INFICON Explorer Portable Gas Chromatograph User Manual
C
over Page
Operator
Manual
TM
Explorer
Portable Gas Chromatograph
PN 074-571-P1A
<Title> Operating Manual
PN MX380301-D
1
1
Cover Page
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©2014 INFICON
Title P
age
Operator
TM
Explorer
Portable Gas Chromatograph
PN 074-571-P1A
Manual
Trademarks
The trademarks of the products mentioned in this manual are held by the companies that
produce them.
Hayes is a trademark of Zoom Telephonics Inc.
All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, INFICON assumes
no responsibility for its use and shall not be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages related
to the use of this product.
Due to our continuing program of product improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Copyright
©2014 All rights reserved.
Reproduction or adaptation of any part of this document without permission is unlawful.
1
PRELIMINARY 4/10/14
Warranty
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY - LIMITATION: Seller warrants the products
manufactured by it, or by an affiliated company and sold by it, and described on
the reverse hereof, to be, for the period of warranty coverage specified below, free
from defects of materials or workmanship under normal proper use and service.
The period of warranty coverage is specified for the respective products in the
respective Seller instruction manuals for those products but shall not be less than
one (1) year from the date of shipment thereof by Seller. Seller's liability under this
warranty is limited to such of the above products or parts thereof as are returned,
transportation prepaid, to Seller's plant, not later than thirty (30) days after the
expiration of the period of warranty coverage in respect thereof and are found by
Seller's examination to have failed to function properly because of defective
workmanship or materials and not because of improper installation or misuse and
is limited to, at Seller's election, either (a) repairing and returning the product or
part thereof, or (b) furnishing a replacement product or part thereof, transportation
prepaid by Seller in either case. In the event Buyer discovers or learns that a
product does not conform to warranty, Buyer shall immediately notify Seller in
writing of such non-conformity, specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such
non-conformity. If Seller is not provided with such written notification, Seller shall
not be liable for any further damages which could have been avoided if Seller had
been provided with immediate written notification.
THIS WARRANTY IS MADE AND ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPR ESS OR IMP LIED, WHETH ER OF MERCHANTABIL ITY OR
OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE, AS BUYER'S
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCTS TO BE SOLD
HEREUNDER. All other obligations and liabilities of Seller, whether in contract or
tort (including negligence) or otherwise, are expressly EXCLUDED. In no event
shall Seller be liable for any costs, expenses or damages, whether direct or
indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or other, on any claim of any defective
product, in excess of the price paid by Buyer for the product plus return
transportation charges prepaid.
No warranty is made by Seller of any Seller product which has been installed,
used or operated contrary to Seller's written instruction manual or which has been
subjected to misuse, negligence or accident or has been repaired or altered by
anyone other than Seller or which has been used in a manner or for a purpose for
which the Seller product was not designed nor against any defects due to plans or
instructions supplied to Seller by or for Buyer.
This manual is intended for private use by INFICON® Inc. and its customers.
Contact INFICON before reproducing its contents.
NOTE: These instructions do not provide for every contingency that may arise in
connection with the installation, operation or maintenance of this equipment.
Should you require further assistance, please contact INFICON.
2
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3
Explorer Operator Manual
Contents
Trademarks..................................................................................................... 1
Warranty.........................................................................................................2
Declaration of Conformity...............................................................................3
Contents.......................................................................................................... 4
Warnings and Safety Information ............................................................ 12
Standard Warnings........................................................................................ 13
FCC Warning......................................................................................... 13
Radio Frequency (RF) Generating Devices........................................... 13
Internal Carrier Gas Cylinder ................................................................ 13
Safe Working Practices................................................................................. 16
Compressed Gases................................................................................. 16
Battery Pack Care .................................................................................. 18
Excessive Heat and Cold .............
Adequate Ventilation............................................................................. 18
ECD Safety Practices.................................................................................... 20
Government Regulations for ECDs....................................................... 20
Labels .................................................................................................... 21
Leak Testing .......................................................................................... 21
Cell Failure or Damage .................
