PYLON MODEL

6800
AB6A OPTIONAL INTERNAL PUMP MANUAL
MANUAL NUMBER: 7940011
Revision 1 Draft 1

Copyright 2014 Pylon Electronics Inc.

(ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Registered Trademark Canada and U.S.A.

CAUTION

1)

The pump module assembly connects to the interface board inside the AB6A chassis. This
interface board contains components that are sensitive to electrostatic discharges (ESD).
Observe appropriate ESD prevention guidelines when installing the pump module assembly
in the AB6A.

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IMPORTANT
1)

The Model 6800 AB6A Optional Internal Pump is designed for use with the AB6A. Consult
the AB6A instruction manual for important operational and safety instructions.

2)

Many of the terms and abbreviations used in this manual are described in Pylon manual
number 7940018 - Glossary of Selected Pylon Terms.

3)

The following symbols may be used throughout this manual:

WARNING

The Warning symbol is use to identify notes that are used to warn
of potential hazards that could cause injury or death to personnel
as well as damage to the equipment.

CAUTION

The Caution symbol is use to identify notes that are used to warn
of potential hazards that could damage the equipment.

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WARRANTY

PYLON ELECTRONICS INC. products are warranted against defects in material and workmanship
for a period of one year from the date of shipment. Our warranty obligation is limited to the repair of
products or parts thereof which, on our examination, prove to be defective during the warranty
period. The warranty shall not apply to any equipment which has been subject to accident, incorrect
wiring not of our own or operation not in accordance with manufacturer's written instructions.
PYLON ELECTRONICS INC. repairs are warranted against defects in material and workmanship
for a period of 90 days from the date of shipment. Our warranty obligation is limited to the repair of
the unit returned prepaid, to our factory and which, on our examination, prove to be defective during
the warranty period. Equipment which has work performed under Warranty will be returned to the
Distributor freight prepaid. The warranty shall not apply to any equipment which has been subject to
accident, incorrect wiring not of our own, or operation not in accordance with manufacturer's written
instructions.
This warranty is given by PYLON in lieu of all other warranties arising in law or otherwise in
respect of the goods, and this Company shall not be liable under any circumstances for consequential
damage.
Note: All product(s) must be returned prepaid, to our factory.
All warranty claims shall be addressed to:
Pylon Electronics Inc.
147 Colonnade Road,
Ottawa, ON K2E 7L9
CANADA
Phone: 613-226-7920
Fax: 613-226-8195
Email: instrument@pylonelectronics.com

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DISCLAIMER
Pylon Electronics Inc. has attempted to ensure that this manual is complete and accurate.
However, Pylon will not be held responsible for any errors and omissions in this manual
including consequential damage due to the information contained herein.
Please forward all comments and suggestions for improvements on the product or this manual to:
Pylon Electronics Inc.
147 Colonnade Road,
Ottawa, ON K2E 7L9
CANADA
Phone: (613) 226-7920
Fax: (613) 226-8195
Email: instrument@pylonelectronics.com
For technical support, please contact us at the above address.
Please visit us on our website at www.pylonelectronics.com. Click on the Products icon.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTION ....................................................................................................................................................................2
IMPORTANT ..............................................................................................................................................................3
WARRANTY................................................................................................................................................................4
DISCLAIMER ..............................................................................................................................................................5
1.0

INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................8

1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
2.0

PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................................8
SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................8
GENERAL DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................................................8
THEORY OF OPERATION......................................................................................................................................9
SPECIFICATIONS ...............................................................................................................................................10

OPERATING PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................10

2.1 MEASUREMENT PUMPING .................................................................................................................................10

2.1.1 Equipment Requirements.........................................................................................................................10
2.1.2 Constraints .............................................................................................................................................11
2.1.3 Setup.......................................................................................................................................................12
2.1.4 Procedure ...............................................................................................................................................15
2.2 CELL FLUSHING ...............................................................................................................................................18
2.2.1 Equipment Requirements.........................................................................................................................18
2.2.2 Setup.......................................................................................................................................................19
2.2.3 Procedure ...............................................................................................................................................19
3.0

