Merck APC SmartTouch User manual

APC SmartTouch
Airborne Particle Counter
Operation Manual
Version 2.0

2
MANUAL HISTORY
The following is a manual history of the
APC SmartTouch
Revision Date: April 2012
IMPORTANT NOTE
In the following Merck shall mean Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
Produced by
Merck KGaA
Frankfurter Strasse 250
64293 Darmstadt
Germany

3
Contents
Safety Information 4
I. Symbols 4
Safety 4
Laser safety 4
Labels 4
Description of Caution/Warning symbols 5
Caution or warning symbols 5
Important information 5
II. Warnings and precautions 5
Introduction and Unpacking 6
Introduction 6
Delivery check 6
Optional accessories 8
Getting Started 9
Rear panel 9
Connection ports 9
Power supply connection 10
Turning on the instrument 10
Battery indicator 11
Setting the screen contrast 11
Settings 12
Status screen 13
System settings 13
Language selection 14
Time format 14
Setting the time 14
Setting the date 15
Setting date format 15
Setting date and time using the screen keyboard 16
Setting instrument name 17
Calibration lock 17
Calibration alarm 18
Selecting flow rate (Dual flow only) 19
Calibration sheet 19
LAN (Local Area Network) connections IP address 20
Automatic method 21
Manual method 22
Installing And Using Zero Count Filter 28
Zero Count Filter 28
Installation steps 28
Remove instrument protective cap 28
Remove protective cover from Zero Count Filter 29
Fitting Zero Count Filter to instrument 29
Purge System 30
Setting Purge Timer 30
Setting Purge Wait Timer 32
Setting Count Timer 34
Setting Timer 35
Starting Purge Cycle 38
Removal of Zero Count Filter 40
Normal Purge Cycle Operation 40
Installing and Using the Isokinetic Probe 41
100 Litre isokinetic probe 41
Installation steps 41
Pre-programmed sample 43
Result reports 46
Report Range Selection 47
Report Type Selection Range 48
FS 209 (range) 48
ISO 14644 (range) 49
GMP (range) 49
Average/Min/Max (range) 49
Printing reports 50
Report place, building or room 50
Report type selection locations 52
FS 209 (Location) 52
ISO 14644 (Location) 53
GMP (Location) 53
Average/Min/Max (Location) 53
Memory 54
Report Type Selection Memory 55
FS 209 (Memory) 56
ISO 14644 (Memory) 56
GMP (Memory) 56
Average/Min/Max (memory) 57
Clear records 58
Count Mode 59
Setting concentration/counts 60
Selecting differential or cumulative 61
Recipe 61
Setting channels 62
Setting channel alarms 64
Action Limits 65
Alarm tone 66
Printer 66
New Measurement Point 67
USB interface 71
USB stick icon 71
Import/Export via USB 71
Export data 72
Import data 73
User 74
Compressed Gas Adapter (CGA) 76
Selection of the Orifice 77
Installation of the Orifice 77
Wall Mount 78
Connection to a Pressurized Line 78
CGA Fitting to Particle Counter 78
Maintenance 80
CGA Technical Specifications 81
Adding New Printer Paper 82
Maintenance 83
Maintenance and calibration Schedule 83
Troubleshooting 84
Contacting Customer Service 85
Appendix A Specifications 86

