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MAGEE Scientific AE33 User Manual

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Aethalometer
Model AE33
Aethalometer
Model AE33
®
User Manual
Version 1.53
July 2015
Aerosol d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
User's manual – Ver. 1.53
July 2015
1/75

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  • Page 1 Aethalometer Model AE33 Aethalometer Model AE33 ® User Manual Version 1.53 July 2015 Aerosol d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 1/75...
  • Page 2 Version 1.53, July 2015 Applicable for AE33-Software ver. 1.1.7.1 Copyright 2012 Aerosol d.o.o. Magee Scientific Aethalometer® Manual. All Rights Reserved. Licensed OEM distributors only are allowed to use the contents of this manual with their own names, trademarks and logos for branding purposes for the distribution of Aethalometer®...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Aethalometer Model AE33 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.1 Description of the instrument ..................... 5 1.2 Technical specification ......................14 1.3 Basic calculations ........................15 1.4 Functional description of the instrument .................. 16 1.5 Flow manifold .......................... 22 2 SAFETY NOTES and LABELS ....................23 3 IDENTIFICATION and MARKINGS ..................
  • Page 4 Aethalometer Model AE33 5.6.6 Aerosol_inlet_dryer ....................... 56 5.6.7 Dataloger Bayern Hessen protocol ..................56 5.6.8 Datalogger Qair protocol ....................... 57 5.7 Software upgrade ........................59 5.8 BC source apportionment ......................60 5.9 Screen saver ..........................62 6 MAINTENANCE and SERVICE ....................63 6.1 Automatic flow-meter calibration ....................

  • Page 5: Description Of The Instrument

    1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Description of the instrument Figure 1. The Aethalometer® Model AE33. Magee Scientific and Aerosol Co. are pleased to announce the ‘Next Generation’ Aethalometer®, Model AE33. This development incorporates scientific and technical advances designed to offer improved measurement performance, user features, communications and interface, and the ability to perform routine performance tests to verify correct operation.
  • Page 6 Aethalometer Model AE33 The Aethalometer Model AE33 has been developed with input from the research and monitoring communities, and is designed for reliable operation under all conditions ranging from state-of-the-art research to compliance monitoring. The leading innovations incorporated into the Model AE33 include: The DualSpot™...
  • Page 7 Model AE33 ‘DualSpot™’ technology The Aethalometer Model AE33 uses the patented DualSpot™ method to compensate for the ‘spot loading effect’; and also to provide a real-time output of the ‘loading compensation’ parameter, which may provide additional information about the physical and chemical properties of the aerosol.
  • Page 8 Aethalometer Model AE33 Figure 2. Aethalometer data sorted and averaged according to loading (attenuation, ATN) on spot – roadside location in London, UK (top); urban site in Boston (Roxbury), USA (bottom). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 8/75...
  • Page 9 From these two linear equations we may calculate the ‘loading compensation parameter’ k; and the desired value of BC compensated back to zero loading. The Aethalometer Model AE33 Aethalometer Model AE33 analyzes the Black Carbon component of aerosols on two parallel spots drawn from the same input stream, but collected ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual –...
  • Page 10 3000 4000 time (sec) Figure 3. The time-series of AE33 raw and compensated BC concentrations with 1 second timebase – note the extreme concentrations and loading effects. Automatic Zero and Span The Aethalometer Model AE33 offers the capability for automatically checking the ‘zero-air’...
  • Page 11 3000 t (s) Figure 4. ‘Zero-air’ check – the Aethalometer Model AE33 switches form sampling ambient air to filtered air – 1 second time resolution point-to-point variation is very stable. The response of the optical detectors of the Aethalometer Model AE33 may be verified by use of a standard kit of Neutral Density optical filters.
  • Page 12 Remote control of instrument operating parameters Modular Construction The Aethalometer Model AE33 is constructed with a modular design, so that sub-units may be easily serviced. The only item requiring attention in routine use is cleaning of the optical insert to remove accumulated dust or other contamination which may be brought in with the sample air stream.
  • Page 13 Aethalometer Model AE33 Weingartner, E., et al. (2003), Absorption of Light by Soot Particles: Determination of the Absorption Coefficient by Means of Aethalometers J. Aerosol Sci., 34, 1445-1463. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 13/75...

  • Page 14: Technical Specification

    Aethalometer Model AE33 1.2 Technical specification Operation:  Supply voltage: 100-240 V~, 50/60 Hz  Max power consumption: 90W  Measurement wavelengths: 370, 470, 520, 590, 660, 880 and 950 nm  Air flow: adjustable 2, 3, 4 and 5 LPM Environmental operating conditions: ...

