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.
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 MANUAL BE READ, FULLY UNDERSTOOD, AND FOLLOWED. AVERTISSEMENT: LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT LES INSTRUCTIONS AVANT DE METTRE EN MARCHE. PhD Ultra Operation Manual Version 2.
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION SIGNAL WORDS 7 7 WARNINGS 8 CHAPTER 1 PHD ULTRA DESCRIPTION 1.1 PHD ULTRA CAPABILITIES 1.2 METHODS OF SAMPLING 1.3 MULTI-SENSOR CAPABILITY 1.4 CALIBRATION 1.5 INSTRUMENT IDENTIFIERS 1.6 ALARM LOGIC 1.6.1 Atmospheric hazard alarms 1.6.2 Sensor overrange alarms 1.6.3 Low battery alarms 1.6.3.1 1.6.3.2 1.6.4 1.6.4.1 1.6.4.2 1.6.4.3 1.6.4.4 1.6.4.5 1.6.4.6 1.6.4.7 1.6.4.
2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.3.1 2.2.3.2 2.2.3.3 2.2.3.4 Text Only mode Basic mode Technician mode 16 17 17 PEAK READINGS STEL READINGS TWA READINGS RUNTIME SCREEN 17 17 18 18 2.2.4 Changing operating modes 2.3 BATTERIES 2.3.1 NiCad battery pack 2.3.2 Disposable alkaline battery pack 2.3.3 Low battery alarms 2.3.3.1 2.3.3.2 2.3.4 2.3.4.1 2.3.4.2 2.3.4.
3.5.2 Span calibration using keypad buttons CHAPTER 4 PHD ULTRA ADVANCED FUNCTIONS 4.1 PHD ULTRA ADVANCED FEATURES OVERVIEW 4.2 SETTING ALARM LEVELS 4.2.1 Alarm adjustment sequence 4.2.2 Viewing current or restoring the factory default alarm settings 4.2.2.1 4.2.2.2 VIEWING CURRENT ALARM SETTINGS VIEWING OR RESTORING FACTORY DEFAULT ALARM SETTINGS 4.3 INSTRUMENT SETUP 4.3.1 Configuration setup choices 4.3.2 Changing the precision of the toxic sensor read-out 4.3.
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 (+,-, CAL, ALARM) DON'T WORK 48 5.2.2.8 PROBLEM: CAN’T MAKE A “ONE BUTTON” AUTO ZERO ADJUSTMENT (LCD SHOWS “TOO HIGH” OR “TOO LOW” FOR ZERO ADJUST) 48 5.3 CHANGING THE PHD ULTRA MICROPROCESSOR PROM CHIP 5.
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" LCD (liquid crystal display) to simultaneously show readings of the gases being measured. A loud audible alarm and individual alarm lights for each gas being monitored warn users of hazards.
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 important to follow established procedures. The safest course of action is to immediately leave the affected area, and to return only after further testing determines that the area is once again safe for entry.
Chapter 1 PhD Ultra Description 1.1 In addition to sensors designed to measure specific toxic hazards, Biosystems also offers a dual purpose electrochemical sensor designed to detect both carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. The “CO Plus” sensor is ideal for situations requiring use of a single sensor to monitor for both toxic hazards. PhD Ultra capabilities The PhD Ultra gas detector can be configured to meet a wide variety of requirements.
Use of these procedures is reserved for authorized personnel. immediately leave the area may result in serious injury or death. 1.5 The combustible gas alarm is activated when the percent LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) gas concentration exceeds the pre-set alarm point. Instrument identifiers The PhD Ultra includes two built-in instrument identifiers: the Instrument ID and Serial Numbers.
1.6.3.1 Low battery alarm settings for NiCad battery packs taken seriously. The safest course of action is to immediately leave the affected area, and return only after further testing determines that the area is once again safe for entry. 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.
1.6.4.5 Down-scale or negative reading alarms 1.8 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 one-half of the TWA alarm currently installed. (As an example, if the TWA alarm is set at 15 PPM, readings of negative 7.5 PPM would activate this alarm.
