Environmental Instruments AQMesh User manual

OMAQM3.8
AQMesh Operating Manual
Environmental Instruments Ltd
Unit 5/6, The Mansley Centre,
Timothy’s Bridge Road,
Stratford-upon-Avon,
Warwickshire
CV37 9NQ
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]om
Website: www.aqmesh.com

OMAQM3.8
Table of contents
Manual guidelines .................................................................................................4
1.1 Hyperlinks...................................................................................................4
1.2 Notes ..........................................................................................................4
1.3 Safety related information..........................................................................4
1.4 Introduction................................................................................................5
1.5 The AQMesh system ...................................................................................6
Applications............................................................................................................7
2.1 General .......................................................................................................7
2.2 Safety instructions ......................................................................................7
2.3 Range of environmental conditions ............................................................8
2.4 Safety symbols used....................................................................................9
2.5 Power options...........................................................................................10
2.6 Storage .....................................................................................................11
2.7 Shipping pods ...........................................................................................12
2.8 Moving pods .............................................................................................12
2.9 Memory....................................................................................................12
2.10 Calibration ................................................................................................13
2.11 Cross-gas effects and data processing .......................................................13
2.12 Service ......................................................................................................13
User serviceable parts ........................................................................ 14
2.13 Cleaning....................................................................................................15
Installation .......................................................................................................... 16
3.1 Tools required...........................................................................................16
3.2 Preparation...............................................................................................16
3.3 Installation method ..................................................................................18
3.4 Cable conductor sizes and cable insulation requirements .........................20
3.5 Mains wiring ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

OMAQM3.8
3.6 How to wire the mains supply......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.7 How to wire the external DC supply..........................................................20
3.8 How to connect the external high capacity battery pack ...........................21
3.9 How to connect the solar panel assembly .................................................22
3.10 NiMH rechargable battery / charging........................................................22
3.11 Changing the battery ................................................................................24
3.12 Activation method ....................................................................................25
3.13 Installation FAQs.......................................................................................28
1.18.1 LED fault codes during the start-up sequence .................................... 28
Changing a sensor .............................................................................. 30
3.14 Getting online ...........................................................................................32
Important notices to all customers ...................................................................... 34
3.15 AQMesh pod technical specification .........................................................34
3.16 Solar power unit technical specification....................................................34
3.17 Warranty policy ........................................................................................35
3.18 WEEE compliance.....................................................................................38
3.19 Battery disposal considerations ................................................................39
3.20 Declaration of Conformity.........................................................................40
Please note: the most up to date version of this operating manual can be
found online at www.AQMesh.com/manuals
For support options please our website at http://www.aqmesh.com/support/
For Frequently asked questions http://www.aqmesh.com/support/faqs/

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Manual guidelines
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Manual guidelines
1.1 Hyperlinks
Hyperlinks to other sections of this manual, websites or email addresses are in
the following format:
www.aqmesh.com
1.2 Notes
Important/useful information and instructions are shown clearly throughout the
manual in a note format.
For example:
Note: For further information please contact AQMesh technical support by
emailing [e-mail] or contacting your distributor.
1.3 Safety related information
Safety symbol
Information in this manual that may affect the safety of users and others is
preceded by the following symbol:
Warning
Failure to follow this information may result in physical injury, which in some
cases could be fatal.

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1.4 Introduction
This manual explains how to install and operate the AQMesh outdoor air quality
monitor.
The AQMesh outdoor air quality monitor is designed to measure atmospheric
gases and particulates in ambient environments. It has been developed to
incorporate the latest design and technology, providing the user with an
extremely simple-to-use and flexible monitor that is intended for use in a
number of applications.
Note: Whilst robust in design the monitor is a sensitive piece of
scientific equipment and should be treated as such.

