Atec 8001 User manual

Model 8001 Automated Canister Sampler
Operations and Maintenance Manual
Version 2.01
February 19, 2016

2016 ATEC, Malibu, CA 90265-2112

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ATEC Model 8001 Canister Sampler
Limited Warranty
Atmospheric Technology (ATEC) warrants to the original purchaser of the Model
8001 Canister Sampler that should it prove defective by reason of improper
workmanship and/or material:
Parts and Labor: For one year on all components from the date of original
purchase, we will repair or replace, at our option, any defective part without
charge for the part. Parts used for replacement are warranted for the
remainder of the original warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, return the unit to ATEC. Shipping expenses are your
responsibility. This WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER damage caused by:
modification, alteration, repair or service of this unit by anyone other than ATEC;
physical abuse to, or misuse of the unit; operation in a manner contrary to the
instructions which accompany the unit; freight damage; or any damage caused by
acts of God such as lightning or fluctuation in electrical power. This warranty also
excludes all costs arising from installation, adjustment of user controls, initial
technical adjustments (set-up) and user-required maintenance including filter
changing.
Any express warranty not provided herein, and any remedy which, but for this
provision, might arise by implication or operation of law, is hereby excluded and
disclaimed. The implied warranties of fitness for any particular purpose are
expressly limited to a term of one year.
Under no circumstances shall ATEC be liable to purchaser or any other person for
any incidental, special, or consequential damages, whether arising out of breach of
warranty, breach of contract, or otherwise.

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1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 2
2.1 Hardware 2
2.1.1 System Specification 2
2.1.2 Sampler Components 3
3. RUNNING THE SYSTEM 6
3.1 Hardware Setup 6
3.2 Display and Function Tabs 6
3.3 Date and Time 7
3.4 Site Identification 7
3.5 Canister Sampling Information 7
3.6 Purge Flow 8
3.7 Abort 8
3.8 Function Tabs 8
4. PROGRAMMING THE MODEL 8001 9
4.1 Time/Date 9
4.2 Setup 9
4.3 Schedule 12
4.4 Leak Check 13
4.5 Data 13
4.6 Power Failures 14
4.7 SOP 15
4.8 Manual Mode 15
4.9 Advanced Mode 16
5. TRIGGERED SAMPLING OPTION 18
6. MAINTENANCE 23
6.1 Purge Pump 23
6.2 Canister Filter 23

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6.3 Mass Flow Controller Calibration 23
7. MODEL 8001 PARTS LIST 25
APPENDIX A –PROCEDURE FOR PRESSURE TRANSDUCER AND
FLOWMETER CALIBRATION 27
APPENDIX B INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR MASS FLOW CONTROLLER 29

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1. Introduction
This manual covers the installation, operation and routine maintenance of the ATEC
Model 8001 Automated Canister Sampler. This instrument is a microcomputer
controlled sampler that can be programmed to draw ambient air into canisters for
subsequent analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) according to the
methods outlined in EPA Methods TO-14A and TO-15. The sampler can be
configured with various options to provide up to three independent flow channels.
Channel 1 is a multi-port channel containing 8, 16, or 32 ports. Each port can be
programmed to sample over a specific time period. The optional Channels 2 and 3
consist of single ports that can be activated concurrently or for different time periods
than Channel 1. All channels use separate mass flow controllers (MFC) to regulate
the flowrate. The number of ports on Channel 1 can be increased in multiples of 8
up to a total of 64 ports by adding the Model 81xx expansion modules.
The sampler has the following major features:
Channel 1 ports and Channels 2 and 3 can be programmed to sample on a
specified date (e.g. 06/01/95) for a specified duration.
Sampling date, start time, stop time, starting pressure, end pressure, average
flow rate, minimum flow rate, maximum flow rate, sampling time duration,
and error status are stored for all channels. These data can be displayed on
the screen or transferred to a computer using a jump drive. In addition,
sampling data (i.e. time and pressure) are logged at a minimum of every
minute and are included in the transferred data.
The mass flow controllers are auto zeroed prior to sampling.
A leak check option is provided to manually leak check a port or channel.
A trigger option is available to allow sampling to be started on any port or
channel from externally controlled switch closures.
Network connection to the sampler through a Local Area Network (LAN) is
available as an option. This allows remote monitoring and setup of sampling.

