Met One Instruments AEROCET 531S User manual

AEROCET 531S-9800 Rev A.docx
Met One
Instruments, Inc
1600 Washington Blvd.
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Telephone [phone]
Facsimile 541-471-7116
Regional Service
3206 Main St. Suite 106
Rowlett, Texas 75088
Telephone [phone]
Facsimile 972-412-4716
AEROCET
531S
M
ANUAL

AEROCET 531S Manual Page 1 AEROCET 531S-9800 Rev A.docx
Copyright Notice
AEROCET 531S Manual
© Copyright 2013 Met One Instruments, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. No part of
this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any other language in any form by any means without the
express written permission of Met One Instruments, Inc.
Technical Support
Should you require support, please consult your printed documentation to resolve your
problem. If you are still experiencing difficulty, you may contact a Technical Service
representative during normal business hours—7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard
Time, Monday through Friday.
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: servic[email protected]
Mail: Technical Services Department
Met One Instruments, Inc.
1600 Washington Boulevard
Grants Pass, OR 97526
NOTICE
CAUTION—Use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
WARNING—This product, when properly installed and operated, is
considered a Class I laser product. Class I products are not
considered to be hazardous.
There are no user serviceable parts located inside the cover of this device.
Do not attempt to remove the cover of this product. Failure to comply with this
instruction could cause accidental exposure to laser radiation.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................... 4
2. Setup ...................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. Unpacking ............................................................................................................................ 4
2.2. Layout .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.3. Default Settings .................................................................................................................... 7
2.4. Initial Operation .................................................................................................................... 7
3. User Interface ........................................................................................................ 7
4. Operation ............................................................................................................... 8
4.1. What’s New and Different ..................................................................................................... 8
4.2. About the Measurement ........................................................................................................ 8
4.3. Power Up.............................................................................................................................. 8
4.4. Operate Screen .................................................................................................................... 9
4.4.1. Sampling ...................................................................................................................... 10
4.4.2. Sample Status .............................................................................................................. 10
4.4.3. Sample History ............................................................................................................. 10
4.4.4. Warning / Error Messages ............................................................................................ 11
4.5. Sample Related Functions .................................................................................................. 11
4.5.1. Starting/Stopping .......................................................................................................... 11
4.5.2. Measurement Type ....................................................................................................... 11
4.5.3. Sample Mode ............................................................................................................... 11
4.5.4. Hold Time ..................................................................................................................... 11
4.5.5. Real-Time Serial Report ............................................................................................... 11
4.5.6. Sample Timing ............................................................................................................. 12
5. Menu Selections .................................................................................................. 12
5.1. Edit Menu Items .................................................................................................................. 12
5.2. SAMPLE SETUP Screen ...................................................................................................... 13
5.2.1. LOCATION Number....................................................................................................... 13
5.2.2. MEASURE ...................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.3. Sample MODE ............................................................................................................... 13
5.2.4. HOLD Time.................................................................................................................... 13
5.3. SETTINGS Screen .............................................................................................................. 14
5.3.1. VOLUME ........................................................................................................................ 14
5.3.2. TEMPERATURE .............................................................................................................. 14
5.4. SERIAL Screen .................................................................................................................. 15
5.4.1. REPORT ........................................................................................................................ 15
5.4.2. BAUD ............................................................................................................................ 15
5.4.3. SERIAL ........................................................................................................................ 15
5.5. RECALL DATA Screen ........................................................................................................ 16
5.6. PRINT DATA Screen .......................................................................................................... 16

