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Safety Precautions for Maintaining an NH3 (Ammonia) Analyzer

Written by | Published: 08.20.2019

Safety Precautions for Maintaining an NH3 (Ammonia) AnalyzerNH3 (ammonia) analyzers enable professionals to measure ammonia (NH3) concentrations in ambient air. NH3 can be hazardous to one’s health.

Since usage and environmental conditions vary greatly, one should inspect the components frequently until an appropriate maintenance schedule is determined.  Below are some general precautions and suggestions for maintaining the analyzer.  However, always refer to the instrument’s user manual and operating instructions before attempting to clean or inspect the analyzer. Read the safety precautions before performing any actions.

  1. If the equipment is operated in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
  2.  Do not attempt to lift the instrument by the cover or other external fittings.
  3. Some internal components can be damaged by small amounts of static electricity. A properly grounded antistatic wrist strap must be worn while handling any internal component. If an antistatic wrist strap is not available, be sure to touch a grounded metal object before touching any internal components. When the instrument is unplugged, the chassis is not at earth ground.
  4. Clean the outside case using a damp cloth being careful not to damage the labels on the case. Do not use solvents or other cleaning products to clean the outside case.
  5. The instrument should be inspected occasionally for obvious visible defects, such as loose connectors, loose fittings, cracked or clogged lines, and excessive dust or dirt accumulation. Dust and dirt can accumulate in the instrument and can cause overheating or component failure. Dirt on the components prevents efficient heat dissipation and may provide conducting paths for electricity. The best way to clean the inside of the instrument is to first carefully vacuum all accessible areas and then blow away the remaining dust with low pressure compressed air. Use a soft paint brush or cloth to remove stubborn dirt.
  6. Replace the ozonator air feed drying column as needed.
  7. Inspect and replace the converter capillaries if needed.
  8. Inspect and clean the thermoelectric cooler fins.
  9. Inspect and clean the fan filters.
  10. Rebuild or replace the pump as needed.

Additional Notes and Cautions:

The service procedures above and in the user manual are restricted to qualified service representatives.  If the equipment is operated in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. 

  • Carefully observe the instructions in each procedure. Avoid contact with converter heated components. Allow converter to cool to room temperature before handling converter components.
  • Handle all printed circuit boards by the edges.
  • Do not point the photomultiplier tube at a light source. This can permanently damage the tube.
  • Do not remove the LCD panel or frame from the LCD module.
    • The LCD polarizing plate is very fragile, handle it carefully.
    • Do not wipe the LCD polarizing plate with a dry cloth, it may easily scratch the plate. 
    • Do not use alcohol, acetone, MEK or other Ketone based or aromatic solvents to clean the LCD module; use a soft cloth moistened with a naphtha cleaning solvent.
    • Do not place the LCD module near organic solvents or corrosive gases.
    • Do not shake or jolt the LCD module.

For additional details, consult the user manual or contact your manufacturer’s representative.

Editor’s Note: Additional information:  Ammonia Chemiluminescent Gas Analyzer Product Specifications

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