Sewerin HS 680, HS 650, HS 610, HS 660 User Manual

EX-TEC® HS 680/660/650/610

03.06.2019 a – 105734 – en

Operating Instructions

EX-TEC® HS 680/660/650/610

Connector

Supporting bracket

Signal light

Buzzer

Gas input

USB port

Display Function keys

Jog dial

ON/OFF key
Connection for						Connector
power supply
Fig. 1: EX-TEC HS 680 device overview

	Bar display
Selected	0			0,1		CH4
		10	100		1,0	10	Measurement value
application

Capacity

AL4

Alarm

disposable battery/

Unit

VOL%

rechargeable battery

0.90CH4

Gas type

Current assignment of

function keys F1 – F3

Fig. 2: EX-TEC HS 680 display

Display symbols

General
Menu		Fault
OK		Carry out device inspection
Esc Cancel		Tab (jump to next input
		field)
Buzzer off	0	Set zero point
Take sample		Purge
Save		Stop measurement
Delete		Information
Capacity disposable bat-		Open stored comment
tery/rechargeable battery		Open stored inspector

Applications
Inspection above ground	Structure
Plants	Gas measuring
Measuring in bar holes	Warning %LEL
Ethane analysis	Warning ExTox

Information about this document

The warnings and notes in this document mean the following:

A DANGER!

Risk of personal injury. Will result in serious injury or death.

A WARNING!

Risk of personal injury. Can result in serious injury or death.

A CAUTION!

Risk of personal injury. Can result in injury or a risk to health.

Notice!

Risk of damage to property.

Note:

Tips and important information.

Numbered lists (numbers, letters) are used for:

●● Instructions that must be followed in a certain order Lists with bullet points (point, dash) are used for:

●● Lists

●● Instructions that only involve one step

Numbers between forward slashes /.../ refer to the referenced documents.

Contents	Page
1	General.....................................................................................	1
1.1	Warranty....................................................................................	1
1.2	Purpose.....................................................................................	2
1.3	Intended use..............................................................................	3
1.4	General safety information.........................................................	4
1.5	Allocation of tasks to applications..............................................	5
2	Features....................................................................................	6
2.1	Visual and audible signals.........................................................	7
2.2	Sensors......................................................................................	8
2.3	Explosion protection..................................................................	9
2.3.1	Passive explosion protection..................................................	9
2.3.2	Active explosion protection...................................................	10
3	Operation................................................................................	11
3.1	General information on operation............................................	11
3.1.1	Keys and jog dial..................................................................	11
3.1.2	Selecting/exiting menus and menu items.............................	12
3.1.3	Switching the device on........................................................	12
3.1.4	Selecting/changing the application.......................................	14
3.1.5	Differences between measuring mode and settings mode...	15
3.2	Measuring mode......................................................................	15
3.2.1	Accessing the menu (measuring mode menu structure)......	16
3.2.2	Zero point..............................................................................	17
3.2.3	Inspection above ground......................................................	18
3.2.4	Plants....................................................................................	19
3.2.5	Measuring in bar holes.........................................................	20
3.2.6	Ethane analysis ...................................................................	21
3.2.6.1	General information on ethane analysis............................	22
3.2.6.2	Purging the detector..........................................................	24
3.2.6.3	Carrying out an ethane analysis........................................	25
3.2.6.4	Evaluating an ethane analysis...........................................	26
3.2.7	Structure...............................................................................	29
3.2.8	Gas measuring.....................................................................	30
3.2.9	Warning %LEL .....................................................................	31
3.2.10	Warning ExTox......................................................................	32
3.2.11	Settings.................................................................................	33
3.2.12	Start/stop/save a measurement............................................	33
3.2.13	Protocols...............................................................................	35

