H2scan 720AS-GC Hydrogen Sensor System

Installation and Operation Manual

 Our Mission
Deliver unsurpassed value and optimize green initiatives with our one of a kind continuous hydrogen-
specific sensing technology worldwide.

Our Value Propositions

Enable end-user customers to efficiently and effectively optimize:
Electric utility power transformer fleet and other oil-filled assets (Grid)
Petroleum refinery and other industrial process control
Facility and equipment safety to minimize downtime+
Lower total costs of ownership than the competition

Our Strategic Objectives

H2scan's technology accepted as the new gold standard in hydrogen sensors. H2scan's business
recognized for innovation and ingenuity, high quality products and systems, application -specific solutions,
and exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
H2scan's success results from teamwork, strategic partnerships and market leadership leading to sales
growth and improved profitability.

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 IMPORTANT NOTICES
Read and understand this operating manual before installing or using the system.
Only use cables from H2scan with this system.
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by H2scan, the protection provided by this equipment
may be impaired.

Hydrogen is flammable at 4% in air. Take indications seriously and be prepared to take action. In the event
of detection of 4% or higher of a hydrogen gas concentration there is a high probability of a hazard to
safety. Inform local emergency response personnel immediately.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IN THE EVENT OF A DEFECT IN THE SYSTEM, H2SCAN SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DIRECT,
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING THEREFORE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, LOSS OF REVENUE AND/OR PROFIT.

LIMITED WARRANTY
H2scan Limited Warranty: Each hydrogen instrument (System) will conform, as to all substantial operational features, to the System
specifications set forth in this Manual and will be free of defects which substantially affect such Systems performance for twelve (12)
months from the ship date for such System.
Must Provide Notice of Defect: If you believe the System is defective, you must notify H2scan in writing, within ten (10) days of receipt of
such System, of your claim regarding any such defect.
Return of System to H2scan for Repair, Replacement or Credit: If the System is found defective by H2scan, H2scans sole obligation under
this warranty is to either (i) repair the System, (ii) replace the System, or (iii) issue a credit for the purchase price for such System, the
particular remedy to be determined [by H2scan] on a case-by-case basis.
Voided Warranty:. H2scans 12 Month Limited Warranty is void for any of the following:
The system is opened and the manufacturing seal is broken
Unauthorized repair work performed at the customers location or carried out by anyone other than H2scans factory trained
technicians
Equipment or parts that have been tampered with, misused, neglected, mishandled, improperly adjusted, or modified in any way
without the written consent of H2scan.
Equipment or parts that have been damaged due to shipping, misuse, accidents, mishandling, neglect, or problems with electrical
power sources.
Repair work performed during the warranty period does not extend the warranty beyond the originally stated duration.
System operation in incorrect or inappropriate environments.
Usage that is not in accordance with system guidelines or an operators failure to follow manual instructions.
Limitation of Warranty: THE ABOVE IS A LIMITED WARRANTY AS IT IS THE ONLY WARRANTY STATED BY H2SCAN. H2SCAN
MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AND EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. YOUR SOLE REMEDY HEREUNDER IS REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE
SYSTEM OR A CREDIT FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR SUCH SYSTEM, THE PARTICULAR REMEDY TO BE DETERMINED BY
H2SCAN ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. H2SCAN SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE STATED EXPRESS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL LIABILITIES OR OBLIGATIONS OF
H2SCAN FOR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE DELIVERY, USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE
SYSTEMS.
Limitation of Liability: SELLER SHALL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL,
PUNITIVE, OR OTHER DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF BUSINESS OR PROFIT, PROMOTIONAL OR
MANUFACTURING EXPENSES, INJURY TO REPUTATION, OR LOSS OF CUSTOMER, BASED ON ANY ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE,
BREACH OF WARRANTY, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY ARISING OUT OF THE
USE, MISUSE, PURCHASE, SALE OR POSSESSION OF ITS GOODS OR ITS PERFORMANCE OF THIS CONTRACT TO THE EXTENT
THAT SUCH LIABILITY EXTENDS SELLERS OBLIGATIONS BEYOND THE PRICE PAID BY BUYER TO SELLER FOR THE ITEM ON
WHICH SUCH CLAIM IS BASED. SELLER ADVISES BUYER TO PERFORM ACCEPTABLE TESTS ON ALL HARDWARE PRIOR TO
DEPLOYMENT AND TO PERFORM MAINTENANCE AS DESCRIBED IN THE SELLERS INSTRUCTION GUIDE. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE EQUIPMENT PROVIDED HEREUNDER BE USED IN A MANNER WHERE IT IS THE SOLE
PROTECTIVE SYSTEM FOR FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL SAFETY; THE EQUIPMENT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN
CONUNCTION WITH OTHER APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS.

