MSA ALTAIR 5 Operating Manual
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MSA ALTAIR 5 Operating Manual

Multi gas detector
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Operating Manual
ALTAIR 5 – Multi Gas Detector
ALTAIR 5IR – Multi Gas Detector
Order No.: 10094177/00 Y-HLS

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  • Page 1 Operating Manual ALTAIR 5 – Multi Gas Detector ALTAIR 5IR – Multi Gas Detector Order No.: 10094177/00 Y-HLS...
  • Page 2 MSA AUER GmbH D-12059 Berlin Thiemannstrasse 1 Germany © MSA AUER GmbH. All rights reserved...
  • Page 3 1000 Cranberry Woods Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 USA The manufacturer or the European Authorized Representative MSA AUER GmbH, Thiemannstrasse 1, D-12059 Berlin declares that the product: MSA ALTAIR 5 Complies with the provisions of the council directive 94/9/EC (ATEX).
  • Page 4 1000 Cranberry Woods Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 USA The manufacturer or the European Authorized Representative MSA AUER GmbH, Thiemannstrasse 1, D-12059 Berlin declares that the product: MSA ALTAIR 5IR Complies with the provisions of the council directive 94/9/EC (ATEX).

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Instrument Setup ................31 3.5. Data Logging ................. 39 3.6. Function Tests on the Instrument ..........39 3.7. Safe LED..................40 3.8. Calibration Check ................40 3.9. Calibration ..................41 3.10. Instrument Shutdown ..............44 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 6 Options from Main Page..............66 7.4. Password Protected Options............67 7.5. Menu Sequence from Main page ..........68 7.6. Calibration Sequence ..............70 7.7. Calibration Options................ 71 7.8. Alarm Options ................72 7.9. Instrument Options ................ 74 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 7: Instrument Safety

    Instrument Safety 1.1. Correct Use The ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detectors are for use by trained and qualified personnel. They are designed to be used when performing a hazard assessment to: Assess potential worker exposure to combustible and toxic gases and •...

  • Page 8: Liability Information

    Alternative use, or use outside this specification will be considered as non- compliance. This also applies especially to unauthorised alterations to the product and to commissioning work that has not been carried out by MSA or authorised persons. 1.2.
  • Page 9 Measurement in the above atmospheres (except oxygen-rich atmospheres) can be done with the infrared sensor in the ALTAIR 5 IR. Do not use the ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detectors to test for • combustible gases in atmospheres containing vapours from liquids with a high flash point (above 38 °C, 100°F) as this may result in erroneously low...
  • Page 10 INSTRUMENT SAFETY MSA does not recommend the use of sampling lines in monitoring for reactive • toxic gases (Cl , ClO , NH All instrument readings and information must be interpreted by someone • trained and qualified in interpreting instrument readings in relation to the specific environment, industrial practice and exposure limitations.

  • Page 11: Warranty

    One year* Infrared Sensor Two years* For extended warranty offerings please contact MSA 1.4.1 Warranty This warranty does not cover filters, fuses, etc. Certain other accessories not specifically listed here may have different warranty periods. This warranty is valid only if the product is maintained and used in accordance with Seller's instructions and/or recommendations.

  • Page 12: Description

    Instrument view Alarm LEDs (2) Button Communication 10 Belt Clip Sensor Inlets 11 Charging Connection Pump Cap 12 Screws Horn 13 Pump inlet Display 14 Filter Button 15 Pump cap screw 16 Charge Status LED Button ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 13: Device Hardware Interfaces

    (item 4 on figure 2-1). The ALTAIR 5 IR is available with a maximum of five sensors, which can display readings for six separate gases (one Dual Toxic Sensor provides both CO and S sensing capabilities in a single sensor).
  • Page 14 ON and operating under the conditions defined in chapter 3.7. This option can be turned OFF through the MSA Link software. The red LEDs are visual indications of an alarm condition or any type of error in the instrument.

