User Manual 1v4

Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Basic Components........................................................................................................................... 5
Optional Accessories ....................................................................................................................... 7
Leak Detection Probe ...................................................................................................................... 7
Power On ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Main Menu.............................................................................................................................................. 9
Connecting to a Circuit Breaker or Gas Cylinder............................................................................... 10
Taking a Measurement ..................................................................................................................... 10
Number of Cycles .......................................................................................................................... 11
Automatic Start ............................................................................................................................. 11
Automatic Pump Back ................................................................................................................... 12
Line Purge...................................................................................................................................... 12
Moisture Purge ............................................................................................................................. 12
The Measurement Cycle ............................................................................................................... 13
Pumping the Gas Back .................................................................................................................. 17
Calibration ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Utilities .................................................................................................................................................. 20
Setup ................................................................................................................................................. 20
Clock Setup.................................................................................................................................... 20
Units Setup .................................................................................................................................... 20
System Info ................................................................................................................................... 21
Logged Data ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Standard units ............................................................................................................................... 21
Units with USB Memory Stick Interface (Optional) ...................................................................... 22
Methods ............................................................................................................................................ 23
Selecting a Method ....................................................................................................................... 23
Customising a Method .................................................................................................................. 24
Empty Gas ......................................................................................................................................... 24
Refilling the Purge Filter.................................................................................................................... 25
Charging ............................................................................................................................................ 26
Leak Detection (Optional) ................................................................................................................ 27
Activating Leak Detection Mode ................................................................................................... 27
Leaving Leak Detection Mode ....................................................................................................... 29

2
Selection of Options .......................................................................................................................... 30
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) ................................................................................................ 31
Technical Specifications .................................................................................................................... 34

3
Introduction
Thank you for choosing EMT IR Zerowaste SF6 impurity gas analyser. The Zerowaste is the
world’s first SF6 impurity gas analyser to combine the following features:

 Uses advanced infrared absorption technology to measure SF6, H2O, HF and CF4 in
addition to SO2, CO, H2S with electrochemical cells bringing laboratory-standard
measurement to the field.
 Internal compressor for pumping gas back.
 Fully battery operated even during gas pump back.
 Automatic sampling with up to 5 sequential measurements.
 Automatic pump back for sampled gas (user selectable).
 Automatic start of measurement upon detection of gas connection (user selectable)
 Minimum amount of gas drawn (typically 250cc per measurement cycle).
 Fastest measurement cycle of less than 5 minutes with only 90 seconds of gas sample.
 Innovative modular design that allows for the measurement of the largest number of
gases offered in the market (patents pending)
 Optional built-in SF6 leak detection module.
 Full colour, touch screen display with user friendly interface.
 Data logging.
 User-Selectable methods to display compliance with different standards.

This has been made possible by utilising some of the best experience and knowledge in gas
sensing, spectroscopy and product design together with an extensive knowledge of the SF6
impurity market.

4
Basic Components

Main Unit

The main unit houses the sensors, a pump back compressor, a battery, the pneumatic and
control system assembly as well as the touch screen display. The unit is powered by three
processors: a system, a sensor and a user interface processor.

The unit is available in three model variants - ZW3, ZW6 and ZW8 depending on the
selection of gases ordered. Additional and/or special gases such as R12 can also be ordered
- please contact EMT.

The top fascia houses the touch screen display, the ON/OFF switch as well as the following
connectors:

1. PURGE FILTER: This connector is used to connect the purge filter tube which must be
permanently connected to the purge filter connector on the unit at all times.
2. LEAK DETECTION: This connection is used to connect the leak detection probe. The
leak detection probe is an optional accessory that can be ordered with the unit.
3. GAS SAMPLE: This connection is used to for connecting and pumping back the gas to
be measured. Gas pressure in the range of 0.3 to 10 Bar can be sampled. An option is
available allowing for higher Gas pressures up to 12 Bar – please contact EMT
4. CHARGER: This connection is used to connect the battery charger. Please note that
only the charger supplied with the unit should be used for re-charging the internal
battery.
5. USB: The Zerowaste can be connected to a computer using a USB cable allowing
recorded readings (the logged data) to be uploaded to a computer using EMT’s
Dataman software (For information regarding Dataman software please contact
EMT). A special USB option is also available that allows for the connection of a USB
Memory Stick via a short adaptor cable. This special option allows for the logged data
to be transferred directly to a USB stick. This must be specified when ordering the
Zerowaste.

