306 / 306WAM FAQ
Can I clean a Teledyne flower cell used in a 306WAM? |
Which flowmeter do I use with my 306 instrument when Argon is the background gas? |
I have a Teledyne trace oxygen analyzer Model 306WA. What is the life expectancy of the Cell? I also need information for purchasing the solution of 10% Potassium Hydroxide in Distilled Water. I mostly run Argon, Nitrogen and Helium through the analyzer. |
What are the start-up and span calibration procedures for Models 306, 307, 308 and 356? |
Please provide instructions for using the Teledyne O2 cell-simulator to simulate the signal from any of the three classes of flower cells used in a 306 analyzer. |
We set the calibrator pot at 75 ppm, and position the range switch to 100 ppm, and then turn the calibrator ON. According the procedure the readings should increase but actually the reading is non-responsive. Please explain.
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We measured the voltage at terminals 6 & 7 strip TS5. The voltage is 0.54 V. It should 1 - 3 V. Please explain. |
Please advise the factory recommended concentration of zero and span calibration. |
We have a flushing piping system with an air compressor to clean up the deposit from the piping. We re-installed the panel. And then filled the reservoir with distilled water, and connected the nitrogen to the inlet.
We turned the nitrogen on and adjusted the sample flow valve until the ball was in the target, but there is no air bubble inside the column humidifier. We increased the flow until the ball was at the maximum position. We continued to the next step and wet the wick with type A electrolyte. When we removed the calibrator, the water level in the column humidifier climbed to the maximum until the column was full of water.
We assume there is a clog in the tubing 1/8" behind the chassis. Please advise whether we have to cut the tubing or if there is any alternative way to normalize the flow.
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How much distilled water should we have in the reservoir? |
We are confused about purging the analyzer. The instruction manual states 12 - 16 hours and yet the start up calibration procedure says only 1 hour. Please clarify.
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Regarding the 306WAM, what is the part number for the control board, and is it set to 40 degrees? |
What happens if the Class III cathode is used on a 306 unit designed for Class 1 sensor? |
Could you please advise how to mount the flowmeter in the 306WA? Which side goes downwards? |
What type electrolyte do I use on the 306? |
Could you please advise the part number for silver electrode of sensor? Is it sold separately? |
We are currently using type A electrolyte solution in our 306 for testing low ppm in pure gases. We need to test for ppm in gases with a concentration of CO2 in the 1-5% range. If we change to type C solution can we still test for low ppm levels in pure gases or do we need to have a separate cell.
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Our 306 is putting out less than 4 ma output on zero gas. Is there an adjustment to bring the output back to 4 ma on zero gas? |
Do you have technical specifications for pneumatic valves from Nupro-Swagelok? |
We have installed a new cell in an old 306 but the zero readings are far too high. How do we adjust the zero readings? There is no button for this task. |
Does Teledyne have a field cleaning procedure for flower cells? |
What are the 3 versions for the 306WA sensors available? |
I have to change a sensor for a 306 analyzer, the customer says the sensor has dried out again. It took one week. What do you recommend that we do? Can the sensor dry out that quickly?
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For additional questions, please contact Technical Support.
Q: Can I clean a Teledyne flower cell used in a 306WAM?
A: Yes, it is a simple process to clean the cathode and anode of the flower cell.
Place the cell upside down into boiling KOPH (type A electrolyte) for 30 minutes to one hour, making sure the cell is not sitting flat on the bottom of the container. Make use of the bolts which came with the sensor to raise the cell 1/2" off the bottom of the container.
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Q: Which flowmeter do I use with my 306 instrument when Argon is the background gas?
A: While the price book lists B-06274A, B-06274H and the B-06274N as possible options, choose the B-06274A for Argon gas.
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Q: I have a Teledyne trace oxygen analyzer Model 306WA. What is the life expectancy of the Cell? I also need information for purchasing the solution of 10% Potassium Hydroxide in Distilled Water. I mostly run Argon, Nitrogen and Helium through the analyzer.
A: The sensors for our 306WA trace oxygen analyzers have a very long operating life when maintained properly. As long as the open cathode (the flower mesh you see on the cell) is not broken, and as long as the oxygen concentration the sensor is subjected to is in trace levels, the only maintenance required is a periodic refilling of the electrolyte when the level drops below the mark on the side of the sensor.
