Airmodus A11 User manual

nano Condensation Nucleus Counter system
MODEL A11 nCNC
USER MANUAL
Version 1.94
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 2
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1!Warning.................................................................................... 4!
2!Limitation of Warranty and Liability .............................................. 5!
3!Safety ...................................................................................... 7!
4!nano Condensation Nucleus Counter – Introduction ........................ 8!
4.1!Introduction......................................................................... 8!
4.2!Operation Principle of the PSM ............................................... 9!
4.3!Operation Principle of the CPC...............................................10!
5!Instrument descriptions .............................................................12!
5.1!PSM front Panel...................................................................12!
5.2!PSM back panel...................................................................13!
5.3!CPC Front Panel ..................................................................14!
5.4!CPC Back panel ...................................................................15!
5.5!A1X Software......................................................................16!
6!Getting Started.........................................................................18!
6.1!Unpacking ..........................................................................18!
6.2!Setting up the instrument.....................................................19!
6.2.1!Installation of DEG drip bottle for Airmodus PSM ................20!
6.3!Installing A1X Software ........................................................21!
6.4!Before starting the software for the first time ..........................23!
6.5!Starting the measurements...................................................25!
7!Operation and Maintenance ........................................................30!
7.1!Working with the nCNC ........................................................30!
7.2!CPC Operation and maintenance............................................31!
7.2.1!CPC Display and settings.................................................31!
7.2.2!Filling, draining and drying butanol of the CPC ...................33!
7.3!Filling, priming, draining and drying DEG of the PSM ................35!
7.3.1!Filling ...........................................................................35!
7.3.2!Priming.........................................................................35!
7.3.3!Draining and drying........................................................36!
7.4!Selecting operation mode .....................................................38!

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 3
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
7.4.1!Fixed cut-off..................................................................39!
7.4.2!Stepping mode ..............................................................40!
7.4.3!Scanning ......................................................................42!
7.5!Operation environment and safety .........................................44!
7.6!Communication ...................................................................45!
7.7!Data management and saving data........................................46!
7.7.1!Raw data file .................................................................48!
7.7.2!Inverted scanning data ...................................................51!
7.8!Verifying flows ....................................................................52!
7.9!Moving and shipping the nCNC ..............................................53!
7.10!Efficiency & Response time ................................................53!
7.11!Replacement Parts ............................................................54!
7.12!Flooding of the Instrument.................................................54!
7.13!Calibration .......................................................................54!
7.14!How to get help / Technical contacts ...................................55!
8!Troubleshooting........................................................................56!
APPENDIX 1 – A11 nCNC Specifications .............................................58!
APPENDIX 2 – PSM Firmware commands ...........................................60!
Read / system Commands ............................................................60!
Commands handled in all states..................................................60!
Commands handled only in standby mode....................................60!
Commands handled only in run mode ..........................................61!
Status Commands .......................................................................61!
Set Commands............................................................................64!
APPENDIX 3 – Airmodus bCPC Serial Commands, v1.6.0......................67!
APPENDIX 4 – References................................................................72!

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 4
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
1 Warning
THE PRODUCTS OF AIRMODUS LTD. ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE USED
NOR DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING SUITABLE FOR USE IN
THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF HUMANS OR AS CRITICAL
COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO
PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE INJURY TO A
HUMAN.
RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF ANY SOFTWARE CAN BE IMPAIRED BY
ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN
ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS,
COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF
COMPILERS OR DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN
APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF
ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES
OF ELECTONIC SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE),
UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISSUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF THE
USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER. (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE
ARE HEREAFTER COLLECTIVELY TERMED SYSTEM FAILURES) ANY
APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD CREATE A RISK OF
HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY
INJURY AND DEATH) SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON
ELECTRONIC MONITORING DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO
AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION
DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT
AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BACK-UP
OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 5
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
2 Limitation of Warranty and Liability
Seller warrants that the goods delivered, under normal use and service as
described in the User Manual, shall be free of defects in workmanship and
material for a period of 12 months, or the length of time specified in the
User Manual, from the date of shipment to the customer. This limited
warranty is subject to the following exclusions:
• With respect to any repair services rendered, Seller warrants that
the parts repaired or replaced will be free of defects in
workmanship and material, under normal use, for a period of 90
days from the date of shipment to the customer;
• Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods
manufactured by others or on any fuses, filters, batteries or other
consumable materials. Only the original manufacturer's warranty
applies;
• Unless specifically authorized in writing by Seller, Seller makes no
warranty with respect to, and shall have no liability in connection
with, any goods, which are incorporated into other products or
equipment or which are modified by any person other than the
Seller. This applies also e.g. to particle counters connected to
Airmodus particle size magnifiers: Airmodus has no liability in
connection with the integrated system unless the whole system is
delivered by Airmodus;
• All goods returned under warranty shall be at the customer’s risk of
loss and the customer shall cover the costs of transportation
(freight, insurance, etc.). The goods will be returned, if at all, at
Seller's risk of loss.
The foregoing is IN LIEU OF all other warranties and is subject to the
conditions and LIMITATIONS stated herein. NO OTHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
MERCHANTABILITY IS MADE.
THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE USER OR PURCHASER, AND THE LIMIT
OF THE LIABILITY OF SELLER FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES, INJURIES, OR
DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PRODUCT (INCLUDING CLAIMS