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2. System Configuration
2.1 Hardware
2.1.1 System Specification
Flow Rate: Nominal 10 cc/min (20 cc/min with pressurized
option). Optional ranges are also available.
Accuracy ±2%FS
Canister Pressure
Measurement Range: 0-30 PSIA. Accuracy ±0.25% FS
Maximum Canister
Filling Pressure: 2 psi below ambient; 45 psia (pressured option)
No. of Channels: 8 ports, 16ports, or 32 ports on Channel 1. Two other
single port channels with independent operation are
optional.
Size: 17” (width) x 19” (depth) x 7” (high)
Weight: Approximately 50 pounds
Power: 115VAC, 7 amps maximum.
(220VAC, 3.5 amps maximum)
Inlet: ¼” tubing connector.
Construction Materials: stainless steel and viton.

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2.1.2 Sampler Components
This section describes the general operation and major components of the ATEC
Model 8001 Automated Sampler. Shown here is a schematic diagram of the
sampler. Air enters the sampler and passes through a stainless steel filter. When
sampling, the solenoid valve upstream of the manifold is opened. Air passes
through the mass flow controller (MFC) to the solenoid valve and into the manifold.
When a selected port is activated, the solenoid valve to that port is opened and the
air stream passes into the canister. Prior to sampling, the inlet line can be purged
for a selected amount of time. Only one port for Channel 1, consisting of two
independent solenoid valves and the canister, can be activated at a given time.
However, two optional channels can be used to obtain concurrent or collocated
samples. A microcomputer with a touchscreen display provides control and data
acquisition for the automated sampling.
The Model 8001 can also be ordered with an optional pressurization pump. The
pump is equipped with a by-pass valve to regulate the pressure. The purge pump is

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not used in this application because the pressure pump will purge the flow system
prior to sampling.
2.1.2.1 Solenoid Valves
One 15VDC solenoid valve is used for each port. The normally closed valve is
mounted between the sampling manifold and the canister. There is one solenoid
valve which isolates the manifold from the inlet line for leak checking and inlet line
purging. During normal sampling, both the isolation solenoid valve and the canister
solenoid valves are opened. During leak check, the isolation solenoid valve is
closed and the manifold and sampling line to an individual canister are checked for
leaks. If a small leak exists, the manifold pressure will slowly rise.
2.1.2.2 Canister Connections
Canister connections are made to the 1/8” Swaglok fittings labeled “Port 1” through
“Port 8” on the rear panel. If the optional collocated Channel 2 and Channel 3 are
present, their connections on the rear panels are labeled “Ch. 2” and “Ch. 3”.
2.1.2.3 Pressure Transducers
For the Channel 1 (mulit-port channel), a precision pressure transducer is used to
monitor the absolute pressure in the manifold connected to all the ports. To
determine the pressure in one of the canisters, the canister valve for that port must
be opened to equilibrate the manifold pressure with the pressure of the canister.
The pressure in each canister must be measured individually in this way. If the
optional collocated channels are present, there is a pressure transducer for each
channel. The pressure transducers have a full-scale range of 0-30 psia. If the
sampler has the pressurization option, the pressure transducers have a full-scalle
range of 0-50 psia. The output of each pressure transducer is interfaced to the
internal computer.

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2.1.2.4 Mass Flow Controllers
A mass flow controller with a nominal range of 0-10 cc/min is used to control the
sampling flowrate in each canister. If the optional collocated Channel 2 and Channel
3 are present, each channel would have a dedicated mass flow controller usually in
the 0-10 cc/min range. The sampling flow rate is automatically calculated using the
starting and end pressure and the sample duration. Operation and maintenance
instructions for the mass flow controller are provided in Appendix B.
2.1.2.5 Purge Pump
A diaphragm pump is used to purge the sampler inlet line by drawing air through the
inlet tubing, mass flow controller, and 3-way isolation solenoid valve and exhausted
out. A check valve isolates the exhaust path from the rest of the system. For
pressurized sampling, a pressure pump pushes air through the components. The
duration of purging prior to sampling can be specified in the Setup screen.