I

Contents		Page
3.2.14	Device inspection..................................................................	36
3.2.15	Gas type CxHy......................................................................	36
3.2.16	Device information................................................................	37
3.3	Settings....................................................................................	37
3.3.1	Opening settings...................................................................	37
3.3.2	Settings menu structure........................................................	39
3.3.3	Adjustment............................................................................	40
3.3.4	System..................................................................................	42
3.3.5	Alarms...................................................................................	44
3.3.6	Date/time..............................................................................	44
3.3.7	Memory.................................................................................	44
4	Power supply.........................................................................	46
4.1	Suitable disposable/rechargeable battery types......................	46
4.2	Operation with rechargeable batteries.....................................	47
4.2.1	Charging...............................................................................	48
4.2.2	Rechargeable battery maintenance......................................	49
4.3	Battery alarm...........................................................................	49
4.4	Replacing disposable/rechargeable batteries..........................	50
5	Maintenance...........................................................................	51
5.1	Device inspection.....................................................................	51
5.1.1	General information on the device inspection.......................	51
5.1.1.1	Scope.................................................................................	51
5.1.1.2	Frequency..........................................................................	52
5.1.1.3	Documentation...................................................................	53
5.1.1.4	Integrated device inspection..............................................	53
5.1.1.5	Order..................................................................................	54
5.1.1.6	Test gases for the device inspection..................................	54
5.1.2	Performing the device inspection..........................................	56
5.1.2.1	Accessing the device inspection........................................	56
5.1.2.2	Concluding the device inspection......................................	57
5.1.3	Testing the general status.....................................................	58
5.1.3.1	Housing..............................................................................	58
5.1.3.2	Signals...............................................................................	59
5.1.3.3	Probe.................................................................................	59
5.1.3.4	Filter...................................................................................	59
5.1.3.5	Pump.................................................................................	59
5.1.4	Testing indication accuracy with supply of fresh air..............	60
5.1.5	Testing indication accuracy with supply of test gas..............	60

II

Contents		Page
5.2	Adjustment...............................................................................	62
5.2.1	Scope....................................................................................	62
5.2.2	Test gases for the adjustment...............................................	63
5.2.3	Special features of adjustment with gas mixture..................	64
5.2.4	Preparation...........................................................................	65
5.2.5	Performing the adjustment....................................................	65
5.2.5.1	Adjusting the zero point.....................................................	66
5.2.5.2	Adjusting the sensitivity.....................................................	66
5.2.6	Carrying out an oxygen adjustment......................................	68
5.2.6.1	Adjusting the zero point for oxygen...................................	68
5.2.6.2	Adjusting the sensitivity for oxygen....................................	69
5.3	Servicing..................................................................................	69
6	Faults......................................................................................	70
7	Appendix................................................................................	71
7.1	Specifications and permitted operating conditions..................	71
7.2	Alarms......................................................................................	72
7.2.1	Features................................................................................	72

7.2.2Occupational exposure limits (OEL) and excess factors

	(STEL and LTEL)..................................................................		75
7.2.3	Alarm thresholds (factory settings).......................................		75
7.2.4	Setting ranges for gas types.................................................		76
7.3	Limit values for the device inspection......................................		77
7.4	Memory capacity......................................................................		78
7.5	Sensors....................................................................................		79
7.5.1	Infrared sensors (IR).............................................................		79
7.5.1.1	Methane CH4, propane C3H8, butane C4H10 for
	Warning %LEL and Warning ExTox...................................		79
7.5.1.2	Methane CH4, propane C3H8 for gas measuring................		80
7.5.1.3	Carbon dioxide CO2	for warning ExTox.............................	80
7.5.1.4	Carbon dioxide CO2	for measuring in bar holes................	81
7.5.2	Electrochemical sensors (EC)..............................................		81
7.5.2.1	Oxygen O2 ........................................................................		81
7.5.2.2	Carbon monoxide CO........................................................		82
7.5.2.3	Hydrogen sulphide H2S......................................................		83
7.5.3	Gas-sensitive semiconductor................................................		83
7.6	Technical information...............................................................		84
7.6.1	Identification sticker (back of device)....................................		84
7.6.2	Cleaning................................................................................		84

III

Contents		Page
7.6.3	Electrostatic charge..............................................................	84
7.7	Accessories and consumables................................................	85
7.8	Declaration of conformity.........................................................	86
7.9	Inspection protocols.................................................................	87
7.9.1	Test with individual gases.....................................................	87
7.9.2	Test with gas mixture............................................................	89
7.10	Advice on disposal...................................................................	91
7.11	Terminology and abbreviations................................................	92
7.12	Referenced documents............................................................	93
8	Index.......................................................................................	94

IV

1 General

1 General

1.1Warranty

The following instructions must be complied with in order for any warranty to be applicable regarding functionality and safe operation of this equipment. This product must only be commissioned by qualified professionals who are familiar with the legal requirements (Germany: DVGW).

