ARA Instruments LFR-6 Operation Manual

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ARA LFR-6 Sampler

Operation Manual

January 18, 2022

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Summary of Contents for ARA Instruments LFR-6

Page 1 ARA LFR-6 Sampler Operation Manual January 18, 2022...
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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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
3-5 meters above ground. To meet these requirements, the LFR-6 Sampler can be mounted on a Tripod or affixed to a stationary object like a fence post or utility pole using the Universal Mount Bracket. Both accessories are available form ARA. The Universal Mount (Figure 2) and Tripod (Figure 3) are shown to the right.
Page 9: Power Source
Install Batteries Insert one charged battery into the LFR-6 Battery Holder. Make sure the batteries are fully seated and latched to the Battery Holder. Insert the Battery Holder into the LFR-6 Sampler.
Page 10: Ac Power Supply
The LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 Sampler Manual...
Page 12: Operational Overview
Administrative Modes. Operational Modes 4.2.1 Mode: OFF When the LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 Lfr-6 Sampler
Operating the LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 Plantower 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 Sampler Manual...
Page 20: Maintenance
Impactor and remove any moisture that has been collected. Water Trap Plug 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 Sampler Manual...
Page 22: Cleaning Pm10 Inlet
10. Lubricate all O-rings with silicone lubricant 11. Reassemble cyclone parts in reverse order 12. 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 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 LFR-6 Sampler Manual...
Page 25: Replace O-Rings
Pumps should be rebuilt after one (1) year of sampling or approximately 3000 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 LFR-6 Sampler will not The LFR-6 Sampler time and date may be 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 LFR-6 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 PM 10 Louvered Inlet Assembly PM 10 Impactor Assembly PM 2.5 Cyclone Assembly Filter Holder Assembly ARA Instruments LFR-6 Sampler Manual...
Page 29 Impactor Body O-Ring, Buna, 1.5 x 8.5 Water Trap Plug Impactor Adaptor Filter Holder Top O-Ring, Teflon, 135 47mm Filter Cassette Top Cassette Support Screen 47mm Filter Cassette Bottom O-Ring, Viton, 135 Filter Holder Bottom ARA Instruments LFR-6 Sampler Manual...
Page 30 Pump Mount Bracket Pump Body 3mm x 8mm Socket Cap Screw Pump Cover Yoke Piston Bottom Pump Diaphragm Piston Top 6-32 x ½” Flat Head Phillips Screw 6-32 x 1 ¼ ” Socket Cap Screw ARA Instruments LFR-6 Sampler Manual...
Page 31: Appendix A: Calibration Using An Ara Fts Flow Calibrator
OFFSET = (FTS Temp) – (LFR-6 Temp) On the LFR-6 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 32 Calibrate Flow Rate To calibrate an LFR-6 Sampler, a multi-point calibration must be performed in order to determine the calibration factors. These values can then be entered manually into the LFR-6 Sampler. FTS Calibrator: • Select MODE:HOME and rotate the selector knob to select MODE:FLOW •...
Page 33 Change the Slope and Intercept on the LFR-6 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 34: 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...