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1.5 The AQMesh system
AQMesh has the following features:
•Parts per billion measurements of gases
•Particle count and mass estimation
•Up to two years sensor and battery life, depending upon data frequency,
transmission rates and battery type chosen
•NO gas measurement in the range 0 to 4,000ppb
•NO2 gas measurement in the range 0 to 4,000ppb
•O3 gas measurement in the range 0 to 1,800ppb
•Optional CO gas measurement in the range 0 to 6,000ppb
•Optional SO2 gas measurement in the range 0 to 10,000ppb
•Optional particle count 0.3 to 30+ µm
•Pressure measurement range 500 to 1500 mb
•Pod temperature measurement range -20 to +100 ˚C
•Humidity measurement range 0 to 100 %RH
•Wireless GSM communications
•Automatic GPS location (Not Mk1 hardware)
•Secure mounting
•Rugged, waterproof IP65 case design
•Long-life lithium primary or rechargeable NiMH battery options.
•Other power options include 12V D/C, solar panel, external high capacity
battery pack or 110-240V A/C mains (using a suitable adaptor),
•Simple installation
•Large or small networks –single pod or 100’s
•Data is automatically downloaded to secure server
•Easy access to data via web account or API
•Data tables and graphs
•Data export

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Applications
•Site perimeter monitoring
•Traffic hot spot monitoring
•Fugitive emission monitoring
•General air quality monitoring
2.1 General
If practical, protect the analyser from strong direct sunlight as this will quickly
raise the temperature of the analyser beyond its operating range. The
manufacturer has provided a sun shield to help with the effects of direct sunlight
which should be oriented toward the prevailing sun throughout the hottest part
of the day.
2.2 Safety instructions
Warning
The AQMesh pods have a back-plate that covers any
accessible components which may cause electric shocks
or burns. This plate must only be removed when power to
the system has been removed.
Failure to isolate the supply could result in an electric
shock or burns.
It is the responsibility of the owner of this equipment to
complete a risk assessment on its installation, operation,
and maintenance prior to it being used.
Only suitably trained personnel should carry out the installation in accordance
with the relevant applicable codes of practice.
Repair and maintenance of this equipment should be carried out in accordance
with the relevant applicable codes of practice by trained personnel.
Only the manufacturers approved components are to be used as replacement
parts.

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If the equipment is likely to be exposed to aggressive substances, e.g. acidic
liquids, gases that may attack metals or solvents that may affect polymeric
materials, then it is the responsibility of the user to take suitable precautions.
Warning
When opening the AQMesh pod great care must be taken
by the operator. It is the responsibility of the owner of the
equipment to ensure that all personnel are adequately
trained.
The equipment should not be altered in any way other
than described within this operating manual. Alterations
or changes outside of this operating manual could make
the equipment unsafe.
It is vital that the instructions in this operating manual are
followed closely. Failure to comply could cause an injury
to the operator.
Note: If there is any uncertainty, please contact your local distributor, or our
technical support team at the manufacturer on [phone] or email
[email protected]om.
2.3 Range of environmental conditions
AQMesh pods are tested for use in ambient temperatures in the range of -20°C
to +50°C. The AQMesh pods are designed for use outdoors and have an IP65
rating.

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2.4 Safety symbols used.
The following safety symbols may be used on the AQMesh pods:
Protective conductor terminal
Caution, risk of electric shock
Caution, refer to operation manual.
Class 2 laser, risk of blindness.
Warning
Where the symbol or is used on the product, the
operating manual must be consulted.
General product label symbols are listed as follows:
CE conformity-The CE-
marking is the manufacturer's
statement to the EU
authorities that the product
complies with all relevant CE-
marking Directives.
Separate collection,
handling and disposal for
waste electrical and
electronic equipment and
its components.
VDE mark is a symbol for
electrical, mechanical,
thermal, toxic, radiological
and other hazards.
Refer to operators
manual.
Double insulated construction
- does not require an Earth.
Equipment for indoor
use only.

