12
Operation and Field Use (Continued)
2. From the IRED”, “READY FOR MEASUREMENT” display press and release the B button to
“START” a measurement.
a. The instrument will perform a zeroing process
i. Apply air known to be free of methane gas
ii. Press the B button “OK” to accept
iii. “SAMPLING CLEAN AIR” will be displayed with information showing the outputs
for methane (M) and light level (L) sensors. A stable reading must occur before the
process automatically continues.
iv. A cell containing methane is introduced to the light path internally as displayed by
“ METHANE CELL-IN”. Also displayed is information showing the outputs for
methane (M) and light level (L) sensors. A stable reading must occur before the
process automatically continues.
v. If the reading is not stable the zeroing process will automatically re-initiate indicated
by a “RE-ZEROING” message. This process requires and addition 120-180 seconds
as indicated by a countdown timer.
vi. A stable reading is indicated by a displayed message “PLEASE BEGIN SAMPLING”
b. Attach the probe and place the probe in the area to be tested. Press the B button “START”
within the time indicated on the countdown timer.
c. The measuring of ethane is indicated by the “MEASUREMENT” heading and the ppb/ppm
readings. During a measurement, 4 consecutive 10 second readings are taken. Each
reading is averaged over the 10 second period before it is displayed. The display will be
updated with the reading every 10 seconds until the 40 second period has elapsed. The
final reading is indicated when the “RESULT” heading is displayed.
i. If the methane concentration is too high a message will be displayed indicating the
need to re-zero and attempt measuring again.
ii. For high readings move the probe slightly away from the previous source. Ideally
methane concentrations less than 2000 ppm is desired.
d. Ethane concentration is indicated on the display showing “RESULT” and the reading. The
information is also stored in the “MEASUREMENT LOG” for later download and/or review.
e. Pressing the A button “EXIT” will return to the main screen displaying ”IRED”, “READY FOR
MEASUREMENT”.
3. Pressing and holding the A button will activate the standby mode or shut down sequence.
The display will show “SHUT DOWN” on the left side and “STAND BY” on the right. Press the A
button to turn the instrument off. Press the C button to place into standby mode to reduce battery
consumption. This will also reduce the warm up time to a few minutes. Standby mode should only
be used for up to two hours.
