Labconco CApture 3420000 User manual

CApture™ Portable
Fuming Systems
Models
3420000
3420020
3420022
3420024

Copyright © 2018 Labconco Corporation. The information contained in this manual and the
accompanying products are copyrighted and all rights reserved by Labconco Corporation.
Labconco Corporation reserves the right to make periodic design changes without obligation to
notify any person or entity of such change.
Returned or Damaged Goods
Do not return goods without the prior authorization from Labconco. Unauthorized returns will not
be accepted. If your shipment was damaged in transit, you must file a claim directly with the
freight carrier. Labconco Corporation and its dealers are not responsible for shipping damages.
The United States Interstate Commerce Commission rules require that claims be filed with the
delivery carrier within fifteen (15) days of delivery.
Limitation of Liability
The disposal and/or emission of substances used in connection with this equipment may be
governed by various federal, state, or local regulations. All users of this equipment are required
to become familiar with any regulations that apply in the user’s area concerning the dumping of
waste materials in or upon water, land, or air and to comply with such regulations. Labconco
Corporation is held harmless with respect to user’s compliance with such regulations.
Contacting Labconco Corporation
If you have questions that are not addressed in this manual, or if you need technical assistance,
contact Labconco’s Customer Service Department or Labconco’s Product Service Department at
1-800-821-5525 or 1-816-333-8811, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Central
Standard Time.
Part #3421500, Rev. C
ECO L627
Warranty
Labconco Corporation provides a warranty to the original buyer for the repair or replacement
of parts and reasonable labor as a result of normal and proper use of the equipment with
compatible chemicals. Broken glassware and maintenance items, such as filters, gaskets, light
bulbs, finishes and lubrication are not warranted. Excluded from warranty are products with
improper installation, erratic electrical or utility supply, unauthorized repair and products used
with incompatible chemicals.
The warranty for CApture™ Portable Fuming Systems will expire one year from date of
installation or two years from date of shipment from Labconco, whichever is sooner. Warranty
is non-transferable and only applies to the owner (organization) of record.
Buyer is exclusively responsible for the set-up, installation, verification, decontamination or
calibration of equipment. This limited warranty covers parts and labor, but not transportation
and insurance charges. If the failure is determined to be covered under this warranty, the
dealer or Labconco Corporation will authorize repair or replacement of all defective parts to
restore the unit to operation. Repairs may be completed by 3rd party service agents approved
by Labconco Corporation. Labconco Corporation reserves the rights to limit this warranty
based on a service agent’s travel, working hours, the site’s entry restrictions and unobstructed
access to serviceable components of the product.
Under no circumstances shall Labconco Corporation be liable for indirect, consequential, or
special damages of any kind. This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties
whether oral, or implied.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
CHAPTER 2: PREREQUISITES 2
Supplies Required 2
Exhaust Requirements 2
Electrical Requirements 3
CHAPTER 3: THEORY OF OPERATION AND SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS 4
CA Polymerization 4
Generation of CA Fumes Through Controlled Heating 5
Clear Chamber 5
Two Stage Filter System 5
Blower 6
Safety Precautions 6-8
CHAPTER 4: USING THE SYSTEM 9
Unpacking the System 9
Transporting the System 10
Component Identification 11
Hints for Handling CA 12
Preparing the System for Operation 13
Set Up 13
Heater Adjustment 15
Fuming Procedure 16
Adjusting Humidity Levels in the CApture 16
CHAPTER 5: MAINTAINING THE SYSTEM 19
Routine Maintenance Schedule 19
Service Operations 20
Filter Replacement 20
Resetting the Circuit Breaker 21
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING 22
APPENDIX A: COMPONENTS 23

APPENDIX B: DIMENSIONS 24
APPENDIX C: SPECIFICATIONS 25
APPENDIX D: ACCESSORIES 26

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Chapter 1:
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of a Labconco CApture Portable Fuming
System. The CApture is unique, offering a self-contained, portable system
for developing latent fingerprints using the cyanoacrylate (CA) fuming
method. CApture has a solid state heater control, exhaust fan, and an
internal two stage filter to remove CA fumes at the end of the development
process.
The Portable Fuming System offers many unique features to enhance
performance and flexibility. To take full advantage of them, please
acquaint yourself with this manual and keep it handy for future reference.
Because of its uniqueness, even if you are familiar using the CA fuming
method, please review both Chapter 3: Theory of Operation and Safety
Precautions and Chapter 4: Using the System; which describe the
CApture’s features so that you can use it efficiently.
This manual and other technical information is available in PDF
format at our website: www.labconco.com.

