58-liter calibration or bump-test gas cylinder for MSA Altair 4X/5X Monitor (20ppm H2S, 60ppm CO, 15%O2, 1.45% vol. CH4)
CA$289.99
58-liter calibration (or bump-test) gas cylinder (20ppm H2S, 60ppm CO, 15%O2, 1.45% vol. CH4) | MSA
Description:
This is a 58-liter calibration (or bump-test) gas cylinder containing a quaternary gas blend tailored for multi-gas portable detectors (especially for LEL/combustible, CO, H2S, and O2 sensors). The gas mix is:
Methane (CH?): 1.45% by volume — used to simulate a low-level combustible gas (equivalent to ~58% LEL when expressed as a pentane-simulant).
Oxygen (O?): 15.0% — lower than atmospheric (~20.9%) to verify response of oxygen sensors.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): 60 ppm — for calibrating CO sensors.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): 20 ppm — to test H2S sensor response.
Balance gas: Nitrogen (N). (Used as inert diluent.)
This blend is especially suitable for bump testing or calibrating 4-gas detectors (e.g., those measuring combustible, O2, CO, and H2S), particularly MSA multi-gas detectors (Altair series, etc.). The mix is useful for simulating realistic hazard conditions with moderate levels of methane, CO, and H2S, plus reduced oxygen.
The cylinder is made of aluminum, making it reasonably lightweight and portable for field calibration. It is a non-refillable cylinder (for Gasco’s “58L” line), with a C?10 (5/8″?18 UNF) valve connection, compatible with standard calibration regulators. The service pressure of the cylinder is 500psi.
Calibration Testing Gas, 58 L, 1.45% CH4, 60ppm CO, 20ppm H2S, 15% O2. According to MSA’s catalog, this gas is prepared gravimetrically using NIST-traceable weights, so it's very accurate.
Cylinder Volume
58 L
Cylinder Material
Aluminum alloy
Service Pressure
500 psi (≈ 34.5 bar)
Regulator Compatibility
C10-compatible regulators (e.g., MSA regulators, or 700-series demand-flow) can be used.
Accuracy / Certification
Supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA); MSA indicates gravimetric preparation with NIST-traceable weights for its cylinders.
Intended Use
Bump testing and span calibration of portable multi-gas detectors (especially 4-gas devices: LEL/CH4, O2, CO, H2S)
Safety / Handling Considerations
- Flammable component (CH?): handle with appropriate care and regulators.
- Toxic gases (CO, H2S): use in well-ventilated areas or under controlled gas flow.
- Use proper calibration regulators.
- Store cylinder upright, secured, and according to HAZMAT guidelines
Shelf Life / Storage
Depends on manufacturer / supplier; check certificate / expiration on each cylinder. (Typical calibration gas cylinders have a recommended “use before” or “expiry” date based on gas stability.)
Common Applications
- Calibration of MSA Altair 4X/5X and similar multi-gas detectors.
- Routine bump tests / functional tests as part of safety maintenance in industrial environments.
- Audit or compliance checks requiring documented calibration gas traceability.
Advantages / Benefits
Versatile Mix: Contains four important gases (combustible, O?, CO, H?S), so only one cylinder needed for many 4-gas detector calibrations.
Field-friendly: 58 L aluminum cylinder is reasonably portable yet offers enough gas for multiple calibrations.
Traceable Accuracy: Gravimetrically prepared with NIST traceability (for MSA variant) ensures reliable calibration.
Widely Supported: Compatible with standard calibration regulators and commonly used by MSA detectors.
Safety Relevant: The specific gas concentrations are such that they simulate realistic hazard conditions without being extreme, making them good for functional / bump checks.
Limitations / Drawbacks
Limited Gas: Even 58 L will run out if used for a large number of calibrations / bump tests — you need to track usage.
Hazard Risk: Contains flammable and toxic gases — requires careful handling, correct regulators, and safe environment.
Shelf Life: Gas stability over time can degrade; older cylinders may yield inaccurate calibration.
Cost: Premium calibration gas mixes (especially with traceable certification) may be more expensive than simpler blends.