Operation
ALTAIR 5X/ALTAIR 5X IR
32
GB
3 Operation
Device operation is dialog driven from the display with the aid of the three function
buttons [→ chapter 2.2].
For more information, see the flow charts in chapter 7.
3.1 Environmental Factors
A number of environmental factors may affect the gas sensor readings, including
changes in pressure, humidity and temperature. Pressure and humidity changes af-
fect the amount of oxygen actually present in the atmosphere.
Pressure Changes
If pressure changes rapidly [e.g., stepping through airlock], the oxygen sensor read-
ing may temporarily shift and possibly cause the detector to alarm. While the per-
centage of oxygen may remain at or near 20.8 Vol %, the total amount of oxygen
present in the atmosphere available for respiration may become a hazard if the
overall pressure is reduced by a significant degree.
Humidity Changes
If humidity changes by any significant degree [e.g., going from a dry, air conditioned
environment to outdoor, moisture laden air], oxygen readings can be reduced by up
to 0.5 %, due to water vapour in the air displacing oxygen.
The oxygen sensor has a special filter to reduce the effects of humidity changes on
oxygen readings. This effect will not be noticed immediately, but slowly impacts
oxygen readings over several hours.
Temperature Changes
The sensors have built-in temperature compensation. However, if temperature
shifts dramatically, the sensor reading could shift.
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