SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector Instruction Manual

: June 4, 2024
: SEWERIN

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector Instruction Manual

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector Instruction
Manual

Warranty

To ensure reliable operation and safety, it is required to pay attention to the following notes.
Hermann Sewerin GmbH is not liable for damage caused by failure to comply with these notes. The guarantee and liability conditions of the sales and delivery conditions of Hermann Sewerin GmbH are not extended by the following notes.

The product may only be taken into operation after reading thoroughly the accompanying operating instructions.
The product may only be used for intended applications.
The product is destined for industrial and commercial applications.
Repairs may only be performed by the manufacturer or appropriately trained staff.
The manufacturer is not liable for damage resulting from arbitrary modifications of the product.
Only spare parts may be used which are approved by Hermann Sewerin GmbH.
Only approved battery types may be used.

Technical changes within the scope of further development reserved.

Intended use

SNOOPER mini is a gas detector for plumbers and service technicians for detecting leaks at free laid gas pipes.

Fields of application (for example):

Detection of gas leaks by directly inspecting joints of: pipes, fittings, flanges, threaded connections, pressure reducers, etc.
Leak detection at openly routed natural gas pipelines in buildings
Inspection of covered gas pipelines at the gas discharge locations
Inspection at the house service fitting

CAUTION! Danger of life!
SNOOPER mini must not be used as a gas warning instrument.
It is not suitable for checking whether the ambient air or the air inside pits and sewers is approaching the lower explosion level (LEL).

Device variants

The device is available in two different versions:

with flexible swan neck
with hand sensor (spiral cable, handle, flexible swan neck)

Both device variants are operated the same way.

The device is available for the following types of gas:

Methane CH4
Propane C3 H8
Hydrogen H2

Note:

The type of gas is indicated on the rear of the device. It is not possible to change it.

Safety instructions

Never open the housing (only exception: the battery compartment). Otherwise, all warranty claims expire.
The swan neck cannot be disassembled. It must not be bent in a sharp angle. The maximum permissible angle is 90 degrees.
Never carry the device at the swan neck and/or the hand sensor!
Prevent that the swan neck comes into contact with water. Water destroys the sensor!

Useful information about the device

4.1 Structure – device and display

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector - Structure – device and
display

Display

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector -
Display

Abbreviations:

ADJ Adjust
APF Automatic power-off
BAT Battery
CAL Calibrate
CWT Calibration waiting time
ERR Error
HT Heating-up
PPM Unit of measurement (ppm)
VOL Unit of measurement (vol. %)
ZRO Setting the zero point

4.2 Operating modes

The device can be used in two different modes:

Measurement > see chapter 5
Adjustment > see chapter 6

4.3 Measuring range

The device operates with a single measuring range, but two different units of measurement (parts per million [ppm], percent by volume [vol.%]). The device automatically switches between the different units of measurement.

Conversion: 10,000 ppm = 1 vol.%

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector - Measuring
range

4.4 Automatic power-off

SNOOPER mini switches itself off automatically,

as soon as the battery charge is no longer sufficient. (BAT will be indicated briefly on the display.)
The automatic power-off may also occur immediately after switching on the device! Exchange or recharge batteries (see chapter 7.4).
if the device is not operated for 20 minutes (i. e. no key is pressed) or if the display is not changing. ( APF will be indicated briefly on the display.)

4.5 Display illumination

The device automatically switches on the display illumination:

if a key is pressed (duration of illumination 20 s),
if the gas concentration is higher than 25 ppm.

Measurement mode

5.1 How to start the measurement mode

Note:

The device must always be switched on in an unpolluted environment (e. g. in the fresh air).

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector - How to start the
measurement mode

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector - How to start the
measurement mode 2

Note:

After switching on, the device needs one minute to recognise whether it is operated with disposable or rechargeable batteries. After this check, the battery icon is indicated.

5.2 Increased gas concentration

An automatic audio signal makes the user always aware of an increased gas concentration.

Audible signal of the device (loudspeaker key)

switched on: the interval signal gradually changes to a steady tone
switched off: steady tone sounds as soon as the device measures a value higher than 1 vol.%

5.3 Setting the zero point – when and how?

When working with the SNOOPER mini, the zero point may start to drift (e. g. if the device is ready for measuring and put aside for some time). In this case, the display indicates a value deviating from zero.

