Product Overview Unpacking Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter Controls, Indicators, and Connectors Instruction Manual Setting up the Condensation Particle Counter Operating the Condensation Particle Counter Application Information Maintenance and Troubleshooting Service Appendixes...
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M a n u a l H i s t o r y The following is a manual history of the Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter Instruction Manual, P/N 1933772. Revision Date First printing October 1995 January 1996 October 1996...
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L a s e r S a f e t y The Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter is a Class 1 laser-based instrument. During normal operation, you will not be exposed to laser radiation. However, you must take certain precautions or you may expose yourself to hazardous radiation in the form of intense, focused invisible light.
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C h e m i c a l S a f e t y The Model 3760A/3762 CPC uses only n-butyl alcohol (1-butanol, butyl alcohol, propyl carbinol, CH OH) as a working fluid. There are similar butyl alcohols, be sure to purchase only n-butyl alcohol.
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CPC housing and to the heatsink and optics on the inside of the instrument. Figure 1 shows the internal and external labels for the Model 3760A/3762 CPC. 500 CARDIGAN ROAD, ST. PAUL CONDENSATION PARTICLE COUNTER CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT ®...
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D e s c r i p t i o n o f C a u t i o n / W a r n i n g S y m b o l s The following symbol and an appropriate caution statement are used throughout the manual and on the Model 3760A to draw attention to any steps that require you to take cautionary measures...
C o n t e n t s Manual History................ii Safety ..................v Laser Safety ................v Chemical Safety ..............vi Labels ................... vii Description of Caution/Warning Symbols ......viii About This Manual ..............xiii Purpose................xiii Organization ................ xiii Related Product Literature ...........
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Changing Filters ............7-4 Fluid Line Filter ............7-5 Purge Air Filter ............7-6 Reservoir Vent Filter ........... 7-7 Checking for Leaks ............7-7 Special Maintenance ............7-9 Upgrading the EPROM..........7-10 Correcting Flooded Optics ........... 7-12 Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
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Sample Programs ..............C-5 F i g u r e s Advisory Labels..............vii 1-1 TSI Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter ..1-1 1-2 Model 3760A/3762 CPC Flow Schematic......1-3 3-1 CPC Front Panel ............... 3-1 3-2 CPC Back Panel..............3-4...
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4-1 Model 3760A/3762 CPC, Front and Back Views ....4-2 4-2 Power Entry, Fuse, and Voltage Module......4-3 4-3 Orientation of the Voltage Selector Card ......4-4 4-4 North American–Fusing Arrangement ....... 4-5 4-5 European–Fusing Arrangement ........4-5 4-6 Fuse Block/Cover Assembly ..........4-6 5-1 Fill Bottle Connection to the CPC........
P u r p o s e This is an instruction manual for the installation and operation of the Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). O r g a n i z a t i o n The following is a guide to the organization of this manual:...
(part number 1930013) TSI Incorporated This manual contains operating instructions for the Model 376060 Particle Size Selector, an accessory for the Model 3760A/3762 CPC. The Model 376060 is a separating device that removes small particles from an aerosol while passing larger particles.
S u b m i t t i n g C o m m e n t s TSI values your comments and suggestions on this manual. Please use the comment sheet on the last page of this manual to send us your opinion on the manual’s usability, to suggest specific improvements, or to report any technical errors.
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Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
CPC operates. P r o d u c t D e s c r i p t i o n The Model 3760A CPC, shown in Figure 1-1, is a compact, single- particle counting instrument used in a variety of applications requiring detection of particles 0.011 µm in diameter and larger at...
Model 3760A/3762 CPC features include: A sampling flowrate of 1.5 lpm for the Model 3760A, 3.0 lpm for the Model 3762 An internal microprocessor to allow direct communications with other systems An automatic working-fluid fill system with a reservoir that allows the Model 3760A CPC to run seven days between refills and the Model 3762 CPC to run four days between refills.
