MSA SOLARIS User manual

Solaris®
MultiGas Detector
Operating Manual
Détecteur MultiGaz
Solaris®
Manuel d’exploitation
Detector Multigas
Solaris®
Manual de Operación
In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSAInternational, dial 1-412-967-3354 or 1-800-MSA-7777
© MINE SAFETYAPPLIANCES COMPANY 2005 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msanet.com
En Amérique du Nord, pour contacter votre plus proche station de stockage, appelez le
n° gratuit 1-800-MSA-2222
Pour contacter MSAInternational, composez le 1-412-967-3354 ou le 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETYAPPLIANCES COMPANY 2005 - Tous droits reservés
Ce manuel est disponible sur l’internet à www.msanet.com
Para comunicarse con el lugar de abastecimiento más cercano en América del Norte,
llame gratis al 1-800-MSA-2222
Para comunicarse con MSA International, llame al 1-412-967-3354 ó 1-800-MSA-7777
© MINE SAFETYAPPLIANCES COMPANY 2005. Se reservan todos los derechos.
Este manual puede obtenerse en la Internet en el sitio: www.msanet.com.
Manufactured by
Fabriqué par
Fabricado por
MSA INSTRUMENT DIVISION
P.O. Box 427, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230
(L) Rev 2 10046201

Solaris®
MultiGas Detector
Operating Manual
In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSA International, dial 1-412-967-3354 or 1-800-MSA-7777
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2005 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msanet.com
Manufactured by
MSA INSTRUMENT DIVISION
P.O. Box 427, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230
(L) Rev 2 10046201

i
THIS MANUAL MUST BE CAREFULLY READ BY ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE OR WILL
HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR USING OR SERVICING THE PRODUCT. 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 COULD FAIL TO
PERFORM AS DESIGNED AND PERSONS WHO RELY ON THIS PRODUCT FOR THEIR
SAFETY COULD SUSTAIN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
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 service.
""WARNING

Table of Contents
Chapter 1,
Instrument Safety and Certifications . . . . . .1-1
" WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Safety Limitations and Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Date of Instrument Manufacture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Electronic Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Chapter 2,
Using the Solaris Multigas Detector . . . . . . .2-1
Turning ON the Solaris Multigas Detector . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Last Cal Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Cal Due Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Instrument Alarm Bypass Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Fresh Air Set Up Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
" WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Figure 2-1. Battery Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Battery Life Indicator (FIGURE 2-1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Battery Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Sensor Missing Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Calibration Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Measuring Gas Concentrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Combustible gases (% LEL) (FIGURE 2-2) . . . . . . . . .2-6
Figure 2-2. Instrument in LEL Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
Oxygen Measurements (% O2) (FIGURE 2-3) . . . . . .2-8
Figure 2-3. Instrument in Oxygen Alarm . . . . . . . . .2-8
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Toxic Gas Measurements (FIGURE 2-4) . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
ii

Solaris Multigas Detector Equipped with an
NO2 Sensor Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Figure 2-4. Instrument in Toxic Gas Alarm . . . . . . .2-9
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Figure 2-5. Instrument in NO2Gas Alarm
(NO2 Versions Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Safe LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Operating Beep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Viewing Optional Displays (FIGURE 2-6) . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Figure 2-6. Flow Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Peak Readings (PEAK) (FIGURE 2-7) . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
Minimum Readings (MIN) (FIGURE 2-8) . . . . . . . . . .2-13
Figure 2-7. PEAK Readings on the Display . . . . .2-13
Figure 2-8. MIN Reading on the Display . . . . . . . .2-13
Short Term Exposure Limits (STEL) (FIGURE 2-9) . .2-14
To Reset the STEL: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Figure 2-9. Exposure Page with STEL Alarm . . . .2-14
Time Weighted Average (TWA) (FIGURE 2-10) . . . .2-15
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
Figure 2-10. Exposure Page with TWA Alarm . . . .2-15
To Reset the TWA: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
Time Display (FIGURE 2-11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Date Display (FIGURE 2-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Turning OFF the Solaris Multigas Detector . . . . . . . . .2-17
Figure 2-11 Time Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Figure 2-12. Date Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Chapter 3,
Setting up the Solaris Multigas Detector . . .3-1
Power Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Table 3-1. Battery Capacity Reductions
Expected at Colder Temperatures . . . . . . . . .3-1
Battery Charging (Lithium Ion Battery version only) . .3-1
To Charge the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Battery Replacement (Alkaline Battery Version Only) .3-2
Changing Instrument Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
iii

"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Figure 3-1. Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Accessing the Instrument Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Chapter 4,
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Calibrating the Solaris Multigas Detector . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Table 4-1. Autocalibration and Required
Calibration Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
To Calibrate the Solaris Multigas Detector
(FIGURE 4-1): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Figure 4-1. Calibration Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Figure 4-2. Zero Flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Figure 4-3. CAL Flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Autocalibration Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Chapter 5,
Warranty and Live Maintenance Procedures 5-1
MSA Portable Instrument Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Cleaning and Periodic Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Live Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Sensor Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Chapter 6,
Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
Table 6-1. Certifications (see instrument label to
determine applicable approval) . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
Table 6-2. Instrument Specifications . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
iv

