AMETEK XP3i Digital Pressure Gauge Instruction Manual

AMETEK XP3i Digital Pressure Gauge

FAQ

Q: How do I change the batteries in the XP3i Digital Test Gauge?

A: To change the batteries, follow these steps:

1. Remove the four screws to access the battery compartment.
2. Replace the old batteries with three new AA batteries.
3. Securely close the battery compartment and reattach the screws.

Overview

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the XP3i Digital Test Gauge from Crystal Engineering Corporation. Your XP3i is a combination of leading edge technology and rugged industrial design.
Accuracy is 0.05% “of reading”, 0.02% “of Full Scale” or 0.05% “of Full Scale”–so any XP3i can typically replace several gauges you may have been using.
The XP3i is fully temperature compensated–so there is no change in accuracy throughout the entire operating temperature range!
The XP3i’s case is made from rugged aluminum alloy, fully sealed against dust and water intrusion. Even the USB port is sealed. Circuitry is mounted in shock absorbing elastomer supports and the batteries are accessible by removing four screws. But you won’t need to change the batteries often, since 3 AA batteries operate the XP3i for up to 1500 hours of continuous use. Other features include:

• Bluetooth® Low Energy interface to CrystalConnect Mobile App
• Optional Data Logger with extremely large capacity
• Continuous capture of peak and valley pressure readings
• PSV (Pressure Safety Valve) mode
• Programming interface
• User-defined units
• Intrinsically Safe – meeting the latest standards as a digital test gauge
• All welded 316 stainless steel sensor (ranges above 15 psi / 1 bar)
• Calibration due reminder

We hope your XP3i meets your expectations, and we’re interested in any comments or suggestions you may have. You can send us a note at:
crystal@ametek.com. Many features in this and our other products are a direct result of your comments!
Crystal Engineering is the company that designs, manufactures, markets, and services the nVision reference pressure recorder, XP3i, and 30 Series pressure calibrators, M1 Pressure Gauge, and a variety of industry specific pressure measuring equipment. Crystal Engineering pioneered features like full temperature compensation and “of reading” rated gauges and calibrators. Pressure measuring equipment is the only thing we do and that’s why we say:

Your XP3i can be customized, through the use of our free CrystalControlWeb software. Your personal computer can disable, enable, or modify a variety of features of your XP3i. Look for the logo for programmable features, like:

• A user defined pressure scale, and/or disable unused pressure units
• Password protection to prevent unauthorized changes
• Disable keypad recalibration, (peak) button, and/or (units) button
• Expand or decrease allowable Zero range
• Store an asset ID or tag number in non-volatile memory
• Adjust calibration values

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

The XP3i is shipped with batteries installed, so it’s ready to use. Press the (on/off) button. The XP3i will first test all LCD segments, and then indicate pressure.

The XP3i always resumes operation in the mode and the units of the pressure last used, and it does not automatically rezero when turned on. Connect the XP3i to your system.

• CAUTION: Use a wrench (¾” or 19mm) for installation and removal of XP3i! There is a limit to how much rotational force can be applied to the case, so don’t rely on, or use, the case to screw the XP3i into a fitting, and don’t use the case to remove the XP3i fitting, either.
• CAUTION: Never insert any object into the pressure connection! The sensor diaphragm is very thin and can be damaged or destroyed by solid or sharp objects. Cleaning of the sensor must be done with appropriate solvents only.
• WARNING: Severe injury or damage can occur through improper use of pressure instruments! Do not exceed recommended pressure limits of tubing and fittings. Be certain all pressure connections are secured.

Most XP3i’s are intended for gauge pressure measurement. That is, they indicate the difference between applied pressure and ambient barometric pressure.
However, the (zero) button can be used to force an XP3i to read zero pressure at any applied pressure, up to the full scale rating of the gauge. The factory default setting limits the maximum zero value to 20 psi, but this limit can be changed with CrystalControlWeb.
Some XP3i’s are rated for absolute pressure. Absolute gauges indicate the difference between applied pressure and an internal vacuum reference. Absolute pressure is always positive. For instance barometric pressure at sea level is on average about 14.7 psi (approximately 100 kPa or 1 bar), so at sea level this is the lowest expected pressure indication. However, absolute gauges can be “zeroed” (unless prevented by CrystalControlWeb). After zeroing an absolute gauge it is possible to indicate a negative or positive gauge pressure.

WARNING: This gauge can display zero pressure when connected to a source of pressure! Do not rely on the display indication before disconnecting it may not be indicating true pressure. Never disconnect pressure instrumentation without first relieving system pressure!