Reporting Radiation Incidents, Theft or Loss .........
Other Requirements............................................................................... 22
Introduction ................................................................................................ 24
About this User’s Guide ............................................................................... 25
Conventions used in this manual........................................................... 25
Notes, cautions and warnings ................................................................ 26
A Brief Overview ........
Unpacking and Checking Parts..................................................................... 31
................................................................................. 29
.......................................................... 18
........................................................ 2
.............................. 22
2
4
Battery Pack.................................................................................................. 32
Removing and Replacing the Battery Pack ......
Charging the Battery Pack..................................................................... 34
Carrier Gas.................................................................................................... 36
Filling the Internal Cylinder .................................................................. 37
Connecting Carrier Gas ......................................................................... 40
Connecting Accessories................................................................................ 41
Personal Computer running SiteChart Software.................................... 41
..................................... 32
Explorer Operator Manual
DC Power Cord ..................................................................................... 41
Carrying Strap ....................................................................................... 42
Telescoping Sample Probe .................................................................... 43
Three Meter Sample Line......................................................................
Field Check List............................................................................................ 47
Storing Explorer............................................................................................ 49
Immediate Availability.......................................................................... 50
Availability Within 30 Minutes....
Availability Within 12 Hours .....
Using Explorer ............................................................................................. 52
Introduction .................................................................................................. 53
User
Fixed Keys............................................................................................. 53
Soft Keys ............................................................................................... 54
Indicator LEDs ...................................................................................... 57
Beginning Operation..................................................................................... 58
Status Line .....................................................................................................59
Setting the Date and Time ............................................................................ 61
Reviewing the Instrument Status .................................................................. 62
Display Options ............................................................................................ 64
Entering a Tag .............................................................................................. 66
Audio Options............................................................................................... 67
Alarm Audio.......................................................................................... 67
Injection Audio...................................................................................... 67
Loop Injection Analysis................................................................................ 68
Selecting the Injection Method.............................................................. 68
Performing a Loop Injection Analysis................................................... 68
Setting Probe Length ............................................................................. 70
Performing a Syringe Injection Analysis...................................................... 71
Selecting the Injection Method...............................................................71
Performing a Syringe Injection Analysis............................................... 71
Automatic Operation .................................................................................... 74
TVOC Analysis ............................................................................................ 76
TVOC Method....................................................................................... 76
Performing a TVOC Run..............................................................
TVOC Automatic Operation ................................................................. 79
Autostart GC on VOC Alarm ....
......................................................... 50
........................................................... 51
and Supervisor Modes...........................
............................................................ 81
...
....................................53
.
......... 78
46
5
Explorer Operator Manual
Logged Data ................................................................................................. 83
Review Logged Data ............................................................................. 83
Deleting Datalogger Entries .................................................................. 84
Using the ECD.............................................................................................. 86
Setting up the ECD................................................................................ 87
High Accuracy Operation............................................................................. 88
SiteChart Software ..................................................................................... 89
Introduction ...................................................................................................90
Installation .....................................................................................................91
PC Requirements................................................................................. ...91
General Installation Information ......................................................... ..92
Installing the SiteChart software ......................................................... ..92
Upgrading from Previous Versions ..................................................... ..95
Installing your Assay Disk .................................................................... 95
Connecting the PC to Explorer ................................................................... ..96
Personal Computer .............................................................................. ..96
Communicating with Multiple Instruments......................................... ..97
Connecting a Printer to the Computer ........
......................................... ..97
Loading an Assay into Explorer ................................................................. ..98
.
Switching Assays...................................
............................................. ..98
Overview .................................................................................................... 100
Starting SiteChart ................................................................................ 100
The Default Window ........................................................................... 100
Sizing the Application ..........
............................................................... 101
The Assay Tab ............................................................................................ 102
Installing the Standard Method ........................................................... 102
Assay Wizard....................................................................................... 104
Column/Detector Selection .....
............................................................ 105
Method................................................................................................. 105
Reference Chromatogram.................................................................... 106
Compound Library .............................................................................. 109
Compound Library Information ................................................................. 113
Enabling Calibration Compounds ....................................................... 114
Calibration Averaging ......................................................................... 114
Other Features ..........
