sadp
sadp
Operating Instructions
SADP_Operating_ Instructions_0114
www.sshawmeters.com
SADP_
_Operating
g_ Instructions_0114
SADP_Operating_ Instructions_0114
Contents Page
SADP_Operating_ Instructions_0114
The SADP & SADP-TR are battery operated portable dewpoint meters designed for spot checks or
continuous use. The instrument provides direct indication in dewpoint temperature and parts per million
on a 12cm analogue scale. SADP-D versions perform the same function but display only Dewpoint on a
LCD display.
The instrument may be used to give a continuous reading as long as sample gas is flowing through the
test chamber [head] of the instrument, a reading will be given of the gas moisture content. Alternatively
results are obtained in a few minutes when making spot checks.
The SADP instrument is operated with its own internal batteries and requires no external power source.
The instrument comes supplied with 6 “c”-size cells. In normal operation these will last for over 12
months.
The unique measuring head is designed to keep the sensor dry when the instrument is not in use,
making spot checks a simple and speedy process with minimum air or gas usage.
The SADP is provided as standard with a padded carrying case with shoulder strap, a moisture
calculator, a screwdriver for the Automatic Calibration control, a special key for the security plate
covering the battery carriers, and a 2 meter length of flexible PTFE (Teflon) sample pipe.
The instrument is certified for use in hazardous areas (Ex ia IIC T6 Ga).
1.1 Ranges
SADP-(r): Range
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All SADP Shaw Automatic Dewpoint meters are certified Intrinsically Safe as a standard feature.
They must be fully assembled to meet the certification requirements, i.e. they must not be switched on
in a hazardous location if any component is missing or removed. E.G. battery cover plate or sensor
head assembly etc. This instrument is only certified Intrinsically Safe to T6 with the use of Varta 3014
long life batteries as supplied.
It is the responsibility of the user to ascertain the suitability of the SADP for use in hazardous areas.
Risk assessments should be performed prior to use, taking into account the SADP certifications, the
location and the gas being monitored etc.
The USA certification is to CLASS I, ZONE 0 AEx ia IIB+H2 T6, which effectively means that the
instruments may be used in any environment except a deep mine.
Ex-European certification mark for electrical equipment for use explosive atmospheres
II -Areas classified hazardous due to presence of flammable gases or vapour
1 -Areas classified as Category 1 Risk according to the ATEX Directive (equates to Zone 0)
G -Risk due to presence of flammable gases or vapours according to the ATEX Directive
Ex ia - Intrinsic Safe
IIC - suitable for use with all classes of gasses and vapours
T6 - the product has a maximum surface temperature of 85°C (in an ambient temperature range of -
20°C to + 40°C) and can be used with any gases or vapours which have an ignition temperature above
this.
Ga - EPL (Equipment Protection Level) marking
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Care should be taken to ensure that the sample presented to the SADP is not contaminated with any
component that will damage, contaminate or affect the SADP in a way that will impair the unit’s
accuracy.
It is strongly recommended that the sample should not contain particulate matter, oil, hydrocarbon or
any other condensate. If these components contaminate the sample system and/or the measuring
sensor, the SADP response time will be lengthened, although the sensor calibration will not be effected.
The flow rate, although not critical to the sensor measurement, should be low enough to avoid abrasion
to the sensor surface without being so low as to extend the SADP response time to an unacceptable
level. In general, a flow rate of between 5 and 8 litres/min at NTP will give the right balance.
The sensor used in the SADP is a variable capacitor, which is directly affected by changes in partial
pressure of water vapour, and these changes, that are proportional to the dew/frost point temperature,
are displayed on the instrument indicator.
Sulphur hexaflouride (SF6) has no effect on the sensor. If the gas has been exposed to arcing,
however, it is possible that various acidic species will have been formed that will corrode the sensor.
When testing SF6 that may have been arced, therefore, an acidity test should be carried out first; if the
gas proves to be acidic then the moisture test should not be carried out.
