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Gas Detection

MSA Altair 5X - Top 5 Things You Need to Know

Dependable, smart and easy to use; that's 3 things that are immediately apparent about MSA's Altair 5X. Behind the tough rubberised housing lies MSA XCell sensors and an integral pump, and lots more.

In this Frontline Safety guide, we're going to take you through the Top 5 Things You Need to Know about the Altair 5X.

msa altair 5x safe to use

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#1 - Not All Sensors Are Created Equal

A key benefit of owning and relying on the Altair 5X is the presence of MSA's tried, tested and trusted sensors. These are the heart of any gas detecting instrument, and MSA has plowed its decades worth of experience developing, engineering and manufacturing gas detections sensors into the new generation called XCell.

The reality of many gas detectors is that the sensors fitted to the device come from the same few global suppliers. MSA believes it has created a superior sensor in the XCell, benefiting from built-in microelectronic control circuitry specifically designed and manufactured for the Altair 5X.

msa Xcell sensor

This simply means the non-generic sensors in the Altair 5X provide faster responses and better performance because the manufacturer of the device also controls the manufacturing of the sensor.

And this, among other things, means longer sensor lifetime. Read more in our in-depth review of the Altair 5X here.

#2 - Better End-of-Sensor Life Warnings and Indicators

As we know, the calibration of our gas detectors is a vital part of their maintenance schedule (read more about the importance of calibration here). A key benefit of the MSA Altair 5X is that each time the unit is calibrated, software within it analyses the usage of the sensors and calculates an approximate remaining life.

msa altair 5x - end of life sensors

At such a time as the calculation determines that the sensor is nearing its end-of-life, the display will flag up the "end-of-life" warning. Typically you'll be given 4 to 6 weeks worth of warning giving you enough time to contact us to arrange a replacement.

During calibration, if the sensor output is too low, the unit will fail and the display will again indicate "end-of-life", clearly showing you - or your team - that the device should no longer be used until the sensor has been replaced.

So, at a glance you're going to know which of your Altair 5Xs are fit for use and which need sensors replacing, keeping you and your team safe.

Altair 5X with colour screen

MSA XCell Sensor Quick Facts:
• Long life: four-year life (SO2), three-year life (NH3, Cl2)
• Both SO2 and NH3 use a non-consuming chemical reaction, resulting in no permanent loss of life with normal gas exposure
• Fast average t90 response times: 10-second SO2, 40-second NH3, 30-second Cl
• Maintain stable functionality in extreme temperatures and in extremely dry or wet environments

#3 - Do More With the Altair 5X and the IR Sensor

Obviously, the Altair 5X is available with a range of sensors fitted (click to see the range), however by specifying the addition of the IR sensor allows you do to even more.

msa altair 5x - bright colour led screen

IR sensors play an important role in effective gas detection in particular situations and applications. For example:

  • Inert gas sampling. catalytic combustible sensors need at least 10% O2 content to function properly. For this type of application, you usually need a dilution tube or an MSA IR sensor. Because IR sensors don't need O2 to function, they're perfect  for inert gas sampling
  • Sampling with background poisons. Silicones and lead compounds can negatively impact the effectiveness of catalytic combustible sensors. However, IR sensors aren't affected and are therefore ideal for sampling in areas where it's known that catalytic sensor won't function properly

#4 - Integral Pump vs Snap-On

As we mentioned in our in-depth report on the Altair 5X, a key feature and clear benefit is the integral pump. Why is this better than the snap-on versions?

msa altair 5x - benefits from an integral pump

Admittedly it could be argued that using a gas detector with snap-on pump results in a lower cash outlay at the time of purchase. However, thanks to the durability of the MSA Altair 5x; IP65 rated housing which survives a 10-foot drop - ultimately the inclusion of an integral pump works out to be cost-saving in the long run.

The unit's integrals are tightly packed inside the tough housing and all you need to accurately detect gas in right there in the palm of your hand; no unwieldy or cumbersome external snap-on components that get in the way of your use of the instrument.

And of course, the integral pump allows for easier maintenance and handling.

#5 - MotionAlert and InstantAlert

These are perhaps two of the key benefits of the Altair 5X, particularly if you need to work alone. Simply put, these features are all about alerting others to your well-being, and as a result, could be life-saving. When you're working alone in a hazardous environment, the assurance of knowing that the gas detector you're relying on will alert other people should you become motionless can't be overstated. MotionAlert provides this comfort.

Equally, letting other people know of the presence of hazardous gases is hugely important. InstantAlert makes this possible at the press of a button on the unit.

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There are loads more we could write about all of the features and real-world benefits of the Altair 5X, but please get in touch with our experts if you need more information and be sure to watch our YouTube video which takes you through more of what its capable of.

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