  • Page 15: On-Screen Indicators

    COMB Sensor – Indicates the O channel use. CO Sensor – Indicates the CO channel use. S Sensor – Indicates the H S channel use. Sensor – Indicates the fifth sensor channel if installed PEAK ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 16 The battery condition icon continuously displays in the upper right-hand corner of the colour display and in the lower right hand corner of the monochrome display. A bar represents the charging level of the battery, if the battery is discharged only the battery icon outline remains. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 17 When the instrument goes into battery warning the: battery life indicator continuously blinks • • alarm sounds • alarm LEDs flash display shows " " • LOW BATTERY instrument continues to operate until it is turned OFF or battery shutdown • occurs. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 18 The charger is capable of charging a completely depleted pack in less than six hours in normal, room-temperature environments. Allow very hot or cold instruments to stabilise for one hour at room temperature before attempting to charge. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 19: Viewing Optional Displays

    (1) Access the PEAK page. (2) Press the button. 2.4.2 Minimum Readings (MIN page) Monochromatic display Colour display This page shows the lowest level of oxygen recorded by the instrument since turn-ON or since the MIN reading was reset. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 20 (15 minutes x 35 ppm) = 35 ppm 15 minutes 10-minute exposure of 35 ppm and 5 minutes exposure of 15 ppm: (10 minutes x 35 ppm) + (5 minutes x 5 ppm) = 25 ppm 15 minutes ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 21 4-hour exposure of 50 ppm and 4-hour exposure of 100 ppm: (4 hours x 50 ppm) + (4 hours x 100 ppm) = 75 ppm 8 hours 12-hour exposure of 100 ppm: (12 hours x 100 ppm) = 150 ppm 8 hours ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 22: Sensor Missing Alarm

    Alarm sounds and lights flash. • • The alarm can be silenced by pressing the button; no other pages can be viewed. • If there is a sensor error the instrument will not be operable. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 23: Monitoring Toxic Gases

    If the gas concentration reaches or exceeds the alarm setpoint, the instrument: • the alarm message displays and flashes in combination with the corresponding gas concentration • backlight turns on alarm sounds • • alarm LEDs flash • vibrating alarm triggers ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 24: Monitoring The Oxygen Concentration

    It is recommended that an oxygen calibration be performed at the temperature and pressure of use. Be sure that the instrument is in known fresh air before performing a calibration. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 25: Monitoring Combustible Gases

    A combustible gas reading of "XXX” indicates the atmosphere is above 100 % COMB or 5.00 %vol CH and an explosion hazard exists. Move away from the contaminated area immediately. In such cases, the instrument LockAlarm feature activates. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 26: Operation

    This effect will not be noticed immediately, but slowly impacts oxygen readings over several hours. Temperature Changes The sensors have built-in temperature compensation. However, if temperature shifts dramatically, the sensor's reading may shift. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 27: Turning On And Fresh Air Setup

    "CAL DUE, NOW" displays. • Press the button to clear the alert and continue with the instrument warm-up period. Sensor warm-up period • • Fresh Air Setup option (optional). Refer to flowchart in Appendix, chapter 7.1 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 28 The instrument will shut off after the customer acknowledges this message by pressing the button. Check your sampling system if this occurs and contact MSA as needed. Users can check the operation of the sampling system anytime during operation by blocking the sampling system to generate a pump alarm.
  • Page 29 A progress bar shows the user how much of the FAS has been completed. • At the end of the FAS, the instrument displays either " " or " ". FRESH AIR SETUP PASS FRESH AIR SETUP FAIL ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 30: Measurement Mode (Normal Operation)

    Using the three instrument buttons, the user can navigate through each sub- menu in a top/down sequence. Refer to chapter 2.4 and 7.5 in the appendix for assistance on navigating through these screens. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 31: Instrument Setup

