MSA ALTAIR 5X User manual

In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSA International, dial 1-724-776-8626 or 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2012 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msaSafety.com.
Para comunicarse con su distribuidor más cercano en Norteamérica, llame gratis al
1-800-MSA-2222. Para comunicarse a MSA International, marque el 1-724-776-8626
ó 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2012 - Todos los derechos reservados
Este manual está disponible en Internet: www.msaSafety.com.
En Amérique du Nord, pour contacter notre distributeur le plus proche, composer
le numéro gratuit 1-800-MSA-2222. Pour contacter MSA International, composer le
1-724-776-8626 ou 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2012 - Tous droits réservés
Ce manuel est disponible sur l’Internet à www.msaSafety.com.
Manufactured by / Fabricado por / Fabriqué par
MSA CORPORATE CENTER
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive,
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania 16066
(L) Rev 3 10114801
Altair®5X
MultiGas Detector
and
Altair®5X IR
MultiGas Detector
Instruction Manual
Altair®5X
Detector MultiGas
y
Altair®5X IR
Detector MultiGas
Manual de Instrucciones
Altair®5X
Détecteur Multigaz
et
Altair®5X IR
Détecteur Multigaz
Mode d’emploi

ALTAIR®5X
MultiGas Detector
and
ALTAIR®5X IR
MultiGas Detector
Instruction Manual
In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSA International, dial 1-724-776-8626 or 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2012 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msaSafety.com
Manufactured by
MSA CORPORATE CENTER
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive,
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania 16066
(L) Rev 3 10114801

THIS MANUAL MUST BE CAREFULLY REA BY ALL IN IVI UALS WHO HAVE OR WILL
HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR USING OR SERVICING THE PRO UCT. Like any piece
of complex equipment, this instrument will perform as designed only if it is used and serv-
iced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. OTHERWISE, IT COUL FAIL TO
PERFORM AS ESIGNE AN PERSONS WHO RELY ON THIS PRO UCT FOR THEIR
SAFETY COUL SUSTAIN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR EATH.
The warranties made by Mine Safety Appliances Company with respect to the product are
voided if the product is not used and serviced in accordance with the instructions in this
manual. Please protect yourself and others by following them. We encourage our cus-
tomers to write or call regarding this equipment prior to use or for any additional infor-
mation relative to use or repairs.
! WARNING

Table of Contents
1 Instrument Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.1 orrect Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.2 Safety and Precautionary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1.3 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
2 escription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.1 Instrument Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Figure 2-1. Instrument View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.2 User Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.2.1 Button Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.2.2 LED Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3 Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.1 Vibrating Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.2 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.3 InstantAlert™ Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.4 MotionAlert™ Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.2.3.5 Stealth Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.2.3.6 Sensor Life Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.2.4 Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.2.5 Operating Beep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.3 On-Screen Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.3.1 Monochrome Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Figure 2-2. Monochrome Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.3.2 olor Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
2.3.3 Battery Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Figure 2-3. olor Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
2.3.3.1 Low Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
Figure 2-4. Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
2.3.3.2 Battery Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Figure 2-5. Battery Shut Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
2.3.4 Battery harging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
2.4 Viewing Additional Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
2.4.1 Bump Test (BUMP page) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
2.4.2 Peak Readings (PEAK page) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
2.4.3 Minimum Readings (MIN page) . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
i

2.4.4 Short Term Exposure Limits (STEL page) . . . .2-12
2.4.5 Time Weighted Average (TWA Page) . . . . . . . .2-13
2.4.6 Date Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
2.4.7 LAST AL Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
2.4.8 AL DUE Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
2.4.9 MOTIONALERT A TIVATION Page . . . . . . . .2-14
2.5 Sensor Missing Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
2.6 Monitoring Toxic Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
Figure 2-6. Alarm onditions (High Alarm shown) 2-15
2.7 Monitoring Oxygen oncentration . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
2.8.1 Monitoring ombustible Gases . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
2.8.2 Gas Exposure of 100% LEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.1 Environmental Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.2 Turning ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
3.2.1 Sampling System Safety Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
3.2.2 Fresh Air Setup (FAS) at Instrument Turn-ON . .3-4
Figure 3-1. Fresh Air Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
3.2.3 Special onsideration for Oxygen Sensor . . . . .3-5
3.3 Measurement Mode (Normal Operation) . . . . . . . . .3-5
3.4 Instrument Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Figure 3-2. Password Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
3.4.1 alibration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
3.4.2 Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Figure 3-4. Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Figure 3-5. Sensor Alarm Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Figure 3-6. Sensor Alarm Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
3.4.3 Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Figure 3-7. Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Figure 3-8. Sensor Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
3.5. MSA Link Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
3.6. Function Tests on the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
3.7 Bump Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
3.7.1 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
3.7.2 Performing a Bump Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
3.7.3 After the Bump Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18
3.8. alibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18
ii

