Casella Vortex 3 User manual

USER MANUAL
www.casellasolutions.com
Casella
RegentHouse,
Wolseley Road,
Kempston,
Bedford.
MK42 7JY
T:[phone]
F:[phone]
E: [e-mail]
High Flow Air Sampling Pump
HB4101- 01
May 2021

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Contents
Safety and warnings.............................................................................. 4
Disposal............................................................................................... 4
Disclaimer ............................................................................................. 5
Introduction.......................................................................................... 6
Controls and fittings.............................................................................. 7
Controls and menu structure.................................................................. 7
Sampling inlet....................................................................................... 9
Interlocking system..............................................................................10
Operation............................................................................................ 11
Turn the pump on/off...........................................................................11
Charge the pump battery......................................................................11
Setup before starting a run....................................................................12
Start/stopa sampling run......................................................................14
Lock and unlock the pump ....................................................................14
Timed run...........................................................................................15
Settings ............................................................................................... 16
Language............................................................................................16
Temperature units ...............................................................................16
Pressure units......................................................................................16
Time and date .....................................................................................17
Contrast..............................................................................................17
Screen timeout....................................................................................17
Screen scroll........................................................................................17
Bluetooth............................................................................................17
Block retry ..........................................................................................18
Info....................................................................................................18
Diagnostics..........................................................................................18
Auto –lock..........................................................................................18

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Auto –run...........................................................................................19
Warning and error messages.............................................................. 19
Warnings............................................................................................19
Errors.................................................................................................19
Airwave software for mobile devices................................................. 20
Bluetoothconnection and security.........................................................20
Dashboard view...................................................................................20
Control panel.......................................................................................21
Menu options......................................................................................21
Saved runs & notes ..............................................................................23
Technical specifications...................................................................... 25
Declarations........................................................................................ 26
Frequently asked questions................................................................ 28
Servicing, maintenance, and support................................................. 30
Servicing.............................................................................................30
Maintenance.......................................................................................30
Support ..............................................................................................31
Part numbers and accessories ...............................................................32

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Safety and warnings
The Vortex3 does not present a safety risk when you use it as instructed in this User Manual.
However,it is possible that the environment where you use the instrument may presenta
safetyrisk. For this reason, always follow correct, safe working practices.
CAUTION
The Vortex3 air sampling pumps are designed to be robust, however please use
the pump as follows:
•Do not drop the pump or subject it to mechanical shock.
•Avoid letting the pump suck in water,solid materials or highly saturated or
corrosive gases as this may cause damage and will invalidate the warranty.
•The Vortex3 pump contains no user serviceable parts. If a fault is suspected,
return the pump to Casella or a Casella approved service centre.
CAUTION
If the equipmentis likely to come into contact with aggressive substances, take
precautions to preventthe instrument from being adversely affected, so that the
type of protection is not compromised. (Aggressive substances such as solvents
may affect polymeric materials.) Suitable precautions include regular checks as
part of routine inspections and establishing from the material’s data sheet that
the pump is resistant to specific chemicals.
CAUTION
Repair of this equipment shall only be carried out by the manufacturer or an
authorised representative in accordance with the applicable code of practice. If
the product has to be returned, please clean and decontaminate the pump prior
to returning it to us. If the pump is returned to us without cleaning, it will be
returned with no work undertaken by Casella.
CAUTION
When Bluetooth® is enabled, care must be taken to avoid interference with
sensitive equipmentsuch as in medical, aviation or safety critical environments.
Disposal
WEEE Notice
At the end of the instrument’s life please do not throw away with the
unsorted municipal waste. Please recycle with a registered WEEE
handler.

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Disclaimer
Do not use the Vortex3 until you have thoroughly read this manual or have been instructed
by a Casella engineer.
At the time of writing, this manual was up to date but due to continual improvementsthe
final operating procedures may differ slightly from those in the manual. If there are any
questions, please contact Casella for clarification.
Casella makes continual advancementsin its products and services. We therefore reserve
the right to make changes and improvements to any information contained within this
manual.
Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the information in this manual is correct, Casella
will assume no responsibility for loss, damage or injury caused by any errors in, or omissions
from, the information given.

