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Biosystems PhD Ultra Reference Manual

Summary of PhD Ultra

  • Page 1

    1 reference manual phd ultra multi gas detector 651 south main street middletown, ct 06457 usa 860 344-1079, 800 711-6776 fax 860 344-1068 http://www.Biosystems.Com version 2.60 28jan2008 part number 13-037.

  • Page 2

    2 the phd ultra personal portable gas detector has been designed for the detection of oxygen deficiencies, flammable gas, and toxic vapor accumulations. In order to assure that the user is properly warned of potentially dangerous atmospheric conditions, it is essential that the instructions in this ...

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    3 table of contents introduction 7 signal words 7 warnings 8 chapter 1 phd ultra description 9 1.1 p h d u ltra capabilities 9 1.2 m ethods of sampling 9 1.3 m ulti - sensor capability 9 1.4 c alibration 9 1.5 i nstrument identifiers 10 1.6 a larm logic 10 1.6.1 atmospheric hazard alarms 10 1.6.2 se...

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    4 2.2.1 text only mode 16 2.2.2 basic mode 17 2.2.3 technician mode 17 2.2.3.1 peak readings 17 2.2.3.2 stel readings 17 2.2.3.3 twa readings 18 2.2.3.4 runtime screen 18 2.2.4 changing operating modes 18 2.3 b atteries 18 2.3.1 nicad battery pack 19 2.3.2 disposable alkaline battery pack 19 2.3.3 l...

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    5 3.5.2 span calibration using keypad buttons 31 chapter 4 phd ultra advanced functions 33 4.1 p h d u ltra advanced features overview 33 4.2 s etting alarm levels 33 4.2.1 alarm adjustment sequence 33 4.2.2 viewing current or restoring the factory default alarm settings 34 4.2.2.1 viewing current a...

  • Page 6

    6 5.2.2.2 problem: unit will not turn off 47 5.2.2.3 problem: sensor readings unstable in a known fresh air environment 48 5.2.2.4 problem: "x" appears in place of reading for sensor 48 5.2.2.5 problem: display is blank 48 5.2.2.6 problem: no audible alarm 48 5.2.2.7 problem: keypad buttons (+,-, ca...

  • Page 7

    7 introduction the phd ultra is a personal, portable, microprocessor controlled gas detector that can monitor up to four atmospheric hazards simultaneously. The phd ultra measures oxygen, combustible gas, and up to two additional toxic gases. The phd ultra uses a top-mounted, back-lit, "supertwist" ...

  • Page 8

    8 warnings 1. The phd ultra personal, portable gas detector has been designed for the detection of dangerous atmospheric conditions. An alarm condition indicates the presence of a potentially life-threatening hazard and should be taken very seriously. 2. In the event of an alarm condition it is impo...

  • Page 9

    9 chapter 1 phd ultra description 1.1 phd ultra capabilities the phd ultra gas detector can be configured to meet a wide variety of requirements. This chapter provides an overview of many of the features of the phd ultra. More detailed descriptions of the features of the phd ultra are contained in t...

  • Page 10

    10 use of these procedures is reserved for authorized personnel. 1.5 instrument identifiers the phd ultra includes two built-in instrument identifiers: the instrument id and serial numbers. The instrument serial number is assigned at the factory and is shown on the label on the back of the instrumen...

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    11 1.6.3.1 low battery alarm settings for nicad battery packs the phd ultra includes low battery alarms that are activated whenever battery voltage approaches a level that will soon lead to instrument shut down. When the battery voltage in nicad-equipped instruments is reduced to approximately 3.3 v...

  • Page 12

    12 1.6.4.5 down-scale or negative reading alarms significantly negative or “down-scale” readings cause the activation of phd ultra audible and visual alarms. Downscale alarm settings are assigned at the factory on a sensor-specific basis. For most toxic sensors the downscale alarm is set to negative...

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    13 pack is momentarily removed or replaced with another it will be necessary to manually turn the phd ultra off if the instrument is not going to be put to immediate use. 1.9.2.1 nicad battery pack the rechargeable nicad battery pack is designed to provide up to 12 hours of continuous use. The nicad...

