APPENDIX A. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE................ A-2
ii
WARNING
- Do NOT proceed before reading -
This manual must be carefully read by all individuals who
have or will have the responsibility for using, maintaining,
or servicing this product.
The product will perform as designed only if it is used,
maintained, and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
CAUTION!!
To reduce the risk of electric shock, turn off power before
removing the monitor cover. Disconnect the battery before
removing sensor module for service. Never operate the
monitor while the cover is removed. Remove monitor cover
and sensor module only in an area known to be nonhazardous.
The model PGM-7600 equipment is classified as to intrinsic
safety for use in class I, division 1, groups A, B, C, D, or
non-hazardous locations only.
iii
Special Notes
-1-
When the MiniRAE 2000 Monitor is taken out from the
transport case and turned on for the first time, there may be
some residual organic or inorganic vapor trapped inside the
detector chamber. The initial PID sensor reading may
indicate a few ppm. Enter an area known to be free of any
organic vapor and turn on the monitor. After running for
several minutes, the residual vapor in the detector chamber
will be cleared and the reading should return to zero.
-2-
The battery of the MiniRAE 2000 monitor will discharge
slowly even if it is turned off. If the monitor has not been
charged for 5-7 days, the battery voltage will be low.
Therefore, it is a good practice to always charge the monitor
before using it. It is also recommended to fully charge the
monitor FOR AT LEAST 10 HOURS before first use. See
Section 7 for more information on battery charging and
replacement.
iv
WARNINGS
STATIC HAZARD: Clean only with damp cloth.
For safety reasons this equipment must be operated and
serviced by qualified personnel only. Read and understand
instruction manual completely before operating or
servicing.
Use only RAE Systems battery packs, part nos. 012-3050,
012-3051 or 012-3052. This instrument has not been tested
in an explosive gas/air atmosphere having an oxygen
concentration greater than 21%. Substitution of
components may impair intrinsic safety. Recharge batteries
only in non-hazardous locations.
The calibration of all newly purchased RAE Systems
instruments should be tested by exposing the sensor(s) to
known concentration calibration gas before the instrument
is put into service.
For maximum safety, the accuracy of the MiniRAE 2000
should be checked by exposing it to a known concentration
calibration gas before each day’s use.
v
AVERTISSEMENTS
DANGER RISQUE D'ORIGINE ELECTROSTATIQUE:
Nettoyer uniquement avec un chiffon humide.
Pour des raisons de sécurité, cet équipment doit être utilisé,
entretenu et réparé uniquement par un personnel qualifié.
Étudier le manuel d’instructions en entier avant d’utiliser,
d’entretenir ou de réparer l’équipement.
Utiliser seulement l'ensemble de batterie RAE Systems, la
reference 012-3050, 012-3051 au 012-3052. Cet instrument
n’a pas été essayé dans une atmosphère de gaz/air explosive
ayant une concentration d’oxygène plus élevée que 21%. La
substitution de composants peut compromettre la sécurité
intrinsique. Ne charger les batteries que dans emplacements
désignés non-dangereuse.
La calibration de toute instruments de RAE Systems
doivent être testé en exposant l’instrument a une
concentration de gaz connue par une procédure
diétalonnage avant de mettre en service l’instrument pour la
première fois.
Pour une securite maximale, la sensibilité du MiniRAE
2000 doit être verifier en exposant l’instrument a une
concentration de gaz connue par une procédure
diétalonnage avant chaque utilisation journalière.
vi
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
MiniRAE 2000 Portable VOC Monitor (Model PGM 7600) is a
compact monitor designed as a broadband VOC gas monitor
and datalogger for work in hazardous environments. It monitors
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) using a Photo-Ionization
Detector (PID) with a 9.8 eV, 10.6 eV, or 11.7 eV gas discharge
lamp. Features are:
• Lightweight and Compact
-Compact, light weight (19 oz.) and rugged design
-Built-in sample draw pump
• Dependable and Accurate
- Up to 10 hours of continuous monitoring with
rechargeable battery pack
- Designed to continuously monitor VOC vapor at ppm
levels
• User Friendly
-Preset alarm thresholds for STEL, TWA, low and high
level peak values. Audio buzzer and flashing LED display
are activated when the limits are exceeded.
