Operation Manual

Version 1.1.0

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Contents
Safety ............................................................................................................................... 3

Tips for Success ........................................................................................................ 4

Setup ................................................................................................................................ 5

Operation ........................................................................................................................ 6

User Interface Overview ........................................................................................ 6

Leak Check ................................................................................................................. 7
Dry System................................................................................................................. 8
Evacuate the Sampling Hose ............................................................................... 9
Evac Bag ................................................................................................................... 10
Test a Sample.......................................................................................................... 11
Settings .......................................................................................................................... 13

System Settings...................................................................................................... 14
Module Settings ..................................................................................................... 15
Maintenance & Calibration ...................................................................................... 18

Calibration Intervals .............................................................................................. 18

Module Installation................................................................................................ 18
Updating Software ................................................................................................ 19
Technical Specifications............................................................................................ 20

General ...................................................................................................................... 20
Sensor Modules ...................................................................................................... 20
Standard Equipment ............................................................................................. 21
Accessories .............................................................................................................. 21
Transport ....................................................................................................................... 22

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 23

Warranty ....................................................................................................................... 24

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Safety

Personnel Safety:

• Only trained personnel should operate the FLEX SF6 Analyzer.

• Wear the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Avoid exposure to SF6 gas and its decomposition products.

Analyzer Safety:

• Inspect the analyzer for damage before use.

• Follow power supply guidelines and use approved sources.
• Do not modify the internal components.
• Protect the analyzer from moisture, heat, and corrosive
substances.

Gas Handling Safety:

• Follow regulations for SF6 gas handling, storage, and disposal.

• Use proper gas handling equipment designed for SF6 gas.
• Ensure proper sealing and prevent leaks during gas connections.
• Pressure Safety****

Electrical Safety

• Ensure all electrical components are adequately insulated and

grounded to prevent shocks and electrical hazards.
• Verify that the analyzer's usage aligns with its specified electrical
ratings (voltage, current, frequency) and that all components, like
fuses and connectors, are compatible.

Prioritize safety, comply with regulations, and seek assistance from

GasQuip support if needed.

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Tips for Success

• Maximum pump back pressure is 145 PSIG (10 Bar)

• Inlet pressure range is 5-145 PSIG (0.4 – 10 Bar)
• It is not possible to pump back through a regulator.
• If more than 2-3 samples are needed from a single vessel, use a
gas recovery bag.
• Pumping gas back into the gas compartment will increase the
moisture readings for subsequent tests. Wait 24 hours before
retesting for mixture to re-homogenize.
• Run the “Dry System” function prior to running the first test of the
day.

Additional Testing Notes:

• Do not use Loctite/liquid thread sealant on any fittings used for

sampling SF6. Chemical off-gassing can foul test equipment.
• It is normal for moisture values to decrease on cylinders when
performing multiple tests in a row. This is caused by the cooling
of the gas during vaporization and very dry gas entering the
vapor space.
• When testing from cylinders or gas carts where pressures exceed
the maximum inlet pressure of your analyzer, usually 145 PSIG, it
will be necessary to use a regulator. Note that pump-back is not
possible when a regulator is used.

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Setup

1. Use provided power cord and plug FLEX into power outlet (100-
120 VAC / 200-240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz).
2. Power on by pressing the power button located above the
display. A backlight will illuminate on power button to indicate
the device is on.
3. The bootup screen will display and will automatically bring you
to the Home Screen once finished.

Sensor
Modules

Adapter Gas
Fittings Connections

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Operation

User Interface Overview

Pressure
% Internal from Sample
Storage Hose

Settings

Start Test
Select Parameter

to Test

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Leak Check

When to Use:

A. Prior to the first test of the day

B. As the first step for troubleshooting bad sensor readings

What Occurs:

A vacuum is pulled on all the major components and the pressure

is monitored to ensure it does not rise.

Steps

1. Connect the sampling hose to the FLEX and connect either

the DN8 or DN20 adapter fitting to the opposite end of the
sample hose.

2. Press the “Evac Hose” button.

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Dry System

When to Use:

A. Prior to the first test of the day

B. After testing gas with high moisture content.

What Occurs:

Evacuation of all the modules & any connected hoses.

Steps

1. Press the “Dry System” button.

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Evacuate the Sampling Hose

When to Use:

1. Prior to the first test on a gas compartment

2. Prior to storing the hose

What Occurs:

Evacuation of the sample hose with the vacuum pump

Steps

1. Connect the sampling hose to the FLEX and connect either

the DN8 or DN20 adapter fitting to the opposite end of the
sample hose.

2. Press the “Evac Hose” button.

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Evac Bag

When to Use:

1. After faulted gas has been tested

2. If purging the device with nitrogen

What Occurs:

Evacuation of the internal storage bag to atmosphere.

Steps

1. Press the “Evac Bag” button

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Test a Sample

1. Connect the sample hose to the “SAMPLE HOSE” port.

2. Press “Evac Hose” if this function has not been run yet.
3. Connect the sample hose to the gas compartment using the
correct adapter fitting.
4. Inlet pressure must be between 5-145 PSIG.
5. Ensure the correct parameters are selected for testing.

6. Press the play button to begin the test. If you need to stop the
test for any reason, it is safe to press the pause button to cancel
the testing.

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 7. Upon completion, Test Results will show.

Test Name User Set Test Limits

Sensor
Tolerance
Delete
Test
Sample
Value

Editable
Fields

8. Upon completion of any options from step 7, the device will

prompt the user to either pump back or not, and then return to
Main Screen.

Note – Pumping gas back into the gas compartment will increase the
moisture readings for subsequent tests.