  • Page 14

    14 (3) lcd display: a "supertwist" liquid crystal display (lcd) meter allows display of readings, messages, and other information. (4) alarm lights: four led (light emitting diode) alarm lights provide a visual indication of alarm state. Each light is dedicated to a single channel of detection, and ...

  • Page 15

    15 chapter 2 basic operation 2.1 operation overview 2.1.1 turning the phd ultra on the large black push-button on the top of the phd ultra case is called the "mode" button. It is used to turn the phd ultra on and off, and to control most other operations of the instrument. Push the mode button once ...

  • Page 16

    16 if the instrument is operated in the “text only” mode an “ok” message will be displayed as long as an alarm set point has not been exceeded. If the readings exceed a pre-set alarm level, the message changes from “ok” to a numerical reading, the led alarm light flashes, and the audible alarm sound...

  • Page 17

    17 led alarm lights will flash and the audible alarm will sound during an alarm condition. Phd ultra alarms are normally self-resetting. When readings drop back below the pre-set alarm levels, the screen returns to the "ok" indication, and visual and audible alarms cease. In text only mode, press th...

  • Page 18

    18 average concentration for the most recently completed 15 minutes of operation. Note: for the first 15 minutes after the phd ultra is initially turned on the stel reading is a projected value. The phd ultra will begin projecting a stel value after the first 30 seconds of operation. For the first 3...

  • Page 19

    19 2.3.1 nicad battery pack when the phd ultra is operated in the diffusion mode, the rechargeable nicad battery pack will provide up to 12 hours of continuous use. The nicad pack is a sealed assembly that may not be disassembled in the field. The nicad battery may be recharged while the pack is ins...

  • Page 20

    20 consists of two components a slip-in cradle and a 110 vac “wall cube” type power source. European and australian chargers may use a different wall cube. Nicad battery packs may be recharged while they are installed in the phd ultra detector, or they may be removed from the instrument for separate...

  • Page 21

    21 (4) repeat procedure as necessary. Over a period of three or four days of cycling it is frequently possible to restore a significant portion of lost performance. If cycling fails to improve performance, the battery pack will probably need to be replaced. 2.4 methods of sampling the phd ultra may ...

  • Page 22

    22 caution: never perform remote sampling with the phd ultra without the sample probe assembly. The sample probe handle contains replaceable filters designed to block moisture and remove particulate contaminants. If the pump is operated without the probe assembly in place, contaminants may cause dam...

  • Page 23

    23 2.4.2.2 protective “low flow” shut-downs if a protective pump shut-down occurs, the following steps should be taken before the instrument is put back into use: (1) turn off the phd ultra detector and disconnect the sample draw pump. (2) remove the sample draw assembly from the area being monitore...

  • Page 24

    24 new tube, inserting the new tube into the probe handle, and finally replacing and re-tightening the hex-nut. Note: the sample probe must be checked for leakage (as discussed in section 2.4.1.) whenever filters or probe tubes are exchanged or replaced before it is returned to service. 2.5 biosyste...

  • Page 25

    25 chapter 3 calibration the phd ultra multi-gas detector has been designed for easy calibration. A single control, the on/off mode button, is used to initiate the automatic calibration sequence and to automatically make calibration adjustments. It is also possible to manually calibrate the instrume...

  • Page 26

    26 using biosystems brand calibration gas and regularly verifying accuracy ensures that proper sensitivity is maintained for the life of the sensor. 3.1.1.2.1 effects of high concentrations of combustible gas on the combustible sensor the accuracy of combustible sensors may also be affected by expos...

  • Page 27

    27 space entry (29 cfr 1910.146) explicitly requires the use of direct reading, substance specific sensors whenever a particular toxic hazard is known to be likely to be present. If hydrogen sulfide is known to be potentially present, one of the toxic sensors selected should be specifically for the ...

  • Page 28

    28 since fresh air contains 20.9 percent oxygen, the fresh air “zero” calibration is the only calibration needed for the oxygen sensor in the phd ultra. Toxic and combustible gas sensors must also undergo span calibration to ensure accuracy. If the phd ultra cannot be taken to an area where the air ...

  • Page 29

    29 (4) press the mode button three times within two seconds. This will "wake up" the instrument from normal operation, and put it into the “auto- calibration” mode. A screen will briefly display the message “one button auto-calibration”. This screen will be followed by the "zero calibration adjustme...