U n p a c k i n g Use the information in this chapter to unpack the Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). P a c k i n g L i s t Table 2-1 shows the packing list for the CPC.
If anything is missing or appears to be damaged, contact your TSI representative or contact TSI Customer Service at 1-800-874-2811 (USA) or (651) 490-2811. Chapter 8, “Service,” gives instructions for returning the CPC to TSI Incorporated. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
F r o n t P a n e l Figure 3-1 shows the front panel for the Model 3760A CPC. The front panel for the Model 3762 is identical. The front panel includes...
As long as there is sufficient vacuum supplied to the instrument, the critical orifice will provide accurate flow control (within 10 percent). Liquid Liquid indicates there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir to allow the CPC to operate normally. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
Liquid Level Window The liquid level window shows the amount of n-butyl alcohol (butanol) available in the CPC reservoir. Butanol is necessary to operate the CPC and should be in the reservoir at all times, except when moving the instrument. For directions on filling the CPC reservoir, see “Filling the CPC Reservoir”...
COM port (A), BNC output (B), liquid fill connector (C), DIP switches (D), fuse panel (E), power cord inlet (F), vacuum connector (G), and liquid drain connector (H). Figure 3-2 CPC Back Panel Descriptions of the back panel features follow. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
The signal from the CPC is a digital signal where each pulse corresponds to an individual particle counted. Note: The BNC output on the Model 3760A/3762 CPC is compatible with TSI’s Model 3703A Remote Processor. Liquid Supply Connector (C) The liquid supply connector is a quick-disconnect, shut-off connection.
Refer to the “Draining the CPC Reservoir” procedure, Chapter 7, for directions on connecting the drain bottle to the liquid drain connector. ® Swagelok is a registered trademark of the Crawford Fitting Co., Solon, Ohio. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
Connecting the computer P o s i t i o n i n g t h e C P C The Model 3760A/3762 CPC should be positioned upright as shown in Figure 4-1. 1. Place the CPC on a level surface.
Use the information in this section to verify the line voltage configuration and fusing arrangement matches your local line voltages. Note: The power entry module used on the Model 3760A is without the DPST on/off switch. Check the back panel of the instrument for the voltage and fusing requirements.
Model 3760A (Figure 4-2). 2. Lift off the cover of the fuse and voltage module cover on the back panel of the Model 3760A using a small-blade screwdriver or similar tool (Figure 4-2). Set aside the cover/fuse block assembly.
Changing Between European and American-Style Fuses Before installing the Model 3760A, make sure the fuse is compatible with your site. The Model 3760A works with both North American and European-style fuses. The 100/120-volt model comes with the North American-style fuse and the 230/240-volt 4–4...
North American (Figure 4-4) to the European style (Figure 4-5),or vice versa, follow these steps: 1. Disconnect the power from the Model 3760A and remove the line cord. 2. Lift off the power-entry module on the back panel of the Model 3760A cover using a small-blade screwdriver or similar tool.
CPC to provide liquid auto fill. Note: DIP switches must be set before power is supplied to the CPC. If the switches are not set correctly, remove power from the CPC before resetting the switches. 4–6 Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
Table 4-1 DIP Switch Settings DIP switch Switch Off Switch On Number Purpose (disabled) (enabled) Fluid Autofill mode Autofill off Autofill on Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Second Reserved for future Bank 1-8 use. *These switches work in conjuction with each other to produce the indicated settings. Auto Fill Enable switch 1 to automatically fill the CPC once a day.
12-mm (½-in.) OD and 6-mm (¼-in.) ID tubing is recommended. The CPC requires a minimum vacuum pressure of 460-mm (18 in.) of mercury at a total flowrate of 2.5 lpm for the Model 3760A and 4.0 lpm for the Model 3762.
C o n d e n s a t i o n P a r t i c l e C o u n t e r This chapter contains the following operating information and procedures for the Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter (CPC): Operating precautions...
