RKI Instruments 65-2395RK-CH4 - Manual (Page 17)

65-2395RK-CH4 Methane Transmitter • 13
Calibration Frequency
Although there is no particular calibration frequency that is correct for all applications, a
calibration frequency of every 6 months is adequate for most infrared methane transmitter
applications. Unless experience in a particular application dictates otherwise, RKI
Instruments, Inc. recommends a calibration frequency of every 6 months.
If an application is not very demanding, for example detection in a clean, temperature
controlled environment where calibration adjustments are minimal at calibration, then a
calibration frequency of every 9 to 12 months is adequate.
If an application is very demanding, for example if the environment is not well controlled,
then more frequent calibration than every 6 months may be necessary.
Calibration
This section describes how to calibrate the methane transmitter. It includes procedures to
prepare for calibration, set the zero reading, set the response reading, and return to
normal operation.
WARNING: The controller is not an active gas monitoring device during the calibration
procedure.
NOTE: The following procedure assumes the use of a calibration kit which includes a
calibration gas cylinder, a 0.5 LPM fixed flow regulator with an on/off knob, a
calibration cup for the detector, and a short piece of sample tubing to connect the
regulator to the calibration cup.
Preparing for Calibration
1. Unscrew and remove the junction box cover.
2. Set a voltmeter to measure in the millivolt (mV) range.
3. Plug the voltmeter leads into the test points on the amplifier. Plug the positive lead
into the red (+) test point; plug the negative lead into the black (-) test point.
4. Use the following formula to determine the correct test points output for the
calibrating sample.
Output (mV) = (calibrating sample/fullscale) X 400 + 100
For example, with a calibrating sample of 50 %Vol. and a fullscale setting of
100 %Vol., the correct output is 300 mV.
300(mV) = (50/100) X 400 +100
5. Screw the calibration cup onto the detector housing.
6. Place the controller into its calibration mode or disable external alarms.
NOTE: Calibrating the methane transmitter may cause alarms. Be sure to put the
controller into its calibration mode or disable external alarms before continuing.