Felix Instruments F-900 User manual

F-900
Ethylene Gas Analyzer
Maximize shelf life...
Minimize shrinkage.
Operations Manual

DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………………..............…………...………………..1
Features…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...........……..………...…………2
Specifications…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...........……...……...……3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS…………………………………………………………………………………………………….................……..5
Unpacking the F-900……………………………………………………………………………..……………………….........……...........……..…6
Charging the Internal Battery……..………………………………………………………………………………………...………………….....8
F-900 CO2 Sensor and Battery Power………………………………………………………..…………………………………...……………9
Measure Menu………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………….9
Taking a Measurement….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……10
Graph View……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...….……11
Monitor Mode………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………...13
Measurement Settings..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………......…...………14
Hot Keys…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......…...………14
Field Mode……………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………...………16
Setup Menu…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………...……….17
Setup Measure…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Setup GC Emulation Mode……………………………………………………………………………………………………...………...……….17
Setup Autosave…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….........…...…….20
Setup Sensor……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....……...…21
Setup C2H4 Calibration………………………………………………………………………………………………......…………...……………23
Setup CO2 Calibration…………………………………………………………………………………………………....………………...……….25
Setup O2 Calibration……………………………………………………………………………………………………......………………...……..30
Setup Time and Date………………………………………………………………………………………...…………........……………...………31
Setup Flow………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………......………………...………31
Setup Chamber …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………….32
Setup Terminals……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………...………….36
Setup Board…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………...……...…….38
View Menu…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......……………….……….39

View Files……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......……………….39
View Voltage……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………….40
View Battery…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......….………….40
Other View Menu Options………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………….42
GPS System Features……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……......……….42
File Menu……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………….43
Clear or Truncate a File……………………………………………………………………………………...………….…………....…………….43
Delete a File………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……...……………...…………….44
Create a File…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………...…………………….44
Open File………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………...…………….46
Data Transfer to a Computer…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………......………….47
Data Files on the Computer……………………………………………………………………...……………………………...……….……….48
FIRMWARE UPDATE………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………......…………….49
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE F-900……………………………………..…………………..……………...……………….54
Refilling the Electrochemical Sensor…………………………………………………….………...……………………...………………….54
INTERFERING GASES……………………………………………………………………………………...…………………...……………..…….58
WARNINGS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………….59
TECHNICAL SUPPORT………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………….60
Customer Service…………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………...…...………….60
Frequently Asked Questions……………………………………………………………………………………...…….………….....………….61
Guidelines for Bag Sampling……………………………………………………………………………...………...………………...………….66
FELIX INSTRUMENTS HARDWARE WARRANTY……………..…………………………………….………...……………...………….68
APPENDIX I: MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET FOR 2N SULFURIC ACID…………………………...…………...………..….69
APPENDIX II: PROCEDURE FOR VALIDATION OF CI-900 USING FRUIT……….……………………...…………...………….74
F-900 PRODUCTION TEST CHECK SHEET…………………………………………………...…….……………………...……………….75
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD………………………………………………………………………………………......……………….79