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2.5 Power options
AQMesh pods can be supplied with a number of different power options
(specified at time of manufacture).
Power options
Warning
Internal primary Lithium battery pack.
(AQM-BATTERY).
Output : 3.6V 76Ah, 273.6Wh.
Contains Lithium Thionyl chloride Batteries.
Do not use if damaged.
Fire, explosion hazard if used incorrectly.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above
100degC, incinerate or expose contents to water.
Please do not return if faulty.
Dispose of according to local regulations.
Internal rechargeable NiMH Battery pack.
(AQM-RECHARGE)
Output : 3.6V 9Ah, 32.4Wh.
Contains NiMH Batteries.
Do not use if damaged.
Fire, explosion hazard if used incorrectly.
Please do not return if faulty.
Dispose of according to local regulations.
Recharge indoors in an open area on a fire-
resistant surface using the manufacturer supplied
charger (part no.) only.
External manufacturer battery pack
(Option only available at time of
manufacture)
Output : 3.6V 456Ah, 1641Wh
3.6V 200mA.
Contains Lithium Thionyl chloride Batteries.
Do not use if damaged.
Fire, explosion hazard if used incorrectly.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above
100degC, incinerate or expose contents to water.

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Please do not return if faulty.
Dispose of according to local regulations.
External DC power
(Option only available at time of
manufacture)
Input: 9-25V
130mA @9V
Danger risk of electric shock
No user serviceable parts.
Do not open.
AQMesh pods are supplied with 1.5M of arctic
grade 2-core electrical cable which should be
trimmed and terminated in a suitable junction box.
Solar panel assembly
(Option only available at time of
manufacture)
Input: 12V
100mA @12V
Danger risk of electric shock and hot surfaces
No user serviceable parts.
Do not open.
AQMesh pods are supplied with 1.5M of arctic
grade 2-core electrical cable with military style
connectors for connecting the pod and solar panel.
Extension leads are available AQM-EXT.
2.6 Storage
When not in use the AQMesh pods should be kept in a clean, dry and ambient
temperature environment, such as an office. It should be stored upright on its
base which helps prolong the life of the sensors.

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2.7 Shipping pods
When fitted with its internal lithium batteries AQMesh pods are considered class
9 dangerous goods.It is therefore not possible to ship AQMesh pods via a normal
courier service, or travel with them on any commercial flight, unless you remove
the lithium battery pack first.
Note: The transportation of dangerous goods is controlled and governed
by a variety of different regulatory regimes, operating at both the
national and international levels. Collectively, these regulatory regimes
mandate the means by which dangerous goods are to be handled,
packaged, labelled and transported.
If you are sending pods fitted with lithium batteries to a new location they must
be packaged accordingly for class 9 dangerous goods and sent via a dangerous
goods carrier with all relevant paperwork and notifications.
You are able to ship AQMesh pods which are not fitted with lithium batteries via
any normal courier service.
2.8 Moving pods
When you have relocated your pods locally you must ensure they go through
rebasing in their new environment. This has to be manually selected via the
AQMesh server.
The risk of sensor failure is worst when pods are moved around / shipped. Please
ensure that RH / temp is changed gradually and the pods are handled gently,
particularly when they have been recently exposed to high RH%. For example,
when we bring pods indoors we leave them to sit in cool, dry conditions for 24
hours before taking them fully indoors.
2.9 Memory
Data is automatically transferred to the AQMesh server for secure storage and
processing. Data is only stored locally when it cannot be transmitted to the
server. The internal memory should not be used as a permanent storage