306WA analyzers are one of TAI's older analyzers, and have since been replaced by 3000TAXL, UltraTrace 3000, and BDS-3000 analyzers (choice is application dependent).
You can still procure new sensors and sensor electrolyte from us. For argon, nitrogen and helium gases, the electrolyte used is A-44608 (Type A electrolyte), which is US$35.00 per liter. Please note there is a minimum order of US$150 per purchase order plus US$9.95 for handling. A replacement sensor for 306WA is $350.00, should you need one. We have three classes of the 306WA sensors which are range dependent. When ordering a new sensor, please specify the operating ranges of your analyzer.
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Q: What are the start-up and span calibration procedures for Models 306, 307, 308 and 356?
A: Span and calibration information for this series can be found by downloading this PDF file. For more simplified start-up procedures specific to Model 306, try this PDF file.
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Q: Please provide instructions for using the Teledyne O2 cell-simulator to simulate the signal from any of the three classes of flower cells used in a 306 analyzer.
A:
Analyzer Ranges
| Simulator Settings
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Class III cell: (has 4 screens)
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1000 ppm
| C3 set at 50%
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100 ppm
| C3 set at 5%
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10 ppm
| C3 set at 0.5%
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1 ppm
| C3 set at 500 ppm
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Class II cell: (has 10 screens)
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500 ppm
| C3 set at 10%
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50 ppm
| C3 set at 1%
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5 ppm
| C3 set at 1000 ppm
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0.5 ppm
| C3 set at 100 ppm
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Cell I cell: (has 15 screens)
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1000 ppm
| B3 set at 50%
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100 ppm
| B3 set at 50%
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10 ppm
| B3 set at 50%
|
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Q: We set the calibrator pot at 75 ppm, and position the range switch to 100 ppm, and then turn the calibrator ON. According the procedure the readings should increase but actually the reading is non-responsive. Please explain.
A: We suspect the calibrator is not producing current.
The wick must be wet with some of the same electrolyte that is used in the cell.
Remove the two screws from the calibrator block, and carefully move the block away to access the attached wick. Wet the wick with some electrolyte, then blot the excess on clean paper, and then re-install the calibrator. Place a current meter in series with the calibrator to check for 0-4 madc across the range of the calibrator pot.
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Q: We measured the voltage at terminals 6 & 7 strip TS5. The voltage is 0.54 V. It should 1 - 3 V. Please explain.
A: With the calibrator wire disconnected, check across 6 & 7 of TS5 for about 13 volts.
if that's OK, then the calibrator may be shorted.
If wetting the wick does not help, then replace the calibrator.
If the 13 volts is not at 6 & 7, check for a fault in the calibrator's current supply circuit, per the schematic.
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Q: Please advise the factory recommended concentration of zero and span calibration.
A: Span gas should be 70% to 99% of the range.
Example: use 80 ppm O2 for 100 ppm range.
No zero gas is required. Use low ppm oxygen sample gas to purge the cell, If the O2 in the cell is too high (when replacing the cell or electrolyte).
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Q: We assume there is a clog in the tubing 1/8" behind the chassis. Please advise whether we have to cut the tubing or if there is any alternative way to normalize the flow.
A: Always keep the vent line open and to prevent the humidifier column from overflowing. You should close the flow valve before removing the calibrator.
If there is a blockage in the tubes that cannot be removed by forcing compressed gas though the system, you will have to find out where the blockage is and, if possible, try to dislodge it with piano wire.
There are procedures in the manual to remove the flowtube and the humidifier. The tubing is welded so to open will require cutting the tubing.
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Q: How much distilled water should we have in the reservoir?
A: The reservoir should not be filled. it should have about one quart of water.
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Q: We are confused about purging the analyzer. The instruction manual states 12 - 16 hours and yet the start up calibration procedure says only 1 hour. Please clarify.
A: It is necessary to purge the analyzer overnight, or 12-16 hours, whenever the cell or electrolyte has been replaced. When the cell has been exposed to Air or high levels of oxygen, it will take this time for all the oxygen to be removed so that the analyzer can be used to measure ppm levels of Oxygen.
The procedure suggests that you allow at least an hour of N2 purging before connecting the cell wires. With the wires connected you can see the meter reading as the reading drops.
