Flow - Aethlabs microAeth MA200 Operating Manual

5.2.2. Battery Runtime on Single Charge
Battery Runtime on Single Charge: Affected by flow rate and timebase settings.
NOTE: Battery life will gradually diminish after many cycles (~ 1 year of use). Runtimes vary based on
individual microAeth instruments and specific environments.
5.2.3. Individual Data Point Noise
Individual Data Point Noise: At 150 ml/min, primarily affected by timebase setting.
5.2.4. Effects of Contamination
Effects of Contamination, Vibration, and Impact: Primarily affected by timebase setting.
1 second 5 seconds 10 seconds
very large large large
5.2.5. Recommended Settings for Different Scenarios
Different Black Carbon measurement scenarios require different operational settings for optimum
performance. The 1 second timebase setting is a 'Data Acquisition Mode' intended for subsequent
processing, and should NOT be used for routine monitoring. On a 1 second timebase, the instrument will
acquire about 25 megabytes of data per day, which may be more challenging to handle and take longer to
download. Data collected on a 1 second timebase should always be smoothed or averaged over longer
periods, in order to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio at the desired time resolution.
5.2.6. Contamination, Maintenance, and Cleaning of Sample Chamber
If a loose particle of contamination enters the sample chamber of the microAeth or the instrument
experiences vibration or impact, the data may be degraded. Shaking or tapping a "dirty" instrument may
create data excursions that are far larger than those of a "clean" unit. These effects are amplified greatly
at the shorter timebase settings. Our recommendations for cleaning are based upon the likelihood of
contamination and the nature of use.
5.2.7. Contamination Probability for Various Use Scenarios
Sampling Scenario without use of microCyclone™
Occupational settings with combustion exhaust
Exposure to "oily" smokes such as biomass-burning plumes,
Presence of suspended fluff, fibers, pollen
Immediate vicinity of traffic and roadways
Outdoor rural environments (without dust, fluff, pollen)
Residential indoor environments
5.2.8. Recommended Hours of Operation Between Cleaning & Maintenance
24 microAeth MA Series MA200, MA300, MA350 Operating Manual
®
30 seconds 60 seconds 300 seconds
moderate low
Contamination Probability
Dry, dusty environment High
High
High
2-cycle engine exhaust
High
High
Outdoor urban environments High
High
High
5.2.9. microCyclone™ PM2.5 Size-selective inlet
The microCyclone™ may help to prevent contamination in dusty or dirty environments where larger
diameter particles are present. The microCyclone PM2.5 Size-selective inlet can be connected to the inlet
least
of the microAeth to provide a PM2.5 size cut point when the microAeth is set to a 50 ml/min flow rate. A 1.6
micron size cut point is provided by the microCyclone when connected to a microAeth with a 100 ml/min
flow rate.
IMPORTANT: If a microCyclone is being used with your microAeth, please clean it on a frequent
basis, depending on sampling environment and concentrations. Please see microCyclone manual and
documentation for more information.
5.3. Measurement Sampling Connections
5.3.1. Inlet Port
The inlet port is a 10-32 UNF inch threaded port.
5.3.2. Outlet Port
The outlet port is a 10-32 UNF inch threaded port.
AethLabs AethLabs
Sampling Scenario
Mobile sampling with impacts: on person or in vehicle
Mobile sampling on cushioned support
Stationary sampling, relocated during operation
Stationary sampling, not moved during operation
microAeth MA Series MA200, MA300, MA350 Operating Manual
®
Contamination Probability
(hours of operation)
High Medium Low
100 200 400
150 300 500
500 800 1200
800 1200 2000
25