........................................................................... 115
Calibration Curve ................................................................................ 115
The Instrument Tab..................................................................................... 118
Peak Report ...............................................................................
.......... 119
6
Explorer Operator Manual
Chromatogram..................................................................................... 120
Instrument Status................................................................................. 122
Start/Stop Button ................................................................................. 124
Saving a Run........................................................................................ 126
Printing an Analysis Report................................................................. 127
The Log Review Tab .................................................................................. 128
Log Listing .......................................................................................... 129
Update Log Listing.............................................................................. 130
File Name Format................................................................................ 131
Log Review ......................................................................................... 132
Printing the Log Review File............................................................... 132
Saving the Log Review File ................................................................ 133
Compound Review Tab .............................................................................. 134
Compound Concentration Graph......................................................... 134
Update Compound Listing .................................................................. 136
Save the Compound Review File ........................................................ 137
Printing the Compound Review File ................................................... 137
SiteChart Menus ......................................................................................... 138
File Menu............................................................................................. 138
View Menu .......................................................................................... 143
Analyzer Menu .................................................................................... 148
Communication Menu......................................................................... 152
Help Menu........................................................................................... 157
Method Development................................................................................ 159
Method Development Using SiteChart....................................................... 160
Library ................................................................................................. 160
Column Selection ................................................................................ 161
Adding Compounds to the Library...................................................... 162
Multiple Point Calibration Curve ........................................................ 165
Analysis Settings ................................................................................. 166
Integration Method .............................................................................. 175
Assay Pro
Method Development Using Explorer Directly.......................................... 186
Selecting Columns and
Adding Compounds to the Library ............................................................. 189
Analysis Settings ......................................................................
Analysis Time.....
Backflush Time ................................................................................... 193
perties ...
.
........................................................................... 182
...
Detectors.....................................
.......................... 187
.................. 192
...
.............................................................................. 192
7
Explorer Operator Manual
Pump Time .......................................................................................... 193
Injection Time ..................................................................................... 195
Column Temperature.................................................................................. 197
ECD Temperature....................................................................................... 198
Pressure....................................................................................................... 199
Integration Method ..................................................................................... 200
Up Slope, Down Slope and Filter........................................................ 201
Minimum Height ................................................................................. 202
Automatic Integration.......................................................................... 203
Integrator Delay................................................................................... 204
TVOC Methods .......................................................................................... 206
Carrier Gas and Injection Time ........................................................... 206
Effects of Other Parameters.................................................................207
Calibration ................................................................................................ 210
Introduction ................................................................................................ 212
Library ........................................................................................................ 214
Selecting and Calibrating Compounds ..
..................................................... 215
Calibration Gas ........................................................................................... 216
Syringe Injection ................................................................................. 217
Connecting Calibration Gas........................................................................ 218
Preparing a Gas Bag Sample ...................................................................... 220
Using the Gas Bag............................................................................... 222
Calibration Procedure ................................................................................. 223
Single Detector .................................................................................... 223
Dual Detectors..................................................................................... 225
Multiple Point Calibration Curve ............................................................... 228
Line Segment Calibration Curve ......................................................... 228
Linear Calibration Curve..................................................................... 229
Quadratic and Cubic Calibration Curve .............................................. 230
Storing Multiple Points........
................................................................ 231
TVOC Calibration ...................................................................................... 234
Removing Library Compounds .................................................................. 236
Maintenance and Troubleshooting ......................................................... 238
Maintenance Schedule ................................................................................ 240
Replacing the Sample Inlet Filter ......
Maintenance of the UV Lamp .......
......................................................... 242
............................................................. 244
Removing the UV Lamp ..................................................................... 244
Replacing the UV Lamp or Installing a New One............................... 245
8
Explorer Operator Manual
Cleaning the UV Lamp Window......................................................... 245
Maintenance of the Injection Port............................................................... 248
Replacing the Injection Port Septum................................................... 248
Cleaning the Injection Port Assembly ................................................. 249
Flushing the Columns................................................................................. 250
Flushing a Single Column .....