4
Safety Information
I. Symbols
Appropriate caution/warning statements are used throughout the
manual and on the instrument that require you to take caution-
ary measures when working with the instrument.
CAUTION
Caution! The User Manual needs to be consulted!
Failure to follow the procedures prescribed in this
manual might result in irreparable equipment
damage.
Warning! Failure to follow the procedures described in this manual
might result in a hazard. Unsafe use of the instrument could re-
sult in serious injury to you or cause damage to the instrument.
Safety
This section gives instructions to promote safe and proper
handling of the APC SmartTouch Airborne Particle Counters.
IMPORTANT
There are no user-serviceable parts inside the instrument. Re-
fer all repair and maintenance to a qualified factory-autho-
rized technician. All maintenance and repair information in
this manual is included for use by a qualified factory-autho-
rized technician.
Laser safety
• The APC SmartTouch Airborne Particle Counter is a ClassI la-
ser-based instrument.
• During normal operation, you will not be exposed to laser radi-
ation.
• Precaution should be taken to avoid exposure to hazardous ra-
diation in the form of intense, focused, visible light.
• Exposure to this light may cause blindness.
Take these precautions:
• DO NOT remove any parts from the particle counter unless you
are specifically told to do so in this manual.
• DO NOT remove the housing or covers. There are no user-ser-
viceable components inside the housing.
WARNING
The use of controls, adjustments, or procedures
other than those specified in this manual may
result in exposure to hazardous optical radiation.
Labels
Advisory labels and identification labels are attached to the out-
side of the particle counter housing and to the optics housing on
the inside of the instrument.
1. Serial number
label
(back panel)
Typenschild
- für den globalen Vertrieb
- Verkaufsprodukte und Service
Hinweis: Die Produktion Serialetikett mit Glyphe ® muss technisch noch geklärt werden
APC SmartTouch
Particle Counter, 1 CFM/100 L
Serial No. 12345678
24V, 120W
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
RCS®High Flow Touch
Microbial Air Sampler
Serial No. 123456
24V, 72W
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
2. Laser radiation
symbol label
(internal)
DANGER!
VISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN.
AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM
WARNING: NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
3. Calibration Label
(side panel)
Serial No.: 123456789
Date Calibration: dd mmm yyyy
Next Calibration: dd mmm yyyy
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany – www.your-contacts.com/biomonitoring
4. Laser radiation
label (internal)
5. European symbol
for non-dispos-
able item. Item
must be recycled.

5
Description of Caution/Warning symbols
Appropriate caution/warning statements are used throughout the
manual and on the instrument that require you to take cautionary
measures when working with the instrument.
CAUTION
Failure to follow the procedures prescribed in this
manual might result in irreparable equipment
damage. Important information about the operation
and maintenance of this instrument is included in
this manual.
WARNING
Warning means that unsafe use of the instrument
could result in serious injury to you or cause
damage to the instrument. Follow the procedures
prescribed.
Caution or warning symbols
The following symbols may accompany cautions and warnings to
indicate the nature and consequences of hazards:
Warns that uninsulated voltage within the instrument
may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric
shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make contact
with any part inside the instrument.
Warns that the instrument contains a laser and that
important information about its safe operation and
maintenance is included in the manual.
Warns that the instrument is susceptible to electro-
static dissipation (ESD) and ESD protection proce-
dures should be followed to avoid damage.
Indicates the connector is connected to earth
ground and cabinet ground.
Important information
The APC SmartTouch Airborne Particle Counter is
to be used in controlled areas such as cleanrooms,
isolators, operating theatres, flow hoods etc.
II. Warnings and precautions
The APC SmartTouch Airborne Particle Counter is a state-of-the-
art instrument designed to collect ambient air in order to deter-
mine the concentration of micro particles in a controlled area.
A safe operation of the APC SmartTouch requires trained staff
aware of the general safety procedures and following the instruc-
tions set forth in this user manual. Potential risks associated with
the operation of the counter are explained in this section. Safety
procedures are provided to minimize these risks. Carefully follow
the instructions to protect yourself and the counter from poten-
tial hazards.
IMPORTANT
Please read all operation instructions in this user manual and
pay attention to all warnings displayed on the screen before
using the instrument. Keep this manual in a known place so
that it is available for all users for future reference.
IMPORTANT
Do not use the APC SmartTouch in hazardous areas, Eex areas,
where a fire and/or explosion may occur.