●●Read these operating instructions prior to operating the product. ●●Use the product only as intended.

●●Repairs and maintenance must only be carried out by specialist technicians or other suitably trained personnel. Only spare parts approved by Hermann Sewerin GmbH may be used when performing repairs.

●●Use only suitable battery types, otherwise the device will not be explosion-proof.

●●Changes or modifications to this product may only be carried out with the approval of Hermann Sewerin GmbH.

●●Use only Hermann Sewerin GmbH accessories for the product.

Hermann Sewerin GmbH shall not be liable for damages resulting from the non-observance of this information. The warranty conditions of the General Terms and Conditions (AGB) of Hermann Sewerin GmbH are not affected by this information.

In addition to the warnings and other information in these Operating Instructions, always observe the generally applicable safety and accident prevention regulations.

The manufacturer reserves the right to make technical changes.

1

1 General

1.2Purpose

The EX-TEC HS 680 and the models 660, 650 and 610 are handheld measuring devices which can be used for all gas pipeline testing applications.

The devices are designed for professional industrial use and require the necessary specialist knowledge for working in gas pipelines. Sample applications are described in /3/.

All devices are fitted with infrared sensors for measuring hydro-

carbons CXHY and carbon dioxide CO2 as standard. Models 680 and 660 also feature a gas-sensitive semiconductor.

Models 680 and 660 can be optionally fitted with a detector for ethane analysis to help you safely distinguish between natural gas and swamp gas.

All devices can also be individually fitted with electrochemical sensors.

The infrared sensors operate on the principle of absorption via infrared-active gases, and the electrochemical sensors operate on the electrochemical cell principle. The gas-sensitive semiconductor reacts to changes in conductivity brought about by reducible gases.

Note:

These operating instructions describe the EX-TEC HS 680 with all additional equipment (firmware version 2.XXX). All descriptions refer to the device as delivered (factory settings) and apply to all device versions. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes.

2

1 General

1.3Intended use

This device is intended for professional residential and commercial use including small firms and commercial operations. The appropriate specialist knowledge is required to operate the device.

The device may only be used to measure the following gases

(depending on the device model and additional equipment):

●●Methane CH4/propane C3H8/butane C4H10 ●●Carbon dioxide CO2

●●Oxygen O2

●●Hydrogen sulphide H2S ●●Carbon monoxide CO

The device must not be used for:

●●Gas analysis of technical processes ●●Monitoring liquids

The device can be used up to a temperature of 40 ºC. However, high temperatures reduce the lifetime of the sensors and rechargeable batteries.

If a device with an electrochemical sensor is exposed to gas concentrations above the measuring range limit, this can reduce the lifetime of the sensor.

3

1 General

1.4General safety information

●●The device has been tested to ensure that it is explosion-proof in accordance with European standards (CENELEC).

●●The device must only be switched on with fresh air.

●●Do not use this device in oxygen-enriched atmospheres, otherwise it will not be explosion-proof.

●●Only probe hoses with a hydrophobic filter may be used.

Exception:

If the probe has a built-in hydrophobic filter, the hose does not require any other filters.

●●The device must only be tested and adjusted with test gases in well ventilated rooms or in the open air. Test gases must be handled in a professional manner.

●●Always carry out a device inspection (see section 5.1) after the device has suffered an impact (for example, if dropped accidentally).

●●The device complies with the limits of the EMC directive. Always observetheinformationinthemanualsof(mobile)radioequipmentwhenusingthedevicecloseto(mobile)radioequipment.

Note:

Follow the advice regarding explosion protection (see section 2.3).

4

5

Location

Activity

Application

Gas lines, gas systems, …

●●Measuring the gas concentration

Gas measuring

–– Purging (to demonstrate purity or absence of gas,

e.g. when commissioning/decommissioning gas systems)

Buried gas lines

●●Measuring very low gas concentrations:

Inspection

–– Ground

above ground

–– Gas line

–– Possible leakage points

●●Distinguishing between natural gas and swamp gas

Ethane analysis

Gas lines, gas systems, …

●●Warning against explosive gas concentrations through work

Warning %LEL

in houses, enclosed spaces

area monitoring

and shafts

●●Warning against explosive and toxic gases through work area

Warning ExTox

monitoring

In the ground

●●Measuring the gas concentration to:

