Related Manuals for Alicat Scientific FP-25
Summary of Contents for Alicat Scientific FP-25
- Page 1 The Fastest Flow Controller Company in the World! FP-25 Flow Calibrator for Particulate Air Samplers FP-25BT & with Bluetooth Operating Manual...
- Page 2 Next Calibration: ___________________________ Recalibrate your FP-25 every year, in just 10 days. Your calibration date is labeled on the back of the FP-25. Write that date in the space above. We complete most calibrations within 10 business days of receiving your device. When it's time for your FP-25's annual recalibration, contact us by phone, email or live chat to set it up.
- Page 3 Calibrate any low-volume sampler, period. • Laminar flow technology makes your FP-25 just as accurate at 1 lpm as it is at 25 lpm, page 20. Direct Mode • puts the FP-25 in the middle of the action, literally. Monitor inlet without interference, page 16.
-
Page 4: Table Of Contents
The FP-25 Display .....................11 Error Codes .......................11 Charging Your FP-25 ....................12 Connecting the External Temperature Probe to Your FP-25 ........13 Connecting Your FP-25 to an Air Sampler ..............14 Standard Mode connections to air samplers via the barb fitting ......15 Direct Mode connections to air samplers with 1.25" downtubes ......16 Direct Mode connections for leak checks ............17... - Page 5 Verifying Internal Pressure during Leak Checks ............56 Verifying Flow Rates in Direct Mode ................59 Verifying Flow Rates in Standard Mode ..............63 Alicat FP-25 Field Performance Check Sheet ______________________ 67 Troubleshooting Your FP-25 _________________________________ 68 Maintenance and Recalibration ______________________________ 75 Specifications __________________________________________ 76...
-
Page 6: Quick-Start Guide
-30°C (-22°F) to +60°C (+140°F) and at any humidity level, 0-100% RH. Setup We've fully charged your FP-25 at the factory, so you can use it right away. • Tare your FP-25. Before you connect the calibrator to an air sampler, ensure that no air is flowing through the device and select MENU >... -
Page 7: Operation: Flow Verification
Instant screen. • Tare your FP-25 before calibrating the next sampler. For best results, get a fresh tare when you move the FP-25 to a new sampler. Select MENU > TARE. Operation: Leak Check Pressure Verification You can monitor the sub-atmospheric pressures inside an air sampler during a leak check using the FP-25's flow stream pressure sensors. -
Page 8: Getting Started
Getting Started Unboxing Your FP-25 or FP-25BT Your FP-25 was shipped to you in its custom hard case, containing the items in the packing list below. Please contact Alicat immediately if you find that any item is missing from your FP-25 shipping box. -
Page 9: Storing Your Fp-25
Getting Started Storing Your FP-25 We shipped your FP-25 to you with all fittings unconnected, but the FP-25 case allows you to keep as much or as little of it connected as you like. FP-25 flow calibrator Power supply, USB cable,... -
Page 10: Getting To Know Your Fp-25
It provides accurate readings of both actual volumetric flow and standardized (mass) flow from 25 lpm/slpm down to 0.1 lpm/slpm. Your FP-25 is weatherproof and is designed to remain accurate in air temperatures from -30°C (-22°F) to +60°C (+140°F) and at any humidity level, 0-100% RH. -
Page 11: The Fp-25 Display
Getting Started The FP-25 Display The figure below identifies the various features of the FP-25 display when it is in Standard Mode (upright orientation) and displaying live flow data. Press the large button with the Alicat logo to toggle the backlight on and off. -
Page 12: Charging Your Fp-25
Getting Started Charging Your FP-25 We've fully charged your FP-25 at the factory, so you can use it right away. Expected battery life of a fully-charged battery is 12 hours of continuous operation when the backlight is off, or 8 hours when the backlight is on. -
Page 13: Connecting The External Temperature Probe To Your Fp-25
Connecting the External Temperature Probe to Your FP-25 We recommend using the external temperature probe when capturing flow readings. Whenever the FP-25 is using the probe to provide readings, the word Probe will flash on the right side of the BARO START +704.0... -
Page 14: Connecting Your Fp-25 To An Air Sampler
