MSA PrimaX Series User manual

Company Reg No: SC260789 VAT Reg No: GB 828 8779 58
t: [phone]
e: [e-mail]
Unit F, 230 Parkway Point, Springhill Parkway,
Glasgow Business Park, Glasgow, UK, G69 6GA
PRODUCT MANUAL
www.frontline-safety.co.uk

MSAsafety.com
Operating Manual
PrimaX
Gas Transmitter
Order No.: 10115083/04

Schlüsselstrasse 12
8645 Rapperswil-Jona
Switzerland
© MSA 2017. All rights reserved
For the Declaration of Conformity, please visit the product page on MSAsafety.com.

PrimaX 3
GB
Contents
1 Safety Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Correct use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 MSA Permanent Instrument Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 Identifying the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.1 Mechanical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.2 Electrical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Electrical Connection - PrimaX P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Electrical Connection - PrimaX I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.1 Startup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2 Menu Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.3 Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.4 Maintenance and Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.5 Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.6 Changeable Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.7 Optional HART Module and Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
HART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Electrical installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.8 Relay Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Startup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Menu Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5.1 Changing the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
6 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
6.1 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
6.2 Cable Lengths and Cross-sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

PrimaX 4
GB
6.3 Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
6.4 List of Detectable Gases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6.5 Sensor Response to Interferants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
6.6 PrimaX P List of Combustible Gases and Vapours detectable with
Catalytic Sensor Part No. 10112716 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
7 Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7.1 Marking, Certificates and Approvals according to the Directive
2014/34/EU (ATEX) and National Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7.2 Marking and Certificates according to IECEx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.3 Special conditions for the safe use according to ATEX and SIL
applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.4 Safety Relevant Parameters (40°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Application with 4-20 mA Current Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
8 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8.1 Calibration Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8.2 Sensor Gard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8.3 Remote Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
8.4 Flow Through Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
8.5 Duct Mounting Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
8.6 Pipe Mounting Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
8.7 Sensor Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
8.8 Sunshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
8.9 Universal HART Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
9 Spare Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
10 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
10.1 Output States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
10.2 Calibration Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
10.3 Error Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
10.4 Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
10.5 Mechanical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
10.6 Wiring Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

PrimaX 5
Safety Regulations
GB
1 Safety Regulations
1.1 Correct use
The PrimaX Gas Transmitters are fixed gas transmitters for measuring toxic or combustible gases and
for monitoring oxygen deficiency, excess or inerting. They are suitable for outdoor and indoor applica-
tions without limitations, e.g. offshore industry, chemical and petrochemical industry, water and sewage
industry. The signal of the transmitter can be used in combination with MSA control units for further
actions in safety or non safety applications, e. g. MSA SUPREMA, Gasgard XL, 9010/9020.
The two versions of the gas transmitter are delivered either in a flameproof or in a intrinsically safe
enclosure. The electrical parts and interfaces have the same basic functionality.
It is imperative that this operating manual be read and observed when using the device. In particular,
the safety instructions, as well as the information for the use and operation of the device, must be care-
fully read and observed. Furthermore, the national regulations applicable in the user's country must be
taken into account for a safe use.
WARNING!
This product is supporting life and health. Inappropriate use, maintenance or servicing may affect the
function of the device and thereby seriously 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 competent servicing/maintenance has not been made, genuine MSA
spare parts have not been used.
Alternative use, or use outside this specification will be considered as non-compliance. 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 responsibility 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
WARNING!
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.
• The device described in this manual must be installed, operated and maintained in strict accor-
dance with their labels, cautions, instructions, and within the limitations stated.
• The device is designed to detect gases or vapours in air.
• If a device with a combustible sensor is exposed to vibrations, calibration shall be done in sufficient
short intervals until it is verified that the device is not affected by the vibration stress.
• Do not mount the sensing head in direct sunlight as this could cause overheating of the sensor.
• The device must be installed with the sensor inlet pointing downwards to avoid clogging of the gas
inlet by particles or liquids.
• Electrochemical sensors are sealed units which contain a corrosive electrolyte. Should a sensor
develop leakage, it must be immediately removed from service and disposed of properly. Caution

