TSI Instruments 3786 Operation And Service Manual
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TSI Instruments 3786 Operation And Service Manual

Ultrafine water-based condensation particle counter
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P a r t i c l e I n s t r u m e n t s
Model 3786
Ultrafine Water-based
Condensation Particle Counter
Operation and Service Manual
P/N 1930072, Revision B
April 2005

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  • Page 1 P a r t i c l e I n s t r u m e n t s Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter Operation and Service Manual P/N 1930072, Revision B April 2005...
  • Page 3 Product Overview Unpacking and Setting Up the Model 3786 UWCPC Ultrafine Water-based Instrument Condensation Particle Counter Operation Data Collection Operation and Service Manual Maintenance and Troubleshooting Appendixes and Index...
  • Page 4 M a n u a l H i s t o r y The following is a history of the Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC) Operation and Service Manual, P/N 1930072. Revision Date January 2005 April 2005...
  • Page 5 Part Number 1930072 / Revision B / April 2005 Copyright ©TSI Incorporated / 2005 / All rights reserved Address TSI Incorporated / 500 Cardigan Road / Shoreview, MN 55126 / USA Fax No. (651) 490-3824 E-mail Address particle@tsi.com Limitation of Warranty Seller warrants the goods sold hereunder, under normal use and service as and Liability described in the operator’s manual, shall be free from defects in workmanship and...
  • Page 7 S a f e t y This section provides instructions to ensure safe and proper handling of the Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC). There are no user-serviceable parts inside the instrument. Refer all repair and maintenance to a qualified technician. All maintenance and repair information in this manual is included for use by a qualified technician.
  • Page 8 Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968 when operated according to the manufacturer’s instruction. A certification and identification label like the one shown below is presented on the back panel of each instrument. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 9 L a b e l s The Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter has labels on the back of the instrument and on interior components. Labels are described below: Serial Number Label (back panel) TSI Label with Model 3786...

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    C o n t e n t s Manual History................ii Warranty..................iii Safety ................... v Description of Caution Symbol ..........v Caution ................. v Warning ................v Caution or Warning Symbols ..........vi Labels ..................vii About This Manual ..............xiii Purpose.................
  • Page 12 A p p e n d i x e s A Specifications ..............A-1 B Firmware Commands ............B-1 Commands—Quick Reference ..........B-1 Read Commands..............B-2 Set Commands..............B-4 Data Reporting Records ............. B-16 I n d e x Index ..................I-1 Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 13 F i g u r e s 1-1 Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC) ..........1-2 1-2 UWCPC Flow Diagram ............1-4 2-1 Location of UWCPC Wick on Sample Inlet Assembly ...2-3 2-2 Installation of UWCPC Wick on Sample Inlet Assembly..2-3 2-3 Fill Bottle Connection ............2-4...

  • Page 15: About This Manual

    A b o u t T h i s M a n u a l P u r p o s e This is a user manual for the Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC). R e l a t e d P r o d u c t L i t e r a t u r e The following TSI product manuals may be of interest.

  • Page 16: Submitting Comments

    If the comment sheet has already been used, please mail, fax or email your comments on another sheet of paper to: TSI Incorporated 500 Cardigan Road Shoreview, MN 55126 USA Fax: (651) 490-3824 Email: particle@tsi.com Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...

  • Page 17: Chapter S

    C H A P T E R 1 P r o d u c t O v e r v i e w This chapter contains an introduction to the Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC) and provides a brief explanation of how the system operates.

  • Page 18: Acknowlegement

    Figure 1-1 Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC) A c k n o w l e d g e m e n t The continuous, laminar flow water-based condensation principle on which this product is based is patented technology licensed from Aerosol Dynamics Inc.

  • Page 19: How It Works

    H o w i t W o r k s The Model 3786 UWCPC is a water-based Condensation Particle Counter designed to measure the concentration of airborne ultrafine particles. In operation the UWCPC draws in an air sample and counts the number of particles in that sample to provide a particle concentration value that is displayed as the number of particles detected per cubic centimeter of sampled air.

  • Page 20: Uwcpc Flow Diagram

    Figure 1-2 UWCPC Flow Diagram Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...

  • Page 21: Concentration Calculations

    C o n c e n t r a t i o n C a l c u l a t i o n s The UWCPC can report particle concentration values in three different ways. These are: the primary concentration display, the totalizer display, and the concentration values reported using the data communications ports.
  • Page 22 (other than 0.00) without using the totalizer. Concentration data is also available from the data communications ports and it is “aggregated” or summed from each tenth-second measurement with programmable sample periods from 0.1 second to 3600 seconds. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...

