Sewerin Rmld-is User Manual

RMLD-IS

Operating

Instructions

Measurable success by Sewerin equipment

Congratulations. You have chosen a quality instrument manufactured
by Hermann Sewerin GmbH.

Our equipment will provide you with the highest standards of perfor-

mance, safety and efciency. They correspond with the national and

international guidelines.

Please read and understand the following operating instructions before
using the equipment; they will help you to use the instrument quickly and
competently. If you have any queries we are available to offer advice
and assistance at any time.

Yours

Hermann Sewerin GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Straße 3
33334 Gütersloh, Germany

Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.sewerin.com
[e-mail]

SEWERIN SARL

17, rue Ampère - BP 211
67727 Hoerdt Cedex, France
Tél. : [phone]
Fax : [phone]

www.sewerin.fr
[e-mail]

SEWERIN IBERIA S.L.

Centro de Negocios Eisenhower

Avenida Sur del Aeropuerto
de Barajas 24, Ed. 5 Of. 2C
28042 Madrid, España
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.sewerin.es
[e-mail]

Sewerin Ltd

Hertfordshire
UK

Phone: [phone]

www.sewerin.co.uk
[e-mail]

Sewerin Sp.z o.o.

ul. Twórcza 79L/1
03-289 Warszawa, Polska
Tel.: [phone]
Faks: [phone]
Tel. kom. [phone]

www.sewerin.pl
[e-mail]

Operating Instructions

RMLD-IS

Remote Methane Leak Detector

01.10.2015 – 107216 – en

Contents Page

Overview ..................................................................................1

Warranty ...................................................................................4

Warning notices ......................................................................5

Section I (System description) ............................................... 6

1.1 Technical data for the RMLD-IS system .................................... 6

1.2 RMLD-IS system components ..................................................8

1.2.1 Controller ................................................................................8

1.2.2 Transceiver.............................................................................8

1.2.3 Carrying strap .........................................................................9

1.2.4 AC/DC adapter ....................................................................... 9

1.2.5 Carrying case ......................................................................... 9

1.2.6 Headphones ........................................................................... 9

1.3 Accessories ............................................................................. 10

1.3.1 Dual shoulder strap harness ................................................10

Section II (Battery charging) ................................................ 11

2.1 Rechargeable battery .............................................................. 11

2.2 AC/DC adapter ........................................................................ 13

2.3 Charging procedure ................................................................13

Section III (Operating the RMLD-IS) ....................................14

3.1 Switching on the RMLD-IS ......................................................16

3.2 Switching on the spotter laser .................................................17

3.3 Switching off the RMLD-IS ......................................................18

3.4 Using the menus .....................................................................18

3.5 Using DMD mode .................................................................... 20

3.6 Using the Pure Tone mode ......................................................21

3.7 Self-test and calibration ........................................................... 22

3.7.1 Calibration override .............................................................. 25

I

Contents Page

Section IV (Monitoring with the RMLD-IS) ..........................27

4.1 Monitoring with the RMLD-IS ..................................................27

4.2 Long range scanning ............................................................... 30

4.3 Dealing with false detections ................................................... 31

4.4 How does the RMLD-IS measure gas concentrations? ..........32

Section V (Maintenance and troubleshooting) ................... 36

5.1 Troubleshooting the device .....................................................36

5.2 Maintenance ............................................................................ 40

Appendix ................................................................................41

Glossary ..................................................................................41

Daily log of RMLD-IS self-test and calibration ......................... 43

II

Overview

The Methane Leak Detector (RMLD-IS™) uses state-of-the-art
technology to identify methane leaks from a considerable dis-

tance. The RMLD-IS the rst of a new generation of leak monitor­ing devices that signicantly improve the productivity and safety

of mobile monitoring activities.

Using the RMLD-IS, it is now possible to monitor areas that are
hard to reach or are not easy to access. The use of TDLAS (Tun­able Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy) laser technology
means that the RMLD-IS does not need to be located directly
in the gas plume. As the laser passes through a gas plume, the

methane absorbs a portion of the light, which is then detected by

the RMLD-IS. This technology makes it possible to detect leaks

along the line of sight without always having to walk the full length
of the gas pipe.

Fence

Gas pipe

Road (asphalt)

Figure 1-2

Leak

Kerb

Remote detection using laser technology, allows areas to be safely

monitored that may otherwise be difcult to reach, such as busy

roads, properties with guard dogs, fenced off areas, and other
hard to access places.

1

The device is designed to selectively detect methane only, and

will not give a false alarm should other hydrocarbon gases be
present. Gas concentration is calculated according to the amount
of infrared light absorbed by the gas. Because the gas is detected
along the line of sight of the laser, the concentration is given in

ppm•m (parts-per-million•meter). In other words, the RMLD-IS

measures the concentration of the gas cloud multiplied by its

width. Depending on the local meteorological conditions, a given

amount of gas escaping from the ground will produce a plume

that varies in size and uniformity of concentration levels. Gas

plumes are variable in nature and depend on the soil conditions,
temperature, wind, and leak rate.

The RMLD-IS consists of two main components that interact with
each other:

z Transceiver

z Controller

Figure 1-3: The RMLD-IS system consists of a laser transmitter/receiver

and a controller

2

The transceiver has two lasers. The infrared laser is invisible
and is continuously active when the device is switched on. The

visible green spotter laser must be activated by the operator by
pressing the trigger button.

The RMLD-IS can be operated in a wide variety of environmental

conditions, including cold and hot weather and light rain. Its rug­ged design will withstand normal eld use and operating condi­tions. Sensitivity and range are not negatively affected by normal
amounts of dust on the optics window.

