Model 408 NO Calibration Source Manual Rev. D-3
vii
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: This device produces toxic gas.
The toxic gas produced is nitric oxide
(NO) dilute in air. The purpose of the Nitric Oxide Calibration Source is to produce
known concentrations of NO/Air in the range 20-1000 parts per billion by volume
(ppb). Nitric oxide is a toxic gas and should be handled with caution. The same kind
of care should be taken in handling the output of the Nitric Oxide Calibration Source
as for NO dispensed from a compressed gas cylinder. Under normal operating
conditions, the instrument will produce nitric oxide in air at concentrations up to ~2
parts per million by volume (ppm); however, an instrument failure could result in small
volumes of air containing NO at higher concentrations. The NIOSH exposure limit for
nitric oxide is 25 ppm (8-hour time-weighted average).
The output of the NO Calibration Source also contains approximately 3% nitrous oxide
(N
2
O). The nitrous oxide is supplied by a cartridge containing liquid N
2
O having a
vapor pressure inside the cartridge of 58.5 bar at 20°C. These cartridges are the
same or similar to ones sold as a consumer product for producing whipped cream.
Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is also used as a general anesthetic at concentrations
up to 50% and is thus well tolerated by humans. There are no known toxicological
effects of N
2
O other than asphyxiation at extremely highly concentrations due to
exclusion of oxygen. N
2
O is not itself combustible, but it strongly supports combustion
of organic materials and reducing agents. Contact with liquid N
2
O can cause frost bite
due to cooling as the liquid rapidly evaporates.
N
2
O Cartridge and Regulator Warnings:
•
Do not exceed the minimum or maximum temperature listed on the N
2
O
cartridges.
•
Store N
2
O cartridges out of the reach of children.
•
Do not use N
2
O cartridges for any purposes not described in this manual.
•
Never use excessive force to remove or install N
2
O cartridges. Contact 2B
Tech if you are having trouble installing or removing cartridges.
•
Whenever there is a pressurized N
2
O cartridge in the regulator assembly, keep
the instrument level and do not invert the N
2
O cartridge.
•
Do not make any modifications or repairs to the pressure regulator assembly
yourself.
•
Never use the pressure regulator assembly if dropped or damaged (e.g.,
cracked or dented). If the pressure regulator is dropped or damaged, it should
be returned to 2B Tech for a safety inspection.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for N
2
O may be found here:
https://www.airgas.com/msds/001042.pdf
The MSDS for NO may be found here:
https://www.airgas.com/msds/001039.pdf
USE ONLY SUPPLIED AC/DC ADAPTER