• Datalogging Capabilities
-15,000 point datalogging storage capacity for data
download to PC
MiniRAE 2000 consists of a PID with associated
microcomputer and electronic circuit. The unit is housed in a
rugged ABS + PC case with a backlit 1 line by 8 character dot
matrix LCD and 3 keys to provide easy user interface.
1-1
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 General Specifications
Table 1.1
Portable VOC Monitor Specification
Size: 8.2"L x 3.0"W x 2.0"H
Weight: 19.5 oz with battery pack
Detector: Photo-ionization sensor with 9.8, 10.6, o r 11 .7 eV
UV lamp
Battery: A 4.8V /1250 mAH Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride battery
pack (snap in, field replaceable)
Battery Charging: 10 hours charge through built-in charger
Operating Hours: Up to10 hours continuous operati on
Display: 1 line by 8 characters 5x7 dot matrix LCD (0.4”
character height) with LED back light
automatically in dim light
Range, Resolution & Response time (t90):
Isobutylene (calibratio n gas) 0-99 ppm 0.1 ppm 2 sec
100-1,999 ppm 1.0 ppm 2 sec
2000-10,000 ppm 1.0 ppm 2 sec
Measurement Accuracy (Isobutylene):
0 – 2000 ppm: ± 2 ppm or 10% of reading.
> 2000 ppm: ± 20% of reading
PID Detector: Easy access to lamp and sensor for cleaning and
replacement
Correction Factors: Built-in 102 VOC gases
Calibration: Two-point field calibration of zero and standard
reference gas
Calibration Memory:
Store up to 8 separate calibration, alarm limits
and span value
Inlet Probe: Flexible 5” tubing
Keypad: 1 operation key and 2 programming keys
1-2
GENERAL INFORMATION
Direct Readout: Instantaneous, average, STEL and peak value,
battery voltage and elapsed time
Intrinsic Safety: UL & cUL Class 1, Division I, Group A,B,C,D,
Temperature Code T3C (US & Canada);
0575 II 1G DEMKO 02 ATEX 0204759
Eex ia IIC T4 (Europe)
EM Interference: No effect when exposed to 0.43 W/cm2 RF
interference (5 watt transmitter at 12 inches)
Alarm Setting: Separate alarm limit settings for Low, High,
STEL and TWA alarm
Operating Mode: Survey or Hygiene mode
Alarm: 90 dB buzzer and flashing red LEDs to indicate exceeded preset
limits, low battery voltage, or sensor failure.
External Alarm: Optio nal pl u g-in pen-size vibration alarm or
remote alarm
Alarm Mode: Latching or automatic reset
Real-time Clock: Automatic date and time stamps on data logged
information
Datalogging: 15,000 points with time stamp, serial number,
user ID, site ID, etc.
Communication: Upload data to PC and download instrument setup
from PC through RS-232 port
Sampling Pump: Internally integrated. Flow rate: 450-550 cc/min.
Temperature: 0º to 45ºC (32º to 113ºF)
Humidity: 0 % to 95 % relative humidity
(non-condensing)
Housing: ABS + PC, conductive coating, splash and dust
proof, will withstand 1 meter drop test with
rubber boot
Attachment: Wrist strap, rubber boot and belt clip
1-3
OPERATION
2. OPERATION OF MINIRAE 2000
The MiniRAE 2000 Portable VOC Monitor is a compact
Monitor designed as a broadband VOC gas monitor and
datalogger for work in hazardous environments. It gives real
time measurements and activates alarm signals whenever the
exposure exceeds preset limits. Prior to factory shipment the
MiniRAE 2000 is preset with default alarm limits and the
sensor is pre-calibrated with standard calibration gas. However,
the user should test the instrument and verify the calibration
before the first use. After the monitor is fully charged and
calibrated, it is ready for immediate operation.