PrimaX 6
Safety Regulations
GB
must be exercised so that the electrolyte does not contact skin, clothing or circuitry otherwise
personal injury (burns) and/or equipment damage may result.
• The only absolute method to ensure proper overall operation of the device is to check it with a
known concentration of the gas for which it has been calibrated. Consequently, calibration checks
must be included as part of the routine inspection of the system.
• As with all devices of these types, high levels of, or long exposure to, certain compounds in the
tested atmosphere could contaminate the sensor. In atmospheres where the device may be
exposed to such materials, calibration must be performed frequently to ensure that the operation
is dependable and display indications are accurate.
• The device must not be painted. If painting is done in an area where a device is located, care must
be exercised to ensure that paint is not deposited on the sintered metal flashback arrestor in the
gas sensor inlet, if so equipped. Such paint deposits would interfere with the gas diffusion process.
• Use only genuine MSA replacement parts when performing any maintenance procedures
provided in this manual. Failure to do so may seriously impair instrument performance. Repair or
alteration of the device, beyond the scope of these maintenance instructions or by anyone other
than an authorised MSA service personnel, could cause the product to fail to perform as designed.
• The device is designed for applications in hazardous areas under atmospheric conditions.
• For correct measurements, the combustible gas sensors require an oxygen concentration greater
than 10 Vol%. Oxygen enriched atmospheres, greater then 21 Vol%, can affect the measurement
and the electrical safety of the device.
• The response time of the device will be increased by significant dust deposits on the Sensor.
Checks for dust deposits must be done at regular intervals.
• Catalytic combustible gas sensors may produce low or zero response to combustible gas after
exposure to substances as Silicon, Silane, Silicate, Halide and compounds containing Fluorine,
Chlorine, Iodine or Bromine.
• Catalytic sensor: After exposure of gas above the measuring range, the sensor has to be imme-
diately calibrated / adjusted, independent of the calibration interval. In the case of an adjustment
the sensitivity of the sensor has to be rechecked again after 24 hours.
• In case of very high flammable concentrations >100%LEL the device is able to lock all outputs
(LOC). This function shall be used for standalone applications according to ATEX requirements.
• Catalytic sensor: If the PrimaX is operated in combination with a control unit and (LOC) is deacti-
vated on the PrimaX, the control unit has to ensure the latching after the measuring range was
exceeded.
• Catalytic sensor: Before a reset of an over range (LOC) indication is done it shall be verified that
the gas concentration is below full scale.
• Toxic gases: If the measuring range is exceeded, sensor life time can be reduced or the sensor
might need a recovery phase.
• Used sensors have to be disposed of in an environmentally compatible way.
• At signal underrange between -1.25 % and -10 % of the measuring range the 4 - 20 mA output is
set to 3,8 mA. At signal underrange of more than -10 % of the measuring range the 4 - 20 mA
output is set to the error state (2 mA). To avoid a delayed alarm activation, a calibration should be
done when the output current is set to 3,8 mA and "LO" is shown on the display persistently.
• The lowest range which is suitable for the alarm thresholds should be selected for toxic gases.
• To compensate for possible deviations during measurement of flammable gases a calibration
factor of 1.05 has to be applied when using the CalGard for remote calibration (see chapter 8.3
"Remote Calibration")

PrimaX 7
Safety Regulations
GB
1.4 MSA Permanent Instrument Warranty
Warranty
Seller warrants that this product will be free from mechanical defect or faulty workmanship for
• Gas Transmitter: eighteen (18) months from date of shipment or one (1) year from installation,
whichever occurs first;
• Oxygen, Toxic or Catalytic Combustible Sensor: eighteen (18) months from date of shipping or one
(1) year from installation, whichever occurs first.
This warranty is applicable provided the product is maintained and used in accordance with Seller's
instructions and/or recommendations. This warranty does not apply to expendable or consumable
parts, whose normal life expectancy is less than one (1) year.
The Seller shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in the event repairs or modifica-
tions are made by persons other than its own or authorized service personnel or if the warranty claim
results from physical abuse or misuse of the product. No agent, employee or representative of the
Seller has any authority to bind the Seller to any affirmation, representation or warranty concerning the
goods sold under this contract. Seller makes no warranty concerning components or accessories not
manufactured by the Seller, but will pass onto the Purchaser all warranties of manufacturers of such
components.

PrimaX 8
Description
GB
2 Description
2.1 Identifying the Unit
Fig. 1 PrimaX Gas Transmitter
PrimaX P
The PrimaX P is a gas transmitter with an aluminum enclosure. This is a flameproof version for the
detection of combustible or toxic gases or oxygen.
PrimaX I
The PrimaX I is a gas transmitter with a plastic enclosure. It is available as a general purpose version
(not intended for hazardous area) or intrisically safe version. Both versions are designed for a detection
of toxic gases or oxygen.
2.2 Overview
The device is factory-calibrated and delivered ready for installation. Each device is configured and cali-
brated for only one specific gas or vapor.
The enclosures vary depending on the particular version. The electrical parts and interfaces have the
same basic functionality.
The device has:
• a quick and easy pluggable sensor,
• a four digit liquid crystal display (LCD),
• a key pad with a cover
• a detachable backplate for installation on a wall or on a pipe
The device operates with a 4 – 20 mA output signal.
PrimaX P PrimaX I
flameproof version general purpose version, or
intrinsically safe version

PrimaX 9
Description
GB
Fig. 2 Exploded View (PrimaX P)
1 Terminal for power connection 6 Sensor
2 Keypad with cover 7 Red LED (PrimaX P only)
3 Connector for factory use 8 Yellow LED (PrimaX P only)
4 Display 9 Green LED (PrimaX P only)
5 Bayonet joint with interlock 10 Identification plate
1
2
3
7
8
9
4
6
5
10