An unlit Laser, Temp, or Flow light indicates the designated parameter is outside normal operating range. If the Liquid light is unlit but other status lights are lit, the CPC should operate provided there is fluid visible in the Liquid Level window. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
If you suspect the CPC is not operating normally, see “Troubleshooting” in Chapter 7. F i l l i n g t h e C P C R e s e r v o i r The CPC reservoir can be filled using four different methods: Automatically, when power is supplied to the CPC Manually, by pressing the Fill control button on the CPC front panel...
This prevents accidental overfilling of the CPC by attaching the fill bottle to the wrong connector. Note: If the CPC optics become flooded during operation, use the “Correcting Flooded Optics” procedure in Chapter 7. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
Figure 5-1 Fill Bottle Connection to the CPC Automatic Fill Process Fifteen seconds after power is supplied to the CPC, the internal microprocessor checks to see if the fluid reservoir is full (flashing Liquid indicator light). If the reservoir is not full, the fill solenoid valve opens allowing fluid to fill the reservoir.
5. Disconnect the bottle. Maintaining Liquid in the Reservoir A full reservoir contains enough butanol for the Model 3760A CPC to run continuously for seven days and the Model 3762 for four days. If you are running the CPC continuously, make sure the working fluid in the reservoir is replenished every seven days for the Model 3760A and every four days for the Model 3762.
Draining the Reservoir Butanol has a tendency to absorb water over time when it is exposed to humid conditions, so you should drain the CPC reservoir on a weekly or as-needed basis. You should also drain the reservoir if you are moving the CPC from one location to another.
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Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
A p p l i c a t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n This chapter contains special application information for the Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) and consists of these topics: Using the CPC to monitor clean air and gas Operating the CPC at higher concentrationspconsole Viewing analog pulses with an oscilloscope.
/s for the Model 3760A and 50 cm /s for the Model 3762 τ = 0.4 microsecond for the Model 3760A and 0.2 microsecond for the Model 3762 are the effective times each particle resides in the viewing volume The N in the exponent can be approximated by N .
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V i e w i n g A n a l o g P u l s e s You may want to observe the pulse shape of droplets passing through the CPC optics by looking at the electronic signal produced in the photodetector.
0.5 microseconds (Figure 6-2). The pulse amplitude may range as high as 1 volt. The electrical noise level is about 10 millivolts, giving an overall signal-to-noise ratio of better than 20:1. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
Ch 1 20 mV × T/div .5 µs Ch 2 .2 V BWL Trig 1.00 div + CHAN 2 = Figure 6-2 Typical Digital Pulse Trace for the Model 3760A (pulses for the Model 3762 will not be as wide). Application Information...
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Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g This chapter gives routine and special maintenance procedures, and ways to troubleshoot the Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). R o u t i n e M a i n t e n a n c e Periodic maintenance on the CPC is necessary to ensure its accuracy.
Twelve-Hour Method You can dry the saturator block by draining the liquid from the CPC reservoir and then running the CPC normally with dry air going through the instrument for 12 to 24 hours. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
One-Hour Method To dry the saturator block, follow these seven steps: 1. Remove the CPC cover by unscrewing the two screws on each side of the instrument. 2. Seal off the vacuum exit tube on the CPC back panel. 3. Using Figure 7-1 as a reference, remove the purge air tube from the CPC.
A mass flowmeter should be corrected for atmospheric pressure to give volumetric flow. The flowrate should be 1.5 lpm ±10 percent for the Model 3760A and 3.0 lpm ±10% for the Model 3762. If the flowrate is too low, the...
C a u t i o n To avoid damage to the CPC circuitry, use electrostatic discharge (ESD precautions when removing the cover of the CPC: Use only a table top with a grounded conducting surface. Wear a grounded, static-discharging wrist strap. Fluid Line Filter The fluid line filter is shown in Figure 7-2.
