Markes International ACTI-VOC PLUS C-FFP-01 User manual

ACTI-VOC PLUS™
QUI-1164
Version 2
May 2021
www.markes.com
Instruction for use
Product reference
ACTI-VOC PLUS™ fast-ow pump kit C-FFP-01

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Table of Content
1. Introduction 3
1.1 Notices 4
1.2 Disclaimer 4
1.3 Important safety warnings 4
1.4 Important information 5
1.5 Warranty 6
1.6 Technical support
contact details 6
1.7 Certications 7
1.8 EU declaration of
conformity 8
2. Components 9
3. Familarisation 10
3.1 Preparation 10
3.2 Navigation 10
3.3 Display screens 11
4. Calibration 12
4.1 Constant-ow 12
5. Sampling 14
5.1 Running a sample 14
5.2 Setting the ow rate 14
5.3 During the sampling event 14
5.4 Personal/workplace
monitoring 15
5.5 Ambient air monitoring 15
5.6 Using constant-
pressure mode 16
6. General operation 17
6.1 Sampling events 17
6.2 Sensor calibration 17
6.3 Automatic fault system 17
6.4 Display options 19
7. Maintenance 19
7.1 Battery maintenance 19
7.2 Battery replacement 20
7.3 Pump lter maintenance 21
7.4 Back-pressure adapter
O-ring 22
7.5 6 mm o.d. tubes 22
8. Part list 23
8.1 Accessories 23
8.2 Spare parts 23
9. Specications 23
10. Contact details 24

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1. Introduction
ACTI-VOC PLUS (part no. C-FFP-01) is a robust fast-ow pump for sampling volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) onto sorbent tubes for subsequent analysis by thermal
desorption (TD).
The ACTI-VOC PLUS is optimised for sampling onto TD tubes, automatically
compensating for different impedances, ensuring that the desired constant-ow is
achieved at all times. The automatic compensation prevents the need for re-
calibration when sampling between different tubes, minimising downtime.
The wide ow-range achievable by the ACTI-VOC PLUS ensures its suitability for a
large number of TD applications, in particular sampling of semi-volatile organic
compounds (SVOCs) where optimised ows are in the range of 300-500 mL/min.
The ACTI-VOC PLUS is compatible with industry standard thermal desorption tubes
and 6 mm o.d. tubes.
Each ACTI-VOC PLUS ships with:
■PTFE tubing and TD tube adapter
■Back pressure adapter, for use in constant-ow mode
with ows up to 100 mL/min
■CapLok™tool
■Tool for ow range selection
■Charging dock
■Mains charger
■Luer adapter for use with DNPH cartridge
■Spare lters
■O-rings for compatibility with 6 mm o.d. tubes
■Convenient carry-case
■Instruction for use

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1.1 Notices
This manual is prepared exclusively for Markes International ACTI-VOC PLUS fast-ow
pump users for TD applications. The material within this manual is proprietary
information and is to be used only to understand, operate, and maintain the
instrument. By receiving this document, the recipient agrees that neither this
document nor the information disclosed within nor any part thereof shall be
reproduced or transferred, physically, electronically or in any other form, or used or
disclosed to others for manufacturing or for any other purpose except as specically
authorised in writing by the manufacturer.
1.2 Disclaimer
The seller assumes no responsibility whatsoever, to any party whosoever, for any
property damage, personal injury, or death received by or resulting from, in whole, or
in part, the improper use, installation, or storage of this product by the user, person,
rm, entity, corporation or party not adhering to the instructions and warnings in this
manual, or otherwise provided by the seller or from not adhering to all federal, state,
and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations.
The seller shall not be liable for direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or other
damages resulting from the sale and use of any goods and sellers’ liability
hereunder shall be limited to repair or replacement of any goods found defective.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and tness for use or for a
particular purpose which are expressly disclaimed.
1.3 Important safety warnings
It is recommended that the user adheres to the safety notices that are outlined in
this document. Safety and other special notices appear in boxes and include
the following.
WARNING This is the general warning safety symbol and safety alert word to
prevent actions that could cause personal injury.
CAUTION Highlights actions that may cause product damage. We use it to
highlight information necessary to prevent damage to hardware,
software, invalid test results, or to information that is critical for optimal
system performance.
NOTES Emphasises important information about a specic task.