5
Purge Filter Tube
The purge filter tube contains special filter material
that provides clean dry air that is used during the
purge phase of the measurement cycle. The filter
tube is mounted on the fascia and held in position
using spring clips.

Purge Filter Refill Sachets and Filling Funnel

The sealed sachets contain fresh filter
material. These sachets are to be used to
refill the purge filter tube which must be
done at least once a week or when the
instrument displays a “Filter Change”
warning message.

Battery Charger
A universal battery charger is provided with UK, US
and European interchangeable mains/power plugs.

The charger also accepts a standard “figure of 8

mains cable” as shown below (not provided) if
preferred.

The unit can be used in either AC or DC mode. The battery charger is used to re-charge the
internal battery. The pumping back of analysed gas to the circuit breaker or to a waste
vessel is done by an internal compressor pump connected to the battery. The battery must
be charged to a certain level to allow the pump back operation. Therefore, where possible
the unit should be used with the battery charger connected to AC mains power so that the
battery is continuously charged.

6
Optional Accessories

Leak Detection Probe

The flexible probe is provided with all units ordered with the
leak detection option. The probe plugs into the LEAK
DETECTION Port of the instrument through a coiled tube that is
extendable to 1 meter.

7
Power On
The ON/OFF button powers on the unit. The screen will switch on and start to display a
sequence of instrument diagnostic and initialisation messages.

As part of the diagnostic routine the instrument checks the flow of air entering via the
external filter. Should a restriction be detected inside the instrument a warning screen will
be displayed. If this occurs please check that the inlet of the purge filter and the vent on the
front of the instrument case are clear. After removing any obstructions press the ‘OK’
button appearing at the bottom of the restricted flow message screen.

The initialisation stage also checks the date when the filter material contained within the
filter tube was last replaced. The filter material should be changed on a weekly basis and a
warning message (shown below) will appear if the filter replacement is overdue.
Replacement of the filter tube material should be confirmed by pressing the OK button.

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Regular filter replacement will produce reliable and repeatable measurements.

Once the instrument has run its diagnostic checks the instrument will then enter a 10
minute stabilisation period to ensure best measurement performance. A count-down
message indicates the time remaining.

A forward arrow button is displayed on the screen after the initialisation and diagnostics
sequence is completed (approximately 1 minute) that allows the stabilisation period to be
by-passed. Please note that this feature is should only be used to allow the set-up of
functions, transfer logged data or check system information. To ensure accurate
measurement readings the instrument should always be allowed to complete the 10 minute
stabilisation period before starting the measurement cycle.

Once the stabilisation period has been completed the Main Menu screen will be displayed.

Main Menu
The main menu screen presents three options: Measure, Calibrate and Utilities. A fourth
opion “Leak Detection” will be displayed on instruments with the Leak Detection accessory.

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The current date/time and battery status are also displayed. The button in the lower
right hand corner of the screen is the power On/Off button.

Connecting to a Circuit Breaker or Gas Cylinder

The sample line from the circuit breaker can be connected to the Zerowaste instrument at
any time. EMT is able to provide a universal fittings kit that allows for any circuit breaker to
be connected to the armoured 2 metre hose that is provided with the Zerowaste unit. The
two metre hose has a DN7 male connector which connects to the Gas Sample port located
on the Fascia of the instrument.

Taking a Measurement
The measurement is started by pressing the Measure button.

The “SAMPLE IDs” screen will be displayed that allows information relating to the gas
measurement to be recorded.

A measurement can be recorded with reference to the Location, the Phase being measured
and the name of the Operator. The time and date are automatically recorded. When the
“SAMPLE ID” screen is displayed, the screen will show the last Sample ID information that
was previously entered. Press the next to the Location, Phase or Operator boxes to
change the Sample ID information using the Keypad displayed. Once the Sample ID
information has been entered then press the “Confirm button”.

The “NEW MEASUREMENT CYCLE“ screen will then be displayed.

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This screen allows for up to five measurement cycles to be selected. A number of options
are also configurable such as Automatic Start, Automatic Pump Back, Line and Moisture
Purge.

