Phymetrix DewPatrol Manuale utente

PhyMetrix dewPatrol Moisture Analyzer

User's Manual

Please visit our website at www.phymetrix.com for other products that may be applicable to your

needs.

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in the contents of this manual. Should there be

any doubts to the accuracy of the content please contact the manufacturer.

The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

The instructions, procedures, drawings, specifications and concepts contained in this manual are

the property of Phymetrix Inc., and shall not be used as the basis for the manufacture or sale of

apparatus or services, or reproduced or copied or transmitted in any form or by any means

without written permission.

Read this manual before using the analyzer. For personal and system safety, and for

optimum product performance, make sure you thoroughly understand the contents

before installing, using, or maintaining this analyzer.

Warranty

This instrument is warranted, to the original end-user purchaser, against defects in materials and

workmanship. Liability under this warranty is limited to restoring the instrument to normal

operation or replacing the analyzer, at the sole discretion of the manufacturer. Batteries are

specifically excluded from any liability. This warranty is effective from the date of delivery to

the original purchaser. If Phymetrix determines that the equipment was defective, the warranty

period is:

• one year from delivery for electronic or mechanical failures

• one year from delivery for sensor shelf life

If Phymetrix determines that the equipment was damaged by misuse, improper installation, the

use of unauthorized replacement parts, or operating conditions outside the guidelines specified,

the repairs are not covered under this warranty.

Normal wear and tear, parts damaged by abuse, misuse, negligence or accidents are specifically

excluded from the warranty.

Purchaser acknowledges that in accepting and using this analyzer, notwithstanding any contrary

term or provision in the purchaser's purchase order or otherwise, the only warranty extended by

Phymetrix is the express warranty contained herein. Purchaser further acknowledges that there

are no other warranties expressed or implied, including without limitation, the warranty of

merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose; that there are no warranties which extend

beyond the description of the face hereof; that no oral warranties, representations, or guarantees

of any kind have been made by Phymetrix, its distributors or the agents of either of them, that in

any way alter the terms of this warranty; that Phymetrix and its distributors shall in no event be

liable for any consequential or incidental damages, including but not limited to injury to the

person or property of the purchaser or others, and from other losses or expenses incurred by the

purchaser arising from the use, operation, storage or maintenance of the product covered by the

warranty; that Phymetrix’s liability under this warranty is restricted to repair or replacement of

defective parts at Phymetrix sole option; and that Phymetrix neither assumes nor authorizes any

other person to assume for it any other warranty. The warranty shall be void if serial numbers

affixed to the products are removed, obliterated or defaced.

Return Policy / Procedures

If equipment malfunction is suspected or it is determined that the analyzer needs recalibration,

please contact Phymetrix.

Communicate the instrument model number, serial number, application including dewpoint

range being measured, and the details of the problem.

If the analyzer needs factory service you will be issued a RMA and shipping instructions.

The factory will diagnose the equipment and upon determining the problem will notify you

whether the terms of the warranty cover the required repair. If the costs are not covered you will

need to approve the estimated cost in order to proceed with the repair.

Revision #2 April 2021

Table Of Contents

1Introduction............................................................................................................................. 1

2Important Principles of Operation .......................................................................................... 2

2.1 Sensor Operating Principle............................................................................................... 2

2.2 Sampling Mechanism Operating Principle ...................................................................... 2

3Precautions ................................................................................................................ 2

4Moisture System Considerations ............................................................................................ 3

4.1 Integrity of the Materials of the User’s System ............................................................... 3

4.2 Moisture Backflow Along the Walls of the Exhaust Tubing ........................................... 3

4.3 Temperature Dependant Equilibrium............................................................................... 4

5Sampling Techniques.............................................................................................................. 4

5.1 Choosing a Measurement Site.......................................................................................... 4

5.2 Sample Conditioning........................................................................................................ 4

5.3 Tubing and Fittings .......................................................................................................... 5

5.4 Sample Pressure ............................................................................................................... 5

5.5 Measuring Gasses at Pressures above 50 psia.................................................................. 6

6User Interface Overview ......................................................................................................... 7

7Operating the Analyzer ........................................................................................................... 7

7.1 Mechanical Connections .................................................................................................. 8