6
Introduction and Unpacking
Introduction
The APC SmartTouch is an airborne particle counter with an infrared touch screen user interface. It operates on two lithium-ion batteries
(included) or an external (AC) power supply. The enclosure is of stainless steel.
The counter can be equipped with a dual flow rate of 1 CFM (cubic feet per minute) & 100 LPM (litre per minute) or a single flow rate of
1 CFM, 50 LPM or 100 LPM. Six particle sizes from 0.3 to 10 µm are standard on every counter. Up to 10,000 data records can be stored in
the internal memory of the counter and downloaded via the service software (included) for analysis and reporting.
Typical applications for the APC SmartTouch are cleanroom monitoring and certification, research, exposure assessment, indoor air quality,
filter testing, clearance testing, quality assurance, and contaminant migration studies. All APC SmartTouch instruments meet the JIS B
9921: 1997 and ISO 21501 standard.
Delivery check
Carefully unpack the APC SmartTouch from the shipping container and verify that all the items (see pictures) listed in the following table
are present. Contact your local Merck representative immediately if items are missing or broken.
The APC SmartTouch is to be used in controlled areas such as cleanrooms, isolators, operating theatres, flow hoods etc.
This Instrument should not be operated outside of this type of environment.
IMPORTANT
Please read all operation instructions in this user manual and pay attention to all warnings displayed on the screen before using the
instrument. Keep this manual in a known place so that it is available for all users for future reference.

7
Qty. Item description Part/Model Reference picture
1 APC SmartTouch 1 CFM
APC SmartTouch 50 LPM
APC SmartTouch 100 LPM
APC SmartTouch 1 CFM & 100 LPM
1.44181.0001
1.44182.0001
1.44183.0001
1.44093.0001
1 Stainless Steel Isokinetic Probe 1 CFM
Stainless Steel Isokinetic Probe 50 LPM
Stainless Steel Isokinetic Probe 100 LPM
Remark: dual flow rate counters will contain
two Isokinetic Probes
1.44084.0001
1.44121.0001
1.44119.0001
1 Sampling Tubing of 1.5 meter 1.44104.0001
1 Zero Count Filter 1.44132.0001
1 Roll of Thermal Printer Paper 1.44147.0001
1 AC Power Cord + Adapter 1.44145.0001
Network cable 1.44075.0001
1 Table-top Tripod for Isokinetic Probe 1.44105.0001
1 APC SmartTouch Download Utility Software CD 1.44077.0001 (not shown)
1 USB Cable 1.44100.0001
1 Calibration certificate included (not shown)
1 User manual On CD (installed on CD)
1 Quick start guide On CD (installed on CD)

8
Optional accessories
The following photos and table list optional accessories. If you ordered optional accessories, make certain they have been received
and are in working order:
Item description Part/Model Reference picture
Carrying Case Steel model 1.44005.0001
Thermal Printer Paper Rolls (5ea) 1.44009.0001
Temperature / Relative Humidity Probe 1.44088..0001
Air Velocity Probe 1.44123.0001 (not shown)
Compressed Gas Adapter (CGA) 1.44179.0001
Sampling Tubing (per meter) 1.44104.0001
Purge Filter 942 841
APC SmartTouch Download Utility Software CD 1.44077.0001 (not shown)
USB Cable 1.44100.0001
Nozzle Set Compressed Gas Adapter, 1 CM 1.44170.0001
Nozzle Set Compressed Gas Adapter, 50 LM 1.4168.0001
Nozzle Set Compressed Gas Adapter, 100 LPM 1.44166.0001
IQ / OQ Documentation 1.44076.0001 ( not shown)

9
Getting Started
This chapter provides information to help you use the APC SmartTouch including:
• rear panel
• connection ports
• providing power/charging the batteries
• switching on the instrument
• working with settings
• performing a zero count check
• installation of the Isokinetic probe
• Running a basic sample
Rear panel
This is the rear panel of the instrument.
Connection ports
Hyper filtered exhaust air outlet
Lift this door to expose connection ports
Temperature and Relative Humidity
Probe Connection: Optional
USB Port Connection
Port connection
for external
start/stop function
Ethernet Port Connection
External Power supply
connection (only use
the supplied power supply)
USB Port
Connection
Serial Port
Connection
Air Velocity Probe
Connection: Optional
Reset

