Ion Science GasCheck Tesla User Manual
Unrivalled Detection. www.ionscience.com
GasCheck Tesla
Instrument User Manual V1.1
Part number: 849215
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Part number: 849215
GASCHECK TESLA MANUAL Ion Science Ltd
Unrivalled Detection. www.ionscience.com
Declaration of conformity
Manufacturer: Ion Science Ltd, The Way, Fowlmere, Cambridge, England. SG8 7UJ
Product: GasCheck Tesla
Product description: a handheld micro thermal conductivity sensor used to detect gas leaks. This
instrument has been designed specifically for search and location of non-flammable gases such as
helium and CFC’s.
Directives: 2004/108/EC Electrical Equipment – Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Standards: BS EN 61010-1:2010 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
Control and laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements
BS EN ISO 9001:2008 Quality management systems – Requirements
BS EN 61326-1:2006 Electrical Equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use
- EMC Requirements (Class B and General Immunity)
I the undersigned hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the stated Directives and
Standards.
Signed By:
Name: Mark Stockdale,
Position: Technical Director
Date: 30th October 2008
Page 3 of 25
GASCHECK TESLA MANUAL Ion Science Ltd
Unrivalled Detection. www.ionscience.com
Contents
Declaration of conformity ............................................................................................................................... 3
Statements ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Quality Assurance .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Responsibility of use ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Disposal ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Calibration Facility .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Legal Notice ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Instrument Description ................................................................................................................................... 6
Packing list ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
How GasCheck Tesla works ........................................................................................................................... 8
Thermal Conductivity ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Instrument main menu .................................................................................................................................... 9
Running screen .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Gas selection ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Sensitivity ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Battery status ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Backlight ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Gas measurement ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Sound indication ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Bar graph ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Peak hold ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Functions ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Contrast ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Backlight ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Sound ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
Peak hold ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
Calibration .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Battery selection ........................................................................................................................................... 12
View Data ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Units ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Display.......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Gas selection ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Getting started ............................................................................................................................................... 14
The Keypad .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Using GasCheck Tesla .................................................................................................................................. 15
The GasCheck Tesla instrument ................................................................................................................. 15
GasCheck Tesla fan current montior ........................................................................................................... 16
Probe options ................................................................................................................................................. 17
Detecting leaks .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Calibration ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
Over view ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Selecting Factory or Custom Calibration ..................................................................................................... 19
Calibration procedure using 'ppm' units ....................................................................................................... 19
Calibration procedure using 'cc/sec' units .................................................................................................... 20
Replacing batteries ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Instrument specification ............................................................................................................................... 22
Replacement parts ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Instrument warranty and service ................................................................................................................. 24
Warranty ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Service ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Contact details ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Manual log ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Page 4 of 25
GASCHECK TESLA MANUAL Ion Science Ltd
Unrivalled Detection. www.ionscience.com
Statements
Safety
Please read this manual in full before using the GasCheck Tesla instrument. Ion Science Ltd takes no
responsibility for damage, injury or death resulting from misuse, misunderstanding or negligence while
using this gas detector. Please contact Ion Science Limited via the address below for clarification on
any aspect of this manual that is not understood or for additional information required.
This instrument should only be used by qualified or competent persons with suitable knowledge of the
hazards relating to the gases contained within equipment or in the local environment.
Quality Assurance
GasCheck Tesla instruments are manufactured in compliance with ISO9001:2008, which ensures that
the equipment supplied to the customer has been designed and assembled reproducibly from
traceable components, leaving Ion Science calibrated to traceable standards.
Responsibility of use
Many gases are hazardous and can cause explosion, poisoning and corrosion resulting in damage to
property and life. It is the responsibility of the person using this instrument to ensure it is being used in
accordance with this manual and that the instrument is functioning correctly before use.
The GasCheck Tesla can detect a large range of gases but some gases are more difficult to detect.
It is the responsibility of the user to ensure the GasCheck Tesla instrument has the sensitivity to detect
the required gas before reaching potentially dangerous levels.
Inadequate performance of the gas detection equipment described in this manual may not necessarily be
self-evident and consequently equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained. Ion Science
recommends that personnel responsible for equipment use institute a regime of regular checks to ensure it
performs within calibration limits, and that a record be maintained which logs calibration check data. The
equipment should be used in accordance with this manual, and in compliance with local safety standards.
Disposal
Disposal of GasCheck Telsa, its components and any used batteries shall be in accordance with local
and national safety and environmental requirements. This includes the European WEEE (Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive. Ion Science Ltd offers a 'take-back' service. Please
contact Ion Science Ltd for more information.
Calibration Facility
Ion Science Ltd offers a calibration service including the issue of certification conforming calibration
with equipment calibrated at UKAS accredited laboratories and using gas traceable to NPL standards.
A GasCheck Tesla Calibration Kit offers a means of checking and calibrating the instruments against a
known reference, however Ion Science Ltd strongly recommend the instrument is returned to an
approved service centre on an annual basis for general maintenance and calibration.
Legal Notice
Whilst every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, Ion Science
accepts no liability for errors or omissions, or any consequences deriving from the use of information
contained herein. It is provided "as is" and without any representation, term, condition or warranty of any
kind, either express or implied. To the extent permitted by law, Ion Science shall not be liable to any person
or entity for any loss or damage which may arise from the use of this manual. We reserve the right at any
time and without any notice to remove, amend or vary any of the content which appears herein.