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.....................................................................................................................20

4.0

INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................................................................20

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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 - MODEL 6800 AB6A PUMP KIT ..................................................................................................................9
FIGURE 2 - MINIMUM PUMP SYSTEM SETUP .............................................................................................................13
FIGURE 3 - CLOSED SYSTEM SAMPLE ACQUISITION SETUP......................................................................................14
FIGURE 4 - OPEN SYSTEM SAMPLING ACQUISITION SETUP ......................................................................................15
FIGURE 5 - PUMP SETUP SELECTION..........................................................................................................................16
FIGURE 6 - PUMP SETUP MENU ..................................................................................................................................16
FIGURE 7 - AB6A INTERNAL PUMP CELL FLUSHING SETUP ....................................................................................19
FIGURE 8 - AB6A FRONT PANEL PUMP OPENING COVER PLATE REMOVAL ..........................................................21
FIGURE 9 - PUMP CABLE ATTACHMENT ....................................................................................................................22
FIGURE 10 - PUMP CABLE TY-WRAP REMOVAL .......................................................................................................22
FIGURE 11 - INTERNAL PUMP ELECTRICAL CONNECTION 1 .....................................................................................23
FIGURE 12 - INTERNAL PUMP ELECTRICAL CONNECTION 2 .....................................................................................24
FIGURE 13 - INTERNAL PUMP INSTALLATION 1 .........................................................................................................24
FIGURE 14 - INTERNAL PUMP INSTALLATION 2 .........................................................................................................25
FIGURE 15 - INTERNAL PUMP ATTACHMENT 1 ..........................................................................................................25
FIGURE 16 - INTERNAL PUMP ATTACHMENT 2 ..........................................................................................................26

LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1 - 6800 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................10

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1.0

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Purpose
The purpose of this manual is to describe the Pylon model 6800 AB6A optional internal
pump and its use.

1.2

Scope
This manual covers the description, use, and installation of the Pylon model 6800
optional internal pump (hereinafter just referred to as the 6800) which is installed in the
Pylon model AB6A monitor (hereinafter just referred to as the AB6A). A detailed
description of the AB6A and its operation is beyond the scope of this manual. Please
refer to Pylon manual number 7940010 for more information on the AB6A.

1.3

General Description
The 6800 consists of the following parts:
PPN 1
2020011
2020003
7101210
7100340
1
2

DESCRIPTION
Fitting, male
6.4 mm (1/4") I.D. PVC Tubing 2
Assembly, pump module, AB6A
Flowmeter, 0.15 to 1 l/min, c/w barbed tubing fittings

QTY
2 Each
8 Feet
1 Each
1 Each

Pylon Part Number

Tubing should be replaced regularly to prevent possible contamination. Inexpensive clear PVC plastic
tubing may be used with the 600A/610A cells.

The pump is User installable.

The pump allows the User to use active cells such as the Pylon model 600A or 610A for
the AB6A Standard Continuous, Standard Grab, and Quasi method measurements
without the requirement for a separate external pump. The 6800 is required should the
AB6A Quasi method be used for measurements.

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NOTE
The included flowmeter is used to control and limit the flow
rate to less than 1 l/min because the recommended flow rate
for the Standard Continuous method is 0.5 l/min. For the
Standard Grab and Quasi methods, a higher flow rate up to
the maximum pump flow rate of 2.5 l/min may be used by
replacing the provided flowmeter with a 0.2 - 4 l/min
flowmeter such as the Dwyer VFB-65-BV flowmeter.
Pylon offers this flowmeter in the model 6710 Flowmeter Kit
which may be ordered under Pylon part number 7101010.
In addition, the 6800 can also be used to flush active cells after samples have been
measured when the flushing process described in the 600A/610A manual (Pylon manual
number 7940002) cannot be performed immediately.

