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Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Service Related FAQs | Product Related FAQs: Combustion Analyzers | Multi-Zone | H-10 PRO | Ultrasonic Leak Detectors | Fyrite Classic

Customer Service Related Questions:

Why do I need a return number before I ship my instrument?

The return number helps us to track the progress of your repair. Instruments sent without the proper return paperwork, return number and information on the outside of the package will cause delays in processing your order.

Do I have to pre-approve the cost of my repair?

Pre-approved orders reduce the time it takes to return your instrument. We strongly recommend that you include the pre-approved amount on your request form. Pre-approval is required for the 24 Hour Priority Service.

What will I be charged if the cost is less than the pre-approved amount?

In all cases, the actual cost of your repair will be applied to your purchase order or credit card. The pre-approved amount is an estimate maximum cost based on our experience of servicing instruments. A combustion analyzer, for example, may only need calibrated or one sensor and calibration which is less than the “Not to Exceed” price.

What if the cost exceeds the pre-approval amount?

We will contact you for approval in the event the actual cost will exceed the pre-approved amount. This typically indicates the service is more than just a sensor and / or calibration. Several sensors, a pump, circuit boards, etc.. may need replaced.

What if my instrument is not on the Service Pricing Guide list?

Contact our customer service department at (800) 736-4666 extension 2. Our Customer Service Reps can suggest a replacement for your instrument if we are not able to repair it.

Do I include my credit card information on my return request?

No. For security reasons, we do not accept credit card information through our website. We will contact you for your credit card information when your instrument is ready to be returned to you. Once approved, the paper copy in our possession will be shredded / destroyed. We do not keep any credit card information.

How will I know you have received my return request?

You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes of submitting your request. If you do not receive a confirmation within 1-2 hours, please call our customer service department at (800) 736-4666 extension 2.

How often should I calibrate my combustion analyzer?

Generally, instruments are calibrated on a yearly basis. A few instruments may require calibration every 6 to 9 months. Your company procedures may require more frequent calibrations and should be followed.

What is included in a standard calibration?

Standard calibration includes a certificate that provides the date of calibration, due date for next calibration, part number, serial number, model, return number and the technician number who performed the service.

Do I need a NIST certificate?

The NIST (National Institute of Standards & Technology) is a government agency that sets the standards for measurement and calibration. A NIST certificate provides traceability back to this government agency, and includes “before” and “after” readings, which are also known as “as found” and “as left” readings. There is an extra $105.00 charge added to the standard calibration for this certificate. A NIST certificate is generally required by most hospitals, laboratories and government agencies. You need this certificate if traceability is required.

What is the difference between a calibration and a functional test?

Calibration is the process used to adjust an instrument’s readout when a known gas source is applied. The instrument’s sensor drifts over a period of time and needs to be adjusted periodically to assure the readout is accurate. Instruments without a digital readout or physical scale cannot be calibrated. A functional test is the process used to determine if an instrument is working as it was intended. Functional tests are performed on instruments that do not have digital readout or scales. Instruments that are tested functionally include Leakators, Informants and H10’s.

What is the turn-around time after you receive my instrument?

We strive to repair all instruments within 4 business days upon receipt with our standard repair service. A 24 Hour Priority Service is available for select instruments if you need your instrument back sooner.

What accessories should I include with my instrument?

All accessories including probes, filters, printers, carrying case, etc. should be included with your instrument. This will ensure your instruments and all its components are in working order when returned to you.

Should I include batteries with my instrument?

Disposable batteries do not have to be included with your instrument. Rechargeable batteries should be included except for the large lithium ion batteries on the PGM-IR. Part numbers for these instruments include the 3015-4484, 3015-4790, 3015-5696, 3015-5720 and 3015-5751. Return your PGM-IR without the rechargeable battery. If you are unsure, please contact our customer service department at (800) 736-4666 extension 2.

Where do I send my instrument?

See our service locations.

What do the acronyms RMA & RGA mean?

RMA stands for Return Material Authorization and RGA stands for Return Goods Authorization.

Can I purchase a new instrument from Bacharach?

No. Our portable instruments are only sold through our authorized distributor partners. We only service our products to end users and distributors alike.

Can I trade in my old instrument?

Bacharach may offer a trade in rebate direct to end users. Please contact customer service at (800) 736-4666 extension 2 for more information.

Product Related Questions:

Working in a technical field, there are bound to be questions on the setup and operation of our products. Here we provide answers to many of the questions our tech support team answers multiple times on a day-to-day basis.

Don’t see your question listed? Rather speak to a live specialist? Have other concerns? Feel free to call our technical support staff at 1-800-736-4666. When prompted for an extension number, press three (3), and then two (2) again to reach our technical support queue. Technical support specialists are available Monday – Friday from 8AM – 5PM EST.

Combustion Analyzers

Why does my analyzer show “O2 Sensor Missing” when the sensor is installed?

Either the sensor is installed incorrectly, or the sensor is expired and needs replaced.

Why is my CO2 reading stuck and will not change?

The CO2 reading is a calculated number based on the fuel selected in the analyzer setup and the O2 reading. Typically, the CO2 appears stuck when the O2 sensor needs replaced and the O2 reading is always at 0.0%.

If I replace my oxygen sensor, do I need to calibrate the analyzer?

No. Each time you power up the instrument, it goes through a 60 second warm-up countdown. At the end of that countdown, the analyzer sets the O2 reading at 20.9% (ambient air O2 content) and the CO at 0 ppm, effectively calibrating the O2 channel.

How do I reset my O2 sensor code date on my Fyrite InTech and Fyrite Insight Plus?

Enter into the main menu, then the diagnostics menu, and finally select the O2 Sensor Life option. Depress the F3 key to reset the date code. Enter the O2 date code from the new sensor and depress the center key. Verify the month and year are correct, then depress the center key again. Return to the main menu and begin testing. See section 5.4.3 of the user manual for further specification.

What is the suggested calibration interval of my combustion analyzer?

Depending on which model you have, it can be either 6 months or 1 year. PCA, PCA2, Fyrite Tech60, Fyrite Pro and ECA450 have a 6 month calibration interval. Fyrite InTech, Fyrite Insight, Fyrite Insight Plus, PCA3 and PCA 400 have a 1 year calibration interval.

How do the B-Smart sensors work?

The B-Smart CO sensors are standard CO sensors that are run through multiple gas level tests and are given a B-Smart code based on the sensor output. Once installed in an analyzer, this B-Smart code is entered into the analyzer, which tells the instrument how to interpret the sensor output, and what to display on the analyzer screen. See section 5.4.5 of the user manual for further specification.

Why is my T-Stack reading showing as stars (******)?

This is an indication that the thermocouple is not connected to the correct input, is bad, or the wires inside the thermocouple male connector on the probe assembly are broken or disconnected. See section 6.1 of the user manual for further specification.

Why am I getting dashes (—-) for my efficiency, CO2, excess air and CO air free readings?

These are all calculated values that require all inputs be present and that the O2 reading is less than 16%. If the O2 reading is 16% or higher, the programming of the analyzer will only show dashes, thus indicating an extremely poor combustion process, or no valid combustion process is occurring. This can also occur if there is a leak or obstruction in the probe assembly or an inoperable sample pump. See section 6.1 of the user manual for further specification.

Why do I not get any change in my readings when I place the probe in my furnace exhaust stack?

Make sure the analyzer is in the RUN mode and the pump is running. Check that the T-Stack is indicating a temperature and that the O2 level is below 16%. If the O2 level is 16% or higher, check the device you are testing to make sure it is actually exhausting gasses lower than 16%. Check the probe for leaks or obstructions, and check the pump for proper vacuum or pull.

Multi-Zone

How Do I Resolve an “1800 Fault”?

Please see our technical bulletin HGM-MZ Sample Pump Flow and Manifold Testing for information on resolving an 1800 fault. It is the first topic covered in the bulletin. See section 4.5.3 of the user manual for further specification.

What is the supply voltage requirement?

Can the MZ be set for different refrigerants?

Each zone of the HGM-MZ can be set for a different refrigerant in the 1st Zone Setup screen. See section 4.2 of the user manual for further specification.

Can I set different alarm levels for different zones?

Each zone of the HGM-MZ can be set for different alarm levels in the 2nd Zone Setup screen. See section 4.3 of the user manual for further specification.

How do I reset alarms?

You must first acknowledge all alarms, then the alarms will reset automatically once the affected zones are sampled again.

How do I acknowledge alarms?

If the HGM-MZ is set for AUTO Acknowledge, the MZ will acknowledge automatically. If the HGM-MZ is set for MANUAL, it will be necessary to highlight each zone in the alarm screen and depress the left arrow to acknowledge each zone. See section 4.4.4 of the user manual for further specification.

How do I reset faults?

All faults will reset automatically once the fault condition is corrected.

Why do I need to set the sample tube length for each zone?

Setting the sample tube length is required so the HGM-MZ samples each zone for the correct amount of time to pull the sample into the HGM-MZ for proper analysis. See section 4.2.3 of the user manual for further specification.

What is the recommended maintenance required for the HGM-MZ?

Annually replace the hydrophobic filter inside the case and the external charcoal purge filter. Sample tube line end filters should be cleaned or replaced annually as well. See section 5.1 of the user manual for further specification.

Where should my purge line be routed?

Ideally, the purge line should be routed outside the building to an area that is free of all contaminates. If this is not possible, the purge line should be routed outside of any area where there might be refrigerant. The charcoal purge filter should be used in all instances. See section 2.2.3 of the user manual for further specification.

How can I stop moisture from entering my HGM-MZ?

You can use a line end water stop P/N 3015-5512 or an in-line water trap P/N 0007-1655 on each line that presents a moisture issue. See section 2.2.7 of the user manual for further specification.

How can I get a 4/20 ma analog output from the HGM-MZ?

You must purchase and install a 4/20 ma dual channel output PC card P/N 3015-5512. See section 2.9 of the user manual for further specification.

Can I connect the HGM-MZ to a BacNet communication interface?

Yes. This will require the purchase and installation of a BacNet converter P/N 3015-5705. See instruction BACnet Protocol Converter Kit for Use with Bacharach Multi-Zone Gas Monitors for further details.

H-10 PRO

How do I clean the pump on the H-10 PRO?

  1. Remove the two Phillips head screws that are located inside the probe storage area.
    CAUTION: DO NOT loosen or remove the two screws located on the back slotted area of the chassis.
  2. Disconnect the battery and remove the chassis from the case, invert it, and lay it on the workspace.
  3. Remove the four Torx screws from the bottom of the pump using a T6 Torx driver.
  4. Disassemble the two plates and rubber valve plate from the pump.
  5. Remove the rubber valve plate and clean with a clean, dry cotton swab and a can of keyboard duster.
    CAUTION: When using the keyboard duster, make sure you hold the rubber valve plate to avoid blowing it from the bench top.
  6. Re-assemble in reverse order and check pump for proper operation.

Ultrasonic Leak Detectors

What is an Ultrasonic Leak Detector?

An Ultrasonic Leak Detector is a leak detector based on ultrasound that can detect pressurized gas leaks for any gas, static leaks, and vacuum leaks. Gas leaks typically make high frequency sounds that are inaudible to the human ear. The detector listens for these sounds, and provides visual and audible feedback to the user to isolate a leak.

What types of gases does it detect?

All types of gases.

Can I use an Ultrasonic Leak Detector in HVAC/R?

Yes. An ultrasonic leak detector can detect refrigerant and combustible gas leaks. It listens for high frequency sound waves, and is not limited to specific refrigerants or gases. It does not detect gas concentration (e.g. ppm), but only the sounds made by an active leak.

Can an ultrasonic leak detector detect Nitrogen?

Yes.

Can an ultrasonic leak detector detect CO2?

Yes.

Can an ultrasonic leak detector detect Ammonia?

Yes. You must be very careful around ammonia refrigeration systems since ammonia is asphyxiating. It will not detect a leaked concentration (ppm), but only the sounds made by an active leak.

How can an ultrasonic leak detector detect all these gases?

The detector is detecting sound, not a chemical property of the leaked gas. It does not matter what the gas is, as long as it is flowing.

Is an ultrasonic leak detector affected by high concentrations of gases or refrigerants?

No, since it does not detect a chemical in air it does not matter how much gas or refrigerant is in air. There are no chemical-based sensors that need to be replaced or can be damaged or over-saturated from high concentrations.

Is ultrasonic leak detection limited by wind on a rooftop?

No, ultrasound travels at the same speed in calm or windy air and it travels much faster than wind. The speed of sound is 767 mph or 1,234 km/h. In high wind situations traditional refrigerant and combustible gas detectors may never see high enough concentrations to detect a leak.

Can I find vacuum leaks?

Yes. Air sucked into a system from a leak point will generate ultrasound just like when it leaks under pressure out of the system. An ultrasonic leak detector is the only technology which can detect vacuum leaks from the outside of the system and pinpoint the leak point.

At what distance can an ultrasonic leak detector find a leak?

Typically 10 to 40 feet (3 – 13 meters) depending on leak size, shape and system pressure.

How easy is it to locate a leak from distance?

It is very easy to find where the leak is since ultrasound is a highly directional sound wave. It moves in straight lines and does not bend like our voice around objects. Tracing it will take you to the leak.

How fast can I find a leak?

Leaks can be located very fast. Ultrasonic leak detection allows you to move more quickly around suspected points than you can with gas-specific sniffer leak detectors.

Is it affected by other sounds in the area?

Not to audible sounds we hear, but there is a lot of ultrasound around us that we do not know is there since we cannot hear it. Example sources of ultrasonic noise are switching power supplies, variable speed drives (VFD), lighting systems, computer monitors and many others. Our technology will allow you to distinguish between leaks and mechanical sounds simultaneously so you can distinguish which is the leak.

How do I find internal leaks?