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of your new F-900 Portable Ethylene Gas Analyzer. The F-900
provides accurate real-time measurement of ethylene gas concentrations in a compact instrument
suitable for field and laboratory use. At the core of the instrument is an electrochemical sensor that
offers extraordinary sensitivity to ethylene, at levels as low as 0.01 ppm (10 ppb) in air.
Ethylene production is known to increase in response to plant stress and during ripening and
maturity, and until recently, sensitive ethylene measurements were available only through
elaborate and expensive gas sampling and gas chromatography analysis. The intent of the F-900’s
portable design is to aid the research community in developing real-world ethylene management
applications for the benefit of growers, processors, and consumers.
The F-900 analyzes the concentration of ethylene in a gas sample for the purpose of research or
ethylene management. The F-900 employs an electro-chemical sensor as well as several other
sensors for temperature, humidity, GPS location, and optionally CO2(high and low range), O2, and
extended ranges of ethylene. During a sample, the subject gas travels across the surface of the
electrode and diffuses into the electrochemical cell where ethylene is oxidized. The current created
by the oxidation is measured and interpreted as the concentration of ethylene (reported in parts
per million or ppm).
We hope you enjoy using your F-900 Portable Ethylene Gas Analyzer.
Figure 1: The F-900 Portable Ethylene Analyzer front panel and display.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
2
Features
High sensitivity to C2H4 (0.01 ppm –20 ppm)
CO2sensing capability (optional)
Compact portable form factor (2.43Kg)
Real time continuous monitoring
Internal data logging and storage (4GB SD card included)
Automatic or manual data logging
User adjustable sampling rate
Transflective display enables easy viewing in direct sunlight
Rechargeable Li-Ion battery provides 4 hours of monitoring in the field
Multiple configurations to accommodate in vivo research and controlled atmosphere
monitoring
Instantaneous and accumulated measurement modes
Quick connect sampling ports
Data saves in .csv (commas separated value) file
Configured for domestic and international operation: 110 VAC, 60 Hz or 230 VAC, 50 Hz
Non-destructive measurements
Mini-USB chargeable and Mini-USB data download
GPS and time-date stamped data records
External wire terminals for fixed location monitoring or control applications
Figure 2: The removable SDcard on the F-900 makes data transfer quick and simple.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
3
Specifications
F-900 Specifications
High Resolution
Ethylene Sensor
Electrochemical
Air Sampling Rate
0.2 Liters/minute
Sample Rate
Open Loop - Monitoring @ 5 sec intervals
Nominal Range
0-15 ppm, upper limit is 20 ppm
Resolution
1 ppbv
Accuracy
5 % at 10 ppm; 10% at 1 ppm; 10% at 100 ppb;
adjusted for temperature and humidity
Display
Sunlight visible transflective LCD
Operating environment
0°C - 45°C (0-90% humidity non-condensing)
Battery Capacity
4 hours - Rechargeable Li-Ion (5000 mAh)
Dimensions
183.5mm x 111mm x 120mm
Weight
2.43Kg
Enclosure
Anodized aluminum
Warm-up time
<5 minutes
Optional Sensors
Low Resolution
Ethylene Sensor
Ethylene Oxide
Nominal Range
1 –100 ppm
Resolution
< 0.1 ppm
Response time
< 5 minutes
Operating environment
0°C - 50°C (15-90% humidity non-condensing)
Weight
6 g

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
4
Optional Sensors
High Resolution
Carbon Dioxide Sensor
Low-Power Non-Dispersive Infrared Gas Analyzer
Chopping Frequency
1Hz
Source Life
5000 Hours
Nominal Range
1 - 2000ppm (Standard)
0 - 3000ppm (Optional)
Resolution
0.1 ppm
Repeatability
±0.1ppm (short term)
Accuracy
< ±2% up to 3000ppm
Sample Cell
100mm x 10.2mm (3.94" x 0.4" diameter)
Warm-up time
<3 minutes
Weight
172.6 g
Low Resolution
Carbon Dioxide Sensor
Infrared Sensor, Pyroelectric detector
Nominal Range
0 –5% (50000 ppm)
Zero resolution
1 ppm
Full scale resolution
100 ppm
Zero repeatability
±10 ppm
Full scale Repeatability
±500 ppm
Accuracy
1.5% of Full Scale
Lifetime
>5 years
Warm-up time
<3 minutes
Weight
7 g
Oxygen Sensor
Nominal Range
0-100%
Operating environment
0°C - 55°C (5-95% humidity non-condensing)
Weight
7 g

