How to Perform a Basic Lighter Test on the Bloodhound
This article instructs you on how to perform a basic lighter test to validate that the gas sensor is working.
PREREQUISITES:
1) You must be present at the Bloodhound to execute this test.
2) You must have a butane lighter that works (will light with a strong flame).
3) THIS IS NOT A TRAP TEST – We are validating that the Bloodhound Gas Sensor is working.
You must have removed the inlet sample line as close to the Bloodhound as possible (there is often a 2″ hose which is connected to the brass barb on the Bloodhound Box itself. This is ok to leave on if it is more convenient than removing the hose from the barb on the Bloodhound).
4) If the extension in #3 above exists, inspect it closely for cracks, holes, and other wear which will prevent the entire butane sample from entering the Bloodhound.
HOW-TO:
1) Unplug the sample line from the Bloodhound (as mentioned in #3 and #4 in “PREREQUISITES” above).
2) Allow the Bloodhound to run for a few minutes until the gas level reaches your current “zero” set point.
3) Couple the lighter as tightly as possible to the Bloodhound’s inlet.
4) Open the lighter, and count a full ten (10) seconds.
5) While the lighter is open and after, observe the highest Gas Units reading on the face of the Bloodhound.
NOTE: For purposes of this test, this must be read on the face of the Bloodhound and not other software tools.
6) Write down or remember the highest reading you saw.
7) Look up your Attenuation on the Bloodhound, and factor your maximum reading on the Bloodhound by this amount. For example, if your Attenuation is 100, you don’t need to do anything as the Bloodhound is set to display 100% of what the sensor is reading in Gas Units. If your Attenuation is set at 50, you need to multiply your maximum gas units observed during the lighter test by 2, and so on.
8) If the number works out to a value between 1000 and 2000 units of gas, your Bloodhound is operating fine. If not, repeat the test, and if the results are consistently off, please contact Bloodhound Support.
