Interference

Symptoms

Noisy measurements, inconsistent ACI values, high offset

Instructions

The MiraQ are well-tested and approved for use in environments conforming to certain ratings. So far with reported noise problems we have still to detect any irregularities/failures with the MiraQ and this symptom is probably caused by environmental conditions.

Here are some examples of equipment that might cause interference and disturbance to the signal:

• Heat mat (Can cause interference even if it is not turned on, just connected to power)
• Old diathermy equipment
• Pagers
• General equipment operating around the 27 MHz frequency

Finding the root cause for interference can be time consuming and difficult. We have previously advised field technicians to:

• Use the elimination method in the operating room where they experience noise, turn off one device at a time and see what has an impact to the system.
• Noise like this can travel quite far, even through walls. If unable to locate the source, test the flowmeter far away from the OT, preferably on a different floor of the hospital.
• Try another current course (Natural consequence of the previous point).