Functions

Units Button

Pressing this button causes the XP3i to select the next available unit of pressure measurement.
See Pressure Ranges, Display Scales, & Resolution on page 22 or the list of pressure units available for your model.

Units that you don’t need or never use can be turned off. You can also define a special unit for your XP3i with CrystalControlWeb. You can use the XP3i to display directly in a unit not otherwise available, such as feet of seawater, or foot-pounds of torque. When you select your custom unit from the keypad, the screen displays the USER icon.

Peak Button

On the XP3i, pressing the (peak) button causes the display to cycle through the following , depending on your setting in CrystalControlWeb.

• From the factory this setting is disabled. Use CrystalControlWeb to enable.
  Peak High and Peak Low values are not saved when the gauge shuts off; they will reset to the current reading when the XP3i is turned on or reset.
  In some cases the ability to display a peak value may not be needed, or may even be dangerous. CrystalControlWeb allows you to disable this button.
  XP3is can average 1 to 10 readings, recalculated every time pressure is measured (4 times per second). Enable and set the number of readings to be averaged with CrystalControlWeb.

On the -DD, optional dual-line display XP3i, pressing the (peak) button causes the display to cycle through the following, depending on your setting in CrystalControlWeb:

Resetting (Clearing) Recorded Peak Values

Peak values can only be cleared when displaying either a Peak High or Peak Low recorded pressure. Press the (zero) button for at least ½ second. Dashed lines will briefly appear across the display indicating that both Peak values have been cleared. Both Peak High and Peak Low values will then display the current
applied pressure. Pressing the (zero) button while either the Peak High icon is displayed will not affect the zero value. If you need to rezero the gauge, you must turn off both peak icons by pressing the (peak) button.

Zero

If you attempt to zero the gauge while applying a pressure which exceeds the Zero Limit (set in CrystalControlWeb, defaults to 20 psi), the command will be ignored and “–HI-” will be displayed.

To Zero the XP3i
Turn off peak indication by pressing the (peak) button repeatedly until the HI and LO icons are off, then press the (zero) button for at least ½ second when the gauge is vented to atmosphere.
The display will then briefly flash all dashed lines m , indicating that it has been re-zeroed. Absolute gauges will now indicate gauge pressure.

WARNING: This gauge can display zero pressure when connected to a source of pressure! Do not rely on the display indication before disconnecting it may not be indicating true pressure. Never disconnect pressure instrumentation without first relieving system pressure!

To Clear the Zero Value on an XP3i
Turn off peak indication as described above, then press and hold the (zero) button until the display changes from
This is especially useful for absolute gauges that have been zeroed to use for gauge pressure measurement.

Bluetooth and Settings

A quick press of the settings buttons will indicate the current gauge settings. Depending on the model, it may indicate the auto-off settings, calibration due alert, calibration warning, datalogger status, or model details.
To toggle Bluetooth on or off, press and hold the settings button. If Bluetooth is off, holding the button will turn it on, and the Bluetooth icon will blink while it’s available. Once connected, the icon will turn solid and remain on while connected. If Bluetooth is currently active (connected or available), pressing and holding the settings button will turn It off, and the icon will turn off.

Tare (-DD, Dual-Line Display XP3i Only)
Tare is a constant value subtracted from the true pressure. For instance, if you were mixing gases by partial pressure, you might want to fill a tank to 1760 psi with air, then add another 440 psi of helium. To reduce the chance of error, you could tare the gauge at 1760 psi. Then you would add helium until the indica-tion reached 440.

In contrast to the Zero function discussed previously, Tare is not subject to the Zero Limit set in CrystalControlWeb. Tare is available only when the TARE icon
is on. To use the Tare feature, press the (peak) button repeatedly until the screen displays the TARE icon. The TARE icon will flash to remind you that live pres-sure may not be indicated on the screen. Apply pressure to the gauge until you reach the desired value. Press the (zero) button. The top line will change from true pressure to zero. The amount of the tare will be displayed on the second line.

To clear the tare, press and hold the (zero) button until the tare value changes from

The rate function is disabled by default, but can be enabled and configured with CrystalControlWeb. The number of calculations can also be set with the digital interface

Automatic Shut-off
The XP3i has a shutoff timer and will turn off automatically after 20 minutes (or the time set in CrystalControlWeb) of non-operation. Pressing any button or sending any command via the USB port resets the shutoff timer for another 20 minutes of operation. The XP3i will briefly display Auto Off 20 when turned on.
To disable the shutoff feature, turn on the XP3i by pressing the (on/off) and (zero) buttons simultaneously. The XP3i will briefly display the words No Auto Off to indicate that it will not turn off. The shutoff feature can be enabled again when turning the XP3i on, by pressing the same (on/off) and (zero) buttons. These settings are retained when the product is powered down.