Generally this time is allowed for the output of the cell to drop low enough so that the amplifier circuit does not become saturated if the cell is connected. (example from air at 20.9% down to 1000ppm range).
The purge will still have to continue until the O2 is low enough to calibrate and to read low ppm sample.
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Q: Regarding the 306WAM, what is the part number for the control board, and is it set to 40 degrees?
A: The temperature control board for this analyzer is P/N C14449. It is set for 40 degrees C. The selected resistor for R2 was 8.25K ohms.
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Q: What happens if the Class III cathode is used on a 306 unit designed for Class 1 sensor?
A: If a Class III cathode is used on a 306 unit designed for Class 1 sensor, the sensor current output is not sufficient for the unit to run. A Class III screen has small surface area while Class I needs a very large surface area. The 306 unit designed for Class I has no amplifier, so adjusting the gain is impossible for this case.
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Q: Could you please advise how to mount the flowmeter in the 306WA? Which side goes downwards?
A: The longer end goes up and the shorter end down. Insert longer end and push upward, then put in shorter end and pull downward to seat properly. To remove, first gently push the tube upwards until the bottom end is out.
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Q: What type electrolyte do I use on the 306?
A: Type A Electrolyte (A44608 Activator Kit Type A HAZ) should be used to measure ppm O2 in He.
FYI, A44609 Calibration Kit Type C is only used when background gas is CO2.
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Q: Could you please advise the part number for silver electrode of sensor? Is it sold separately?
A: The silver screen assemblies are not sold separately, The complete cell-assembly must be purchased. P/N C01372-1, -11, or -111.
This instrument model is obsolete and have been discontinued. Availability of replacements cells are limited to what is currently in stock.
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Q: We are currently using type A electrolyte solution in our 306 for testing low ppm in pure gases. We need to test for ppm in gases with a concentration of CO2 in the 1-5% range. If we change to type C solution can we still test for low ppm levels in pure gases or do we need to have a separate cell.
A: It is okay to use the type "C" electrolyte solution for this application. The Teledyne part number is A44609
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Q: Our 306 is putting out less than 4 ma output on zero gas. Is there an adjustment to bring the output back to 4 ma on zero gas?
A: Here is the procedure:
Disconnect both wires from the cell and verify that the analog meter reads zero and the E/I card outputs 4 ma +/- 0.36 ma.
If both oare okay, but the reading goes below 4 ma when the cell is connected, clean the cell and replace the electrolyte,
If the reading is still low replace the cell.
If the reading is low with no cell attached, check for close to 0.0 mv at the pin #6 of E/I board connector.
If it is close to 0.0 mv, verify if the analyzer has negative ground 4 to 20 ma card. If it does adjust R 7 on the board for 4 ma output.
If you have the isolated 4 to 20 ma board, you can recognize it by either a large blue IC on it or a small board piggy backing over the I/E board. The board will need to be replaced.
If pin #6 is not close to 0.0 mv, check A1 and/or A2 op amps and associated components as per the schematic.
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Q: Do you have technical specifications for pneumatic valves from Nupro-Swagelok?
A: Please review the following documents:
DA Technical Report
DA Valves
DA to DP Conversion
DA Series Spare Parts
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Q: We have installed a new cell in an old 306 but the zero readings are far too high. How do we adjust the zero readings? There is no button for this task.
A: There is no pot adjustment for zero calibration on this model analyzer.
Two main reasons for the analyzer to indicate a higher output than the gas supply are:
1) The reading is the actual amount of oxygen in the cell. possibly from a leak in the sample system. Perform the leak test to locate and repair the leak:
pro_o2leaks.pdf
The above leak test also applies to the cell for the cells used in the Model 306 analyzers.
2) There is an electronic offset in the amplifier circuit. Disconnect one of the leads from the cell, this will remove the cell's input from the circuit. If there is no input to the electronics, the output should read zero on all three rages. If the reading is above zero, there is a problem with the electronics. Refer to the schematic to trouble shoot the amplifier circuit.
Also, some other reasons for high output include a bad zero gas supply, the meter needs mechanical zero adjustment, bad cell, incorrect cell electrolyte level and an air bubble in the cell.
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Q: Does Teledyne have a field cleaning procedure for flower cells?
A: We normally do not recommend that the user attempt this in the field. Our recommendation is to return fault sensors to use for repair - refurbishment or replacement.