3. Locate the white, porous, plastic filter attached to tubing near the top of the instrument. 4. Remove the filter by pulling the flexible tubing from the bottom of the filter. 5. Replace the filter. 6. Replace the cover on the instrument. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
Reservoir Vent Filter The reservoir vent filter is shown in Figure 7-2. The reservoir vent filter allows air to enter the reservoir as fluid is displaced in the reservoir. Replace the reservoir vent filter by performing these steps: 1. Unplug the CPC. 2.
7. Check that the counter loses no more than 5.0 mmHg (3 in H vacuum in 5 minutes, according to the gauge. 8. If you find that the CPC leaks, tighten all fittings and screws and repeat the vacuum test. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
9. To locate a small leak, do the following: a. Replace the vacuum source with a compressed air source. b. Introduce approximately 70 kPa (10 psig) of air into the CPC. c. Search for leaks by squirting a soap-and-water solution around fittings, O-ring seals, and other possible leak locations, taking care not to wet the electronics in the process.
2. Remove the CPC top cover by removing the four screws (two on each side) fastening the cover. 3. Using the chip extractor, remove the old EPROM from its socket (Figure 7-4). Be very careful not to apply too much pressure. 7-10 Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
Press firmly to make sure it is seated properly. 6. Replace the cover on the CPC. 7. Apply power to the 3760A/3762 CPC and make sure the LEDs function properly. 8. If the CPC does not function properly, remove power from the CPC and make sure the EPROM is positioned correctly and seated snugly.
Refill the CPC with clean working fluid. 9. While sampling room air, use an oscilloscope to check the pulse height of the analog pulses from the CPC. See the “Viewing Analog Pulses” procedure in Chapter 6. 7-12 Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
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10. If the pulse height is not within a normal range, the CPC should be returned to TSI to have the optics cleaned. Refer to Chapter 8, “Service,” for directions on returning the CPC to TSI. T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g Use the information in this section to identify problems.
The built-in CPC processor is capable of detecting some failures of components within the device but solving processor failures generally requires the advice of a TSI technician. Chapter 8 gives information you need to contact technical personnel at TSI. 7-14 Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
This chapter gives directions for contacting people at TSI Incorporated for technical information and directions for returning the Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) for service. T e c h n i c a l C o n t a c t s...
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Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
50% of 0.011 µm particles NaCl particles in 50% RH nitrogen gas maximum detectable particle. >3 µm Particle concentration range (Model 3760A) ......0.0001 to 10,000 particles/cm with <10.5% coincidence at 10,000 particles/cm False particle background count ..........<0.00005 particle/cm Working fluid ......
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Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
T h e o r y o f O p e r a t i o n This appendix gives a detailed theory of operation for the Model 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) as well as historical notes on the instrument.
The droplets were counted as they fell onto a counting grid and a calculation was made to determine the concentration of dust particles in the sample volume. He made several improvements to his invention Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
and his portable dust counter was used for many years (Aitken [1890-91]). Other significant developments in adiabatic-expansion CNCs include the use of electrical photodetectors to measure the light attenuation from cloud formation (Bradbury and Meuron [1938], Nolan and Pollak [1946], Rich [1955], Pollak and Metneiks [1959]); the use of under- and overpressure systems;...
The surface temperature of the optics housing is maintained, by mechanical contact with the heatsink, at or above the saturator temperature to avoid condensation on the lens surfaces. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
TSI Model 3010 Condensation Particle Counter,” which is available from TSI. The Model 3010 CPC is the same as the Model 3760A/3762 CPC, but with a display, a sample flowrate of 1 lpm and 0.10 µm detection efficiency. There will be slight performance differences between the Model 3010 and the Model 3760A/3762 CPCs.
