PID Sensor Lamp Cleaning Procedure

This article describes how to complete the PID Sensor Lamp cleaning procedure for diffusion cartridges.

IMPORTANT: This procedure is intended for G7c and G7x Diffusion cartridges only. Do not attempt this procedure on a G7c or G7x Pump cartridge, as it can permanently damage the cartridge and void your warranty. PID sensor lamp cleaning for a G7c and G7x Pump cartridge must be performed by technicians trained on the procedure. Please contact Technical Support for more information.

Use this procedure to clean the 10.6eV PID sensor lamp for the following equipment:

• G7c and G7x Diffusion single-gas cartridge
• G7c and G7x Diffusion multi-gas cartridge
• G7 EXO Diffusion multi-gas cartridge

• Important Information
• When to Clean the Lamp
• Required Tools and Parts
• Removing the Cartridge - G7c and G7x
• Removing the Cartridge - G7 EXO
• Removing the PID Sensor
• Removing the Lamp
• Cleaning the Lamp
• Reassembling the Electrode Stack, Lamp, and Body
• Reassembling the Cartridge
• Replacing the Cartridge

Important Information

The following procedures must be performed in a clean environment, as the equipment is sensitive to contaminants.

PID lamp cleaning should only be performed by technicians trained on the procedure.

The PID is a sensitive sensor, and the lamp is fragile. The PID sensor must be handled with extreme care. Internal components must be handled with gloves and clean tools. Never touch the window.

WHen to Clean the Lamp

CAUTION: PID lamp cleaning should only be performed by technicians trained on the procedure.

When using a G7c, G7x, or G7 EXO MiniPID 2 Sensor in areas of high ambient humidity, the PID reading may appear to increase. This occurs when dust or other small particles within the detector become hydrated with humidity, causing the particles to conduct a signal between the electrodes.

Resolve this problem by cleaning the lamp using the procedures below.

Some esters, amines, and halogenated compounds may accelerate window fouling. In these cases, more frequent cleaning will be required. Cleaning frequency will also depend on the set alarm levels and the prevailing environmental conditions.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform this procedure, you will need the following tools and parts:

• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) heel straps and wrist straps
• Torx 6 screwdriver for G7c/G7x
• Phillips screwdriver for G7 EXO
• Ion Science PID Lamp Cleaning Kit A-31063
• Latex or Nitrile gloves
• Aluminum oxide powder
• Cotton buds
• Can of compressed air
• Tweezers
• Electrode stack removal tool

You may also need:

• Replacement lamp
• Replacement electrode stack

Removing the Cartridge – G7c and G7x

To remove the cartridge from G7c or G7x:

1. Power off G7c or G7x.
2. Using a Torx 6 screwdriver, remove the screws on the sides of the cartridge and set them aside.
   
   
3. Pull upwards on the cartridge to release it from G7c or G7x.
   
4. Proceed to Removing the PID Sensor.

Removing the Cartridge – G7 EXO

To remove the cartridge from G7 EXO:

1. Power off EXO.
   
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the cartridge cover screws.
   NOTE: These are captive screws and should stay attached to the cartridge cover.
   
3. Pull forward on the cartridge cover to remove and set aside.
   
4. Pull the cartridge out of the cartridge slot.
   
   
5. Proceed to Removing the PID Sensor.

Removing the PID Sensor

To remove the PID sensor from the cartridge:

1. Remove the screws on the back side of the cartridge and set aside.

   

2. Hold down the SureSafe PCB and separate the front and back sides of the cartridge by gently pulling them apart.

   

3. Remove the filter and set it aside. If you don't see the filter on the cartridge, it may be in the sensor socket.

   

4. Carefully lift the MiniPID 2 sensor from the cartridge.

   

 Removing the Lamp

CAUTION: Only use the electrode stack removal tool to avoid damaging the equipment. Any other tools (for example, screwdrivers) may damage the MiniPID 2 sensor body and will invalidate your warranty.

NOTE: Wear latex gloves while performing the following steps.

To remove the lamp:

1. Position the electrode stack removal tool in the side slots of the MiniPID 2 sensor.

   

2. Holding the stack on the top and bottom with one hand, gently squeeze the stack removal tool sides together with the other hand until the electrode stack and lamp are released.

   NOTE: Holding the top and bottom of the stack prevents the spring from releasing too quickly, which could cause it to fall out and get damaged.

   

3. Carefully lift the MiniPID 2 body away from the electrode stack and lamp. Set aside the electrode stack and lamp.

   NOTE: Occasionally the lamp may remain in the MiniPID 2 body and will need to be carefully freed by tipping the MiniPID 2 body on its side. If the spring behind the lamp comes out when the lamp is removed, check the spring for damage and replace it into the MiniPID 2 body. If the lamp is lodged in the MiniPID2 body, carefully work it free with tweezers. Set aside the lamp and electrode stack.