  • Page 23: Unpacking And Setting Up The Uwcpc

    U n p a c k i n g a n d S e t t i n g U p t h e U W C P C Use the information in this chapter to unpack your Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC) and set it up.

  • Page 24: Unpacking

    U n p a c k i n g Carefully unpack the Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC) from the shipping container. Use the packing list (Table 2-1) to make certain that there are no missing components. Save your original packaging materials for future use should you need to return the instrument to TSI for service.

  • Page 25: Location Of Uwcpc Wick On Sample Inlet Assembly

    2. Install the growth tube wick. The UWCPC is shipped from the factory with the growth tube wick installed. The following wick installation instructions only need to be followed if the wick is not already installed. a. Loosen the two thumbscrews located at the Sample Inlet. b.

  • Page 26: Fill Bottle Connection

    20 up to at least 400. Keep the pump off during this initial priming. Repeated or excess priming will not harm the instrument and will only pass excess water to the drain reservoir. 6. Warm-up the instrument. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...

  • Page 27: Transporting

    a. Wait for the UWCPC to warm-up and reach operating temperatures. b. When the UWCPC is ready, the “status” indicator will be a steady green. 7. Connect the aerosol source. a. Turn on the pump by pressing the Pump button. The UWCPC remembers the state (on or off) of the sample pump when it is powered off.

  • Page 28: Shipping And Storage

    “dried” using the following procedure. 1. Disconnect any connections to the Sample Inlet. 2. Remove the source water bottle and dry completely. 3. Turn on the UWCPC and let it complete its warm-up cycle. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 29 4. Purge the UWCPC water source tubes. a. Press the Drain/Prime button on the UWCPC front panel. b. Press the Drain/Prime button a second time to select the “Prime Growth Tube” function. c. Press and hold the Drain/Prime button for at least one second to activate the water priming function.

  • Page 30: Tipping The Uwcpc During Drain Cycle For More Complete Drain Of The Reservoir

    Make sure the UWCPC is turned off and the power cord is removed. b. Lay the UWCPC on its side over some paper towel. The Fill and Drain connectors must be down toward the work surface. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 31 Figure 2-6 Location and Removal of the Reservoir Cover C a u t i o n Do not turn the UWCPC upside down. Flooding of the optical system could result if the unit is inverted with water present in the system. c.

  • Page 33: Instrument Operation

    C H A P T E R 3 I n s t r u m e n t O p e r a t i o n This chapter contains operating information for the Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC).

  • Page 34: Bar Graph Screen

    The left column under the liquid status line provides the operating temperatures of the Optics (Optc), Growth Tube (GT), and the Saturator (Sat). The temperatures are reported in degrees Centigrade. The value indicated next to the “Photo” label is the Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...

  • Page 35: Totalizer

    current raw photometric reading which is typically between 150 and 280 for when no particle are detected. This value increases with particle concentration and provides an indication of the amount of light incident on the photo detector. The label “Abs” refers to the absolute inlet pressure and is reported in millibar.

  • Page 36: Status Indicator Lights

    (see Water Handling). The indicator will flash rapidly if a dry growth tube wick is detected. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...

  • Page 37: Air-Flow System

    Table 3-1 Front Panel Indicator Conditions Indicator Particle Status Flow Liquid Drain reservoir full No particles Instrument off Pump off and water injections stopped Instrument not Particles Drain Slow Flashing at operating Low flow rate detected reservoir full temperatures Laser off or not Particles Growth tube Fast Flashing...
  • Page 38 Continuous, which are provided to handle removal of excess water from the reservoir. The recycle mode along with the drain modes can be selected through the Drain/Prime button on the front panel of the WCPC as described in the Drain Modes section. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 39 D r a i n M o d e s At any time during operation, a drain cycle can be initiated manually by pressing the Drain/Prime button on the front panel and then pressing it a second time and holding it for at least one second.
  • Page 40 Use of metallic or conductive sample lines is recommended to reduce particle losses due to electrostatics. Avoid larger pressure restrictions (>25 cm water at 0.6 L/min) or sample sources with pulsating pressure. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 41 C H A P T E R 4 D a t a C o l l e c t i o n This chapter contains information related to the UWCPC’s data interfaces and optional embedded PC/104 single board computer for data collection. D a t a I n t e r f a c e s The UWCPC provides several data interfaces allowing for flexible data collection and instrument control.