    Incorrect password: instrument returns to the Main Page. • Correct password: user can set the instrument options. The password can be changed with a PC through the MSA Link software. The following Options are available by pressing the buttons: •...
  • Page 32 With this confirmation the instrument automatically moves to the next cylinder setting. (3) Repeat the sequence for changing the required settings for all necessary gas values. After the last setting is performed, the instrument returns to the Calibration Options menu. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 33 (Alarm options) or the button to exit the Setup menu. Use of the GALAXY Automated Test System is an alternate approved method for calibrating ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR instruments. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 34 Setting Vibrating Alarm Press the button to enable/disable this option. Setting Horn Press button to enable/disable this option. Setting LEDs Press button to enable/disable this option. Setting Motion Alert Press button to enable/disable this option. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 35 (4) Press the button to confirm set values. (5) Repeat setting for all other sensors. (6) Press the button to return to the Alarm Options menu. (7) Repeat setting for all other alarm types. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 36 • Datalog Intervals • Stealth Mode Confirmation Beep • • Display Contrast (monochrome only) Backlight Options. • Press button go to next page • • button to go previous page • button to enter setup. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 37 The time can be set up for either regular AM/PM or military time (through MSA Link software). AM/PM time is the default setting. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 38 Setting the Contrast (monochrome display) (1) Press button to adjust the contrast levels. (2) Press button to confirm the contrast level. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 39: Data Logging

    Data Logging Connecting Instrument to PC (1) Switch ON the ALTAIR 5 and align the Datalink Communication port on the ALTAIR 5 to the IR interface of the PC. (2) Start the MSA Link software on the PC and start connection by clicking the connect icon.

  • Page 40: Safe Led

    The calibration check is simple and should only take about one minute. Perform this calibration check before each day’s use for each installed sensor. (1) Turn ON the ALTAIR 5 or ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detector in clean, fresh air. (2) Verify that readings indicate no gas is present.

  • Page 41: Calibration

    3.9. Calibration The ALTAIR 5 can be calibrated either manually using this procedure or automatically using the GALAXY test stand. Refer to 7.7 of the appendix. Calibration must be performed using a flow regulator with a flow rate set to 0.25 litres per minute for diffusion instrument.
  • Page 42 ZERO CALIBRATION PASS ZERO CALIBRATION PASS :30 PM SETUP “ ”. ZERO CALIBRATION FAIL ZERO CALIBRATION FAIL :30 PM • Only if the instrument passes the SETUP zero calibration the SPAN COMB screen displays. SPAN CALIBRATION ? ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 43 COM B displays either “ ” SPAN CALIBRATION PASS SPAN CALIB R ATION PASS :30 PM SETUP COMB “ ” SPAN CALIBRATION FAIL The instrument returns to • SPAN CALIBRATION FAIL Measuring mode. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 44: 3.10. Instrument Shutdown

    FOR SHUTDOWN Figure 3-10 Instrument Shutdown The instrument displays a blinking " " HOLD BUTTON FOR SHUTDOWN and a progress bar shows the user how much longer to hold the button to complete the shutdown. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 45: Maintenance

    Warning Repair or alteration of the ALTAIR 5 or ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detector, beyond the procedures described in this manual or by anyone other than a person authorised by MSA, could cause the instrument to fail to perform properly.

  • Page 46: Troubleshooting

    Battery warning LOW BATTERY Battery is completely BATTERY discharged. Shutdown ALARM sequence will begin. Remove from service as Instrument does not soon as possible and Battery fully discharged turn ON recharge or replace battery pack. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 47: Verifying Pump Operation

    • Flow system is blocked • Pump is inoperative • Sample lines are attached or removed. To Clear Pump Alarm (1) Correct any flow blockage. (2) Press the button. • The Pump will now restart. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 48: Replacing The Battery

    Battery pack (1) Unscrew the two captive screws on the rear of the instrument. (2) Pull the battery pack out of the instrument by gripping the sides and lifting it up and away from the instrument. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 49: Live Maintenance Procedure - Replacing Or Adding A Sensor

