MSA altair 4x User manual

Operating Manual
ALTAIR®4X
Multigas Detector
Order No. 10106503/00

Declaration of ConformityMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 3
Declaration of Conformity
Manufactured by: Mine Safety Appliances Company
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 USA
European authorized representative:
MSA AUER GmbH
Thiemannstrasse 1
D-12059 Berlin
We declare that the
MSA ALTAIR 4X
complies with the provisions of the council directive 94/9/EC [ATEX].This declaration is
based on the EC-Type Examination Certificate FTZU 07 ATEX 0169 X in accordance
with Annex III of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. Quality Assurance Notification issued by
Ineris, Notified Body number 0080, in accordance with Annex IV of the ATEX Directive
94/9/EC.
We additionally declare that this product is in conformance with the
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC in accordance with the standards
DIN EN 50270:2006 Typ 2 and DIN EN 61000-6-3:2007
MSA AUER GmbH
Dr. Axel Schubert
R&D Instruments
Berlin, May 2010

MSAContents
ALTAIR 4X
4GB
Contents
1 Safety Regulations ................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Correct Use .................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Liability Information ....................................................................................... 7
1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted ..................................... 7
2 Description ........................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Overview ..................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Device Hardware Interfaces ....................................................................... 11
2.3 On-Screen Indicators .................................................................................. 13
2.4 Battery Care ............................................................................................... 14
2.5 Viewing Optional Displays .......................................................................... 16
2.6 Sensor Missing Alarm ................................................................................. 20
2.7 Sensor End of Life Warning ........................................................................ 20
2.8 Sensor End of Life Indicator ....................................................................... 20
2.9 Monitoring Toxic Gases .............................................................................. 20
2.10 Monitoring the Oxygen Concentration ........................................................ 22
2.11 Monitoring Combustible Gases .................................................................. 23
3 Operation .............................................................................................................. 24
3.1 Environmental Factors ................................................................................ 24
3.2 Turning on the Device ................................................................................ 25
3.3 Measurement Mode [Normal Operation] .................................................... 30
3.4 Device Setup .............................................................................................. 32
3.5 Data Logging .............................................................................................. 36
3.6 Function Tests ............................................................................................ 37
3.7 Safe LED .................................................................................................... 37
3.8 Bump Test .................................................................................................. 37
3.9 Calibration .................................................................................................. 39

ContentsMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 5
4 Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 44
4.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................... 45
4.2 Live Maintenance Procedure - Replacing and Adding a Sensor ................ 46
4.3 Cleaning ..................................................................................................... 48
4.4 Storage ....................................................................................................... 48
4.5 Scope of Delivery ....................................................................................... 48
5 Technical Specifications/Certifications ............................................................. 49
5.1 Technical Specifications ............................................................................. 49
5.2 Factory-set Alarm thresholds ...................................................................... 50
5.3 Certification ................................................................................................. 51
5.4 Performance Specification .......................................................................... 53
5.5 XCell Sensor Patents ................................................................................. 54
6 Ordering Information ........................................................................................... 55
7 Appendix ............................................................................................................... 56
7.1 Start Up Sequence [Power on] ................................................................... 56
7.2 Fresh Air Setup [FAS] ................................................................................. 57
7.3 Reset Screen Controls ............................................................................... 58
7.4 Bump Test .................................................................................................. 60
7.5 Options Setup ............................................................................................. 61
7.6 Sensor Setup .............................................................................................. 62
7.7 Calibrations ................................................................................................. 63

MSASafety Regulations
ALTAIR 4X
6GB
1 Safety Regulations
1.1 Correct Use
The ALTAIR 4X Multigas Detector is intended for use by trained and qualified per-
sonnel. It is designed to be used when performing a hazard assessment to:
- assess potential worker exposure to combustible and toxic gases and vapours
as well as low level of oxygen.
- determine the appropriate gas and vapour monitoring needed for a workplace.
The ALTAIR 4X Multigas Detector can be equipped to detect:
- Combustible gases and certain combustible vapours
- Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
- Specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed.
It is imperative that this operating manual be read and observed when using the
product. In particular, the safety instructions, as well as the information for the use
and operation of the product, must be carefully read and observed. Furthermore,
the national regulations applicable in the user's country must be taken into account
for a safe use.
Alternative use, or use outside this specification will be considered as non-compli-
ance. This also applies especially to unauthorised alterations to the product and to
commissioning work that has not been carried out by MSA or authorised persons.
While the device can detect up to 30 % oxygen in ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21 % oxygen.
Danger!
This product is supporting life and health. Inappropriate use, mainte-
nance or servicing may affect the function of the device and thereby se-
riously compromise the user's life.
Before use the product operability must be verified. The product must
not be used if the function test is unsuccessful, it is damaged, a compe-
tent servicing/maintenance has not been made, genuine MSA spare
parts have not been used.