  • Page 42: Uwcpc Data Communications Diagram

    PC/104 SBC. UWCPC responses to commands received on the Internal Com are returned on the Internal Com and commands received from the Serial or USB interfaces are returned on BOTH of these interfaces. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 43 On power-up, the UWCPC is setup to send a data record to the Serial interface once every six seconds. The USB link light will flash whenever data is transmitted by the UWCPC to the Serial or USB interfaces. When the USB interface is connected to a host device, the link light will turn on and momentarily blink off when data is transmitted.
  • Page 44 ™ • HyperTerminal which is included with most MS-Windows operating systems. • The programs, minicom and xminicom, are included with most Linux distributions. ™ HyperTerminal is a trademark of Hilgraeve Inc. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 45 It is recommended that the terminal software be set up to translate incoming carriage returns (CR) to carriage return/line feed (CR/LF) sequences so the data returned from the UWCPC does overwrite the previous written line piling all the data on a single line on the screen.
  • Page 46 /home/WCPC. The program written in “C” initiates a SM,2,60 command, captures the data (D) records returned by the UWCPC, timestamps them, stores them, and creates a new data file each day. A link to the /home/WCPC Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 47 directory is included in /home/www directory so files created by the program can be accessed via the internal web server. The UWCPC can receive and send data from two different channels; the Serial/USB source and the Internal Com between the microcontroller and the SBC.
  • Page 49 Maintenance and Troubleshooting This chapter provides maintenance and troubleshooting information for the Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC). R e p l a c i n g W i c k It is recommended that a new wick be installed in the UWCPC a minimum of every six months.
  • Page 50 W A R N I N G High voltage is accessible in several locations within this instrument. Purge Flow Line (yellow) Sheath Flow Line (green) Figure 5-1 Location of Sheath and Purge Flow Lines Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 51 To change the flow calibration, the internally stored calibration set point must be changed. A computer running a terminal emulation program as described in Chapter 4 must be connected to the UWCPC. Entering the command SFS (Set Flow Set Point) will echo the current set point value to the terminal screen.
  • Page 52 To prepare the UWCPC for shipment, refer to the Transporting section in Chapter 2, “Unpacking and Setting Up the UWCPC,” for details on how to completely dry the UWCPC. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 53 W a t e r S p u r t s O u t o f P u m p E x h a u s t Water emitted from the pump exhaust is typically symptomatic of: • Insufficient priming during initial startup When the UWCPC is first started after being dried, the unit must be primed with approximately 400 priming injections before the internal reservoir trap is filled.
  • Page 54 Reinstall the wick, connect the Fill Bottle, and reprime the unit with water before returning it to operation. For cleaning and recalibration contact TSI and arrange for factory service. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 55 T e c h n i c a l C o n t a c t s • If you have difficulty setting up or operating the Model 3786 UWCPC, or if you have technical or application questions, contact an applications engineer at 1-800-861-7032 (USA) or 001 (651) 765-3797.
  • Page 56 If you have any concerns regarding shipping the instrument, contact TSI for assistance. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 57 A P P E N D I X A S p e c i f i c a t i o n s Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC) specifications are as follows (specifications are subject to change):...
  • Page 58 5.5 kg (12 lbs.) Indoor use. Environmental Conditions Altitude: Up to 3000 m (10,000 ft). Ambient Temperature: 10° to 35°C Ambient Humidity: 0 to 90% RH (non- condensing). Over-voltage Category II. Pollution Degree II. Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 59 A P P E N D I X B F i r m w a r e C o m m a n d s This appendix provides a quick reference and description of firmware commands. C o m m a n d s — Q u i c k R e f e r e n c e Read Display concentration Read Laser Read Record raw Analog...
  • Page 60 Response: (D Record - see Data Reporting Records section in this Appendix) Read Record Status This command returns the current status values in the S record format (see below). Command: RRS Response: (S Record - see Data Reporting Records section in this Appendix) Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 61 Read Time On This command reports the instruments power-on time. Command: RTO Read on-time command Response: hhhh:mm hhhh number of on-time hours mm number of on-time minutes Example: Read power on time Response: 456:40 456 hours and 40 minutes Read Version This command returns the instruments Model number, firmware revision and its serial number.
  • Page 62 = 0 turns dryer off, x = 1 turns dryer on Response: Response Example: Command turns dryer off SD,0 Response Command to read back the current setting Response indicates dryer is off Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 63 Set Dead-time Correction This command controls the amount of correction that is applied to the instrument’s measured dead-time. The UWCPC measures the dead-time by measuring the time a particle signal exceeds a preset threshold. This value is slightly under reported since the particle signal is of Gaussian shape and the digitized threshold value is less than the time to which the next particle could actually be detected.