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1.4 Important information
WARNING Read and understand all applicable environmental health and safety
laws and regulations. Ensure complete compliance with all applicable
laws and regulations before and during use of this product.
WARNING Under no circumstances should this product be used except by qualied,
trained, technically competent personnel.
WARNING Do not remove, cover, or alter any label or tag on this product, its
accessories, or related products.
WARNING Do not operate this product should it malfunction, require repair, or have
a cracked or broken case.
WARNING Do not repair or modify this product, except as specied in this manual.
All user controls and adjustments are made via the sealed keypad on
the front of the pump and the Hi/Lo control valve. The only user-
replaceable parts are the battery pack and pump lter. (See Section 7.).
Contact Markes International for service-related queries.
WARNING Use only parts specied by Markes when performing maintenance
procedures described in this manual.
WARNING Do not open the pump case, charge or replace the batteries in an
explosive atmosphere.
CAUTION This product is intended for both indoor and outdoor use when
protected from splashed or wind-blown liquids. The unit is not
waterproof, so never submerge the unit in water. Pump failure or
faulting may result.
CAUTION Due to risk of static charge, do not clean the pump labels or keypad with
a dry cloth in areas where acetylene may be present.
CAUTION Use only the battery pack and chargers specied in this manual. Do not
insert any foreign objects into the contact slot. Shorting contacts will
blow the protective fuse.
CAUTION This product uses rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries,
which should always be fully charged before use. Do not attempt to
deeply discharge the battery pack.
CAUTION Do not operate the product with a dirty or blocked inlet lter or kinked
tubing. Pump failure or faulting may result.

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CAUTION If the equipment is likely to come into contact with aggressive
substances, then it is the responsibility of the user to take suitable
precautions that prevent it from being adversely affected. Examples of
aggressive substances are acidic liquids or gases that may attack
metals, or solvents that may affect polymeric materials. Examples of
suitable precautions are regular checks as part of routine inspections or
establishing from material data sheets that it is resistant to
specic chemicals.
NOTES Both charger and battery become warm during charging.
NOTES The ACTI-VOC PLUS is Intrinsically Safe when used with specied battery
pack part number SERFFP-1004. Refer to the Certications and
Approvals section for approval ratings.
1.5 Warranty
The manufacturer warranty for the ACTI-VOC PLUS is 12 months, this includes
the battery.
NOTES The warranty becomes void if the equipment is not properly maintained
in accordance with its maintenance manual or specications, has been
repaired or modied by anyone other than a Markes trained engineer, or
has been damaged, abused, or misused.
1.6 Technical support contact details
In the rst instance please contact your supplier. If they are unable to resolve your
query, please contact Markes International on the details below.
Website: www.markes.com
E-Mail: suppor[email protected]
Telephone: [phone] (UK ofce)
[phone] (German ofce)
[phone] (US ofce (toll-free))
[phone] (China ofce)

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1.7 Certications
WARNING Intrinsic safety certications become void by substitution of
unauthorised components, repair or alteration.

