BW Technologies GasAlert Micro Operating Manual
GasAlertMicro
H2S, CO, O2, SO2, Combustibles
1, 2, 3, and 4 Gas Detectors
User Manual
Limited Warranty & Limitation of Liability
BW Technologies LP (BW) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of two years,
beginning on the date of shipment to the buyer. This warranty extends only to the sale of new and unused products to the original buyer. BW’s warranty
obligation is limited, at BW’s option, to refund of the purchase price, repair, or replacement of a defective product that is returned to a BW authorized service
center within the warranty period. In no event shall BW’s liability hereunder exceed the purchase price actually paid by the buyer for the Product.
This warranty does not include:
a) fuses, disposable batteries or the routine replacement of parts due to the normal wear and tear of the product arising from use;
b) any product which in BW’s opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation, handling or use;
c) any damage or defects attributable to repair of the product by any person other than an authorized dealer, or the installation of unapproved parts on the
product; or
The obligations set forth in this warranty are conditional on:
a) proper storage, installation, calibration, use, maintenance and compliance with the product manual instructions and any other applicable
recommendations of BW;
b) the buyer promptly notifying BW of any defect and, if required, promptly making the product available for correction. No goods shall be returned to BW
until receipt by the buyer of shipping instructions from BW; and
c) the right of BW to require that the buyer provide proof of purchase such as the original invoice, bill of sale or packing slip to establish that the product is
within the warranty period.
THE BUYER AGREES THAT THIS WARRANTY IS THE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. BW SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING
LOSS OF DATA, WHETHER ARISING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR RELIANCE OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the
limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
BW Technologies LP BW America BW Europe
2840 – 2nd Ave. SE 3279 West Pioneer Parkway 101 Heyford Park,
Calgary, AB Arlington, TX Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire
Canada T2A 7X9 USA 76013 United Kingdom OX25 5HA
Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 1
Contacting BW Technologies................................................................................................................ 2
Safety Information - Read First .............................................................................................................2
Getting Started ......................................................................................................................................6
Parts of the GasAlertMicro Detector ..................................................................................................... 7
Installing Alkaline Batteries .................................................................................................................10
Activating the Detector........................................................................................................................ 10
Self-Test............................................................................................................................... 10
Self-Test Pass .....................................................................................................................14
Self-Test Fail........................................................................................................................ 14
Battery Test.......................................................................................................................... 14
Datalogger Operation (optional) .......................................................................................... 14
Deactivating the Detector.................................................................................................................... 15
Confidence Beep................................................................................................................................. 15
User Options Menu ............................................................................................................................. 16
Software Level ..................................................................................................................... 17
Finish Options...................................................................................................................... 17
Latching Alarms ................................................................................................................... 17
Safe Display......................................................................................................................... 18
Combustible Sensor Measuring Selection ..........................................................................19
French.................................................................................................................................. 21
German ................................................................................................................................21
Spanish ................................................................................................................................22
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Title Page
Portuguese........................................................................................................................... 22
English ................................................................................................................................. 23
Sensor Options ....................................................................................................................23
Pass Code Protection .......................................................................................................... 25
Automatic Oxygen Calibration .............................................................................................27
Span Concentration ............................................................................................................. 28
STELCalculation Period.......................................................................................................29
Stealth Mode........................................................................................................................30
Automatic Backlight .............................................................................................................31
MicroBatt Mode....................................................................................................................31
Bump Due Reminder ...........................................................................................................32
Adjust Clock ......................................................................................................................... 33
Logger Rate .........................................................................................................................34
Alarms .............................................................................................................................................35
Gas Exposures Computed................................................................................................... 38
Viewing Gas Exposures....................................................................................................... 38
Gas Alarm Setpoints............................................................................................................ 39
Resetting Gas Alarm Setpoints............................................................................................39
Stopping a Gas Alarm.......................................................................................................... 39
Sensor Alarm .......................................................................................................................40
Low Battery Alarm................................................................................................................ 40
Automatic Shutdown Alarm .................................................................................................40