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medium and any important data should be transferred to AQMesh.net as soon
as possible. The monitor should not be stored for prolonged periods with
valuable data in its memory. The pod memory should be cleared after any power
cycle to avoid potential corruption of its memory leading to loss of data.
2.10 Calibration
The gas sensors fitted into the AQMesh pods are fully calibrated during the
manufacturing process and they do not exhibit drift normally associated with
other types of gas sensor. However, to confirm accuracy prior to deployment
pods can be co-located with industry standard reference equipment and scaled
accordingly (please see user advice documents on AQMesh.com/support).
2.11 Cross-gas effects and data processing
The electrochemical sensors fitted into the AQMesh pod suffer cross-gas effects.
Measured gases (i.e. NO, NO2, O3) are compensated automatically during post-
processing on the AQMesh server. Any unmeasured gases could be the cause of
erroneous gas measurements.
Note: For further information please contact [email protected] or
contact your distributor.
2.12 Service
If handled and operated correctly your AQMesh pods will last for many years
but should go through regular maintenance to ensure correct operation and
accurate readings. The manufacturer recommends replacement of all sensors
and (if fitted) the internal lithium battery every 2 years. The optional particle
counter should be routinely serviced annually (more frequent service may be
required depending on local conditions).

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User serviceable parts
Note: Please do not attempt any repair as this may invalidate any
warranty supplied with your pod. Only parts supplied by the
manufacturer or its authorised distributors can be fitted into this
equipment.
The following parts are user-replaceable and can be purchased from your local
distributor. Please contact them for further information.
AQM-NO-SENSOR
Spare-NO sensor for AQMesh including data on AQMesh.net
AQM-NO2-SENSOR
Spare-NO2 sensor for AQMesh including data on AQMesh.net
AQM-O3-SENSOR
Spare-O3 sensor for AQMesh including data on AQMesh.net
AQM-SO2-SENSOR
Spare-SO2 sensor for AQMesh including data on AQMesh.net
AQM-CO-SENSOR
Spare-CO sensor for AQMesh including data on AQMesh.net
AQM-3GAS
Spare-3 gas sensor suite for AQMesh (NO, NO2, O3)
AQM-5GAS
Spare-5 gas sensor suite for AQMesh (NO, NO2, O3, SO2, CO)
AQM-BATTERY
Spare-Battery pack for AQMesh
AQM-PM-SERVICE PACK
Replacement OPC pump and laser
AQM-PM-INLET
Spare inlet cap for particle counter
AQM-ANTENNA
Spare-Antenna for AQMesh
AQM-MOUNTBRKT
Spare-Standard mounting bracket for AQMesh
AQM-COMSCABLE
Spare-Communications cable for AQMesh
AQM-TAMPTOOLBIT
Spare-Tamperproof screwdriver bit for use with AQMesh (pack of 10)
AQM-TAMPPIN
Spare-Tamperproof pin (pack of 10) for AQMesh
AQM-FIXINGCHANNEL
Spare-Fixing channel set for AQMesh - includes 2 channel pcs and 4
fixing screws
AQM-LAMPPOSTCLIP-
76MM
Spare-Standard post fixing set for 76mm diameter post (pack of 2)
AQM-LAMPPOSTCLIP-
89MM
Spare-Standard post fixing set for 89mm diameter post (pack of 2)
AQM-LAMPPOSTCLIP-
114MM
Spare-Standard post fixing set for 114mm diameter post (pack of 2)
AQM-BANDING
Spare Banding, steel reel 30.5m x 12.5mm for AQMesh
AQM-FIXTOOL
Spare-Steel banding tool for use with AQMesh standing fixings
AQM-POSTCLIPS
Spare-Universal banding clips for AQMesh (pack of 2)
AQM-BANDBUCKLE
Spare-Universal banding buckles for AQMesh (pack of 2)
AQM-SUN SHIELD
Spare-Sun shield for AQMesh
AQM-EXT
Extension cable (IP67) for solar panel assembly.
AQM-ANTENNA/SOCKET
Spare-Cable, assembly for AQM-ANTENNA
AQM-SCREW (3MM HEX)
Spare-Screw, (3mm hex) for AQMesh (pack of 100)
AQM-BACK PLATE ASSY
Spare-Back plate assembly fitted with gaskets
AQM-2MM HEX KEY
Spare, Hexagon key 2mm, L-shape for AQMesh

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AQM-RECHARGE
Spare, pack of 2 AQMesh rechargeable batteries with charger. For use
with MK2 or MK3 hardware
2.13 Cleaning
The AQMesh housing and fixings can be wiped clean using a damp non-fibrous
cloth. Do not submerge in water. Do not attempt clean the sensor membranes.
Note: Do not use solvents or any other chemical cleaners as they may
damage the finish and might even adversely affect the gas readings.

