Use of a CO₂ Scrubber for Zero Calibrations

If an appropriate Zero calibration gas is not available, the included CO₂ Scrubber can be used. 

 

The scrubber is designed to remove CO₂ from ambient air.  Ambient air should not have a significant amount of CO or CH₄.  However it does have some CO₂ in it.  Using the scrubber will result in the instrument measuring a gas with no CO, CO₂, or CH₄ which is the function of a good zero gas.  Unfortunately, depending on the environment where the calibration is being performed, ambient air may contain trace amounts of CO and/or CH₄.  Also, the scrubber uses an expendable media that loses its effectiveness after repeated uses.  For these reasons, Super Systems Inc. recommends the use of Nitrogen or Argon instead of the scrubber whenever possible.

 

To use the CO₂ scrubber:  Remove the protective caps from the scrubber and attach it to the inlet hose on the PGA 3510.  The pump should then be turned on.  This will pull ambient air through the scrubber and into the analyzer. 

 

Always replace the caps on the CO₂ scrubber after use.  If it is left exposed to ambient air, the media will lose its effectiveness.  The amount of time that the Scrubber is exposed to ambient air is directly related to its effective life span.  If the protective caps are replaced after each use, the scrubber will provide years of service.

 

Never mistake the scrubber for a particulate filter.  Not only is it not designed for this purpose, but because it removes the CO₂ from the gas it will result in very inaccurate readings.  For these reasons, it should never be used during a Span calibration.