Press briefly on the ON/OFF key. ZRO is indicated on the display. The device is ready to reset the zero point.
Re-press briefly on the ON/OFF key within 5 seconds. The zero point is reset.

5.4 Verifying the indication accuracy – when and how?

According to DVGW regulations (DVGW: German technical and scientific association for gas and water), it is required to check the indication accuracy in intervals ranging from every week to every six months – depending on the frequency of usage and experience.

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector - Verifying the indication
accuracy – when and how

The device must be ready for measuring (see chapter 5.1).
Apply test gas with the help of a suitable test set (e. g. SPE-Y).
Compare the deviations indicated by the device with the permissible values in the table. If the values are outside the permissible range, you need to perform an adjustment (see chapter 6).

Adjustment

The device must be adjusted if the deviation of the indication accuracy is outside the permissible range (see chapter 5.4).

6.1 Tools and requirements

Required tools:

Suitable test set (e. g. SPE HG, SPE-Y)
Test head
Test gas, depending on the type of gas of the relevant device (see table in chapter 5.4)

You can find all information on how to connect the test set to the device in the operating instructions of the test set.

Requirements for a proper adjustment:

Device is switched off
Test head is not yet attached
Atmosphere of the environment is not polluted (e. g. fresh air)

6.2 How to perform the adjustment

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector - How to perform the
adjustment

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector - How to perform the
adjustment 2

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector - How to perform the
adjustment 3

6.3 Adjustment error – what to do?

If error 001 ERR occurs (refer to description in chapter 6.2), the device was not able to perform a proper adjustment.

Repeat the adjustment.
If the error is indicated again, get in touch with the SEWERIN Service.

Maintenance and cleaning

7.1 Overview

Maintenance and cleaning of the SNOOPER mini should cover the following points:

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector -
Overview

7.2 Sensor cap

The sensor cap is detachable. The sensor housing can be seen after removing the cap.

CAUTION! Sensitive sensor!

Avoid touching the sensor. Never try to remove the sensor. The sensor must never come into contact with water!

If the sensor cap is soiled, you must replace or clean the cap.

Cleaning

Unscrew the sensor cap and remove the filter (see chapter 7.3).
Clean the sensor cap thoroughly with a commercially available detergent.
Dry the cap until any residual moisture is removed.
Place a new filter loosely into the sensor cap.
Screw the sensor cap on the swan neck. The filter will be pressed into the correct position.

7.3 Replacing the filter

The sensor cap contains a filter. The filter must be exchanged, if you detect any soil.

Unscrew the sensor cap.
Push the soiled filter from above out of the sensor cap, using a suitable tool (e. g. a small screwdriver).
Place a new filter loosely into the sensor cap.
Screw the sensor cap on the swan neck. The filter will be pressed into the correct position.

7.4 Changing the battery

The battery compartment is locked by a quick-release lock (1/4 of a turn). It can be opened with the help of a suitable tool (e. g. a coin or screwdriver).

CAUTION!

Pay attention to the correct polarity when inserting the two batteries.

Appendix

8.1 Technical data

Operating time: min. 8 h
Power supply: 2 rechargeable NiMH accumulators (each with min. 1600 mAh) or 2 alkaline AA batteries
Protection: IP54
Operating temperature: -10 °C – +60 °C
Storage temperature: -25 °C – +70 °C
Air pressure: 950 hPa – 1100 hPa
Humidity: 15 % r.h. – 90 % r.h. (non-condensing)
Dimensions: 50×150×30 mm (W×H×D)
Weight: approx. 130 g

8.2 Error messages

SEWERIN SNOOPER mini Water and gas Leak Detector - Error
messages

8.3 Disposal and recycling instructions

The disposal of instruments and accessories is governed by the European Waste Catalogue (EWC).

Old Instruments

Old instruments can be returned to Hermann Sewerin GmbH. We will arrange the qualified disposal free of charge through certified specialists.

8.4 Used symbols

CAUTION!

This symbol is used to indicate dangers which may either result in hazards for the operators or in severe damage – or even destruction – of the product.

Note:

This symbol is used to call attention to information and tips which may be helpful and which are exceeding the basic operating procedures.