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Main
Process
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Notes
a. The sample point should be on the upper surface of the horizontal pipe, or from a
vertical section of pipe, wherever possible.
b. The sample tube should run upwards from the sample point. If this is not possible,
then an inspection port or drain tap should be installed at the lowest point in the
sample system.
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It is advisable to carry out an initial purge of the sample loop, before connecting the
SADP, in order to avoid the possibility of sensor damage on start-up.
Open the sample isolation valve (1) slowly, until a there is a small flow of air/gas at atmospheric
pressure from the pressure reduction valve (4) into SADP line. Allow the air/gas to exhaust through the
sample connection (9).
The SADP is not flow sensitive however the sample flow needs to be enough to purge the sensor head
effectively, so anything less than 1 litre/min would mean that the instrument would take too long to
settle to a stable reading. The flow should also not be so high that the gas velocity could physically
damage the sensor or cause backpressure in the sensor head, so should not exceed about 8 litres/min.
Allow this purge to continue for 2 minutes to remove any residual moisture from the sample pipe work
and components. Check that no liquid or particulate contamination, which could damage the sensor, is
passing through the sample pipe. Directing the sample onto a piece of white paper (such as a filter
paper) will make it easier to see any dust or oil mist in the sample.
5.0 Controls
SADP instruments have a single rotary switch to the right of the indicator, which controls the power
supply, the battery check and the range selection (in dual range models) . The switch positions are
marked on the instrument fascia. SADP-D models have a single on/off switch.
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Brief operating instructions will be found on the label fastened to the top of the instrument cabinet. The
standard test procedure is as follows:
2. At the sample point to be tested open the sample valve or regulator slightly and check that no dirt or
condensate is expelled. [If any dirt or condensate is present, wait until it is cleared, or abandon the
test].
The pressure of the sample source is not important: however the instrument needs a small sample
of the air or gas which has been reduced to atmospheric pressure at the sample point (It must
not exceed 5 PSI for safe operation) - easily achieved by opening the valve just enough to allow a
small flow to escape through the dewpoint meter.
3. Connect the PTFE sample pipe supplied with the instrument between the sample tapping point and
the instrument, using either of the connections of the head/sensor assembly.
4. Adjust the sample valve or regulator to give a gentle flow through the instrument, [5/10 L/min. is
ideal — but the flow rate is not particularly critical. Do not exceed a flow of about 20 L/min].
5. Allow the sample to flow for 2 or 3 minutes in order to purge the sample pipe (a longer time might be
needed if testing very dry gas - drier than about -65 c. dewpoint). Then place a finger over the outlet
connection of the instrument head, and the sample pressure will cause the head to open. Remove
finger from the instrument when the head is fully open. [If there is insufficient sample pressure, fit a
length of 1 or 2 metres of flexible pipe to the outlet connection of the instrument head, and slowly
raise the head by hand].
6. The instrument reading will move up the scale (wetter), and stabilise. When there is no further
change in reading, note the result. If the reading moves up the scale (wetter) and then moves down
the scale (drier) then either the sample pipe was not purged enough before the head was raised, or
the sample is becoming drier during the test. (Perhaps by taking the sample from a pipe in which the
gas has been stagnant for some time).
If in doubt about the suitability of the sample flow rate, or the materials of the sample pipe being used,
increase the sample flow rate after the final reading has been obtained. If the instrument moves to a
drier reading this indicates that the original flow rate was too low, or that there is a leak in the system
allowing ambient moisture into the sample, or that the sample pipe is still wet.
7. After the test is complete, and if continuous reading is not needed, close the instrument head ready
for the next test.
8. Note these instruments are designed for rapid moisture determination when operated from Dry to
Wet, in this case they should give a 95% step change within 30 seconds. When operated Wet to Dry
we cannot quote any response time as this is dependant upon many variables but will be
considerably longer than the Dry to Wet response time.
This model should be operated in the same way as the standard range model except that when the
reading has stabilized you can move the switch from STD RANGE to LOW RANGE. This will activate
the lower red scale marked WATER VAPOUR. This is simply an amplification of the middle green
scale marked PPM (V) and will display a more accurate reading between the range of 0-10ppm.