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 6
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
BASED ON CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OTHER TORT,
OR OTHERWISE) SHALL BE RETURN OF THE PRODUCT TO THE FACTORY
OR DESIGNATED LOCATION AND THE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE,
OR, AT THE OPTION OF SELLER, THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE
PRODUCT.
IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. SELLER SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE
FOR INSTALLATION, DISMANTLING, REASSEMBLY OR REINSTALLATION
COSTS OR CHARGES. NO ACTION REGARDLESS OF FORM CAN BE
BROUGHT AGAINST SELLER, MORE THAN ONE YEAR AFTER THE CAUSE
OF ACTION HAS OCCURRED.
Buyer and all users are deemed to have accepted this LIMITATION OF
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY, which contains the complete and exclusive
limited warranty of Seller. This LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
may not be amended, modified or its terms waived, except by writing
signed by an authorized representative of Seller.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 7
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
3 Safety
Warning: This measurement system uses diethylene glycol and n-
butanol as working fluids. Diethylene glycol is toxic and hazardous in case
of skin contact (irritant, permeator), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion
and of inhalation. See the material safety data sheet of diethylene glycol.
Butanol is a flammable solvent and can be toxic when inhaled (see
material safety data sheet of n-butanol). Proper air extraction should be
used to avoid exposure to Butanol vapour or a suitable filter should be
used. The room where the instrument is used should be properly
ventilated.
Warning: Do not open the covers of the instrument, when it is
connected to a power supply. Risk of electric shock or exposure to high
temperature parts/liquid can occur if the covers are opened during
operation of the instrument.
Warning: Take care and use safety goggles when connecting the
instrument to compressed air line.
Warning: The CPC is a class I laser product. Exposure to the
laser can cause blindness. In normal operation, the user is not exposed to
the laser radiation. Do not remove the cover of the instrument when
power is supplied and do not modify or remove any parts of the
instrument.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 8
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
4 nano Condensation Nucleus Counter –
Introduction
4.1 Introduction
The nano Condensation Nucleus Counter system consists of a Particle Size
Magnifier (PSM) and a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). The PSM is
an aerosol pre-conditioner that grows aerosol particles as small as 1 nm
up to about 90 nm in mobility equivalent diameter, after which they are
further grown to optical sizes and counted in the CPC. By using the PSM
together with the CPC even single large molecules or molecular clusters
can be detected.
Figure 4-1 The idea of dual-stage condensation in the nano
Condensation Nucleus Counter system. Stage 1, particle growth
with diethylene glycol condensation is done in the PSM, whereas
stage 2 and detection is done by an external counter CPC.
The use of the Particle Size Magnifier is based on using a proper
condensing fluid for activating also the smallest particles. With diethylene
glycol as the condensing fluid, the PSM can be used at high
supersaturations without substantial homogenous nucleation of the