Flushing all Three Columns ................................................................ 251
Purging the Internal Carrier Gas Cylinder.................................................. 253
Maintenance of the ECD ............................................................................ 254
Purging the ECD.................................................................................. 254
Obtaining an ECD Wipe Test Sample................................................. 255
Disposing of an ECD Cell ................................................................... 258
Downloading Firmware to Explorer ........................................................... 259
Updating Assays ......................................................................................... 263
Updating Compound Retention Time and Response........................... 263
Updating the Calibration Curve........................................................... 265
Backup Assay Files ............................................................................. 267
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................... 268
GC Fault Conditions............................................................................ 268
Chromatographic Troubleshooting...................................................... 272
Assay 1 User Notes................................................................................... 282
An Overview of Assay 1............................................................................. 284
The Assay 1 Disk................................................................................. 284
Installation ........................................................................................... 285
Compound Separation ................................................................................ 286
Co-elutions .......................................................................................... 290
Compound Library .............................................................................. 291
Assay 1 Standard Method........................................................................... 292
Standard Assay Library Compounds................................................... 293
Compound Elution Order .................................................................... 297
Creating a Custom Method.........................................................................
General Information ............................................................................ 301
Example - Benzene, Vinyl Chloride and Chloromethane ................... 302
Column Specifications..................................................................
Accurate Concentration Measurement........................................................ 307
Peak Integration Errors........................................................................ 307
Sampling Errors.....................................................................
Adsorption ........................................................................................... 309
.............................................................. 250
301
.............. 306
.............. 308
9
Explorer Operator Manual
Detector Response Drift ...................................................................... 309
Assay 2 User Notes................................................................................... 305
An Overview of Assay 2............................................................................. 307
The Assay 2 Disk................................................................................. 307
Installation ........................................................................................... 307
Compound Separation ................................................................................ 308
Compound Library .............................................................................. 308
Interference Compounds ..................................................................... 309
Assay 2 Standard Method........................................................................... 310
Creating a Custom Method......................................................................... 312
General Information ............................................................................ 312
Example - Benzene and Toluene ......................................................... 313
Column Specifications................................................................................ 316
Accurate Concentration Measurement........................................................ 317
Peak Integration Errors........................................................................ 317
Sampling Errors................................................................................... 318
Adsorption ........................................................................................... 319
Response Drift..................................................................................... 321
Appendices ................................................................................................ 322
Technical Description................................................................................. 324
Sample Introduction ............................................................................ 325
Precolumn Backflushing ..................................................................... 326
Column Selection ................................................................................ 327
Photoionization Detector ..................................................................... 327
Analytical Engine ...................................................................
............. 329
Electron Capture Detector ................................................................... 330
The AC Adapter Line Cord ........................................................................ 332
Calibration Gas ........................................................................................... 333
Warranty and Service Information ............................................................. 334
SiteChart Customer License Agreement..................................................... 335
Contacting INFICON................................................................................... 339
Instrument Specifications ........................................................................... 340
Title 10, Chapter 1 CFR - Energy............................................................... 341
Sections 20.2201 and 20.2202............................................................. 341
Section 30.34 ....................................................................................... 345
Sections 30.51, 30.52 and 30.53.......................................................... 347
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Explorer Operator Manual
Section 31.5 .................................................................................
........ 349
Canadian Atomic Energy Control Regulations .......................................... 354
Part II, Sections 3 to 7 ......................................................................... 354
Part VI, Section 20 and 21................................................................... 358
Regulatory Agencies................................................................................... 361
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regional Offices ............................ 361
Agreement States...........................................................................
...... 362
Canadian Atomic Energy Control Board............................................. 366
Wipe Test Agencies................................................................
.................... 367
United States........................................................................................ 367
Canada................................................................................................. 367
11
Warnings and
Safety Information
1
Explorer Operator Manual
Standard Warnings
FCC Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
Digital Device, pursuant to Subpart B, Class A of Part 15 of the FCC rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at their own expense.