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1.8 EU declaration of conformity

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2. Components
➊
➋
➏
➍➑
➒
➐
➌
➎
Figure 1: ACTI-VOC PLUS components
The fast-ow pump is supplied with the following:
[1] Fast-ow pump
[2] Charging dock with power supply
and charger cord. Charges the
pumps internal battery pack
[3] PTFE tubing and TD tube adapters
Provide push-t connections to TD
tubes, guaranteeing constant-
ow operation
[4] Backpressure adapter
Improves ow stability at low ows
(<100 mL/min)
[5] O-ring enables suitability for 6 mm
o.d. sorbent tubes
[6] Hex key
For ow range adjustment
[7] CapLok tool
Simplies tube capping
[8] Luer adapter
Provide connections to DNPH
cartridge
[9] Filter

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3. Familarisation
3.1 Preparation
Ensure the ACTI-VOC PLUS is fully charged prior to rst use. The charge status is
displayed with coloured LEDs; a red LED indicates charging is in progress, whilst a
green LED indicates the pump is charged and ready for use. During a top off charge,
the green LED will ash. Allow up to 5 hours for a complete charge.
3.2 Navigation
The ACTI-VOC PLUS makes use of a keypad interface for menu navigation and pump
operation. Pump operation is controlled by entering the menu system and selecting
the desired function.
A summary of the keypad pads can be found below:
Symbol Function Description
Power/Enter Used to power the pump on/off, and to enter and select
functions
Escape Exits and returns from a menu
Up Arrow Used to navigate up menu or select display screen option
Down Arrow Used to navigate down menu or select display screen option
Increase Adjusts a parameter to higher values
Decrease Adjusts a parameter to lower values

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3.3 Display screens
There are 5 available screen displays:
[1] Menu display
The main menu allows the operating
parameters of the pump to be set, by
scrolling to the appropriate menu item.
[2] Idle display
Shown when the pump is not conducting an
event. Displays ow set point, total sample
volume, run time, the number of events
stored and the percentage of the data log
memory used.
[3] Constant-owdisplay
Displays actual ow rate (cc/min),
backpressure BP (inches water, mmHg or
KPa), total sample volume V (Litres), run time
RT (minutes) and projected run time PRT
(hours), based on battery charge status and
backpressure.
[4] Constant-pressure display
Displays backpressure BP (inches water,
mmHg, KPa), run time RT (minutes) and
projected run time PRT (hours) based on
battery charge status and backpressure.
[5] Fault display
Displays run time RT (min), fault count FC,
fault run time FT (sec), current fault(s) and
last fault(s) when a fault condition is
detected or when the pump has stopped due
to a fault condition.
1. Menu Display
2. Idle Display
5. Fault Display
3. Constant Flow Display
4. Constant Pressure Display

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4. Calibration
Calibration (ow rate verication) must be performed before sampling to ensure the
pump is working efciently, and when setting the ow rate. In constant-ow mode,
you need only set the ow rate at the beginning of your sampling period with the use
of a calibration tube – you will not need to re-calibrate when switching between
tubes. For constant-pressure mode you will need to set the ow rate for each tube
being sampled – you would not use a calibration tube in this instance.
4.1 Constant-ow
[1] Ensure the ACTI-VOC PLUS is fully charged. Power on the pump by pressing
and holding the power key until the pump displays the start-up screen.
[2] On the main menu, use the navigation keys to move the cursor to 'Control
Mode', use the adjustment keys to select CF for constant-ow and then
press <ENTER>.
[3] Select the appropriate ow range:
The ow control valve is located on
the right hand side of the pump.
■Insert the hex key into the hex
head screw on the pump and turn
the key clockwise to change the
ow range.
■Continue turning the key until the operating range displayed on the bottom
line of the pump display indicates the required range.
NOTES The pump has two selectable ow ranges: Lo, for 20–449 mL/min and
Hi, for 450–5000 mL/min.
NOTES Flows greater than 450 mL/min will not be achievable with all TD
tube types.
NOTES When the display shows “Err”, the valve is in-between positions and
must be moved to the correct position to operate the pump.
[4] From the main menu, move the cursor to 'Flow Set' using the navigation keys.
Use the adjustment keys to select desired ow rate, then press <ENTER> to
set the ow rate.
[5] The pump can now be calibrated.
Step [3] Setting the ow range