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3. Running the System
3.1 Hardware Setup
Upon arrival, check all shipping containers for damage and notify the shipper if
damage has occurred. Plug the main power cord into a 115VAC (or 220VAC if so
configured) outlet. Turn the main power on by using the power switch on the rear of
the sampler. During the first twenty seconds, the internal computer is booted and
the software is loaded into memory. The normal display will illuminate after the 20
second startup.
The Model 8001 uses a 7.0”SVGA LCD color touch screen display to show current
operating status and to enter information into the computer. The computer is
accessed using the tabs which are displayed on the screen and can be activated by
finger touch or stylus. A pencil eraser also works well. The touch level of the screen
can be calibrated by using the TouchScreen button in the Setup function.
A USB connector is mounted on the front panel. A jump drive is inserted into the
USB port to download data or to upgrade the software Also the optional label printer
using the front panel USB port.
All components, tubing, and fittings have been cleaned prior to assembly. After
unpacking the instrument and verifying operation, the Model 8001 should be purged
with humidified zero air for a minimum of 24 hours before sampling, as outlined in
the EPA TO14 and TO15 compendium methods.
3.2 Display and Function Tabs
Normally the display will show the default main screen as illustrated below. This
screen displays current sampling information and provides function tabs for the
operator to enter operating parameters and retrieve data. The main screen displays
the following:

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If there are more than 8 ports in the sampler or an expansion unit has been installed,
a button on the main screen (not shown above) allows moving between the different
ports, eight at a time.
3.3 Date and Time
The current date, time, and day of the week is displayed at the top of the screen and
is updated every minute.
3.4 Site Identification
A site identification label can be displayed below the time and date to identify the
sampler. For example “East River Site” could be shown to identify this sampler from
others used in a sampling network.
3.5 Canister Sampling Information
The canister flow rate and pressure are displayed while sampling. These values are
continuously updated every 10 seconds. One of the following status indicators will
also be shown in each status box, depending upon the sampling conditions:
Monday, November 26, 2001 18:58
Flow Pressure Status
Canister
Time/Date Setup Schedules Data Leak Check SOP
Abort
Ch. 1 Port 1 Finished
11.8
East River Site
Port 2 Finished11.5
Port 3 3.67 Sampling 10.40
Port 4 Waiting 0.21
Purge 0.000
Model 8001 Version 2.00
Manual AdvancedMain
Port 5 Waiting
0.36
Port 6 Waiting 0.10
Port 7 Waiting 0.02
Port 8 Waiting 0.11
Channel 2 3.34 Sampling
4.31

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Sampling—Indicates a channel is sampling
Waiting—Indicates a channel has been programmed to sample
Purging—Indicates a channel is purging prior to sampling
Idle—Indicates a channel has not been programmed to sample
Aborted—Operator terminated sampling
Finished—A successful sample has been collected without errors
Used Can—Canister initial pressure above limit
Press Tol—Canister pressure did not meet expected pressure within a given
tolerance
Flow Tol—Canister flow rate tolerance exceeded
Zero Tol—Canister MFC required excess zero compensation
Power Failure—Sampler restarted due to an input power or CPU failure.
Errors—Multiple errors, power outage, or sample aborted
3.6 Purge Flow
Prior to sampling, the sampler is purged at the maximum flow controller flow rate.
The purge flow rate is displayed on the left side of the screen in the Port 1 flow rate
and the Channel 2 flow rate, if present.
3.7 Abort
The Abort button is used to terminate sampling after purging has started. Pressing
the Abort button will require the operator to enter a new sampling sequence to
resume sampling. This action does not alter the stored sequence. If power is lost
and then restored, sampling will resume.
3.8 Function Tabs
Several function tabs are located along the top of the screen to enable the operator
to interact with the sampler to set the date and time, enter operating parameters,
input a sampling schedule, retrieve data, leak check canisters, or set-up the sampler
using the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) option. The operation of each tab
is described in the Programming Section.

