Environics: Tips for Service Department Maintenance

Environics frequently receives a number of inquiries regarding the best way to maintain its dilutors and mixers. While there are various crucial ways in which the user can ensure that their unit is operating to the best of their ability, the following maintenance tips can be used to maintain this optical condition while also extending the life of the unit.

The Environics Series 7000 Zero Air Generator. Image Credit: Environics

Check Out the Top 5 Maintenance Tips from Environics Service Department

1. Be Sure to Replace the Consumables

For most units, the fan filter can be cleaned, replaced and/or reused. For Zero Air Generators, it is critical that the media and filters are replaced on a regular basis and that they accurately reflect the environment it is in and the amount of use the unit gets when fixing this schedule.

Customers are able to further explore the recommendations provided by Environics’ recommendations in these aspects of the substitution process. It is crucial to regularly check that the drain is functioning properly and is free of obstructions.

2. Do Not Leave Gases Connected When the Unit is Inactive

If the unit is in use for an extended amount of time, it is advised to disconnect the cylinders, purge the unit with nitrogen or air and cap the inputs. It is also recommended to leave unused inputs capped, even during use.

3. Ensure Input Gas Lines Do Not Contain Moisture

Moisture is a major source of potential destruction within a gas mixer/dilutor, therefore it is imperative that dry clean gases are used and that no moisture is present within the lines.

4. Check and Adjust MFC Zeroes

Over time, the zeroes on the user’s MFC’s can differ. For best accuracy between yearly recalibrations, these zeroes should be intermittently checked and altered back within the specification requirements. The manual for the unit should include the unit’s comprehensive instructions. If recalibration is required, or if zeroes drift considerably between checks, the Environics’ service department should be contacted for further assistance.

5. Purge the Unit of Stagnant Gas Often

Units should be purged with air or nitrogen to flush the system between the blending of gases that are potentially reactive. The system can also be cleaned after the usage of gases that present probable risks if left in the system as a result of potential corrosivity or toxicity.

These procedures can be performed through connecting the gas to all inputs and flowing the MFC’s at their maximum flow rate in flow mode, or through the purge mode that will flush any gas residue out of the solenoid valves, mass flow controllers, tubing and blend chamber.

The Environics’ standard Series 4000/4020/4040 possesses the purge option to allow for easy maintenance. Current units can be retrofit to make the most of this option as well. Further information on the details of these novel instruments and these additional options can be obtained from the service department.

Image Credit: Environics

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Environics, Inc.

For more information on this source, please visit Environics, Inc.