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Chapter 2:
Prerequisites
Carefully read this chapter to learn:
Supplies required.
Electrical power requirements.
Exhaust requirements.
Supplies Required
Before you use the Fuming System, you need get the following items:
1 bottle of CA glue (the capacity of the filter is approximately
2 ounces (57gm))
Note: For best results, do not use CA with thickening or gap filling
formulations.
A supply of aluminum heating pans, in addition to the 10 shipped
with the unit. A bag of 250 pans is available as Labconco part
number 34252002.
A supply of Rain-X
1
or Rain Block
2
to treat the clear chamber before
use.
Exhaust Requirements
If you intend to connect the system to the optional Exhaust Connection Kit,
first examine the location to ensure that the exhaust duct can be directed
either out of the immediate area (through a partially opened window), or
into a chemical fume hood. For further information about the CApture’s
exhaust system requirements, please refer to Appendix D: Accessories.
Note: For best results, do not add any additional exhaust duct to that
already supplied in the exhaust connection kit. Additional lengths of duct
1
Rain-X is a registered trademark of Sopus Products.
2
Rain Block is a trademark of Value Smart Products, Inc.

Chapter 2: Prerequisites
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will reduce the exhaust flow out of the chamber, possibly resulting in
incomplete venting of the CA fumes.
Electrical Requirements
The system models have the following electrical requirements:
Model #
Requirements
3420000
115 VAC, 60 Hz, 1 Amp
34200-20, -22, -24
230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.5 Amp
Note: An outlet with a circuit breaker rated at 10 amps for 115 volt
models (5 amps for 230 volt models) should be located as close as
possible to the system. Power cords supplied with the print system
are 3 meters (10 feet) long.
Note: The system can be operated on an inverter, converting 12 Volts
DC to the appropriate AC voltage. The inverter should have an output
rating of at least 100 Watts, and protected against current overload
for proper operation.
Table 2-1

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Chapter 3:
Theory of Operation and Safety
Precautions
The CApture operates using the following principles:
CA polymerization.
Generation of CA fumes through controlled heating.
Removal of CA droplets and fumes by a two stage filter.
The major components in the system are:
The clear chamber
The controller and heater.
The two stage filter.
The blower to force air through the system.
CA Polymerization
Cyanoacrylate is the generic name for fast-acting adhesives such as
methyl 2-cyanoacrylate or ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate. CA adhesives are
sometimes known as "instant glues." CA is an acrylic resin which rapidly
polymerizes in the presence of water (specifically hydroxide ions), forming
long, strong chains, joining the bonded surfaces together. CA is a
tenacious adhesive, particularly when used to bond non-porous materials
or those that contain minute traces of water. It is also very good at
bonding body tissue, and this can be a bothersome (or even dangerous)
side effect during everyday use.
Cyanoacrylate is used as a forensic tool to capture latent fingerprints on
non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic, etc. The cyanoacrylate fuming
method (often called the super glue method) heats the CA to produce
fumes which react with amino acids, fatty acids, and proteins in the latent
fingerprint and the moisture in the air to produce a visible, sticky white
polymer (polycyanoacrylate) on the fingerprint ridges. The ridges can then
be recorded. The developed fingerprints are, on most surfaces (except on