  • Page 30

    30 figure 3.4.2. Phd ultra calibration setup the regulator will automatically begin to flow calibration gas as soon as it is screwed into the cylinder of gas. Be sure to use a 1.0 liter/minute regulator with the phd ultra. (3) when the instrument detects that calibration gas has reached the sensors,...

  • Page 31

    31 wait at least 3 minutes after turning the instrument on to allow sensor readings to stabilize fully before initiating any calibration procedures. Failure to wait three minutes before initiating calibration procedures may lead to inaccurate and potentially dangerous readings. If a sensor has just ...

  • Page 32

    32 note: make sure to use the calibration / sample draw adapter supplied with the hand aspirated sample draw assembly. Do not use the battery operated sample draw pump for this purpose. (9) a biosystems standard fixed flow regulator will automatically begin flowing gas at the correct flow rate as so...

  • Page 33

    33 chapter 4 phd ultra advanced functions 4.1 phd ultra advanced features overview phd ultra microprocessor circuitry makes a number of advanced features and capabilities possible. The four buttons located on the instrument keypad may be used to change alarm set-points, to change the kind or concent...

  • Page 34

    34 4.2.2 viewing current or restoring the factory default alarm settings phd ultra alarm settings are set very conservatively at the factory. (see appendix b.) factory default settings may be restored at any time while the instrument is being operated in either basic or technician operating mode by ...

  • Page 35

    35 alarm latch security beep, toxic sensor decimal point, calibration gas settings user id number. Each of these options is described in greater detail below. To enter instrument setup mode: (1) make sure the instrument is turned off. (2) slide the belt clip towards the rear of the instrument to exp...

  • Page 36

    36 phd ultra alarms are normally self-resetting, which means that the alarms cease as soon as reading drops below the alarm set point. Phd ultra alarms can be configured so that they "latch”. In the latched condition, once an alarm occurs both visual and audible alarms continue to sound even after t...

  • Page 37

    37 to scroll through the setup options until you reach the combustible sensor screen. (2) press the “+” or “-“ keys to change the combustible from reading in lel to reading in ch4. (3) press and hold the “cal” key to save changes. Note: once the combustible sensor reading has been changed to %ch4, i...

  • Page 38

    38 chosen in the calibration gas setting option, the instrument will display h 2 s+ and hydrogen sulfide must be used to verify accuracy. Use of the incorrect calibration gas may lead to inaccurate and potentially dangerous readings. If the instrument recognizes a “co plus” sensor, the display will ...

  • Page 39

    39 this screen will be followed by a screen showing the first instrument setup choices. Note: pressing the mode button at any time cancels the instrument setup mode. The instrument will display a screen indicating setup “unchanged”. This screen will be followed by another announcing “begin shut down...

  • Page 40

    40 “manual” phd ultra setup and download procedures. Consult the datalink reference manual for complete instructions in the use of datalink software. 4.5.3 adjusting record keeping parameters it is possible to customize the way the phd ultra records data in a number of different ways. Options includ...

  • Page 41

    41 to quit and save the new settings press and hold the “cal” button. Release the “cal” button when the instrument instructs you to release it. The screen will then show that the datalogger adjustments have been saved. Pressing the mode button at any point in the procedure will return the settings t...

  • Page 42

    42 4.5.3.6 exiting the datalogging adjust mode when the phd ultra is properly configured, press and hold the cal button to save the changes. You will be instructed to release the cal button. A screen will briefly announce that changes have been made and the configuration updated. The phd ultra will ...

  • Page 43

    43 will not be retained in the location or user list for future use. This id feature is available for use while the instrument is operated in any of the normal operating modes (text only, basic, or technician). Note: datalink software versions 1.35 and lower do not support all location / user id fea...

  • Page 44

    44 if a location has not been assigned, the screen will be blank other than showing “id=” or follow the directions above for the user name and enter the location name. Once the location has been entered, press the mode button to save the monitoring location and return to normal operation. Note: only...