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 CONTENTS
1 DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 5
3 PARTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
4 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................... 7
5 CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................... 10
6 STARTUP .............................................................................................................................................. 10
7 OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE ................................................................................................................. 10
8 PRESSURE EFFECTS.......................................................................................................................... 10
9 OPERATION MODE .............................................................................................................................. 10
9.1 NORMAL ..................................................................................................................................... 10
9.2 Inert Gas purge (option): ............................................................................................................. 10
9.3 Alarm ........................................................................................................................................... 11
9.4 Visual Status Indicator................................................................................................................. 11
10 TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................................... 12
11 SERIAL COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................ 12
11.1 Software .................................................................................................................................. 12
11.2 Connection .............................................................................................................................. 12
11.3 Command Levels .................................................................................................................... 12
11.4 Command Summary ............................................................................................................... 13
12 SET ALARM PARAMETERS ............................................................................................................... 13
13 DISPLAY PRODUCT INFORMATION ................................................................................................. 14
14 DISPLAY STREAMING DATA ............................................................................................................. 14
15 BUMP TEST......................................................................................................................................... 15
16 CALIBRATION ..................................................................................................................................... 15
16.1 Factory Calibration .................................................................................................................. 15
16.2 Field Calibration ...................................................................................................................... 15
17 FIELD CALIBRATION .......................................................................................................................... 15
17.1 Gases ...................................................................................................................................... 15
17.2 Gas Connection ...................................................................................................................... 16
17.3 Procedure ............................................................................................................................... 16
17.4 Calibration Using the Serial Interface ..................................................................................... 16
18 CLEAR FIELD CAL .............................................................................................................................. 18
18.1 Clear Field Cal Using the Serial Interface............................................................................... 18
APPENDIX 1 - FOXTERM SETUP ............................................................................................................... 19
Installation .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Setup...................................................................................................................................................... 19
APPENDIX 2 FAULT DIAGNOSTIC CHART ............................................................................................. 20

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 H2scan 720AS-GC Hydrogen Sensor System
OPERATING MANUAL

1 DESCRIPTION
The Model 720AS-GC Hydrogen Sensor System is designed to detect and respond to hydrogen leaks in
Gas Chromatography systems. The hydrogen specific solid-state sensing element is designed for long term
reliable operation. The Model 720AS-GC detects hydrogen alarm indications at a user selectable level.
The factory pre-set level is 1.0% H2, or 25% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit). The alarm activates a tower with
flashing red lights and a buzzer and closes a valve to shut off the supply of hydrogen to the Gas
Chromatography system.

Figure 1: Model 720AS-GC Hydrogen Sensor System

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2 SPECIFICATIONS
Operating: 0C to 40C
Ambient Temperature
Storage: 0C to 50C
Hydrogen Sensitivity
0.5% to 5% hydrogen by volume at 1 ATM
Range

Set point User adjustable set point (0.5%- 4%)

Alarm Audible and visual output

Response Auto Hydrogen shut off
Inert gas (Nitrogen, Argon) purge
Power On/Off LED
Alarm Strobe Light
Instrument display
Pump Power ON/OFF LED
Solenoid Valve LED
Power Supply 110 VAC
RS-232, USB (optional)
Baud Rate: 19200
Data bits: 8
Serial Communications
Parity: None
Stop Bits: 1
No handshaking

Dimensions 13 x 15.5 x 3 inches (330.2 x 397.7 x 76.2 mm)

Weight ~3.2 kg (~7 lb.)