Figure 2-1 MiniRAE 2000
2-1
OPERATION
2.1 Physical Description
The main components of the MiniRAE 2000 Portable VOC
monitor include:
• Three keys for user to interact with the monitor: 1 operation
key and 2 programming keys for normal operation or
programming of the monitor
• LCD display with back light for direct readout and
calculated measurements
• Buzzer and red LED’s for alarm signaling whenever the
exposures exceed preset limits
• Wrist strap
• Charge contact for plugging directly to the charging station
• Gas entry and exit ports
• Serial communication port for PC interface
• External alarm and analog output port
• Protective rubber cover
2-2
OPERATION
pp
2.2 Keys and Display
Figure 2.2 shows the LCD display and the keypad on the front
panel of the monitor. The function of the 3 keys during normal
operation are summarized below:
Light sensor
Figure 2-2 LCD Display and Keypad
Key Function in Normal Operation
[MODE] -Turn on/off the power* and step through menu items
[N/-] -Toggle on/off the back light, negative acknowledge,
decrease value
Alarm LED’s
0.0
Charge LED
m
[Y/+] -Start measurement, positive acknowledge, increase value
value
* Pressing and holding [MODE] key for 5 seconds turns off the
power to the monitor. Monitor will beep once per second and
display countdown timer during power-down sequence. Press
[MODE] key momentarily to step through menu items. To save
time, press any key during message scrolling to skip to the end
of the message.
2-3
OPERATION
2.3 Power On/Off
To turn on the MiniRAE 2000 portable VOC monitor, press
[MODE] key for one second and release. The audio buzzer will
beep once and the air pump will turn on. The display will show
“ON!..” and then “Ver n.nn” to indicate the unit’s current
firmware version number. Next displayed are the serial number,
the model number, Operating mode, current date and time, unit
internal temperature, gas selected, high low, STEL, TWA/AVG
alarm limits, battery voltage, and shut off voltage. Also
displayed are internal mode settings such as User mode, Alarm
mode, datalog time remaining and log periods in the respective
order.
To turn off the MiniRAE 2000 portable VOC monitor, press
and hold the [MODE] key for 5 seconds. The monitor will beep
once per second during the power-down sequence with a count
down timer showing the number of remaining seconds. The
message “Off!..” flashes on the LCD display and the display
will go blank indicating that the monitor is turned off.
Data protection during power off
When the monitor is turned off, all the current real time data
including last measured value are erased. However, the datalog
data is preserved in non-volatile memory. Even if the battery is
disconnected, the datalog data will not be lost. While the power
is off, the real time clock will continue to operate until the
battery is completely drained (usually in 4-5 days without any
charging). If the battery is completely drained or is
disconnected from the monitor for more than 30 minutes, the
real time clock will be lost. In this case, the user needs to enter
the real time clock information again, as described in Section 4,
or send the PC clock during configuration through the PC
communication.
2-4
OPERATION
2.4 Operation
The MiniRAE 2000 VOC monitor has two operation modes:
Survey and Hygiene mode. The Survey mode allows the user
to manually start and stop the monitoring/measuring operation
and display certain exposure values. In the Hygiene mode, the
monitor runs continuously after the monitor is turned on. Refer
to Section 4.7.1 for switching between the two modes.
2-5
OPERATION
2.4.1 Survey Mode
After the monitor is turned on, it runs through the start up menu.
Then the message “Ready...” is displayed (see figure below).
Ready…
At this point, the user has two options:
1. Step through the Main Menu.
2. Take a measurement.
Press the [MODE] button to step through the Main Menu. Press
the [Y/+] button to proceed to take a measurement.
2-6
OPERATION
The Main Menu
Press the [MODE] button to enter the Main Menu. Press the
[Y/+], [MODE] or [N/-] as indicated in the flow chart below to
step through the Main Menu. The PID sensor and pump are
turned off during this time.
The Main Menu functions are:
• Ready…
• Check
• Site ID = xxxx
• Gas = xxxx
• Warm up
• X.x ppm
• Stop?
• TWA/Avg x.x ppm
• STEL x.x ppm
• Peak x.x ppm
• Run time hh:mm
• Bat = X.XV
• Mm/dd/yy
• hh:mm
• T = xxxF [date, time and temperature (°C or °F)]
• Log On/Off?
• PC Comm?
• Survey
2-7
OPERATION
These functions are arranged in a “round robin” order. To select
a specific function, press the button as shown below until the
desired function appears.
Main Menu
2-8
OPERATION
The Main Menu Functions
•Ready…: Indicates that the monitor is ready to take a
measurement or to step through the Main Menu. Press the
[Y/+] button to advance to taking a measurement (read
“Taking a Measurement” on Page 2-12 for details).
Note: The Ready… screen is skipped if the menu is cycled
through while a measurement is running.