  • Page 45

    45 to continue in the passcode setup option, enter the passcode. If this is the first time entering the passcode option or the passcode has been saved as “0 0 0 0”, press cal to move on to the next screen. Otherwise, enter the passcode by using the “+” and “-“ buttons to adjust the digit in each pla...

  • Page 46

    46 chapter 5 trouble-shooting and repair repair procedures may only be performed by authorized personnel! 5.1 changing phd ultra sensors the phd ultra is designed to recognize the “smart sensors” that are currently installed. Once a sensor is recognized, the instrument automatically sets itself up w...

  • Page 47

    47 reading “too low” or “too high” for one-button auto-calibration fresh air adjustment. Once the new sensor has been fresh-air calibrated using the “manual” calibration procedure, it will then be possible to do subsequent fresh air and span calibrations by using the mode button and one- button auto...

  • Page 48

    48 using the procedures discussed in section 5.2.1. If the instrument still fails to turn on, return to factory for repair. 5.2.2.3 problem: sensor readings unstable in a known fresh air environment possible causes: loose connection, bad sensor, improper calibration, calibration gas has expired. Sol...

  • Page 49

    49 (2) remove the battery pack. (3) remove the sensor grill cover by removing the three screws on the front of the instrument to access the sensor compartment. (4) gently pull all of the sensors out of their sockets. (5) remove the 6 screws holding the instrument case together as shown in figure 5.3...

  • Page 50

    50 lcd display indicates that the pump is attached and in normal operation.) the sample draw pump includes a unique pressure sensor designed to protect the phd ultra from exposure to water or other liquids. If there is a change in pressure in the sample draw assembly due to fluid intake, the pump im...

  • Page 51

    51 figure 5.4.3. Cutaway views of 54-05-a0101 motorized pump showing major component assemblies 5.4.2 specific problems with motorized pump 5.4.2.1 pump will not turn on possible causes: pump is not properly attached to the instrument. Instrument is not turned on. Instrument battery doesn’t have eno...

  • Page 52

    52 appendices appendix a toxic gas measurement - ceilings, twas and stels many toxic substances are commonly encountered in industry. The presence of toxic substances may be due to materials being stored or used, the work being performed, or may be generated by natural processes. Exposure to toxic s...

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    53 appendix b how to determine where to set your alarms 1. Oxygen alarms two oxygen alarm set points have been provided; one for low concentrations associated with oxygen deficiencies, and one for high concentrations associated with oxygen enrichment. Oxygen deficiency is the leading cause of worker...

  • Page 54

    54 shows the "relative response curves" of the instrument to several different gases. Calibration standard 100 80 60 40 20 20 40 60 80 100 calibration standard other gases other gases relative lel meter response actual lel concentration figure 2.2. Relative response curves note that the response to ...

  • Page 55

    55 responsive to ethanol than to methane, so the readings will be low. Multiplying the instrument reading by the correction factor for ethanol will produce the true concentration. Given that the correction factor for ethanol is 1.2, if the instrument reading is 40 percent lel, then the true concentr...

  • Page 56

    56 in the following table "na" indicates no value has been assigned by osha. Note: customers should be aware that osha permissible exposure limits may be subject to change. Recent court decisions have affected the enforcement of permissible exposure limits published or modified since the initial ena...

  • Page 57

    57 appendix d suggested calibration gases use of non-standard calibration gas and/or calibration kit components when calibrating the phd ultra can lead to inaccurate and potentially dangerous readings, and may void the standard biosystems warranty. Biosystems offers calibration kits and long lasting...

  • Page 58

    58 appendix e phd ultra toxic sensor cross sensitivity data 1 the table below lists the cross sensitivity of electrochemical toxic sensors used in biosystems portable gas detectors to gases other than their target gas. Depending on the nature of the reaction each gas has with the sensor, the effect ...

  • Page 59

    59 appendix f calibration frequency one of the most common questions that we are asked at biosystems is: “how often should i calibrate my gas detector?” sensor reliability and accuracy today’s sensors are designed to pro- vide years of reliable service. In fact, many sensors are designed so that wit...

  • Page 60

    60 appendix g biosystems standard warranty gas detection products general biosystems llc (hereafter biosystems) warrants gas detectors, sensors and accessories manufactured and sold by biosystems, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the periods listed in the tables below. Damage...