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3 PARTS
Inspect the system and make sure the following parts are included.
720AS-GC Hydrogen Sensor System
Power Cord
Serial Interface Cable
Mounting screws, lock washers and nuts (5ea)
(Optional) Sensing Tube (See Figure 7)
(Optional) Sensing Tube Pass-Thru (See Figure 6)
(Optional) Sensing Tube Pass-Thru Nuts (2)
720AS-GC System Manual

Internal View of the 720AS-GC sensor system components is illustrated in figure 2 below:

GC CONNECTOR
PORT

BUZZER
ALARM

PUMP
POWER
SUPPLIES

SENSOR
SOLENOID
VALVES
CALIBRATION
PORT EXHAUST

Figure 2: Internal view of 720AS-GC Sensor System

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 H2scan 720AS-GC Hydrogen Sensor System
OPERATING MANUAL

4 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Select the mounting location:
GC SIDE MOUNTED INSTRUCTIONS: Provide access to the GC oven. If knock-outs are available on the
GC side panel remove the desired knock-out. Align sensing tube hole with selected knock-out hole on GC
side panel. If no knock-out is available drill a 7/16 (12 mm) hole through left or right side panel and oven
wall.
NOTE: If drilling a hole the recommended position is 1 below the top of the GC oven and in a location that
will not interfere with column access. See Figure 3.

Figure 3: Access to GC Oven

Remove the system cover mounting screws and set cover aside.
Insert threaded tube through hole in system back plate and into GC oven to align system. Level the system
and the mark location of 4 mounting holes on the GC side panel. Remove the GC side panel. Drill 4 holes
(only through the side panel) and mount the system to the GC using the screws provided. See figure 4.

Figure 4: Mounting System on GC Side Plate

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Reattach the GC side panel. See Figure 5.

Figure 5: Mount System

Insert the Sensing Tube Pass-Thru into the system. Fasten the threaded tube inside of the GC oven with
double nuts. Please finger-tighten the first nut. Tighten the second nut with a wrench. Ensure that nuts are
a snug fit but do not warp GC or oven wall. See Figure 6.

Figure 6: Install Sensing Tube Pass-Thru

Insert the end of the 1/8 sensing tube without fittings through the compression fitting on the threaded tube
and into the GC oven. Tighten the compression fitting to secure the tube. See Figure 7.

Figure 7: Sensing Tube

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Inside the Model 720AS-GC enclosure, disconnect the end of the 1/8 flex tube attached to the GC
Connect fitting. Connect the end of 1/8 flex tube to the sensing tube with 1/8 plastic fittings. For
reference, the flex tube will also be connected to a plastic T fitting.
Inspect the installation and ensure no debris or loose parts are present, and reinstall the cover. Figure 8
shows the complete setup of Model 720AS-GC installed on a gas chromatograph.

Figure 8: Installed Model 720AS-GC Sensor System

WALL MOUNTED INSTRUCTIONS: Use the mounting holes inside the Model 720AS-GC enclosure to
mount the system to a wall. Typical installations may hang the Model 720AS-GC on uni-strut mounted to a
wall behind the GC system.
Run a 1/8 tube from the external GC Connect port to the inside of a GC thermal chamber.
Inspect the installation and ensure no debris or loose parts are present, and reinstall the cover.
INLET GAS LINES SETUP: Two solenoid valves have been provided to accommodate control of the
hydrogen carrier gas and also the option of enabling an inert gas purge.
The hydrogen carrier gas shall be connected to the bottom solenoid valve marked H2 on the Model
720AS-GC. Ensure that the supplied hydrogen line is connected to the valve Inlet (facing forward) using
the provided 1/8 compression tube fitting. Connect the solenoid outlet (facing backward) to the Gas
Chromatograph carrier gas line in using the provided 1/8 compression tube fitting.
Optional Connect the supplied inert gas line to the topmost solenoid valve (the port facing to the right)
marked N2 using the provided 1/8 compression tube fitting.
NOTE: The solenoid valves will not work as intended if the inert gas line pressure exceeds the hydrogen
gas line pressure. The pressure of the nitrogen gas supply line must be less than the pressure of the
hydrogen gas supply line.
DISASSEMBLY: To remove the 720AS-GC sensor system from a GC or uni-strut, proceed through the
following instructions:
Unplug to power off and then disconnect the cable and plumbing connected to the solenoid valve.
Remove the front panel
Disconnect the flexible tubing from the sensing tube
Loosen the sensing tube pass-thru nuts inside the GC oven and remove the pass-thru along with the
sensing tube.
Remove the GC side-wall panel.
Remove the 720AS-GC sensor system from the GC side-wall panel.

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5 CONNECTIONS
A standard 115 VAC instrument power cord is supplied.
A standard serial cable is provided so the unit can be monitored, controlled, and calibrated using standard
PC.
Hydrogen gas connection and inert gas connection (optional) to the solenoid valve are made using
standard 1/8 compression fittings.