Radio Frequency (RF) Generating Devices
Warnings and Safety Information
The use of RF generating devices, such as radio transmitters, cellular phones, etc.,
within a 10 meter radius can cause momentary interference in the performance of
Explorer, with respect to the signal levels being detected.
Internal Carrier Gas Cylinder
This device contains a high pressure aluminum alloy cylinder maximum
pressure - 1800 psi.
WARNING
Improper use, filling, storage, or disposal of the cylinder contained
within this device may result in death, personal injury and property
damage.
13
WARNING
Warnings and Safety Information
Do not alter this cylinder or the high pressure components of this device, in any
way.
Do not over pressurize this cylinder (device).
Do not expose pressurized cylinder (device) to temperatures in excess of 54 °C
(130 °F).
Cylinders exposed to a fire or heated to temperatures in excess of 177 °C
(350 °F) should be condemned or hydrostatically tested prior to filling.
Do not remove the warning label.
To reduce the risk of fire or injury to persons, read and follow these
instructions:
All calibration, maintenance and servicing of this device, including
battery charging, must be performed in a safe area away from hazardous
locations.
14
For replacement battery pack use only PN 951-402-G1 .
Do not dispose of the battery pack in a fire. The
battery pack contains 20% cadmium (Cd) by weight. This battery pack
must be disposed of properly. Check with local codes for special disposal
instructions.
Do not open or mutilate the battery pack. It may be toxic if swallowed.
Exercise care in handling battery packs in order not to short the terminals
with conducting materials such as rings, bracelets and keys. The battery
or conductor may overheat and cause burns.
Do not defeat proper polarity orientation between the battery pack and
battery charger.
Charge the battery pack using the charger provided with or identified for
use with this product only in accordance with the instructions and
limitations specified in this manual. For battery charger use only Part No.
MX380302 (110 Volts AC).
cell may explode. The
Explorer Operator Manual
To reduce the risk of fire or injury to persons, read and follow these
instructions:
WARNING
All calibration, maintenance and servicing of this device, including
battery charging, must be performed in a safe area away from
hazardous locations.
For replacement battery pack use only Part Number 951-402-G1
Do not dispose of the battery pack in a fire. The cell may
explode. This battery pack must be disposed of properly. Check
with local codes for special disposal instructions.
Do not open or mutilate the battery pack.
Exercise care in handling battery packs in order not to short the
terminals with conducting materials such as rings, bracelets and
keys. The battery or conductor may overheat and cause burns.
Do not defeat proper polarity orientation between the battery pack
and battery charger.
Charge the battery pack provided with or identified for us
e with
this product only in accordance with the instructions and
limitations specified in this manual. For battery charger use
only Part No. MX380302
15
Warnings and Safety Information
Safe Working Practices
NOTE: The following information is important, please read carefully before using Explorer.
Compressed Gases
Cylinders of compressed gas, such as the carrier gas and calibration
gas, must be handled with care.
WARNING
Please observe the following handling procedures:
Ensure each tank is clearly labeled.
Do not store cylinders in hazardous locations. Store cylinders in an upright
position away from possible sources of heat or sparks.
16
Do not heat the cylinders or expose them to direct sunlight. The cylinders may
rupture at high temperatures.
Do not mutilate cylinders.
Do not drag or roll cylinders. Large cylinders should only be moved on carts
designed for compressed gas cylinders. Do not move cylinders without the
valve protection cap in place.
Always secure cylinders before removing the cylinder valve protection cap.
Always secure the calibration gas cylinder before connecting the regulator and
adapter tubing.
Use only the specified regulator for the carrier and calibration gas cylinders.
Never transport Explorer while it is connected to a cylinder.
Explorer Operator Manual
Never plug, obstruct or tamper with safety relief devices.
Wear safety glasses and ear protection when working with compressed gases.
Regulators for Compressed Gases
Use only the specified regulator for carrier and calibration gas. Confirm
regulator type and material with your specialty gas supplier.