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 9
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
working fluid. Since diethylene glycol can grow the particles only to about
90 nm in diameter, a CPC using butanol as condensing fluid is needed as a
second stage for further growing the particles to optical sizes, and for
detection.
The technique can be used for both charged and neutral particles without
the need for pre-charging the aerosol. Theoretically charged particles may
activate easier than neutral ones. Also the chemical composition of the
particles can somewhat affect the activation probability.
The nCNC has three measurement modes: 1) In the fixed flow mode it
gives the total concentration at one user-selectable saturator flow rate
corresponding to a certain cut-off size, 2) in stepping mode the user can
select up to 4 different saturator flow rates for the instrument and thus
periodically monitor the total concentration at different cut-off sizes, 3) in
scanning mode the saturator flow rate is changed continuously, giving an
activation spectrum of the measured particles, which can be used e.g. to
obtain size or composition information of the ~1-4 nm particles.
NOTE: the diffusional losses of particles smaller than 4 nm can be
substantial. Therefore, use as short inlet tube as possible before the PSM,
or use make-up flow.
4.2 Operation Principle of the PSM
The PSM consists of a saturator, mixing region and growth tube (Figure
Figure 4-2). Clean air is led through the saturator where it is heated and
exposed to diethylene glycol, which vaporizes to the flow. The aerosol flow
sampled trough the inlet is turbulently mixed with the saturator flow in
the cooled mixing region. As the flow cools down, the diethylene glycol
reaches supersaturation, and starts condensing on the particles. After the
mixing region, the sample is led to a cooled growth tube, where the
particles continue growing, when diethylene glycol is condensing on them.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 10
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
After the PSM a part of the flow is led to the CPC, and part of the flow is
discarded as excess flow.
Please note: The flows of the PSM are controlled as mass flow and
converted to volumetric flow (@20oC and 101.3kPa).
The cut-off diameter of the nCNC can be easily adjusted programmatically
by changing the saturator flow rate in the PSM. This changes the mixing
ratio of the inlet and saturator flow, which determines the supersaturation
inside the mixing region and growth tube. The supersaturation, in turn,
determines how small particles can be activated.
For details of how to define the cut-off diameter see Chapter Calibration
on page 54.
Figure 4-2 Schematics of the PSM, showing the saturator, the
mixing region, the growth tube and the CPC.
4.3 Operation Principle of the CPC
The A20 Condensation Particle Counter is intended for measuring the
number concentration of airborne solid or liquid particles (aerosol
particles) in the size range of 7 nm – 2.5 μm (see figure 4-3). It can be

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 11
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
used independently for measuring the total particle concentration, or as a
counter in various aerosol measurement systems.
The condensing fluid in A20 is n-butanol. The supersaturation required for
condensation is achieved by cooling warm air saturated with butanol until
the vapour starts to condense on particles. The resulting droplets are
detected individually in the optics based on the light they scatter. The
A20 is working in the single-particle measurement mode in the
concentration range from 0-30 000/cc, and concentrations up to 1e5/cc
can be measured when a correction function is applied. At higher
concentrations a dilution system is needed.
Figure 4-3 Example of the detection efficiency curve of the A20.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 12
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
5 Instrument descriptions
The A11 nCNC system consists of an A10 PSM and an A20 CPC, together
with the A1X operating software.
5.1 PSM front Panel
Figure 5-1 Front panel of the PSM
1. Connection for external vacuum. 100 - 350 mbar is needed (in NTP)
2. Connection for compressed air. 1.5 – 2.5 bar is needed (NTP). !!!
NOTE, DON’T EXCEED THE MAXIMUM WORKING PRESSURE OF 3.0
BAR !!!
3. Connection for DEG fill bottle.
4. Connection for DEG drain bottle
5. Serial RS-232 connection