| Connecting Your FP-25 to an Air Sampler Connecting Your FP-25 to an Air Sampler Your FP-25 has 0.25" female NPT ports on each end of its flow body and comes with three adapters for ease in connecting it to your air samplers. Each of the supplied fittings has an embedded face seal, so there is no need to apply Teflon tape to the threads. -
Page 15: Standard Mode Connections To Air Samplers Via The Barb Fitting
When using the FP-25 in Standard Mode, you can rest its base on top of the sampler or hold it in your hand. -
Page 16: Direct Mode Connections To Air Samplers With 1.25" Downtubes
Caution: The FP-25 is optimized for use at near-atmospheric pressures. Using this device under positive pressure is not recommended. Using the FP-25 above 45 psig of internal line pressure, or 15 psi of differential pressure between the inlet and outlet, will result in... -
Page 17: Direct Mode Connections For Leak Checks
Direct Mode to monitor the sub-atmospheric pressures inside the air sampler when conducting leak checks. 1. Prepare the FP-25 for Direct Mode by selecting MENU > BASIC MODE and then selecting ROTATE to rotate the screen. 2. Mount the FP-25 beneath the leak check adapter. -
Page 18: Understanding How The Fp-25 Works
Paragraph 7.4.7 defines the air sampler' range of operational conditions as -30°C to +45°C, 0-100% RH and 600-800 mmHg. We have designed and tested the FP-25 to achieve 1% of reading flow accuracy across all possible combinations of these operating conditions. - Page 19 -30°C (-22°F) to +45°C (+113°F), 0-100% RH and 600-800 mmHg. Including the FRM and FEM air samplers noted previously, the FP-25 can be used with the following types of air samplers and their associated flow ranges: »...
-
Page 20: Theory Of Operation
Venturi flow meter. What sets the FP-25 apart is that the restriction is a laminar flow element (LFE), which forces all of the airflow into a laminar (non-turbulent) flow regime. -
Page 21: Probe Vs Stream Temperature Readings
If the sampler has no radiation shield, place the FP-25 probe in the shade in the immediate vicinity of the sampler. If the probe has previously been sitting in direct sunlight, allow a couple minutes for the temperature reading to settle at the shade temperature. -
Page 22: Ambient Vs Internal Pressure Readings
The barometric pressure sensor monitors ambient atmospheric pressure and is housed within the instrument casing above the display. The vent located on the side of the FP-25 keeps this barometer continuously equilibrated to atmospheric pressure while retaining the instrument's IP67 protection. -
Page 23: Actual Vs Standardized Flow Readings
(volumetric) and standardized (mass) flow readings a thousand times every second. The following are brief descriptions of each of the types of flow readings you will see on the FP-25. • Actual volumetric flow using the external temperature probe. The EPA... - Page 24 S for readings of standard flow (STP) or the letter N for readings of normal flow (NTP). The FP-25 ships with all flow readings displayed in liters per minute (lpm, slpm and nlpm). See "Choosing Engineering Units from Standard Mode" on page 29...
-
Page 25: Navigating And Customizing Your Fp-25
Navigating and Customizing Your FP-25 FP-25 Menu Map Pressing MAIN returns you to the Instant Data screen of either Standard Mode or Basic Mode, whichever was last used. Basic Mode Standard Mode (rotated for Direct Mode) ROTATE TARE BARO START... -
Page 26: Collecting Data In Standard Mode
Navigating and Customizing Your FP-25 Collecting Data in Standard Mode Standard Mode is the default data collection mode for the FP-25. You can use this mode or Basic Mode whenever you have the barb fitting and tubing connected to an air sampler. Standard Mode has three primary functions: •... -
Page 27: Averaged Data In Standard Mode
Navigating and Customizing Your FP-25 Averaged Data in Standard Mode The averaging screen of Standard Mode displays averaged data for all flow parameters simultaneously. Flow data is measured at a rate of 1000 readings for every second of measurement time. Press the button above or below any of the four flow parameters to highlight its value in the center of the screen, even after an averaged measurement has finished. - Page 28 Navigating and Customizing Your FP-25 Instant vs Averaged Data in Standard Mode When you are done taking averaged measurements, press INST/MENU to resume live readings. Press the button again to enter the menu system. Standard Mode | Instant Data Averaged Data - Running Avg...