Use the carrier gas filling station only for refilling the internal carrier
gas cylinder (MX380303 or MX380323 for nitrogen; or MX380319 or
MX380325 for air).
Mark each regulator with its intended service and never use a regulator for
more than one service. Do not change gas service, or adapt equipment without
consulting your gas supplier.
Ensure regulator construction materials are compatible with the gas, and that
the cylinder pressure gauge will withstand the cylinder pressure. A stainless
steel diaphragm is suggested as this will reduce the potential for the carrier gas
to be contaminated by the regulator itself.
Never use the regulator as a shut-off valve. Close the cylinder valve when it is
not in use.
Do not subject the regulator to an inlet pressure greater than recommended.
Do not move or detach the regulator when it is pressurized or when it is in use.
Before connection, ensure the cylinder valve and the regulator CGA connection
are clean.
When connecting a regulator to a large gas cylinder turn the valve on the
cylinder clockwise to close the cylinder. Turn the regulator off. Open the
cylinder valve slowly and check for leaks. Adjust the delivery pressure and
then open the regulator outlet valve.
17
Warnings and Safety Information
Battery Pack Care
The battery pack contains nickel-metal hydride. This battery pack must be
disposed of properly. Check with local codes for special disposal instructions.
Charge the battery pack using the AC adapter provided with, or identified for use
with, this product only, in accordance with the instructions and limitations specified
in this manual.
Excessive Heat and Cold
The normal operating temperature is 0 C to 40 C (32 F to 105 F) with 0 to 95%
(non-condensing) relative humidity.
Do not expose the instrument to intense sunlight for prolonged periods. This may
result in a rise in instrument temperature and loss of oven control. Exposure to
excessive heat may also result in instrument contamination. Low temperatures will
cause decreased battery life and may also result in loss of oven control. The plastics
may become fragile and shatter at extreme low temperatures.
18
Adequate Ventilation
If compound threshold limit values (TLVs) are exceeded, you should use a gas bag
and the gas bag adapter for sampling and provide adequate ventilation during
calibration. When using the gas bag adapter tubing, do not kink or stress the
tubing. The gas bag and gas bag adapter are available in both field kits for assay 1,
assays 2, 10, and ethylene, and calibration kit for assays 1, 2, 10, and ethylene
(MX380318, MX380348, MX380338, MX380358, and MX380337).
Explorer Operator Manual
Optionally you can vent the detector out, pump and vent ports. Use flexible tubing
fitted with luer adapters to vent these ports to a fume hood or outdoors. The detector
out ports vent the effluent from the PID (port 1) and ECD (port 2). The pressure set
by the method will determine the outlet flow rates at these ports. If the detector is
not in use Explorer supplies a maintenance flow to ensure the detector is ready for
operation.
Samples drawn by the pump to fill and flush the sampling system are vented through
the pump out port. The flow though this port is approximately 250 ml/min when the
pump is on. The two columns that are not in use are flushed constantly with
approximately 1 mL/min. The two columns are both vented through the vent out
port.
19
ECD Safety Practices
WARNING
Warnings and Safety Information
To assure that removable radioactive contamination on the external
parts of the ECD remains at a safe level, the United States Nuclear
Regulatory Commission requires that the ECD be wipe tested at least
once every six months. A record of the results must be maintained for
NRC inspection for a period of three subsequent years.
In Canada, the ECD must be wipe tested at least once every twelve
months and a record of the results must be maintained for Atomic
Energy Control Board (AECB) inspection for a period of three years.
Thermal Runaway Pro
tection: Explorer will cut power to the
heating system if any heated zone exceeds 120 °C.
WARNING
Government Regulations for ECDs
NOTE: Do not open the instrument or attempt to remove the ECD. If the ECD must be
removed from the instrument, contact INFICON.
63
NOTE: The electron capture detector contains 15 millicuries of nickel-63 (Ni
radioactive material. We strongly recommended that you become familiar with the
NRC regulations, as well as any other federal, state, or local regulations, covering
63
the use of Ni
.
Your possession and use of this detector is governed, in the U.S., by 10 C.F.R.