Note: This key combination will not toggle the auto-shutoff feature if CrystalControlWeb is set to require a password before changing settings.

Backlight

Pressing the (backlight) button instantly lights the display at maximum brightness. Hold down the button for 1 second to keep it on. The display will flash briefly, indicating that it will stay on for 1 minute. If you press the (backlight) button again, the backlight will go into a lower brightness setting to extend bat-tery life, and remain on for 2 minutes after the last key is pressed. Press the (backlight) button once more and the light will go out.
If you start the XP3i in the No Auto Off mode, you may select the brightness level in the same way. The light will never time out and turn off. Turn off the XP3i, or press the (backlight) button repeatedly, to turn off the backlight.

Measuring Vacuum
All versions of the XP3i can be used to measure moderate vacuum, though only ranges of 500 psi (and 30 bar or 3000 kPa) and lower are actually calibrated and certified for vacuum operation.
When measuring pressure less than ambient barometric conditions, a minus (-) sign will appear.
Absolute gauges (models with a “A” in front of the pressure range in the part number) will NOT indicate a negative sign when vacuum is applied, unless the (zero) button has been pressed while a pressure greater than full vacuum is applied to the gauge. If your absolute gauge does indicate a negative pressure, you can clear the zero value (“unzero”) by pressing the (zero) button until the display changes from .

Water Density (Inches of Water)
The following applies only to models where inches of water is a selectable pressure unit. As shipped from the factory, the XP3i is set to display inches of water corresponding to the density of water at 4° C (39.2° F). You may require a different water density for your application, so the XP3i can be set to use the density of water at 20° C (68° F) or 15.6° C (60° F) instead.
Press the (units) button until the display cycles to the desired unit and then the desired water density.

Select and set the desired density of water.

Overpressure Conditions

• The XP3i will read pressure up to approximately 115% of the rated pressure range. Above 115%, the display will indicate +OL, and readings will stop updating. The zero function does not affect when the display will indicate +OL, so depending on the zero value it is possible that the display will indicate +OL without the maximum pressure being displayed.
• For instance, if a 100PSIXP3i is zeroed when 30 psi is being applied, it will indicate that the overpressure condition has been reached at 85 psi (i.e., 115% x 100 psi – 30 psi = 85 psi).
• Overpressure can affect accuracy, but the effect is only temporary unless the sensor has been destroyed. See Pressure Ranges, Display Scales, & Resolution on page 22 for maximum overpressure.

PSVtest Mode

• PSVtest mode is designed for PSV and PRV (“Pressure Safety Valve” and “Pressure Relief Valve”, respectively) as well as for Rupture Disc (also known as “Burst Disc”) testing. It increases the measurement rate of the XP3i gauge to approximately eight times per second, to capture the peak pressure when the valve opened, and adds a method of automatically capturing the closing reseat pressure.
• Use CrystalControlWeb to activate PSVtest Mode. When the Peak High icon flashes, PSVtest mode is enabled. A special feature of PSVtest is that Peak Low is automatically reset to the Peak High value whenever a new Peak High value is detected. Once pressure stops increasing, as when a PSV opens (and the pressure drops below the maximum pressure) XP3i detects the new minimum pressure values (the Peak Low), capturing the closing pressure of a PSV.
• Press the (peak) button once to view the captured reseat pressure. The Peak Low icon will flash on the display.
• To clear the peaks, press the (zero) button while the display shows the High or Low icons.
• Application note AN-006–Pressure Safety Valve Testing detailing the operation of the PSVtest mode is available on our website, and includes examples on how to use the gauge in relief valve and burst disk testing.
  CrystalControlWeb software.

Calibration Reminder Alert
Enter the Cal Due date and the notification time prior. Once the defined time prior is reached, the XP3i will flash Cal Soon three times during the startup process. It will do this on every start-up until the calibration due date is reached, or the dates are updated.

Calibration Due Alert
Once the calibration due date has been reached, the XP3i has three options to choose from. On Startup, will flash Cal Due three times during the startup process. After this, no additional warnings will occur until power is recycled again. Alternate, will alternate displaying Cal Due and live pressure readings. Always, will display Cal Due until a button is pressed and then the gauge operates normally. After this, no additional warnings will occur until power is recycled. Add Password Protection to make the gauge non-operational and always display Cal Due.
Note: Protect the settings by using password protection.