-
Page 29: Choosing Engineering Units From Standard Mode
SET. This does not alter the FP-25 data frame. Device engineering units alter both the display and the FP-25 data frame: • Select Set device eng units and then choose the engineering unit as above. An additional confirmation screen asks you to confirm the serial change. -
Page 30: Collecting Data In Basic Mode Or Direct Mode
TARE function. The rotated view of Basic Mode should be used whenever you are using the Direct Mode adapters to mount the FP-25 to the 1.25" downtube of an air sampler. » Enter Basic Mode by selecting MENU > BASIC MODE. -
Page 31: Menu
Navigating and Customizing Your FP-25 Menu You can enter the FP-25 menu system from either Standard Mode or Basic Mode by pressing the MENU button. Menu ABOUT Enters the About Menu (page 33). TARE Tares two parameters: • Gives a zero flow reference for flow measurements. -
Page 32: Reviewing Averaged Measurements
Navigating and Customizing Your FP-25 Reviewing Averaged Measurements Your FP-25 stores the 50 most recent timed averages in its internal Stored Averages log, with the most recent measurement at the top. When the FP-25 has stored the maximum number of measurements, each new measurement displaces the oldest measurement. -
Page 33: About
Menu. About We hope you don't run into trouble using your FP-25, but if you do, the ABOUT menu contains information that can make the troubleshooting process easier. Select MFG INFO to look up Alicat's phone number and web address. -
Page 34: Basic Configuration Menu
Navigating and Customizing Your FP-25 Basic Configuration Menu The Basic Configuration Menu contains options for choosing the duration and time format for the averaging function, as well as device engineering units. Setup | Basic Configuration AVG TIME Sets the duration... -
Page 35: Defining Stp/Ntp Reference Values
STP (standard temperature and pressure) or, typically in Europe, an NTP (normal temperature and pressure). The FP-25 ships with an Alicat default STP equivalent to the US EPA's, 25°C and 1 atm, and a default NTP of 0°C and 1 atm. Using the STP/NTP menu, you can change the temperature or pressure references for both STP and NTP separately. -
Page 36: Advanced Setup
Navigating and Customizing Your FP-25 Advanced Setup The Advanced Setup Menu leads to the following advanced functions: • SENSOR SETUP sets sensor averaging and the zero band size (page 37). • COMM SETUP sets up serial communications (page 39). Also allows you to toggle the Bluetooth antenna ON and OFF (FP-25BT only). -
Page 37: Sensor Setup
Higher numbers generate a greater smoothing effect on quickly fluctuating readings (default is 255, full averaging). ZERO BAND is the deadband threshold, a value below which the FP-25 displays all flow readings as 0 (no flow). This function also applies to gauge pressure readings from the internal pressure sensor. -
Page 38: Setting Up The Real-Time Clock
Navigating and Customizing Your FP-25 Setting Up the Real-Time Clock Your FP-25 contains an internal battery that powers its real-time clock when the power switch is off. You can set the date and time for this clock in the CLOCK SETUP menu. -
Page 39: Configuring The Fp-25 For Serial Communications
USB port. This is called polling mode (page 41). Unit ID changes take effect when you select SET and exit the menu system. If you select @ as the Unit ID, the FP-25 enters streaming mode when you exit the menu (page 41). -
Page 40: Serial Communications
FP-25 using ASCII commands. Establishing Serial Communications In most cases, all you need to do to connect your FP-25 to a computer is plug in the micro-USB cable to the port at the top of the device. Your computer will recognize the FP-25 as a COM port in the Device Manager of Windows. -
Page 41: Serial Streaming Vs Polling
(changes unit A to unit B) You can also do this via the FP-25 menu: MENU > SETUP > ADV SETUP > COMM SETUP > SERIAL COMM > UNIT ID (page 39). Valid unit IDs are letters A-Z, and up to 26 devices may be connected at any one time as long as each unit ID is unique. -