Section 31.5, as noted on page 349. Under the provisions of that regulation you
are deemed
a General Licensee.
If you hold a specific license, you may need to meet additional requirements and be
governed by further regulations as outlined in your license.
), a
20
Explorer Operator Manual
Your possession and use of the ECD may also be regulated by the state where you
are located. The requirements of state regulatory agencies are similar to those
contained in NRC regulation 10 C.F.R. Section 31.5, but they may differ in some
respects. You must obtain a copy of the regulations from your particular state. See
page 362 for a list of the Agreement States. Agreement States have been granted
authority by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to regulate the possession and
use of radioactive material.
In Canada, use of the
Under these regulations, you must obtain a possession license before you can
receive the ECD. Refer to Part II, Section 7, of the regulations for details of
applying for a license, as noted on page 356.
You must be familiar with all the regulations governing your use of the ECD. A
summary of the requirements of 10 C.F.R. Section 31.5 is listed below. The
requirements of the Atomic Energy Control Regulations are similar to those of 10
C.F.R. Section 31.5.
ECD is governed by Atomic Energy Control Regulations.
Labels
Do not remove any of the labels attached to the ECD cell or any of the labels
attached to your gas chromatograph that refer to the ECD cell. Follow all
instructions and abide by all precautions provided by the labels and in user
instruction manuals referred to by the labels.
Leak Testing
You are obligated under federal and state regulations to make certain that the ECD
cell is wipe tested for leakage of radioactive materials at intervals of no longer than
6 months, and that the analysis of these wipe tests is conducted by a person
specifically licensed to do so, either by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or
by an Agreement State. The analyses can be performed by the organizations listed
under Wipe Test Agencies starting on page 367.
In Canada, the ECD must be wipe tested at least once every
record of the results must be maintained for AECB inspection for a period of three
years. See Obtaining an ECD Wipe Test Sample on page 255 for detailed
procedure.
twelve months and a
21
Warnings and Safety Information
Cell Failure or Damage
If a leak test detects more than 0.005 microcuries of removable Ni63 on the surface of
the ECD cell, or if the cell itself is damaged in such a way as to indicate that it may
no longer adequately shield the radioactive material inside, you must immediately
suspend operation of your gas chromatograph until the cell has been repaired or
disposed of by a person specifically licensed to do so.
You must report any such incident, to the Regional Office, Inspection and
Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. You must also report the
incident to the regulatory authority of your Agreement State.
In Canada, you must report the incident to the AECB, see page 367.
Reporting Radiation Incidents, Theft or Loss
Please read NRC Regulation 10 C.F.R. Section 20.2201 and 20.2202, as
reproduced starting on page 341.
In Canada, read Atomic Energy Control Regulations, Part VI, Section 20,
as reproduced starting on page 358.
22
These regulations describe your duties should Explorer, equipped with an ECD,
be lost, stolen, or released, or should any person be exposed to radiation.
Other Requirements
Regulation 10 C.F.R. Section 31.5 does not permit you to abandon Explorer,
equipped with an ECD, or export it. It may not be transferred except to a person
specifically licensed to receive it. Within thirty days of such a transfer, you must
report to the Director of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555, the name and address of the
transferee.
Explorer Operator Manual
A report is not required, by the NRC, to transfer a used or defective Explorer,
equipped with an ECD, to INFICON in order to obtain a replacement. You may
transfer Explorer, equipped with an ECD, to another general licensee, like yourself,
only when it remains at the same location to which it was shipped by INFICON.
Give the transferee a copy of these instructions and the regulations and report to the
NRC as required in Regulation 10 C.F.R. Section 31.5.
WARNING
Do not open or disassemble Explorer.
23
Introduction
2
Introduction
About this Users Guide
This manual provides detailed instructions for setup, operation and maintenance
of the INFICON Explorer Portable Gas Chromatograph.
Conventions used in this manual
Normal text is used to provide information and instructions.
Standard Bold text refers to Fixed keys on the instrument.
UPPERCASE text refers to Soft keys on the screen of the instrument.