3.8.1 Zero alibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
3.8.2 Span alibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21
3.8.3 Finishing Successful alibration . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23
3.9 alibration with the Galaxy Test System . . . . . . . .3-24
3.10 Instrument Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24
Figure 3-9. Instrument Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24
4. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.1 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.2 Verifying Pump Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4.3 Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Figure 4-1. Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Figure 4-2. Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4.4 Live Maintenance Procedure -
Sensor Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Figure 4-3. Sensor Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
4.5. Replacing the Pump Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
4.6 leaning the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
4.7 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
4.8. Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
5. Technical Specifications/Certifications . .5-1
5.1 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
5.2 Factory-set Alarm Thresholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
5.3 Sensor Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
5.4 alibration Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
5.5 ertifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
5.6 ombustible Gas ross Reference Factors . . . . . .5-7
5.7 X ell Sensor Patents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8
6. Order Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
6.1 Gas ylinder Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
6.2 Accessories Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
6.3 Instrument Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
iii

7 Flow Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
7.1 Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
7.2 BUMP TEST / Informational Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
7.3 alibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
7.4 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
7.5 alibration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-6
7.6.1 Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7
7.6.2 Sensor Alarm Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8
7.7.1 Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-9
7.7.2 Sensor Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-11
8. Changeable Feature Summary . . . . . . . . .8-1
iv

1-1
1 Instrument Safety
1.1 Correct Use
The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR MultiGas Detectors are:
• for use by trained and qualified personnel
• designed to be used when performing a hazard assessment to:
• assess potential worker exposure to combustible and toxic
gases and vapors as well as low level of oxygen
• determine the appropriate gas and vapor monitoring needed
for a workplace.
The ALTAIR 5X Detector can be equipped to detect:
• combustible gases and certain combustible vapors
• oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
• specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed.
While the instrument can detect up to 30% oxygen in ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21% oxygen.
The ALTAIR 5X IR Gas Detector can also contain one Infrared sensor to
detect CO2or specific combustible gases up to 100% Vol.
Read and follow all instructions carefully.
• Perform a blocked flow test before each day's use.
• Perform a Bump Test before each day’s use, and adjust
if necessary.
• Perform a Bump Test more frequently if exposed to
silicone, silicates, lead-containing compounds, hydrogen
sulfide, or high contaminant levels.
• Recheck calibration if unit is subjected to physical shock.
• Use only to detect gases/vapors for which a sensor
is installed.
• Do not use to detect combustible dusts or mists.
• For accurate catalytic combustible readings, make sure
adequate oxygen is present (>10% O2).
"WARNING

• Never block pump inlet, except to perform a sampling
system safety test.
• Have a trained and qualified person interpret
instrument readings.
• Risk of Explosion: Do not remove battery pack,
recharge Li Ion battery, or replace alkaline batteries in a
hazardous location.
• Do not alter or modify instrument.
• Use only MSA-approved sampling lines.
• Do not use silicone tubing or sampling lines.
• Wait sufficient time for the reading; response times vary
based on gas and length of sampling line.
• Do not use the instrument for prolonged periods in an
atmosphere containing a concentration of fuel or solvent
vapors that may be greater than 10% LEL.
INCORRECT USE CAN CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS
PERSONAL INJURY.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
1.2 Safety and Precautionary Measures
Carefully review the following safety limitations and
precautions before placing this instrument in service.
Incorrect use can cause death or serious personal injury.
• Check function (see section 3.6) each day before use. MSA
recommends carrying out a routine inspection prior to each day's
use.
• Perform a Bump Test (see section 3.7) before each day's use to
verify proper instrument operation. The instrument must pass the
bump test. If it fails the test, perform a calibration (see section 3.8)
before using the instrument.
• The ALTAIR 5X MultiGas Detectors are designed to detect gases
and vapors in air only.
• Perform a Bump Test more frequently if unit 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 combustible gas
"WARNING
1-2

sensor and reduce its readings:
• Organic silicones
• Silicates
• Lead-containing compounds
• Sulphur compound exposures over 200 ppm or exposures over
50 ppm for one minute.
• 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 exists. Move
away from hazardous area immediately.
• Do not use the ALTAIR 5X, or ALTAIR 5X IR MultiGas Detectors to
test for combustible or toxic gases in the following atmospheres as
this may result in erroneous readings:
• Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
• Reducing atmospheres
• Furnace stacks
• Inert environments (only IR sensors acceptable for use)
• Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.
• Do not use the ALTAIR 5X or ALTAIR 5X IR MultiGas Detectors to
test for combustible gases in atmospheres containing vapors from
liquids with a high flash point (above 38 °C, 100°F) as this may
result in erroneously low readings.
• Allow sufficient time for unit to display the accurate reading.
Response times vary based on the type of sensor used (see
Section 5.3, "Sensor Performance Specifications"). Allow a
minimum of 1 second per foot
(3 seconds per meter) of sample line for the sample to be drawn
through the sensors.
• Sampling lines made from 0.062 inch (1.57 mm) inner diameter
tubing provide fast transport times to the instrument; however, they
must be limited to 50 feet (15 m) in length.
• Sampling of reactive toxic gases (Cl2, ClO2, NH3) must only be
done with the reactive gas sample line and probe kits listed in the
Section 6.2 Accessories table.
• All instrument readings and information must be interpreted by
someone trained and qualified in interpreting instrument readings
in relation to the specific environment, industrial practice and
exposure limitations.
1-3