METS methane sensor
S/N T19-E158
MANUAL
FRANATECH GmbH
Release:
Manual v4.2.8, June 2006
Sensor Parameter, May 2007
2
METS Manual
FRANATECH GmbH
METS Manual
- METS - User Manual
CONTENTS
1
READ ME FIRST ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
2
W ARM-UP BEFORE DEPLOYMENT ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
DRY-OUT BEFORE SWITCHING OFF --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
OPERATIONAL RANGES AND CONSTRAINTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
STORAGE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
CHEMICAL AGGRESSION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
2.1 DIMENSIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
2.2 MATERIALS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
2.3 PART LIST -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
3
CONNECTION PLAN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
3.1 SENSOR OUTPUT ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
4
INPUT / OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
4.1 ENERGY SUPPLY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7
4.2 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR DIGITAL OUTPUT ------------------------------------------------------------- 7
4.3 CALIBRATION FORMULA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
5
MAINTENANCE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
6
SEAL RINGS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9
CONNECTOR ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
CHECK AND REPLACEMENT OF THE MEMBRANE ------------------------------------------------------------------ 9
CHECK OF THE METHANE DETECTOR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9
SOFTWARE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
6.1 SOFTWARE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
6.2 INSTALLING THE METS PROGRAM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
6.3 STARTING THE METS PROGRAM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
6.4 ELEMENTS OF THE METS WINDOW ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13
6.5 DISPLAY MODES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
6.6 ADDITIONAL DISPLAY OPTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
6.7 STARTING, STOPPING AND RECORDING MEASUREMENTS ---------------------------------------------------- 16
6.8 STORAGE INTERVALS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
6.9 READING DATA FILES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
6.10 DATA FILE FORMAT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
6.11 SELECTING THE COMMUNICATION PORT --------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
6.12 GETTING HELP --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
6.13 STOP PROGRAM RUN -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
6.14 TROUBLE SHOOTING -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
6.15 UNINSTALLING THE METS PROGRAM ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19
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FRANATECH GmbH
1
METS Manual
Read me first
1.1
Warm-up before deployment
After having been stored unplugged, the semi-conductor needs several days to stabilize (burning-in
process). A rule of thumb is as many days of warm-up as days of storage, up to one week. Beyond
one week, allow 7 days warm-up, whatever the storage duration. This can be monitored by the
methane voltage output evolution during warm-up. It is therefore recommended before field
deployment, to connect the sensor to the energy supply early enough prior to shipping, and unplug it
just for the shipping.
The sensor should be powered about ½ hour before being put to water. To save power if the sensor is
run on batteries during measurements, it is possible to have the sensor warm-up connected to the
main supply, then unplug it to connect to the battery supply. The short interruption should have no
influence. The same goes after retrieval of the sensor, if power has to be switched back to main.
If the sensor has been stored unpowered for several weeks, it is recommended to have it lie powered
minimum 6 hours in water (in a bucket for instance), after the warm-up phase is completed.
The sensor is calibrated at 100% relative humidity. Therefore the relative humidity should lie close to
100%. This is reached about 30 min. after the sensor is put into water the first time after a couple of
days out of water. If the sensor has been dry for a shorter period, the humidity level is reached faster.
1.2
Dry-out before switching off
After deployment it is recommended to let the sensor connected to the energy supply for about 15
min, before unplugging it. If the sensor has to be packaged, extend to 30 min. , to ensure that no
humidity gets trapped into the detector room.
1.3
Operational ranges and constraints
Maximum deployment depth is 2000m (pressure tested at 250bar)
Depressurization: recommended max. vertical speed or pressure change rate: 2 m/s or from 250 to 1 bar in 20 –
