MSA ALTAIR 5X User manual

Operating Manual
ALTAIR 5X – Multi Gas Detector
ALTAIR 5X IR – Multi Gas Detector
Order No.: 10116951/00

MSA AUER GmbH
Thiemannstrasse 1
D-12059 Berlin
Germany
© MSA AUER GmbH. All rights reserved

Declaration of ConformityMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 3
Declaration of Conformity
Manufactured by: Mine Safety Appliances Company
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 USA
The manufacturer or the European Authorized Representative
MSA AUER GmbH, Thiemannstrasse 1, D-12059 Berlin
declares that the product: ALTAIR 5X, ALTAIR 5XIR
Complies with the provisions of the council directive 94/9/EC [ATEX]. This declaration
is based on the EC-Type Examination Certificate
FTZU 08 ATEX 0340 X and FTZU 09 ATEX 0006 X
in accordance with Annex III of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. Quality Assurance Notifi-
cation issued by Ineris of France, 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
EN 50270: 2007 Type 2 , EN 61000 - 6 - 3: 2007
MSA AUER GmbH
Dr. Axel Schubert
R&D Instruments
Berlin, April 2011

MSA
Contents
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
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 ..................................... 8
1.4 Warranty ..................................................................................................... 10
2 Description ........................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Overview ..................................................................................................... 12
2.2 Device Hardware Interfaces ....................................................................... 13
2.3 On-Screen Indicators .................................................................................. 17
2.4 Viewing Optional Displays .......................................................................... 22
2.5 Sensor Missing Alarm ................................................................................. 27
2.6 Monitoring Toxic Gases .............................................................................. 27
2.7 Monitoring Oxygen Concentration .............................................................. 29
2.8 Monitoring Combustible Gases .................................................................. 30
3 Operation .............................................................................................................. 32
3.1 Environmental Factors ................................................................................ 32
3.2 Turning ON and Fresh Air Setup ................................................................ 33
3.3 Measurement Mode [Normal Operation] .................................................... 37
3.4 Device Setup .............................................................................................. 38
3.5 MSA Link Operation ................................................................................... 46
3.6 Function Tests ............................................................................................ 47
3.7 Bump Test .................................................................................................. 47
3.8 Calibration .................................................................................................. 49
3.9 Shutdown .................................................................................................... 56
4 Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 56
4.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................... 57
4.2 Verifying Pump Operation .......................................................................... 57

ContentsMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 5
4.3 Replacing the Battery ................................................................................. 59
4.4 Live Maintenance Procedure - Replacing or Adding a Sensor ................... 60
4.5 Replacing the Pump Filter .......................................................................... 62
4.6 Cleaning ..................................................................................................... 63
4.7 Storage ....................................................................................................... 63
4.8 Shipment .................................................................................................... 63
5 Technical Specifications/Certifications ............................................................. 64
5.1 Technical Specifications ............................................................................. 64
5.2 Factory-set Alarm thresholds ...................................................................... 65
5.3 Performance Specifications ........................................................................ 67
5.4 IR sensors .................................................................................................. 68
5.5 Calibration Specifications ........................................................................... 69
5.6 Certification ................................................................................................. 71
6 Ordering Information ........................................................................................... 73
7 Appendix – Flow Charts ...................................................................................... 78
7.1 Basic Operation .......................................................................................... 78
7.2 Bump Test/ Informational Pages ................................................................ 79
7.3 Calibrations ................................................................................................. 81
7.4 Setup .......................................................................................................... 82
7.5 Calibration Options ..................................................................................... 83
7.6 Alarm Options ............................................................................................. 84
7.7 Instrument Options ..................................................................................... 86
7.8 Sensor Setup .............................................................................................. 88
8 Changeable Feature Summary ........................................................................... 89

MSA
Safety Regulations
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
6GB
1 Safety Regulations
1.1 Correct Use
The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR Multigas Detectors are for use by trained and
qualified personnel. They are designed to be used when performing a hazard as-
sessment 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 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR Multigas Detectors 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.
The ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR Multigas Detectors are designed to:
- Detect gases and vapours in air only
- 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 if equipped with an integral
pump.
- 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-con-
taining compounds, hydrogen sulfide, or high contaminant levels.
- Recheck calibration if device is subjected to physical shock.
- Use only to detect gases/vapours for which a sensor is installed.
- Do not use to detect combustible dusts or mists.
- Make sure adequate oxygen is present.
- Never block the pump inlet except to perform a sampling safety test.
While the device can detect up to 30 % oxygen in ambient air, it is ap-
proved for use only up to 21 % oxygen.