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Installation
3.1 Tools required
•Basic tool kit.
•Handle for hex security bit.
Each installation is different depending on the site and method of mounting.
Therefore, the tooling requirements for placement and fixing of the mounting
bracket is not covered by this document.
3.2 Preparation
It is the manufacturer’s recommendation that the installation is always carried
out in accordance with this operating manual. Any electrical work should be
carried out by a competent electrician and the relevant codes of practice should
be followed at all times.
Warning
Power should NOT be applied to a pod before all fixings
and wiring have been completed and tested.
Only a qualified competent person should make electrical
connections.
In order to effectively install AQMesh pods it is important that the site is ready
and in a fit state. In particular, the following points should be noted:
•This operating manual has been read and fully understood.
•A risk assessment has been performed that includes installation,
operation, and maintenance of the system and the removal, where
practicably possible, of any identified hazards.
•Applicable codes of practice identified.
•The AQMesh pods has been received on site, unpacked, contents checked
and packaging checked for obvious damage.

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•A suitable location is determined for the installation of the AQMesh pod.
•If required a suitable isolated D/C power supply is installed.
Note: Failure to comply with any of the above may result in additional
time on site and additional costs.
Carefully unpack your AQMesh pod. You should have the following items:-
•AQMesh pod serial number XXXXXXX fitted with its sun shield
•An aerial
•A mounting bracket, four plastic spacers
•A security screw and security screwdriver bit
•2mm Hex key
Important: DO NOT POWER UP THE AQMESH POD WITHOUT THE AERIAL IN
PLACE AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE ELECTRONICS
1. Install the aerial to the threaded fitting on the top of the AQMesh pod.
Care should be taken to ensure a good connection but don’t over-tighten.
2. Remove the AQMesh pod from the mounting bracket. Remove the central
security screw from the base of the product and slide the pod upwards to
release from the mounting bracket.

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Fig.1 Fig.2
3.3 Installation method
Warning
Always ensure that you refer to and comply with the
relevant National Working at Heights regulations prior
to any installation work.
Only a qualified competent person should make
electrical connections.
Install the pod mounting bracket securely in position where you would like to
install your pod. A typical post installation is detailed below, please remember
to use the plastic spacers provided. The spacer is there to ensure correct
clearance for cables and outlets on the rear of the product. Please use
appropriate post fixings and channel.

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Please consider the following requirements for all potential installation sites.
•Weight of AQMesh assembly (approx. 2.0kg)
•GPRS/3G coverage
•Safety of the public
•Security (the pod is not designed to be vandal proof)
•Permissions for access and installation of equipment
•Environmental conditions:-
oTemperature (-20 to +50 ˚C)
oHumidity (15-85%)

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Please consider the following requirements when positioning your AQMesh:-
•Free access to ambient air
•Mounted clear of flat surfaces where water may collect or direct heat
reflect onto the pod
•Away from potential sources of contamination
•GPRS signal strength with its aerial in the upright position
•Orient the sun shield to face the prevailing sunlight during the day
•Orient and angle the solar panel to the prevailing sunlight
Warning
The power cable must enter the pod via the cable gland
supplied and the supply should be isolated (see wiring) to
allow safe connection.
3.4 Cable conductor sizes and cable insulation requirements
DC cable requirements
For the external DC wiring, the conductor must be suitably selected for the
current carrying capacity, the environment, and the distance to the supply. The
cable insulation must comply with a recognised standard and have a
flammability rating of V1 or better and be suitable for use outdoors in the local
environmental conditions.