Measuring in

–– Determining gas dispersion (detection limit)

bar holes

–– Classify leaks

–– Locating a probable gas escape (repair point)

–– Preventing possible dangers

Poorly accessible gas pipes,

●●Measuring very low gas concentrations

Plants

systems

●●Locating the source of gas

●●Finding leaks

In the house

●●Measuring very low gas concentrations

Structure

●●Locating the source of gas

●●Finding leaks at internal connections

	5.1
which decide you help to designed is table The .)/3/ with accordance (in activity which for choose	applications to tasks of Allocation
to application		General 1

2 Features

2 Features

The device comes in four models:

EX-TEC HS 680

EX-TEC HS 660

EX-TEC HS 650

EX-TEC HS 610

The models are suitable for the following applications:

Application	HS 680	HS 660	HS 650	HS 610
Inspection above ground	×	×
Measuring in bar holes	×	×	×	×
O2	○	○	○	○
Plants	×	×
Structure	×	×
CO	○	○
Gas measuring	×	×	×	×
Warning %LEL	×		×
Warning ExTox	×		×
CO	○		○
H2S	○		○
O2	○		○
Ethane analysis	○	○
	×  standard		○  optional

6

2 Features

2.1Visual and audible signals

The device features two alarms:

●●Signal light on top of device (visual signal) ●●Buzzer on side of device (audible signal)

The signals indicate alarms and faults. The device also emits signals when it is switched on and off.

If this symbol appears on the display, the audible signal can be switched off.

When an audible signal has been switched off it cannot be switched back on while the concentration level remains above the alarm threshold.

This symbol appears at the top left of the display as soon astheaudiblesignalhasbeenswitchedoff.Itdisappears automatically if the level falls below the alarm threshold.

Operating signal

When using the Warning %LEL and Warning ExTox applications, the device emits a visual and audible signal at regular intervals. This indicates that the device is working properly.

Alarm

The device can monitor several gases at the same time. If the measured gas concentration of one or more gases exceeds specified limit values (alarm thresholds) the device gives a warning. It emits both audible and visual signals, which are clearly different from the operating signal.

A WARNING! Risk to life from dangerous gas concentrations

An alarm always indicates danger.

●●Take all necessary measures for your own safety and the safety of others immediately.

There is detailed information on alarms in section 7.2.

7

2 Features

2.2Sensors

The device features three types of sensor:

●●Gas-sensitive semiconductor (SC) ●●Infrared sensor (IR)

●●Electrochemical sensor (EC)

	Application	Gas	Measuring range			Sensors
	Inspection above	CH4	1 ppm – 10 % vol.			SC, IR
	ground
	Plants	CH4	1 ppm – 100 % vol.			SC, IR
	Measuring in bar	CH4	0.0		– 100 % vol.	IR
	holes
		CO2	0	–	30 % vol.	IR
		O2	0	–	25 % vol.	EC
	Ethane analysis	CH4	---			Gas chroma-
						tograph, SC
		C2H6
		C3H8
	Structure	CH4	1 ppm – 100 % vol.			SC, IR
		CO	0	–	500 ppm	EC
	Gas measuring	CH4	0.0		– 100 % vol.	IR
	Warning %LEL and	CH4	0	–	100% LEL	IR
	warning ExTox	CO	0	–	500 ppm	EC
		CO2	0	–	5 % vol.	IR
		O2	0	–	25 % vol.	EC
		H2S	0	–	100 ppm	EC

8

2 Features

2.3Explosion protection

2.3.1Passive explosion protection

The device is assigned to the following explosion-proof groups:

Explosion-proof	For the following	When
group	atmospheres	using
II2G Ex d e ib IIB T4 Gb	–– Methane CH4	Device
	–– Propane C3H8	without
	–– Butane C4H10	carrying
	–– Hydrogen sulphide H2S	bag TG8
	–– Carbon monoxide CO
II2G Ex d e ib IIC T4 Gb	–– Methane CH4	Device
	–– Propane C3H8	with
	–– Butane C4H10	carrying
	–– Hydrogen sulphide H2S	bag TG8
	–– Carbon monoxide CO
	–– Hydrogen H2

EC type-examination certificate: TÜV 07 ATEX 553353 X

A DANGER! Risk of explosion from sparks

●●Only ever open the battery compartment outside of explosive areas.