Calibration and Setting Alarm Setpoints .............................................................................................40
Calibration Guidelines..........................................................................................................40
Diagnostics Protection ......................................................................................................... 41
Attaching the Gas Cylinder to the Detector .........................................................................42
Calibration Procedures ........................................................................................................43
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Title Page
MultiMediaCard (MMC) ....................................................................................................................... 50
MultiMediaCard Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 51
Recovering Data Files .........................................................................................................51
Direct Import to Compatible Programs ................................................................................ 52
Determining Application Compatibility................................................................................. 53
Descriptions of Line Examples ............................................................................................ 56
Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 56
Inserting the MultiMediaCard (MMC)................................................................................... 57
Replacing the Batteries ....................................................................................................... 57
Replacing a Sensor or Sensor Filter ................................................................................... 59
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................62
Replacement Parts and Accessories.................................................................................................. 65
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 69
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iv
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1. Gases Monitored ................................................................................................................... 1
2. International Symbols ............................................................................................................ 5
3. GasAlertMicro Detector .........................................................................................................7
4. Display Elements ................................................................................................................... 8
5. Pushbuttons........................................................................................................................... 9
6. Alarms..................................................................................................................................35
7. Computed Gas Exposures .................................................................................................. 38
8. Gas Alarm Setpoints............................................................................................................ 39
9. Sample Factory Set Alarm Setpoints................................................................................... 39
10. Attaching the Gas Cylinder to the Detector ......................................................................... 42
11. Datalogger Status Codes .................................................................................................... 54
12. CSV File Example................................................................................................................ 55
13. Replacing the Batteries ....................................................................................................... 58
14. Torque Specs ...................................................................................................................... 60
15. Replacing a Sensor or Sensor Filter ................................................................................... 60
16. Troubleshooting Tips ........................................................................................................... 62
17. Replacement Parts and Accessories .................................................................................. 65
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vi
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. GasAlertMicro Detector .........................................................................................................7
2. ................................................................................................................... 8Display Elements
3. ......................................................................................................... 10Installing the Batteries
4. ......................................................................... 42Attaching the Gas Cylinder to the Detector
5. ................................................................................... 57Inserting the MultiMediaCard (MMC)
6. ....................................................................................................... 58Replacing the Batteries
7. ................................................................................... 61Replacing a Sensor or Sensor Filter
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CAUTION: FOR SAFETY REASONS, THIS EQUIPMENT
MUST BE OPERATED AND SERVICED BY QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL ONLY. READ AND UNDERSTAND THE
USER MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING OR
SERVICING.
GasAlertMicro Multi-Gas Detector
Standard instrument is equipped with integral concussionproof boot and internal vibrator alarm.
GasAlertMicro with User Downloadable Datalogger
Provides full time continuous datalogging while the
instrument is operating. Data is saved on a convenient
MultiMediaCard (MMC) and can be removed and
downloaded by the user. Data is imported into standard
office software (Microsoft® Excel, Access etc.). Wraparound
memory ensures the most recent data is always saved.
Accessing Test Results with Fleet Manager
To access and view test results using the Fleet Manager
software application, please refer to the Fleet Manager
Support CD.
Accessing Test Results with EDM
To access and view test results using the Excel Datalog
Manager (EDM) software application, please refer to the
EDM CD.
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GasAlertMicro
Introduction
a Warning
To ensure your personal safety, read “Safety
Information” before using the detector.
The GasAlertMicro gas detector (“the detector”) is designed
to warn of hazardous gas at levels above user-selectable
alarm setpoints.
The detector is a personal safety device. It is your
responsibility to respond properly to the alarm.
Table 1 lists the gases that are monitored.
Table 1. Gases Monitored
Gas Detected Unit of Measure
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) parts per million (ppm)
Carbon monoxide (CO) parts per million (ppm)
Oxygen (O2) percent by volume (%)
Combustible gases
field selectable for:
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) parts per million (ppm)
a) percent of lower
explosive limit (% LEL)
b) percent by volume
methane 0-5.0% v/v
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GasAlertMicro
User Manual
Contacting BW Technologies
To contact BW Technologies call:
USA: 1-888-749-8878
Canada: 1-800-663-4164
Europe: +44 (0) 1869 233004
Other countries: +1-403-248-9226
Address correspondence to:
BW Technologies LP
2840 – 2 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB T2A 7X9
CANADA
Email us at:
Visit our website at:
ISO 9001
info@bwtnet.com
www.gasmonitors.com
Safety Information - Read First
Use the detector only as specified in this manual otherwise
the protection provided by the detector may be impaired.
International symbols used on the detector and in this
manual are explained in Table 2.
Read the Warnings and Cautions on the following pages
before using the detector.
ec Note
This instrument contains batteries. Do not mix
with the solid waste stream. Spent batteries
should be disposed of by a qualified recycler or
hazardous materials handler.