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. order to protect the sensors, pump, and other PhD Ultra components from damage. Pump status is continuously monitored by the microprocessor. A flashing “P” in the upper left corner of the instrument display indicates when the pump is attached and operating properly.
(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 will emit a bright red light when a sensor alarm level is exceeded. One of the alarm light assemblies also includes a photo-sensor used to monitor the level of background illumination.
Chapter 2 Basic operation Note: If the date and time are incorrect, see section 4.5.3.3 for instructions. 2.1 Operation overview 2.1.1 Turning the PhD Ultra on The PhD Ultra automatically evaluates itself to determine its electronic fitness for use by performing an electronic self-test. 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.
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 sounds. 2.1.3 The “Needs Cal” warning message may be acknowledged (and silenced) by pressing the mode button. 2.1.4 Turning the PhD Ultra off Hold the mode button down for three seconds to turn the instrument off.
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 below the pre-set alarm levels, visual and audible alarms cease, and the instrument resumes normal operation. 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. 2.2.
Note: Shifting modes or otherwise reprogramming the instrument should only be done by employees who are authorized to do so. 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 30 seconds the STEL screen will show an "X" where the reading should be. 2.
2.3.1 NiCad battery pack voltage is too low to allow the safe operation of the instrument. 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 installed in the instrument, or the battery pack may be removed from the instrument and recharged separately in the PhD Ultra Fast Charger.
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. (4) Slip the PhD Ultra into the charger cradle and check to see that the “FAST” (fast charger) indicator LED on the charger cradle is lit. Note: The “FAST” indicator will initially light up and remain lit for the first 15 minutes of charging regardless of battery pack voltage.
(6) Insert the end of the sample probe into the location to be sampled. (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 (7) Squeeze the aspirator bulb one time for each foot of sample hose for the sample to reach the sensor compartment.
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 damage to the pump, sensors and internal components of the PhD Ultra. Figure 2.4.2.1.2.
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 monitored. Be careful to keep the sample draw probe in a vertical position. (3) Examine the sample draw probe and hose to make sure no fluids remain trapped. (4) Allow any trapped fluids to completely drain.
2.5.3 new tube, inserting the new tube into the probe handle, and finally replacing and re-tightening the hex-nut. Sensor replacement procedures are covered in detail in section 5.1. 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 2.5.4 Biosystems EEPROM equipped “Smart Sensors” 2.5.
Customers are strongly urged to use only Biosystems calibration materials when calibrating the PhD Ultra. 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. 3.1.1 The atmosphere in which the PhD Ultra monitor is being used can have an effect on the sensors.
Using Biosystems brand calibration gas and regularly verifying accuracy ensures that proper sensitivity is maintained for the life of the sensor. Avertissement: Toute lecture rapide et positive, suivie d'une baisse subite au erratique de la valeur, peut indiquer une concentration de gaz hors gamme de détection qui peut être dangereuse. 3.1.1.2.1 Effects of high concentrations of combustible gas on the combustible sensor 3.1.1.
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 detection of H2S, and calibrated directly to this hazard.
Always check the expiration date on calibration gas cylinder(s) prior to use. Expired calibration gas can lead to inaccurate and potentially dangerous readings. 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. Note: It is necessary to be in either the Basic or Technician operating mode to make calibration adjustments.
(4) Press the mode button three times within two seconds. This will "wake up" the instrument from normal operation, and put it into the “AutoCalibration” mode. A screen will briefly display the message “One button Auto-Calibration”. This screen will be followed by the "Zero Calibration Adjustment” screen. This screen also includes a timer that counts down the number of seconds left to initiate the adjustment.
Note: If multiple cylinders of calibration gas are used during calibration, it will be necessary to change cylinders between span adjustments. In this case the display will indicate the type and concentration of the next cylinder of calibration gas to be applied. When the instrument has detected that the proper gas has been applied the sensor will be adjusted. Figure 3.4.2.
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 been replaced, the stabilization period may be longer (see the chart in section 5.1). of only a single sensor is desired.
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 soon as it is fully screwed in. When the readings stabilize, use the "+" and "-" keys to raise or lower the readings to match the concentration printed on the calibration cylinder label.