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 13
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
6. USB 2.0 connection
7. Programmable 0-10 V analogue output connection (a BNC
connector). Can be used to control e.g. an Ion filter or a DMA.
8. Power, status and drain LEDs – should be green when instrument is
working properly
5.2 PSM back panel
Figure 5-2 Back panel of the PSM
1. Connection for power cable (100 - 240 VAC, max 320 W)
2. Power switch
3. Particle inlet, 1/4 inch
4. Particle outlet, 1/4 inch – connect this to the counter CPC using the
black sampling line provided with the system.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 14
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
5.3 CPC Front Panel
Figure 5-3. A20 Side view.
1. Display
Touch screen for operating the instrument and displaying the
concentration.
2. Fill
The fill bottle for butanol should be connected here.
3. Drain
Connector for draining butanol out of the instrument.
4. Power light
The power light indicates that the instrument is on. The power light
is red if the instrument self-test fails (contact Airmodus).
5. Status light
The status light indicates that all the operation parameters (e.g.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 15
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
temperatures) of the instrument have reached correct values.
Status light is green, when everything is ok, and red if any of the
settings are out-of-range. Status light is yellow when instrument is
in warm-up mode.
6. Particle light
Particle light is lit when particles are being detected.
5.4 CPC Back panel
Figure 5-4. A20 Back panel
1. Inlet
The inlet of the A20 is a ¼inch stainless steel tube. Inlet flow rate
is 1 lpm.
2. Power switch
For switching the instrument on and off.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 16
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
3. Power cord
Connection for the power cord.
4. Fuse
Fuse rating is 250 V, 4 A.
5. Connection for external vacuum
The instrument needs to be connected to a pump or external
vacuum for maintaining the flow rate. The vacuum source should be
enough to maintain a critical flow of 1 l/min. The exhaust air may
contain some butanol vapour.
Warning: Butanol vapours should be led out of breathing air or a
suitable filter should be used. Butanol is a flammable solvent and can be
toxic when inhaled (see material safety data sheet of n-butanol).
6. USB and Ethernet
Connections for communicating with external devices
7. Serial and Serial link
Connections for communicating with external devices
8. Pulse out
Gives out a 5 V TTL-pulse for each detected particle.
9. Analog in/out
Programmable 0-10V analog voltage input/outputs.
5.5 A1X Software
The A11 nCNC includes software, which can be installed to a computer
(Microsoft Windows only). The software can be used for setting and
monitoring the PSM and CPC status and parameters, changing the
measurement mode, and displaying and saving data from the nCNC. The
A1X software also provides in-situ inversion of the measured data when
used with Airmodus CPC: based on calibration information a size
distribution is calculated for 1-4 nm particles. Please note that the given

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 17
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
size is based on Nickel Chromium calibration and thus is given as Nickel
Chromium equivalent diameter, for other particle compositions the
activation spectra may represent other sizes.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 18
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
6 Getting Started
6.1 Unpacking
Warning: Check that the box is upwards from the side arrow
stickers before opening.
The A11 nCNC shipment contains two boxes. Each box contains an
instrument mounted on foam cushions, and a smaller box containing
accessories (e.g. the sample PSM-CPC tube), manual, calibration
certificate and fill- and drain bottles.
First remove the accessories box, manual and calibration certificate and
after that carefully pull the instrument from the cardboard box. Remove
the end cushions.
If the instrument has been transported in temperatures considerably
lower than room temperature, store it in room temperature for two hours
before starting to operate with it.
After unpacking, the instruments are ready for setting up.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 19
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
6.2 Setting up the instrument
Figure 6-1 Set-up of the A11
1. Attach the power cables to the PSM and the CPC.
2. Connect vacuum and pressurized air to the PSM front panel and
vacuum to the CPC back panel (see Figure 6-1)
3. Connect the PSM aerosol outlet to the Drip Bottle (see instructions
and the figure in Chapter 6.2.1) and then to the CPC inlet with
conductive tubing. A 45 cm tube is delivered with the instrument,
please note that the length of the tube affects the response time of
the complete system. The CPC should be preferably placed on a
higher level than the PSM outlet, for example on top of the PSM.
4. Connect the fill bottle with DEG (diethylene glycol) to the PSM front
panel “LIQUID IN” connector. Make sure that there is a hole in the
cap of the fill bottle, or that the cap is slightly open, to ensure
pressure stabilization inside the bottle.

AIRMODUS A11 nCNC USER MANUAL Page 20
Ref. A13TD0015
Version 1.94 Document date: 18.08.2017
© 2017 Airmodus Ltd
5. Connect the fill bottle with butanol to the CPC. Make sure that there
is a hole in the cap of the fill bottle, or that the cap is slightly open,
to ensure pressure stabilization inside the bottle.
6. Connect the PSM and CPC to a computer with USB or serial cable
7. Switch on the power of the PSM and the CPC.
8. Let the CPC run for 20 minutes and then check the CPC inlet flow
(preferably in-line, but do note that the sample leaving the PSM
contains DEG). Set the measured flow rate into the Before starting
tab of the measurement software.
9. Connect the sample inlet of the PSM.
6.2.1 Installation of DEG drip bottle for Airmodus PSM
PSM uses diethylene glycol (DEG)
to grow aerosol particle. The
growth is achieved by condensing
DEG vapour on top of the aerosol
particle. After the condensational
growth stage inside the PSM there
can be some excess DEG vapour
still in the sample air. This excess
vapour can condense on the walls
of the tube that is connected to the
inlet of the CPC. In order to prevent
this condensing DEG from getting
inside the CPC a drip bottle should
be installed (see figure).