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To turn the instrument on, press the green power button. The top of the display reads F-900 and
the current firmware version the unit is running. For information on the latest firmware version,
please visit the F-900 software webpage (http://www.cid-inc.com/CI-900-software.php). The line
underneath this states “Felix Instruments”. Below this, a menu will appear on the display with the
following options: Measure, Setup, View and File. You are now at the F-900 Main Menu. After the
instrument is powered on, the uptime and battery life remaining will be displayed on the bottom
line. The uptime, or time the instrument has been powered on, is displayed in hours: minutes,
followed by the battery life in percent.
If the F-900 does not power on, eject the SDcard or disconnect the mini-USB cable from the front of
the instrument. Then, power the F-900 on. Re-insert the SDcard or reconnect the charger.
Figure 3: The options on the Main Menu of the F-900.
From the Main Menu, there are four menu options: Measure, Setup, View and File. Use the UP and
DOWN arrows to switch between menu options and the RIGHT arrow to select.
Press the POWER button to power off the F-900.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
6
(Note: to force a power off and reset of the F-900 at any point, a user may press and hold the
POWER button for 10 seconds. This “emergency hard shut-down” feature exists to address
hardware or software problems and should not be used except when needed, in general, simply
pressing the Power button in the typical manner will power off the F-900).
Unpacking the F-900
The F-900 base unit arrives with the F-900, a black moveable handle, and several accessory parts to
use with the instrument. Included are the charger, USB cable, 30 cm of tubing with 2 male quick
connects, several different styles of connector pieces and various lengths of tubing (0.3 m to 2 m) to
use with the instrument are also provided. Male and female quick connectors could be added to
tubing and used to connect sample bags or custom chambers to the F-900. The F-900 includes
silica gel, used to scrub water from the gas stream, and an external conditioning chamber.
Figure 4: Accessories and parts that arrive with the F-900.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
7
The F-900 Field Kit is designed to include parts to non-destructively sample fruit in the field. For
this reason, the F-900FK arrives in a hard-sided carrying case and has a chamber and wand with
flexible tubing to sample fruit or plants. The F-900FK also includes that parts and accessories that
arrive with the F-900.
Figure 5: The F-900FK arrives with a fruit chamber.
If the F-900 has an optional CO2sensor, the unit will arrive with a jar of soda lime, used to scrub CO2
from the gas stream. Soda lime is necessary to create a 0 ppm CO2gas to be used during the CO2
zero calibration.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
8
Charging the Internal Battery
The F-900 arrives with a wall charger that can be used to recharge the F-900 battery, as well as for
continually powering the unit during long-term monitoring.
To charge the F-900:
Connect the mini-USB cable to the front panel of the F-900
Plug the charger into the wall
Check the charger status (on/off) and battery life at the “View: Battery” menu
Figure 6: The battery charger setup of the F-900.
When the instrument is connected to the battery charger, the display will remain on even when the
instrument is powered off. The display will flash “powering off” on the top line when you hit the
power key. “Power Off” will remain on the display until the instrument is powered back on.
Remove the power cord to shut down completely.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
9
F-900 High resolution CO2Sensor and Battery Power
When the High resolution CO2sensor is not being actively used, it should be turned off. The CO2
sensor draws a lot of power; if trying to conserve battery life, the sensor should be turned off when
not being used. The CO2sensor will draw power when turned on, even if the F-900 is not actively
measuring. Turn off the CO2sensor when charging the unit; otherwise the recharge rate will be
slow.
Always turn the CO2sensor to “off” for the fastest recharge, either using the mini-USB cable
and computer or with a wall charger.
To turn off/on the CO2 sensor:
1. Go to Setup<Sensor.
2. Move down to highlight ON or OFF next to CO2.
3. Use the RIGHT arrow key to toggle between ON/OFF.
4. Press SAVE when the desired setting is highlighted. This will turn off the CO2sensor until
you come back to this menu and turn it back on.
5. If you press ENTER, the CO2sensor setting will only be temporarily saved. When the
instrument is turned off and then back on, the CO2sensor will be enabled.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
10
Taking a Measurement
Measure Menu: Sensor Stability
Create and open a file before starting a measurement (detailed instructions found on page. To
begin making measurements, select the Measure Menu by pressing the RIGHT arrow key when
Measure is highlighted on the Main Menu display. Make sure the IN and OUT ports on the front
panel of the instrument are clear from any obstructions.
Place the fruit to be sampled in the Field Kit chamber and connect it to the unit; or, connect tubing
to the “In” port and place the end of the tubing into the container or pallet to be sampled. If
sampling ambient air, turn the unit on and leave it free of obstruction.
The F-900 will display the “Sensor Stability”screen after pressing the RIGHT arrow to get into the
Measure Menu. The F-900 will begin to warm-up. The display will show the File that is open and
the Flow of gas being pumped through the instrument. Below this will be whether the initialization
is automatic or manual. If the initialization is automatic, the F-900 will precede directly to the
Graph Mode and Monitor Mode once the environment has stabilized. It is important to allow the
electrochemical sensor enough time to stabilize or adjust to the environment that is about to be
measured. If the initialization is manual, Monitor Mode will not be triggered until the user presses
the right arrow to enter Monitor Mode.
Press the DOWN arrow key to switch between automatic and manual initialization.
Press the RIGHT arrow to skip the Sensor Stability screen and proceed to the Graph Mode
display.
Press the RIGHT arrow to enter the Monitor Mode display.
Press the RIGHT arrow to change the Settings, turn the exterior chambers On and Off, or to
close the loop (valves) and clean the sensor and tubes.
Press the LEFT arrow to exit back to the Main Menu.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
11
Graph View
Graph View will be entered automatically when the unit has stabilized in Sensor Stability mode. Or
to enter Graph View, press the RIGHT arrow when the F-900 is in Sensor Stability Mode. This view
graphically displays the measured C2H4value over time. To exit Graph View and move into Monitor
Mode, press the right arrow.
Figure 10: Display shot of Graph View with additional labels.
The top line of the display indicates the current ethylene value. Below that is the dynamic range
(here it is 1.000 ppm). The y-axis scale is set by the highest value shown in the buffer. This range
will scale vertically, dependent on the highest concentration of ethylene measured. If the
concentration is small, the dynamic range will reflect this. For example, the initial value was 0.162
ppm and there is a sudden peak to 7.578 ppm. As the spike or peak occurs, the graph will scale to
10.000 ppm. If the sample returns to 0.168 ppm, the scale will remain at 10.000ppm until the graph
and the buffer are cleared.
The scale of the graph can be increased or decreased by using the up and down keys. Pressing the
up arrow will zoom in on the data, minimizing the visible range. Using the down key will increase