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5.7. MEMORY Screen .................................................................................................................. 17
5.7.1. View Available Memory ................................................................................................ 17
5.7.2. Clearing Memory .......................................................................................................... 17
5.8. SET FLOW Screen .............................................................................................................. 18
5.9. SET CLOCK Screen ............................................................................................................ 18
5.10. SET CONTRAST Screen ...................................................................................................... 19
5.11. ABOUT Screen .................................................................................................................... 19
6. Charging the Battery ........................................................................................... 19
7. Serial Communications ...................................................................................... 20
7.1. Commands ......................................................................................................................... 21
7.2. Real Time Output ................................................................................................................ 22
7.3. Comma Separated Value (CSV) ......................................................................................... 23
7.3.1. COUNTS Format ............................................................................................................ 23
7.3.2. MASS Format ................................................................................................................ 24
7.4. Printer Format ..................................................................................................................... 25
7.4.1. COUNTS Format ............................................................................................................ 25
7.4.2. MASS Format ................................................................................................................ 25
8. Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 25
8.1. Service Schedule ................................................................................................................ 25
8.2. Zero Count Test .................................................................................................................. 26
8.3. Flow Rate Test ................................................................................................................... 26
8.4. Annual Calibration .............................................................................................................. 26
8.5. Flash Upgrade .................................................................................................................... 26
9. Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 27
10. Specifications ...................................................................................................... 28
11. Warranty / Service ............................................................................................... 29

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1. Introduction
The AEROCET 531S is a full–featured, battery operated, handheld particle counter or
mass monitor. In the count mode the unit will measure particle counts at fixed sizes of
0.5u, 1.0u, 5.0u and 10.0u. In the mass mode the unit will measure PM1, PM2.5, PM4,
PM7, PM10 and TSP mass concentration levels. It also has various communication
options. This instrument can store up to 6,000 sample events including data from the
optional ambient temperature (AT) / relative humidity (RH) probe (MOI G3120). Sample
history events can be viewed on the LCD display, printed on the optional printer (MOI
G3115) and download to a computer.
2. Setup
The following sections cover unpacking, layout and performing a test run to verify
operation.
2.1. Unpacking
When unpacking the AEROCET 531S and accessories, inspect the carton for obvious
damage. If the carton is damaged notify the carrier. Unpack and inspect the contents
of the shipping container. Standard items (included) are shown in Figure 1. Optional
accessories are shown in Figure 2. Contact the supplier if any items are missing.
ATTENTION:
The included USB driver CD must be installed before connecting the AEROCET 531S
USB port to your computer. If the supplied drivers are not installed first, Windows may
install generic drivers that are not compatible with this product.
To install USB drivers:
Insert the Comet CD. The install program should run automatically and display the
screen below. If an AutoPlay pop-up window appears, select “Run AutoRun.exe”.
Finally, select “USB Drivers” to start the install process.

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Figure 1 – Standard Accessories
Figure 2 – Optional Accessories
AEROCET 531S Standard Equipment
Custom Serial Cable
P/N 3228
AEROCET 531S
P/N AEROCET 531S
Battery Charger
P/N 390031
Power Cord
P/N 400133
Carrying Case
P/N 8517
Calibration Certificate
AEROCET 531S-9600
ISO-Kinetic Probe
P/N G3110
Zero Count Filter
P/N G3111
USB Cable
P/N 500787
Comet Software CD
P/N 80248
Manual
AEROCET 531S-9800

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2.2. Layout
The following figure shows the layout of the AEROCET 531S and provides a description
of each of the components.
Figure 3 – AEROCET 531S Layout
Component Description
Power Switch Switch that turns the AEROCET 531S on or off. Slide up (towards inlet
nozzle) to turn on and slide down to turn off.
Charging Jack Input jack for the battery charger. This connection charges the internal
battery pack and provides continuous operating power for the unit.
USB Port For USB serial communication
Serial Port For serial communication (RS-232 or RS-485).
AT/RH Connector Mating connector for the optional external ambient temperature (AT)
and relative humidity (RH) sensor.
Inlet Nozzle Ambient air inlet nozzle. Connect isokinetic probe to reduce turbulence
in the air sample.
Charging Jack
Inlet Nozzle AT/RH Connector
USB Port
Serial Port
Power Switch