Safety RegulationsMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 7
- Have a trained and qualified person interpret device readings.
- Do not remove battery pack from device while in a hazardous location.
- Do not recharge Li Ion battery in a combustible location.
- Do not replace alkaline batteries in a combustible location.
- Do not alter or modify device.
- 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 device with integral pump for prolonged periods in an atmos-
phere containing a concentration of fuel or solvent vapours that may be greater
than 10 % LEL.
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.
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
totheproductare voided, ifitis not used,serviced or maintained in accordance with
the instructions in this manual.
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.

MSA
Safety Regulations
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
8GB
1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted
Check calibration more frequently if the device is subjected to physical shock or
high levels of contaminants. Also, check calibration more frequently if the tested at-
mosphere contains the following materials, which may desensitise the combustible
gas sensor and reduce its readings:
- 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 "100” or "5.00” 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 device to test for combustible or toxic gases in the following at-
mospheres as this may result in erroneous readings:
- Do not use the ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X IR Multigas Detectors to test for
combustible gases in atmospheres containing vapours from liquids with a high
flash point [above 38 °C, 100 °F] as this may result in erroneously low readings.
- Allow sufficient time for device to display accurate reading. Response times
vary based on the type of sensor being utilised [→chapter 5.3]. Allow a mini-
mum of 1 second per foot [3 seconds per metre] of sample line to allow the sam-
ple to be drawn through the sensors.
- Sampling lines made from 1.57 mm [0.062 inch] inner diameter tubing provide
fast transport times to the device; however, they must be limited to 15 m
[50 feet] in length.
- Sampling of reactive toxic gases [Cl2, ClO2, NH3] must only be done with the
reactive gas sampleline andprobe kits listedin the chapter6 Accessoriestable.
- Organic silicones
- Silicates
- Lead-containing compounds
- Sulphur compound exposures over 200 ppm or exposures over 50 ppm for
one minute.
- Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
- Reducing atmospheres
- Furnace stacks
- Inert environments [only IR sensors acceptable for use]
- Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.

Safety RegulationsMSA
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
GB 9
- All device readings and information must be interpreted by someone trained
and qualified in interpreting device readings in relation to the specific environ-
ment, industrial practice and exposure limitations.
- Use of the Galaxy® Automated Test System is an alternate MSHA-approved
method for calibrating MSHA-approved ALTAIR 5X devices.
- Use only calibration gas that is 2.5 % Methane with an accuracy of +5 % when
calibrating MSHA-approved ALTAIR 5X devices.
- The maximum acceptable user-set [password protected] Galaxy Test System
tolerance on Bump Limits must be set to 10 % or less when calibrating MSHA-
approved ALTAIR 5X devices.
- For 30 CFR Part 75 determinations, the maximum acceptable userset [pass-
word protected] Galaxy Test System tolerance on Bump Limits must only beset
to such that 19.5 % oxygen can be detected with an accuracy of +0.5 % when
calibrating MSHA-approved ALTAIR 5X devices.
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.
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

MSA
Safety Regulations
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
10 GB
encourage our customers to write or call regarding this equipment prior to use or for
any additional information relative to use or service.
1.4 Warranty
* For extended warranty offerings please contact MSA
This warranty does not cover filters, fuses, etc. As the battery pack ages, there will
be a reduction in useable device run time. Certain other accessories not specifically
listed here may have different warranty periods. This warranty is valid only if the
product is maintained and used in accordance with Seller's instructions and/or rec-
ommendations.
The Seller shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in the event re-
pairs or modifications are made by persons other than its own or authorised service
personnel or if the warranty claim results from physical abuse or misuse of the prod-
uct.Noagent, employeeor representativeof the Sellerhas anyauthorityto bind the
Seller to any affirmation, representation or warranty concerning this product. Seller
makes no warranty concerning components or accessories not manufactured by
the Seller, but will pass on to the Purchaser all warranties of manufacturers of such
components.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED, IM-
PLIEDORSTATUTORY,ANDIS STRICTLYLIMITED TO THETERMSHEREOF.
SELLER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILI-
TY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Exclusive Remedy
It is expressly agreed that Purchaser's sole and exclusive remedy for breach of the
above warranty, for any tortious conduct of Seller, or for any other cause of action,
shall be the replacement at Seller's option, of any equipment or parts thereof, which
after examination by Seller is proven to be defective.
Replacement equipment and/or parts will be provided at no cost to Purchaser,
F.O.B. Seller's Plant. Failure of Seller to successfully replace any nonconforming
equipment or parts shall not cause the remedy established hereby to fail of its es-
sential purpose.
ITEM WARRANTY PERIOD
Chassis and electronics Three years*
COMB, O2, H2S, CO, SO2, IR sensors Three years*
Cl2, NH3sensors Two years*
ClO2, HCN, NO2, PH3sensors One year*