•Check…: This message displays while the system is
checking the lamp and the sensor. If the lamp test succeeds,
the system will progress to checking the sensor. If the lamp
test does not succeed, the display will read Can not turn on lamp, quit!
- Can not turn on lamp, quit!: This message displays
when the lamp does not turn on. The system will
automatically return to Ready… allowing the user to
test the lamp again. If the lamp fails a second time, turn
the monitor off and refer to Section 7.2 “PID Sensor & Lamp Cleaning / Replacement”.
- Clean Sensor, Quit?: This message displays when the
sensor requires cleaning. Press the [Y/+] button to turn
the monitor off and clean the sensor. Press the [N/-]
button and the system will progress to the Site ID = xx
•Site ID = xxxx: This display shows the Site ID and
indicates that the monitor is about to start taking
measurements (read “Taking a Measurement” for details)
Note: This display appears only after a measurement has
been started. It does not appear when the user is cyling
through the Main Menu and the monitor is idling.
•Gas = xxxx: This display identifies the gas to be measured
and indicates that the monitor is about to take a
measurement (read “Taking a Measurement” for details)
2-9
OPERATION
Note: This display appears only after a measurement has
been started. It does not appear when the user is cyling
through the Main Menu and the monitor is idling.
•x.x ppm: (read “Taking a Measurement” for details)
Note: This display appears only after a measurement has
been started. It does not appear when the user is cyling
through the Main Menu and the monitor is idling.
•TWA/Avg: Displays (in ppm) the Time Weighted Average
(TWA) or the Average since the start of the measurement.
The average is recalculated every minute.
• STEL: Displays the Short Term Exposure Limit.
• PEAK: Displays (in ppm) the highest instantaneous reading
since the start of the measurement. If [Y/+] is pressed while
the peak reading is displayed, the unit will ask Reset Peak? .
If [Y/+] is pressed again, the peak value will be cleared and
the display will return to the Ready… message or
instantaneous reading. The peak reading is automatically
reset when a new measurement is started by pressing [Y/+]
from the Ready… screen.
•Run time hh:mm: The duration of the current
measurement period.
•Bat = X.XV: The current battery voltage.
Note: A fully charged battery pack should show 4.8 volts or
higher. When the battery voltage falls below 4.4 volts, a
flashing “Bat” will appear as a warning message. At that
point, you have 20-30 minutes of run time remaining. When
the battery voltage falls below 4.2 volts the monitor turns
off automatically.
• Mm/dd/yy: The current date.
• hh:mm: The current time (24-hour format)
2-10
OPERATION
•T = xxxF: The internal unit temperature in degrees
Fahrenheit. (see Section 4.7.13 to change temperature units)
•Log on/Off?: Allows the user to start datalogging of the
current measurement. A superscript “L” flashes in the ppm
measurement display when datalogging is on. This screen is
not shown when datalogging is disabled or when the
monitor is not operating in manual start/stop mode.
•PC Comm?: This function enables the user to upload data
from the MiniRAE 2000 to a Personal Computer (PC) or
send/receive configuration information between a PC and
the MiniRAE 2000. Press [MODE] to return to Ready… .
To communicate with a PC, connect the monitor to the
serial port of a PC and start the MiniRAE 2000 application
software. Press the [Y/+] button and the LCD displays
“pause monitor, ok?” Press the [Y/+] button one more
time, and the display shows “Comm...” The monitor is
now ready to receive commands from the PC.
•Survey: This function displays the Current Operating Mode
(Survey or Hygiene).
Taking a Measurement
There are two ways to start a measurement.
1. Operating in Hygiene mode.
2. Manually start and stop measurement in Survey mode.
To start a measurement in Hygiene mode, please refer to
Section 4.7.1, “Change Operation Mode”. To start a
measurement in Survey Mode, the MiniRAE 2000 monitor
must first be in the “Ready…” mode. This is the mode to which
the monitor normally powers up.
2-11
OPERATION
Measurement phases
1. Ready
2. Start measurement
3. Measurement display and datalogging
4. Stop measurement
Ready
The display reads Ready… indicating the unit is ready to start a
measurement.
Start Measurement
Press the [Y/+] button to start the check cycle (see above), and
then the measurement cycle.
After completing the Check cycle, the display will show the
Site ID and then the Gas selected for measurement. The pump
will start and the reading will be displayed. The Peak and
Average values will be automatically reset to zero.
