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Here are the questions most frequently posed to our service department, along with answers that, in some cases, must be generic. Refer also to our Knowledge Base.
Please feel free to address any of your concerns—from instrument problems and applications questions, to parts availability and pricing—to our service department.
1. Blank display and/or unable to zero the unit [on 4000 Series analog and digital portable analyzers]
2. How often should I calibrate my instrument?
3. What is considered "normal" sensor weight loss? [Applicable to LD, RM, and PLC Series continuous monitoring systems, and portable sensors for formaldehyde and hydrazine]
4. Where can I find information on other gases that might interfere (i.e. affect the reading either positively or negatively) with my measurement?
5. Can you explain the mysterious "2:00 AM false alarms" occurring on my ethylene oxide monitoring system?
6. How long should my sensor last?
7. How can I determine when my "158" interference scrubber should be replaced?
8. How do I properly dispose of an old sensor?
9. Do I need a return material authorization (RMA) number to send equipment back to Interscan for service?
10. What's the delivery on sensors and parts?
11. How's the weather out there?
THE ANSWERS
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1. Blank display and/or unable to zero the unit |
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Check/replace AA or C size alkaline batteries. Make sure that Nickel-Cadmium batteries are fully charged. |
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2. How often should I calibrate my instrument? |
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Every three months at a minimum. Monthly calibration is recommended, especially for lower range/more critical applications.
Our ECS (Electronic Calibration Service) is offered for those customers who find it inconvenient to obtain their own calibration standard.
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3. What is considered "normal" sensor weight loss? |
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10-20 grams/month.
A weight loss of more than 50 grams makes sensor restoration difficult, and beyond 100 grams, it is virtually impossible. Weight loss is affected by ambient humidity, flow rate, and in certain cases, the type of sensor being used.
The sensors work best, and last longer, if they are kept moist. If your sensor is losing more than 50 grams of water per month, add water every two weeks.
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4. Where can I find information on other gases that might interfere (i.e. affect the reading either positively or negatively) with my measurement? |
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Please refer to the detailed information provided in our Interfering Gas Data tables. For items not given in these tables, contact the service department.
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5. Can you explain the mysterious "2:00 AM false alarms" occurring on my ethylene oxide monitoring system? |
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Your EtO monitoring system is very sensitive, and must respond to sub parts-per-million (ppm) concentrations of this gas. It may be that maintenance crews are using floor wax, strippers, assorted cleaning products, or isopropyl alcohol, and these compounds can cause a response on the system, especially since they would be present at concentrations in excess of 500 ppm.
The sampling pump(s) of the system should be shut down temporarily during these maintenance operations, to avoid false alarms. A special timer, that re-starts the sampling pump(s) after a customer-adjustable time interval, is available to perform this action automatically.
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6. How long should my sensor last? |
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Typical sensor life is 2-3 years. This assumes proper maintenance, and infrequent exposure to concentrations well above the intended measuring range of the instrument.
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7. How can I determine when my "158" interference scrubber should be replaced? |
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This scrubber material comes in purple pellets, that will turn dark brown or black with use. The scrubber should be replaced when the majority of the pellets in the tube have turned color.
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8. How do I properly dispose of an old sensor? |
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Dispose of an old sensor the same way you would dispose of an old car battery. Facilities exist in most communities to handle this type of waste.
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9. Do I need a return material authorization (RMA) number to send equipment back to Interscan for service? |
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Yes. We do this to serve you better and more efficiently. Please download the form to obtain the RMA here .
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10. What's the delivery on sensors and parts? |
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Most orders for sensors and parts can be shipped within two days. If you have a super-rush situation, please notify us! An expedite fee will apply to specially expedited/rush orders.
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Electronic Calibration Service
A certified spare sensor is kept on hand, to be put into the instrument, while the presently used sensor is sent back to the factory for re-certification. The ECS certification details zero and span adjustments that are to be made on the instrument, to set it up with the specified newly certified sensor.
As indicated on the certification sheet, the ECS program verifies sensor sensitivity only. It does not certify the instrument as a whole. Most importantly, the ECS program is not a substitute for basic instrument maintenance, nor does it check for malfunction of the instrument components.
The price of ECS is $205.00 (each) for a re-certification. A charge of $260.00 applies if the entire instrument (not just the sensor) is returned to us. There is no charge for an ECS certificate to be provided with a new sensor order.
Please note that these prices are subject to change. For an up-to-the-minute price quote, contact our service department.
Constant Improvement Policy
We intend to greatly expand this section, based on our experience, as well as your suggestions! Please send all relevant comments and suggestions to the webmaster.
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