Operation Manual

Gas Analyzer
Model 123

Tripoint Instruments, Inc.

7619 Hamilton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45231
United States
(513) 702-9217 Phone
(513) 825-9217 Fax
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Page

I Scope 2
II Technical Data 2
III Principles of Operation 3
IV Operating Instructions 4
V Inergen Calibration 6
VI CO2 Calibration 7
VII Calibration Certification 9
VIII Recommended Spares 10
IX Operating Hints 10
X Trilogger Software 11

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I. SCOPE

This manual is provided for the operator of the analyzer. Technical data, Section II, and
principles of operation, Section III, are provided to acquaint the operator with the unit.

In addition to operating instructions, Section IV, calibration instructions are included, as the
operator can perform field calibration.

II. TECHNICAL DATA

1. Ranges

CO2 0 - 100%
Inergen 0 - 100%

2. Principle of Operation

Thermal conductivity

3. Basic Components

Quantity Part Number Description

1 Analyzer
1 Power Cord (120vac units only)
3 Sample Line (50ft. [15.24m] long, ¼” O.D. x 1/8”
I.D.)

4. Sampling System Characteristics

Sample line internal volume 0.48 liters

Sample flow rate into the unit 1.5 liters/minute
Response time (0-95% or 95-0%) 60 seconds

5. Dimensions

7.5”H x 21”L x 17”D

6. Weight

Analyzer 30 lbs. [13.6kg]

Analyzer with all components 35 lbs. [15.9kg]

7. Electrical Requirements

Source 120Vac (220Vac optional)

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 8. Accuracy

±2% of full scale between 90% and 105% of line voltage

9. Linearity

±2% of full scale

10. Zero Drift

Maximum +1.5% of full scale/30 minutes

Typical +2.0% of full scale/2 hours

11. Readability

±1% of full scale

12. Operating Temperature Range

32 ° – 104 ° F (0 ° – 40 ° C)

Maximum calibration deviation of ±2% of full scale with a ±10 ° F (±6 ° C) variation in
temperature

13. Operating Humidity Range

0 – 95% non condensing

Maximum deviation of ±2% of full scale or less with a change in relative humidity of 20 –
95%

III. Principles of Operation

1. Thermal Conductivity Measurements

The analyzer uses the thermal conductivity properties of the selected gas to measure its’
concentration in air. There are three independent channels in the analyzer. Each
channel uses two glow-wire sensors that function electrically as heated resistors
connected to a bridge circuit.

One glow-wire is mounted inside a “blind cell” (air filled) for reference. When this
reference sensor reaches thermal equilibrium, it acts as a fixed resistance in the bridge
circuit. The second glow wire is mounted inside the “sample cell”. At alignment, the
sample cell is filled with air and its’ sensor is balanced against the reference sensor.

During sampling, the air/sample gas mixture that is a better insulator than air only, is
introduced into the sample cell. Therefore, as gas concentration increases, the glow-wire
becomes increasingly insulated from the cell wall and its’ temperature increases. With
increased temperature, the resistance of the glow-wire increases, thus unbalancing the
bridge with respect to the constant resistance of the reference sensor.

The bridge circuit output is amplified and converted to an analog signal. Circuit operation
is the same for all sample gases except that different span (gain) components are
selected for each gas. Recording is not continuous, but occurs at the end of the timing
cycle as described in the next paragraph.

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 2. Timing Cycle

Air or gas flowing through the sample cell cools the glow-wire mounted in the sample cell.
This cooling effect opposes the heating effect of the sample gas in the mixture.

A 4 second timing cycle is used in the analyzer to eliminate the cooling effect of sample
flow. Through electronic circuitry, a solenoid valve is opened. This allows a sample to be
pumped into the sample cell. After 2 seconds the solenoid valve closes. With flow
interrupted, the cell reaches a thermal equilibrium that is a function of gas concentration.
At the end of 2 seconds the gas concentration is displayed on the LCD, logged for later
downloading and converted to a 0-50mVdc signal. This completes the 4 second cycle.

IV. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE:

Refer to Figure 1 for illustration of controls and indicators.

1. Connect all sample lines to sample input fittings on analyzer front panel. All sample lines
must be connected and free of obstructions or constrictions for proper operation of the
unit.