Page 42: Collecting Live Flow Data Serially
Serial Communications Taring Serially Before collecting flow data, be sure to tare your FP-25. Whereas the front display has a single button that tares the device, this is accomplished serially through two separate commands. Taring volumetric flow sets the zero flow... -
Page 43: Taking Averaged Measurements Serially
Query live data info: [unit ID]??dm*<CR> Example: a??dm*<CR> (returns the data frame descriptions) List all of the completed measurement IDs that are stored in your FP-25: Display measurement: [unit ID]ms<CR> Example: ams<CR> (lists all stored measurement IDs) Review a specific completed measurement by including its ID number: Display measurement: [unit ID]md [measurement ID]<CR>... -
Page 44: Quick Serial Command Guide
(erases all stored measurements) Quick Serial Command Guide Note: Serial commands are not case-sensitive. For simplicity, we assume that the unit ID of the FP-25 is A in the listing that follows. Change the unit ID: [current unit ID]@=[desired unit ID]<CR>... -
Page 45: Bluetooth Communications (Fp-25Bt Only)
Bluetooth Communications (FP-25BT Only) Climb ladders less by connecting an Android™ or iOS mobile device to your FP-25BT. This makes flow calibration easier and more efficient for air samplers that are housed inside climate-controlled shelters, including Met One's BAM series, Teledyne's T640 and Thermo Fisher's TEOM series. When you use the FP- 25BT with Bluetooth, you can monitor all live flow data and begin averaged flow measurements without moving away from the display of your sampler. - Page 46 Bluetooth Communications (FP-25BT Only) Preparing Your Mobile Device for Bluetooth Communications Your FP-25BT uses an application called Alicat Connect™ to display its flow data wirelessly. This app is compatible with Android™ and iOS mobile devices. 1. Download and install Alicat Connect from Google Play™or the App Store.
-
Page 47: Using Alicat Connect™ With Your Fp-25Bt
Bluetooth Communications (FP-25BT Only) Using Alicat Connect™ with Your FP-25BT Once you have Alicat Connect installed, you can access the app by tapping the Alicat logo in your device's "Apps" folder. Connecting Alicat Connect to Your FP-25BT The Alicat Connect app starts up at the Bluetooth Scanner screen. Tap the blue Start button to begin scanning for your FP-25BT. - Page 48 Bluetooth Communications (FP-25BT Only) Navigating the Alicat Connect Main Display Back [<-] Returns to the Zoom [-/+] Enlarges [+] or Bluetooth Scanner. reduces [-] the data display. Tare Zeroes the flow value. Start Begins an averaged # sec Displays the selected duration of the (Same as selecting MENU >...
-
Page 49: Monitoring Instant Data With Alicat Connect
Bluetooth Communications (FP-25BT Only) Monitoring Instant Data with Alicat Connect Caution: Remember to tare your FP-25BT before beginning your flow calibration process. Ensure your air sampler or analyzer pump is off, and then tap the blue Tare button at the bottom of Alicat Connect. The Instant Data table displays the same data that appears on the Instant screen of your FP-25BT. -
Page 50: Standard Operating Procedures (Sops)
PM air sampler manuals typically define separate procedures for audits, calibrations or performance checks. Overall, the operation of the FP-25 is the same, whether the data is being obtained for a field performance check, audit or annual calibration. -
Page 51: Verifying Ambient Air Temperature
» If the sampler’s ambient temperature sensor is housed inside a radiation shield, insert the FP-25 probe into the lowest layer of the sampler’s radiation shield, locating the probe’s tip as close as possible to the sensor at the middle of the radiation shield. - Page 52 Be sure to keep the liquid at least 1 inch (2.4 cm) away from the handle of the FP-25 external temperature probe. » If the sampler has no radiation shield, place the FP-25 probe in the shade in the immediate vicinity of the sampler.