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Settings

Press the Setting icon to access the Main Settings

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System Settings

A B
C

D E
F

A. Ambient Temperature Units

B. Home Screen Pressure Units

C. Moisture Calculation Display Units

D. Serial Number for FLEX

E. Firmware Version for FLEX

F. Firmware Update Button

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Module Settings

A. Selected sensor module

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Log Files

From this screen you can examine, export, and delete logged test

files. If exporting a log file, plug in the provided USB drive into the FLEX.

The exported files will be .txt files.

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Test Limits

Each parameter can have a “Test Limit” set by the user that will
indicate either a pass or fail result in the results page of a test. These
numbers could be specific to company standards, industry standards, or
unique to any situation. This is meant to be a reference for the user, and
does not affect any of the resulting values.

For example, the above result shows a passing value because the box
turned green and a check mark appears at the bottom. The text next to
the check mark indicates what the test limit was set to. If the test fails,
the box will turn red and an “X” will appear at the bottom.

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Maintenance & Calibration

Calibration Intervals

H20 Sensor Module 1 Year

SF6 Sensor Module 2 Years

SO2 Sensor Module 1 Year

Order Modules online ->

[Link]

Module Installation

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

Unscrew both Lift module out Push new module into
bolts. by bolts. slot, tighten until click.

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Updating Software

Step 1. Copy the updated software file to the provided USB drive.

Step 2. Plug the USB drive into the FLEX.

Step 3. Go to Settings → System Settings → Update.

Step 4. Once USB is detected, click “Update.”

Depending on the size of the update, the process will take a few minutes
to half an hour. The device will restart automatically upon completion of
the update, please do not turn the device off while the update is
underway.

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Technical Specifications

General

Dimensions 27.4 × 15.1 × 11.8"

Weight 50 lbs

Inlet Pressure 5-145 PSIG

Touch Panel Size 7” Sunlight Readable

Sampling Time ~7 Minutes

Power Supply 120 / 240 V

Data Export USB Port

Warranty Standard 12 Months

Sensor Modules

Moisture SF6 SO2

Sensor Type Capacitive Polymer Infrared Electrochemical

Accuracy ± 2 °C ± 0.5 % ±2%

Calibration 1 Year 2 Years 1 Year

Interval

Units °C atm, °F atm, % SF6 PPMv

PPMw, PPMv

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Standard Equipment

15' Sample Hose GQ-FLEX-SH

DN8 Adapter Fitting MQD-DN8F

DN20 Adapter Fitting MQD-DN20F

Power Cord for FLEX GQ-FLEX-PC

USB Drive

Operating Manual

Accessories

SF6 Sensor Module for FLEX GQ-FLEX-MOD-SF6

H2O Sensor Module for FLEX GQ-FLEX-MOD-H2O

SO2 Sensor Module for FLEX GQ-FLEX-MOD-SO2

Analyzer Calibration Gas Kit GQ-CAL-GAS-ANLZR

Gas Recovery Bag GQ-GRB

SF6 Analyzer Adapter Kit GQ-ANLZR-AKIT

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Transport

Packaging:

• Before transportation, ensure that the analyzer is properly

packaged in its designated carrying case or packaging material
provided by GasQuip.
• Secure all components and accessories to prevent movement or
damage during transit.
• If necessary, use additional padding or cushioning materials to
protect the analyzer from impacts or vibration.

Handling:

• Always handle the analyzer with care and avoid dropping or

mishandling it.
• Do not place heavy objects on top of the analyzer during
transport.

Unpacking and Inspection:

• Upon reaching the destination, carefully unpack the analyzer and

inspect it for any signs of damage that may have occurred during
transport.
• In the event of any visible damage or operational issues, contact
GasQuip support for further assistance.

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Troubleshooting

Moisture Sensor Reading Higher than Expected:

• Ensure that the couplings and test hoses in use are thoroughly
wiped to remove any lingering moisture.
• Ensure the sensor module screws are tightened down using the
torque wrench provided.
• Verify that no rubber components are present in the testing
equipment, such as regulator diaphragms or testing hoses.
• Apply pressure to the inlet hose and employ a leak detector to
inspect for any potential leaks. Leaks can lead to elevated
moisture readings.
• Execute the “Dry System” function on the analyzer, followed by
conducting supplementary tests.
• Regulate and attach a Nitrogen bottle to the analyzer's inlet. Run
a series of tests to desiccate the internal contents of the device.
Reconnect to the previous gas source and perform a test.

SF6 Purity Reading Lower than Expected:

• Apply pressure to the inlet hose and employ a leak detector to

inspect for any potential leaks. Leaks can lead to elevated
moisture readings.
• Ensure the sensor module screws are tightened down using the
torque wrench provided.
• Execute the “Dry System” function on the analyzer, followed by
conducting supplementary tests.

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Warranty

12 Month Standard Warranty

GasQuip warrants the products it manufactures or distributes to be free

of defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service
when operated within the specified design limitations for a period of 12
months from date of initial shipment. Under this Warranty, GasQuip will,
at its discretion, repair or replace any component that upon examination
by GasQuip or its duly authorized representatives proves to be defective
during the warranty period provided the system is returned to the factory
for inspection and repair shipping prepaid. Improper or unauthorized
maintenance, storage, repair, or alteration of any kind by personnel other
than GasQuip or its duly authorized representatives may void all
warranties. Warranty may also be voided for misuse, neglect, accident,
corrosion, and improper installation. This Warranty is exclusive and in
lieu of any and all other warranties of merchantability, fitness for a
particular purpose, or any other warranty, expressed or implied, and all
other liabilities and obligations on the part of GasQuip. GasQuip will not
be liable for any other claims or damages, either direct, indirect, or
consequential, arising out of the use of its products.

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