    MAINTENANCE Figure 4-3 Battery Replacement Battery holder (3) For alkaline battery packs (ALTAIR 5 only): • Remove the battery holder circuit board from the instrument • Replace the 3 cells, using only those listed on the label. Be sure to observe proper polarity on the cells.
  • Page 50 Ensure sensor gasket is properly installed. (8) Re-install the screws. (9) Go into the sensor setup and turn ON the sensor. If necessary calibrate instrument before use. Allow sensors to stabilise at least 30 minutes before calibration. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 51: Replacing The Filter (For Instruments With Integral Pump)

    MAINTENANCE To replace the IR sensor please contact your local MSA service centre. Warning! Calibration is required after a sensor is installed; otherwise, the instrument will not perform as expected and persons relying on this product for their safety could sustain serious personal injury or death.

  • Page 52: Technical Specifications/Certifications

    (ALTAIR 5) Weight 0.52 kg/1.15 lb (with IR Sensor) Dimensions 17 x 8.87 x 4.55 pumped, without belt clip (ALTAIR 5) (cm) 17 x 8.87 x 4.01 diffusion, without belt clip (ALTAIR 5) Dimensions 17 x 8.94 x 4.88 cm...

  • Page 53: Factory-Set Alarm Thresholds

    0-5.00% CH4 0-20.0 ppm 0-20 ppm 0-100 ppm 0-5.00 ppm Measuring range 0-100 ppm 0-20.0 ppm 0-1.00 ppm *check with MSA for sensor availability 5.2. Factory-set Alarm thresholds Sensor LOW alarm HIGH alarm STEL COMB 10 % LEL 20 % LEL...

  • Page 54: Ir Sensors

    ≤ 12 s ≤ 35 s ≤ ± 0.5 % Vol ≤ ±5% ≤ 11 s ≤ 34 s ≤ ± 5 % Vol ≤ ±10% 0 – 100 % Vol 1 % Vol 1) Data in % of measurement range ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 55 1) No alarm thresholds are adjustable for the IR sensors methane, propane and butane in the measurement range 0 to 100 Vol. %. This instrument is not approved for use in atmospheres containing >21 % oxygen. ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 56: Certifications

    Australia Ex ia S (Zone O) IIC T4 Ambient temperature: 122°F European Community The product ALTAIR 5 complies with the following directives, standards or standardised documents: Directive 94/9/EC (ATEX) II 2G Ex ia d IIC T4 -20 °C ≤ Ta ≤ +50 °C...

  • Page 57: Performance Specification

    0.40 % CH 2.50 % to 5.00 % CH Oxygen 0 – 25% 0 0.1% 0 0.7% 0 for 2 – 25% 0 90% of final reading 30 seconds (normal temperature range 3 minutes (extended temperature range) ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 58 1 ppm NH Phosphine 0 - 5.0 ppm 0.05 ppm PH Hydrogen 0 - 30.0 ppm 0.5 ppm HCN Cyanide Chlorine 0 - 20.0 ppm 0.1 ppm Cl Chlorine 0 - 1.00 ppm 0.02 ppm ClO Dioxide ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 59: Order Information

    , 300 ppm CO) 10024231 Three Gas RP (0.986 % C , 15.0% O , 300 ppm CO) 10044001 Four Gas RP (0.986 % C , 15.0% O , 300 ppm CO, 10ppm H 10044002 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 60 1009385 Pressure reduction valve 0.25 l/min 478359 Demand regulator for exotics 10079801 Demand Regulator 710288 MSA Link USB dongle 10082834 MSA Link Datalogging Software 10088099 Shoulder Strap 474555 Holster, leather, ALTAIR 5/ALTAIR 5 IR 10099648 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 61 ORDER INFORMATION Replacement parts ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 62 Case, lower, ALTAIR 5 IR 10088611 Battery pack, rechargeable, EU/Aus, ALTAIR 5 10083508 Battery pack, alkaline, EU/Aus, ALTAIR 5 10093415 Battery pack, rechargeable, EU/Aus, ALTAIR 5 IR 10093416 Kit, belt clip replacement, (ALTAIR 5 rechargeable) 10094830 Filter cover assembly 10083591...
  • Page 63 IR sensor HC 0-100 % LEL Propane 10062208 IR sensor HC, 0 -100 % LEL Butane 10071381 IR sensor 0- 5 % Vol CO 10070758 IR sensor 0-10 % Vol CO 10062209 IR sensor 0-50 % Vol CO 10070757 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 64: Appendix - Flow Charts