Page 5 of 25
GASCHECK TESLA MANUAL Ion Science Ltd
Unrivalled Detection. www.ionscience.com
Instrument Description
The GasCheck Tesla is a portable, handheld gas leak detector capable of detecting helium leaks within a
high magnetic field, typically surrounding Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners and can be
effectively used while the machinery is still in operation. GasCheck Tesla is part of a range of gas leak
detectors used for detecting gas leaks, and can detect almost all gases to varying degrees.
Being a hand held instrument it is powered by standard AA size batteries and will accept both Alkaline and
Nickel Metal Hydride (rechargeable) types.The GasCheck Tesla uses thermal conductivity as its means of
detecting gas which offers a robust sensor technology that requires practically no maintenance beyond
annual servicing.
All GasCheck models have an easy to use graphical interface with an intuitive keypad allowing simple
function selection and adjustment. The instrument has an LCD display, LED indicator and audible sounder
that indicate the detected signal.
Applications where GasCheck instruments are typically used include:
Medical - used by service technicians during maintenance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
scanners and testing of membrane materials and sealing of glove boxes.
Laboratory applications - detection of leaks from mass spectrometers and chromatograph equipment.
Quality assurance - testing seal integrity after product manufacture.
Industrial - leaks from gas cylinders, pipe work and process equipment.
Pneumatic - valve seal testing.
The GasCheck Tesla is calibrated against a 5 E-4 cc/s Helium leak to allow volumetric readings and also a
5000ppm helium to allow measurement of concentrations.
Selectable units:
cc/sec Cubic Centimetres per Second offers a reading that indicates the volume of gas escaping
into atmosphere from a single point i.e. leakage from a hole in a gas filled vessel or pipe.
ppm Parts Per Million is a concentration reading, GasCheck Tesla will display the concentration
being detected however it is more difficult to gauge the quantity of leakage.
mg/m3 Milligrams per meter cubed is also a unit that measures concentration. (See ppm above)
g/yr Grams per Year is an alternative measure of leak rate.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
GasCheck Tesla is NOT intrinsically safe so should not be using in a potentially explosive environment. An
Intrinsically Safe leak detector is available (GasCheck IS). Please contact Ion Science Ltd for more
information or visit www.ionscience.com/gascheck
Ambient air pressure, heat and humidity can affect readings.
The GasCheck Tesla range is NOT 'Gas Specific' i.e. it can NOT differentiate between gases. Selecting a
specific gas on the GasCheck Tesla allows the instrument to calculate concentrations and leak rates of that
gas only if that gas is being detected.
Page 6 of 25
GASCHECK TESLA MANUAL Ion Science Ltd
Unrivalled Detection. www.ionscience.com
Item
Qty
Description
Check
1
1
GasCheck Tesla instrument with short probe and nozzle fitted
2
1
Long probe
3
1
Box spanner used to change probes
4
1
Spare battery clip
5
1
User manual
6
1
Calibration certificate
Packing list
Please remove all packing material and then check the content of the carry case against the list below before
use. Should the instrument or any accessory appear damaged or missing then contact the instrument
supplier for advise before use.
Page 7 of 25
GASCHECK TESLA MANUAL Ion Science Ltd
Unrivalled Detection. www.ionscience.com
Prob
Temperature
Stable
Fan
Air flow
Display
How GasCheck Tesla works
Thermal Conductivity
All gases conduct heat but by varying amounts, if an object is heated and then the source of heat is
removed, the object will eventually cool down to match ambient air temperature. This action occurs because
the ambient air surrounding the object carries the access heat into the surrounding atmosphere.
This principal is also the same for objects that are cooler than the surrounding ambient air.
Dissipation of heat into an air atmosphere is known and is a predictable rate however, if the ambient air is
replaced with an alternative gas like Helium the rate at which an object cools down changes.
If the object mentioned above had its environment replaced with pure Helium it would cool down to the
environment temperature about 6 times faster.
The GasCheck Tesla contains a heated thermistor bead that transmits heat to a block of material that
remains at a constant temperature. As air passes through the detector chamber a constant amount of heat
passes from the bead to the block. Gases that are different to air will affect the rate at which heat transmits
from the bead to the block, these rates of change are measured and displayed as leak rates.
The diagram below shows the basic functionality of the GasCheck Tesla 's Thermal Conductivity sensor.
A fan draws a small flow of gas through the probe and into the sensing chamber. The thermistor bead heats
up when electrical power is applied. As air passes through the cell a constant level of heat is transmitted to a
Temperature Stable block through the air, this rate of heat transmission is used to 'Zero' the instrument.
When gases with different thermal qualities pass through the chamber the amount of heat being transmitted
to the Temperature Stable block changes. These changes are measured, calculated and displayed on
GasCheck Tesla as leak rates or gas concentrations.
PLEASE NOTE:
* Some gases have similar thermal properties to that of air, therefore the GasCheck Tesla can only detect
larger concentrations of these gases.
* Some gases have positive and other gases negative signals. To simplify the instruments function
GasCheck Tesla only displays changes as positive readings.
* The GasCheck Tesla can NOT differentiate between gases! Selecting a specific gas on the GasCheck
Tesla allows the instrument to calculate concentrations of that gas only if that gas is being detected.
Page 8 of 25
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