The RMLD-IS includes integrated self-test and calibration func­tions that guarantee correct functioning of the device. The calibra-

tion cell built into the carrying case allows the operator to carry
out the self-test and calibration as part of a daily start up routine.
While in use, the RMLD-IS continuously monitors several param­eters to ensure that the instrument is functioning correctly. Should

any of these parameters exceed the specied operating limits,
an audible alarm will sound and a fault/warning error message

will be shown on the display.

The device is supplied with a training video. It is strongly recom­mend that all operators view the video in order to learn the basic

techniques required to carry out monitoring using the RMLD-IS.

3

Warranty

To ensure reliable operation and safety, it is essential to pay attention to

the following notes.
Hermann Sewerin GmbH is not liable for damage caused by failure to

comply with these notes. The guarantee and liability conditions of the sales

and delivery conditions of Hermann Sewerin GmbH are not extended by
the following notes.

z This product may only be taken operated after reading thoroughly the

accompanying operating instructions.

z This product may only be used for intended applications.

z This product is destined for industrial and commercial applications.

z Repairs may only be performed by the manufacturer or appropriately

trained staff.

z The manufacturer is not liable for damage resulting from arbitrary modi-

cations of the product.

z Only spare parts may be used which are approved by Hermann Sewerin

GmbH.

Technical changes within the scope of further development reserved.

4

Warning notices

z The visible green Spotter laser is a Class IIIa laser product. Do not look

into the beam or view directly using optical instruments.

z Do not attempt to repair this device. Please refer to Section V in this man-

ual if the device does not work correctly or indicates a fault or warning.

z Do not switch on or use the RMLD-IS indoors if there is any indication,

possibility or suspicion that an explosive level of gas may be present.

z Do not charge in a danger zone.

z Replacing components can have an effect on the intrinsic safety of the

device.

z To avoid sparks in dangerous environments, rechargeable batteries must

only be exchanged in areas known to be safe.

5

Section I (System description)

1.1 Technical data for the RMLD-IS system

Detection method: TDLAS (Tunable Diode Laser

Absorption Spectroscopy)

Measurement range: 0 to 99.999 ppm•m

Sensitivity: 5 ppm•m at a distance of 0 to 15 m

Min. 10 ppm•m at a distance of 15 to
30 m

Detection range: 30 m (nominal). Actual distances

may vary depending on the type of
background and other conditions.

Beam size: Conical beam, width 56 cm at 30 m

Alarm modes for
detection:

System fault

warning:

Self-test and

calibration:

Standards complied

with:

DMD (Digital Methane Detection)

z Audible signal, variable pitch accord-

ing to concentration when the alarm
activation threshold is exceeded.

z Alarm activation threshold adjustable

from 0 to 255 ppm•m.

Pure Tone

z Continuous audible signal, variable

pitch according to concentration.

Audible signal and symbol on display

Integrated self-test and calibration
function for checking correct operation
and adjusting laser wavelength for best
sensitivity. Gas test cell integrated into
carrying case

EMC (EN 61000-6-2, EN 6100-6-4)
(pending)

6

Laser safety (eye
protection):

CDRH, ANSI and IEC

z IR detection laser

– Class I

z Green spotter laser

– Class IIIa: Do not look into the beam

or view directly using optical instru­ments.

Display: Large, easy to read display with

backlight (0.75", numeric)

Operating

-17 °C to 50 °C

temperature:

Humidity: 5 to 95% (non-condensing)

Housing: IP54 (protected against water spray

and dust)

Weight of device: 4 kg (transceiver 1.3 kg, controller 2.7 kg)

Carrying case: 6.4 kg; 86 cm x 24 cm x 36 cm

Power supply: Internal lithium-ion rechargeable

battery

Battery operating

life:

8 hours at 0 °C with backlight switched
off (internal battery)

AC/DC adapter: External adapter, 100 – 240 V~, 1.6 A,

50 – 60 Hz with charge indicator
(max. 8 hours for full charge)

Shoulder strap: Single shoulder strap with pad

Ergonomic dual shoulder strap harness

with belt (optional)

Intrinsic safety: Class 1 Division 1 Group D, T4

UL 913 MetLab listing #E112840

7

1.2 RMLD-IS system components

This section describes the features of the RMLD-IS. Please refer
to Figure 1-4 for illustrations of individual parts.

Figure 1-4: System components

1.2.1 Controller

The controller provides the user interface, menu selection keys,
and external connections including: RS-232 port, AC/DC adapter

port, external power supply port, headphone port, and power
switch.

1.2.2 Transceiver

The transceiver houses the infrared detection laser and the vis­ible green spotter laser, and has a trigger for the spotter laser.

The unit also has hooks for the carrying strap.

8

1.2.3 Carrying strap

The RMLD-IS comes complete with a single carrying strap, in­cluding shoulder pad. An optional dual shoulder strap harness

is also available.

1.2.4 AC/DC adapter

An AC/DC adapter is supplied with the device for recharging the

battery.

The AC/DC adapter is a universal adaptor operating at
110 – 240 V~, 1.6 A and 50 – 60 Hz.
2 LEDs on the front of the controller display the current battery

charge level.

1.2.5 Carrying case

The carrying case provides protection for the device during
transportation and storage. The device must always be stored
in this case when not in use. A gas calibration cell is integrated

into the case.

1.2.6 Headphones

Allow audible signals to be heard through headphones instead

of the external loudspeaker.

9

1.3 Accessories

1.3.1 Dual shoulder strap harness

The dual shoulder strap harness provides additional comfort and
support when carrying the device for extended periods. The inte-

grated lanyard is used to carry the weight of the transceiver and
provides additional stability and control over the unit during moni-

toring activities. SEWERIN recommends the use of this harness

by all personnel who operate this equipment for extended periods
of time in order to limit fatigue when holding the transceiver and
to improve monitoring technique.

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