Figure 1 - Model 6800 AB6A Pump Kit

1.4

Theory of Operation
The pump module assembly is installed in the AB6A monitor. The User may then turn
the pump on and off via the AB6A Graphical User Interface (GUI) or, depending on the
selected method and programmed parameters, the AB6A may automatically turn the
pump on and off.
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The flowmeter is used to control the flow rate of the gas sample through the cell.
The remaining components are used for setting up the flow system.
1.5

Specifications
Table 1 - 6800 Specifications below provides the nominal specifications for the 6800.
Flow rate Range 1 :
Operating Temperature Range:
Storage Temperature Range:
Relative Humidity Range 2 :
Length (Pump Module Only):
Width (Pump Module Only):
Height (Pump Module Only):
Weight (Pump Module Only):
1
2

0 - 2.5 l/min
0 to +40 C (+32 to +104 F)
-20 to +75 C (-4 to +167 F)
0 to 90 %
9.4 cm (3.7 in)
6.9 cm (2.7 in)
8.5 cm (3.4 in)
182 g (0.4 lb)

The pump flow rate is controlled and limited by the flowmeter.

Non-Condensing.

Table 1 - 6800 Specifications

2.0

OPERATING PROCEDURES

2.1

Measurement Pumping

2.1.1

Equipment Requirements
The following lists the necessary equipment 1 required to use the 6800:
Item
1
2

Mfr
Pylon
Pylon

Model
AB6A
600A /
610A
-

Description
Portable Radiation Monitor
Active Cell

Qty
1
A/R

6.4 mm (1/4 inch) barbed tubing mating connectors

to connect the 6800 system to the sampling chamber,
source, etc.

A/R

Equivalent equipment is permitted.

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The following lists the optional equipment 1 that would assist in the use of the 6800:
Item
1
2
3
4
1

Mfr
Gelman
Pall
-

Model
1109
1107
-

Description
Drierite Tube c/w Drierite
Filter Holder, In-Line
Filter Holder, Open Face
25 mm Glass Fiber Filters, 0.8 um

Qty
1
1
1
A/R

Equivalent equipment is permitted.

NOTE
The User must be familiar with the operation of the AB6A
monitor before the 6800 can be used. Please refer to the AB6A
Instruction Manual (Manual Number 7940010) for
information on the use and operation of the AB6A.
2.1.2

Constraints
The following items are constraints for the use of the pump.
Tubing Length
The pump is a 12VDC miniature diaphragm pump that can provide a flow rate of 2.5
l/min under no load. The tubing that is used to connect the various components
introduces a load on the pump that increases with the length of tubing that is used.
The total length of tubing that is used for connect the various components should not
exceed 3 meters (10 feet).
Radon Daughters
Radon daughters in the gas sample can affect the radon measurement. As these radon
daughters are solids, they attach themselves to dust particles in the gas sample.
It is recommended that a filter be installed in line with the pumping system before the
flowmeter to filter out the particulates and therefore the radon daughters.
A Gelman part number 1109 in-line filter holder or Pall Life Sciences part number 1107
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open face filter holder and a 25 mm diameter, 0.8 um filter or equivalent are
recommended.
Pylon offers in-line filter kits for this purpose. The model 6600 In-Line Filter Kit may be
ordered under Pylon part number 7100900 and the model 6610 Open Face Filter Kit may
be ordered under Pylon part number 7100910.
Humidity
High levels of humidity can damage the interior of the cell if it condenses inside the cell.
It is recommended that, in cases of high levels of humidity, a drying mechanism be
installed in line with the pumping system before the flowmeter to remove excess
moisture from the incoming gas sample.
A drierite tube with drierite or equivalent is recommended. The drierite must be replaced
or re-activated when required.
Pylon offers 2 versions of drying kits that may be used; a small and a large. The model
6620 is the small drying column kit and may be ordered under Pylon part number
7100920. The model 6630 is the large drying column kit and may be ordered under Pylon
part number 7100930.
2.1.3