  • Page 64 Command: Set Detector Threshold command xxx ranges 0 to 120 SDT,xxx Response: Example: Command SDT,50 Response Command Response - echoing current value of 40 millivolts Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 65 Set Flow Set Point This command is used to set the inlet flow control set point which represents 0.6 L/min aerosol flow for the flow control system. When issued with a parameter, this command uses that parameter as a control point with which to control pump. The differential orifice pressure is compared to the control point and adjustments are made to the pump drive to maintain a match between the two.
  • Page 66 See also the SIT command. Command: Set Injection Prime command xxx ranges 0 to 500 SIP,xxx Response: Example: Command initials 50 water injections SIP,50 Response Command cancels the injection sequence Response Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 67 Set Injection Time This command sets the water injection rate in seconds between injections. The factory default setting is 12 seconds. Command: Set Injection Time command SIT,xxxx xxxx ranges 0 to 3600 seconds Response: Example: Command sets injection interval to 12 seconds SIT,12 Response Command to read back the current setting...
  • Page 68 Like mode 3, but also includes A & C record reports at the end of each sample interval. Like mode 4, but also includes A & C record reports at the end of each sample interval. (Modes 7 and 8 are intended for diagnostics only.) B-10 Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 69 The second parameter provides a sample collection time. At the end of each sample time, the data is reported and if in a continuous mode, the data is cleared internally and the next sample is started. Command: Command to set data collection mode SM,n,ttt n = mode ranging 0 - 4, 7,8 ttt = sample interval in tenths of a second (1 to 36000)
  • Page 70 = 0 to 800 Response: Response Example: Command to set Growth Tube temperature to 75.0 deg. SOS,750 Response Command to read back the current setting Response indicates the set point value B-12 Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 71 Set Pump The set pump command enables or disables the pump providing airflow through the instrument. This action is the same as the action provided by the front panel “Pump” button. Command: Command to set pump on or off SP,x x = 0 turns pump off, x = 1 turns pump on Response: Example:...
  • Page 72 This command executes an auto zero function that calibrates the photo detector offset, the dead-time measuring circuit, and the flow transducer zero value. W A R N I N G This command will affect the instrument’s calibration. B-14 Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 73 Command: Command to set execute an auto zero function SZ,1 Response: Response c,d,l,h c = change in offset (±bits) d = current detector offset (bits) l = dead-time zero value (bits) h = dead-time span value (bits) Example: Command to run auto zero function SZ,1 100,2900,23,3370 Response...
  • Page 74 The overflow flag will be set when the concentration value exceeds 9.99e5. Sample time (elapse time) 0.1 second resolution (0.1 to 3600). Live time 0.1 second resolution (0.1 - 3600). Accumulated particle counts. Place holder, always 0. Raw Photometric value. B-16 Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 75 Example D Record: D,2,0,2.27e3,6.0,5.875,66784,0,308 S Record (status) S, FL, AP,GT,OT,CT Status Record Identifier Aerosol flow rate in cm /min Absolute Pressure in millibar Saturator Temperature in degrees Celsius Growth tube Temperature in degrees Celsius Optics Temperature in degrees Celsius Example S Record: S,300,970,12.0,75.0,75.0 Z Record (scanning data) Z,Mode,Flags,RN,N0,N1…...
  • Page 77 I n d e x draining reservoir, 2-8 absolute pressure operating range, A-1 address, TSI, iii aerosol flow rate, A-1 environmental conditions, A-2 Aerosol Instrument Manager software manual, xiii aerosol medium, A-1 aerosol source connecting, 2-5 false background counts, A-1 air-flow system, 3-5 fax number, iii analog output, A-1...
  • Page 78 3-1 set growth heater, B-7 priming instrument, 2-4 set growth tube temperature set point, B-8 product set injection prime, B-8 literature, xiii set injection time, B-9 overview, 1-1 set laser, B-9 Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter...
  • Page 79 3-3 transporting UWCPC, 2-5 troubleshooting, 5-1, 5-3 address, iii U–V unpacking, 2-1, 2-2 USB driver software, 4-3 UWCPC. (see Model 3786) warning symbols, vi water in sample inlet, 5-4 water system, 3-6 weight, A-2 wick installation, 2-3 location, 2-3...
  • Page 81 Please help us improve our manuals by completing and returning this questionnaire to the address listed in the “About This Manual” section. Feel free to attach a separate sheet of comments. Manual Title Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter P/N 1930072 Rev B 1. Was the manual easy to understand and use?
  • Page 83 TSI Incorporated 500 Cardigan Road, Shoreview, MN 55126 U.S.A. Web: www.tsi.com P/N 1930072 Rev. B Copyright © 2005 by TSI Incorporated All rights reserved...

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