7.2 Powering the Analyzer ON or OFF.................................................................................. 8

7.3 The Display Mode............................................................................................................ 9

7.4 Units to Display the Measurement ................................................................................... 9

7.5 Pressure Correction ........................................................................................................ 10

7.6 Navigating Through the Menus...................................................................................... 12

7.7 The Functions Available in the Menus .......................................................................... 13

7.8 External Connections ..................................................................................................... 15

7.8.1 USB - Battery Use & Charging .............................................................................. 15

7.8.2 4/20mA Loop .......................................................................................................... 16

7.8.3 Alarm Relay............................................................................................................ 16

7.9 AudioVisual Alarm (NFPA compliant) ......................................................................... 17

8Data Logging ........................................................................................................................ 17

8.1 Single Data Point Log .................................................................................................... 17

8.2 Continuous Data Logging .............................................................................................. 18

8.3 Retrieving the Data / Clearing the Memory................................................................... 19

8.4 Logging Data Directly into a Personal Computer.......................................................... 19

9Single Point Calibration........................................................................................................ 19

10 Troubleshooting and Maintenance........................................................................................ 20

10.1 Cleaning...................................................................................................................... 20

10.2 Recharging the Battery ............................................................................................... 20

10.3 Self Diagnostics.......................................................................................................... 21

10.4 Suspected Erroneous Measurements .......................................................................... 22

11 Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 24

Appendix A Mini-Demister ..................................................................................................... 25

Appendix B DewPatrol Rear View.......................................................................................... 26

Appendix C Manual Calibration Procedure ............................................................................ 27

Appendix D Analyzer Calibration Log.................................................................................... 28

Revision #2 April 2021

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1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the state-of-the-art Phymetrix DewPatrol Moisture Analyzer, it is a

weatherproof handheld analyzer which includes a built-in liquid separator, metering valve and

flow meter. This User’s Manual describes the functions of this analyzer as well as its operating

methods and handling precautions. There are also some sections that review general knowledge

and concepts of water vapor science. Read this manual thoroughly before using the analyzer.

Check our website “www.phymetrix.com/” for latest versions of documentation regarding this

analyzer.

Conventions used in this manual:

 When using the word “system” in this manual we are referring to the user’s system in which

the moisture content is being measured. This could be a simple configuration of a pressurized

gas bottle with a pressure regulator, or a complex system of dryers, filters, regulators, long

tubing, valves etc.

 When referring to text that is displayed on the analyzer screen, it is presented in this manual

using a font that makes it stand out.

The analyzer part number is displayed upon power-up and in the About screen, the dash numbers

following the main part number signify options as follows:

-P for internal pressure sensor, -A for analog output 4/20mA, R- for alarm relay or AV alarm

Check to see that your analyzer has arrived intact with all accessories. The international plug kit

is supplied only when shipped outside the USA. The rechargeable batteries are factory installed,

and are not user serviceable.

Swiveling Quick-Connect

Inlet Metering Valve

Glass Bowl Demister

Drain Valve

Weatherproof Battery

Charger Connector

DewPatrol Side View

Model: PDPa

Save the packing materials until you have verified that there is no concealed damage, it may also

be useful for future transportation.

2Important Principles of Operation

2.1 Sensor Operating Principle

The nanopore sensor utilized in this analyzer measures the amount of water vapor molecules that

have entered its pores. This amount is directly proportional to the partial water vapor pressure in

the gas surrounding the sensor, and the partial water vapor pressure is dependent on the water

vapor content of the gas and the total pressure of the gas. Thus to compute the water vapor

content of the gas under measurement the analyzer has to “know” the total pressure of the gas. If

the analyzer was purchased with the pressure sensor option then the total pressure is measured

and utilized by the analyzer, if there is no built-in pressure sensor then the user should enter the

total pressure into the analyzer, this can be easily done by entering atmospheric pressure (the

analyzer default setting) and measuring at atmospheric pressure by allowing the outlet (exhaust)

port to vent without restrictions.