Low Battery Indication
The Battery icon uses three bars to display the battery level. When the icon displays all three bars, the batteries are full. The XP3i will continue to operate accurately while the icon is visible. When the batteries are exhausted, the letters batt will appear across the display. After batt appears, no pressure measurements will be possible until the batteries are replaced.

Battery Replacement
The XP3i uses 3 AA batteries. Loosen the four rear panel screws to gain access to the battery compartment. These four-panel screws are captive inside the panel and are not removable. The foam gasket material inside the battery cover used to secure the batteries can make removal of the cover difficult. After all four screws have been loosened, the cover can be easily removed by prying gently on the hanging bracket with a flathead screwdriver or similar tool. Pull the panel up to expose the battery compartment. After replacing the batteries, the XP3i will start operating immediately (without having to press the (on/off) button). This indicates that a complete reset has occurred, and is normal.

• WARNING: Do not remove or change the batteries in hazardous locations.
• WARNING: T3 or T4 Temperature Class and ambient temperature range is based on selection of approved battery. See the table on page 21.
• CAUTION: Do not mix battery types or manufacturers.
• WARNING: Do not use the USB port in hazardous locations.

Reset
If for some reason the XP3i needs to be reset, remove any battery for at least one minute, then reinstall the battery. If the reset is successful, the XP3i will start operating with-out pressing the (on/off) button.

WARNING: Do not remove or change the batteries in hazardous locations.

Communications/Programming
The XP3i responds to a query-based command language which allows remote control of the gauge. Please refer to the XP3i Programming Instructions for documentation of this feature.

Data Logging with DataLoggerXP

WHAT IS DATALOGGERXP?

DataLoggerXP is an optional data logging mode available for the XP3i gauge. You may purchase the DataLoggerXP option with your original order
or add it later.
With the XP3i’s long battery life, and Ultra Low Power (ULP) mode, you can log data over an entire year, without the need for external power supplies or battery replacements.

With an XP3i and DataLoggerXP you can:

• Record up to 200 million pressure measurements (data points) into non-volatile flash memory.
• Save battery life and record over an entire year with Ultra Low Power (ULP) mode.
• Change data collection parameters, with or without a computer.
• Start and stop multiple collection runs from the keypad.
• Record pressure readings at intervals as fast as ten times per second or as slow as once every 18 hours.
• Record the averages, averages and peaks, or just the pressure indication.
• Store an indicated pressure by pushing one button.
• View the data on any Windows-equipped computer, our mobile application (CrystalConnect), or our cloud software (CrystalControlWeb).
• Save the data files directly into a Microsoft® Excel workbook, or as comma separated text files.

XP3I DATALOGGERXP GAUGE OPERATION

When in data logging mode, some of the standard functionality of the standard XP3i is suspended. This includes the ability to change units. Please ensure you have the correct units selected prior to entering data logging mode.

Maximum Number of Readings
An XP3i with the authorized DataLoggerXP option can record up to 200 million data points. By holding down the (units) button you can see the number of available data points on the gauge after the status is displayed. To avoid starting a recording, release the (units) button after you see the number of available points. For -DD models, the second line will show the number of recorded measurements in the current log while recording. When not recording, the second line will show the total number of measurements recorded across all logs.

Recording Pressure

1. Press the (peak) button repeatedly until the record icon illuminates in the top left corner.

2. Connect the gauge to the pressure line to be monitored.

3. Press and hold the (units) button on the gauge until it says Start—data is now being logged.
   The units icon will blink to indicate a logging run is in progress.

4. Once the test is complete, press and hold the (units) button again until it says Stop.

Keypad Usage
The following buttons and button combinations are used to control data logging runs on the XP3i. Where two keys are indicated, the operation is executed by pressing and holding down the first key, then pressing and holding down the second key until the action is completed.

Note: Start by turning off the gauge. Then use the following keypad shortcuts, in the order they appear.

Units + Power: Setting Logging Parameters (Mode and Interval)
Used only when the gauge is turned off, this allows you to select the logging type and interval from the keypad. Press the (peak) button repeatedly to cycle through the logging types. Press the (units) button to accept the format.