6 STARTUP
Plug the standard instrument power cable into 720AS-GC sensor system. Once power is applied, the unit
executes a warm-up sequence lasting about 10 minutes. The status LED will be amber in color during
warm-up and will change to green when the unit is ready. The following operations will be performed:
Sensor stabilizes to its operating temperature
Perform the Power-On-Self-Test (POST)
The supply of hydrogen to the GC system is shut off.
At the completion of warm-up the hydrogen flow to GC is turned on.
Turn the pump switch ON. A green valve LED will activate indicating hydrogen is now allowed to flow.

NOTE: THE SYSTEMS OPERATIONAL AND OUTPUT SETTINGS HAVE BEEN CONFIGURED AT THE
MANUFACTURER. SETTINGS MAY BE CHANGED THROUGH THE SERIAL PORT.

7 OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE
The analyzer is designed to be exposed to an air background with no hydrogen most of the time. For
optimal performance keep any hydrogen exposure to the sensor to less than one hour. If the sensor is
exposed to high levels of hydrogen for a long period of time, it may need to be reconditioned by leaving it
powered on in air for a few days.
For maximizing the performance of the sensor:
Perform a Field calibration after the initializing sequence described in section 6 Start UP. See Section 17
for field calibration instructions.

8 PRESSURE EFFECTS
The analyser is hydrogen specific and sensitive to only the hydrogen partial pressure in the gas stream.
Since changes in total gas pressure will affect the hydrogen partial pressure, they will also affect the sensor
readings. For instance, at one atmosphere pressure, a 1% H2/Air mixture will be reported as 1% from the
unit. At 0.9 atm, the reading will decrease to 0.9%.
At the factory, the units are calibrated at one atmosphere pressure at sea level.
Performing field calibration will adjust H2 measurement to installation elevation and atmospheric pressure.

9 OPERATION MODE
9.1 NORMAL
The status LED will be green indicating 720AS-GC Hydrogen Sensor System is operating normally.

9.2 INERT GAS PURGE (OPTION):

In some Gas Chromatography systems, as sudden stop in gas flow through the GC columns may
cause damage. To prevent this, the Model 720AS-GC has been designed with an optional inert gas
purge for when a hydrogen fault is detected. When the Model 720AS-GC system is turned off and
when a hydrogen fault is detected, the solenoid valves will prevent flow of hydrogen into the GC and

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allow inert gas to flow. If an inert gas purge is not desired, the system will only cut off hydrogen gas
flow.
NOTE: The solenoid valves will not work as intended if the inert gas line pressure exceeds the
hydrogen gas line pressure. The pressure of the nitrogen gas supply line must be less than the
pressure of the hydrogen gas supply line.

9.3 ALARM
If the hydrogen level exceeds the set point, or there is an instrument fault, the towers red light will
light, buzzer will sound, and the supply of hydrogen to the GC system is shut off and inert gas
solenoid valve (if connected) is turned on and GC system will be using it as the carrier gas otherwise
there will be no carrier gas flow.
Turn off the hydrogen supply at the source.
Unplug the power cable to silence the alarm. The hydrogen supply will remain shut off.
Investigate and repair the cause of the alarm by referring to troubleshooting and diagnostic chart.

9.4 VISUAL STATUS INDICATOR

Located on the front of the unit, the Status Indicator (see figure 9) LED displays basic unit function as
described below.
Status Indicator Color
Normal operation / Hydrogen Detected below Alarm set point GREEN
Warm-up AMBER
Hydrogen Detected above Alarm set point / Unit fault detected RED

ALARM
ACTIVATED

INERT GAS
SOLENOID OPENS

H2 SUPPLY
SOLENOID SHUTS

Figure 9: 720AS-GC Gas Chromatography Safety System alarm activated

WARNING: IF FAULT CONDITION (HIGH HYDROGEN EVENT, PUMP, SENSOR FAILURE) OCCURS THE
HYDROGEN (CARRIER GAS) SUPPLY TO GC WILL BE SHUT OFF.

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10 TROUBLESHOOTING
The primary function of the 720AS-GC sensor system is to detect an unexpected buildup of hydrogen in the
GC oven and shut off the supply line to prevent an explosion.
Hydrogen supply (solenoid) to GC is shut off under the following scenarios:
720AS-GC sensor system is not functioning (no power or internal fault detected).
When a hydrogen event is detected the hydrogen supply is shut off and the alarm-light and
sound are turned on.
The only way to silence the alarm is to turn off the 720AS-GC sensor system by unplugging the AC power
line. The system should not be plugged in (turned on) until after whatever caused the hydrogen event has
been determined and corrective actions have been taken. It is highly recommended to connect the Model
720AS-GC Hydrogen Sensor System to a UPS (Backup Battery) to prevent power spikes and inconvenient
resets.
11 SERIAL COMMUNICATION
The sensor can be monitored and controlled via the serial interface.

