable to National & International Standards
of Measurement.
Quality systems certified to ISO9001
PCWI’s Quality Management System is certified to ISO9001
and audited by SAI Global.
Warranties and after sales service
PCWI provides 12 months warranty for its Detectors with
detailed operator instruction handbooks and after sales
service. An extension of this PCWI service is provided by your
local distributor.
Office: 13 Alhambra Avenue
CARDIFF NSW 2285
Newcastle AUSTRALIA
Postal: PO Box 900
HUTER REGION MC NSW 2310
Phone: (02) 4954 3900
Intl: +61 2 4954 3900
Fax: (02) 4954 3999
Email: sales@pcwi.com.au
Web: www.pcwi.com.au
®
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