●●Only ever charge the device outside of explosive areas. ●●Only use the USB port outside of explosive areas.

●●Use only suitable battery types.

●●When working with hydrogen, always use the TG8 carrying bag for the device.

9

2 Features

2.3.2Active explosion protection

The functional safety test applies to:

Applications:	Warning %LEL
	Warning ExTox
Gas types:	Measuring range:
–– Methane CH4	0	– 100% LEL
–– Propane C3H8	0	– 100% LEL
Gases:	Measuring range:		As per:
–– Oxygen O2	0	– 25 % O2	/7/
–– Carbon dioxide CO2	0	– 5 % CO2	/5/
–– Carbon monoxide CO	0	– 500 ppm CO	/5/
–– Hydrogen sulphide H2S	0	– 100 ppm	/5/
Tested accessories:	–– Test set SPE VOL
	–– Flexible hand probe, 1 m
	–– Floating probe 2 m / 6 m
Type examination
Testing institute:	DEKRA EXAM GmbH
Certificates:	PFG 08 G 002 X
	BVS 09 ATEX G 001 X

The following points were not part of the type examination: ●●Saving measurement data (see section 3.2.12)

●●Saving protocols from the integrated device inspection (see section 5.1.1.4)

●●Disposable alkaline batteries for the power supply (see section 4.1)

10

3 Operation

3 Operation

3.1General information on operation

3.1.1Keys and jog dial

The ON/OFF key is the only control on the device that does not change its function.

When switched on, the device is operated using the jog dial and function keys to navigate the display.

Control	Action	Function
ON/OFF key	Press	●●Switches the device on
		●●Switches the device off
Function keys	Press	●●Variable
F1, F2, F3		●●As indicated on the display at
		the bottom of the screen
		●●Function keys may also have
		no function assigned in some
		cases
Jog dial	Turn	●●Selects functions, settings,
		measurement data, etc.
		●●Modifies values
	Press	●●Opens the next program lev-
		el (for example, menu item,
		function, measurement data,
		selectable values)
		●●Accepts values

11

3 Operation

3.1.2Selecting/exiting menus and menu items

Functions, applications and settings etc. are selected via the main menu (for short: Menu). This menu has submenus and menu items. Refer to section 3.2.1 for information on accessing the menu.

Selecting submenus/menu items

Submenus and menu items are selected and opened using the jog dial and/or the function keys.

In measuring mode the name of the selected application is indicated by the symbol at the top left of the display. You can find detailed information on selecting and switching applications in section 3.1.4.

Exiting menus/menu items

There are generally two ways to exit open menus/menu items and return to the next level up:

●●Press Esc

●●Select Back from the menu

3.1.3Switching the device on

Note:

Always switch the device on with fresh air.

1.Press the ON/OFF key. The device switches on. The switching on process involves an internal check.

Process	Test purpose
Buzzer emits audible	Is the audible signal working?
signal.
Signal light gives visual	Is the visual signal working?
signal.
Display is inverted.	Are there pixels missing from the
	display?

12

3 Operation

The start screen appears on the display.

EX-TEC® HS 680

Frank Smith

City Council

Leakage Delivery

V2.000 17.09.2018 13:02

Fig. 3: Start screen

Display:

––Device type: EX-TEC HS 680

––User: Frank Smith City Council

Leakage Delivery

––Firmware version: V2.000

––Date and time

––Capacity disposable battery/ rechargeable battery

The splash screen for the application set under Autostart appears (see section 3.3.4).

CH4

Inspection above ground

0 PPM ...10		VOL%
AL 4	3	PPM

Fig. 4: Splash screen for Inspection above ground application

Display:

––Gas type: CH4

––Application as symbol (top left) and text: Inspection above ground

––Measuring range: 0 ppm ... 10 % vol.

––Alarm threshold: AL4, 3 ppm

––Symbol for next application that can be selected via function key F3: Measuring in bar holes

The device switches to measuring mode. The device warms up. The reading flashes.

While the device is warming up, the prompt Add fresh air! is displayed as a reminder.

2.Make sure the device is actually drawing in fresh air. Change its location if necessary.

3.Wait until the reading stops flashing.

The device is ready for use.