11.1 SOFTWARE
Software that communicates over the serial port is typically called a terminal emulator. Any two-way
terminal emulators (HyperTerminal, Telnet, etc.) or purpose-built software (using LabView, Visual
Basic, C++, etc.) can be used to establish serial communication with the unit.
XP and previous versions of Windows came with a terminal emulator called Hyper Terminal. Newer
versions of Windows do not. These versions require installing a third-party program. There are many
inexpensive or free programs available. FoxTerm, a free program, is used extensively by H2scan.
Refer to appendix 1 for setup instructions.

11.2 CONNECTION
Connect the sensor to the serial port, using direct COM port or USB adapter.
If a USB adapter is used, install the driver according to its instructions.
In Windows, look at the ports using the Device Manger.
A built-in port will be COM1.
The port assigned to the USB adapter could have any number, but it will be called something like
USB Serial Port (COM7) or I-756X (COM3). Below is an example.
.

Note the port number that Windows has assigned.

11.3 COMMAND LEVELS

The unit can be communicated with and configured via the use of commands as described below.
Two levels of communication outputs are available:
Level 0 Default level used for data monitoring and basic functions providing a continuous
stream of data readings.
Level 1 Password protected level used for configuration of user-settable parameters;
interactive single-line data output per command.
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11.4 COMMAND SUMMARY

The RETURN or ENTER key is the last character of the command string. If either key is pressed
without a command string the result is an invalid command and will resume continuous display if in
Level 0 or return to prompt if in Level 1.
Level 0 Commands
Keystroke Description
Stops continuous display to enter a password or command. If in level zero, the
ESC
continuous display will resume after executing one command.
Pressing the Space key while the serial output is active will display a label line
sp(spacebar)
showing the heading for each column of data.
Enter the password to change security level. A null or invalid password returns to
the default security level.
=<password>
Level 0 password = 0
Level 1 password = h2scan

Level 1 Commands
Keystroke Description
A Set the alarm parameters
Display Product Information. Enter page number 0 or 1
D <page> 0 Product information
1 User configuration
F Field Calibration
G Start or resume the sensor operation
X Clear field calibration data (returns to last factory calibration data).

WARNING: IF SETTINGS ARE CHANGED FROM THOSE SET BY THE MANUFACTURER THEN IT IS THE
USERS RESPONSIBILITY TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATIONS OF THESE CHANGES.

12 SET ALARM PARAMETERS

TheA command is used to change the alarm settings between 0.4% to 5% hydrogen by volume at 1
atmosphere.
For proper operation set the Alert and Alarm levels to the same value
Latching means that after an alarm starts, it continues even if the alarm conditions have passed. This is
the recommended setting
Without latching enabled, once the alarm condition has passed the alarm turns off and the hydrogen flow
resumes. If the problem was excessive hydrogen, the alarm will turn on again when the hydrogen
concentration rises. The alarm will continue oscillating until the power is turned off.

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Here is an example of changing the alarm condition from 1% to 0.8%.

H2scan: a
Alert threshold is 1.00% Hydrogen; Fault Indication is enabled
Alarm threshold is 1.00% Hydrogen; Fault Indication is enabled
Alert/Alarm outputs are latched
Change (Y/N)? y
Alert Threshold : 0.8
Enable Fault Indication (Y/N)? y
Alarm Threshold : 0.8
Enable Fault Indication (Y/N)? y
Latch Alert/Alarm relays (Y/N)? y
Change (Y/N)? n
Save these values (Y/N)? y
...Wait...SAVED

13 DISPLAY PRODUCT INFORMATION EXAMPLE

H2SCAN: d 0
H2scan hydrogen sensor
Model Number: 720
Serial Number: A000322
Sensor Board Firmware Rev: 1.67gc
Table Version: 1.25
Latest Calibration
Factory: 7/13/09
Field: 04/03/12