Measurement Display and Datalog
Instantaneous readings of the gas concentration in parts per
million (ppm) are updated every second. A flashing superscript
L is displayed when datalogging is on. Datalog information is
saved only after one full datalog period is completed.
2-12
OPERATION
Stop Measurement
Press the [MODE] button and the display shows Stop? Press
[N/-] to continue measurement and [Y/+] to stop the
measurement and datalog event. The pump stops automatically
when measurement is stopped. Peak and average values for the
current measurement can be read in idle mode until a new
measurement is started.
Automatic Increment of Site ID
Every time a measurement is taken, the site ID will be
incremented by one automatically in Survey mode.
Variable Alarm Signal
In Survey Mode, if the measurement exceeds the low alarm
limit, the buzzer and flashing alarm are activated and will
beep/flash once per second. The alarms will increase in
frequency as the gas concentration approaches the high alarm
limit reaching 8 times per second when the high alarm has been
exceeded.
Press [Y/+] key to clear if latching alarm.
2-13
OPERATION
2.4.2 Hygiene Mode
In Hygiene Mode, the unit will continuously taking
measurements, once the power is turned on. After the initial
start-up sequence displaying the current monitor settings, the
LCD displays the instantaneous readings.
The Hygiene operation menu displays include:
• Real time readings in ppm
• Current TWA/Avg, STEL and Peak values (see Section
4.6.6)
• Run time
• Current battery voltage
• Date, time and temperature
• Log on/off?
• Gas name
• PC communication?
• Hygiene
Detailed description of most of these displays are the same as
Section 2.4.1.
2-14
OPERATION
HYGIENE MODE MAIN MENU
Hygiene
MODE
PC Comm?
MODE
Gas =
XXXXXXXX
MODE
XX.X ppm
Y
Reset
Peak?
TWA 0.0
STEL 0.0
Y
Peak 0.0
MODE
MODE
MODE
MODE
Run time
Log On/Off?
MODE
11/18/98
11:20
MODE
00:00
MODE
Bat = 4.8V
T=70F
To choose a specific display, press the [MODE] key one or
more times until the desired display appears, or the [Y/+] key
where indicated with a Y.
Note: To get back to instantaneous reading from any of the
above display, press [MODE] key repeatedly until the “XX.X
ppm” display appears.
2-15
OPERATION
2.5 Alarm Signals
During each measurement period, the gas concentration is
compared with the programmed alarm limits (gas concentration
alarm limit settings: Low, High, TWA and STEL). If the
concentration exceeds any of the preset limits, the loud buzzer
and red flashing LED are activated immediately to warn the
user of the alarm condition.
In addition, the MiniRAE 2000 will alarm if one of the
following conditions occurs: battery voltage falls below a preset voltage level (4.4 V), failure of UV lamp, pump stall, or
when the datalog memory is full. When the low battery alarm
occurs, there will be approximately 20-30 minutes of operating
time remaining. When the battery voltage falls below 4.2 V, the
monitor will turn off automatically.
2-16
OPERATION
Alarm Signal Summary:
Condition Alarm Signal
Gas exceeds “High Alarm”
limit
Gas exceeds “Low Alarm”
limit
Gas exceeds “TWA” limit 1 Beeps/flashes per seconds
Gas exceeds “STEL” limit 1 Beeps/flashes per seconds
Pump failure 3 beeps/flashes per second plus
PID lamp failure 3 beeps/flashes per second plus
Low battery 1 flash per second, 1 beep pe r minute
Memory full 1 flash per second plus “Mem”
3 beeps/flashes per second
2 beeps/flashes per second
“Pump” message on LCD
“Lamp” message on LCD
plus “Bat” message on LCD
message on LCD
Alarm Signal Testing:
Under normal non-alarm conditions, it is possible to test the
MiniRAE 2000 LED and buzzer in Special Diagnostic Mode
(see Section 8 for details).
2-17
OPERATION
2.6 Preset Alarm Limits and Calibration
The MiniRAE 2000 portable VOC monitor is factory calibrated
with standard calibration gas, and is programmed with default
alarm limits. There are 102 gas settings stored in the library.
Some examples of calibration and alarm limits are shown
below. Refer to Section 4 on programming procedures for
selecting a different gas, perform a calibration or set new alarm
limits.