  • Page 15: Basic Calculations

    Aethalometer Model AE33 1.3 Basic calculations Determination of black carbon concentration is based on measurement of light absorption on filter loaded with aerosols: Sensing I Reference: I ������ = −100 ∗ ln⁡ ( �� �� ⁄ ) Optical attenuation: =reference signal;...

  • Page 16: Functional Description Of The Instrument

    Aethalometer Model AE33 1.4 Functional description of the instrument The AE33 features modular design and is composed of several subsystems which are so interconnected that most simple and safe handling of the instrument is possible. MAINS COOLING BACK Ethernet COM1...
  • Page 17 Aethalometer Model AE33 ENCLOSURE The AE33 enclosure is very robust and made from sheet metal. The enclosure mechanically protects the delicate inner measurement parts. The dimensions of the enclosure meet the rack mount standard for the instrumentation. POWER SUPPLY The power supply module is composed of the mains inlet, the power supply electronics and the cooling fan.
  • Page 18 ETHERNET CONNECTOR The Ethernet connector allows the connection of the AE33 measurement system to Ethernet based communication networks. COM1, COM2, COM3 CONNECTORS The COM connectors allow the connection of the system to RS232 based devices, like external sensors or dataloggers.
  • Page 19 Aethalometer Model AE33 AIR PUMP The air pump pumps the measured air through the inlet connector, directly to the measurement chamber. It is one of the main components in the system. FLOWMETERS Two flow-meters measure the airflow in different points in the system. One of them is used also in the air flow regulation loop.
  • Page 20 Aethalometer Model AE33 spool is empty, the event is detected automatically thanks to the tape sensors. The tape replacement procedure must be performed manually by the operator. The measurement tape is one of the main parts of the system. TAPE SENSORS The two tape sensors are used by the instrument software to detect the amount of tape on the un-roll and roll-on spools.
  • Page 21 Aethalometer Model AE33 USB CONNECTORS The two USB ports on the front panel door can be used to connect a keyboard, mouse or a USB key for data download or data upload. STATUS LEDS The red, yellow and green status LEDs show the correct or incorrect operation of the instrument.

  • Page 22: Flow Manifold

    Model AE33 1.5 Flow manifold Flow manifold in AE33 allows for different operation modes (see table below). During measurement inlet air passes Filter spots 1 & 2 with different flow rate, defined by the orifice 2. Air flow through spot1 (S1) is measured by flowmeter 1, flow through a second spot is calculated as a difference between flow through flowmeters C and 1.

  • Page 23: Safety Notes And Labels

    Aethalometer Model AE33 2 SAFETY NOTES and LABELS CAUTION! READ THIS CHAPTER VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING THE INSTRUMENT. Instrument operation Read this User’s manual BEFORE operating the instrument. INCORRECT instrument operation can be DANGEROUS for the operator. Unauthorised instrument access and operation The instrument must be protected against unqualified use.
  • Page 24 NEVER install the instrument in spaces with limited air circulation. UV radiation AE33 light source contains an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED). The LED radiates UV and visible light during operation. Precautions must be taken to prevent looking directly at the UV light with unaided eyes. NEVER touch or look...
  • Page 25 Aethalometer Model AE33 Instrument service and repair UNAUTHORISED instrument service and repair procedures are NOT ALLOWED. The instrument can only be serviced, repaired or modified by authorized persons. Please contact your authorized representative if you have any problems with the instrument. Please make sure to have the equipment checked regularly for technical safety.
  • Page 26 Aethalometer Model AE33 Moving parts During AUTOMATIC tape advance procedure, the measurement chamber is lifted by a motorized chamber lift mechanism. To prevent any injuries to your fingers, NEVER squeeze your hands or fingers into ANY mechanical apertures, DURING automated tape advance procedure.

  • Page 27: Identification And Markings

    Aethalometer Model AE33 3 IDENTIFICATION and MARKINGS 3.1 Instrument identification label 3.2 Front panel markings 3.3 Back panel markings ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 27/75...

  • Page 28: Instrument Installation

    Aethalometer Model AE33 4. INSTRUMENT INSTALLATION 4.1 Unpacking the system Take the instrument out of the box and place it on an even surface. Keep the back of the instrument accessible. Remember to remove protective caps on the inlet and exhaust ports before operation! Figure 6.
  • Page 29 Aethalometer Model AE33 Insulate the sample lines inside the instrument shelter and avoid exposing them to direct exhaust from the HVAC unit – this can lead to condensation inside the sample line tubing and can damage the instruments and interfere with the measurement.

