Chromatography Forum

Hello

I've got a PEM type hydrogen generator that has broken down, the cell voltage keeps going high and it looks like it needs a replacement.
I have a service plan that covers the generator but the service engineers are trying to charge me for the replacement cost by claiming the cell is a 'consumable' and my responsibilty.
I thought consumables were the water, filters etc. What would you guys do?

cheers

Pete

Sounds odd to me, but the devil will be in the details of the service contract.

Peter

I would read the contract and see if consumables are specifically excluded, they usually are. Second thing to check is if the cell is specifically defined as a consumable. If is is not and the cost of the cell is close to the cost of the service contract I would call the company, tell them you will pay for the cell if they allow you to cancel the service contract and refund the balance remaining, and see what their response is. There is a good chance they will not charge for the cell since they will probably not replace a cell every year, but would get the service contract money every year. Be sure to also check the manual before you try this to make sure the cell is not defined in the manual as a consumable.

Thanks guys

Ron, the cell is most definitely not included as a consumable, I've also checked the manual. I've been using h2 generators for nearly 20 years, in the past broken cells have always been replaced no problem, but the new service guys seem to have different ideas. It's not so easy cancelling the service contract as it covers the GC, thermal desorber, compressor, zero air generator, associated kit as well as the h2 generator. I have four of these systems. I'm really worried that this change of attitude by the manufacturer will impact on the rest of it.

cheers

Pete

I was assuming the generator was on its own service contract, you can't cancel the contract on the whole system. If they won't cover the cell, would there be a possibility that only the generator is removed from the contract.

The bigger the contract the more persuasive the threat to cancel it. If the new kids on the block have hardware components down as consumables you will very likely not get your money's worth out of it anyway.

Peter