Fieldpiece DR58 Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector - Operator's Manual

Description

The Fieldpiece DR58 Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector is a compact and rugged tool designed for fast leak detection in the field. Its advanced heated diode sensor identifies all HFC, HCFC, CFC, HFO, and blend refrigerants. It offers multiple indicators and sensitivity 20 times greater than soap bubbles, making it effective for even the smallest leaks in diverse environments. A red LED at the tip provides visual feedback, and the backlit LCD with large bars and numerical values ensures readability in various lighting conditions.

Users have full control with both automatic (AZERO) and manual (MZERO) zero modes. The device is powered by a large, rechargeable Li-ion battery providing over 18 hours of continuous operation, rechargeable via USB-C. It features replaceable tips that filter out water and dust, and a ruggedized IP54 housing for durability.

What's Included

• DR58 Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector
• Heated Diode Sensor (RHD1)
• Blow Molded Carrying Case (ABM2)
• AC Charger and USB-C Cable (RCA3)
• 5 x Filter Tips and Gaskets (RFT6)
• Operator's Manual
• 1 Year Limited Warranty

Specifications

Certifications and Compliance

• CE
• EN 14624
• Regulatory Compliance Mark
• ROHS Compliant
• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Warnings

Inhalation of high concentrations of refrigerant vapor can block oxygen to the brain, causing injury or death. Do not use this device in a combustible gas atmosphere or with A3 refrigerants such as R-290 (propane) or R-600 (isobutane). Do not block the exhaust port, or the device will not function properly.

Quick Start

1. Install the sensor (refer to the Sensor Installation section).
2. Move to a refrigerant-free environment and press and hold the power button until the DR58 powers on.
3. Allow the warm-up (calibration) process to complete. The total used sensor hours will also be displayed.
4. Begin searching for the leak source. Move the tip slowly (approximately 3 inches per second) and as closely as possible to the suspected refrigerant line.
5. Continue searching until refrigerant gas is detected. The red LED at the tip will flash, an audible alarm will trigger, and the display will indicate the relative gas concentration.
6. Confirm the leak source. Move the tip away from the alarm location for a few seconds to clear the sensor. Return the tip to the suspected leak, looking for the highest detected value.

Sensor Installation

The Heated Diode Sensor (RHD1) is designed for easy replacement.

1. Ensure your DR58 is powered off before starting.
2. Remove the 3 screws securing the sensor cap on the back of the unit.
3. Gently pull the sensor cap away from the back case.
4. If you are replacing an existing sensor, pull out the old sensor.
5. Push the new sensor (RHD1) into the pin holes. The orientation of the pins does not matter.
6. Align the sensor cap back onto the back case and secure it with the 3 screws.
7. If you have just replaced the sensor, press and hold the SENSITIVITY button for 5 seconds to reset the sensor hours. Press the ZERO button to confirm the reset or to cancel.

Replaceable Filtered Tips (RFT6) are also available to protect the sensor from water and dust.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean the exterior of the DR58 with a damp cloth. Avoid using detergents or solvents.
• Battery Charging: Recharge the internal Li-ion battery as needed using the provided USB-C cable. Most standard USB ports can supply sufficient power for charging. The battery is permanently installed. To maximize battery lifespan, avoid prolonged periods at 100% charge or completely depleted (0%).
• Sensor Replacement: The RHD1 sensor has a typical lifespan of 300 hours of use and should be replaced when it reaches this limit or if performance degrades due to gas exposure.
• Filter Replacement: The hydrophobic filter is integrated into the replaceable tip. Replace the filter periodically to maintain optimal sensor performance and longevity. The unit comes with five filtered tips (RFT6). Unscrew the current tip to remove and replace it.

Functionality Test

To verify the DR58's detection capabilities, perform the following test using a refrigerant tank and a cap:

1. Tightly cap a port on a refrigerant tank to ensure a seal.
2. Briefly open the tank valve to allow refrigerant to coat the inside of the cap, then close the valve.
3. Set the DR58 to high sensitivity (H). Remove the cap and wave the detector's tip over the cap.
4. The device should respond with a very large leak size reading of approximately "99" and a full bar graph. If this response is not observed, the filtered tip or the sensor may require replacement.

Operation

• Power: Press and hold the power button for over 1 second to toggle the device on or off.
• Backlight: Press the backlight button to toggle the blue LCD backlight on or off.
• Zero Modes (AZERO/MZERO):
  • The DR58 starts in automatic zero mode (AZERO). In this mode, it sets a new zero point every two seconds, indicated by the AZERO indicator blinking twice. As you move closer to a leak source, the relative increase in concentration will trigger an alarm. If you stop or move away from the leak source, the device will not trigger a response.
  • To switch to manual zero mode (MZERO), press and hold the MANUAL/AUTO button for over 1 second. While MZERO is displayed, the DR58 will not zero automatically and will continue to alarm and display the relative leak size based on the last zero point.
• Zero Set: Press the ZERO button to manually set the current measured concentration to zero. This is indicated by AZERO/MZERO blinking twice.

Indicators and Feedback

Numerical Leak Size Indicator with Bar Graph

The numerical display shows the relative concentration of refrigerant gas, ranging from 0 to 99 units. The accompanying bar graph visually represents this measurement in increments of 10 units, aiding in quick monitoring. A higher number and a fuller bar graph indicate a greater concentration of gas and proximity to the leak source.

Maximum Mode

Press and hold the MAX ON/OFF button for over 1 second to activate maximum mode. In this mode, the device continuously records and displays the highest leak size detected. The recorded maximum value is reset when the sensitivity setting is changed or when a manual zero is performed.

Sensitivity (H/M/L)

The DR58 defaults to high sensitivity (H), which is suitable for most detection scenarios. If you encounter situations where leaks are difficult to pinpoint due to excessive false alarms or sensor saturation, press the SENSITIVITY button to cycle through medium (M) and low (L) sensitivity settings.

Mute (?)

Press the ZERO and SENSITIVITY buttons simultaneously to toggle the audible beeper on or off.

Red Leak Indicator LED

The red LED located at the tip of the detector provides immediate visual feedback. Its blink rate increases proportionally to the relative concentration of refrigerant gas, making it convenient for locating leaks without constantly observing the main display.

Limited Warranty and Service

Limited Warranty

This leak detector is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase from an authorized Fieldpiece dealer. Fieldpiece reserves the right to replace or repair the defective unit at its discretion, subject to verification of the defect. This warranty does not extend to defects arising from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repairs, alterations, or unreasonable use of the instrument. Any implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the duration of this express warranty. Fieldpiece shall not be liable for loss of use of the instrument or any other incidental or consequential damages, expenses, or economic loss.

Obtaining Service

For customers outside the United States, warranty service for products purchased internationally should be coordinated through local distributors. Please visit the Fieldpiece website to locate your nearest distributor.

US Patent Information: www.fieldpiece.com/patents

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