  • Page 30: Switching The Aethalometer On

    Aethalometer Model AE33 is leak-proof. If not using a size selective inlet, please make sure to keep the end of the tubing inverted so rain cannot enter. A funnel on the sampling end of the inverted sample line tubing with the opening covered by a mesh screen is recommended. Alternatively, the optional insect screen can be installed near the sampling end of the tubing.
  • Page 31 Aethalometer Model AE33 Figure 8. Power on switches: rear panel (top) and inside the door on the right (bottom). Upon start-up, the instrument will proceed through an initialization period which can take up to 5 minutes (Figure 9). Various subunits are tested during this period and test results are indicated by green check boxes for each step.
  • Page 32 Aethalometer Model AE33 Figure 9. The initialization screen with test results. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 32/75...

  • Page 33: Filter Tape Installation

    Aethalometer Model AE33 4.4 Filter tape installation Stop measurements and press go to the “Operation / Advanced” menu. Press “Change Tape” and follow instructions – you will need a fresh roll of filter tape and some adhesive tape. For details, please see below.
  • Page 34 Aethalometer Model AE33 Start changing filter tape. First remove the transparent holder of the roll on the left of the chamber… … and on the right. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 34/75...
  • Page 35 Aethalometer Model AE33 Remove the tape from underneath the optical chamber. Take both spools of tape from the Aethalometer. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 35/75...
  • Page 36 Aethalometer Model AE33 Install a fresh roll of filter tape on the left hand side of the optical chamber. Tape the end of the tape to the cardboard spool. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 36/75...
  • Page 37 Aethalometer Model AE33 Insert the tape to the right-hand side of the chamber. Screw back the transparent holders on the left- and right-hand side of the optical chamber. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 37/75...
  • Page 38 Aethalometer Model AE33 Close the door and click OK. Wait for the chamber to return to home position. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 38/75...
  • Page 39 Aethalometer Model AE33 The tape change is finished. Click OK. Figure 10. Changing filter tape In case if the instrument is turned off during new tape installation, the chamber can be lifted manually. ATENTION! – If the chamber is lifted while instrument is operating, it is not possible to start the measurement without cycling the instrument power.

  • Page 40: Installation Of Instrument In The Measurement Station

    Instrument can be connected to the manifold together with other instruments. Check if other instruments draw constant flow and do not reverse flow during operation. AE33 does not interfere with other instruments since it draws constant air flow during measurement, tape advance and clean air tests.

  • Page 41: User Interface, Settings And Operation

    21.11 C) are used to convert the measured mass flow to reported volumetric flow at these conditions (these are values used by the flow meter in the AE33). These values can be substituted for any other (pressure, Temp) values, should you want the flow to be reported at 0 C, or 25 C for example.
  • Page 42 Aethalometer Model AE33 o the time interval at which the Aethalometer advances tape (hours) – TA INT or, o the time at which the Aethalometer advances tape – TA Time. o Time & Date: adjusts current local time. Time zone and DST: Instrument default value is UTC (no DST), Changing time zone or DST doesn't change local time.
  • Page 43 Aethalometer Model AE33 Figure 11. The Aethalometer HOME, OPERATION, DATA and ABOUT screens, clock-wise from top left. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ User's manual – Ver. 1.53 July 2015 43/75...

  • Page 44: Instrument Status

    Aethalometer Model AE33 5.2 Instrument Status Status of the instrument is currently a status flag (16bit value) consisting of detector (bit 0,1), flow (2,3), LED (4,5), tape advance(7,8) flags, and will be latr extended to chamber (6), valve (9), settings (10) , and other important status notifications.
  • Page 45 Aethalometer Model AE33 Tape warning (less than 30 spots left) Tape last warning (less than 5 spots left) Tape error (tape not moving, end of tape) Tests & 12, 11, 10 No test procedures 1024 Stability test 2048 Clean air test...
  • Page 46 Aethalometer Model AE33 The overall status is a sum of the statuses in the Table 1. These status flag add, for example: Status = 0, all OK -> front panel LED's GREEN Status = 1, all OK, tape advancing -> blinking GREEN LED Status = 128, machine is running, tape advance warning flag is set ->...