2. Connect power cord between unit and power source, 120Vac (220Vac optional).

3. Set GAS SELECTOR switch for gas reading desired.

4. Set ACQUIRE/DOWNLOAD switch to Acquire.

5. Energize unit by setting power switch to ON position

6. Place end of sample lines at desired locations.

7. Allow unit to stabilize with all lines pulling room air. Adjust ZERO knobs as necessary to
obtain 0% output signal.

8. Sampling may now begin. (Make allowance for response time when interpreting output
signal.)

9. After sampling is complete, turn off power and set the ACQUIRE/DOWNLOAD switch to
the Download position.

Caution
If the unit is re-powered with the ACQUIRE/DOWNLOAD switch in the Acquire
position, the data stored in memory will be overwritten!

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 Figure 1
Panel Layout

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II. INERGEN CALIBRATION
NOTE:

Refer to Figure 2 for set-up diagram.

Calibration gas required is 100% Inergen.

1. Calibration procedure is identical to the CO2. Follow instructions in Section III. Substitute
100% Inergen for 100% CO2.

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III. CO2 CALIBRATION
NOTE:

Refer to Figure 2 for set-up diagram.

Calibration gas required is 100% CO2.

1. Set GAS SELECTOR switch to CO2.

2. Connect 12” [30.5cm] calibration jumper between channels 1 and 3 sample input fittings.

3. Set power switch to on.

4. Adjust ZERO knob on each channel to 000% output signal. A reading of –00% indicates
a negative value. Turn knob clockwise to increase reading.

5. Connect 50ft. [15.25m] calibration line between calibration gas cylinder regulator and
channel 2 sample input fitting.

6. Adjust pressure regulator of calibration gas cylinder to ensure positive flow out of the
open end of the tee. Caution: Do not over pressurize the unit, damage could occur.

7. Adjust span control for each channel to calibration gas mixture concentration. Turn knob
clockwise to increase reading and counterclockwise to decrease reading. A reading of
INV% indicates a value above 100%.

8. Shut off calibration gas.

9. Disconnect 50ft. [15.25m] calibration line from sample input fitting.

10. Touch-up ZERO knob on each channel (after trace levels off at baseline).

11. Reconnect 50ft. [15.25m] calibration line between calibration gas cylinder regulator and
channel 2 sample input fitting.

12. Repeat steps 8 through 11.

13. Disconnect all lines.

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 SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE
LINE LINE LINE

CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 3

Figure 2
CO2 Calibration Diagram

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VII. CALIBRATION CERTIFICATION
Failing a discharge test is very expensive and easily preventable, if it was only due to an
analyzer being out of calibration. In order for you to assure the accurate calibration of your
analyzer at the test site, Tripoint Instruments would like to clarify exactly how a unit is factory
calibrated.

When an analyzer is returned for repair and/or factory calibration, it is semi-disassembled, all
orifices cleaned, internal filters replaced (if necessary), the vacuum pump cleaned and
pressure checked, and all manifold connections tightened.

We allow the unit to warm up approximately 30 minutes and introduce certified diluted gas
mixtures into the unit. All three span controls (pots) are adjusted to make the three output
signals each read as required. Then and only then, we prepare calibration reference values
by introducing 100% gas.

In repeating the 100% gas field calibration check at the site, if the readings found do not
exceed 2% of the values from the previous calibration, you know that your system is
functioning properly and that the dilution by the vacuum system of the 100% gas has not
changed. More importantly, the unit should have the same calibration as when it left the
factory.

When the unit has been used on numerous tests, it is not unusual for dirt to get into the
vacuum pump or in the lines and even into the orifices. Clogged filters, differences in line
voltage (which is very common), temperature changes or changes in barometric pressure can
also cause the unit, even if it is in perfect calibration, to give higher readings. This is due to
the fact that the vacuum system is drawing in less air and thus not diluting the 100% gas to
the same degree as when checked out at the factory.

If each time one gets a higher reading the span pots are turned down, the unit will be slowly
brought out of calibration and will now be reading lower values than actual test results.

However, if you use a source of certified gas mixture just before each test at the site, you can
verify and check the calibration. If necessary, you can adjust the unit to make all the output
signals read the same value as the calibration gas. This will eliminate all errors. Your unit
will now be in perfect calibration and there can be no doubt as to the results obtained on any
test.