PLEASE NOTE: When performing the Automatic Calibration procedure the switch must be returned to
the STD RANGE position.
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This is a major advantage of the Shaw measurement system. No other instrument can be checked so
easily and quickly.
The system relies on the fact that each sensor is designed to give no further increase in reading when it
reaches its maximum moisture level. This means, for example, that the Grey Spot sensor used in the
Model SADP-G for the range -80 to 0 C dewpoint will read 0 deg C when exposed to gas at 0 deg C
dewpoint, but will continue to read 0 deg C dewpoint when it is exposed to wetter gas. The system can
therefore be calibrated very simply by exposing the sensor to anything wetter than 0 deg C dewpoint,
and adjusting the reading to that point on the dial. In practice there is not an immediate cut-off, and the
0 deg C dewpoint mark on the dial will be found at about 3 deg below the Automatic Calibration line.
This enables the instrument to retain the maximum possible accuracy throughout its range.
In practice, the instrument’s calibration is checked as follows:
1. Ensure that no gas sample is connected to the instrument head connections. Switch meter to
Read, or Standard range if a TR Model. Switch to On for SADP-D models.
2. Raise the head of the instrument by hand and pump it up and down a few times, ending in the
raised position.
3. After about 1 minute (not critical, but not more than a few minutes) check the instrument reading.
On SADP models it should be at the Automatic Calibration line. It is not critical within 1 or 2
degrees. N.B. Extremes of humid or dry room air conditions may affect the reading slightly - see
below. SADP-D models must be set to the Wet limit of the sensor.
4. If the reading requires adjustment locate the Automatic Calibration control, which is to be found
on the front panel of the instrument, and using the small screwdriver provided, turn the control
clockwise to increase the reading (wetter) or anti-clockwise to decrease it.
NOTE: When the outside temperature is below 0 deg C or in an Air-Conditioned environment the room
dewpoint may also be below 0. Under these conditions we suggest that an independent check of the
room dewpoint be made against which the calibration can be set or, more easily, assume that the room
dewpoint temperature is the same as the outdoor air temperature. This will be quite sufficient except in
very unusual weather conditions.
The wide range of the Model SADP-Bl and SADP-D-Bl means that very rarely will the room air dewpoint
be above the maximum of the range. This means that true Automatic Calibration will not work. To
overcome this, simply use a wet & dry bulb hygrometer, or similar, to determine the room air dewpoint
temperature, and at stage (4) above set the reading to the actual air dewpoint. There is, of course, no
Automatic Calibration line on these meters.
We suggest you check the automatic calibration a minimum of two to three times each year, and that
annually the instrument is returned for a full range calibration check
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Construction of the sensor starts with an ultra-high purity aluminium wire, which is coated with a
hygroscopic layer and finally covered by a film of porous gold. The gold film and the aluminium core
form the plates of the capacitor. The capacitance value, and the change in capacitance over the
measuring range of each sensor is many times greater than any other device, resulting in a system
which can operate at low frequency [50 or 60Hz] without any risk of interference or pick-up from
external cables or other sources.
Some of the water vapour molecules in the atmosphere surrounding the sensor will enter the dielectric
layer where, due to the extremely small size of the pores, their Brownian motion will be limited, their
energy will consequently be reduced and they will condense into liquid water. Due to the very high
dielectric constant of water [about 80] compared with the other vapours which may be present, this
produces a marked change in the dielectric value of the sensor which is then measured by the
analyser. A dynamic equilibrium will exist between the water vapour outside the sensor and the
condensed water within the pores. This equilibrium is maintained, and the response time of the sensor
can generally be considered to be at least as quick as the system into which it is installed.
Molecules larger than water vapour [one of the smallest gas molecules] cannot enter the pores, making
the sensor resistant to many contaminants and specific to water vapour pressure regardless of the
carrier gas. Even molecules such as Hydrogen which may enter the pores, have such a low dielectric
constant, and will not condense, and so cannot interfere with the reading.
This is a feature unique to the Shaw sensor. All other sensors of the capacitance type are affected by
molecules such methanol which cause great inaccuracy.