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[6] Attach the PTFE tubing to the pump inlet port and push your sorbent tube for
calibration into the relevant adapter. The sampling arrow on the TD tube
should be pointing towards the pump.
NOTES Use the back-pressure adapter when setting ows of up to 100 mL/min;
use the plastic tube adapter when setting ows in excess of
100 mL/min.
Figure 2: PTFE tubing tted with and without the back-pressure adapter
[7] Connect the sampling end of the TD tube to a suitable ow measuring device,
e.g. digital owmeter. (C-FLMTR)
NOTES Markes digital owmeter (C-FLMTR) is limited to ows of 500 mL/min
[8] Ensure the ow measuring device is on and working.
[9] Select 'Calibrate' from the start menu.
The display will indicate the set ow rate and the pump will begin to run in
calibration mode.
[10] Use the adjustment keys to adjust the ow rate on the display screen until it
matches that of the ow rate measured by the calibration device, press
<ENTER>. Using the information of the actual ow rate, the pump will adjust to
run at the calibration point.
[11] When the desired ow rate has been reached, press <ENTER> to set
calibration. The pump is now ready for sampling.
[12] To power the pump off, press and hold the power key until the power down
window appears and the countdown is complete.

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5. Sampling
5.1 Running a sample
There are two run modes available on the pump:
■Manual: the pump is manually turned on or off at a set point.
■Timed: the pump starts at a pre-set time and runs for a pre-set duration
before stopping.
The desired run mode can be selected from the main menu using the
navigation keys.
5.2 Settingtheowrate
[1] Select the appropriate ow rate range using the hex key provided:
Lo (20-449 mL/min) or Hi (>450 mL/min).
[2] Use the navigation keys to move the cursor to 'Flow Set' on the Main Menu
screen, then select the desired ow rate using the adjustment keys.
[3] Press 'Calibrate' to set the ow rate.
Once the ow rate has been set, and the pump calibrated. The sampling event can
be started by selecting Run from the main menu.
5.3 During the sampling event
■The keypad can be locked by pressing and holding the increase and decrease
buttons simultaneously. A lock symbol will appear in the top status line. To
unlock the keypad, simply follow the same process.
■The LCD display can be switched between several information screens using the
adjustment keys.
■The stop menu can be accessed by pressing the enter button during run to
pause or stop the sampling event. If pause is selected, the pump stops with ow,
timing and total volume accurately maintained. The menu changes to allow
continuation of the event.

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5.4 Personal/workplace monitoring
The following sampling workows are recommended for TD applications in constant-
ow mode, where the pump has been calibrated before use as per section 4.
■Un-cap your pre-conditioned TD tube for sampling, using the CapLok
tool provided.
■Place the pump, ⅛” tubing, appropriate adapter and sample tube on the worker,
ensuring the sampling arrow on the TD tube is pointing towards the pump. The
tube can be held in position with a pen clip (part no. C-CL010).
■Turn on the pump, start the sampling event and leave to sample for a given time.
Be aware that different analytes will have different retention volumes on a given
sorbent.
■After the sampling period has passed, stop the sampling event and record the
sample time. This is displayed on the ACTI-VOC PLUS display screen.
■Remove the TD tube from the tubing adapter and cap with long-term storage
caps (C-CF020). You should do this by nger-tightening each cap, and then
quarter turning with the CapLok tool provided. – See CapLok tool how-to video
for further information.
■Calculate the total air volume sampled using the following formula:
Total air volume (L) = Sample ow rate (mL/min)
х Sample time (min)
1000
■Your tube is now ready for analysis, and your pump can be used for additional
samples at the same ow rate.
■To power the pump off, press and hold the power key until the 'Power down'
window appears and the countdown is complete.
5.5 Ambient air monitoring
■Un-cap your pre-conditioned TD tube for sampling, using the CapLok
tool provided.
■Place the pump, ⅛” tubing, appropriate adapter and sample tube on a level
surface in the atmosphere of interest, ensuring the sampling arrow on the TD
tube is pointing towards the pump.