10
Power supply connection
Please charge the instrument for 4 hours before using for the first time.
After this initial 4 hour charge the instrument can either be used via the external power supply
or the internal rechargeable lithium ion batteries.
NOTES:
When the instrument is connected to a power source the batteries will be charged even when the
counter is not switched on.
Disconnecting the AC power does not cause loss of data.
Turning on the instrument
This screen will appear after a few seconds:
Insert power plug as shown
To turn on the instrument
press here

11
Battery indicator Then this screen will appear.
When these symbols turn red the instrument should be
used reconnected with the external power supply.
The instrument can be used as normal during the
recharge cycle.
Setting the screen contrast
These symbols indicate the battery charge
Press Here
Press here or here to Increase or decrease
the screen contrast, when you are happy press OK

12
Settings
In settings all the basic parameters such as date and time
and language can be set.
By touching the settings icon you will get the following screen.
To Access the current status of the instrument press here.

13
Status screen
This screen is showing the actual firmware version of the
counter and also the calibration date, end of calibration
date (calibration
is valid for 12 months), pump duration
time, laser current, storage
battery, customer reference,
serial number, MCA number (for internal use).
This Screen re-appears.
System settings
To return to the Settings Menu press here
To Access the System menu press here
Press the screen here to select your language

14
Language selection
Select your language by pressing next to your countries
flag then press OK.
Please note you need to fully press the OK button twice
for the new language to take effect.
Time format
To set the time format select time from the settings menu,
this screen will appear.
Select either 12 or 24 hour mode by pressing the required
mode, to set the time. Press the key marked Time.
Setting the time
When you have set the correct time press OK and you will
return to the system screen.
Use these buttons to change the time to the correct local time
Use these buttons to increase the digits
Use these buttons to decrease the digits

15
Setting the date
This screen will appear.
Setting date format
Select the required date format then press date to change the date.
The buttons above and below are used to increase or decrease the date.
When correct press OK.
Now press the date key

16
Setting date and time using the screen keyboard
To access this feature in both modes (time/date).
You can also use this virtual keyboard to set the date and time.
When finished press OK.
Touch the screen here and then this virtual keyboard will appear.

17
Setting instrument name
You can give the instrument a unique number or name
if required.
From the system menu select Instrument Name.
This screen will appear.
Type in the Name required and press OK.
Calibration lock
It is possible to lock the instrument so it cannot be used
if the calibration has expired.
From the system menu screen select Optional Locking
this screen will appear.
Now press OK to return to the system Menu screen.
By pressing here you can switch the lock on
and the screen will change to this.

18
Calibration alarm
You can also set an alarm to be displayed when the cali-
bration is out of date.
From the system menu screen select Alarm for Calibration
date and this screen will appear.
Press OK to return to system menu screen.
By pressing here you can switch the Alarm on
and the screen will change to this.

19
Selecting flow rate (Dual flow only)
This is only available for dual flow rate APC SmartTouch
instruments. You will get the following screen. You can
select between a 1 ft3 and a 100 LPM flow rate.
Select the required flow rate and the instrument will return to the
main screen.
Calibration sheet
The APC SmartTouch retains a full electronic copy of its
current calibration sheet this can be accessed via the
calibration sheet button on the settings menu.

20
LAN (Local Area Network) connections IP address
It is possible to connect the instrument to a LAN Network, this requires an Instrument IP address, to set this address follow
the next screens.
NOTE:
We would recommend the use of the fully automatic feature
built into this Instrument unless you are fully trained in setting
this type of address.
From the settings menu select Connection. This screen will appear.
This will not work if you are not connected to a LAN-Network.
To use the automatic selection Press Here