• Actual – The gauge stores the value displayed on the gauge at each logging interval.
• Average – The gauge calculates and stores the average of all readings taken during each logging interval.
• Average with Peaks – The highest and lowest value of each logging interval is recorded along with the average value.
• On Demand – Press the (peak) button to store the displayed pressure value and the current timestamp. No logging interval applies.
• Actual Ultra Low Power – Similar to Actual; Ultra-Low Power mode extends recording time to over an entire year on one set of batteries. The gauge will display ULP instead of the live pressure. For further information, see Ultra Low Power (ULP) Mode on page 14.

Setting the Logging Interval
The display will advance to the logging interval, displayed in seconds. The (peak) button lengthens the logging interval. The (zero) button shortens the logging interval. The (units) button accepts the logging interval and the display reverts to normal.
Note: At this point, the record icon will illuminate on the display.
Note: If you select the On Demand logging type, you will not be asked to select a logging interval.

Units
Pressing and holding the (units) button briefly causes the XP3i to display information about the logging state. If you continue to hold the (units) button, a logging run will begin or end. Immediately after pressing the (units) button, the gauge will display the operating mode as one of these values:

• The XP3i is currently logging data.
• The XP3i is logging in On Demand logging type.
• The XP3i is not currently logging data and it contains stored data.
• If you continue to hold the (units) button, the number of remaining data points available in memory is displayed. Holding the (units) button even longer will then cause the operating state to change as follows:
• If the gauge is in a Clear or Off state, the gauge will briefly display Start, begin logging data, and change its state to On.
• If the gauge is in an On state, it will stop logging, briefly display Stop, and change its state to Off.
• The Full state will not change by holding the (units) button. In order to get out of the Full state, you must clear the logging memory.

Peak
When the logging type is set to On Demand (Pb), hold down the (units) button to begin recording. The units icon will flash. Press the (peak) button to record the displayed reading. Each time a data point is stored, the Peak High icons will blink. Hold down the (units) button again to stop recording mode.

Ultra Low Power (ULP) Mode

• The XP3i can log for extended periods with Ultra Low Power Mode, activated by the key combinations explained in Keypad Usage on page 12.
• Ultra Low Power Mode takes readings in Actual Mode when the recording interval is 20 minutes or longer. The letters ULP replace the live pressure reading during  a recording. You must stop the recording to view the live pressure.
• To begin or end a recording hold down the (units) button.
• Note: To maximize battery life and recording time in ULP Mode, limit your use of the backlight.

Operating Behavior
While recording the REC, Peak High, and Peak Low icons will flash at 1 second intervals.

XP3i Reset or Battery Change
Data collected by the XP3i will not be lost with a gauge reset or battery change, although any run in progress will be stopped.

CRYSTALCONTROLWEB

While the XP3i collects and stores the data, the CrystalControlWeb cloud software provides the interface to manage, analyze, download, and store the reports. Upload stored data from the XP3i to CrystalControlWeb (CCW) is done in one of two ways:

Through Device Agent
Connect to the XP3i with a standard USB cable. Install the Device Agent software from our website, www.ametekcalibration.com. Device Agent will then walk you through the process to transfer the data from the XP3i to CCW.

CrystalControlWeb Organizations
When you initially create your free CrystalControlWeb account, you will link your account to an organization. You can create a new organization or join an existing organiza-tion using an invite code. Joining organizations with your colleagues allows you to quickly and easily store all data from all XP3i gauges within your organization.
For more information on organizations, including creating them and sending and accepting invites, see crystalcontrolweb.com in the help section or www .ametekcali-bration.com/products/software/logging- software/crystalcontrolweb for walkthrough videos..

CRYSTALCONNECT

To connect wirelessly to the XP3i, please download our CrystalConnect mobile application from your favorite app store. With CrystalConnect you can download and save recorded runs from your XP3i and also view live data.

Through Device Agent
Connect to the XP3i with a standard USB cable. Install the Device Agent software from our website, www.ametekcalibration.com. Device Agent will then walk you through the process to transfer the data from the XP3i to CCW.

CrystalControlWeb Organizations
When you initially create your free CrystalControlWeb account, you will link your account to an organization. You can create a new organization or join an existing organization using an invite code. Joining organizations with your colleagues allows you to quickly and easily store all data from all XP3i gauges within your organization.
For more information on organizations, including creating them and sending and accepting invites, see crystalcontrolweb.com in the help section or www.ametekcali-bration.com/products/software/logging- software/crystalcontrolweb for walkthrough videos..

CRYSTALCONNECT

To connect wirelessly to the XP3i, please download our CrystalConnect mobile application from your favorite app store. With CrystalConnect you can download and save recorded runs from your XP3i and also view live data.

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