13

3 Operation

						Display:
0	10	100	0,1	1,0	10	–– Current reading: zero when
						device is switched on with fresh
						air
					PPM
				0CH4
Fig. 5:		Inspection above ground measuring mode

A WARNING! Risk to life from using miscalibrated or faulty devices

Gas warning devices must be regularly checked before use.

●●Carry out a device inspection each day before starting work.

3.1.4Selecting/changing the application

A WARNING! Risk to life from using miscalibrated or faulty devices

If the device is used as a gas warning instrument (Warning %LEL and Warning ExTox applications), it must be regularly checked before use.

●●Carry out a device inspection each day before starting work.

Note:

You may only switch applications when the device is drawing in fresh air.

The current application is indicated by the symbol at the top left of the display. The symbol at the bottom right shows the next application that can be selected via function key F3. You can specify

14

3 Operation

whichapplicationisactivatedfirstwhenthedeviceisswitchedon in the Settings under System (see section 3.3.4).

●●Press Menu. Select the menu item for the application you want to use.

OR

a)Press function key F3. The device switches to the next application.

b)Repeat until the symbol for the application you want to use appears at the top left.

3.1.5Differences between measuring mode and settings mode

The device is operated in two modes: ●●Measuring mode (see section 3.2)

Measurements are taken in measuring mode. All functions needed to take readings can be accessed from one menu.

●●Settings (see section 3.3)

The device settings can be changed in settings mode. Information about the device can also be retrieved. Measurements cannot be taken in settings mode.

Settings are accessed via the menu in measuring mode. The settings are access-protected by a PIN code.

A WARNING!

Risk to life due to absence of alarm

The device only issues alarms in measuring mode. As soon you open the menu, alarms are no longer triggered. ●●Only adjust settings in areas where there is no risk of explosion and where there is no toxic or low-oxygen

atmosphere.

3.2Measuring mode

When switched on the device is in measuring mode. In measuring mode, the current readings are always displayed (fig. 5).

15

3 Operation

Depending on the application, the measurement will have to be saved or started and then stopped (see section 3.2.12).

A WARNING!

Risk to life from operating signal failure

When the device is used as a gas warning device (Warning %LEL and Warning ExTox applications), an operating signal must always sound in measuring mode. If the operating signal does not sound, the device is not safe to operate.

●●Stop using the device immediately.

●●Leave explosive areas or areas with a toxic or low-ox- ygen atmosphere immediately.

3.2.1Accessing the menu (measuring mode menu structure)

In measuring mode F1 can be used to access the Menu.

Zero point

Inspection above ground

Plants

Measuring in bar holes

Ethane analysis

Structure

Gas measuring

Warning %LEL

Warning ExTox

Settings

Start measurement

Protocol

Purge

Device inspection

Gas type CxHy

Device information

Exit

Fig. 6: Menu with submenus (menu items)

16

3 Operation

Once you have started a measurement Start measurement in the menu becomes Stop measurement. In some applications this menu item is called Save measurement.

Youcanfinddetailedinformationonstarting,stoppingandsaving measurements in section 3.2.12.

Protocol does not appear in the menu until you save a protocol for the first time.

Purging only appears in the menu in the ethane analysis application.

Gas type CxHy only appears in the menu if the device is equipped for at least one further gas type apart from methane CH4.

3.2.2Zero point

The zero point can be manually set under Zero point in the menu. This is only necessary if the displayed fresh air measurement is not zero after the end of the warm-up period.

Gas	Content in fresh air	Correct zero point on device
CH4	0 % vol.	0.0 % vol.
CO	0 ppm	0 ppm
CO2	0.04 % vol.	0.04 % vol.
O2	20.9 % vol.	20.9 % vol.

The manual zero point setting is not saved. The zero point can be corrected by adjustment as often as zero point deviations occur (see section 5.2).

Requirements for correct setting of the zero point

●●Device has been switched on with fresh air. ●●Device continues to draw in fresh air.

Setting zero point (manual zero point setting)

1.Press Menu.

2.Select Zero point menu item. The values are automatically adjusted. The device returns to measuring mode.

17

3 Operation

The Setting zero point function can also be accessed using the relevant symbol in the Inspection above ground, Plants and

Structure applications.

3.2.3Inspection above ground

The measuring mode can be changed for the Inspection above ground application via this menu item.