Table 6-3. COMBUSTIBLE GAS - Typical
Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Table 6-4. COMBUSTIBLE GAS - Cross
Reference Factors for Solaris
General-Purpose Calibration Using
Calibration Cylinder (P/N 10045035)
Set to 58% LEL Pentane Simulant . . . . . . . . .6-2
Table 6-5. Combustible Gas - Cross Reference
Factors for Solaris FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Table 6-6. OXYGEN - Typical Performance
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
6-7. CARBON MONOXIDE (appropriate
models only) - Typical Performance
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6
Table 6-8. CARBON MONOXIDE - Cross
Reference Factors for Solaris Calibration
Using Calibration Cylinder (P/N 10045035) . .6-6
Table 6-9. HYDROGEN SULFIDE (appropriate
models only) - Typical Performance
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Table 6-10. HYDROGEN SULFIDE - Cross
Reference Factors for Solaris Calibration
Using Calibration Cylinder (P/N10045035) . .6-7
Table 6-11. Nitrogen (Appropriate Models Only)
Dioxide Typical Performance Specifications .6-8
Table 6-12. Nitrogen Dioxide (Appropriate
Models Only) Cross Reference Factors for
Solaris Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8
Chapter 7,
Replacement and Accessory Parts . . . . . . . .7-1
Table 7-1. Replacement Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Table 7-2. Accessory Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
Table 7-3. Accessory Parts List
(NO2Versions Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
Figure 7-1. Replacement Parts (see Table 7-1) . . . .7-4
v

1-1
Chapter 1,
Instrument Safety and Certifications
The Solaris Multigas Detector is for use by trained and qualified
personnel. It is designed to be used when performing a hazard
assessment to:
• Assess potential worker exposure to combustible and toxic gases
and vapors
• Determine the appropriate gas and vapor monitoring needed for a
workplace.
The Solaris Multigas 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.
• Read and follow all instructions carefully.
• Check calibration before each day's use and adjust
if necessary.
• Check calibration 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.
• Make sure adequate oxygen is present.
• Do not block sensors.
• Have a trained and qualified person interpret
instrument readings.
• Do not recharge Li ION battery in a combustible
atmosphere.
• Do not replace alkaline batteries in a combustible
atmosphere.
• Do not alter or modify instrument.
INCORRECT USE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH.
""WARNING

1-2
Safety Limitations and Precautions
Carefully review the following safety limitations and precautions before
placing this instrument in service:
• The Solaris Multigas Detector is designed to:
• Detect gases and vapors in air only
• Detect only specified toxic gases for which a sensor is
installed.
• Perform the following check before each day's use to verify proper
instrument operation:
• Calibration check (see Calibration Check section). Adjust
calibration if the readings are not within the specified limits.
• Check calibration more frequently if the unit is subjected to
physical shock or high levels of contaminants. Also, check
calibration more frequently if the tested atmosphere contains the
following materials, which may desensitize the combustible gas
sensor and reduce its readings:
• Organic silicones
• Silicates
• Lead-containing compounds
• Hydrogen sulfide 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 "100" or “5.00” indicates the atmosphere is above
100% LEL or 5.00% CH4, respectively, and an explosion hazard
exists. In such cases, the instrument LockAlarm feature activates.
Move away from contaminated area immediately.
• Do not use the Solaris Multigas Detector 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
• Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.

• Do not use the Solaris Multigas Detector 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.
• 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 readings. Do not use
compressed air to clean the sensor holes, as the pressure may
damage the sensors.
• Allow sufficient time for unit to display accurate reading. Response
times vary based on the type of sensor being utilized (see Chapter
6, "Performance Specifications").
• 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.
• Do not recharge lithium ion battery or replace alkaline batteries in a
hazardous area. Use only battery chargers made available by MSA
for use with this instrument; other chargers may damage the
battery pack and the unit. Dispose of batteries in accordance with
local health and safety regulations.
• Do not alter this instrument; otherwise, damage may result.
• Use of the GalaxyTM Automated Test System is an alternate MSHA-
approved method for calibrating MSHA-approved Solaris
instruments.
• Use only calibration gas that is 2.5% Methane with an accuracy of
+5% when calibrating MSHA-approved Solaris instruments.
• The maximum acceptable user-settable (password protected)
Galaxy Automated Test System tolerance on Bump Limits must
only be set to 10% or less when calibrating MSHA-approved
Solaris instruments.
• For 30 CFR Part 75 determinations, the maximum acceptable user-
settable (password protected) Galaxy Automated Test System
tolerance on Bump Limits must only be set to such that 19.5%
oxygen can be detected with an accuracy of +0.5% when
calibrating MSHA-approved Solaris instruments.
1-3