Bold Italic text refers to keys on the PC keyboard.
Non-serif Bold text refers to text that is displayed on the PC screen.
All eight digit numbers are INFICON part numbers unless stated otherwise.
To provide keyboard information, the following shortcut key sequences are
used:
Shift + Tab Hold down the Shift key while pressing the Tab key.
F, A Press and release each of these keys in order: First F, and
then A.
Arrow Keys This is the collective name for the UP ARROW, DOWN
ARROW, LEFT ARROW and RIGHT ARROW keys.
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Explorer Operator Manual
Three mouse actions are used in most procedures:
Notes, cautions and warnings
Three terms, in the following standard formats, are also used to highlight special
circumstances and warnings.
NOTE: A note indicates additional, significant information that is provided with some
procedures.
Point Moving the mouse to place the pointer over an item is called
pointing.
Click Pointing to an item on your screen and then quickly pressing and
releasing the left mouse button is called clicking.
Drag Holding down the left mouse button as you move the pointer is
called dragging.
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CAUTION
Introduction
We use the term CAUTION to inform you about situations that could
result in serious damage to the instrument or other equipment. Details
about these circumstances are in a box like this one.
D
DK
E
F
I
Caution (Achtung)
Bedeutet, daß die genannte Anleitung genau befolgt werden muß, um
einen Geräteschaden zu vermeiden.
Caution (Bemærk)
Dette betyder, at den nævnte vejledning skal overholdes nøje for at
undgå en beskadigelse af apparatet.
Caution (Advertencia)
Utilizamos el término CAUTION (ADVERTENCIA) para advertir sobre
situaciones que pueden provocar averías graves en este equipo o en
otros. En recuadros éste se proporciona información sobre este tipo de
circunstancias.
Caution (Attention)
Nous utilisons le terme CAUTION (ATTENTION) pour signaler les
situations susceptibles de provoquer de graves détériorations de
l'instrument ou d'autre matériel. Les détails sur ces circonstances
figurent dans un encadré semblable à celui-ci.
Caution (Attenzione)
Con il termine CAUTION (ATTENZIONE) vengono segnalate situazioni
che potrebbero arrecare gravi danni allo strumento o ad altra
apparecchiatura. Troverete informazioni su tali circostanze in un
riquadro come questo.
NL
P
Caution (Opgelet)
Betekent dat de genoemde handleiding nauwkeurig moet worden
opgevolgd, om beschadiging van het instrument te voorkomen.
Caution (Atenção)
Significa que a instrução referida tem de ser respeitada para evitar a
danificação do aparelho.
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Explorer Operator Manual
We use the term WARNING to inform you about situations that could
result in personal injury to yourself or other persons. Details about
these circumstances are in a box like this one.
WARNING
D
DK
E
F
I
NL
Warning (Warnung)
Bedeutet, daß es bei Nichtbeachten der genannten Anweisung zu einer
Verletzung des Benutzers kommen kann.
Warning (Advarsel)
Betyder, at brugeren kan blive kvæstet, hvis anvisningen ikke
overholdes.
Warning (Peligro)
Utilizamos el término WARNING (PELIGRO) para informarle sobre
situaciones que pueden provocar daños personales a usted o a otras
personas. En los recuadros como éste se proporciona información sobre
este tipo de circunstancias.
Warning (Danger)
Nous utilisons la formule WARNING (DANGER) pour avertir des
situations pouvant occasionner des dommages corporels à l'utilisateur
ou à d'autres personnes. Les détails sur ces circonstances sont données
dans un encadré semblable à celui-ci.
Warning (Pericolo)
Con il termine WARNING (PERICOLO) vengono segnalate situazioni
che potrebbero provocare incidenti alle persone. Troverete informazioni
su tali circostanze in un riquadro come questo.
Warning (Waarschuwing)
Betekent dat, wanneer de genoemde aanwijzing niet in acht wordt
genomen, dit kan leiden tot verwondingen van de gebruiker.
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P
Warning (Aviso)
Significa que a não observância da instrução referida poderá causar um
ferimento ao usuário.
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