Area of use

––Measuring minimal gas concentrations above the ground, the gas pipe or possible leakage points

Symbol

Unit

––ppm (parts per million)

––% vol.

Measuring range

Gas-sensitive semiconductor	0 to 10,000 ppm
Infrared sensor	1 to 10 % vol.

Measurement data display

						–– Digit, for example,
0	10	100	0,1	1,0	10	0.90 % vol. CH4
						–– Bar graph with quasi-loga-
	0.90CH4					rithmic scale
					AL4
					VOL%
Fig. 7:		Inspection above ground measuring mode

18

3 Operation

3.2.4Plants

The measuring mode can be changed for the Plants application via this menu item.

Area of use

––Measuring minimal gas concentrations in freely accessible gas pipes and systems (e.g. gas pipes on bridges, aboveground inverted siphons, biogas plants)

––Locating the source of gas

––Finding leaks

Symbol

Unit

––ppm (parts per million)

––% vol.

Measuring range

Gas-sensitive semiconductor	0 to 10,000 ppm
Infrared sensor	0.1 to 100 % vol.

Measurement data display

							–– Digit, for example,
0	10	100	0,1	1,0	10	100	8 ppm CH4
							–– Bar graph with quasi-loga-
							rithmic scale
						PPM
				8CH4
Fig. 8:		Plants measuring mode

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3 Operation

3.2.5Measuring in bar holes

The measuring mode can be changed for the Measuring in bar holes application via this menu item.

Area of use

––Measuring gas dispersal in the ground

––Locating the possible leakage point and classifying the leak

Symbol

Unit

–– % vol.

Measuring range

Infrared sensor	0.0 to 100 % vol.
(hydrocarbons CXHY)
Infrared sensor	0.0 to 30 % vol.
(carbon dioxide CO2)
Electrochemical sensor	0.0 to 25.0 % vol.
(oxygen O2)
Measurement data display

0

1,0

10

100

0VOL% CO2

20.9 VOL% O2

0.60VOL%

CH4

––Digit, for example, 0 % vol. CO2

20.9% vol. O2

0.60% vol. CH4

––Bar display with quasi-logarith- mic scale (for CH4)

Fig. 9: Measuring in bar holes measuring mode

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3 Operation

3.2.6Ethane analysis

Selecting Ethane analysis from the menu opens an overview of the gases that can be detected. The device automatically returns to measuring mode.

Note:

The ethane analysis cannot be started with the Ethane analysis menu item.

Information about carrying out the ethane analysis can be found in section 3.2.6.3.

Area of use

–– Distinguishing between natural gas and swamp gas

Symbol

Unit

–– ppm (parts per million)

–– % vol.

Measuring range

Infrared sensor	0.0 to 100 % vol.
(hydrocarbons CXHY)
Infrared sensor	0 to 30 % vol.
(carbon dioxide CO2)
Electrochemical sensor	0.0 to 25.0 % vol.
(oxygen O2)
Gas chromatograph /	1 ppm to 1.2 % vol.
gas-sensitive semiconductor

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3 Operation

Measurement data display
							–– Digit, for example,
0	10	100	0,1	1,0	10	100	0 % vol. CO2
				20.9 VOL% O2			20.9 % vol. O2
				0VOL% CO2
		9.0CxHy					9.0 % vol. CxHY
							–– Bar display with quasi-logarith-
						VOL%
							mic scale (for CxHy)
Fig. 10: Ethane analysis measuring mode

3.2.6.1General information on ethane analysis

Ethane analysis is used to demonstrate the presence of natural gas and to distinguish between natural gas and swamp gas. This analysis utilises the fact that natural gas contains ethane, but swamp gas does not. Thus, if ethane is detected, it can be concluded that natural gas is present.

Note:

Ask the network operator about the composition of natural gas.

Request an analysis certificate.

Ethane can definitely be detected in natural gas at a minimum concentration of 1 % vol. If the concentration of ethane in natural gas is less than 0.5 % vol., the gas cannot be detected. If the concentration falls between these two values, the analysis can be carried out, but the result must be assessed subsequently.

During the ethane analysis, the gas sample is always analysed for the presence of the following three gases:

●●Methane CH4 ●●Ethane C2H6 ●●Propane C3H8

Requirement

The ethane analysis only works if the gas sample exhibits a specific concentration.

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