Setup
The User should be familiar with the operation and use of the AB6A before setting up or
using the equipment.
The simplest general connection setup is shown in Figure 2 - Minimum Pump System
Setup. However, as indicated in the active cell manual (Pylon Part Number 7940002), it
is recommended that filters and, if necessary, a drying column be used in the setup.
Figure 3 - Closed System Sample Acquisition Setup and Figure 4 - Open System
Sampling Acquisition Setup shows typical setups for using the internal pump to flow
samples into an active cell.
Both grab sampling and continuous sampling can be performed with these setups. Please
refer to manual number 7940002 - 600A and 610A Operator's Manual for more
information.

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CAUTION
THE LEVEL OF RADON GAS WITHIN THE GAS SAMPLE
BEING MEASURED COULD BE HAZARDOUS TO
PERSONNEL. THE SAMPLE EXHAUST SHOULD BE
ROUTED TO AN AREA SUCH AS AN EXHAUST HOOD OR
BACK INTO THE SAMPLING CHAMBER THAT WILL
MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO PERSONNEL.

Figure 2 - Minimum Pump System Setup

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Figure 3 - Closed System Sample Acquisition Setup

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Figure 4 - Open System Sampling Acquisition Setup

2.1.4

Procedure
1)

Turn the AB6A on.

2)

From the main screen, select the User Setup icon and then the Pump Setup icon. See
Figure 5 - Pump Setup Selection and Figure 6 - Pump Setup Menu.

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Figure 5 - Pump Setup Selection

Figure 6 - Pump Setup Menu

3)

Select the Internal Pump.

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NOTE
The internal pump module must be installed in order to be
able to select the Internal Pump in this menu as well as run it
to set the flow rate.
4)

Turn on the pump by pressing Start.

5)

Using the flowmeter, adjust the pump flow rate to the desired setting.
NOTE
Although the maximum flow rate for the active cells is
specified to be 10 l/min, the flowmeter should be adjusted to
0.5 l/min for the Standard Continuous method. The Sensitivity
of the active cells that is used in the calculations for the
Standard Continuous method is dependent on the flow rate
and will change with different flow rates. The Sensitivity of
cells that are calibrated by Pylon are based on a low flow rate.
NOTE
The User may use higher flow rates, if desired, as long as the
active cells have been calibrated at the higher flow rate.

6)

Turn off the pump by pressing Stop.

7)

Enter the pump flow setting in the flow rate field in this menu.
NOTE
The entered flow rate will be displayed in the Setup tab display
of the method. When appropriate, this value will be used in the
automated calculations. This value will also be specified in the
reports for manual calculations performed by the User.

8)

Press the Save button to save the settings.

9)

Exit the Flow Setup menu by pressing Done or the red "x" box in the upper right
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corner of the display.

The internal pump system is now ready for measurements.
2.2

Cell Flushing
As indicated in the cell manuals, cells should be flushed immediately after the sample has
been measured to remove the sample from the cell. If the sample is not removed, the
background of the cell will increase at a faster rate which may render it useless for the
desired measurements in the future.
This section describes how to use the AB6A internal pump to flush the 600A / 610A active
cells when the method described in the active cell manual (Pylon manual number 7940002)
cannot be performed in a timely fashion.
CAUTION
THIS METHOD JUST USES NORMAL OUTSIDE AIR TO
FLUSH THE CELLS. AS THE RADON LEVELS OF THIS
NORMAL OUTSIDE AIR ARE NOT NECESSARILY
KNOWN, THE CELL MAY REMAIN PARTIALLY
CONTAMINATED. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE
CELL FLUSHING PROCEDURE DESCRIBED IN THE
ACTIVE CELL MANUAL BE FOLLOWED AS SOON AS
PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS PROCEDURE IS
PERFORMED.