30 min.
Operational temperature range: -2°C to +60°C, calibration range 2 – 20°C
50 nanomol/l – 10 mol/l
Reaction time: 1 to 3 sec.
t90-time:
5 to 30 min dependent on turbulences
Methane:
Response:
1.4
Storage
By risk of freezing, store dry packaged. DO NOT USE SILICA GEL.
Protect the membrane, which must be free of scratches and punctures
1.5
Chemical aggression
The following is valid for conditions underwater, in the laboratory and also during work on deck.
Exposure to 1% H2S in air causes detector breakdown
Exposure at 300 vppm H2S in air causes a signal equivalent to 10 vppm methane in air
Below this, no significant interference
Avoid exposure to silicone adhesive, soldering vapor, hair grooming material, which can cause
a drift.
Avoid long exposure to methane concentration above upper calibration range (10 mol/l). Beyond ½
hour at this concentration, the sensor might need a couple of hours to recover. This depends on the
age and stress history of the detector. Longer exposure, in particular at or beyond saturation level can
cause a drift.
Avoid direct exposure to hydrocarbons lubricants, oil and fuel, which might result in a drift.
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2
2.1
Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions
Housing diameter:
Length overall:
Weight in air approx.:
2.2
49 mm
200 mm
0.8 kg
Materials
Titanium housing and connector
2.3
Part list
Position
Quantity
Item
1
1
body
2
1
sensor head
3
1
membrane sealing flange
4
2
Teflon detector socket
5
1
rear lid
6
1
sintered metal plate
7
1
methane detector
8
1
humidity detector
9
1
electronic board
10
1
8-pin Subconn® MC BH-8M
underwater connector
11
3
cheese-head
M3X6
Allen
screw
12
3
cheese-head
M3X25
Allen
screw
13
3
cheese-head
M3X20
Allen
screw
14
1
upper membrane
Viton – 31X2
16
2
detector socket seal ring
inner
outer
seal
–
–
Viton
Viton
17
2
body
seal
Perbunan 33X2,5
18
1
membrane
5
ring
8X1
8X2
ring
FRANATECH GmbH
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3.1
METS Manual
Connection Plan
Sensor Output
METS Bulkhead
SUBCONN® MC BH-8M
1 generally 9 - 36 V
2 GND
1
3
signal methane
0 to 5 V DC
4
signal humidity
0 to 5 V DC
5
signal temperature
0 to 5 V DC
6
GND
7
TX (RS232)
8
RX (RS232)
NOTICE: both GND (pins 2 and 6) are connected together on the electronic board
6
8
7
6
2
3
5
4
male face view
METS Manual
4
Input / Output Specifications
4.1
Energy supply
Input:
Power consumption:
4.2
FRANATECH GmbH
9 – 36 VDC
100 mA (switch-on peak max. 200 mA)
Communication protocol for digital output
RS485
9600 Baud rate, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, no Parity Bit
symbols used
Carriage Return:
Space:
Command/Query:
Sensor reply:
<CR>
<SP>
#
>
The sensor has a PIC-address set at A0.
To read data, send the command:
#A0<CR>
Sensor reply:
>1:Methane<SP>2:Temperature<SP>3:Humidity<SP>4:Reserve<SP>5:Reserve<SP>6:Reserve<SP>
7:Reserve<SP>8:Reserve<CR>
The output is ASCII - Hex as raw data, corresponding to voltage.
To convert to voltage value, first convert from Hex to Decimal, then multiply by 5 / 4096:
Example:
Query: #A0
Reply: >1:0AF2 2:07FB 3:0714 4:0000 5:0000 6:0000 7:0000 8:0000
The first value would then be: 0AF2(h) = 2802(d) → 2802 * 5V / 4096 = 3,42 V
4.3
Calibration formula
Basically the calibration aims at providing a relation between the sensor signal output and the
concentration of dissolved methane.
It is carried out in a dedicated apparatus, which allows to prepare water with a known concentration of
dissolved methane.
Gas mixtures of methane in air at different concentrations are bubbled in a reasonably air-tight tank
filled with water. Calibration is started at lowest concentration in order to avoid having to change the
water after each measure. The water is circulated into a small chamber, to which the sensor-head is
attached by means of a flange.
It is possible to have the sensor directly in the mixing tank, however the water must be circulated or
stirred by some means. Otherwise a dead layer could build itself right before the membrane,
hampering methane diffusion. This can induce an important delay before equilibrium is reached.
The different concentrations are obtained from commercial certified gas mixtures (methane in
synthetic air). The water temperature is set at a definite value and maintained thermostatically.
For each concentration the measurement is made first when relative humidity has set around 100%
and when equilibrium is reached between the partial pressures of methane in the gas mixture and in
the water. The signal output stays then level. The time needed to attain this is conditioned to the size
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METS Manual
of the tank. A water sample is taken, and analyzed with a gas-chromatograph using the Head-Space
method. The concentration is calculated equivalent under standard (25 °C, 1 atm).
The calibration is carried out at different concentrations (generally 5) and temperatures (generally 3).