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“Supersaturation and Expansion Ratios in Condensation Nucleus Counters: an Historical Perspective” J. Aerosol Sci., Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 481–490 Nolan, P.J. and L.W. Pollack [1946] “The Calibration of a Photoelectric Nucleus Counter” Proc. Royal Irish Acad., A9, pp. 9–31 Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
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Nolan, P.J. [1972] “The Photoelectric Nucleus Counter” Sci. Proc. Royal Dublin Soc., Series A, Vol. 4, pp. 161–180 Pollak, L.W. and A.L. Metnieks [1959] “New Calibration of Photoelectric Nucleus Counters” Geofis. Pura Appl., Vol. 43, pp. 285–301 Rich, T.A. [1955] “A Photoelectric Nucleus Counter with Size Discrimination”...
— B a u d R a t e The Model 3760A/3762 CPC uses a baud rate setting of 9600. The baud-rate setting is the CPC’s rate of communication in terms of bits per second (baud). For proper communications, make sure that...
P a r i t y ( 7 - B i t s E v e n ) The Model 3760A/3762 CPC uses even parity as the only setting. Parity is the additional bit that accompanies the seven data bits to confirm that they are transmitted correctly.
Table C-2 ASCII-Based Protocol Commands ASCII Command ASCII Label Name Response Description Address A dummy address command used to maintain compatibility with older TSI products. time Dump Used to collect particle count counts, 0 information from the CPC. When this command is sent, the CPC returns the time and counts since the last “D”...
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Model 3760A 17°C Model 3762 20.2°C Execute fill Executes a fill command as if the Fill button on the CPC front panel was pressed. Clear Buffers Clears the 1 second and the 6-second display buffers. Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
PRINT 'print header PRINT "********************************************" PRINT "* CPC3760A.BAS (c)1996 TSI Incorporated*" PRINT "* *" PRINT "* A Simple program to read a 3760A and *" PRINT "* 3762 CPCs *" PRINT "********************************************" PRINT PRINT PRINT "[1]...Check CPC Connection" 'print menu PRINT PRINT "[2]...Read Liquid Status"...
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= VAL(temp2$) save the temperature in 'deltaT' LOCATE 5, 1: PRINT "The delta temperature is "; deltaT; " deg. Celsius" LOCATE 7, 1: PRINT "3760A normal delta temperature is 16 deg. Celsius" LOCATE 8, 1: PRINT "3762 normal delta temperature is 20.2 deg. Celsius"...
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Table C-3 CPC3760A.BAS Program Listing (continued) ELSE otherwise CLS : LOCATE 5, 1: PRINT "The flow is below normal" print below normal message END IF LOCATE 10, 1: INPUT "Hit <Enter> to continue", ans$ 'print return message GOTO Menu 'return to menu ELSEIF choice$ = "5"...
IF (key$ <> "" AND key$ <> CHR$(13)) THEN baudptr = baudptr + 1 IF baudptr = 0 THEN baud = 9600 ELSEIF baudptr = 1 THEN baud = 19200 ELSEIF baudptr = 2 THEN baud = 110 (continued on next page) Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
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Table C-4 CPCTEST.BAS Program Listing ELSEIF baudptr = 3 THEN baud = 300 ELSEIF baudptr = 4 THEN baud = 600 ELSEIF baudptr = 5 THEN baud = 1200 ELSEIF baudptr = 6 THEN baud = 2400 ELSE baud = 4800 baudptr = -1 END IF LOCATE 4, 1...
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C-10 Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
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I n d e x Calibration, 7-1 Cautions ® Aerosol Instrument Manager Software for CPC and BNC cable compatibility, 3-5 EAD, xiv butanol, vi, 5-3 Analog pulses, 6-3 concentration accuracy, 6-2 Applications electrostatic discharge, viii, 6-3, 7-4, 7-10 analog pulses, 6-3 flooding the optics, 7-2 clean air/gas monitoring, 6-1 temperature, 4-1...
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Model 3760A Condensation Particle Counter...
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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 3760A/3762 Condensation Particle Counter P/N 1933772 Rev.
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