Intoximeters recommends that external accuracy checks and calibrations be performed using either a dry gas or wet bath standard approved for use by both NHTSA and Intoximeters. (Wet bath simulators should be used with properly certified and maintained ethanol solutions).

To ensure that they produce consistent and reliable samples, compressed gas tanks, simulators and simulator solutions should be used and maintained in accordance with the quality assurance plans provided by their respective manufacturers to ensure that they produce consistent and reliable samples.

Approved Dry Gas Standard
(Use only Dry Gas Standards approved by Intoximeters for use with Intoximeters instruments. Check label on tank).

ELEMENTS:

• Pressurized approved dry gas tank/cylinder. (Tank contains a single-phased mixture of nitrogen and ethanol).
• Tank Label. The label on the dry gas standard states the value of the gas at sea level.
• Single Stage Regulator. A regulator is a valve that regulates the flow of vapor from the tank to an instrument. Use Intoximeters approved regulators to ensure best performance. Intoximeters offers two types of regulators, one that produces a 1.5 liter per minute (LPM) flow rate and the other produces a 6.0 liter per minute flow rate.
• Number of samples per tank. This is dependent upon the flow rate, the time of gas flow, and the amount of gas in the tank.

The table below shows the estimated number of tests that you would get out of a full tank, if you ran it until it was empty. 

                                         Assumes 8 seconds gas flow time

• It is also worth noting that if you follow best practices, the actual number of tests will be slightly less than what is stated in the table above because the best practice instruct you to stop using the tank when the gas falls below 50 psi or 100 psi, depending upon the instrument that you are using.
• 1.5 LPM regulators will require manual sampling on handheld instruments.
• Using a 6 LPM can automatically trigger sampling on the Alco-Sensor FST and Alco-Sensor Vxl.
• 6 LPM regulators are built into the Intox EC/IR II and Intox DMT instruments since more gas is required to fill the larger sample chambers in these instruments.
• For those that are using a regulator with a handheld instrument and wish to convert their 1.5 LPM flow rate regulator to a 6.0 LMP flow rate regulator,  a barb fitting with less flow restrictions can be purchased and easily installed in the field.
• True-Cal or True Cal II devices, are optional devices used to compensate for changes in atmospheric pressure and can be used establish the expected value of the dry gas sample at the time of testing.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• The expiration date is stamped on the label of the dry gas standard. (Make note of this date so you remember to order a replacement tank prior to the expiration date).
• The front label lists the value of the gas in the tank at sea level. If you are using the tank at an elevation other than sea level, either refer to the elevation chart on the rear label of the gas tank to determine the proper value for your elevation, or use the True-Cal Device. (Variations in absolute barometric pressure can alter the expected value of a pressurized dry gas standard, according to standard gas laws). Know the value of the dry gas standard prior to running an Accuracy Check or Calibration. This will be your target value.
• Store tanks in environments where the temperature range remains between 10° – 40° C.

OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•  Prior to installing the regulator, inspect the valve on the top of the tank to insure there is no foreign matter (packing material, etc) inside the valve.
•  Also inspect the regulator to verify there is an “0” ring on the threads of the regulator – an extra “0” ring is taped to the side of each tank. It is recommended that if you are replacing an empty tank with a new full tank, a new “0” ring should be placed on the threads of the regulator prior to mounting on the tank.
  

Note: When removing the old “0” ring DO NOT CUT IT OFF WITH A SHARP TOOL – this might mar the threads and cause future “0” rings to be damaged.

• Mount the regulator on the tank and hand tighten by turning the regulator clockwise – until it is snug. (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN)
• Observe that the gauge on the regulator indicates at least 900 PSI – if it does not, contact Intoximeters at 1-800-451-8639.
• Please note that the regulator should indicate approximately 500 PSI if it is being attached to a 30 liter tank.
• If the gauge on the regulator is at or above the appropriate PSI level for its size, mark the needle’s position on the glass face of the gauge. Let the tank stand for two hours and then observe the gauge and verify that the needle has not moved. (If the needle has moved, remove the regulator and contact Intoximeters.) Check it again every 24 hours for the first few days. If the needle is stable, your tank and regulator are not leaking.
• After the regulator is initially mounted, depress the regulator control button and allow the gas to purge the valve for several seconds.
• Leave the regulator on your tank unless it is absolutely necessary to remove it. This will reduce the possibility of leaky connections. (If you are transporting the tank, the regulator should be removed to avoid damage to the gauge).