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Model PT295
Stand Alone Sensor
For Combustible Hydrocarbons
Revision 6.0
Operator’s
Manual
Pem-Tech, Inc.
Houston, Texas
U.S.A
www.pem-tech.com
Table of Contents
Notice and limited Warranty 3
Service Policy 4
Specifications 6
Overview 7
Transmitter Board assembly 8
Connection Board assembly 9
Wiring Diagram
DC Power and 4-20mA Signal Output 10
Alarms Devices 11
Installation 12
Start Up 14
Normal Operation 15
Gas Reading Display 15
Signal Output 4-20mA 15
Alarm Conditions 16
Resetting Alarms 17
Calibration 18
Sensor calibration 18
Calibration errors and remedies 21
Calibration Flow Chart 22
MAINTENANCE
Factors affecting sensor accuracy 28
Routine maintenance 28
Sensor Inspection 28
Sensor Sensitivity 28
Sensor Replacement 29
Spare Parts 30
LIMITED WARRANTY
The warranty provided by Pem-Tech does not cover defects which result from acts
beyond the control of PEM-TECH including, but not limited to: damage by accident,
negligence, tampering, or failure to operate in accordance with the procedures
outlined in the Operations Manual. PEM-TECH’s liability under no circumstances
will exceed replacement of the unit claimed to be defective.
The warranties specified herein are in lieu of any and all other warranties, express
or implied. In no event, whether as a result of breach of warranty or alleged
negligence, shall PEM-TECH be liable for special or consequential damages,
including, but not limited to, loss of profits or revenue; loss of equipment or any
associated equipment; cost of capital; cost of substitute equipment, facilities or
services; down time costs; or claims of customers of the purchaser for such
damages.
Please call factory for RMA (return merchandise authorization) number before sending any
equipment for repair or replacement.
Pem-Tech has service facility at the factory. For all the repairs contact at our toll free
number 1-800-379-3894 or visit our website www.pem-tech.com
For all repairs call us for a Return Material Authorization number (RMA). Inform us
briefly the nature of the problem and obtain shipping address. Properly pack the
equipment before shipping. Also include your complete shipping address and
contact name and phone number.
For non-warranty repairs you must provide the limit to repair costs. State if a quote
for repair cost is required before you can authorize the repair cost. For this an
additional charge may be applicable.
NOTE:
1. For all the repairs under warranty, serial number must be legible on the items
being repaired.
2. Shipping point is FOB Houston.
WARNING
Do not open the sensor enclosure with power applied unless it is verified that no
combustible gases or vapors are present. Calibration or maintenance should not
be performed if there is any indication of the presence of combustible gas near
the sensor.
The sintered flame arrestor on the stainless steel sensor head is an integral part
of the complete sensor assembly. Do not operate the gas sensor with the flame
arrestor removed or damaged.
CAUTION
If needed the sensor threads should be coated with silicone free grease . The
junction box cover threads should also be lubricated .
Silicone based lubricants must never be used.
Follow the wiring instruction for proper and safe operation under normal
conditions. Be sure that all wiring complies with NEC and all local ordinances.
WEIGHT 4 Lbs.
Sensor transmitter board and connection board are enclosed in an explosion proof
junction box (rated Class I, Div 1 & 2). The unit consists of three assemblies, the
transmitter and display board, the connection board, and the stainless steel sensor
head assembly. Each of these assemblies can be purchased separately.
Note: Do not use force to tighten the thumb screws when installing the transmitter board back
on the connection / termination board.
1. Remove the enclosure cover and un-plug the transmitter board by simply
moving the thumb screws in counter-clockwise direction until they have loosen
up. Slowly pull the transmitter board and detach the ribbon cable. Do not
completely un-screw or remove the thumb screws from the transmitter board.
2. Mount the enclosure. Refer to the figure above for mounting hole dimensions.
Avoid mounting the sensor to fixtures with heavy vibrations.
3. Using a 3 conductor cable connect the termination board with the monitor or
controller as shown in figure 3. For the cable size a reference table is provided
below.
During the warm up time the sensor may display reading other than 00. However,
the 4-20mA analog output will remain at 4mA (0 reading) and the alarm relay is
inhibited. The reading will slowly goes down to zero. After warm up time the
sensor will return to its normal operation. Refer to section “Adjust Alarm Set Points”
to modify alarm parameters. Change the alarm levels if different set-point is
desired.