However, if one must attempt this, we can suggest the following -
Here are a couple of options to clean cell while on site.
Option 1: this is the easiest but might not work all times.
boil some 10% KOH solution (if this is possible).
pour hot solution into cell to cover as much to cover the interior silver screen & lead.
swirl solution in the cell and then quickly pour out the solution from cell into a disposal container.
repeat 2 more times,
then, rinse a couple of times with DI water.
pour fresh un-boiled KOH solution into the cell (fill as recommended in the 306 manual).
Note: If possible, this fresh solution should be purged with N2 gas prior (maybe 20-30 mins) to pouring into cell.
install cell in unit.
Option 2:
rinse suspect cell with DI water.
remove the lead anode and silver screen form cell.
boil both pcs in KOH solution in separate containers.
while solution is boiling, rinse cell body with DI water and dry.
for the lead: after boiling, remove from hot solution and quickly rinse in DI water.
rinse again in water.
quickly dry off the water with tissue or clean cloth..
with clean tissue or cloth, polish the lead to make it look shiny and bright.
for the screen: remove from hot solution and quickly rinse in DI water.
replace both pcs inside the dry cell body.
rinse once with fresh un-boiled KOH.
add fresh KOH solution into the cell (fill as recommended in the 306 manual).
Note: If possible, this fresh solution should be purged with N2 gas prior (maybe 20-30 mins) to pouring into cell.
install cell in unit
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Q: What are the 3 versions for the 306WA sensors available?
A: There are 3 classes of flower cells for the 306WA depending on application.
C1372 Class I, C1372 Class II, C1372 Class III
You can also supply the 3 different electrolyte depending on application.
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Q: I have to change a sensor for a 306 analyzer, the customer says the sensor has dried out again. It took one week. What do you recommend that we do? Can the sensor dry out that quickly?
A: If the 306 analyzer is operating correct with the proper humidity & flow-meter setting, the sensor should not dry out at all. From the information that you provided, several things could be happening:
1. Before sensor installation, make sure the electrolyte level in the sensor is correct (as the manual indicates):
Carefully pour in electrolyte until it just touches the bottom edge of the silver screen assembly at all points. This is indicated by a definite wicking of electrolyte onto the screen assembly at every point along the bottom edge. It is essential at this point that the bottom edge of the screen assembly be wetted at all points (as seen by the wicking action), but not over-immersed (as large a surface area as possible of the screen assembly must remain above the electrolyte, while every point of the bottom edge must be wetted).
NOTE: The electrolyte level in the cell is critically related to its sensitivity due to the change in the cathode surface area exposed to the electrolyte.
2. The water reservoir could probably be very low or empty. If this is the case, the reservoir is located on the right side of the analyzer case.
a)Insure that the cap on the drain spout is securely tightened.
b) Remove cap from fill port on top of reservoir.
c) Pour distilled water into reservoir until it is half full (about one quart). The water will automatically flow into the humidifier column.
d) Replace cap on fill port and securely tighten. A missing or loose cap will permit the sample to vent into the analyzer case.
2. Sample gas flow on the meter is too low.
a) Adjust the valve so that the flow-meter float is centered in the flow rate reference indicator.
b) Open the throttle valve carefully – low flow rate may cause insufficient water to go to the sensors causing the electrolyte level to decrease.
c) The flow-meter indicator under the sensor has been factory set to a flow rate of 150 cc/min. on the bull eye on the flow-meter for the specified sample gas.
4. Humidity Control could be off or the setting could be very low. It could also be not working. Per manual, the humidity control is located on the front panel of the control unit and is adjusted to maintain a constant electrolyte level in the detector cell. In effect, the control governs the humidity of the sample which is directed to the cell.
a) At start-up, the humidity control knob should be set to 30. Note the cell electrolyte level as a reference. Approximately 3/32" of the bottom edge of the screen assembly should be immersed in the electrolyte.
b) Operate the analyzer for 24 hours and compare the electrolyte level with the “reference” established in Step 1. If the level is lower than the reference, adjust the knob a few divisions
clockwise; if higher, adjust a few divisions counterclockwise.
c) Operate another 24 hours and repeat Step 2.
d) Continue adjustments at ever-increasing intervals until a constant electrolyte level is attained in the cell.
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