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ARA Instruments N-FRM Operation Manual

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ARA N-FRM Sampler
Operation Manual
September 20, 2018

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Summary of Contents for ARA Instruments N-FRM

  • Page 1 ARA N-FRM Sampler Operation Manual September 20, 2018...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    3.3. Power Source 3.3.1. Batteries 3.3.2. AC Power Supply 3.3.3. Using Batteries and AC Power Supply 3.3.4. Solar Panel Supply 3.4. Powering N-FRM Sampler On/Off 3.5. Navigation 3.6. Sleep Mode 3.7. Setting Time and Date 3.8. Installing a Filter 4. OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW 4.1.

  • Page 3: Section Page

    SECTION PAGE 5. OPERATING THE N-FRM SAMPLER 5.1. User-Defined Programming 5.1.1. Creating a Program to Operate at a Specific Time 5.1.2. Running a Program 5.1.3. Ending a Program 5.2. Meteorological Functions 5.2.1. Sector Mode (Directional Sampling) 5.2.2. Start a Sector Run 5.3.

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Flexible mounting options allow for stand– alone support or the use of existing poles and structures. The ability of the N-FRM to operate on rechargeable batteries also significantly reduces the cost of establishing a monitoring site.

  • Page 5: Principles Of Operation

    Another option is to use a freestanding tripod. The N-FRM Sampler is equipped to operate from either AC or DC power sources. In the DC mode, the sampler operates from an internal battery pack. A charged battery pack is capable of operating the sampler for about 30-40 hours.

  • Page 6: Hardware Description

    Flow Control System The N-FRM Sampler incorporates a microprocessor-based active flow control to maintain the sampling rate as ambient conditions and filter loading changes. The sampling rate is monitored and adjusted several times a second and logged at 5-min intervals along with all other important sampling parameters.

  • Page 7: Initial Setup

    Initial Setup 3.1. Basic Assembly When the N-FRM Sampler arrives, please check to ensure all parts are accounted for and that no items were damaged during shipping. Please contact ARA Instruments immediately to report any damaged or missing parts. Assemble the inlet for the desired sampling particle size. The configurations for TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 are shown in Figure 1.

  • Page 8: Deployment

    Figure 2 Figure 3 The N-FRM is designed for secure mounting on any vertical round tubing support of 1.25 – 1.375 inches in diameter (30-35mm). A clamp screw located inside the sampler secures the N-FRM to the support (Figure 4). Using the 3/16” Hex L-Wrench located on the battery holder, tighten the clamp screw to secure (Figure 5).

  • Page 9: Power Source

    Figure 4. Battery Charge Levels Charge Batteries Plug the charger into an appropriate AC outlet. The charger provided by ARA Instruments is rated for 220VAC. If you prefer a 110VAC charger, we recommended DeWalt DCB105. Insert the battery into the charger as shown in Figure 5.

  • Page 10: Ac Power Supply

    The N-FRM Sampler enters power saving “sleep mode” after a few minutes of no input from the selector knob. In this mode, the LCD screen is blank. To wake up the N-FRM Sampler, press and hold the selector knob for 3-seconds.

  • Page 11: Installing A Filter

    Place the Filter Cassette into the Filter Holder and reassemble by firmly screwing together the Filter Holder Top and Filter Holder Bottom. Note: Cassettes can be handled with fingers. Make sure not to touch filter media. ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...

  • Page 12: Operational Overview

    Administrative Modes. Operational Modes 4.2.1 Mode: OFF When the N-FRM Sampler is powered on, Mode: OFF is the default setting. Select this administrative mode to move between the Operational Modes: OFF, ON, MET, PROGRAM, SECTOR and REMOTE. 4.2.2 Mode: ON Select to manually turn the N-FRM pump ON.

  • Page 13: Data

    UPDATE FIRMWARE: With the correct file on a USB drive the user can update the firmware of the sampler. The latest firmware is available on the ARA Instruments website – www.arainstruments.com SYSTEM SETUP: This menu allows the user to set the date and time and other sampler parameters.
  • Page 14 RESTORE DEFAULTS: Will set sampler back to factory defaults (be cautious in using this option since it will erase all calibration data). BLUETOOTH CONTROL: For future use. PARTICLE COUNTER: The N-FRM Sampler comes with default mass values for PM2.5 and PM10 particulates. Users can adjust these values proportionally to match their local aerosol characteristics.

  • Page 15: Operating The N-Frm Sampler

    Operating the N-FRM Sampler User-Defined Programming 5.1.1 Creating a Program to Operate at a Specific Time Interval There are two methods to view the SET PROGRAM screen. Method 1: On the Home Screen, highlight SETUP and select by pushing the selector knob.

  • Page 16: Ending A Program

    MODE: OFF is highlighted and select. The Home Screen will appear. Meteorological Functions If the Wind Sensor is installed, the N-FRM Sampler will log 5-minute averages of wind speed and wind direction throughout any run in any Operational Mode (MODE:ON, MODE:MET, MODE:PROGRAM, MODE:SECTOR, and MODE:REMOTE).

  • Page 17: Real-Time Particulate (Rtp) Profiler

    Real-Time Particulate (RTP) Profiler If the Real-Time Particulate Profiler is installed, the N-FRM Sampler will log real-time particulate data throughout any run using any Operational Mode (MODE:ON, MODE:MET, MODE:PROGRAM, MODE:SECTOR, and MODE:REMOTE). 5.3.1 Accuracy The RTP Profiler uses a low-cost light scattering sensor. It is intended to be used as a profiler to show trends during the sample run.