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GasAlertMicro
Safety Information - Read First
a Cautions
⇒ Warning: Substitution of components may impair Intrinsic Safety.
⇒ Do not use the detector if it is damaged. Inspect the case before use. Look for cracks and missing parts.
⇒ If the detector is damaged or parts are missing, contact
⇒ Ensure the battery compartment is locked in place before operating the detector.
⇒ Use only a sensor that is specifically designed for the GasAlertMicro model. Refer to
Accessories.
⇒ Calibrate the detector before first-time use and continue on a regular schedule. The schedule will depend upon
use and sensor exposure to poisons and contaminants. BW recommends that calibration be performed a
minimum of once every 180 days (6 months).
⇒ BW recommends to “bump test” the sensors, before each day’s use, to confirm their ability to respond to gas
by exposing the detector to a gas concentration that exceeds the high alarm setpoints. Manually verify that the
audible and visual alarms are activated. Calibrate if the readings are not within the specified limits.
⇒ BW recommends that the combustible sensor be checked with a known concentration of calibration gas after
any known exposure to catalyst contaminants/poisons (sulfur compounds, silicon vapors, halogenated
compounds, etc.).
⇒ The combustible sensor is factory calibrated to 50% LEL methane. If monitoring a different combustible gas in
the % LEL range, calibrate the sensor using the selected gas. High off-scale % LEL or % v/v methane readings
may indicate an explosive concentration.
⇒ Protect the combustible sensor from exposure to lead compounds, silicones, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Selected organic vapors (ie. leaded gasoline and halogenated hydrocarbons) may temporarily inhibit sensor
performance. However, in most cases the sensor will recover after calibration.
BW Technologies immediately.
Replacement Parts and
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GasAlertMicro
User Manual
aCautions (cont.)
⇒ Any rapid up-scaling reading that is followed by a declining or erratic reading can indicate a gas concentration
beyond upper scale limit. It may be hazardous!
⇒ Use only recommended AA alkaline or NiMH batteries that are properly charged and installed in the detector
case. Refer to
⇒ Charge NiMH batteries using the recommended charger only. Do not use any other charger. Failure to observe
this precaution can lead to fire or explosion.
⇒ Do not change or charge batteries in a hazardous location. Doing so will impair the Intrinsic Safety of the unit
and can lead to fire or explosion.
⇒ Read and observe all instructions and precautions that are provided with the charger. Failure to do so can
result in fire, electric shock, or other forms of personal injury and property damage.
⇒ Extended exposure of the GasAlertMicro to high concentrations of combustible gases and air may stress a
detector element, which can seriously affect its performance. If an alarm occurs due to high concentration of
combustible gases, recalibrate immediately. If required, replace the sensor.
⇒ Do not test the combustible sensor response with a butane cigarette lighter. This will damage the sensor.
⇒ Do not expose the detector to electrical shock or severe mechanical shock.
⇒ Do not attempt to disassemble, adjust, or service the detector unless instructions in the User Manual are
provided to perform a procedure, or if a part is listed as a replacement part. Use only
replacement parts.
⇒ Do not immerse the detector in liquids.
⇒ The detector Warranty will be voided if a customer, personnel, or third parties damage the detector during
repair attempts. Any Non-BW Technologies repair/service attempts will void this Warranty.
Replacement Parts and Accessories.
BW Technologies
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GasAlertMicro
Safety Information - Read First
Table 2. International Symbols
Symbol Meaning
n
g
X
BAM
ATEX
IECEx
Approved to both U.S. and Canadian Standards by the Canadian Standards Association
European Explosives Protection
Conforms to European Union Directives
BAM performance verification to European Performance Standards
Conforms to European ATEX Directives
International Electrotechnical Commission Scheme for Certification to Standards for Electrical Equipment for
Explosive Atmospheres
Type approved by ABS America for use aboard cargo vessels
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GasAlertMicro
User Manual
Getting Started
Confirm that the standard items listed below are included
with your detector. If the detector is damaged or parts are
missing, contact the place of purchase immediately.
• Batteries (two replaceable alkaline cells, four NiMH
rechargeable cells, or one GA MicroBatt cell)
• Charger (if applicable) one AC/DC line charger or one
GA MicroBatt charger
• O
sensor
2
• Combustible sensor
• Four-gas units - one H
• Three-gas units - one applicable toxic sensor.