The pressure of the gas connected to the gas sampling port on the Zerowaste unit either
from the circuit breaker or from a stand-alone test cylinder is displayed on the above
screen. This pressure is the Gauge Pressure.

Please note that, when the instrument is not connected to either a sampling point or test
gas cylinder the pressure displayed is the internal pressure of the system caused by the
small residual amount of gas within an internal manifold below the fascia where the gas
sampling port is situated (approximately 3 cc of gas is contained within tubing connected to
the internal manifold).

Number of Cycles
The Zerowaste allows for up to five gas readings before the internal gas storage has to be
emptied (see Pump Back). These five readings can be measured sequentially, individually
or in any required sequence.

To select the number of measurement cycles press the up and down arrows.

Automatic Start
Ticking the “Automatic Start” check box will start the measurement session automatically
once the gas is connected.

Please note that this feature is only enabled if the gas pressure is below 0.2 bar before the
“NEW MEASUREMENT CYCLE“ screen is displayed.

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Automatic Pump Back
Ticking the “Automatic Pump Back” check box will instruct the instrument to pump back the
gas into the sampling point at the end of the sampling session.

Once the “NEW MEASUREMENT CYCLE” has been configured the instrument is then ready
to start the measurement session. Connect the circuit breaker or test gas cylinder to the
GAS SAMPLE port if not already connected.

If the Automatic Start is enabled, the first measurement cycle will start automatically;
otherwise press the “START” button.

No further actions are required until the measurement session has been completed.

The following sections describe the various stages which run automatically during a
measurement cycle.

Line Purge
Selecting the” Line Purge” option will purge the gas that is present within the external hose.
The gas is purged from the hose into the internal gas storage before the measurement cycle
begins. This ensures that old gas from previous sampling does not affect the reading.

The time of the “Line Purge” is automatically calculated based on the pressure of the gas
and assumes that a standard EMT supplied two metre hose is attached to the Zerowaste
unit.

Moisture Purge
Selecting the” Moisture Purge” option will allow gas to flow through the external sampling
hose into the instrument for approximately 270 seconds (4.5 minutes) before the start of
the selected measurement cycle(s). This option purges moisture, which is embedded within
the PTFE lining inside the hose, providing a dry path inside the hose for the gas
measurement. The “Moisture purge” option is recommended to obtain the best
measurement performance when measuring the level of moisture inside the circuit breaker
is concerned.

Gas flowing during moisture purge is stored within the internal storage of the Zerowaste
unit and can be pumped back to the breaker or a waste container after the measurement is
completed.

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The Measurement Cycle
The measurement cycle comprises four stages: Instrument Purge, Stabilisation, Gas
Sampling and Sample Processing. The instrument will automatically proceed from one stage
to the other until a reading is obtained. A screen message will indicate the current stage of
the measurement.

To ensure accurate results, the orientation of the unit should not be altered during the
measurement cycle.

During each stage, the top left corner will indicate the current measurement cycle together
with the total number of cycles selected for the measurement session in progress.

The estimated time before the current measurement cycle is completed is displayed in the
bottom right hand corner of the display.

The measurement cycle can be cancelled at any time by pressing the Home button. This will
return the display to the “MAIN MENU” screen.

Instrument Purge
The first stage of the measurement cycle is the Instrument Purge where the sensors are
purged with clean dry air. During this stage purge air is vented out through the relief valve
on the front of the case.

Relief Valve Exit

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During the purging instrument stage the instrument checks for any restrictions in the flow of
air through the filter tube into the sensors and out through the front vent on the front of
the case. If the instrument detects a flow restriction then a “Restricted Flow!” message will
be displayed. If the restricted flow message is displayed then the inlet of the filter tube and
the relief valve on the front of the case should be checked for any obstruction. The flexible
tube connecting the filter tube to the instrument should also be checked to make sure that
it is not kinked. Once any obstructions have been cleared the OK button should be pressed.

As the instrument purge progresses the signals from the different gas sensors are
monitored. If the signals from the sensors have not stabilised by the end of the instrument
purge stage then the purge time is extended. When the sensors have been completely
purged and the sensor signals stabilised then the purge will finish.

Stabilisation Stage
This is the next stage where a stable reference reading with no gas is established. Purging
stops during this stage and no gas will flow.