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■Turn on the pump, start the sampling event and leave to sample for a given time.
Be aware that different analytes will have different retention volumes on a
given sorbent.
■After the sampling period has passed, stop the sampling event and record the
sample time. This is displayed on the ACTI-VOC PLUS display screen.
■Remove the TD tube from the tubing adapter and cap with long-term storage
caps (C-CF020). You should do this by nger-tightening each cap, and then
quarter turning with the CapLok tool provided.
– See CapLok tool how-to video for further information.
■Calculate the total air volume sampled using the following formula:
Total air volume (L) = Sample ow rate (mL/min)
х Sample time (min)
1000
■Your tube is now ready for analysis, and your pump can be used for additional
samples at the same ow rate.
■To power the pump off, press and hold the Power key until the Power down
window appears and the countdown is complete.
5.6 Using constant-pressure mode
Constant-ow mode is the recommended operating mode for TD applications.
Constant-pressure mode allows pumping in the ow range of 1-500mL/min, but the
range is dependent on tube impedance and the ow needs to be adjusted with a
third-party in-line ow controller (not supplied with the pump – contact your local
Markes International dealer for more information). Flows greater than 450 mL/min
will not be achievable with all TD tube types.
To switch to constant-pressure mode, use the navigation keys to select control
mode, then select:
■CPL (Constant Pressure Low), 1–449 mL/min
■CPH (Constant Pressure High), 450–5000 mL/min
To set the pressure that will be maintained in the constant-pressure mode:
■Select 'Run Setup' from the main menu screen, then use the adjustment keys to
alter the press set value before pressing enter to set the value.

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6. General operation
6.1 Sampling events
The ACTI-VOC PLUS stores data for each sample event. The event data includes:
sample time, ow, volume and backpressure and is stored into non-volatile memory.
When the sampling event is stopped, the run data is available for review.
The data from the last 16 events is available in the data review menu, which is
accessible from the main menu.
NOTES When the data log is full, a warning message will appear upon starting a
new sampling event and any data saved in subsequent events will be
lost. The data log should be cleared after the data is reviewed or
extracted to allow space for new events. The pump has the capacity to
store up to 16 events.
6.2 Sensor calibration
The pump has a built in automatic sensor calibration feature which allows the pump
to maintain an accurate stable ow rate by intermittently calibrating the pump’s ow
sensor to establish the zero ow point. This routine occurs before starting, when the
internal temperature of the pump changes more than 3°C, or whenever one hour
has elapsed since the last sensor calibration. The calibration takes approximately
20 seconds during which time the pump stops running. Sample time and volume are
not counted during the sensor calibration routine as the pump automatically
accommodates this brief stoppage in the accumulation of sample results. The
message "Sensor Calibration" displays during this process.
6.3 Automatic fault system
The pump makes use of an automatic fault system which is activated when the
pump encounters operating conditions outside of the specied parameters. The
fault system indicates a fault condition through the LED display; the ashing LED
changes from green to red when a fault is encountered.
The pump displays the Fault screen after ve seconds in a fault condition, this
details the cause of the fault.
If the fault persists continuously for 30 seconds, the pump will shut the sample off
to prevent sample collection under fault conditions. If fault retry is enabled, the