  • Page 47: Downloading And Viewing Data

    Aethalometer Model AE33 5.3 Downloading and Viewing Data Please insert the USB stick in either of the front USB ports. Rear ports are intended for the mouse and keyboard only and not for data transfer (surge protection). Go to the “Data / Export” menu and press “Export to USB”.
  • Page 48 Aethalometer Model AE33 Data file structure and description of the fields Header: Date(yyyy/MM/dd); Time(hh:mm:ss); Timebase; RefCh1; Sen1Ch1; Sen2Ch1; RefCh2; Sen1Ch2; Sen2Ch2; RefCh3; Sen1Ch3; Sen2Ch3; RefCh4; Sen1Ch4; Sen2Ch4; RefCh5; Sen1Ch5; Sen2Ch5; RefCh6; Sen1Ch6; Sen2Ch6; RefCh7; Sen1Ch7; Sen2Ch7; Flow1; Flow2; FlowC; Pressure (Pa);...
  • Page 49 (these are values used by the flow meter in the AE33). These values can be substituted for any other (pressure, Temp) values, should you want the flow to be reported at 0 C, or 25 C for example.
  • Page 50 Aethalometer Model AE33 for channel 1. BC1 is the final results the BC calculated form measurements for channel 1 (370 nm). - K1; K2; K3; K4; K5; K6; K7: K_i are the compensation parameters for wavelengths i=1…7 - TapeAdvCount: TapeAdvCount – tape advances since start - ID_com1;...
  • Page 51 Data can be imported from the thumb drive to the instrument. The data has to be stored in the folder with the instrument serial number (for example AE33-S02-000134). The filenames and format should not be changed. Data import function imports the following files: -setup file (the one from the thumb drive becomes the instrument setup file.

  • Page 52: Connecting To External Datalogger Or Pc

    Aethalometer Model AE33 5.4 Connecting to External Datalogger or PC Connect with a crossover cable (or standard serial cable with null modem adapter) from the PC / Datalogger to the serial port of the instrument on the rear panel. Establish communications using the following values:...

  • Page 53: Serial Commands For Communication With The Aethalometer

    Aethalometer Model AE33 5.5 Serial Commands for Communication with the Aethalometer All commands finish with a Carriage Return. $AE33:Dnnn nnn number of lines Request nnn last of data requested measurements $AE33:TyyyyMMddHHmmss yyyy year Synchronize time with month the data-logger hour (24)

  • Page 54: External Devices

    = 1 – instrument start Command: $AE33:D1[CR] will return one data line (i.e. 1 byte -> value = 13 so all together there should be 9 bytes) Please note these are all capital letters. Important: the command needs to be sent as a string, not as separate characters. In Hyper Terminal this can be achieved by sending a file with a command.

  • Page 55: Ames_Tpr159

    5.6.1 AMES_TPR159 Data received from AMES is stored at the end of AE33 dataline in the fields_i section in following format: Temperature, RH, Pressure. If ambient flow reporting standard is selected, the values Temperature and Pressure in dataline are the same as in the fields_i section.

  • Page 56: Datalogger_Ae33_Protocol

    5.6.6 Aerosol_inlet_dryer Data received from aerosol inlet dryer is stored at the end of AE33 dataline in the fields_i section in following format: temperature, RH and dew point at the inlet, and temperature, RH and dew point at the outlet.

  • Page 57: Datalogger Qair Protocol

    Aethalometer Model AE33 5.6.8 Datalogger Qair protocol The instrument supports data acquisition over protocol which complies with “Communication protocol for digital links with air quality data acquisition stations ver. 3.1”. It is a limited version of the industrial JBUS communication protocol.
  • Page 58 Aethalometer Model AE33 o Command: [01] [03] [00] [25] [00] [64] [55] [EA] o Response: [1] [3] [84] [0] [0] [0] [1] [0] [0] [13] [88] [41] [93] [C2] [8F] [41] [68] [A3] [D7] [41] [52] [3D] [71] [41] [39] [47] [AE] [41] [25] [99] [9A] [40] [F8] [A3] [D7] [40]...

  • Page 59: Software Upgrade

    - NK.bin - application software, - ae33co502.hex, ae33de502.hex, ae33le502.hex, the three hex files (firmware). 2. Switch on the AE33 and stop measurement. 3. Insert the USB key into the front USB slot. Wait 10 seconds. 4. Go to "Operation/Advanced" menu and press the "Update" button.

  • Page 60: Bc Source Apportionment

    Aethalometer Model AE33 5.8 BC source apportionment Source apportionment of black carbon emissions is based on the Sandradewi et al. (2008) model, with optical absorption coefficient being a sum of biomass burning and fossil fuel burning fractions. Model is based on the difference in absorption coefficient wavelength dependency assuming that absorption due to from fossil fuel and biomass emissions follow λ...
  • Page 61 Aethalometer Model AE33 Settings - display of BB on the home screen is enabled by selecting Home display/procBB setting on Operation/Advanced tab. - the algorithm can be fine-tuned by changing the value of Ångström exponents α and α from the default values of α...