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Gas Sampling
During this stage, a representative gas sample is drawn. Due to the very small volume of the
gas cells, a short time period of only 90 seconds is required to flush the sensors and to
acquire the required gas sample. This stage will only be extended if the tube connecting the
switchgear to the instrument requires more time to purge (see FAQ section for more
details).

Gas flowing during this stage will be collected in the instrument internal storage and can be
pumped back at the end of the session. The input gas pressure is indicated in the top right
hand corner of the screen.

Sample Processing Stage

During the final stage, the acquired measurements are processed after which a reading is
displayed. No gas will flow during this final stage.

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At the end of the measurement cycle, readings for the last cycle are displayed for 10
seconds. Readings that are within the limits specified in the selected method are displayed
in green, while those outside the limits are displayed in red.

Storing Gas
After the current cycle readings are displayed, a small internal pump is switched on that
pumps the gas inside the sensors into the internal gas storage.

The measurement cycle is repeated until all the required measurement cycles are
completed.

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Pumping the Gas Back
When the measurement cycles have been completed the gas collected inside the internal
storage can be pumped back. Please note that the battery should have sufficient charge for
the compressor to operate.

If the “Automatic Pump Back” was selected on the “NEW MEASUREMENT CYCLE” screen
prior to commencing the measurement then the gas will be pumped back automatically. If
the Automatic Pump back was not initially selected then the message below will be
displayed allowing the gas to be pumped back on selection of the YES button.

After the gas is pumped back, the “LOGGED DATA” screen showing the measurement results
is displayed. Please refer to the” View Data” section for more information about the
LOGGED DATA screen.

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Calibration
Calibration gas is required in order to calibrate a gas sensor. Table 1 provides an indication
of the concentration of calibration gas that is required in order to calibrate each sensor.
Calibration gas between the minimum and maximum concentrations given in the table
below can be used for the calibration. To obtain the best performance a calibration gas with
a concentration close to the normal operating level of interest or close to the allowable
concentration limit of your circuit breaking system.

Calibration gases purchased for use with the Zerowaste instrument MUST be balanced using
nitrogen gas. The use of a cylinder containing a mixed gas concentration is not
recommended as this could result in incorrect readings.

No Gas Minimum Maximum

1 H2O 90ppm 10000ppm
2 SO2 5ppm 150ppm
3 SF6 60% 100%
4 CF4 1% 60%
5 CO 50ppm 1000ppm
6 H2S 5ppm 100ppm
Table 1

To manually calibrate a gas channel go to the MAIN MENU screen and select the
CALIBRATION button. First select the channel that requires the calibration and enter the
concentration of the calibration gas. The concentration value entered will be checked
against the limits shown in Table 1 above and if the concentration is within the limits set by
the values shown in the table the calibration cycle will begin.

Connect the calibration gas to the “GAS SAMPLE” port and press “OK”. The calibration cycle
will then start.

The calibration cycle proceeds through similar stages to those observed during a
measurement cycle. The instrument screen will indicate the progress of the calibration as
different calibration stages are reached. A time period of 360 seconds (5 minutes) is
required to complete the full calibration cycle. However this is preceded by a Line Purge
period to purge the hose from old gas and, in the case of H2O calibration, an automatic
moisture purge.

If the instrument suspects that the connected gas is not of the correct concentration, an
error message will be displayed. If the message appears then the concentration entered
should be re-checked against the certified concentration of the cylinder and re-entered if
required.

18
Note: Please note that due to highly reactive nature of HF, user calibration is not offered for this gas. A very
carefully designed procedure and specially selected and treated components are used in the factory to ensure
accurate calibration of HF. As these are unlikely to be available to users, user calibration can introduce large
errors to the instrument readings and is therefore not made available. However, due to the excellent long
term stability of IR absorption technology, this calibration will only need to be checked/repeated once a year
during the recommended annual calibration of the instrument. If you feel that you are getting low HF readings,
please read the FAQ at the end of this manual.

The maximum gas pressure that can be applied to the GAS SAMPLE port
is 10 bar. Please ensure that the output pressure of the pressure
regulator that is used on the calibration gas cylinder does not exceed that
level.