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pump will attempt an automatic re-start after 3 minutes. If the fault cause is
corrected during the time period the pump will resume sampling. After ten restart
attempts, the pump will end the sampling event. If fault retry is disabled, the
sampling event will end when the pump stops after 30 seconds of operation in fault
and no retry will be attempted.
■To disable fault retry, use the navigation keys to select 'Setup' from the main
menu screen. From the 'Setup' menu use the adjustment keys to alter fault retry
from enable to disable before selecting.
Several conditions can initiate a fault condition, as described below:
■Flow control fault (fault code FC): If the pump is running in the constant-ow
control mode, and the ow rate cannot be maintained within the constant-ow
rate specication, the pump will go into a 'ow fault', a fault caused by ow
outside the specications of the pump.
■Back-pressure fault (fault code BP): If the pump is running in the constant-ow
control mode and the sample media has increased in ow resistance (i.e.,
backpressure) due to the accumulated sample or a blockage in the sample train,
the pump will go into a fault condition after reaching its specied
backpressure maximum.
■Over-pressure fault (fault code OP): If the pump is running in the constant-ow
control mode and the backpressure exceeds the maximum allowed for the
pump, an immediate fault condition and shutdown will occur. The pump will try a
restart if the fault retry option is enabled.
■Pressure control fault (fault code PC): If the pump is running in the constant-
pressure mode and the sample backpressure cannot be maintained within +/-
10% of the set point pressure the pump will go into a pressure control fault
condition. This is usually caused by insufcient sample resistance, which causes
ow rates beyond the operating range of the pump.
■Low battery fault (fault code LB): If the battery voltage has dropped below a
minimum level, the pump will go into a fault condition due to a low battery.
Restart attempts will not be made for this fault.
■Recirculation valve fault (fault code RV): If the 'high ow/low ow' mode
control valve is not at the correct setting, either positioned between the high
and low settings or set at the incorrect setting for the ow rate selected the
pump will go into a recirculation valve fault. The correct 'high ow/low ow'
setting must be made to resolve the fault.

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6.4 Display options
The ACTI-VOC PLUS has multi-language capability. To select the display language,
use the navigation keys to select 'Setup' from the main menu, select 'Display
Options' from the submenu screen then select Language. English is the
default language.
Available languages include: English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian
and Portuguese.
The time, date and display units can also be set from the 'Setup' menu by selecting
the appropriate function from the submenu.
7. Maintenance
7.1 Battery maintenance
ACTI-VOC PLUS uses rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries that must
be fully charged and properly maintained to obtain the maximum run time. The
battery is rated at 7.2 V and has a charge time of less than 4 hours.
WARNING Do not open the pump case, charge or replace the battery in an
explosive atmosphere.
CAUTION All NiMH batteries lose charge when not in use. If the battery pack has
not been charged for 3–4 days, recharge it before use. NiMH batteries
stored for extended periods should be recharged every 1–2 months to
avoid complete discharge.
CAUTION If the battery has not been charged for more than 3 weeks, it should be
reconditioned following the instructions below.
CAUTION Ensure the ACTI-VOC PLUS is fully charged each time as partial charging
can reduce the battery capacity over time.
CAUTION Do not short battery terminals, as this will blow the internal fuse.
NOTES Both charger and battery pack become warm during charging.

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■The battery pack has an estimated life of 300–500 charge-discharge cycles,
depending on use and storage conditions.
■Battery life can be extended by storing in cool conditions. High temperatures
can cause accelerated aging.
■To recondition the battery, put it on the charging dock for 12 hours. The dock will
fast charge the battery and the additional trickle charge time will recondition it
for maximum capacity. Remove the pump from the dock and let it rest for at
least one hour. Place it on the dock for another charge cycle.
■As the battery goes through charge/discharge cycles and ages, its capacity will
diminish. If the battery is reconditioned as described above and does not result
in expected run times, the battery has reached end of life and should
be replaced.
7.2 Battery replacement
The battery replacement process is as follows:
NOTES You will require a replacement battery (part no. SERFFP-1004), and a
cross-head screwdriver.
[1] Remove the three case screws
[2] Remove the battery pack from the front
NOTES The battery pack is connected to the PC board by a wire harness.
[3] Carefully unplug the wire harness, noting the position of the six pin connector.
[4] Connect the new battery, ensuring the correct pin pattern.
[5] Reconnect the case halves.
Pay attention to wire routing to ensure not to pinch the wire harness.
[6] Replace the case screws, and snug tighten only. Tighten until the gap between
the case halves fully closes.
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3-4 Step 5-6