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
12
the scale, up to 20 ppm. Note that the minimum range of data visible (down to 0.100 ppm) depends
on the current data being graphed. For example, if the current data is 3.486 ppm, the user may use
the up key to zoom in to the 5 ppm range, but cannot zoom in to a narrower 2 ppm range.
The graph begins on the left side and moves with the vertical line towards the right as more data
points are added. Once the time line reaches the right side of the display, the data will be
compressed to the far left. The graph refreshes every 1 hour.
The time scale relates directly to the vertical position line. In other words, the line moves to the
right as new data points are added. Every time a data point is added, the time scale is incremented.
For time under 10 minutes, the graph is updating almost every second.
The bottom of the display shows the uptime of the F-900 and current battery level.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
13
Monitor Mode
The large bold value on the top line is the digitally filtered value of the raw ethylene measurements.
The ethylene value may appear noisy, so using the filtered value helps stabilize the concentration
value. Next, the HUMIDITY, or relative humidity in percent, of the gas stream in the instrument is
displayed followed by the TEMPERATURE in degrees. The FLOW in mL per minutes is displayed.
The calibrated, recommended flow rate is 200 mL per minute. If the unit has a high resolution CO2
sensor on board, the CO2value in ppm will be displayed below the ethylene value. If the unit has a
low resolution CO2sensor, or O2sensor on board, the value will be displayed in percentage (%). If
the unit is equipped with a low resolution ethylene sensor, the value will continue to be displayed
in large, bold font, but the range will be extended up to 100 ppm.
If Autosave is enabled, “saved” will flash at the top of the display each time the data is
automatically saved to the file.
Press SAVE to save the currently displayed data to the SDcard. “Saved” will briefly flash on
the top of the display.
Press the LEFT arrow or STOP key to stop the measurement and exit to the Sensor Status
display.
Press the DOWN arrow to enter GRAPH Mode.
To use the F-900 in Monitor Mode to continuously monitor fruit storage rooms or other locations,
or to run the instrument for days or weeks at a time, connect the mini-USB cable to the charger
cable and to the connection port on the front panel. Plug the charger into an electricity source.
MONITOR
3.26 ppm
Humidity 47.0%
Temperature 28.7C
Flow 200 mL
Uptime 01:17 Bat 95%