Chapter 4 PhD Ultra Advanced Functions PhD Ultra default alarm setting are listed in Section 5 of Appendix B. 4.1 (1) Make sure the instrument is turned off. To enter the “Alarm Adjust” mode: PhD Ultra advanced features overview (2) Slide the belt clip towards the rear of the instrument to expose the four buttons on the instrument keypad. PhD Ultra microprocessor circuitry makes a number of advanced features and capabilities possible.
The STEL and TWA alarm set points for the toxic sensor currently installed in toxic sensor position 1: 4.2.2 Viewing current or restoring the factory default alarm settings The STEL and TWA alarm set points for the toxic sensor currently installed in toxic sensor position 2: PhD Ultra alarm settings are set very conservatively at the factory. (See Appendix B.
Alarm latch Security beep, Toxic sensor decimal point, Calibration gas settings User ID number. The display will briefly show screens indicating the instrument is loading “Unit Setup” data from the currently installed sensors. Each of these options is described in greater detail below. The screen will then display the first setup choice, which is the Tox1 Decimal point. To enter Instrument Setup mode: (1) Make sure the instrument is turned off.
and "-" keys to set the interval. (Setting the interval to “0” will turn the security beep off.) PhD Ultra alarms are normally self-resetting, which means that the alarms cease as soon as reading drops below the alarm set point. 4.3.7 To access the low temperature alarms settings, first enter the configuration set up choices menu as described in section 4.3.1. Then press and release the “CAL” button to advance to the “Low Temp Alarms” screen. PhD Ultra alarms can be configured so that they "latch”.
to scroll through the setup options until you reach the combustible sensor screen. If an LEL combustible gas sensor has been installed, the LEL sensor’s calibration gas concentrations will be the first shown. (2) Press the “+” or “-“ keys to change the combustible from reading in LEL to reading in CH4. This screen indicates the concentration and type of test gas that will be used to calibrate the instrument. In the example above the screen indicates that “50 % LEL span gas” will be used.
chosen in the calibration gas setting option, the instrument will display H2S+ 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 show the “CO Plus Calibration Gas” screen. The PhD Ultra will then turn itself off. Pressing mode button to cancel the changes and save the previous configuration.
This screen will be followed by a screen showing the first instrument setup choices. "sessions" when a one minute logging interval is specified. Using a longer datalogging interval increases the length of monitoring time for which data may be stored. For instance, if a datalogging interval of two minutes is selected 120 hours of monitoring data may be stored. Note: Pressing the mode button at any time cancels the Instrument Setup mode. The instrument will display a screen indicating setup “Unchanged”.
“manual” PhD Ultra setup and download procedures. Consult the Datalink Reference Manual for complete instructions in the use of Datalink software. 4.5.3 Adjustments to the datalogging interval do not effect the way in which TWA, STEL, Ceiling, and Peak exposure values are calculated. To modify the datalogger interval, first enter the datalogging adjust mode as described in section 4.5.3.1.
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 to their former levels. To proceed to other adjustments, press and release the “CAL” button at any time. the instrument instructs you to release it.
4.5.3.6 Exiting the Datalogging Adjust mode Press “+” to view the most recent monitoring session. Press “-“ to view the oldest monitoring session in the datalogger memory. After a few seconds, the PhD Ultra will automatically show the most recent monitoring session. 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.
will not be retained in the location or user list for future use. The "+" and "−" keys are used to scroll through the list. Up to 15 locations may be stored at any time. 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 features. Contact Biosystems to obtain updated software.
If a location has not been assigned, the screen will be blank other than showing “ID=” Service due dates may be reviewed either via Datalink software or by using buttons on the instrument keypad to display the dates directly on the instrument LCD. or Note: It is not possible to assign a new service due date through the instrument keypad. Changing or assigning a new service due date may only by done via personal computer and PhD Ultra Datalink software.
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 place. The “ALM” button is used to move from place to place. The digit which is blinking is the number which can be modified with the “+” or “-“ button. To enable the passcode option press the “+” button.