Chapter 3: Theory of Operation & Safety Precautions
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white plastic or similar), visible to the naked eye. The reaction must be
monitored to ensure that it is not allowed to continue for too long. If it runs
unchecked, the latent fingerprints can overdevelop and the chemical
images of the ridges will slowly grow wider until they overlap, obscuring
vital detail.
Generation of CA Fumes Through Controlled
Heating
CA adhesives have a boiling point of approximately 120°F (50°C). With
increasing heat, cyanoacrylate decomposition products begin to appear at
temperatures above 250°F (121°C), and when the temperature exceeds
400°F (204°C), hydrogen cyanide can be produced. It is therefore critical
to maintain a consistent, controlled heat throughout the development
process.
The CApture Print System uses a heater, controlled by a digital controller.
The user-programmed controller maintains the set temperature between
the minimum of 120°F (50°C) and maximum of 350°F (177°C). A redundant
safety switch limits the heater temperature to a maximum of 350°F (177°C),
in the event of a controller malfunction.
Clear Chamber
The clear chamber is made out of durable, shatter-resistant
polycarbonate. It protects the heater/filter module when the unit is being
transported, and allows an unobstructed view of the evidence during the
fuming process. While the clear chamber is resistant to many chemicals, it
is not resistant to CA fumes, and it MUST be treated with either Rain-X®or
Rain BlockTM glass water repellent. Labconco has tested these two
treatments, and found they protect the clear chamber from CA fumes for
up to 20 uses, if properly applied, and the treatment is not disturbed.
Always follow the treatment manufacturer’s instructions when applying the
treatment. Labconco has not tested any other brands of glass treatment
chemicals, and cannot recommend their usage.
Two Stage Filter System
CA droplets and fumes are removed from the air in the clear chamber by a
two stage filtration system. The first stage of the filter cartridge is a
polyester loft particulate filter, having a Minimum Efficiency Reporting
Value (MERV) of 11, meaning it removes 65-79% of particles 1.0-3.0
microns in size, and more than 85% of particles 3.0-10 microns in size.
The second stage of the filter is specially prepared granular activated
carbon (GAC) that adsorbs any gaseous CA as the air flows through the
carbon bed. See Appendix A for replacement part numbers. Using the
recommended amount of CA for proper development, the filter should last
for a minimum of 100 fuming cycles (about 2 oz, or 57ml) before
replacement.

Chapter 3: Theory of Operation & Safety Precautions
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Blower
The blower assembly pulls air out of the clear chamber, through the filter,
and then exhausts it out of the system.
Safety Precautions
Always wear appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE), such as
protective eyewear and gloves when handling CA, its byproducts or
residue.
CA fumes irritate sensitive membranes in the eyes, nose and throat. They
are immediately polymerized by the moisture in the membranes and
become inert. These risks can be minimized by using CA in well ventilated
areas.
About 5% of the population can become sensitized to CA fumes after
repeated exposure, resulting in flu-like symptoms. It may also act as a skin
irritant and may cause an allergic skin reaction. On rare occasions
inhalation may trigger asthma.
Applying cyanoacrylate to materials made of cotton or wool (such as
cotton swabs, cotton balls, and certain yarns or fabrics) results in a
powerful, rapid exothermic reaction. The heat released may cause minor
burns, and if enough cyanoacrylate is used, the reaction is capable of
igniting the cotton product, as well as releasing irritating vapor in the form
of white smoke. Material Safety Data Sheets for cyanoacrylate instruct
users not to wear cotton or wool clothing, especially cotton gloves, when
applying or handling cyanoacrylates.
Recommended solvents for removing polycyanoacrylate residue from the
metallic surfaces of the Fuming System include:
Acetone - Commonly found in nail polish remover.
Nitromethane
Dimethyl sulfoxide
Gamma-butyrolactone –Effective and has low toxicity.
NEVER use these chemicals to remove CA or its residue from the eyes or
sensitive mucous membranes. Seek medical attention if needed. NEVER
use these chemicals to remove CA or its residue from the clear chamber,
as they will damage the plastic.
Ensure that the system is connected to electrical service in accordance
with local and national electrical codes. Failure to do so may create a fire
or electrical hazard. Do not remove or service any electrical components
without first disconnecting the unit from electrical service.