How to calibrate and maintain a MAP gas analyzer: calibration, consumables and a checklist

• Calibrating means adjusting the analyzer’s readings with reference gases. VIGAZ does it at two points: a zero and a calibration point.
• Checking means measuring a known reference without changing the adjustment. Ambient air is the point VIGAZ uses to calibrate O₂ (20.9%); if the O₂ reading drifts away from that value when you draw in air, it is time to calibrate.
• Maintaining means looking after the parts that wear with use: the needle, the filter and the adhesive septa or pads, and keeping an eye on the sensor’s service life.

According to the VIGAZ calibration sheet, calibration is done at two points: first the zero, with a pure nitrogen cylinder, then the calibration, drawing in ambient air for O₂ and using a standard CO₂ cylinder (50% or 100%) for CO₂. Always start with the zero. VIGAZ recommends using its own gas cylinders with their regulator valve.

Step by step (CANAL100/120, CANAL121 and BOX100/120)

1. Open the menu and select calibration. If you have set the security code, the analyzer will ask for it.
2. O₂ zero: connect the 100% N₂ cylinder to the gas inlet, open the valve to the mark, adjust until the display reads 0.0% and confirm.
3. O₂ calibration: draw in ambient air, adjust until it reads 20.9% and confirm.
4. CO₂ zero (O₂ and CO₂ analyzers): connect the N₂ cylinder again, adjust until it reads 0.0% and confirm.
5. CO₂ calibration: connect the CO₂ cylinder (50% or 100%), adjust until it reads the cylinder’s percentage and confirm.

CANAL111 II

On the handheld O₂ model, according to its data sheet, the zero is set with the «ON» key and «+» or «-», with the N₂ cylinder connected, and the O₂ calibration with «+» or «-», drawing in air until it reads 20.9%.

Automatic calibration at start-up

The data sheets for the CANAL100/120 II and the BOX models (BOX100 II, BOX120 II, BOX100-b II, BOX120-b II and BOX100/120-USB) state that the analyzer automatically calibrates O₂ with air when switched on (20.95%). Check your model’s manual for how the analyzer should be set up when you switch it on. This function covers O₂ only: the nitrogen zero and CO₂ are calibrated with standard gases.

Protect the settings

Every model except the CANAL111 II lets you set a 4-digit code for the menu. VIGAZ explains that it stops the settings from being changed by mistake: if several people use the analyzer, switch it on.

The VIGAZ documentation we have consulted does not set a calibration interval. What it does say is that if the O₂ and CO₂ values are wrong, the analyzer should be calibrated. So it makes sense to set the frequency in your quality control plan, based on how you use the analyzer and on what your customers or audits require, and to keep a record of each calibration.

According to the VIGAZ data sheets, every new analyzer is supplied with a calibration certificate and user instructions.

If you do not want to calibrate on site or do not have standard gases, the manufacturer can do it. VIGAZ builds and repairs its analyzers in France. Factory calibration, overhauls and repairs are carried out by VIGAZ through its after-sales service (opens in a new window): that page states that you can return your equipment to it for calibration with certificate, overhaul or repair, and gives its address and contact phone number.

To buy a VIGAZ analyzer or order consumables, email us at comercial@controlysuministros.com or call us on +34 933 409 759. You can also use our contact form.

According to the VIGAZ data sheets, the O₂ sensor is electrochemical and has a service life of 4 years in air. The CO₂ sensor on models that measure it is infrared and its service life is unlimited. The data sheet gives the O₂ sensor life «in air», so do not extrapolate it to other conditions.

If the readings are still wrong after calibrating, contact VIGAZ after-sales service (opens in a new window).

A summary of what the VIGAZ documentation listed under «Sources» says. Complete it with your model’s manual and your quality plan.

Needles, filters and adhesive septa or pads wear out with use, so it is worth keeping spares. A consumables section with needles, filters and pads is coming soon to our website. In the meantime, ask us for them: tell us your analyzer model and the quantity you need, using the quote form, at comercial@controlysuministros.com or on +34 933 409 759.

For reference, VIGAZ supplies 0.45 µm hydrophobic filters, 25 mm piercing needles, spiral needle holders, adhesive foam rolls (650 pre-cut squares or uncut) and N₂ and CO₂ calibration gas cylinders for its analyzers.

Calibration and maintenance features, according to the VIGAZ technical data sheets.

Can I calibrate a VIGAZ analyzer myself?

Yes. According to VIGAZ, all you need is standard gases: a 100% N₂ cylinder with regulator valve for O₂ analyzers and, for O₂ and CO₂ analyzers, a 50% or 100% CO₂ cylinder as well. O₂ is calibrated with ambient air (20.9%). If you prefer, factory calibration is carried out by VIGAZ through its after-sales service.

How often should the analyzer be calibrated?

The VIGAZ documentation we have consulted does not set an interval. VIGAZ says to calibrate if the values are wrong; you should also set a frequency in your quality plan.

Why does the O₂ reading not change during a measurement?

According to VIGAZ, the usual cause is a clogged filter and needle, so the pump cannot draw in gas and the display stays on the air value. Replace the filter and needle and check that the pump is drawing correctly.

How long does the oxygen sensor last?

The VIGAZ data sheets give a service life of 4 years in air for the electrochemical O₂ sensor. The infrared CO₂ sensor has an unlimited service life, according to the same data sheets.

Who calibrates or repairs the analyzer if I send it in?

VIGAZ, the manufacturer, through its after-sales service. Its after-sales service page, linked under «Sources», explains how to return your equipment for calibration with certificate, overhaul or repair.

Where can I get needles, filters and adhesive pads?

Ask us, stating your analyzer model and the quantity. A consumables section with needles, filters and pads is coming soon to our website.