Please note that an internal solenoid valve will stop the gas flowing
during different stages of the calibration cycle. Therefore ensure that the
type of regulator used with the cylinder can withstand a blockage on its
output without releasing gas in an unsafe manner.

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Utilities
The Utilities screen provides access to four menus: Setup, Logged Data, Methods and Empty

Gas. The filter button should be used when refilling the purge filter.

Setup
The Setup and Info screen displays three options:

Clock Setup
The Clock Setup screen allows the time and date to be configured to the local regional time.
Results stored (logged) in the instrument memory are stored with a time and date stamp.
Therefore, maintaining the correct date and time is important to ensure that logged data is
properly traceable.

Both European or US date format can be selected using the check boxes on the left of the
screen.

The date and time can be set using the arrow keys and confirming the entry by pressing the
OK button.

Units Setup
The Units Setup screen allows units for the H2O channel and/or the SF6 Leak Detection.

H2O units can be set to either ppm v, ppm w or oC and Leak Detection units can be set to
either ppm or gm/year.

Select the units by ticking the appropriate box and then press the button.

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System Info
The system info screen shows the serial number of the unit, the software versions for the
three processors that power the instrument and the amount of used storage in the logged
data memory. The next service due date is also displayed.

Logged Data

Standard units
For standard units, pressing the “LOGGED DATA” button on the “UTILITIES” screen will
display the Logged Data screen.

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The Logged Data screen allows all the readings stored in the memory of the unit to be
displayed. When the screen is first loaded it shows the most recent readings with the last
stored reading shown at the top. The number of records stored is displayed in the top left
corner of the screen. There are a number of ways to scroll through the data.

The and buttons allows for scrolling through the data by one reading at a time.

The and buttons allows you to scroll to the top (most recent data) and bottom
(earlier data) in the logged data record.

A slider on the left side of the screen also allows for scrolling through the data. Irrespective
of how you scroll through the data, the slider position will always indicate the relative
position of the displayed data with respect to the full record.

The displayed data only shows the gas readings and the location. To view additional
information associated with the recorded data such as the date and time and other
associated strings, press the button next to the required record.

The H2O readings can be displayed in units of ppm v, ppm w and °C. Pressing the “H2O”
label header allows the units displayed on the logged data screen to be changed.

All the stored data can be erased by pressing the Erase button. A confirmation screen will
appear to ensure that data is not erased accidently.

Units with USB Memory Stick Interface (Optional)

A special unit is offered by EMT with an interface for use with a USB Memory Stick that
allows logged data to be exported onto a USB Memory Stick without the need for special
software. The memory stick should be plugged into the short USB adapter cable supplied
with the instrument. This adaptor cable should then be connected to the USB connector
located on the instrument panel.

The following screen will be displayed (if the instrument has the USB memory stick option)
when the “LOGGED DATA” button on the “UTILITIES” screen is selected.

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To transfer data to the USB memory stick press the “Export” button and enter a file name
for the data to be stored using the alphanumeric keypad. Pressing the “View” button allows
the data to be viewed on the screen as described above.

Methods
Methods refer to international IEC standards that define the maximum allowable
concentration limits of decomposition products in a circuit breaker. To display the Methods
menu go to the UTILITIES screen and select the “Methods” option. The “METHODS” menu
screen allows for a method to be either selected or edited.

Selecting a Method
A method can be selected by pressing the “Select Method” button. The “METHODS MENU”
screen will then appear showing six method options. Three of these options are pre-
designated for IEC standards (IEC 60480-I, IEC 60480-II and IEC 60376) and three further
methods (4, 5 and 6) are available for customer specific configuration.

Clicking on the tick box next to the method selected will display the minimum allowable
concentrations gas levels associated with the method selected.

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Customising a Method
To customise one of the three user-specific methods go to the “METHODS” screen and press
the “Edit Method” button. The “CUSTOM METHODS SETUP” screen will be displayed
allowing methods 4, 5 or 6 to be selected.

When one of the three methods is selected the “METHOD SETUP” screen will appear.

The “METHODS SETUP” screen displays the current thresholds for the different
decomposition gas products. To change any of the values click the to the right of the
value then enter a new value using the numeric keypad. Confirm the number entered as
correct by pressing the OK button. After all the gas threshold values are set press the
Confirm button to save the new settings.