    (Show SW version) Sensor Missing Sens miss Alarm Low Alarm High Alarm Gas Type Show Date TWA Alarm STEL Alarm Last Cal Show Last enable? Cal Date Show Cal Cal Due enable? Sensor Warmup FAS? Enabled ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 65: Normal Operation

    APPENDIX – FLOW CHARTS 7.2. Normal Operation Startup sequence Turn On FAS? FAS CAL Display Pass/Fail Main Page Message Press Press Peak Reading Auto Calibration Page Hold simultaneously for 2 seconds Menu Password prompt ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 66: Options From Main Page

    APPENDIX – FLOW CHARTS 7.3. Options from Main Page Main Page Turn OFF Hold 4 seconds Hold for 3 Press seconds Calibration Peak Page Page Hold simultaneously for 2 seconds Menu Page ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 67: Password Protected Options

    APPENDIX – FLOW CHARTS 7.4. Password Protected Options Password prompt Password Main Page correct? Options to Select Alarm Calibration Instrument Main Page Options Options Options ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 68: Menu Sequence From Main Page

    Press Peak Reset Main Page Min Page Press Press Min Reset Main Page Press STEL Page Press Press STEL Reset Main Page Press TWA Page Press Press TWA Reset Main Page Press To date page ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 69 APPENDIX – FLOW CHARTS Date Page Press Main Page Press Last Cal Date Press Main Page Press Cal Date Press Main Page Press Motion Alert Press Press Press Toggle Motion Alert On/Off ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 70: Calibration Sequence

    APPENDIX – FLOW CHARTS 7.6. Calibration Sequence Measure Page Calibration Zero? Display Pass/Fail Pass? Message Display Pass/Fail Message Special Case Special Case Span? Display Pass/Fail Pass? Message Display Pass/Fail Single Channel Message Calibration ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 71: Calibration Options

    APPENDIX – FLOW CHARTS 7.7. Calibration Options Calibration Options Modify Cal Gas Settings Calibration Due Show Last Cal Date at Startup (Enable/ Disable) Password Protect Calibration (Enable/ Disable) Go to Main Menu ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 72: Alarm Options

    APPENDIX – FLOW CHARTS 7.8. Alarm Options Alarm Options Vibrator (Enable/Disable) Horn (Enable/Disable) Alarm LEDs (Enable/Disable) Motion Alert (Enable/Disable) Sensor Alarms ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 73 Go to Menu Page Alarm for sensors 0-5 Modify STEL Modify STEL Alarm Go to Menu Page Alarm for sensors 0-5 Modify TWA Modify TWA Alarm Go to Menu Page Alarm for sensors 0-5 Go to Menu Page ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...

  • Page 74: Instrument Options

    APPENDIX – FLOW CHARTS 7.9. Instrument Options Instrument Options Stealth Mode Sensor Setup Operating Beep Language Setup Contrast Setup Time Setup Backlight Options Datalog Option Go to Main Menu ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 75 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual...
  • Page 76 MSA in Europe www.msa-europe.com & www.msa-gasdetection.com Northern Europe Southern Europe Eastern Europe Central Europe Netherlands Italy Poland Germany MSA Nederland MSA Italiana MSA Safety Poland MSA AUER Kernweg 20 Via Po 13/17 ul. Wschodnia 5A Thiemannstrasse 1 1627 LH Hoorn...

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