• Calibration hose and cap
• Quick reference guide
• CD
S/CO sensor (dual sensor)
2
To order replacement parts, refer to Replacement Parts and
Accessories.
Each detector is manufactured with sensors installed. Refer
to
Maintenance before installing the batteries.
For information about the features and functions of the
detector, refer to the following figures and tables:
• Figure 1 and Table 3: GasAlertMicro Detector
• Figure 2 and Table 4: Display Elements
• Table 5: Pushbuttons
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GasAlertMicro
Getting Started
Parts of the GasAlertMicro Detector
Figure 1. GasAlertMicro Detector
Table 3. GasAlertMicro Detector
Item Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Audible alarms
Visual alarm bars
Sensors
Pushbuttons
Display
Battery compartment
Datalogger (optional)
Alligator clip
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GasAlertMicro
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Figure 2. Display Elements
Note
When an alarm condition occurs and there is
insufficient light to view the LCD, the backlight
automatically activates for 10 seconds. Push any
pushbutton to reactivate the backlight in low-light
conditions. The detector is shipped with the auto
backlight option enabled.
Table 4. Display Elements
Item Function
1
2
3
Alarm condition
Battery life indicator
Button indicator
(displays when a button
press is allowed).
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 Real time calendar (date, month, year)
Clock
Gas identifier bars
Datalogger card indicator (
Automatically zero sensor
Gas cylinder
Automatically span sensor
Pass code lock
optional)
12 Alarm condition (low, high TWA, STEL, or
multi-gas), or view TWA, STEL, and
maximum (MAX) gas exposures
13 Future use
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GasAlertMicro
Getting Started
Table 5. Pushbuttons
Pushbutton Description
A
G
H
C
• To activate the detector press
• To deactivate the detector, press
• To enable/disable the confidence beep, when the detector is deactivated press and hold
C, press A. This enables/disables the confidence beep while activating the start-up process.
• To bypass calibration after auto zero press
• To access the software level information, press
• To increment a displayed value or to scroll up press
• To enter the user options menu, press
• To clear the TWA, STEL, and MAX gas exposure readings, press
• To quickly scroll through options press and hold
• To decrement a displayed value or scroll down press
• To initiate calibration and enter alarm setpoints, press
• To quickly scroll through options press and hold
• To view the TWA, STEL, and MAX hold readings, press
• To acknowledge latched alarms press
• To acknowledge a failed bump test screen press
• At any time after auto zero, and only prior to calibration gas being detected, press
and proceed to alarm setpoints.
A.
A and hold until OFF displays (approximately 5 seconds).
C. While holding
A.
A at any time from any of the user options.
G.
G and H simultaneously and hold for 5 seconds.
C and G simultaneously.
G.
H.
C and H simultaneously and hold for 5 seconds.
H.
C.
C.
C.
C to bypass calibration
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GasAlertMicro
User Manual
Installing Alkaline Batteries
If the detector uses alkaline batteries they need to be
installed before activation. Refer to the following figure and
instructions to install the batteries.
Figure 3. Installing the Batteries
1. Press the two release tabs on the detector.
2. Remove the battery tray by pulling the bottom away
from the detector.
3. Install the alkaline batteries that are included with
the detector. Polarity markings are shown inside the
battery tray.
4. Insert the battery tray into the detector. Push until
the release tabs click.
Activating the Detector
To activate the detector and only in an area that is free from
hazardous gases (20.9% oxygen), press
Self-Test
When the detector is activated it performs several system
tests. Verify that all tests have been performed prior to using
the detector.
The following tests are listed in the order they are performed
and displayed on the detector.
1. Low Battery Test:
LOW
flashes and the LCD displays OFF.
If battery power is extremely low,
Replace the batteries and restart the detector before
proceeding.
A.
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GasAlertMicro
Activating the Detector
Note
At any time during activation, if the battery power is
extremely low the detector will shut down. For more
information, refer to
2. Detector Elements Test: All of the display elements
briefly turn on during start-up.
Confidence Beep.
3. Date Test (optional): This test displays the day of the
week (1-7), the time (hour/minutes), and the date
(day/month/year).
4. Backlight Test: The backlight turns on and then off.
5. Alarm Setpoints Test: The TWA, STEL, low, and high
alarm setpoints display.
Note
Alarm setpoints can vary according to region. For
more information, refer to
Setpoints.
Resetting Gas Alarm
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6. Calibration Status Test: Calibration status displays the
number of days remaining before calibration is due.
