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August 2015

Volume II, Edition 8

Consider these 5 tips and tricks when measuring SO2:  

C-Series analyzers

Sales and support for the Thermo Scientific C-series Gas Analyzers will be discontinued beginning August 1, 2015. 

Read discontinuation notice


Set up a pre-calibration check

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Prior to putting your Thermo Scientific™ Model 43i SO2 Analyzer into service or performing the final compliance calibration, you may want to perform a pre-calibration of the unit. Thermo Scientific Model 43i SO2 Analyzer series pre-calibration procedures are specific to the individual model. Click on the link below for your specific model’s setup procedure:

Thermo Scientific™ Model 43i SO2 Analyzer Pre-Calibration*
Thermo Scientific™ Model 43i-HL High Level SO2 Analyze Pre-Calibration*
Thermo Scientific™ Model 43i-TLE Trace Level SO2 Analyze Pre-Calibration*


Set the proper lamp voltage

Avoid mercury loss from your wet scrubber

Each model requires a different lamp voltage setting, see table below for the appropriate volts and life expectancy for your particular SO2 Analyzer.  Please note, when installing the Model 43i UV Lamp ensure your lamp is fully seated into the lamp socket. If it is not properly seated, there is a chance of arcing which will shorten the life of the lamp.

ModelVolts    Life Expectancy
Thermo Scientific Model 43i SO2 Analyzer800     3-5 years
Thermo Scientific Model 43i-HL High Level SO2 Analyzer600     5+ years
Thermo Scientific Model 43i-TLE Trace Level SO2 Analyzer1000     1-2 years


Don’t clean the mirrors

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DO NOT attempt to clean the mirrors in the mirror housing assembly. These mirrors do not come in contact with the sample gas and should not be cleaned. Cleaning the mirrors can damage them. If you need to replace the entrance mirror or mirror block housing due to UV degradation, see Mirror Housing Technical Bulletin  for details*. 


Lamp Intensity Alarms or Lamp Voltage Alarms

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When the Thermo Scientific Model 43i SO2 Analyzer is exhibiting lamp voltage alarms or an intensity alarm, it may be related to one of three components: Flash Lamp, UV Socket Assembly or the Flash Intensity Assembly. Symptoms could also be related to the measurement interface board or mirror block assembly but that would be in the more remote instance. See Troubleshooting Technical Bulletin  for details.*


Take a look at your kicker

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The kicker is a tube that removes hydrocarbons from the sample by forcing the hydrocarbon molecules to permeate through the tube wall. The SO2 molecules pass through the hydrocarbon “kicker” unaffected. It typically has a lifespan of three to five years depending on the application. If you are experiencing non-linear performance, it could be your hydrocarbon kicker. Inspect your hydrocarbon kicker for color changes. If the majority of the tubing is discolored, this could be an indication that your kicker needs to be replaced. It is also possible to have no discoloration and have a faulty kicker if there is a pin hole leak in the tubing, for example. To order this replacement part (part #8746) email or call Customer Service at (866) 282-0430, option 1.


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Support

Factory repair

Schedule your analyzer, calibrator, probe controller or probe for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) to factory depot repair for complete maintenance and factory specification service.

*If any links have expired please visit the Online Library to view the Technical Bulletins within this issue.