The sensors are calibrated at the factory before they are shipped. However, it is a
good practice to check the accuracy by simply applying the calibration gas after the
warm up time and check to see if the concentration displayed is as desired. If
calibration is required then follow the steps in the Calibration procedure.
Normal Operation
The sensor displays the gas concentration in ppm (parts per million) or in %
volume. See table I for your sensor target gas, detection range and the unit of
display.
The 4-20mA signal output is directly proportional to the detection range of the
sensor. The output signal generated is proportional to the gas concentration
displayed on the LED display of the unit.
Use the formula below to compute the mA output for any given gas concentration
or vice versa.
Detection Range
When the gas concentration reaches the predefined alarm set point then the alarm
condition exists. The sensor will flash “ALr” for few moments and then display the
gas reading. Also the alarm relay is energized.
See Figure 8
Model PT295 sensor can be auto calibrated without removing the enclosure cover
and declassifying the zone. A magnet tool is used to activate the internal switch to
initiate the calibration. Once the calibration is initiated the alarm relay will be
deactivated and the 4-20mA analog signal will be held at approximately 2mA to
avoid any false alarm.
Follow the steps below to calibrate the sensor.
3. Place the magnetic tool against the cover at 8 o’clock position to activate the
magnetic switch as shown in figure 7
3. Place and hold the magnet until LED display on the front panel starts flashing
CAL. Move the magnet away from the cover.
4. While the display is flashing CAL the sensor is making its initial adjustments. It
may take 5 to 10 seconds. (Note: Do not apply calibration gas yet)
5. Once the initial adjustments are made the sensor will display and flash 50,
meaning 50% LEL Calibration gas.
6. The microprocessor waits 60 seconds for the user to apply the calibration gas
while flashing the display approximately twice every second. Attach the
calibration adapter to the sensor head assembly and turn the gas on. When the
flow of the gas is detected by the sensor the display flashing rate will slow down
to once every second. If no gas is detected within 60 seconds the sensor aborts
calibration and will display E-3 error code “Calibration Time Out” for few
seconds before returning to normal operation..
7. Apply the calibration gas for about one and a half (1 ½) minute.
8. After minute and a half the sensor will display Adj for 5 to 15 seconds while
making adjustments and recording the calibration data into memory. When
completed the display will starts flashing rapidly. At this time remove the
calibration gas and allow the sensor to clear. Do not remove the calibration
gas while Adj is being displayed. Remove the gas only when the adjustment is
completed and the display is rapidly flashing with calibration gas value.
Also refer to “Sensor calibration Flow Chart” for quick calibration review and
“Calibration Error and remedies”
Calibration
Adapter with
tubing
Calibration
Gas Cylinder
Place the black (ground) probe of the volt meter on the black wire ( ). With the red
voltmeter probe check to voltage on red wire (+) terminal to be +2 volts 0.1.
Similarly, with the black voltmeter probe on the Negative terminal of the sensor
(black wire) check the voltage on the green wire terminal. The voltage on the
terminal should be between 0.9 and 1.1 volts.
Apply Calib Gas for 1 ½ minute Display flashing once every second
Remove Calib Gas when display Display flashes rapidly for about
Starts flashing rapidly 10 seconds. Returns to normal
(approximately 5 times per operation when sensor has
second) cleared
Description
The model PT295-L Sensor uses a matched pair of catalytic bead for the detection of
combustible vapors in air. The sensor transmitter provides a liner 4 to 20mA output
signal corresponding to 0 to 100% LEL gas concentration. Also the %LEL is
displayed on the 3 digit LED display on the transmitter board. Also provided a set
of dry alarm relay contacts for local alarm connections. The alarm relays can be
programmed for Low or High alarm level. Typical low and high alarm levels for
LEL are 20% and 40% respectively.
General Information
Every combustible gas has a minimum and maximum concentration in air which
form the flammable or explosive range. The lower explosive limit (LEL) is defined as
the smallest amount of gas that could ignite when mixed with air or oxygen. The
table below shows the max LEL limit of various gases.
