Biogas Operating Manual
BMUK0001 / Issue 1
Geotechnical Instruments (UK) Ltd
Page 9
3.16 Operating Language
The Biogas
instrument has the facility to select from the following operating languages: English,
German, French, Italian and Spanish. Due to the nature of the various languages the screen layout
may change slightly, although the functionality will always remain the same.
4. Taking
Readings
Warning
Inhaling hydrogen sulphide gas can cause death. It is the responsibility of the user
to ensure that he/she is adequately trained in the safety aspects of using H
2
S. In
particular, where hazardous gases are being used the gas exhausted from the
analyser must be piped to an area where it is safe to discharge the gas.
Hazardous gas can also be expelled from the instrument when purging with clean
air.
4.1 Preliminary
Checks
Prior to going to site, it is good practice to ensure:
•
The instruments time and date are correct.
•
The water trap has a clean and dry filter fitted.
•
The inlet port micro-fibre filter is clean and dry.
•
A supply of spare filters is available in case of accidental water blockage or contamination
•
The battery has a good charge (minimum 25% charge, even if only a few readings are required)
•
The memory has sufficient space available.
•
The main gases have been auto-zeroed, without gas concentration present.
•
If necessary, check the span calibration with a known concentration calibration-check gas.
DO’s
•
Travel to site with the instrument in the vehicle's interior - not in the boot, where it may be
subjected to extremes of temperature and possible shock damage.
•
Protect the instrument from strong direct sunlight which will quickly raise the temperature of the
instrument beyond its operating range and the LCD display will appear almost black and the
contrast setting cannot alter the contrast.
•
Remember always use the water trap! If the water trap becomes flooded, change the filter and
ensure all tubes are clear before re-use.
DONT’s
•
Do not place the instrument against anything hot (e.g., gas extraction pipe or car body) or in an
unattended car during the summer) as this will cause excessive internal temperatures which may
cause erroneous readings.
•
Get the the instrument wet, for example exposure to heavy rain.
4.2 Taking
Readings
Depending on the user settings the exact reading procedure can change. The following method is
considered best practice and when followed correctly will allow quick and consistent readings to be
recorded. There are essentially two stages which enable a complete reading to be stored. Firstly, the
main gases are recorded which need to be fixed before a flow reading can be taken.
1. When the instrument is first switched on it should be purged with fresh air and allowed to stabilise
for a few minutes. At this point it is good practice to zero all channels and devices to be used.
These options are available via the main menu. You should now be ready to take your first reading.