   

4. Using a clean cotton bud, gently rub the top of the MiniPID 2 body to clean the connections.

   

5. Holding the MiniPID 2 body upright, blow compressed air inside the MiniPID 2 body to remove any dust. Set aside the MiniPID 2 body.

   NOTE: Ensure you hold the MiniPID 2 body upright when you are using the compressed air, as holding it on its side or upside down may cause the spring to dislodge and get damaged.

   

6. Using tweezers, carefully remove the lamp from the O-ring in the underside of the electrode stack. Set aside the electrode stack on a clean, flat surface, with the flat side down.

7. Check for contamination on the detection window by holding the lamp in front of a light source and looking across the window surface at an angle.

8. Check the lamp and window surface for damage, pits, cracks, etc. Replace the lamp if any of these issues are found.

   IMPORTANT: Do not use a PID sensor with a damaged lamp. The PID sensor will not work if the lamp is damaged. Damaged lamps must be replaced. Contact Blackline Technical Support for assistance.

Cleaning the Lamp

Handling and Storage of the Polishing Compound

WARNING: The polishing compound contains aluminum oxide (CAS Number 1344-28-1) as a very fine powder, which may irritate your respiratory tract and eyes. A full material safety data sheet MSDS is available on request. Contact Blackline Technical Support for assistance.

Handling:

• Do not breathe the vapor/dust.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
• Wear suitable protective clothing.
• Follow industrial hygiene practices: Wash face and hands thoroughly with soap and water after use and before eating, drinking, smoking or applying cosmetics.
• The polishing compound has a TVL (TWA) of 10 mg/m3.

Storage:

• Always replace the lid after using the polishing compound.
• Keep the polishing compound container closed when not in use to prevent water adsorption and contamination.

To clean the lamp:

WARNING: Wear latex gloves while performing the following steps.

CAUTION: Never touch the lamp window, even with gloves.

1. Open the container of aluminum oxide polishing compound.

2. Use a clean cotton bud to collect a small amount of the polishing compound.

3. Using a circular motion and applying light pressure, use the cotton bud to clean the lamp. Do not touch the lamp window with your fingers.

   CAUTION: Never use a side-to-side or up-and-down motion when polishing the lamp, as this can scratch the lamp.

   

4. Continue polishing with a circular motion until you hear a “squeaking” sound when the cotton bud moves over the window surface. This usually requires 15 to 30 seconds of polishing.

   

5. With a clean cotton bud, remove the residual powder from the lamp window.

6. Holding the lamp, use compressed air to remove any remaining polishing compound.

7. Check that the window is clean by holding the lamp in front of a light source and looking across the window surface at an angle.

8. If the lamp window still appears dirty, follow the above steps to clean it again.

9. If the lamp window appears scratched, replace it with a new lamp.

Reassembling the Electrode Stack, Lamp, and Body

To reassemble the PID sensor electrode stack, lamp, and body:

1. Gently place the lamp into the MiniPID 2 body.

   

2. Examine the electrode stack. If the electrode stack is faded, discolored, or warped, or the O-ring is damaged, replace it with a new electrode stack.

3. Align the electrode stack so that the O-ring fits over top of the lamp window.

   

4. Push the electrode stack down onto the MiniPID 2 body until you hear it click into place.

   NOTE: Be careful when pushing down that your latex gloves do not get caught between the electrode stack and the MiniPID 2 body.

   

5. Inspect the sensor to confirm that both wings of the electrode stack have engaged with the MiniPID 2 body.

   

Reassembling the Cartridge

To reassemble the cartridge:

1. Refit the sensor back into the cartridge.

   

2. Place the filter over the sensors with the black ring facing out.

   

3. Hold down the LED chip and align with the groove.

4. Slide the front and back of the cartridge back together, holding it in place.

   CAUTION: Be careful when sliding the front and back of the cartridge together. If the LED light is not held down, the light can be damaged which may cause complications with your SureSafe light.

   
5. Replace the screws into the back of the cartridge, turning until the screws are tight and the cartridge is securely back together.
   

Replacing the Cartridge

To replace the cartridge in G7c and G7x:

1. Slide the cartridge down onto the device.

2. Replace the two screws on either side.

   

3. Calibrate the cartridge. For detailed calibration steps, see the G7 Technical User Manual.

To replace the cartridge in G7 EXO:

1. With the cartridge sensors facing down, push the cartridge into the cartridge slot.

2. Replace the cartridge cover.

3. Tighten the screws.

4. Calibrate the cartridge. For detailed calibration steps, refer to the G7 EXO Technical User Manual.