Restrictions in pipe systems or leaks through valves generate ultrasound. Touching the valve with the touch probe attachment will transfer the leak sound to the ultrasonic leak detector which will indicate the leak.

Can I detect problems in Thermal Expansion Valves (TXVs)?

You can detect in 10 minutes a faulty TXV where it can take you an hour with the usual (superheat) techniques.

Can I use ultrasonic leak detection techniques on other valves?

Yes, any kind of valve.

Steam traps are automatic purging valves. How can I inspect them?

Using the touch probe. You touch the valve and hear if the steam trap is cycling, stuck open, or closed

Should I inspect all steam traps in a system?

Yes. Each leaky trap can waste hundreds to thousands of dollars in energy costs per year. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) estimates that in facilities using steam at any moment 20 – 30% of the traps leak.

Can an ultrasonic leak detector detect condensate in a pipe?

Yes. The Tru Pointe 2100 can detect the sound condensate makes as it flows in a pipe.

What is the SoundBlaster?

The SoundBlaster is an ultrasound generator that helps you find leaks when you cannot pressurize a space. Examples include rooms, walk-in coolers, display cases, tanks, vehicle cabins, and more.

How is the SoundBlaster used?

You place the SoundBlaster inside the cooler, room, or tank you want to test for (air) leaks and turn it on. You go to the outside, close the door, and using an ultrasonic leak detector you search for sound escaping from cracks or other problems in gaskets or seals.

Can I find water leaks in windshields?

Yes. Place the ultrasonicsound generator in the vehicle, close the doors and windows, and search with an ultrasonic leak detector from the outside around the seals. Similarly, you can find leaks in trunk seals or any other enclosures that need to be leak free such as tanks, truck trailers (refrigerated or normal), even the hatches on bulk carrier ships.

Can I send ultrasound down a pipe to check for leaks?

No. Sound does not travel well in pipes, and especially ultrasound which gets attenuated in long runs and in bends.

Can I check heat exchangers in heaters with the sound generator and the ultrasonic leak detector?

No, the sound generator will vibrate the thin sheet metal of the exchanger and give false positives

Can I find leaks in pipes inside walls?

Yes, if it makes a lot of sound (it is large) and the pipe is not covered by thick insulation. However, sometimes it is necessary to leak test these portions at 500 psi with nitrogen.

Can I find leaks in insulated pipes from compressor rooms to coolers & freezers from a distance?

Generally, no. Sometimes it is necessary to leak test these portions at 500 psi with nitrogen and cut a small slit on the jacket to insert a piece of ¼ tubing as a waveguide to check between the wall of the pipe and the insulation.

Can I find leaks underground?

Usually, no. If the pressure is very high it is possible using the touch probe  and a metal rod nailed in the ground to locate the general vicinity, which may be enough.

Can I find leaks in overhead lines?

Yes. An ultrasonic leak detector is the only detector that can locate a leak independent of gas from distance.

Can you find mechanical and electrical problems with these instruments?

Friction generates ultrasound. These ultrasound waves propagate through a machine and can be detected at various points. The stronger point is where it is generated and it is usually in bearings. Similarly, arcing inside relays and contactors makes ultrasound even if they seem “normal:

Can I tell if a bearing is going bad?

Yes. You can listen to bearings and hear changes in sound as problems develop.

Can I tell if a bearing needs grease and how much?

Yes. You can hear the sound of a bearing before you grease it, during (you can even hear the grease entering), and after so you know exactly when to stop.

What types of electrical problems can you find?

The most common problem is arcing. Arcing ocurs in switches, contactors, and relays when the contacts wear out. Arcing is a phenomenon that can take place at any voltage, high or low. Arcing makes a sound like frying food.

Can I detect corona?

Yes. Corona happens around high voltage insulators. Eventually it will turn into an arc with catastrophic results This happens in high voltage transformers

What other electrical problems can I find?

“Strange” sounds around motors, generators, power supplies and variable frequency drives (VFD). Most switching power supplies use high frequency transformers which exhibit a phenomenon called magnetostriction. This phenomenon causes the core of the transformer to constrict when the magnetic field around it rises very fast in a pulse like manner. This should sound like a high pitch tone, however if it is exhibiting crackling noises the core is either damaged or loose.  Similarly rotating electrical machinery should sound smooth and free from sparks and other transient noises. With consistent usage your ultrasonic leak detector will teach you which of these sounds are normal and which are not.

How do I perform an inspection on a steam trap?

See section 5.6.2 of the EPRI Predictive Maintenance Primer

https://www.epri.com/#/pages/product/1007350/

Fyrite Classic

How do I determine the “Born-On” date for my Fyrite fluid?

The date code is printed on a sticker located on the label attached to your bottle of Fyrite fluid. It is the top number printed on the sticker.

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