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4. Programming the Model 8001
The Model 8001 uses eight function tabs to allow the operator to enter or retrieve
information from the sampler: Time/date, Set-up, Schedules, Data, Leak Check,
SOP, Manual, and Advanced. Time/date is used to enter the current time and
date. Set-up is used to configure the sampler and store sampling parameters.
Sampling schedules are entered through the Schedules tab. Data can be
displayed, printed to labels, or downloaded to a jump drive using the Data tab.
Canisters are manually leak checked with the Leak Check tab. The SOP tab uses a
standard operating procedure to install and leak check the canisters and program
sampling schedules. Manual provides a means to check out the operation of the
hardware and Advanced allows the changing of operational parameters.
4.1 Time/Date
The time and date that is stored in the Model 8001 can be changed using the
Time/Date tab. When this tab is touched, the control panel screen will appear which
enables the changing of time, date, time zone, and daylight savings time adjustment.
This screen is exited by selecting the small “x” in the upper right corner of this
window.
4.2 Setup
The Setup tab is used to input canister operating parameters, enable software
updates, and calibrate the touch screen. When the Setup tab is touched, a green
screen appears labeled “Canister Parameters” will appear. This screen allows the
operator to change the following parameters for canister sampling:
Pressure Tolerance
The Model 8001 continuously monitors the canister pressure during sampling and
will produce an error flag if the pressure falls outside the pressure tolerance limit
specified here. This tolerance is the difference between the expected pressure and
the actual canister pressure. The sampler calculates the expected pressure based
on the starting pressure, end pressure, and sampling duration.

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End Pressure
The final end pressure is the desired canister absolute pressure at the end of
sampling. This value is an absolute pressure that should be determined using the
atmospheric pressure at the sampling site or a pressure value that is 5 psi below the
pump pressure for the pressurized canister option. The end pressure must be at
least 2 psia below ambient pressure (or 5 psi below the pump pressure for
pressurized sampling) to insure that the canister is filled to the desired pressure at
the end of sampling. The sampler uses the specified end pressure to calculate the
necessary flow rate to fill the canister to this pressure.
Leak Rate Limit
The leak rate limit is the maximum increase in pressure that is allowed to pass a
canister during the manual leak check. This value is normally set to 0.1 psia/min.
Canister Volume
The nominal canister volume in liters is need to determine the flow rate.
Used Can Limit
The Model 8001 checks the pressure of each canister prior to sampling. The
pressure specified in the used can limit is used to determine if a used or leaking
canister has been installed. If the starting pressure is above this value, a used can
error status code will be set and sampling will be not proceed on this canister.
Purge Time
Purge time specifies the duration of purging before the start of sampling.
Data Write Interval
The Data Write Interval specifies the time interval for recording canister pressure
data. The minimum time interval is 5 minutes.

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Site Label
Touching the site label box brings up an alphanumeric keypad that can be used to
input a site specific label (e.g. East River Site No. 2) that appears on the main
screen.
Remote IP Address
If the sampler is configured with the Network Option, the IP address of the remote
tablet or PC that is to connect to the sampler must be entered in this box. See the
section on Network Setup for details on making the network connection.
Local IP Address
If the sampler is configured with the Network Option, this text box contains the IP
Address of the sampler and is needed for remote network connection to the sampler.
See the section on Network Setup for details on making the network connection.
Enable Network
If the sampler is configured with the Network Option, this button is used to make the
connection to the remote tablet or PC over a Locan Area Network (LAN). See the
section on Network Setup for details on making the network connection.
Update
Pressing the Update button terminates the sampling software and puts the
microcomputer in a mode to accept a software update from the jump drive. To
update the software, insert the jump drive and press the update button. The
computer will display a message that the software has been successfully updated
and the sampler will automatically reboot.
TouchScreen
Pressing the TouchScreen button brings up the touch screen calibration routine.
The screen is calibration by touching five crosses that appear at different places on
the screen. After all the crosses have been touched, touch the middle of the screed

