Zen and the Art of Lab Gas Generator Maintenance*
It’s Not a Tech Tinker’s Do-It-Yourself Project.
Picture this: your lab computer suddenly freezes and one of your highly skilled lab technicians – a person capable of technological magic in the lab every day but with no computer repair expertise - decides to pop it open and "take a look under the hood" armed with nothing but a can of Dust-Off, a screwdriver, and a hefty dose of optimism.
Considering the risk, do you want to take the chance of disastrous results?
Now imagine letting another fearless tech-tinker with too much energy fiddle with repairing your lab’s complex technology and support equipment.
Would you ever consider giving the green light for such a do-it-yourself (DIY) lab repair project with the potential of even larger, pricier, and catastrophic risks?
Incredibly, we get calls for re-repairing DIY gas generator repairs quite often, and the collateral damage in lab disruptions is not pretty.
Just like the dead computer, a nitrogen lab gas generator in a mass spec lab has wires, LED lights and buttons, but also a lot of parts inside you won’t quite recognize. And there’s a strong chance that, instead of fixing anything, you’ll make it even worse for the trained GGS gas generator tech who tackles it next. And waste time and money in the long run.
LAB GAS GENERATOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE IS NOT A DIY PROJECT
Here are some 5 areas of potential problems:
Safety Risks
Gas Leaks: Improper handling or repairing can lead to nitrogen gas leaks, which can displace oxygen in the room, creating an asphyxiation hazard.
High Pressure Hazards: Nitrogen gas is often stored and handled at high pressures. Mishandling pressure components can cause dangerous releases or explosions.
Electrical Hazards: Nitrogen generators have electrical components that could cause shocks or short circuits if not properly managed.
Equipment Damage
Void Warranty: Unauthorized repairs can void warranties, leading to significant costs if the generator fails completely.
Improper Calibration: Misalignment or incorrect adjustments during repair can result in inaccurate nitrogen purity levels, potentially affecting lab processes.
Component Damage: Without proper knowledge, a technician might damage sensitive parts, such as filters, compressors, or separation membranes.
Operational Inefficiencies
Reduced Performance: Incorrect repairs may lead to inefficiencies, causing the generator to work harder, increasing energy consumption, and shortening its lifespan.
Inconsistent Purity: If gas purity is compromised, it could negatively impact lab experiments or industrial processes that rely on high-purity nitrogen.
Compliance Issues
Regulatory Non-Compliance: Labs often have to comply with safety and operational standards. DIY repairs might not meet the requirements set by regulatory bodies.
Lack of Specialized Tools and Knowledge
Complex Diagnostics: Nitrogen gas generators may require advanced diagnostic tools to identify problems, which are not typically available to untrained personnel.
Software Issues: Many generators use software for control and monitoring. Troubleshooting software problems require specific knowledge that lab technicians may not possess.
BETTER CALL MARC AT GGS
It’s always safer and more effective to reach out to Marc Townsend, President and Repair Master at GGS, for any repairs, particularly if it’s an emergency and you can’t afford a prolonged lab disruption or expensive downtime.
*Inspired by the timeless book, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M Pirsig.