Empty Gas
The internal gas storage can be emptied by pressing the “Empty Gas” button on the
“UTILITIES” menu screen. Pressing the button will empty the gas from internal storage back
into the sampling point or into an external storage tank.

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Refilling the Purge Filter
The Purge filter tube located on the face plate of the instrument is an extremely important
part of the instrument. Material inside the purge filter tube allows air entering the
instrument during purge cycles to be dried before entering the sensor system.

The purge filter material should be refilled on at least once a week or more frequently if the
instrument is heavily used (Sealed sachets of purge filter material must be supplied by EMT).
Should the filter material exceed its maximum usage, a warning message will appear when
the instrument is switched on. The “Filter Replacement is due” message (see page 8 of this
manual) will be displayed. Follow the on screen instruction and replace the filter material.
Press the OK button to confirm that the filter material has been replaced.

The filter material can be replaced at any time by selecting the filter icon displayed on
the “UTILITIES” screen. Replacement of the filter material is a
straightforward task.

The purge filter tube should be first disconnected from the

instrument panel. Empty and discard the filter material by
unfastening and removing the fitting on the end of the filter
tube.

Refill the tube using fresh filter material from a sealed filter
refill sachet and the funnel provided. Tap the side of the funnel
and the filter tube to ensure that the filter material is properly packed inside the filter tube.

Do not overfill the tube – make sure that there is enough thread visible inside the tube
entrance to re-attach and screw home the fitting. The fitting is supplied with an O ring that
provides a seal between the fitting and the tube.

Tighten the fitting to ensure that the tube is properly sealed. Failure to tighten the fitting
correctly can produce inaccurate readings.

Re-attach the filter tube to the instrument panel. Re-connect the hose attached to the filter
tube to the purge filter port on the instrument panel and ensure that there are no kinks in
the hose.

On the “FILTER CHANGE” screen displayed on the instrument press the OK button to
confirm that the filter material has been replaced. The instrument will then be updated and
the new filter replacement date stored in the memory.

The instrument will then perform an automatic purge drawing air through the filter allowing
the filter material to settle and removing any air pockets trapped in the tube during the
refilling process.

25
Charging
In order to charge the instruments internal lead acid battery please plug the battery charger
supplied with the instrument into the charger socket. A tri-colour LED indicator located on
the battery charger shows the charging status.

Charging takes place in the following stages.

The first stage is a constant current stage indicated by an orange indicator followed by a
constant current stage indicated by a yellow indicator. A final charge termination stage is
indicated by a green indicator.

ONLY USE THE PROVIDED CHARGER. Use of any other charger could be
unsafe and could CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE to the instrument

26
Leak Detection (Optional)
The leak detection option allows SF6 leaks to be located on switchgear apparatus. A leak
detection probe accessory is provided with the instrument if this option has been
purchased.

Activating Leak Detection Mode

To switch to Leak Detection mode press the “Leak Detection” button on the “Main Menu” screen .
Follow the instructions on the “Leak Detection Mode” screen by connecting the leak
detection probe to the LEAK DETECTION port. The LEAK DETECTION port is located on the
instrument panel between the GAS SAMPLE and the PURGE FILTER inlet ports.

Leaks can be detected even in the presence of a back ground of SF6 gas. The back ground
level of SF6 is first established by pointing the leak detection probe away from potential
leaks and pressing the “START” button. This operation purges the leak detection sensor and
establishes the ambient baseline reading. Once the baseline has been recorded a
confirmation screen as shown below will appear on the display indicating that the Leak
Detection Mode is activated.

27
The Leak Detection Screen will then appear indicating the SF6 level. An adjustable sensitivity
bar is also available on the Leak Detection screen.

The SF6 leak detection units can be configured for either ppm or gm/year from the Units
Setup screen (MAIN MENU--> UTILITIES-->SETUP—>UNITS SETUP)

The detection of an SF6 leak is indicated by a measurement reading on the screen together
with an audible alarm. The frequency of the audible alarm increases with the level of the
leak detected.

The sensitivity adjustment bar can be used to adjust the sensitivity of the audible alarm to
the level of the detected leak. When the bar is set to “High”, the alarm frequency will
increase with respect to the level of the detected leak. The “High” position is more suitable
for detecting very small leaks. In the “Low” position the frequency of the audible alarm will
be reduced and this selection is more suitable for the detection of larger leaks. Note that

28
the sensitivity bar only changes the frequency of the audible alarm and does not alter the
measured reading.