1. Undo the three screws in the base flange of the head assembly and lift the complete head
off the instrument. Pull out the plug from the sensor.
2. Using a 22mm A/F wrench, unscrew the sensor from the head assembly. Do not leave the
head without a sensor fitted for more than a few minutes, as the desiccant will absorb
moisture from the room air.
3. When refitting the sensor, push the coaxial plug in firmly and don't forget to fit the brass
spacer.
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The above readings should be obtained when the instrument has been left with the head in the closed
position for a few hours - e.g. overnight. As the desiccant only has to dry a very small volume of air or
gas after each test, and is completely isolated from the test gas and the room air, it has a life of
approximately 5 years in normal use. After very long service, or in case of accident the desiccant can
easily be replaced as follows:
1. Grasp the black plastic ring (Head Seal), which separates the inner and outer sections of the head
assembly, and unscrew it until it can be removed. Pull the inner section out of the outer section. In
the case the Head Seal requires Replacement slide the old seal off noting the orientation and place
the replacement on a firm bench upside down (threads uppermost. Now insert the head into the
seal, and when it meets the seal push firmly till it passes the seal.
2. Unscrew the plain brass base of the inner section, discard the old desiccant and replace with new.
3. Check that the rubber grommet is intact and in place in the base of the inner section and then re-
assemble the head assembly. Otherwise replace the grommet seal if necessary, applying a trace or
silicon grease and ensuring the seal is in place correctly and the sensor will travel up and down it
without displacement or contamination with silicon grease of the sensor filters
The instrument is supplied with 6 Varta 2014 R14 batteries. In normal use these will last for one to two
years.
This instrument is only certified Intrinsically Safe to T6 with the use of Varta 2014 batteries as supplied.
The use of other batteries invalidates the certification of the equipment for use in hazardous areas.
To replace the batteries, first remove the instrument from its carrying case. The battery holders will be
found on the instrument back panel, and protected by a metal plate. Remove the plate by removing the
2 special screws with the key provided, take off the cap of each battery carrier, and replace the
batteries with 6 c-size (R14) cells. Always replace all 6 batteries at the same time, and do not leave
completely discharged batteries in the instrument. This must be carried out in the Safe Area.
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9.5 Pressure
The Automatic Dewpoint Meter operates with the sensor at atmospheric pressure, and the
readings given in Dewpoint temperature and parts per million are therefore correct at 1 bar (A).
However, Dewpoint temperature is directly proportional to pressure, and the results obtained from
the instrument can be referred to any other pressure by use of the pressure calculator, which is
supplied with the instrument. Instructions for the use of the calculator are printed on it.
To check whether a particular instrument is within specification, carry out the Automatic Calibration
procedure, close the instrument head and note the reading 10 minutes later. If the unit has not
dried down to –40°C after this 10 minute period the instrument, should be returned to your local
dealer for examination.
9.7 Guarantee
All Shaw products are guaranteed conditionally for a period of two years from purchase, exceptions
being accidental damage, or damage caused by misuse or abuse. This period may be reduced to one
year if the instrument is purchased from the stock of one of our overseas dealers. A Guarantee
certificate is available by request.
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DEWPOINT TEMPERATURE: is defined as the temperature to which the gas must be cooled in order
that it should be saturated with water vapour (i.e.: 100% relative humidity.) For practical reasons it is
referred to water above 0 deg C and ice below 0 deq C.
PARTS PER MILLION BY VOLUME: PPM(v) or VPM is the ratio of the water vapour pressure to the
total gas pressure.
PARTS PER MILLION BY WEIGHT: PPM(w) is the same as VPM, except that the figure is modified
according to the ratio of the molecular weight of water vapour to the molecular weight of the carrier gas
mixture.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY: is the ratio of the actual water vapour pressure in the gas to the saturation water
vapour pressure at the same temperature.
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If there is any doubt about the functioning of the Analyser, the following test may be carried out.
(This must always be carried out in the Safe Area)
2. Check that the meter reading is accurately at the zero (left-hand) end of the scale.
If not, adjust the reading by means of the plastic screw on the meter face.