H2scan: d 1
User configuration is:
Hydrogen reporting range 0.4-5.0000% H2
Isolated Output is enabled: 4.000 to 20.000 mAmps
Error output is 3.000 mAmps
Not-Ready output is 2.000 mAmps
Voltage Output is disabled
Alert threshold is 0.8% Hydrogen; Fault Indication is enabled
Alarm threshold is 0.8% Hydrogen; Fault Indication is enabled
Alert/Alarm outputs are latched

14 DISPLAY STREAMING DATA

Steaming data from the serial port can be formatted in various ways using the G command. Here are a
few examples.
To have the Time Stamp, Overall Hydrogen Reading, PCB and Sensor Temperatures, Calculations Errors
and Heater State columns continuously reported, type the following G serial command at the H2scan:
command prompt:
H2scan: G B2 06
; TimeStamp PcbTemp SnsrTemp %H2 Messages
764 45.8224 105.04610 3.35075
768 45.8699 105.04760 3.36128
772 45.9228 105.04690 3.35745

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To have the Overall Hydrogen Reading, Peak Hydrogen, Calculations Errors and Heater State columns
continuously reported, type the following G serial command at the H2scan: command prompt:
H2scan: G 03 06
; %H2 %H2_Pk Messages
5.29087 5.29087
5.29610 5.29610
5.28849 5.29610
To only have the overall Hydrogen column continuously reported, type the following G serial command at
the H2scan: command prompt:
H2scan: G 02
; %H2
1.24837
1.25051
1.24814

15 BUMP TEST
A bump test can be performed at any time by connection through the calibration port. Turn off the system
pump (Figure 8, this will close the solenoid valve) and supply an H2/air concentration sufficient to trigger
the alarm. For example using the default 1% alarm level, 2%H2/air (recommended) works well. The alarm
will trigger when the sensor measures H2 over the set point. If the unit does not, perform a field calibration.
Make sure to turn the pump on when testing or when calibration is complete.

16 CALIBRATION
Calibrations do not cause any wear on the sensor and can be accomplished as often as desired by
connecting a certified concentration of H2/air through the calibration port. Analog outputs can be monitored.
H2scan suggests that the calibration of the system be carried out every 90 days.

16.1 FACTORY CALIBRATION

Contact H2scan to make arrangements for a comprehensive Factory Calibration using high accuracy
gases by H2scans factory trained technicians using optional NIST traceable certificate available
upon request.
In the event the Field Calibration procedure seems to not be effective, H2scan recommends the unit
be shipped back to the factory for a comprehensive evaluation and Factory Calibration.

16.2 FIELD CALIBRATION

A field calibration may be performed at any time (recommended every 90 days).

17 FIELD CALIBRATION
17.1 GASES
Calibration requires the availability of one or two certified known gases at values specific to the
application. One gas will correct any offset error while two gasses will also correct offset and gain
error. It is recommended to use 0.5%H2/air and 2% H2/air to obtain superior calibration accuracy.
DO NOT use 0% H2 as the lower calibration gas. The recommended flow rate required is 0.5 0.2
slpm.
Recommended time is 10 min.
Calibrate the sensor in an air background.
Custom Field Calibration Kits are available from H2scan.

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The accuracy of the gas bottle concentration will directly affect the measured accuracy by the units.
During factory calibration, the units are calibrated with high accuracy gases (as high as +/- 0.02%). It
is strongly recommended that similar high accuracy gases are used to maintain the highest
accuracy.

17.2 GAS CONNECTION

Gases are applied to the unit through users piping connected to cal port (Calibration port, see
Figure 8) on the side of the 720 AS-GC.

17.3 PROCEDURE
Before performing calibration please turn pump off (see figure 10). During the Field Calibration
process any previously completed Field Calibrations are cancelled. As a result, during the routine the
unit may display a hydrogen concentration that is different from the applied gas concentration. This is
normal. Once the procedure is completed, the readings will be corrected to display accurately for all
subsequent exposures.