Leaving Leak Detection Mode

To exit Leak Detection Mode, press the button then Press “OK” to confirm or to
return to leak detection mode.

29
Selection of Options
The Zerowaste can measure the largest number of gases available in the SF6 impurity world
market today. This not only gives you the best picture possible of the condition of your
switchgear, but also helps to provide you with the most accurate readings.

Virtually all gas sensors potentially suffer from some form of cross interference of one form
or another. This is simply the effect when the presence of one gas affects the reading of
another. Due to the high selectivity of IR absorption technology that is used in the
Zerowaste, such cross interference effects are minimised, although not completely
eliminated. However, as the Zerowaste is capable of measuring the widest range of gases
present in the application, it uses compensation algorithms to further correct for any
remaining cross interference. Putting it simply, the effect of any gas on the other gas
channel readings is effectively removed during the factory calibration by applying correction
algorithms.

However, if a gas is not measured, it would not be possible to correct for its effect on other
gases. Therefore, to obtain the most accurate readings for all gases the maximum number
of gas channel options should be selected when purchasing the instrument.

This is particularly true if the instrument is used to measure a gas mixture containing
sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) or carbon tetra-fluoride (CF4). The CF4 option MUST be selected
otherwise readings of SF6, H2O and HF could be out of specifications given at the end of this
manual. This criterion also applies to carbon monoxide (CO). If the expected level of CO is
above 100ppm then the CO option is recommended to ensure the measurement accuracy.

30
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q1 I am getting low or no reading on the HF channel.

Answer:

Hydrogen fluoride is a very reactive gas that can be easily absorbed by the components
between the gas source and the instrument. For example, after fitting a new stainless steel
regulator and stem to an HF cylinder, any gas that flows through these components will
initially be completely absorbed by the metal work contained in the regulator and stem. A
100ppm HF gas may have to flow for almost an hour before enough of the HF passes
through the regulator and stem to be measured! Even then a considerable amount of the
flowing HF gas stream would continue to be absorbed during the test. Components used in
the instrument have been selected and passivated using a number of techniques to ensure
that HF introduced to the instrument is measured correctly. Therefore, when sampling gas
directly from the switchgear the HF reading obtained will be accurate provided that PTFE
tubes and stainless steel connectors are used.

Q2 I think that the instrument is showing inaccurate readings

Answer:

The Zerowaste has been designed and tested to give consistent and accurate readings. In
accurate readings are caused by used or contaminated material within the purge filter tube.
Please refill the filter with fresh filter material and repeat the measurement.

Inaccurate readings can also be produced if the if the purge filter tube is not correctly fitted.
Please refer to “Refilling the Purge Filter” section above for guidance on the correct position
of the purge filter tube.

Q3 Why does the instrument sometimes extend the measurement Cycle?

When the measurement cycle is started the tube connecting the switchgear to the
instrument would typically contain different gas at a different humidity level compared to
the required gas sample. To ensure the accuracy of the reading, the tube has to be
completely purged. The length of time required to purge the tube depends on both the
length of the tube and differences in the gas composition between the gas present in the
tube and the gas present in the switchgear.

The moisture level in the sample is constantly monitored by the instrument to obtain a
representative sample. The purge time can be extended automatically by the instrument if
required until the moisture level reaches a stable value.

A similar process takes place during the initial stage of the cycle when the instrument is
purged with dry air. Normally, the instrument purge time is not extended as the purge filter

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dries the gas within the 90 seconds allocated to this stage. If the initial instrument purge is
repeatedly extended then the material inside the purge filter tube should be refilled.

An unstable purge gas message is displayed if there is a contaminated gas filter. The screen
may be observed to freeze when the unstable purge gas message is displayed. If this occurs
then switch the unit off and refill the purge filter tube. Once the filter has been re-filled
switch the unit back on.

Q4 Why do I sometimes see varying moisture readings when I take repeated samples?

Changes in the moisture readings between sequential samples obtained from the same
sampling point is usually a reflection of the changing moisture level of the gas as it flows
through the external hose and fittings.