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2.3. Default Settings
The AEROCET 531S comes with the user settings configured as follows.
Parameter
Value
Sample Location 1
Sample Type Mass (ug/m3)
Sample Mode Manual
Sample Hold Time 0 seconds
Volume (concentration) CF (particles / ft
3
)
Temperature Units C
Report Type None
Baud Rate 9600
Serial Mode RS-232
2.4. Initial Operation
Before operating the AEROCET 531S for the first time, it is recommended that the unit
be fully charged. Information regarding charging the battery is found in section 6 of this
manual.
Complete the following steps to verify proper operation.
1. Slide the Power key up to turn on power.
2. Observe the Startup screen for 3 seconds then the Operate screen (Section 4.4)
3. Press START/STOP key. The AEROCET 531S will sample for 1 minute and stop.
4. Observe the PM levels on the display
5. Use the up / down arrows to view other PM levels
6. The unit is ready for use
3. User Interface
The AEROCET 531S user interface is composed of a 7 button keypad and a LCD
display. The following table describes keypad functionality. Note some keys have more
than one function.
Key
Description

Starts or stops a sample.
 Starts the unit printing when in the PRINT DATA screen.
 Recalls the selected data when in the RECALL DATA screen.

Loads the Menu screen when not in edit mode.
 Loads the Operate screen when in the Menu screen.
 Cancel edit mode and return the field to the original value.

Loads the screen associated with menu item.
 Begins editing of the selected item.
 Stops editing a field and saves the changed value.
 Scroll sizes (Operate screen)
 Navigates up/down when not editing (Menu).
 Modifies field when editing.
 Navigates right / left
 Move through history buffer (Operate screen)
MENU
ESC
ENTER
STOP
START

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4. Operation
The following sections cover the basic operation.
4.1. What’s New and Different
You should be aware of key differences between the AEROCET 531S and 531.
Description 531S 531 Comments
Mass Concentration Units ug/m3 mg/m3
Mass Concentration Precision 0.1 ug/m3 0.001 mg/m3 Higher precision
Sample Time 1-minute 2-minutes Faster sample time
Hold Time Units Seconds Minutes Shorter hold times
Contrast Adjust Software Mechanical No tools required. See Section 5.10
Battery Lithium-ion NiMh Warning: See Section 6
4.2. About the Measurement
The AEROCET 531S counts and sizes particles in 8 different size ranges then uses a
proprietary algorithm to convert count data to mass measurements (µg/m3).
Fundamentally, the 531S calculates a volume for each detected particle then assigns a
standard density for the conversion.
The standard density value is adequate for most sampling environments. However,
some environments are heavily influenced by high or low density materials which can
reduce measurement accuracy. For these environments, the 531S provides a K-Factor
setting for each measurement range (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10 and TSP). These
K-Factors can be modified with Comet software or with the SK serial port command.
4.3. Power Up
AEROCET 531S power is controlled by a slide switch located on the right hand side of
the unit. Move the power switch to the on position (towards the top of the case) to power
up the unit.
The first screen shown on power up is the Startup screen (Figure 4). This screen
displays the product type and company website for 2 seconds before loading the
Operate Screen.
AEROCET 531S
WWW.METONE.COM
Figure 4 – Startup Screen

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4.4. Operate Screen
The Operate screen can display the count or mass measurement. It is determined by
the MEASURE setting. The Operate screen displays the date and time, sample status,
current sample data and previous sample data. Figure 5 and Figure 6 shows the Mass
and Count screens.
When sampling in mass mode, the size selection represents the upper threshold of your
sample. For example, when you read the value for PM10 it contains all mass that is
size PM10 and lower. Conversely, when sampling in count mode, the size selections
represent the lower threshold of your sample. An example would be that the 1.0u size
contains all particulate that are 1.0u and larger.
22 JAN’13 17:56
PM1 1.1 ug
PM2.5 3.3 ug
PM4 4.6 ug
PM7 5.5 ug
PM10 6.7 ug
TSP 10.6 ug
AT 21 C
RH 45 %
LOCATION 001
Figure 5 – Mass Operate Screen with AT and RH
22 JAN’13 17:56
0.5u 24,600 TC
1.0u 2,516 TC
5.0u 44 TC
10 u 21 TC
AT 21 C
RH 45 %
LOCATION 001
Figure 6 – Count Operate Screen with AT and RH
The top line of the Operate screen is reserved for the normal header (date and time) or
status/alarm messages depending upon the machine status. The top line remains
stationary while the other 3 lines scroll to display the full list. AT and RH data will
precede the location number when the AT/RH probe is attached.
Ambient temperature (AT) can be displayed in units of Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F).