Det-Tronics R8471NH34001,2,3 Single Channel Gas Controller, NH3 User Manual
Page 21

19
95-8529
1.1
CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
NOTE
While in the Calibrate mode, all controller outputs 
are inhibited, the CAL LED is illuminated, and the 
current output goes to a preset level (adjustable 
from 0 to 20 ma, with a default value of 4.0 ma).
Calibration typically requires two people, one person 
at the controller and another at the sensor. The actual 
calibration adjustments are made automatically by the 
microprocessor in the controller.
NOTE
An accumulation of contaminants on the 
screen or hydrophobic filter can block the flow 
of gas to the sensor, adversely affecting its 
performance. Before starting the calibration, the 
operator should examine the sensor screen or 
filter (if used). A dirty hydrophobic filter should 
be replaced. The hydrophobic filter should be 
clean and squarely seated in the housing. The 
hydrophobic filter should not be used with the Cl
2
sensor.
1. Be cer tain that the controller is properly
programmed for the calibration gas time. Reprogram 
the controller if required.
NOTE
The recommended calibration time is five 
minutes. Shorter calibration times are acceptable 
based on the discretion of the operator.
2. Check the gauge on the gas cylinder to be sure that
there is enough gas for a 5 minute calibration. If 
the cylinder runs out before 5 minutes, an improper 
calibration will result. 
IMPORTANT
Sensors must be calibrated with a gas 
concentration that is equal to 50% full scale 
value: 5 ppm for Cl
2
sensors, 50 ppm for SO
2
sensors, 10 ppm for NO
2
sensors.
3. Be sure that only clean air is present at the sensor.
(The microprocessor begins taking zero readings 
immediately upon entering the Calibrate mode.) 
If the possibility of background gases exists, 
purge the sensor with clean air to ensure accurate 
calibration.
4. To enter the calibrate mode, depress and hold the
Reset button until the CAL LED is illuminated
and
the digital display starts to flash (approximately 9 
seconds).
5. When the Zero calculations are complete (30
seconds minimum), the digital display stops flashing 
and reads “00”.
6. Apply the calibration gas to the sensor. The digital
display starts to flash, and the value indicated 
on the display rises. The bar graph display also 
indicates the level of gas at the sensor, but does not 
flash.
7. When the microprocessor has completed the Span
adjustment, the digital display stops flashing.
NOTE
If the sensor output stabilizes before the end of 
the programmed calibration time, the controller 
will accept the span value and exit the Calibrate 
mode early.
8. Remove the calibration gas. When the gas level
falls below the lowest alarm setpoint, the controller 
automatically exits the Calibrate mode. All outputs 
and indicators return to normal operation.
If the operator fails to complete the calibration, if the 
sensitivity of the sensor has deteriorated to the extent 
that calibration cannot be successfully completed, or 
if the 10 minute calibration time limit expires before 
completion of the calibration, a calibration fault 
(“F2X” status) will be generated and the controller 
will automatically revert back to the former calibration 
settings.
If the microprocessor determines that the sensor cell 
is approaching the end of its useful life, “F10” will be 
indicated on the digital display. This does not indicate 
a system malfunction, but is intended simply to make 
the operator aware of this condition. A successful 
calibration can still be performed. Press Reset after 
completing calibration to clear the display.
IMPORTANT
If a calibration attempt should fail for any reason, 
do not repeat the calibration. Either wait 30 days 
before calibrating, or replace the sensor cell with 
one that has been free of gas for at least 30 days 
and then calibrate.