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to terminate the routine and to save the new settings. The touch screen should be
re-calibrated whenever it becomes difficult to activate buttons on the screen.
Set
Pressing the Set button saves the data that was entered in the Set-up screens and
returns the program to the main screen.
4.3 Schedule
The Schedule tab is used to enter sampling schedules for the canisters. When the
Schedule tab is pressed, a yellow screen appears which shows the start date, start
time, and sample duration for Port 1. The values in each box can be changed by
touching the text box and using the keypad to enter the appropriate values. All times
are military times with midnight as 00:00. A 24-hour sample would be entered with a
start time of 00:00 and a duration of 24:00 hours for the date entered in the “date”
box. An identification label (e.g. Can 13420, Cart A6672) can also be entered for
each canister. This label will appear with the data to identify each sample. If the
sampler has the trigger option, the Schedule screen will have a check box to
activate the trigger option for the displayed Port/Channel. If this check box is
checked, the Port/Channel will start sampling for the specified duration when the
trigger is activated (see the section on Trigger Option for more details on this
option). If only one canister is to be sampled, the Done button is pressed and the
sampler will return to the main screen.
When making test runs, the start time for a Port/Channel must be at least one
minute plus the amount of purge time in the future or else erroneous MFC zero
values will be determined. Prior to purging, the sampler fast samples the MFC
flows to determine stable zero values for the MFCs. If this time is short or
non-existent, the zero values will be in error and any sampling data will also
be in error.
If additional ports/channels are to be sampled, The Next button must be pressed to
display the schedule for the next port. For each subsequent port, the start date, start

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time, duration, and trigger option can be entered. If the port sampling time is to
follow immediately after the previous port and is of the same duration, the
information can be entered automatically by checking the box labeled “Follow the
previous port”. After all the ports are displayed, the data for Channel 2 can be
entered. The Done button can be used to return to the main screen at any time.
The Prev button will show the previous screen.
4.4 Leak Check
The Leak Check tab is used to verify the canister connections prior to sampling.
The first screen is identified as “Port 1 Leak Check” and is used to leak check the
Port 1 canister. Canisters are leak checked by attaching an evacuated canister to a
port. The canister valve is then opened and then closed prior to pressing the Start
button for that port. If a leak is present between the canister valve and the isolation
solenoid valve, the manifold pressure will start to rise. A leak is identified if the
pressure rate exceeds the leak rate limit set in the setup section.
NOTE: Prior to pressing the Start button to begin the leak check on a port, the
canister solenoid valve on that port must be opened and then closed.
The Start button is pressed to begin the leak check. The leak rate box will show
“testing” during the measurement period. The canister leak check runs for 60
seconds. During this time, the pressure and elapsed time will be displayed. If the
pressure rate is above the leak rate limit entered in the Setup screen at the end of
the test, a “Failed” message is displayed. If a canister fails, the test should be
repeated to verify the first test. After repeated failures, the fittings should be
checked and the canister re-tested or replaced. If the test passes, a "Passed"
message will appear on the screen and the leak rate is displayed. The test can be
repeated by pressing the Start button, or the Next button can be used to advance to
the next port or Channel 2.
4.5 Data
The Data tab is used to display or download data. After sampling has been
completed, the Data tab is touched and the “Port 1 Data” screen is displayed. The

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stored data includes: start time; stop time; starting pressure; ending pressure;
average, minimum, and maximum flow rate; error status, and elapsed time. The
entire data set can be downloaded through the jump drive by inserting the drive in
the USB port and pressing the Store button. The file names on the jump drive are
unique and previously stored files do not have to be deleted before storing new data.
The data file name is the port or channel number and the date/time when the data
was written to the jump drive. An example of a typical data file is shown here:
East River Site
Canister 13249
Port 1 Canister Started at 11/20/00 9:00:06 PM
Starting Pressure 0.11 psia
Flow Rate Set Point 3.29 cc/min
Stopped at 11/21/00 9:00:05 PM
End Pressure 11.68 psia
Total Sample Time 24.00 hours
Average Flow Rate 3.29 cc/min
Minimum Flow Rate 0.94 cc/min
Maximum Flow Rate 3.47 cc/min
Flow Controller Zero -0.02 cc/min
Error Code 4
Error Status Pressure Tolerance Exceeded
Time Flowrate Pressure
11/20/00 9:00:17 PM 0.34 0.26
11/20/00 9:05:26 PM 3.28 0.16



11/21/00 8:40:15 PM 3.28 11.53
11/21/00 8:45:25 PM 3.29 11.61
11/21/00 8:50:25 PM 3.28 11.63
11/21/00 9:00:05 PM 3.27 11.68
Data for each port is saved until the port is sampled again. The new data is stored
in the location of the previous data. All data can be erased after a sampling
sequence by answering “Yes” to the query that appears when exiting the Data
screen.
The Next button on the 8001 Data screen will advance to the next data screen or
Exit can be used to return to the main screen.
4.6 Power Failures