2.2 Sampling Mechanism Operating Principle

The analyzer is equipped with a built-in sampling system which has the required tight seals to

measure low moisture. The connection to the air system is simple, using existing quick connect,

allowing installation directly on the compressed air pipe or hose. The swiveling inlet port adjusts

for comfortable viewing under all installation conditions. Alternatively dewPatrol can be

permanently installed using its 1/4"NPT inlet port. DewPatrol includes integral sampling system

consisting of inlet flow control valve, flow meter, particulate filter, coalescing filter (glass 360°

view) demister with drain valve, and a convenient swiveling quick connect inlet port.

3Precautions

•Observe the appropriate electrical safety codes and regulations. Consult with National

Electrical Code, and/or other nationally or locally recognized procedures relevant to your

location.

•When measuring flammable, explosive or toxic gasses; vent the sample outlet to a safe

and appropriate location.

•When measuring high pressure samples (do not exceed 150 psia or optional 500 psia); be

sure that the system is depressurized before connecting or disconnecting the sample

tubing.

•Corrosives such as Ammonia, HCl and Chlorine should be avoided; H2S and SO2can be

present if the moisture content is below 10 PPMv.

•Avoid extreme temperatures, pressures and mechanical vibration, refer to specifications.

•Do not disassemble the analyzer.

•Do not use with contaminants and liquids, refer to section 5.2 for sample conditioning.

•The handheld analyzer is weatherproof and can be left in the rain, however the inlet and

outlet ports must be protected from ingress. Do not leave the analyzer exposed to rain or

other contamination sources while the inlet or outlet ports are unprotected. When

performing a measurement at atmospheric pressure, the outlet port is sufficiently

protected from rain if there is at least 1 LPM (2 SCFH) of flow. Be sure to have the USB

connector protective cap secured in order to meet the weatherproof specifications.

4Moisture System Considerations

This section is offered as background information. There are several considerations in keeping

your system at a stable and pure moisture level, free of contamination from ambient air moisture:

•The integrity of the materials isolating the pure gas from the external air, including leaks

from poorly secured fittings.

•The backflow of moisture through the exhaust outlet, the exhausts of both the analyzer

and the user system under measurement should be considered.

•The effects of temperature on the equilibrium of moisture and the surrounding materials,

often observed as diurnal cycles in the measurement.

4.1 Integrity of the Materials of the User’s System

Before considering the materials of a system where a specified dewpoint level must be

maintained, one should review two concepts.

•Compared to the structure of solids the water molecule is much smaller. This is true

compared to even the crystalline structure of metals but especially important in the

polymer structure of plastics.

•Water vapor pressure in gasses obeys Dalton’s law of partial pressures, which states that

the overall pressure of a gas is the sum of its constituent gases. And each gas seeks to

equilibrate its pressure across gradients of only its own gas pressure.

Let’s consider air in a pipe at a total pressure of 100 psia, which has been dried down to -40°C

dewpoint. The partial water vapor pressure in the pipe is 0.13mB. If the ambient temperature is

22°C with relative humidity of 30%, then the partial water vapor pressure in the surrounding

atmosphere is 7.9mB or approximately 60 times greater than the partial water vapor pressure in

the pipe. Thus even though the total pressure in the pipe is much greater that the pressure outside,

the reverse is true for the water vapor pressure, and as we discussed earlier the water vapor seeks

to equilibrate its pressure thus it “wants” to flow from the outside to the inside and will do so

through the cracks in the joints (such as poorly tightened fittings, or NPT threads even if they are

properly taped), as well as through the walls of pipes tubes and other vessels. The integrity of the

system is extremely important in maintaining a stable low dewpoint; for dewpoints below -60°C

always use stainless steel or PTFE (Teflon), while for higher dewpoints you can use copper or

galvanized steel; but never use rubber, Tygon, Nylon or other plastic or tubing. Pressure

regulators often use rubber diaphragms, check and if necessary replace with a stainless steel

diaphragm regulator. Filter bowls should be stainless steel or glass, plastic bowls should be

avoided. If a flow meter is placed at the inlet of the analyzer it should have a glass tube and be

rated for the expected pressure levels, however in general it is best to place flow meters at the

analyzer exhaust.

Another material consideration relates to materials sealed in the system such as paper filters;

these may not contribute to leaks but will greatly slow down the measurement because they will

adsorb and desorb water molecules as the system dewpoint is changing.