-
Page 53: Verifying Filter Temperature
See "Connecting the External Temperature Probe to Your FP-25" on page 13 for details. Confirm that °C is the displayed engineering unit for temperature. If it is... - Page 54 Note: Many sampler verification or audit SOPs include a procedure for verifying the accuracy of the sampler's relative humidity sensor. The FP-25's ambient humidity sensor cannot be used for this verification because its accuracy of ±3.5% (percentage points of the measured RH...
-
Page 55: Verifying Ambient Pressure
2. Prepare the FP-25. Confirm that the FP-25 is displaying barometric pressure. When the FP-25 is displaying barometric pressure, the word BARO will appear above the pressure value at the top left of the screen in Standard Mode, or to the right of the pressure value in Basic Mode. To view barometric... -
Page 56: Verifying Internal Pressure During Leak Checks
Mode following the instructions in the sampler's manual. The sampler manual may require you to install a new filter for this procedure. If the FP-25 is not already connected to the sampler, remove the inlet from the sampler's downtube. If the FP-25 is already connected to the sampler in Direct Mode,... - Page 57 Identify the source of any leaks. The FP-25 pressure readings can help diagnose failed external leak checks. » If the internal flow stream pressure reported by the FP-25 (in absolute or gauge units) did not drop significantly, then the sampler's pump may not have achieved its target partial vacuum, and the sampler may have a large leak.
- Page 58 » If the FP-25 showed significant flow during the leak check, then there may be a leak through the leak check adapter or its valve. Ensure both the FP-25 and the leak check adapter are firmly connected to each other and the downtube.
-
Page 59: Verifying Flow Rates In Direct Mode
If desired, set up the averaging timer. Select MENU > SETUP > BASIC CONFIG > AVG TIME to set the duration of averaged measurements, from 1 second to as long as 10 hours. The FP-25 will add 1000 measurements to the average for each second. - Page 60 Tare the FP-25 by pressing TARE. Do this before you connect the FP- 25 to the air sampler, ensuring that no air is flowing through it. If the FP-25 is already mounted on top of the sampler in Direct Mode after a leak check, be sure to tare it before you restart the sampler's pump.
- Page 61 Monitor live flow readings until the sampler flow rate settles. When the FP-25 shows Instant at the top of the screen in Basic Mode, the FP-25 is providing live flow readings. If flow is stable, you can use these readings to verify the actual volumetric or standardized flow rates.
- Page 62 (e.g. 18.4 lpm for a 16.7 lpm sampler). Some require 5 calibration points. Record your data. 6. Tare the FP-25 before calibrating the next sampler. Ensure that no air is flowing through the device, and one end is open to atmosphere. When...
-
Page 63: Verifying Flow Rates In Standard Mode
If desired, set up the averaging timer. Select MENU > SETUP > BASIC CONFIG > AVG TIME to set the duration of averaged measurements, from 1 second to as long as 10 hours. The FP-25 will add 1000 measurements to the average for each second. - Page 64 Tare the FP-25 by selecting MENU > TARE. Do this before you connect the FP-25 to the air sampler, ensuring that no air is flowing through it. If the FP-25 is already mounted on top of the sampler in Direct Mode after a leak check, be sure to tare it before you restart the sampler's pump.
- Page 65 Monitor live flow readings until the sampler flow rate settles. When the FP-25 shows Instant at the top of the screen in Standard Mode, the FP-25 is providing live flow readings. If flow is stable, you can use these...
- Page 66 Steps 4 and 5 of this procedure for each canister you are verifying. Record your data. 6. Tare the FP-25 before calibrating the next sampler. Ensure that no air is flowing through the device, and one end is open to atmosphere. When...