Moisture is embedded within the lining of the hose and fittings. This moisture will diffuse
into the gas stream affecting its moisture content. During this process the moisture,
embedded in the lining, asymptotically approaches that of the gas increasing the stability of
moisture level in the gas.

The moisture level of the gas takes time to stabilise and this time depends on several factors
including the difference between the moisture level of the gas and that in the hose lining,
the material of the hose lining, the flow rate of the gas and the length of the hose and its
cross section. However, in most cases, the moisture level of the gas should reach a stable
level after 3-4 cycles.

The instrument is unique in that it allows up to 5 consecutive samples to be measured

automatically which allows the best performance and the most accurate readings to be
obtained. By selecting the “Moisture Purge” option prior to the start of the measurement
cycle the external hose can be purged for approximately 4.5 minutes before the first
measurement cycle begins. This feature helps purge moisture from the hose so that and to
get a stable moisture reading is obtained in the shortest possible time.

Q5 The sample line length is set to the provided 2 m length: what if it needs to be
extended?

The instrument software is configured for use with a two metre hose. However, EMT can
provide longer hoses of either 6 metres or 12 metres in length for use with the instrument.
If longer hoses are required then a software upgrade of the instrument has to be
undertaken.

Q6 During the ‘Line Purge’ operation: where does the gas in the line go?

When a line purge is performed the gas inside the line is purged into the internal storage
within the instrument. The volume of the line is very small (only 20ml) and the quality of the

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gas is not affected as the volume of gas passes through a second filter tube within the
instrument that dries the gas volume before it is stored inside the internal storage.

Q7 On reading of Dewpoint in DegC, at what pressure does the analyser carry-out the
measurement?

The instrument makes measurements at Standard Atmospheric Pressure (1 atm) which is

the equivalent of 1.01325 bar.

Q8 The sample line has a Rectus fitting at the instrument end; why not have the same
fitting at the other end?

The EMT supplied hose for use with the instrument has a ½ inch Swagelok female fitting.
EMT supply a UNIVERSAL FITTINGS KIT that has been designed so that circuit breaker
fittings, however, they are configured have to be attached to the ½ Swagelok fitting. EMT
fittings are therefore used in a two stage connection at the circuit breaker. This prevents gas
being lost to the atmosphere during a test on a live breaker. This is a very safe and
important aspect of the EMT designed connection to the circuit breaker and is unique to
EMT.

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Technical Specifications
Gases Measured Gas Range Repeatability Technology
SF6 60-100% +/-0.5%FS1 NDIR
Dew Point -60 - 20oC +/-0.5oC at -30oC NDIR
HF 0-200ppm +/-5% FS1 NDIR
SO2 0-150ppm +/-2% FS1 Electrochemical
CF4 0-60% +/-1% FS1 NDIR
CO 0-1000ppm +/-5%FS1 Electrochemical
H2S 0-100ppm +/-5%FS1 Electrochemical
1
FS: Full Scale (of Measuring Range)

SF6 Leak Detection Detection Limit 3 gm/year

Technology NDIR

Screen Type TFT

Size 4.3” 16:9(wide aspect ratio)
Resolution 480x272 dots
Transmission Mode TN/Transmissive/Normally White
Dot Pitch 0.198x0.198mm
Colours 24bit
Touchscreen Integrated resistive touchpanel
Backlight White LED PWM
Luminance 350Cd/m2 (Typ.)

Memory Type Flash EEPROM

Capacity 1000 readings

Battery Type Lead Acid

Capacity 12Ah
Operating Time >8h
Charger input 100-240V- 50/60Hz

PC Type USB
Communications Class HID
Connector Mini AB

Gas Pressure 0.5 to 10 bar

Operating Temperature Range -20 to 40 oC

Environmental Humidity 0-95%RH non-Condensing
Ambient Pressure 800-1200 mbar
Conditions

Physical Weight 16Kg

Specifications Maximum Dimensions L500xW300xD470 mm
Note: Due to EMT continuous programme of improvement, this specification is subject to change
without prior notice.

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Energy Maintenance Technologies Ltd
Unit A6
Faldo Road
Barton Industrial Estate
Barton
MK45 4RP
Tel: +44 7535 900214
Tel: +44 7979 527292
www.emt.uk.com
Email: [email protected]

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