4.2 Moisture Backflow Along the Walls of the Exhaust Tubing

The linear velocity of gas flowing in a tube is close to zero immediately along the wall of the

tube. This coupled with the previously discussed “need” for the moisture to flow from the higher

water vapor pressure to the lower one, allows for water molecules to flow against the flow

through the exhaust outlet into the sampling chamber of the analyzer. The fact that water

molecules are highly polar further enhances their ability to migrate against the gas flow at the

sampling chamber outlet. To prevent this backflow of moisture from influencing the

measurement, a minimum flow of 2 SCFH (1 SLPM) should be maintained; higher flows will

produce faster equilibrium time and thus are desirable for quick measuring.

4.3 Temperature Dependant Equilibrium

The effect of ambient temperature on the gas partial water vapor pressure of a system can change

the moisture content of the gas. This is not the temperature sensitivity of the measuring analyzer,

rather the actual change of partial water vapor pressure in the user’s system due to increase in

ambient temperature and thus the increase of energy of the water molecules on and in the walls

of the system (tubing, vessels etc…). A typical example would be the observation of a daily

cycling of the measurement in a system with tubing or other components exposed to direct

sunlight. During the day as the sun transfers energy into the system, the dewpoint will appear to

increase, while at night the dewpoint will appear to decrease. There may be other reasons for this

daily dewpoint cycling such as the effect of sun/temperature on the efficiency of gas dryers etc.

It is possible to minimize this effect using sun shields and tubing insulators. Alternatively one

may study the response of the particular system to ambient temperature, by logging data over

several days during different seasons, and compensating the measurements for this effect. The

temperature effect will vary greatly depending on the size and materials of the system, for

example stainless steel walls will have a much smaller effect than brass or copper walls.

5Sampling Techniques

The amount of moisture measured will be influenced by the system moisture content as well as

leaks in the system and transient effects of adsorption / desorption from materials in the system

(as described in the previous section).

5.1 Choosing a Measurement Site

Portable analyzers because of the nature of the situation (spot checking) perform extractive

measurements. It is important to choose an appropriate sampling location that is representative of

the moisture content of the system of interest.

5.2 Sample Conditioning

Particulate and liquid contaminants can affect the measurement, especially the response time.

Sample conditioning may be necessary to remove contaminants and improve the measurement

and the longevity of the sensor. Make sure that sample conditioning components are made of

suitable materials. Avoid paper or other fiber filter elements, use stainless steel instead. For

expected dewpoints below -50°Cdp (39 PPMv), avoid plastic filter bowls, use stainless steel or

glass instead. Make sure that highly hygroscopic contaminants (e.g. Triethylene Glycol used in

drying Natural Gas) do not reach and coat the sensor as they will disturb the sensor to system

equilibrium and can greatly affect the measurement and response time when the analyzer is used

at other locations. Drain trapped liquids from filter bowls.

If the application is suspect of possible presence of liquids for example:

• Compressed air with possible oil and/or water,

• Gas Insulated Switchgear or Transformer, SF6or N2blanket with suspected oil carryover,

• Natural Gas with possible Triethylene Glycol carryover,

The built-in Gas-Liquid separator Mini-Demister provides a visible area of liquid separation and

a metering valve for draining the accumulated liquid. Refer to Appendix A for details on the use

of the Mini-Demister.

5.3 Tubing and Fittings

Make sure all tubing is constructed of materials suitable for low dewpoint measurement, i.e.

stainless steel or Teflon, do not use rubber or plastic tubing (refer to section 4.1 for more details).

If using quick disconnect on inlet, be aware that some female disconnects do not seal as tightly

as others.

Check for leaks after connecting.

Flow meters can be a source of moisture ingress especially if they have a plastic flow tube;

ensure flow meters are connected at the analyzer exhaust, not at inlet. However the metering

valve should be at the inlet in order to maintain constant atmospheric pressure in the sampling

chamber.

5.4 Sample Pressure

Pressure variations will affect the measurement. Higher pressure is more likely to produce

condensation and thus erroneous readings or even damage the sensor. If the sample pressure

needs to be reduced use a suitable pressure dropping device such as a stainless steel needle valve

or pressure regulator with a stainless steel diaphragm or a flow control orifice. Make sure Joule-

Thomson effects do not cool the gas below hydrocarbon and water dewpoints.

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