3. Remove the instrument head by taking out the 3 screws in the base flange, and disconnect the
sensor by pulling out the coaxial plug.
4. Switch instrument to the Battery Check position to confirm that the batteries are in good condition
(replace them if they are not), and then select the read position
(the standard range on extended range models).
5. Apply a short circuit to the sensor cable plug on the instrument - the voltage is extremely low and
so there is no hazard.
6. Adjust the Automatic Calibration control to give a reading of full scale. (i.e. on the Automatic
Calibration line).
7. Remove the short circuit and the reading should return to the left-hand end of the scale. This
establishes that there is no major fault in the instrument. If the tests so far do not produce the
expected results, the instrument should be returned to your local dealer.
8. Apply a load of 8.6k Ω to the sensor cable plug. Readjust the reading to full scale, using the
Automatic Calibration Control.
9. Increase the load to 18.6k Ω. The reading should decrease to 62% of scale ±1%.
10. Increase the load to 62k Ω. The reading should decrease to 23.5% of scale with the same
tolerance as above.
11. Refit the head assembly, and carry out the Automatic Calibration procedure.
N.B. Please note that VP1 on the printed circuit board is factory set. If the adjustment of this
control is altered, it will be necessary to return the instrument to our works.
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ERRATIC READINGS Static on Indicator Moisten indicator face with 50/50 mixture of
detergent & water, or use proprietary anti-static
cleaner. DO NOT POLISH INDICATOR FACE.
FULL SCALE READING Wet gas Stop gas supply & switch analyser off.
Short Circuit Sensor Disconnect plug from sensor & if the indicator
Cable or Plug still reads over full scale deflection. Cure the
short circuit in the cable or plug or replace.
Short Circuit Sensor Disconnect the plug from the sensor & note the
indicator falls to 0 deflection. Apply approx 24V
DC to sensor terminals MOMENTARILY with
the sensor in a dry condition. Polarity is not
important, but the contact must be brief or the
sensor may be damaged. If this fails to clear the
fault the sensor must be replaced.
ZERO READING Open Circuit on Cable Disconnect plug from sensor and connect centre
pin of plug to the outer connection. No reading
will be obtained. Repair cable.
Open Circuit on Sensor Test as for open circuit on cable, but note that
reading over FSD obtained. Check sensor
connection or replace sensor.
Autocal Wrongly Set. Readjust to correct setting (i.e. carry out the
Autocal procedure as on page 4).
WET READING Leak in System or Cure leak, or replace unsuitable pipe with
use of Unsuitable Pipe copper or stainless steel. Flexible connections
should be made with PTFE pipe. NEVER use
rubber or plastic pipe.
Comparison with Ensure that samples are taken from same sample
Secondary Standard point. Re-check Autocal setting. If problems still
Instrument or occurs change sensor.
Calibration Gas
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DRY READING Autocal Wrongly Set Refer to Section 7.0 of manual & re-check Autocal.
If this does not cure problem return for
calibration.
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Accuracy: +/-1PPM , (+/-3 deg.C DP Red Spot, +/-4 deg.C DP, all others).
Type: Portable hygrometer in stove enamelled zinc plated steel and alloy
case, complete with padded carrying case. For table top or portable
use with desiccant chamber for rapid readings. Certified intrinsically
safe for operation in hazardous areas.
ATEX: Intrinsically Safe to Ex II I G Ex ia IIC T6 Ga
FM: Intrinsically Safe Class 1, Division 1, Groups A&B, C, D, T6.
Dimensions / Weight:
Overall dimensions: 202mm x 225mm x 276mm High (320mm with
head extended) Weight: 4 Kg approx.
Display: SADP 12cm Taut Band indicating meter showing Dewpoint and
ppm, with amplified range of 0-10ppm on TR versions.
SADP-D 2cm 3 1/2 Digit LCD with battery check symbol.
Outputs: None.
Accessories / Options: SU4 Lo, Med or Hi Sample system for sample conditioning
pressurised gases to atmospheric conditions and controlled flow.
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