Chapter 5 Trouble-shooting and repair (C5) Place the new filter/snap ring assembly, with ridge side up, onto the recessed hole in the sensor cover. Firmly press into place. Then peel the backing paper from the new rubber gasket and place, adhesive side down, centered over the newly mounted filter/snap ring assembly. Now proceed to step 6. For Reactive Gas Sensors: SO2, NO2, PH3, HCN, Cl2 , ClO2 perform step D5. (D5) Place the new teflon spacer onto the recessed hole in the sensor cover.
reading “Too Low” or “Too High” for One-Button Auto-Calibration fresh air adjustment. If the re-boot is unsuccessful and the instrument is a NiCad model, try the procedure again while the instrument is connected to a 110 VAC power source through the battery charger. 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 OneButton Auto-Calibration procedures.
using the procedures discussed in Section 5.2.1. If the instrument still fails to turn on, return to factory for repair. Not in Basic or Technician mode, microprocessor locked-up or "crashed", loose connection, switch failure. 5.2.2.3 Problem: Sensor readings unstable in a known fresh air environment Solution(s) Switch to Technician operating mode. Take the instrument to a non-hazardous location. If equipped with an alkaline battery pack replace the batteries and attempt to turn the instrument back on.
Be careful not to crimp any wires as the main board is reattached. (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. (12) (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 5.3.1 and separate the two halves of the case.
LCD display indicates that the pump is attached and in normal operation.) (1) Attach the pump to your PhD Ultra and turn the instrument on. Wait for the instrument to complete the self-test sequence. 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 immediately shuts down.
Note: The return authorization number must be clearly marked on the outside of the box. Prominently showing the return authorization number on the outside of the box ensures that it is immediately identified and logged into our system at the time it is received. Proper tracking helps avoid unnecessary delays in completion of service procedures. Note: It is usually best to return the instrument together with all accessories such as spare battery packs, chargers, and optional sample drawing pumps. Figure 5.
Appendices Time History Graph Appendix A Toxic gas measurement Ceilings, TWAs and STELs Ceiling 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 substances can produce disease, bodily injury, or death in unprotected workers. It is important to determine the amounts of any toxic materials potentially present in the workplace.
Appendix B How to determine where to set your alarms elements, causing them to heat. If combustible vapors are present, the active bead will be heated by the reaction to a higher temperature. The temperature of the untreated reference bead is unaffected by the presence of gas. The difference between the temperatures of the two beads will be proportional to the amount of combustible gas present. 1.
shows the "relative response curves" of the instrument to several different gases. exceed 10 percent LEL may not be entered. Likewise, workers are required to immediately leave anytime readings exceed 10 percent LEL. CALIBRATION STANDARD 100 OTHER GASES The standard combustible alarm set-point for the PhD Ultra is 10 percent LEL. CALIBRATION STANDARD 2.1.
Biosystems’ “Propane Equivalent” calibration mixtures are based on methane, but in concentrations which are designed to produce a level of sensitivity “equivalent” to that provided by a mixture which contains a 50% LEL concentration of propane. Because Biosystems’ equivalent mixtures are based on methane, any loss of sensitivity to methane is detected (and can be corrected) immediately. responsive to ethanol than to methane, so the readings will be low.
Appendix C How to calibrate your PhD Ultra in contaminated air 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. Calibration of the PhD Ultra is a two-step process. The first step is to expose the sensors to contaminate-free air with an oxygen concentration of 20.9% and perform a fresh air calibration.
Appendix D Suggested Calibration Gases Part Number 54-9045E 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. 54-9041 Biosystems offers calibration kits and long lasting cylinders of test gas specifically developed for easy PhD Ultra calibration.
Appendix E PhD Ultra Toxic Sensor Cross Sensitivity Data1 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 can either decrease the signal (negative cross sensitivity) or increase the signal; (positive cross sensitivity).
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 provide years of reliable service. In fact, many sensors are designed so that with normal use they will only lose 5% of their sensitivity per year or 10% over a two-year period. Given this, it should be possible to use a sensor for up to two full years without any significant loss of sensitivity.
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.
