Micro-GASS Start-up Instructions

Start-up Procedure

Once all sample, purge, and electrical connections have been made the system is ready for operation. Start with the sample flow meter closed and system and pump power switches in the off position.

1. Turn on the system power switch on the front panel. This supplies power to the heated line, the filter and dryer heaters and the temperature controller. Allow 10-15 seconds for the system to come fully on-line.
2. The temperature controller will display the dryer temperature.
3. Adjust the dryer set-point temperature to 35° C, or ten Celsius degrees above the maximum anticipated dew point temperature, whichever is higher. Click here for the temperature controller instructions.
4. Switch on the Pump Power. To prevent wet sample gas from entering the unheated dryer the sample pump is powered via the temperature controller. A relay in the temperature controller remains open until the system reaches 40° C. The system requires 10-15 minutes before the operating temperature is reached; and the pump then becomes energized. There will be a temperature spike associated with the start of sample flow. This is acceptable provided the temperature stabilizes within a few minutes.
5. Open the flow meter, adjust the flow to the desired rate (0.5 to 1 lpm). Lower flows result in dryer gas samples. Samples with a dew point of greater than 35° C should be run at not more than 0.5 lpm.

Shutdown Procedure

Do not permit wet gases to condense in the Nafion dryer. Follow this procedure to purge wet sample gas from the system before shutting down.

1. With system and pump power switches in the ON position remove the filter cap from the bottom of the enclosure. (Check the condition of the filter element.)
2. Allow the pump to run for at least two minutes.
3. Turn the power switches to the OFF position and replace the filter cap.