2.2.1

Equipment Requirements
The following lists the necessary equipment 1 required to use the 6800 to flush active
cells:
Item
1
2
1

Mfr
Pylon
Pylon

Model
AB6A
6800

Description
Portable Radiation Monitor
Optional AB6A Internal Pump c/w Tubing and
Connectors

Qty
1
1

Equivalent equipment is permitted.

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NOTE
The User must be familiar with the operation of the AB6A
monitor before the 6800 can be used. Please refer to the AB6A
Instruction Manual (Manual Number 7940010) for
information on the use and operation of the AB6A.
2.2.2

Setup
Connect the pump, flowmeter, cell, tubing, and connectors as shown in Figure 7 - AB6A
Internal Pump Cell Flushing Setup.

Figure 7 - AB6A Internal Pump Cell Flushing Setup

2.2.3

Procedure
1)

Turn the AB6A on.

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2)

Select User Setup then Flow Setup.

3)

Turn on the pump.

4)

Using the flowmeter, adjust the pump flow rate to 1 l/min.

5)

Allow the pump to run for a minimum of 20 minutes and then turn the pump off.

6)

Repeat steps 4 through 7 for any additional cells.

7)

Store the cells for a minimum period of 24 hours before using them again.

This completes the cell flushing process.

3.0

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

The pump system components require little physical maintenance. The following tips should
be heeded:

4.0

1)

The outside of the pump components may be cleaned with a soft cloth with a mild
cleanser. Do not use isopropyl alcohol to clean the components.

2)

The components should be handled with care.

3)

The pump module assembly should be returned to Pylon for any repairs.

INSTALLATION
Installation consists of installing the pump module assembly into the pump opening on the
front panel of the AB6A. Please refer to the following steps.
1)

Ensure that the AB6A is turned off.

2)

Using a #2 Philips screwdriver, remove the 2 pump opening cover plate screws on
the front panel of the AB6A.

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Figure 8 - AB6A Front Panel Pump Opening Cover Plate Removal

3)

Carefully lift the pump opening plate off the AB6A chassis taking care to ensure that
the cable that is attached to the plate is not damaged.
CAUTION
THE CABLE IS CONNECTED TO THE ELECTRONICS
INSIDE THE AB6A. APPROPRIATE ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE (ESD) PREVENTION MEASURES MUST BE
TAKEN WHEN HANDLING THIS CABLE AND
INSTALLING THE PUMP MODULE.

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Figure 9 - Pump Cable Attachment

4)

Carefully cut the ty-wrap to detach the cable and connector from the self adhesive
pad on the back of the plate. Allow this cable to hang outside of the pump opening.

Figure 10 - Pump Cable Ty-Wrap Removal

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5)

Save the screws and discard the pump opening plate.

6)

Remove the pump module from the packaging.

7)

Carefully mate the connector on the cable from the pump opening in the AB6A to
the connector on the cable to the pump.
CAUTION
ENSURE THAT THE CONNECTORS ARE ORIENTED
APPROPRIATELY BEFORE MAKING THE CONNECTION.

Figure 11 - Internal Pump Electrical Connection 1

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Figure 12 - Internal Pump Electrical Connection 2

8)

Carefully install the pump module into the AB6A opening ensuring that other
components are not broken during the installation process.

Figure 13 - Internal Pump Installation 1

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Figure 14 - Internal Pump Installation 2

9)

Using a #2 Philips screwdriver, re-install the 2 screws at the 2 locations of the pump
module plate to hold the pump module in place.

Figure 15 - Internal Pump Attachment 1

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Figure 16 - Internal Pump Attachment 2

This completes the installation requirements for the pump.
NOTE
The AB6A monitor will automatically detect the presence of
the pump module and allow access to internal pump programs
in the software.

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