PUMP SWITCH

CALIBRATION
PORT

Figure 10: Installed Model 720AS-GC Sensor System

17.4 CALIBRATION USING THE SERIAL INTERFACE

Turn off the pump.
Press Esc
The unit will return the command prompt H2scan:
Following the instructions in Section 12 of this manual set both of the Alarm
Thresholds to 5.0%. This will prevent the alarm from activating during calibration.
Press Esc
The unit will return the command prompt H2scan:
Type f then press Enter and follow prompts to field calibrate the sensor with two gas
concentrations

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FIELD CALIBRATION STEPS

Display User response

Ready to Calibrate (Y/N)? Type y

Gas1 for res (Y/N)? Type y to proceed

Cal Gas: 0.500%H2 (Y/N)? Type n if incorrect

Enter gas: Enter the hydrogen concentration % by volume

Cal Gas: X.XXX %H2 (Y/N)? Type y if correct

Settle time: 10 min (Y/N)? Type n if incorrect

Enter time: Enter the duration in minutes for gas #1

Settle time: min (Y/N)? Type y if correct

Apply 0.500%H2: Ready (Y/N)? y Type y to proceed

Streaming data

Taking Average cap=0.00000 Calibration Gas #1 finished.

res=0.500

Gas2 for res (Y/N)? Type y if desired for better accuracy

Cal Gas: 2.000%H2 (Y/N)? Type n if incorrect

Enter gas: Enter the hydrogen concentration % by volume

Cal Gas: X.XXX %H2 (Y/N)? Type y if correct

Settle time: 10 min (Y/N)? Type n if incorrect

Enter time: Enter the duration in minutes for gas #1

Settle time: min (Y/N)? Type y if correct

Streaming data

Apply 2.00%H2: Ready (Y/N)? Type y to proceed

Taking Average cap=0.00000 Calibration Gas #2 finished.

res=2.00 Calibration complete.

Follow the instructions in Section 12 of this manual, set both of the Alarm Thresholds back
to the desired alarm activation threshold (usually 1.0%).
Turn on the pump.

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18 CLEAR FIELD CAL

The Clear Field Calibration function restores the instrument to the last factory calibration.

18.1 CLEAR FIELD CAL USING THE SERIAL INTERFACE

Press Esc
The unit will return the command prompt H2scan:
Type x then hit Enter and follow the prompt to clear the field calibration.

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APPENDIX 1 - FOXTERM SETUP

INSTALLATION
These instructions refer to FoxTerm, but the
concepts are the same in all terminal emulators.
Download FoxTerm from www.foxterm.net.
Create a folder in My Documents called
H2scan.
Unzip the FoxTerm files into the H2scan folder.

SETUP
Start FoxTerm
Close the default session window (if needed).
Open a new session window.
Select the correct port as determined above
(COM3 in this example).
Setup the session as shown below
Select a log file name and location. The file
name should start with the current date
(YYYMMDD) followed by any particular
information required. This way, the files will be
easy to sort. For example
20110920Yukon6.log would be the file name
for the Yukon6 sensor that had logging started
September 20th, 2011. The .log extension is
the default, but any extension could be used.
Newline Behavior must be set to CRLF.
Click OK.
Save the session as H2scan.xml in the
FoxTerm program location.
The setup should look similar to that shown.

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APPENDIX 2 FAULT DIAGNOSTIC CHART

Symptom Cause Action
Turn off Hydrogen at source and GC. Check GC system for loose
High Hydrogen Event fittings, broken columns, etc.
If alarm activates and no hydrogen is present in the GC, proceed
Alarm Activates through the following diagnostic steps:
False Alarm A. Power cycle 720AS-GC sensor system.
B. Check the relay set-points for triggering H2 alarm
C. If fault reappears, contact H2scan, Inc.
Alarm will activate, hydrogen flow valve to the GC system is shut
off and nitrogen purge is activated during a high hydrogen event,
High Hydrogen Event preventing further build-up of hydrogen.
A. Check whether status LED is lit.
B. Ensure that power has been supplied to the 720AS-GC sensor
system. The hydrogen flow valve will not turn on until the sensor
No Hydrogen Flow to GC No Power to System has finished warm-up.
Status LED will be Amber. 720AS-GC sensor system will take up
to 10 minutes to initialize after it is first powered on. In this time,
Initial Sensor Warm-up the hydrogen flow valve will remain closed.
Sensor Pump has not been The hydrogen flow valve is off while the 720AS-GC sensor system
turned on pump is turned off.
System Fault Contact H2scan, Inc.
Power must be supplied to 720AS-GC sensor system for the
No Power to System RS232 communication port to operate.
If there is a loss of communication and power has been supplied to
Loss of Communication the 720AS-GC sensor system, proceed through the following
through RS232 port diagnostic steps:
System Fault A. Verify communication settings (Appendix 1)
B. Reboot sensor system and computer
C. If fault reappears, contact H2scan, Inc.

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QUESTIONS?

PLEASE CONTACT US AT

Manual copyright 2013, H2scan

Instrument software copyright 2013, H2scan

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