Regular Cleaning

After each test:

• After each test, remove all soil particles from the system, especially from the cell bowl and o-ring grooves. Soil particles will damage o-ring seals which may lead to explosive failure of the pressure vessel or permanent damage to the balanced ram,

• After cleaning lightly lubricate all exposed o-ring seals using high-quality silicone grease (such as DC4 silicone compound),

• Clean the load cell and dry.

Regular Checks

After each test:

• For Systems with Acrylic pressure cells, check the cell wall for crazing (net microfracture),

• Visibly inspect the pressure cell wall for damage,

• Visibly check exposed o-rings and cell wall banding (is applicable) for signs of damage.

• Visibly check around cell and controllers for evidence of leaks

Occasionally:

• look in test results for indications of possible leaks from BP to CP, or from either BP/CP to atmospheric. Most leaks can be traced to poor sample setup, but if this is not the case it can be an early warning sign of a leak elsewhere in the system requiring maintenance.

Scheduled Maintenance

This schedule assumes fair use of the system (i.e. all regular checks and cleaning have been completed as described above).

• Every 2 years - Replace all exposed o-rings.

• Every 2 years - Service pressure and volume controllers

• Every 5 years - Replace balanced ram seals

• After 10 years - Acrylic pressure vessels are recommended to have their cell wall replaced after 10 years in service by GDS.

Contact GDS Instruments at support@gdsinstruments.com for further advice on replacement parts and service.

System Hibernation

On occasion, a testing system may remain unused for long periods of time. During these, the system may deteriorate if the recommendations below are not followed:

• Empty all pressure and volume controllers. Refer to each device’s handbook for more details on this procedure. For most GDS Instruments Pressure and Volume controllers, this can be done by fully extending its piston (taking the controller to its minimum travel limit) and then using a syringe with a plastic non-puncturing needle or tip to remove any remaining water from the controller’s transducer

• Remove water from all pressure transducers. Standing water may become acidic or grow fungus which will damage the transducer

• Perform all Regular Checks and Regular Cleaning as described above

• Remove pedestal from the ram and clean it

• Lubricate the balanced ram. To do this

  • fully extend the balanced ram and clean it dry,

  • lubricate it by applying a thin layer of high-quality silicone grease (e.g. DC4 Silicone Compound)

  • Fully retract the ram to its minimum limit. Wipeout any excess silicone grease that may have accumulated around the ram at the bottom of the cell bowl

  • Fully extend the ram and re-apply a thin layer of high-quality silicone grease.

• Remove the load cell, clean it thoroughly and apply a very thin coating of high-quality silicone grease to the o-ring inside the sealing thread. Store it in a safe place,

• Lubricate the load cell ram. To do this

  • Note the position of the load cell ram (measure the distance from the end of the load cell). This will be required to correctly position the load cell ram when re-commissioning the system,

  • Turn the load cell ram adjustment wheel on the cell top until the load cell ram is fully extended,

  • Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the load cell ram, then fully retract the ram (stop retracting as soon as you feel resistance on the adjustment wheel)

  • Fully extend the load cell ram, remove any excess silicone grease from around the ram on the cell top, and then re-apply a thin coating of silicone grease to the load cell ram.

• Protect the system from dust and store all accessories

• No system component must be left in direct contact with sunlight at any time of the day during hibernation.