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Introduction
The Vortex3 is the latest generationof static, high flow rate
sampling pumps, which can now be controlled and monitored
from your mobile phone or tablet using the Airwave App and
Bluetooth® 4.0 connectivity (Pro model only).
On models without remote connectivity, all the running
parameters are clearly displayed on the pump’s full colour
OLED screen.
To provide protection against dust/fibre and water ingress,
the pump is IP65 rated, and its smooth finish makes it easier
to decontaminate.
The Vortex3 has a maximum flow rate of 12 L/min and an
impressive back pressure capability, which ensuresit
operatesreliably with a wide range of filter media. Inlet
pressure is continually sensedto establish filter loading and
aid diagnostics.
On a full battery charge the pump is designed to operate for up to 2.5 hours before it needs
to be re-charged but may also be run from a mains supply.
The following table summarises the features and capabilities of the Vortex3 range of pumps.
Vortex3
Vortex3 Pro
Flow range 5-12 L/min
✔
✔
Flow control +/- 5%
✔
✔
Run Duration 4 Hours @ 8 L/min
✔
✔
Battery & mains powered
✔
✔
Bluetooth®
✔
Remote Start/Stop
✔
Battery Gauge
✔
Pressure Indicator
✔

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Controls and fittings
The Vortex3 has a small number of easy-to-use controls and a unique, patent pending
interlocking mechanism that allows multiple units to be carried to site.
Controlsand menu structure
The up / down arrows, are used to scroll through menu and setting items and to
change values.
The On / Off button, which is used to turn the pump on and off, and to return to
a previous screen.
The enterkey, which is used to entersub-menu items and to save changed
values.
This is one of five dashboard screens that can cycle after you turn on
the pump. The same information is also displayed when the pump is
running (see Operation on page 12).
When SCREEN SCROLL is set to AUTO:-
The five screens will automatically scroll to the nextscreen every
few seconds. To temporarily maintain a single screen as the
visible screen, press and hold .
When SCREEN SCROLL is set to OFF:-
Press the key to cycle to the next screen.
(see SCREEN SCROLL menu option on page 18)
Scroll up / increase
Scroll down / decrease
Status indicator
Blue light flashes when pump running normally
Red light flashes when there is a fault or during charging
On / off / cancel
Start / stop / enter
Colour display
View all run parameters
and menu items

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This is the menu that you use on a regular basis to set the flow and
calibrate the pump betweensample runs. It also gives you the ability
to pre-selecta sample volume or performa timed run (see Setup
before starting a run on page 13).
The settings can be used to change the functionality of the pump or
to access diagnostic information. You will probably access these
settings infrequently (see Settings on page 17).

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Sampling inlet
There is convenient stowage for a sampling head and tubing. Remove the sampling head (if
already fitted) from its stowedposition and unwind the tubing noting that there is a clip just
below the handle and a guide to ‘manage’ the tube where it connects to the inlet nozzle.
If necessary, connect the tube as shown and extend the integral telescopic mast to the
desired height i.e., a maximum of 1.6m (the nominal breathing zone) and clip the tubing and
sampling head in place.
Use appropriate sampling media in accordance with the chosen methodology e.g. MDHS or
NIOSH and in accordance with the sampling head’s own instructions.
The chosen method will also indicate the required flow rate and sampling time/volume
required.
Tubing Guide
Tubing Clip
Connect the tubing to
the blue inlet nozzle on
the rear of pump.