The conversion formula is obtained by a 3dimensional fitting between output voltage, concentration
and temperature. The concentrations and temperatures are chosen first according to the ranges
expected at the deployment location, second according to the degree of resolution which is needed.
As a rule, the wider the range the poorer the resolution. Typical range limits are concentrations
between 50 nmol/l and 10 mol/l, and temperatures between 2 and 20°C.
The certificate with the calibration formula is given on the next page.
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METS Manual
5
FRANATECH GmbH
Maintenance
NOTICE: opening the sensor (except to replace the membrane) without prior consulting and
explicit authorization of Franatech leads to loss of guarantee.
5.1
Seal rings
NOTICE: do not grease the seal-rings, they must be mounted dry
5.2
Connector
According to manufacturer's recommendations: ensure the connectors are lubricated - the recommended
lubricant is Molykote 44 Medium -but use sparingly. Half a match head dose per contact is adequate.
5.3
Check and replacement of the membrane
The membrane serves for the desorption of dissolved gasses out of the surrounding water into the gas
phase containing the detectors. The diffusion is driven by Henry’s Law. The direction is conditioned to
the concentration gradient between water and gas phase, and within the membrane itself.
To clean the membrane it is not necessary to open the sensor. Do not scrape the surface, although
the surface is quite robust it is advised to rinse with fresh water and eventually lightly dab with a fuzzfree tissue; compressed air may be used.
To replace the membrane unscrew screws (11 and 12) to remove the flange (3). Take care as behind
the membrane the sintered metal plate (6) can fall out.
When replacing the membrane avoid any contact with the detectors, avoid direct exposure of
the detector room to dust, humidity and particles.
Notice: bolts and threads are metrical.
Handle the membrane generally with care by holding it at the edge. The membrane should be
positioned with the smooth/shiny face looking to the water.
Notice: after having been pressurized, the membrane surface does not have a shiny appearance any
more.
In case of any apparent damage (scratches, puncture) replace the membrane. Gouges left by the seal
rings are normal, but it is advised to replace the membrane and seal-ring after each dismantling of the
sensor head.
After replacing the membrane screw the flange crosswise.
NOTICE: DO NOT OVERDRIVE. THE SCREWS SHOULD BE DRIVEN UP TO THE POINT WHERE
THEY RESIST TO FURTHER DRIVE; THEN GIVE EVENTUALLY A FURTHER ¼-TURN. IF YOU
HEAR OR FEEL GRINDING OR CREAKING STOP AT ONCE, GOING FARTHER MIGHT CAUSE
SEIZING OR DAMAGE TO THE THREAD.
For better handling, put the sensor body upright; it is then easier to center the membrane, and to
prevent the metallic support plate from falling out.
Try to keep the sensor powered during maintenance.
It is recommended to replace the membrane after deployment when the sensor is to be stowed
unused for several weeks or months
5.4
Check of the methane detector
The detector is a semi-conductor. Adsorption of hydrocarbons on the active layer leads to electron
exchange with oxygen and thus to modification of the conductivity of the active layer, which the
electronic converts into a voltage.
The following gives a simple method to control if the sensor needs a recalibration, although not
accurate as a calibration: put the sensor in a bucket of methane-free water and leave it (always under
power) equilibrate at a room temperature of max. 20°C. When the displayed or output sensor
temperature has reached approximately 20°C, the displayed voltage value for methane should read
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METS Manual
approximately between 2.0 and 2.5 V. Values outside this range are signs of a probable drift if they
are repeatedly observed.
To check the functionality of the methane detector, use for instance a cigarette lighter. Let gas flow
against the membrane or against the detector for less than a second. The signal should increase
sharply within a few seconds. Notice that a too long exposure to such high gas concentrations as in
the lighter will drive the detector into saturation, whereby it needs afterwards some time to return to
background values.
As stressed in §1, a too long exposure might also causes a drift, therefore this check should be made
only if there is a doubt regarding the sensor.
NOTICE:
It is recommended to recalibrate the sensor regularly. Conditioned to deployment conditions, we
recommend between 3 and 6 months, in some cases the sensor stays stable for a longer time up 12
months. The semiconductors are ageing, depending on stress (extremely variable conditions of
temperature, humidity, gas composition, methane concentrations, off/on time...).
The calibration should be carried out by Franatech, as it disposes of the qualified personal and