Acetone 2.6
Ammonia 15
Butyl Acetate 1.4
Decane 0.75
Dioxane 2.0
Ethane 3.0
Ethanol 3.3
Ethyl Acetate 2.2
Ethylene 2.7
Hydrogen 4.0
Iso-Butane 1.8
Iso-butyl Alcohol 1.7
Iso-Octange 0.95
Iso-Pentance 1.4
Methane 5.0
Methanol 6.7
n-Butane 1.8
n-Heptane 1.05
n-Hexane 1.02
n-Pentane 1.4
Propane 2.1
Propylene 2.4
PT295 LEL Sensor Rev 6 23
Selected Relative Response to different combustible gases
The sensing element (catalytic beads) produces an output when comes in contact
with almost all type of Hydrocarbon vapors. Table I below gives the relative
response for each of the hydrocarbon vapor when calibrated with Methane gas.
Alarm set point is set first and then relay is set for latching or non-latching. The
alarm configure mode is initiated by activating the magnetic switch on the right side
of the transmitter board. Refer to figure 9 for the position of the alarm
configuration switch
2. To change the current alarm level continue to hold the magnet. The alarm level
is incremented by 1. Move the magnet away once the desired alarm level is
displayed. Note: The alarm set point rolls over to 00 after the full scale range of
the sensor.
3. Wait for 10 seconds. The unit will display latching or non-latching state of the
low alarm ( “nL” non-latching, “L” latching). Hold the magnet to the
cover and display will toggle between “nL” and “L”. Select the desired latching
or non-latching alarm and move the magnet away.
Once alarm has been configured the sensor will return to normal operation. The
alarm configuration is saved in non-volatile memory and is not lost upon power
down.
Latching Relay will stay active even after the gas concentration falls
below the preset alarm level. The alarm relay must be
manually reset using the internal magnetic switch
Various factors can cause the sensor to malfunction and can affect the accuracy and
sensitivity of the sensor. The following list identifies the most common factors that
can affect the sensor operation and can cause an irreversible damage to the unit. The
list below should not be considered as all inclusive.
Protect flame arrestor from paint or high pressure water hose. If necessary
install some protective shield on the unit before painting or cleaning. Be sure to
remove the protective shield when finished.
Routine Maintenance
Model PT295 Sensors do not require routine maintenance. However, the sensors
should be inspected periodically to ensure proper operation.
Sensor Inspection
Keep the sensor flame arrestor clean. Avoid any accumulation of dirt and oil on the
filter since it will affect the diffusion of gas to the sensor. Use rain / dust shield for
protection. Refer to the list of spare parts for Rain/Dust shield part number.
Sensor Sensitivity
Sensor should always be calibrated in fresh air with using calibration gas with
recommended target gas concentration. When calibrated properly if the sensor
reaction is slow then the sensor head assembly should be replaced. Refer to Parts
List for sensor head part number.
Before opening the sensor junction box and replacing the sensor, de-classify the area
and follow the instructions below.
1. Verify that there are no hazardous levels of combustible gas in the air.
2. It is recommended that power to the sensor should be turned off to avoid any
short circuit to the power supply. However, it is not necessary to turn off the
power in order to replace the sensor head.
3. Remove the junction box cover. Unscrew the 2 thumb screws and pull the
transmitter board slowly. Disconnect the ribbon cable and to remove the
transmitter board assembly.
4. The sensor head assembly is connected via 3 wires on the bottom terminal
labeled “SENSOR”. Disconnect the wires.
5. Unscrew the stainless steel sensor head to remove from the junction box.
6. Install the new sensor head. Lubricant can be used to coat the threads of the
sensor head. Do not use the silicone based lubricant
7. Connect the sensor head wires to the terminals as shown in figure 3. Be sure the
wires are secure and not loose.
8. Plug in the ribbon cable to the transmitter board and secure the board with
thumb screws. Do not over tight the screws.
9. Power up the sensor, if disconnected , and let the sensor warm-up as indicated
in the “Start up” section in this manual.
10. Calibrate the sensor. Follow the instructions in calibration procedure in this
manual.
Part Description
Number
S-61-101 Transmitter board assembly for PT295 LEL Sensor
Rizwan Mistry
Director of Engineering