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Interlockingsystem
The Vortex3 has a unique, patent-pendinginterlocking mechanism which enables a number
of pumps to be connected together making themeasier to carry and distribute around a site.
Note: Only carry as many units as you feel comfortable with and if in any doubt,
consult local manual handling guidance.
Units connect using the grooves on the front and lugs on the back of the Vortex3.
With the units vertical, slide the lugs of one unit into the groovesof the adjacent unit. A
retractable clip will ‘snap’ into position when the units are aligned.
To disconnect, lay the units on their side, locate the spring-loaded clip with a thumb or finger
and pull it back to disengage while separating one unit from another.
Interlocking grooves
Interlocking lugs
Release Catch

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Operation
This section describes how to use the pump to take air samples using the minimum of
settings. The Vortex3has many other menu and settings options and these are described in
later chapters.
Turnthe pump on/off
To turn on the pump:
Press to turn on the pump.
The following sequence is displayed:
This is followed by the five scrolling dashboard screens showing data from the last run.
To turn off the pump:
Press and hold until the countdownhas finished to turn off the pump.
Note: The pump cannot turned off during a sampling run.
Chargethe pump battery
Before using the pump, check the battery level icon or battery gauge to ensure there is
enoughcharge for the intendedsampling run. A good discipline is to place the pump on a
charger at the end of the shift so that it is always fully charged at the start of next shift.
Remember, it takes less than 6 hours to fully charge the pump battery.

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To check the battery level:
1. Turn on the pump as described.
2. Check the battery level, which will show either a percentage whenthe pump is not
running or number of hours remaining whenthe pump is running.
3. Turn off the pump.
To charge the pump battery:
1. Ensure that the pump is either off or on and displaying
START with the pump NOT running.
2. Connect the supplied mains adaptor to the Vortex3
charging point indicated.
3. A green LED on the mains adaptor indicates it is powered
and turns red when charging.
4. The red LED on the top of the pump flashes during the
whole of the charging time and the charge state is also
displayed for a user defined period.
5. To see the amount of charge at any time press .
Once fully charged the blue light turns on for 10 minutes, after which time the pump
turns off.
Setup beforestartinga run
Depending on sampling requirements the following setupprocedures may need to be
performed prior to starting a sampling run.
To access the menu items described below:
Ensure the pump is turned on and then press to display the menu.
Press or to highlight the menu item you want to alter, and then press .

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Set the flow rate
1. Navigate to SET FLOW, and then press .
2. Press or to change the flow rate, and thenpress the enterkey.
Calibratethe pump
Always calibrate the pump at the required sampling flow rate for greatest accuracy.
Note: If using a filter with a small pore size or if operating at a high flow rate, which results in
a high back pressure, it may take the pump a little longer to stabilise when adjusting the
calibrated value.
1. Attach a sampling head or otherflow-measuring device to the pump’s inlet nozzle. The
flowmetershould be connected to the inlet of the sampling head.
2. Navigate to CALIBRATE.
3. Press to start calibration.
4. Press or to change the pump flow until the meter flow rate and the pump
flow rate match.
5. Press to stop calibration.
Pre-setthe samplevolume
Use this menu item to run the pump for a pre-setvolume. The maximum volume that can be
selectedis 10,000 litres.
1. Navigate to Vol. RUN and then press .
2. Press or to adjust the sample volume.
3. Press for 3 seconds to start the pre-setvolume run or press to return to the
menu.

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Start/stopa sampling run
Ensure the pump is calibrated and set to the correct flow rate. If you want to start a timed
sampling run, see page 16.
To start a sampling run:
1. Turn on the pump.
2. Press for 3 seconds.
The following screensshould be visible.
To stop a sampling run:
•Press and hold for 3 seconds.
Lock and unlock the pump
Partiallock
Partial Lock mode is denotedby a half open padlock icon and can be set in Run or Stop
modes.While partially locked, the user may stop and start the sampling pump but has no
access to the menu or other functions.
To partially lock and unlock the pump:
•Press and hold , and then press 3 times within quick succession. The partial
lock icon will be displayed.

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Note: To remove partial lock when the pump is running, perform the partial lock
procedure twice, the first time the pump will enterfull lock mode the second time the
pump will be unlocked.
Full lock
Full lock mode is denoted by a closed padlock icon and can only be set whenthe pump is
running. While in full lock mode,the keypadis fully de-activated, and the user cannot stop or
disturb the pump by any key presses.
To fully lock the pump:
•Press and hold , and then press 6 times in quick succession. The full lock icon
will be displayed.
To unlock the pump:
•Press and hold , and then press 3 times in quick succession.
Timed run
Using this mode, you can run the pump for a set period, afterwhich the pump will turn off
automatically.
To start a timed run for a set period:
1. Navigate to Ti. RUN 08:00, and then press .
Note: 08:00 in this example is the previously set time.
2. Press or to set the time in hours and minutes.
3. Press for 3 seconds to start the timed run or press to return to the menu.