Safety RegulationsMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 7
1.2 Liability Information
MSA accepts no liability in cases where the product has been used inappropriately
or not as intended. The selection and use of the product are the exclusive respon-
sibility of the individual operator.
Product liability claims, warranties also as guarantees made by MSA with respect
to the product are voided, if it is not used, serviced or maintained in accordance with
the instructions in this manual.
1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted
Check function each day before use
Before each use, check the function and calibration of the device. Otherwise there
is a danger that incorrect results will be displayed. The check is performed using a
suitable calibration gas.
Perform a bump test each day before use
Perform a bump test before each day's use to verify proper operation. The device
must pass the bump test. If it fails the test, perform a calibration before using the
device.
Perform a bump test more frequently if the device is subjected to physical shock or
high levels of contaminants. Also, perform a bump test more frequently if the tested
atmosphere contains the following materials, which may desensitize the combusti-
ble gas sensor and reduce its readings:
- Organic silicones
- Silicates
- Lead-containing compounds
- Hydrogen sulphide exposures over 200 ppm or exposures over 50 ppm for
one minute.
Check minimum concentration of a combustible gas
The minimum concentration of a combustible gas in air that can ignite is defined as
the Lower Explosive Limit [LEL]]. A combustible gas reading of "XXX” indicates the
atmosphere is above 100 % LEL or 5.00 % vol CH4, and an explosion hazard ex-
ists. Move away from hazardous area immediately.
Attention!
The following safety instructions must be observed implicitly. Only in this
way can the safety and health of the individual operators, and the correct
functioning of the device, be guaranteed.

MSASafety Regulations
ALTAIR 4X
8GB
Observe atmosphere
Do not use the device to test for combustible or toxic gases in the following atmos-
pheres as this may result in erroneous readings:
- Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
- Reducing atmospheres
- Furnace stacks
- Inert environments
- Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.
Use the device only to detect gases/vapours for which a sensor is installed.
Make sure adequate oxygen is present.
Not to be used for gases having a flashpoint in excess of 38 °C
Do not use the device to test for combustible gases in atmospheres containing va-
pours from liquids with a high flash point [above 38 °C], as this may result in erro-
neously low readings.
Physical shock
Recheck calibration if device is subjected to physical shock.
Sensor maintenance
Do not block sensor openings as this may cause inaccurate readings. Do not press
on the face of the sensors, as this may damage them and cause erroneous read-
ings. Do not use compressed air to clean the sensor holes, as the pressure may
damage the sensors.
Observe proper time for diplay stabilising
Allow sufficient time for device to display accurate reading. Response times vary
based on the type of sensor being utilized.
Observe proper battery maintenance
Use only battery chargers made available by MSA for use with this device; other
chargers may damage the battery pack and the device. Dispose of in accordance
with local health and safety regulations.
Use of the GALAXY Automated Test System is an alternate approved method for
charging ALTAIR 4X devices.

Safety RegulationsMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 9
Be aware of environmental conditions
A number of environmental factors may affect the sensor readings, including
changes in pressure, humidity and temperature.
Pressure and humidity changes also affect the amount of oxygen actually present
in the atmosphere.
Be aware of the procedures for handling electrostatically sensitive
electronics
The device contains electrostatically sensitive components. Do not open or repair
the device without using appropriate electrostatic discharge [ESD] protection. The
warranty does not cover damage caused by electrostatic discharges.
Be aware of the product regulations
Follow all relevant national regulations applicable in the country of use.
Be aware of the warranty regulations
The warranties made by Mine Safety Appliances Company with respect to the prod-
uct are voided if the product is not used and maintained in accordance with the in-
structions in this manual. Please protect yourself and others by following them. We
encourage our customers to write or call regarding this equipment prior to use or for
any additional information relative to use or service.

MSADescription
ALTAIR 4X
10 GB
2 Description
2.1 Overview
Fig. 1 device view
The device monitors gases in ambient air and in the workplace.
It is available with a maximum of three sensors, which can display readings for four
separate gases [one Dual Toxic Sensor provides both CO and H2S sensing capa-
bilities in a single sensor].
1 Communication 8 Display
2 Safe LED [green] and
Fault LED [yellow]
9 Alarm LEDs [4]
3 Sensor Inlets 10 Belt Clip
4 Horn 11 Charging Connection
5
T Button 12 Screws [4]
6
S Button 13 Charge LED [red/green]
7ON/OFF Button
9
9
1 2
9
3
4
5
6
7
8
311
10
12