  • Page 18: View Summaries

    In addition to the summary of key sampling parameters at the top, the file contains time delimited 5-minute averages of all sensors for analysis and sample validation. See Figure 8 for an N-FRM Sampler CSV file imported into Excel. Figure 8. CSV file imported into Excel...
  • Page 19 NONE – No errors during sampling B – Battery failed, not enough voltage F – Flow rate could not be maintained W – Wind direction is in programmed sector A – Amps are too high. Possible pump failure. ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...

  • Page 20: Maintenance

    Impactor and remove any moisture that has been collected. Clean PM10 Inlet, PM2.5 Cyclone, and Filter Holder Supplies needed: • 7/64” hex driver • Phillips screwdriver • Lint-free wipes • Silicone lubricant or Armor-All • Mild soap and warm water ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...

  • Page 21: Cleaning Pm2.5 Cyclone

    9. Lubricate all O-rings with silicone lubricant 10. Reassemble cyclone parts in reverse order Note: Do NOT use any abrasive cleaning pads. Cyclones are precision manufactured parts and their performance may be altered by very minor scratches. ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...

  • Page 22: Cleaning Pm10 Inlet

    10. Lubricate all O-rings with silicone lubricant 11. Reassemble cyclone parts in reverse order Note: Do NOT use any abrasive cleaning pads. All parts are precision manufactured and their performance may be altered by very minor scratches. ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...

  • Page 23: Cleaning Filter Holder

    DO NOT LUBRICATE 11. Reassemble filter holder parts in reverse order Note: Do NOT use any abrasive cleaning pads. All parts are precision manufactured and their performance may be altered by very minor scratches. ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...

  • Page 24: Clean Rtp Profiler Filter

    4. Aim the squeeze bulb at the 4 small inlet holes and also the 4 slots for the outlet fan. Note: RTP Enclosure does not need to be removed from the sampler case. 5. Once completed, turn the sampler into MODE: OFF and secure the lower half of the RTP enclosure. ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...

  • Page 25: Replace O-Rings

    Pumps should be rebuilt after one (1) year of sampling or approximately 5000 hours of sampling. Diaphragms, valves, and bearing should be replaced. Contact ARA Instruments about purchasing a pump rebuild kit with detailed instructions. Pumps may also be rebuilt and assessed at our facility.

  • Page 26: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Problem Solution In MODE: PROGRAM, the N-FRM Sampler will The N-FRM Sampler time and date may be not start at the defined time and date. incorrect. On the Home Screen, verify that the Date and Time are correct. These parameters are only stored in the N-FRM Sampler for a few weeks so they may need to be defined again.

  • Page 27: Warranty Policy

    ARA Instruments is not liable for loss, damage, or injury to property or persons for the installation, operation, use, misuse, nonuse, repair, or replacement of equipment.

  • Page 28: 10 Parts List

    10 Parts List ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...
  • Page 29 PM 10 Louvered Inlet Assembly PM 10 Impactor Assembly PN 540-000 PN 520-000 PM 2.5 Cyclone Assembly and Adaptor Filter Holder Assembly PN 520-000 PN 510-000 ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...
  • Page 30 O-Ring, S70, 122 520-100 Cyclone Body 908-127 O-Ring, S70, 127 520-200 Cyclone Bypass 903-210 6-32 x ¾” Socket Cap Screw 510-200 Filter Holder Top 510-400 Cassette Top 510-500 Cassette Screen 510-300 Cassette Bottom 510-200 Filter Holder Bottom ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...
  • Page 31 3mm x 8mm Socket Cap Screw 195-090 Pump Cover 195-050 Yoke 195-070 Piston Bottom 195-100 Pump Diaphragm 195-060 Piston Top 902-207 6-32 x ½” Flat Head Phillips Screw 903-216 6-32 x 1 ¼ ” Socket Cap Screw ARA Instruments N-FRM Sampler Manual...

  • Page 32: Appendix A: Calibration Using An Ara Fts Flow Calibrator

    OFFSET = (FTS Temp) – (N-FRM Temp) On the N-FRM Sampler Home Screen select SETUP and then select SYSTEM SETUP. Scroll down and select AMBIENT TEMPERATURE and then select OFFSET. Change the value to the desired offset, calculated above and select YES to save changes.
  • Page 33 Calibrate Flow Rate To calibrate an N-FRM Sampler, a multi-point calibration must be performed in order to determine the calibration factors. These values can then be entered manually into the N-FRM Sampler. FTS Calibrator: • Select MODE:HOME and rotate the selector knob to select MODE:FLOW •...
  • Page 34 Change the Slope and Intercept on the N-FRM Sampler: • From the Home Screen select SETUP • Scroll down, select SYSTEM SETUP, and then select FLOW RATE • Select SLOPE and turn knob to desired value • Select YES to save changes •...

  • Page 35: Quality Control Form

    QUALITY CONTROL FORM SITE INFORMATION Location:_________________ Sampler:______________________________ Serial No:___________ Tech:____________________ Flow Rate Standard:_____________________ Serial No:___________ Date:____________________ Temperature Standard:__________________ Serial No:___________ Time:____________________ Pressure Standard:______________________ Serial No:___________ MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Weekly: Service Water Trap Monthly: Clean PM10 Inlet, PM2.5 Cyclone, Filter Holder, and RTP Profiler Filter Inspect O-Rings Perform Leak Check Perform flow, temperature, pressure, and clock verification...

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