  • Page 62: Screen Saver

    Aethalometer Model AE33 5.9 Screen saver Screen saver settings (Operation/Advanced screen): - ON: Screen is always switched on - Saver: After 60 minutes without user interaction the screen saver is started – Instrument status flag (Green = measurement, Yellow = warning status, Red = not measuring) is displayed.

  • Page 63: Maintenance And Service

    Aethalometer Model AE33 6 MAINTENANCE and SERVICE The Aethalometer needs to be maintained regularly. We recommend the following schedule for regular maintainance. Sample inlet flow Once / month Inspect the sample line tubing Once / month Inspect and clean the size selective inlet (if...

  • Page 64: Automatic Flow-Meter Calibration

    Aethalometer Model AE33 6.1 Automatic flow-meter calibration For the automatic calibration a TSI4100 flow-meter, data cable and the flow calibration pad are needed. Flow calibration procedure: 1. Go to OPERATION tab. 2. In case instrument is running, STOP the instrument under GENERAL sub-tab.

  • Page 65: Manual Flow-Meter Calibration

    Aethalometer Model AE33 6.2 Manual flow-meter calibration For the manual calibration a flow-meter and the flow calibration pad are needed. Please note the units and conditions at which flow is reported. Please note whether the flow meter measures volumetric or mass flow! Flow calibration procedure: 1.

  • Page 66: Leakage Test

    To perform the leakage test, select Operation/General/Leakage Test and follow the instruction on screen. Leakage test is marked by status 6144. After the test the report is generated: Manual leakage test report Serial number: AE33-S02-00232 Date and time: 01 Dec 2014 11:21:21 Selected flow: 5000 mlpm...

  • Page 67: Manual Stability Test

    Aethalometer Model AE33 6.4 Manual stability test Stability test is conducted without flow to determine the performance of the light source – detector pair. To perform the stability test, select Operation/General/Stability test. Test runs for 20 minutes at 1 s time resolution. Stability test data is marked by status 1024. During the test BC values will be calculated assuming there is 5 LPM air flow.

  • Page 68: Manual Clean Air Test

    Aethalometer Model AE33 6.5 Manual clean air test Clean air test is conducted using the built-in filter to determine the performance of Aethalometer under the standard flow condition. To perform the clean air test, select Operation/General/Clean air test. Test runs for 20 minutes at 5 lpm and 1 s time resolution.

  • Page 69: Automatic Clean Air Test

    Aethalometer Model AE33 6.6 Automatic clean air test Automatic clean air test is activated by checking “Auto Clean Air” option on Operation/General screen. It is run weekly/monthly on specified time. Test runs for 20 minutes at 5 lpm and 1 s time resolution. Data is marked with status 2048.

  • Page 70: Flow Verification

    Aethalometer Model AE33 6.7 Flow verification Flow verification routine is used to check if internal flow-meters need calibration. No instrument settings are changed during the flow verification routine. For flow verification you need a flow calibration pad and an external flow-meter, which you connect to the Aethalometer inlet.

  • Page 71: Nd Filter Test

    To perform the Inlet leakage test, select Operation/General/InletLeakage Test and follow the instruction on screen. Leakage test is marked by status 6144. After the test the report is generated: Inlet leakage test report Serial number: AE33-S00-00027 Date and time: 30 Jun 2015 14:10:00 Selected flow: 5000 mlpm Instrument inlet flow: 4700 Outdoor inlet flow: 4500 Instrument leakage is: 4.3 %...

  • Page 72: Troubleshooting Guide

    Aethalometer Model AE33 7. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 7.1 Startup screen checks Check Description Error Solution Communication communication PC to hardware check cables optical chamber controller problem Instrument Obtain data (serial number) hardware check cables data from the optical chamber problem controller...

  • Page 73: Instrument Status

    Aethalometer Model AE33 7.2 Instrument status Normal operation Warning ; Instrument is still performing measurements, but there is/was an issue, that needs to be checked Instrument stopped. Immediate response needed. Instrument status number and status image are presented on the home screen. Pressing on the status image opens status deconvolution page.

  • Page 74: Unacceptable Quality Control Test Results

    Aethalometer Model AE33 device external device not Check if correct COM port is used status working 7.3 Unacceptable quality control test results Test Criteria Solution Flow Measured flows differ Calibrate flow verification for more than 10 % Use good flow calibrator...

  • Page 75: Technical Support And Contact Information

    Aethalometer Model AE33 8 TECHNICAL SUPPORT and CONTACT INFORMATION Please contact the service department through our web sites (Service & Support): www.mageescientific.com www.aerosol.eu Please include the serial number of the instrument and a sample of recent data in the communication. Always send the raw files.

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