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
14
Settings
The Settings screen is accessed by using the RIGHT arrow from Monitor Mode, and provides a short
list of variables which may be manipulated while measurements are being made.
From the Settings screen, the exterior Inbound and Outbound Chambers are turned On/Off, valves
are closed causing gas to circulate internally (Closed Loop On/Off), or the value displayed by the
unit is set to zero. The function of the various applications are discussed in detail in the “Setup
Menu” portion of the manual.
Hot Keys
In Monitor Mode a number of hot keys, or shortcuts, to measurement filter and cleaning features
are available. The function of the various applications are discussed in detail in the “Setup Menu”
portion of the manual. For quick reference, the hot keys are listed below.
Chamber In On/Off: LEFT and DOWN arrows simultaneously. Includes or does not include
Chamber In (B) as a part of the measurement sample stream.
Chamber Out On/Off: RIGHT and DOWN arrows simultaneously. Includes or does not include
Chamber Out (A) from flow path.
Closed Loop Cleaning: UP and DOWN arrows simultaneously. Closes inlet and outlet valves,
recirculating air within the system to purge the sample stream of any interfering gases. If Chamber
In or Chamber Out are selected, they will be included in the closed loop gas stream.

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
15
Electrochemical Sensor Response
The lag in sensor response is a natural phenomenon for charged porous membrane electrodes. The
platinum electrode can be thought of as a series of cylindrical pores. Each of these pores will have a
double layer in the radial direction. The interactions between the molecules, convection from air
movement, electric fields and the concentration gradient result in a lag following a change in
concentration
1
.
Auto-Escape Feature
An upper limit auto-escape feature acts as a safety feature of the unit. This safety feature is always
on. If the sensor detects over 20ppm ethylene, the F-900 will auto-escape from monitor mode to
prevent poisoning of the electrode. This will stop the measurement. If the sensor becomes
poisoned, it will continually auto-escape with the error message "sensor out of bounds". If this
happens, please consult the Setup Sensor Voltammetry section on page 21.
No SDcard Present
If the autosave is enabled and no SDcard is present, the user will be notified by seeing “NO SDCARD”
on the Sensor Status display where the FILE and filename usually are. In order to continue
measuring without an SDcard, the user must press Enter at the warning screen. Pressing any other
button will return to the main menu. Each time the F-900 tries to autosave, the unit will flash
“write error” instead of “saved” at the top of the display.
1
Kontturi et al., “Ionic Transport Processes: In Electrochemistry and Membrane Science.” (Oxford University
Pess) 2008

F-900 Instruction Manual rev. 1/16/2014
1554 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607, USA Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[e-mail] http://www.felixinstruments.com
16
Field Mode
To use the F-900 Field Kit in the field or laboratory, attach the hoses of the chamber wand to the IN
and OUT ports on the front panel. Slide the end of the wand into the chamber and tighten the
thumb-screw. Make sure the connection is snug. The fans inside the chamber will begin to spin
when the connection is established. The chambers available with the field kit are 2L or 4L. The
chamber has a slit to allow for non-destructive sampling. A fruit that is still connected to the plant
can be passed through the slit and then closed in the chamber. This allows ethylene levels to be
recorded during ripening without damaging the fruit. Leaf chambers available for the CI-340
Photosynthesis System are compatible and interchangeable with the F-900 Field Kit.
To sample a fruit:
Open a data file to save the measurements to.
Attach the chamber to the F-900 by screwing on the wand to the top of the chamber.
Next, connect the IN/OUT gas tubing to the ports on the front of the F-900.
Connect the black power chamber cable to the left of the display.
Place the fruit inside the chamber and close it.
Observe and record the rate of change of ethylene over time with the F-900 Monitor Mode.
Figure 9: Attaching the fruit chamber to the F-900 (left) and the fruit chamber power connection
and gas IN and OUT on the F-900 front panel (right).
If the tube is removed from the OUT port, ambient air will be used to replenish the fruit chamber.