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Settings
This section describes the settings you may wish, or need, to alter occasionally, and it
describes how to access systeminformation you may be askedfor by a service technician.
To access the SETTINGS menu:
Press or to scroll to any of the following settings.
Press to enter/save a setting or move between values and press to go back.
Language
Supportedlanguages include
English, Brazilian - Portuguese,
Spanish, Italian, German,
French and Chinese.
Temperature units
Select Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Pressureunits
Select cmH2O, kPa, H2O or
mBar.
Press
With the Casella
screen visible,
press & hold for
a few seconds
+

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Time and date
Set the date and time. Press
to sequence through the
numbers to be set.
Contrast
You may want to reduce the
contrast for operation in low
light conditions.
Screentimeout
Use a screen timeout if you
want to save power. Once the
screen is off, press any key to
turn it on again.
Screenscroll
Allows the screen to scroll
between the 5 available screens
in START or STOP modes. Select
AUTO or OFF
Bluetooth
Enable or disable Bluetooth.
You need to enable Bluetooth
whenusing the Airwave app
(see page 21).

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Block retry
When the inlet is blocked for
more than 20 seconds the
pump stops sampling. After1
minute the pump tries to
resume sampling.
You can set the number of retries before the pump stops working.
Info
Use this setting to see the serial
number and firmware version.
Press to toggle between
screens. A contact telephone
number is also provided.
Diagnostics
This information is intended for
routine maintenance and fault
diagnosis. Press to toggle
between screens.
Auto –lock
Use this setting if youwant a
full lock (see page 16) to be
applied automatically after you
start the pump.

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Auto –run
When set to ON the pump runs
automatically when connected
to the charger. This mode could
be used when you want to run a
static long term sample.
Warning and error messages
Warnings
When turning the pump on, if the battery level is too low a warning message will be
displayed. The pump will then switch off. Recharge the pump as necessary.
Errors
If the pump cannot maintain the target flow rate
within 5% for more than 20 seconds (due to a
kinked tube or inlet blockage) thenit will
automatically stop sampling and show the Blocked
Retry message.
Afterone minute the pump will attempt to re-start.If the pump has not been able to re-start
after the specified number of retry attempts (see Settings, page 19), the pump will terminate
the current sampling run and display an error message.

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Airwave software for mobile devices
The Airwave software allows you to control and check the pump’s status and measurement
progress remotely.
Note: Your mobile device must support Bluetooth®4.0 connectivity and must be running
Android version 4.3 or higher. Check you device specifications if unsure.
Toinstall the Airwavesoftware:
1. On your mobile device go to the Play Store and
search for Casella Airwave.
2. Click the Casella Airwave selection to install the
software.
Bluetoothconnectionand security
With Bluetooth® enabled, Airwave can connect to the Vortex3 whetherit is stopped or in a
sampling run.
However, Airwave compatible products, such as the Vortex3, will only accept connection and
control requests from a single known or paired mobile device.This prevents an unknown
mobile device making a connection and then interrupting an active measurement run.
Topair a mobiledevicewith your pump:
1. Ensure the pump is in Stop mode and that Bluetooth is switched on.
2. On your mobile device, open the Airwave software.
The identity of your mobile device is not used.
Dashboardview
When the Airwave Software is first opened it
automatically scans for any Airwave compatible products
within range (up to 25 m in a direct line of sight with no
solid obstructions in the path).
The dashboard provides an instantaneous view of the
measured data and status of all Airwave compatible
devices in range plus access to previous runs and notes.
Each device updates and broadcasts its dashboard data
approximately every 3 seconds.
To save power, the Airwave Software stops scanning when all instruments within range have
been detected.
To rescan for new devices, in the top-right corner of the software, touch .