equipment. No guarantee can be given for calibration carried out by the user himself.
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METS Manual
6
6.1
FRANATECH GmbH
Software
Software System requirements
- WINDOWS95 ® or higher - WINDOWS NT 4.0 ® service release 3 or higher
6.2
Installing the METS program
Keep the original CD-ROM as safety copy.
-
-
Start the operating system.
Insert the CD
-
Launch the installation software S e t u p . e x e . Follow the instructions.
The default target directory is C : \ P r o g r a m f i l e s \ F r a n a t e c h . It is possible to choose any
other directory to install the METS software.
-
Leave the Setup program by quitting the success message.
-
It is not mandatory to reboot the system, but this can be done as safety if some
system instability is known on your PC
6.3
Starting the METS program
 Launch METS program by double-clicking the METS413 icon in the folder in which you
have installed the program or use the WINDOWS ® start menu.
The software searches automatically for the connected
sensor. The program compares the logical address of the
sensor which answers first with a list of logical addresses
saved in the S e n s o r p a r a m e t e r file. If only one address
matches the address of the answering sensor the
parameters of this detector will be loaded automatically.
Otherwise the window S e l e c t v a l i d p a r a m e t e r s e t
appears. You only can select one item of the list (see fig.).
Beware of the correct spelling of the set name! The
selected parameters will be loaded immediately. To
change the parameter set later click the ticked item in the
Port pull-down-menu (compare paragraph 6.11).
The name of the supported detector and the name of the
current parameter set are displayed in the upper right
corner of the METS window. (See fig. on the next page
also.)
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After loading the parameters the
window H a r d w a r e I n f o appears.
The current hardware adjustment is
displayed.
Use the Q u i t button to close the
window.
The window closes otherwise
automatically after 30 seconds.
When the start routine is successful completed the user interface of the METS program will
appear in the following display.
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METS Manual
6.4
FRANATECH GmbH
Elements of the METS window
soon as you start the measurement (see paragraph 6.7) the graphic indicator
 Asdisplays
the methane concentration depending on time. It is possible to change the
display mode (see paragraph 6.5).
 Name of the supported detector and of the current parameter set (see paragraph 6.3).
value of the methane concentration. Methane concentration is calculated and
 Current
displayed as equivalent under standard (25°C, 1 atm).
Units can be changed in the menu bar
 Current value of the sensor output voltage in V.
 Current value of the temperature inside the detector volume.
Displaying the sensor output voltage enables to monitor the stability of the whole detector system.
Displaying the gas temperature enables to monitor the stability of the whole detector system.
Notice: The gas temperature is slightly higher than the temperature of the water.
of the current data file is displayed here when the program works in the
 The name
mode (see paragraph 6.7).
name of the reloaded data file is displayed here when older data are reloaded (see
 The
paragraph 6.9).
 To change the display mode (see paragraph 6.5).
a storage rate independent from the update rate of the graphic display (see
 Select
paragraph 6.8).
left indicator displays the system time. The right indicator shows the time when the
 The
next value will be added to the current data file (see paragraph 6.7).
save
6.5
Display modes
The METS program offers several display modes. Select the
mode by clicking the arrows of the D i s p l a y control in the lower
right corner.
It is possible to change the type of the displayed data.
Current [c]
The current mode displays the measured values of the last 100 seconds.
The values are updated every second.
History [h]
The history mode displays the measured values of the last 3600 seconds.
The values are updated every second. In addition a smoothed regression
function is displayed in white color.
Reloaded [r]
The reloaded mode displays the values from a reloaded data file (see
paragraph 6.9). It is possible to reload the previous saved data of a
running measurement.
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METS Manual
It is also possible to vary the number of the displayed parameters.
Methane only:
Methane & sensor values:
The M e t h a n e o n l y mode displays only the
methane concentration calculated according
to the measured sensor values.
The M e t h a n e & S e n s o r v a l u e s mode
displays the methane concentration, the
methane sensor voltage [V] and the temperature [°C] of the detector volume.
The combination of the options leads to six variants on displaying data:

Methane only (current)

Methane & Sensor Values ®

Methane only (history)

Methane & Sensor Values (h)

Methane only (reloaded)

Methane & Sensor Values ®
The additional item “table: reloaded data” allows to display reloaded data as a table.
6.6
Additional Display options
Click the right mouse key within the diagram and a
context menu will appear.
The R e i n i t i a l i z e t o d e f a u l t command is unimportant
in this application.
The C o p y D a t a command copies the whole indicator
as a graphic into the WINDOWS ® clipboard.
The D e s c r i p t i o n command opens a window which
contains a short description of the graphic indicator.
The S h o w command opens another context menu (see
below).
The C l e a r C h a r t command removes all graphical data
from the indicator.
If the A u t o s c a l e X command is not ticked (default), the current time is displayed at the right
site of the indicator. The last 100 seconds are displayed. Unfortunately the execution of the
A u t o s c a l e X command will change the length of the displayed period of time irreversibly as
a result of to the applied programming language. Therefore it is urgently recommended not to
execute this command.
If the A u t o s c a l e Y command is ticked (default), the Y-axis scale adjust automatically to the
actual range of the displayed values. Switching off the A u t o s c a l e Y command enables to
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METS Manual
adjust manually the y-axis scales by clicking the upper resp. lower range values and typing
numbers directly into the highlighted areas.
The U p d a t e M o d e command opens
another context menu that offers three
display modes:
The s t r i p c h a r t m o d e (first icon under
Update Mode) has a scaling display
similar to a paper tape strip chart recorder.
As each new value is received, it is plotted
at the right margin and old values shift to
the left.
The s c o p e c h a r t m o d e (second icon) has a retracing display similar to an oscilloscope.
Each new value is plotted to the right of the preceding. When the plot reaches the right
border of the plotting area, the screen is refreshed and the plot start again. The scope chart
is significantly faster than the strip chart because it is free of the processing overhead
involved in scrolling.
The s w e e p c h a r t m o d e (third icon) acts much like the scope chart, but it does not go
blank when the data hits the right border. Instead, a moving vertical line marks the beginning
of new data and moves across the display as the VI adds new data.
The commands L e g e n d , X S c a l e and Y S c a l e offered by the S h o w context menu are
unimportant in this application. As a result of to the applied programming language the
execution of the S c r o l l b a r command will disturb shortly the panel order (for less than a
second). The command will be disabled automatically and the order will be rearranged.
The P a l e t t e command offered by the S h o w context menu switches the D i s p l a y s e t - u p
tool box.
Display set-up tool box
Click on the switcher left of the axis-button to set the manual mode.
x
y
x.xx
Scales: Given ranges can also be selected by clicking repeatedly
the buttons corresponding to the x- or y-axis, until the required
range is obtained.
axis labels: Click the corresponding button (x.xx resp. y.yy). A
dialog box allows to choose between several alternatives.
y.yy
+
Zoom: A pop-up box presents several predefined alternatives. Click
on the chosen option, and use the cursor to select the area to be
zoomed. Use scaling buttons to resume to the initial setting.
Move: Allows to drag the displayed curves in order to position them
at your convenience. The x- and y-axis scales adjust automatically.
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6.7
METS Manual
Starting, Stopping and Recording measurements
Select the pull-down-menu Measure. Clicking on Start allows to
carry out measurements without saving data. The displayed
data will be updated every second.
If you want to record data, you have to start the measurement
first. Then click on Save in the same menu. A self-explaining
dialog box pops up and allows to choose the filename.
The proposed filename has the structure M e t h a n e _ y e a r / m o n t h / d a y / t i m e o f d a y
and can accordingly be changed.
Afterwards the measurements are automatically resumed. You can choose the frequency of
the storage independently from the graphic update interval (see paragraph 6.8).
The name of the file where data are presently stored is
displayed by the F i l e n a m e ( c u r r e n t d a t a ) indicator.
The N e x t ( # ) indicator will be enabled and displays the time of
the next storage. The number # represents the number of the
next storage.
To stop recording data without stopping the measurement click Save in the menu Measure
again. The tick of the item will be automatically removed. The actual data file will be closed.
The N e x t ( # ) indicator will be disabled.
To stop data acquisition select Stop in the menu Measure. The ticks for the other options of
this menu will be removed automatically.
Stop during recording interrupts the data storage and closes the actual data file. The
N e x t ( # ) indicator will be disabled. When resuming data acquisition (Start) and clicking
Save, a new file will be created following the above procedure.
6.8
Storage intervals
You can select the storage intervals by clicking the arrows of the
s w e e p ( c o a r s e ) control in the lower right corner.
If you select 1, 3, 10, 30 [s] or 1, 3, 10, 30, 60 [min] the s w e e p r a t e control is disabled.
When you select the item c h o o s e a b l e the s w e e p r a t e control on the right side is
activated. The METS program accepts every value between 1 and 86400 seconds.
6.9
Reading data files
Select option Open Datafile in the pull-down-menu File. A selfexplaining dialog box pops up and allows to select the
filename.
To read another data file select Open Datafile again. The
former reloaded data will be overwritten by the now reloaded
data.
To display the reloaded data as a graph select M e t h a n e o n l y
( r e l o a d e d ) or M e t h a n e & S e n s o r V a l u e s ( r ) using the
D i s p l a y control. To display them as a table select table:
reloaded data (see paragraph 6.5).
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6.10 Data file format
NOTE: the software stores the analog output in V and the calculated concentration in mol/l
Data files have typical ASCII-format. The default file name extension is txt. Files can be read
with different software (e.g. Microsoft-Excel®, Microsoft-Wordpad®, Corel-QuattroPro®,
SUN-StarOffice®, DeltaPoint-Deltagraph®, Microcal-Origin®).
To analyse your data, launch the data analysis program first and then open the data file.
Depending on the software version, you may have to use the option read all data types.
For example the MS-Excel® spread sheet program displays the data recorded with the
METS program according to the following structure:
A
B
1
Detector:
D26
2
Parameter set:
D26_1
3
Program version:
4
Update:
5
Response:
6
#
C
D
4.1.1
20.01.01
!A206300000000FFFFFFFFFF42
date
time
length [s]
7
1
20.01.01
20:30:31
0
8
2
20.01.01
20:30:33
2
9
3
20.01.01
20:30:35
4
10
4
20.01.01
20:30:37
6
11
5
20.01.01
20:30:39
8
E
F
T-Gas [°C]
G
rel. humidity [%]
H
abs. humidity [g*cm^-3]
Sensor temperature (CH4) [°C]
21,812
99,072
19,037988
21,468
98,904
18,632159
This column is
0
22,055
98,656
19,225509
unimportant in
0
21,639
99,110
18,855764
this release!
0
22,050
98,993
19,285050
I
J
Temperature rate (CH4) [K/s]
0
0
K
Methane sensor voltage [V]
L
Voltage rate [V/s]
Methane concentration [µmol/l]
0
4,015
0
2,012
This column is
0
4,003
This column is 0
2,007
unimportant in
0
4,017
unimportant in 0
2,013
this release!
0
4,009
0
4,016
this release!
0
2,009
0
2,012
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6.11 Selecting the communication port
During start up procedure METS program checks the serial
ports installed in your system. The number of all available
serial ports is registered in the pull-down-menu Port
indifferent to connected detectors. METS reads data from
the first port which is connected with a detector. The number
of this port is ticked in the menu.
Every time you tick a port number in the Port menu the METS program selects and
configurates the port automatically. Afterwards program starts searching for connected
detectors at this selected port similar to start up procedure.
The program compares the logical address of the sensor which answers first with a list of
logical addresses saved in the S e n s o r p a r a m e t e r file. If only one address matches the
address of the answering sensor the parameters of this detector will be loaded automatically.
Otherwise the window S e l e c t v a l i d p a r a m e t e r s e t appears. You only can select one
item of the list (see fig. in paragraph 6.3). Beware of the correct spelling of the set name! The
selected parameters will be loaded immediately.
If no sensor answers, the METS program still access to the former selected port. The port
number in the pull-down-menu will be ticked according to the result of searching. Anyway the
name of the supported detector and the name of the current parameter set are displayed in
the indicators in the upper right corner of the METS window.
Clicking the ticked item will launch the comparison of the detected logical address of the
connected sensor system and the logical addresses saved in the Se n s o r p a r a m e t e r file.
6.12 Getting help
Select the Show Help at
the Help pull-down-menu
and a new window
opens. Move the cursor
on that place on the
screen where information
is needed.
Selected
ticked!
items
are
Switch off Help by
clicking the Show Help
item again or by clicking
the close button of the
pop up window.
Clicking the HardwareInformation
let
the
window H a r d w a r e I n f o
appear (compare figure
in paragraph 6.3).
Clicking the About Methanesensor let the window A b o u t M e t h a n e s e n s o r appear.
Software release and version information are displayed.
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METS Manual
FRANATECH GmbH
6.13 Stop program run
Select item Exit in menu File to quit the program.
6.14 Trouble Shooting

you started a measurement and nothing happens: no curves displayed, no actual
values appearing in the signal-legend window

the system reports communication failure with the sensor
Your system may have difficulties managing the COM ports
A possible solution consists in:

deactivate every COM port other than 0 and 1

close all software using COM port 0 or 1

try again Measure/Start
Data transmission problem through the RS485/RS232 desktop converter: the red LED
should flash when the transmission runs. If no transmissions happens, the LED is glowing
continuously and the sensor gives a signal (voltage output measured at the connector),
check for loose connections, eventually pull out the energy supply cable and connect it after
a few seconds. This will reset the system.
6.15 Uninstalling the METS program

Launch the U n i n s t a l l program by double-clicking the U n i n s t a l l icon in the folder in
which you have installed the METS program. Follow the instructions.

Leave the U n i n s t a l l program by quitting the success message.

Alternative: The item Software in the WINDOWS 9x/ME System folder menu opens the
dialog box to uninstall programs.

Alternative: The item ADD/Remove Programs in the WINDOWS ® NT/2000 System
folder menu opens the dialog box to uninstall programs.

You have to uninstall N I L a b V I E W R u n - T i m e E n g i n e separately using the system
routine.
19
FRANATECH GmbH
FRANATECH GmbH
phone: + 49 - 4131 / 603884
Weinbergsweg 19a
fax:
21365 Adendorf
e-mail: info@franatech.com
Germany
Trade Register Lüneburg HRB # 200134
Managing Director: Dr. Michel Masson
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METS Manual
+ 49 - 4131 / 603885