If calibration is overdue, an audible alarm sounds and the
LCD displays the number of days the calibration is overdue.
To acknowledge the alarm, complete the following:
Press
C to acknowledge and silence the audible alarm.
Once in normal operation mode, calibrate the detector. Refer
to
Calibration and Setting Alarm Points.
7. Bump Check Reminder Test (optional): The detector
can be enabled to remind when a bump check is due. If this
feature is enabled and bump check is due, the LCD displays
the following screens:
The detector beeps twice, flashes once, and emits one
vibration.
1. To temporarily bypass the reminder, hold the
button for two seconds.
Note
Bypassing the reminder is temporary. The reminder
will display and alarm the next time the detector is
activated.
2. To bump the detector using the MicroDock II
Automatic Test and Calibration Station, refer to the
MicroDock ll User Manual.
If the detector has recently failed a bump test in the
MicroDock II, the detector’s LCD displays nOtE: bumP tESt
hAS FAiLEd.
C
12
3. Press
4. From the MicroDock ll run another bump check.
C to acknowledge the warning.
GasAlertMicro
Activating the Detector
8. Sensor Test: The LCD displays tESt when the detector
tests the sensors.
If a sensor fails the self-test, the detector indicates an alarm
by beeping, flashing, and vibrating. The LCD displays
SEnSor _ hAS FAiLEd and lists which sensor has failed.
Sensor 1: CO/H2S or SO
Sensor 2: LEL
Sensor 3: Oxygen
9. MultiMediaCard (MMC) Test: (
MMC card installed, the LCD displays a scrolling error
message.
2
optional): If there is no
The card is not required for operation; the message is a
reminder only.
10. Oxygen Sensor Test: Unless this feature is disabled,
the oxygen sensor is calibrated automatically.
If the automatic oxygen calibration feature has been
disabled, the LCD displays the O
calibration current mode
2
screen.
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Self-Test Pass
After the self-test has been completed and any alarms have
been acknowledged, the detector begins normal operation.
The LCD then displays the current ambient gas readings.
The detector begins recording immediately. It records the
• maximum (MAX) gas exposure,
• records the short-term exposure levels (STEL), and
• calculates the time-weighted average (TWA)
exposures.
When the air is at acceptable levels, and if the safe option is
enabled, SAFE scrolls across the screen continually while in
normal operating mode. SAFE does not display while
functions are being performed.
Note
This option is disabled in stealth mode.
Self-Test Fail
If the detector fails the self-test, refer to Troubleshooting.
Battery Test
The detector tests the batteries upon activation and
continuously thereafter. The battery power icon
at all times while in normal operation mode. If the battery
voltage is low, the detector displays the low battery icon
LOW and activates the low battery alarm (beeps every 10
seconds if the confidence beep is disabled).
If the confidence beep option is enabled, the confidence
beep stops if the battery power is low. For more information,
refer to
Confidence Beep.
If the battery voltage is extremely low, the detector performs
an automatic shutdown.
I displays
Datalogger Operation (optional)
The datalogger operation is automatic and requires no
settings.
When the MultiMediaCard (MMC) is inserted in the detector,
the MMC card icon
operation mode.
S displays continuously while in normal
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GasAlertMicro
Deactivating the Detector
The card is not required for operation; however, a warning
message displays during activation as a reminder that the
card is not inserted.
- Error - initially displays and no dAtA cArd installed then
scrolls across the screen. After the message displays, the
detector returns to normal operating mode. Insert the MMC
card if required.
Deactivating the Detector
To deactivate the detector, complete the following:
A and hold until OFF displays (approximately 5
Press
seconds).
The audible alarm beeps four times, the visual alarm flashes
four times, and the detector vibrates.
Note
If
A is not held down until OFF displays, the
detector will remain activated.
Confidence Beep
The confidence beep is used to confirm that the detector is
activated and the batteries have sufficient power to respond
to a hazardous level of gas.
When battery power is sufficient, the audible alarm beeps
twice every 15 seconds. The confidence beep stops when
battery power is too low.
The confidence beep can be enabled or disabled. To
enable/disable the confidence beep, complete the following:
Before activating the detector, press and hold
holding
As the start-up process begins, the confidence beep current
mode changes.
The normal activating/deactivating process does not
automatically enable/disable the confidence beep. It remains
in the selected mode until it is changed.
C, press A.
Note
The LCD does not display confirmation to indicate
the current mode of the confidence beep.
C. While
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