Tripoint Instruments highly recommends that you check the calibration of the analyzer before
every test using an exact known concentration of gas. We believe that this is a very good
practice and should only take about 15 minutes of your time. It does seem very foolish to risk
the chance of failing an expensive discharge test due to the unit being out of calibration.

We also recommend that at least once a year, or after 25 discharge tests, which ever comes
first, that each test analyzer be sent back to our service facility for preventive maintenance
and factory calibration.

Units are factory calibrated with certified gas mixtures.

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VIII. RECOMMENDED SPARES
Quantity Part Number Description

3 Filter, Sample Line

2 Fuse, 2A
3 Sample Line (50ft. [50.24m] long, ¼” O.D. x 1/8”
I.D.)
1 Power Cord

Refer to current price list for pricing.

IX. OPERATING HINTS

1. Warm-up Time and Sample Line Location

Allow the unit to warm-up for 10 minutes before adjusting the baseline with the sample
line placed in the location where the sampling is to be performed. The baseline on the
recorder may shift by 2% of full scale periodically. Take this into account when adjusting
the scale.

2. Field Calibration: Environmental Conditions and Interpretation of Results

When performing the field calibration, try to calibrate the unit under the same
environmental conditions as those anticipated for actual use. Temperature and humidity
will not significantly affect the calibration, but will cause a shift in the baseline. A
difference to 3% of the full scale from the field calibration reference figures is not
indicative of the need to recalibrate. The field calibration serves to alert the user to gross
calibration errors due to malfunction or mis-adjustment of the unit. Typically, the analyzer
needs to be recalibrated only infrequently. Analyzer malfunctions will always result in
large deviations in the recorder readings or in total lack of operation.

3. Need for Repetition During Calibration

When calibrating the analyzer or performing a field calibration, repeat the procedure at
least two times. The initial zero may deviate by 2% of full scale due to “out-gasing” of
absorbed sample gas from the 50 ft. [15.25m] PVC sample lines.

4. Calibration Gases

Certified gas mixtures the sample gas in air may be used with the gas mixture set-up.

100% concentrations of liquefied sample gas can also be used when calibrating the unit.
These gasses must be supplied to the analyzer in diluted and gaseous form. Therefore,
cylinders of liquefied sample gas must not have siphon or diptubes.

5. Transportation and shipping:

The unit is not designed to be shipped commercially. Pack unit into a larger container
with excess padding to prevent damage.

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X. TRILOGGER SOFTWARE
1. Installation

a. Run SETUP.EXE on CD provided.

b. Follow on screen instructions.

2. Downloading

a. Run TRILOGGER.EXE.
b. Connect analyzer to com1 on your computer with 9-pin serial cable (Not included).
c. From Upload menu click Upload.
d. Click Upload button.
e. Set the Acquire/Download switch to DOWNLOAD.
f. Turn analyzer on.
g. Follow on screen instructions to complete the download.
h. After uploading is complete, the analyzer can be turned off.

3. Processing

a. From Upload menu select Process Data.

b. Click Process Data button.
c. Click Process to CDFF button.
d. When complete click Done button.

4. Creating Charts

a. Open file Trilog2 (located in the same directory as Trilogger.exe).

b. Highlight all data.
c. Copy data
d. Close Trilogger program.
e. Paste data in Microsoft Excel.
f. Highlight data (may already be highlighted from paste).
g. From Data menu select Text To Columns.
h. Check the Delimited box.
i. Click Next button.
j. Check the Comma and Space boxes under delimiters.
k. Click Next button.
l. Review proposed changes, if satisfactory click Finish button.
m. Highlight cells in columns B, C and D containing data.
n. From Data menu select SORT.
o. Sort data by column B.
p. Check No Header Row.
q. Click OK button.
r. Highlight column C cells for Channel 1 data (cells containing “1” in column B).
s. From Insert menu select CHART.
t. Select Line type chart.
u. Click Next button.
v. From Chart Source Data window click on the Series tab.
w. Click button in white box labeled Category (X) Axis Labels.
x. Highlight column D cells for channel 1 data.
y. Click button in white box.
z. Click Next button.
aa. Enter chart, X and Y titles.
bb. Click Next button.
cc. Click Finish button.

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 dd. Repeat steps 18 to 29 for channels 2 & 3.
ee. Save file for future reference.

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