-
Page 67: Alicat Fp-25 Field Performance Check Sheet
Alicat FP-25 Field Performance Check Sheet Use this Field Performance Check Sheet to record your temperature, pressure and flow data during field verifications or audits. Date: ________________ Time: ________________ Site Name/Identification: _____________________________________ Sampler Model: _________________ Sampler ID: _________________ Filter ID: __________________... -
Page 68: Troubleshooting Your Fp-25
Issue: My Alicat does not turn on. Action: The FP-25 runs on a rechargeable battery, but you can also connect it to a wall outlet or computer using the included micro-USB cable. If the battery has been fully depleted, it may take a minute or so to acquire enough charge to turn back on. - Page 69 Issue: Can I use the Alicat to check dilution calibrator flow controllers? Action: In a pinch, you can use the FP-25 to verify the mass (standardized) flow rates of the mass flow controllers inside a dilution calibrator, but not the volumetric flow rates. (Be sure that the outlet of the FP-25 is open to atmosphere.) This is because the FP-25 is always...
- Page 70 However, the internal probe has the larger mass of the aluminum flow body around it, and this takes longer to equilibrate than the tip of the external probe. Your FP-25 always references the external probe temperature to provide flow readings whenever it is connected.
- Page 71 Issue: The live flow readings won't settle down. Action: The FP-25 is very fast, so it can detect subtle variations in flow that may go unnoticed by your other flow calibrators. This sensitivity can help detect problems with sampler pumps or flow controllers.
- Page 72 Can I use the Alicat in 100% humidity? Even when it is hot? Action: Yes! The FP-25 is the first flow calibrator to be just as accurate in a Miami summer as it is here in Arizona. The live humidity sensor keeps flow readings accurate from 0% RH to 100% RH, even at 60°C.
- Page 73 Action: The relative humidity sensor is located adjacent to the flow stream in the body of the FP-25. It is most accurate when there is a fresh flow of air passing by it. Connect the FP-25 to an air sampler and check the humidity reading after a couple minutes.
- Page 74 Measurements Serially" on page 43.) Issue: I have an FP-25 without Bluetooth. How can I add Bluetooth? Action: Get in touch with us (888-290-6060 or info@alicat.com) to find out what your options are for upgrading your FP-25 to an FP-25BT.
-
Page 75: Maintenance And Recalibration
The recommended period for recalibration is once every year. A label located on the back of the device lists the most recent calibration date. This date is also stored inside your FP-25 and is visible by selecting MENU > ABOUT > DEVICE INFO. -
Page 76: Specifications
Specifications FP-25 Technical Data for Flow Calibrator The Alicat FP-25 is an easy-to-use, NIST-traceable device for audit and calibration of volumetric flow, ambient temperature, and barometric pressure. Specifications Performance FP-25 Flow Calibrator Instrument Flow Range 0.125 to 25.000 lpm / slpm Flow Accuracy and Repeatability ±... -
Page 77: Mechanical Drawings
Mechanical Drawings FP-25 Flow Calibrator Fittings Downtube adapter PM inlet adapter Barb fitting... - Page 78 Product is required as the result of repairs to Product pursuant to this Warranty. Failure of Buyer to send Product to Alicat Scientific for recalibration on a yearly basis after a period of 36 months from date of manufacture will remove any and all obligations regarding repair or replacement of Product as outlined by this Warranty to Buyer from Alicat Scientific.
- Page 79 FP-25 Reference Menu Map Pressing MAIN returns you to the Instant Data screen of either Standard Mode or Basic Mode, whichever was last used. Basic Mode Standard Mode (rotated for Direct Mode) ROTATE TARE BARO START DEVICE DEVICE Instant INFO +704.0...
-
Page 80: Graphical Quick-Start
| Hose Barb Connection to Samplers Connect external temp probe. Connect silicone tubing to barbs of FP-25 and flow audit adapter or sampler inlet. Monitor live flow readings. Press any parameter twice to change units. Collect an averaged measurement by ...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the FP-25 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers