1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Product Overview

Nimbus Nimbus is a dual wavelength, fixed point,
infrared gas detector for the detection of
common hydrocarbon gases in the range
0-100% LEL. It is designed for continuous
operation and where speed of response and
Fixed Point Infrared accuracy are essential. Nimbus is powered
by 24 V dc and provides a 4-20 mA signal
(sink or source) proportional to the gas con-
centration. This gas detector is certified
Flammable Gas flameproof and may be fitted in zone 1 or 2
hazardous environments

1.2 Product Description

Detector Nimbus comprises two main parts, the

docking station and IR detector. Diagrams 1
and 2 show the overall general arrangements
of Nimbus. All housings are manufactured from
LM25-TF marine grade alloy, and when
Installation, operating and assembled form an explosion proof detector
maintenance instructions for use in zone 1 or 2 hazardous environments.
Nimbus is certified ATEX II 2G EEx d IIB
+Hydrogen T6 and UL Class 1 Division 1 Diagram 3: Nimbus connection arrangement
MO7208 Issue 6 02/07
Groups B, C & D. All field cables are
terminated at the docking station. The docking Diagram 3 shows the Nimbus detector opened
Crowcon Detection Instruments Limited Tel: +44(0)1235 557700
station is supplied with female M20 entry up to show the general wiring arrangement.
2 Blacklands Way Fax: +44(0)1235 557749 (alternative entries including 1/2 inch NPT are Provision is made for the attachment of
Abingdon Business Park Email: [email protected] available upon request). Terminals for up to 2.5 identification tags as required on the hinge
Abingdon Website: www.crowcon.com
Oxfordshire OX14 1DY
mm2 cable are provided for all connections. As rings.
United Kingdom with all IR gas detectors, Nimbus will not Diagram 1: Nimbus general arrangement Diagram 2: Nimbus general arrangement
detect Hydrogen. with indoor spray/dust cover with universal weathershield

1 2 3 4

5. SPECIFICATION 2. INSTALLATION

Function The detection of common hydrocabon gases C1 to C6 + ethanol,

ethylene and LPG in the LEL range by means of infrared WARNING: Nimbus is designed for use in • To detect gases which are lighter than air in the selection and siting of gas detectors. enhance the gas detection response time.
absorption
zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas and is (e.g. methane) detectors should be It is possible to site the Nimbus in direct
Dimensions 125x170x210 mm (5”x6.8”x8.3”) mounted at high level sunlight. If the Nimbus surface temperatures For internal use the Nimbus fitted with the
Weight 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) certified to ATEX II 2G EEx d IIB +Hydrogen indoor spray/dust cover may be positioned in
likely to exceed 55°C (131°F)
Construction LM25 marine grade alloy polyester powder coated
T6 and UL Class 1 Division 1 Groups B, C & any orientation.
Optical system Dual wavelength, dual detector • To detect heavier than air gases (e.g. it is recommended that a sunshade be fitted
Optical performance Correct operation with up to 90% obscuration D. Installation must be in accordance butane) detectors should be mounted at (Crowcon part No C01816). Any other If Nimbus is to be installed in very dusty
Dirty optics warning above 75% (configurable)
Heated optics to avoid condensation
with the recognised standards of the low level. sunshade should be spaces at least 5 cm from environments or in a desert where fine sand is
Power consumption Operating voltage: 10 to 32 V dc (nominal 24 V) appropriate authority in the country the Nimbus to allow uninterrupted gas flow. constantly present it is strongly recommended
Link LK2 Fitted
Link LK2 Not Fitted
Operating current: 300 mA maximum (7.2 W @ 24 V, 3 W @ 10 V)
Operating current: 180 mA maximum (4.3 W @ 24 V, 1.8 W @ 10 V)
concerned. For further information please • Consider the possible damage caused by that it is installed with the weathershield (and
Typical Output Signals All levels Configurable - simultaneous sink and source output contact Crowcon. Prior to carrying out any natural events e.g. rain or flooding When Nimbus is being used outside, or optical components) facing the ground as
0 mA: fault
installation work, ensure local regulations where it will be exposed to wind, rain or sun, shown in the appendix on page 18. This will
2 mA: dirty optics
4-20 mA: 0-100% LEL and site procedures are followed. • Consider ease of access for functional the universal weather shield (S011216) should prevent the optical system being
24 mA over range testing and servicing. be fitted to ensure correct operation. When contaminated by dust or sand.
Current output can drive into a maximum of 350Ω being used indoors, particularly if the area is
Status Light Green - normal function
Orange - fault 2.1 Location • Consider how the escaping gas may likely to be hosed down, then the indoor 2.3 Cabling Requirements
Red - detecting gas behave due to natural or forced air current. spray/dust cover (C01743) should be used.
22 other conditions indicated by flash rate
Communications Modbus RS485 serial link
There are no rules which dictate the siting Mount detectors in ventilation ducts if Cabling to Nimbus must be in accordance
Functional testing Flow adaptor for gassing and location of detectors, however, appropriate. 2.2 Mounting with the recognised standards of the
Accuracy ±2% of gas reading <50% LEL*
considerable guidance is available from BS EN appropriate authority in the country
±5% of gas reading >50% to 100%LEL*
Response time <7 seconds - T90* 50073:1999 - ‘Guide for Selection, Installation, • Consider the process conditions. Butane is Diagrams 1 and 2 show the typical Nimbus concerned, and meet the electrical
<3 seconds for instantaneous high levels of gas* Use and Maintenance of Apparatus for the normally heavier than air, but if released mounting arrangement. The indoor spray/dust requirements of the detector. Crowcon
Temperature range
Humidity range
-40°C to +65°C (-40°F to +149°F)
0 to 99% RH non-condensing
Detection and Measurement of Combustible from a process line which is at an elevated cover and the Universal Weathershield have recommend the use of steel wire armoured
European Approvals ATEX II 2G EEx d IIB +Hydrogen T6 Gases or Oxygen’. Similar international codes temperature and/or pressure, the gas may been designed to allow maximum gas flow (SWA) cable, but suitable explosion proof
and Standards Tamb = -40°C to 65°C
of practice may be used where a applicable. In rise rather than fall. into the optical chamber in this orientation so glands must be used at all times. Alternative
EN50014, EN50018
UL Approvals Class 1, Div 1, Groups B,C & D addition, certain regulatory bodies publish providing the best speed of response while cabling techniques, such as steel conduit may
and Standards Tamb = -20°C to 65°C specifications giving minimum gas detection The placement of sensors should be ensuring a high degree of water ingress be accepted providing appropriate standards
UL 1203 (When connected to a class 2 power supply)
requirements for specific applications. determined following advice of experts having protection from rain or hose. are met.
Global Approvals IECEx
Ingress protection IP66 (jets of water) specialist knowledge of gas dispersion, the NOTE: It is essential that cable glands are
IP67 (submersion), NEMA4X The Nimbus gas detector should be plant processing equipment as well as safety Nimbus may be mounted in open locations
Light immunity Totally immune to all external light, both constant and modulated correctly installed and securely tightened
(including sunlight, white light, flashing beacons etc)
mounted where the flammable gas to be and engineering issues. The agreement (for example on oil platforms or refineries)
detected is most likely to be present. Note the together with the Universal Weathershield to ensure that certification and water
General immunity Totally immune to all catalyst poisons reached on the location of sensors should be
Electromagnetic Gas detection standard EN50270
following points when locating gas detectors: recorded. Crowcon would be pleased to assist (S011216) which has been designed to ingress protection are maintained.
Compatibility RF emissions EN50081-2
RF immunity EN50082-2
*typical data measured in Crowcon’s laboratory
5 6 7 8
 2. INSTALLATION (Continued) 3. OPERATION

Nimbus requires a dc supply In the range C.S.A. Resistance Max distance from NOTE: The junction box and cable armour Prior to carrying out any work ensure local Determine whether there is a requirement
10-32 V. Care should be taken to ensure the (mm2) (Ω per km) control panel (m) must be earthed at either the detector or regulations and site procedures are followed. for the extra heating element to prevent
minimum dc supply of 10 V is observed at the control panel to limit the effects of radio Never attempt to open the detector or condensation. If not remove the Link LK2
detector taking into account the voltage drop 1.0 18.1 1270 junction box when flammable gas is present. which is situated to the right of the connectors
frequency interference. It is good practice
due to cable resistance. 1.5 12.1 1830 Ensure that the associated control panel is on the Optical Mounting Plate (see diagram 3).
to provide the earth connection at the safe
For example, a nominal dc supply at the inhibited so as to prevent false alarms.
control panel of 24 V has a guaranteed 2.5 7.4 3000 area only, so as to avoid earth loops.
Once field cabling is complete and
minimum supply of 18 V. The maximum NOTE: Nimbus is factory calibrated to connections have been checked, the 24 V dc
voltage drop allowed is therefore 8 V. Nimbus Table 1b: Maximum cable distances for detect the required flammable gas and supply may be switched on. After switch on,
can demand up to 180 mA (with Link LK2 typical cables with Link LK2 removed provide a 4-20 mA output proportional to Nimbus performs a self check routine, and
removed) so the maximum loop resistance must be allowed to warm up. This usually
LEL levels of that gas. The control panel
allowed is 44 Ω. A 1.5 mm2 cable will typically takes 10 seconds. However, if this is the first
allow a cable run of up to 1800 m to the 2.4 Electrical Connection which is used to indicate the gas
concentration should be pre-configured to time the unit has been powered since
detector (3.6 km total cable length). installation, please leave the detector powered
Table 1a and 1b below show maximum Nimbus has three possible electrical accept 4-20 mA input prior to connection
of Nimbus. Please contact the supplier of for 3 hours, DO NOT gas test the unit during
cable distances given typical figures as configurations. Current source 4-20 mA, this time.
described in the example above. Table 1a and current sink 4-20 mA, or both together for the control panel being used for
b are provided for guidance only, actual cable redundant operation. assistance.
parameters for each application should be Refer to diagram 3 for terminal layout and After the warm up period, Nimbus is fully
used to calculate maximum cable distances. diagram 4 for electrical connections. Terminals operational and the output signal is
are designated as follows: proportional to the concentration of
C.S.A. Resistance Max distance from 1. 24V dc (nominal) 2. 0V 3.1 Initial Start Up hydrocarbon gas or vapour present at the
(mm2) (Ω per km) control panel (m) 3. 4-20 mA signal (source) 4.4-20 mA signal (sink) detector, relative to the calibration gas
Prior to switching on Nimbus for the first concentration. As standard, Nimbus provides
1.0 18.1 730
Unused terminals must not be used to time, inhibit any local control functions from a 4-20 mA signal proportional to 0-100%LEL
1.5 12.1 1100 terminate spare cores. the control panel to which Nimbus is methane. Other calibrations are available and
connected. the specification for each instrument should
2.5 7.4 1800 Diagram 4: Nimbus electrical wiring be consulted to discern the correct operation.
NOTE: Link 1 (LK1) should only be fitted if
Nimbus is supplied with Link LK2 fitted as If the output reads other than 4-20 mA please
local regulations require the 0V supply to NOTE: The UL classified version of nimbus refer to Section 3.3 ‘Fault Diagnosis’.
Table 1a: Maximum cable distances for standard. This provides the maximum heating
typical cables with Link LK2 fitted the detector to be connected to earth. This must be connected to Class 2 Power to the optical system to allow Nimbus to
(Anti-Condensation heater) link is not normally fitted. Supply. operate where condensation is a problem.

9 10 11 12 13

3. OPERATION (Continued) 4. SPARE PARTS & ACCESSORIES

3.2 Normal Operation 3.3 Fault Diagnosis then the Nimbus may be damaged. Contact Description Part Number Portable PC’s should only be used
Crowcon for advice on repair or servicing. where the detector is mounted in a safe
Nimbus includes a tricolour LED visible via Nimbus is designed to provide stand alone Indoor spray/dust cover C01743 area, or where a ‘hot work permit’ has been
a light pipe which protrudes through the cover. operation and includes a number of diagnostic 3.4 Functional Testing issued.
Calibration cover C01744
The LED gives the user basic information routines which are transparent to the user. Two
concerning the state of the detector. This is types of fault condition may occur, one is ‘dirty Prior to testing Nimbus, Inhibit any local Pellistor mimic C01648 Nimbus also provides an RS485
summarised in Table 2 below. optics’ indicated by a 2 mA signal, and the control functions from the control panel to Modbus to DCS or SCADA systems. This
other is an unrecoverable fault or beam block which Nimbus is connected. Sunshade S011216 output can also be used to interrogate a
Operational Led Detector Comment signalled by 0 mA. Site procedures may dictate that the detector remotely using NimbusPC.
State indication Output system be tested periodically with the target Imperial allen key C01747
Nimbus continuously checks that the optics gas. This can be achieved using the calibration
Start up OGOG 2 mA 10 Seconds (for UL approved Nimbus)
are clean. Should the optics become blocked cover (C01744).
Normal G--- 4.0-7.2 mA -6%-20% or obscured by more than 75% the 4-20 mA Metal allen key C01746
output is clamped to 2 mA signalling a beam 3.5 Maintenance
Normal RR-- 7.2-10.4 mA 20%-40%
obscured or 0 mA signalling a beam blocked (for CENELEC approved Nimbus)
Normal R-R- 10.4-21 mA 40%-106% condition. This may be cleared by removing There are no user serviceable parts in
the indoor spray/dust cover or Universal Nimbus. Maintenance is limited to the cleaning Calibration Gas Contact Crowcon
Dirty Optics O--- 2 mA Recoverable
Weathershield and cleaning the optics with an of optics as and when required. For this
Universal Weathershield C01822
Fault IPA impregnated lint free cloth. It is advisable operation lint free cloth is recommended.
Recoverable O-O- 0 mA
to inhibit the control panel before cleaning the
optics. Beam block may also be cleared in this NOTE: Dismantling or tampering with the 4.1 Communications
Fault way. For other types of fault, remove power optical alignment of Nimbus, including the
Unrecoverable OOO- 0 mA from the detector, wait 10 seconds and mirrors, will affect the ability of the Nimbus is fitted with an optical
reconnect the power. If carrying out the self instrument to detect flammable gas and Communication Interface Module (CIM)
Fault check routine (10 seconds) the output remains will void the warranty. which is designed to allow the connection
Overange RRR- 22 mA at 0 mA, it is worthwhile checking the supply of a Windows based portable PC running
voltage is correct and that the operating Calibration and Configuration of the Nimbus NimbusPC software.
O=Orange, G=Green, R=Red,-= no illumination temperature is between -40°C and +65°C. If detector should be carried out using a
these are correct then leave the detector Windows based computer running NimbusPC The software allows the user to calibrate Appendix, Recommended mounting
continuously powered for more than 26 hours software. The NimbusPc on-line help file the detector, and also check and adjust the orientation in very dusty environments
NOTE: All ‘Detector Output’ ranges are and its internal fault correction routines may provides details on how to perform these detector’s operating parameters. The
configurable using Nimbus PC software. sort out the fault. If after this time the mA functions, as well as information on the software includes a full on line help file to
output is still at 0 mA (i.e the unit is still in fault) Nimbus itself. guide the user.
14 15 16 17 18