Met One Instruments C-12 User manual

C-12-9800 Rev A Page 1
C-12 Operation Manual - © Copyright 2022 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 without the express written permission of Met One Instruments, Inc.
C-12
BLACK CARBON MONITOR
OPERATION MANUAL
C-12-9800 REV A
Met One Instruments, Inc.
1600 NW Washington Blvd.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Tel: [phone]
Fax:[phone]
www.metone.com

Page 2 C-12-9800 Rev A

C-12-9800 Rev A Page 3
Table of Contents
1INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 About This Manual 5
1.2 Technical Service 5
1.3 C-12 –Black Carbon Monitor 6
1.4 Safety Warnings 7
1.5 C-12 Instrument Specifications 7
2SITE SELECTION AND POSITIONING CRITERIA 8
3SETUP & DEPLOYMENT 8
3.1 Unpacking 8
3.2 Electrical Service 9
3.3 Shelter & Mounting Options 9
3.4 Sample Inlet Configurations 9
3.5 Assembling the C-12 10
3.6 LED and Toggle Switch User Interface 12
3.6.1 LED Interface 12
3.6.2 Toggle Control Switch Interface 13
3.7 Filter Tape Installation, Loading, and Filter Material Notes 13
3.7.1 Installing Filter Tape 14
3.7.2 Replacing Used Filter Tape 14
3.8 Starting and Stopping Sample Operation 15
3.8.1 Starting Initial Sample Operations 15
3.8.2 Stopping and Resuming Sample Operations 15
4DOWNLOADING AND VIEWING DATA 16
4.1 Web Interface 16
4.1.1 How the Cloud Works 16
4.1.2 Data Retention 17
4.2 Comet Software 17
4.2.1 Comet Installation 18
4.2.2 Setting up a Cloud Station 18
5DATA PLANS AND RENEWALS 20
6REMOTE USER INTERFACE AND MENU SYSTEM 21
6.1 Main Sampling Screens 22
6.2 Menu Hierarchy and Navigation 23
6.3 Start or Stop Sample 23
6.4 Load Tape 24
6.5 View Alarm Log 25
6.6 The SETUP MENU 25
6.6.1 The CLOCK Setup Screen 25
6.6.2 The SAMPLE Setup Screen 26
6.6.3 The MEMORY Setup Screen –Clearing the Memory 26

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6.7 The CALIBRATE MENU 27
6.7.1 The CALIBRATE FLOW Screens 27
6.7.2 The CALIBRATE AUDIT Screens 27
6.8 The TEST MENU 28
6.8.1 The SELF TEST Screen 28
6.8.2 The TAPE TEST Screen 28
6.8.3 The LEAK TEST Screen 29
6.9 The ADVANCED Menu 29
6.9.1 The CALIBRATE MENU Screen 29
6.9.2 The TEST MENU Screen 29
6.10 The ABOUT Screen 29
7MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING 30
7.1 C-12 Error and Alarm Event Descriptions 30
7.2 Basic Problem Causes/Solutions Table 32
7.3 Suggested Periodic Maintenance Intervals 33
7.4 Flow Audit and Calibration 34
7.4.1 Flow Sensor Calibration 34
7.4.2 Flow Audits 35
7.4.3 The CALIBRATE AUDIT Menu –Performing Optical Span Tests 35
7.5 Flow System Leak Checks 37
7.6 Factory Service Interval 37
8DATA RETRIEVAL AND COMMUNICATIONS 38
8.1 C-12 Data Outputs and Data Examples 38
8.2 Flash Firmware Upgrades 39
9ACCESSORIES AND PARTS 41

C-12-9800 Rev A Page 5
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 About This Manual
This document is organized with the most important information toward the front of the manual. All
users should read and understand the sections on setup, operation, and field audits. Toward the
back are sections that provide in-depth information on subjects such as diagnostics and
accessories. These sections should be consulted as needed.
This manual is periodically revised for maximum accuracy and to incorporate new features or
updates. User feedback is welcome. An electronic version of this manual is available upon request.
1.2 Technical Service
Should support still be required after consulting the printed documentation, contact one of the
expert Met One Instruments, Inc. Technical Service representatives during normal business hours
of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. In addition, technical information
and service bulletins are often posted on our website. Please contact us and obtain a Return
Authorization (RA) number before sending any equipment back to the factory. This allows us to
track and schedule service work and to expedite customer service.
Contact
Information:
Tel: + 541 471 7111
Fax: + 541 471 7116
Web: www.metone.com
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Met One Instruments, Inc.
1600 NW Washington Blvd
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
U.S.A.
Please have the instrument serial number available when contacting the manufacturer. On most
models manufactured by Met One Instruments, it will be located on a silver product label on the
unit, and also printed on the calibration certificate. The serial number will begin with a letter and be
followed by a unique four or five digit number such as U15915.

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1.3 C-12 –Black Carbon Monitor
The Met One Instruments, Inc. model C-12 Portable Carbon Monitor is a one-wavelength black
carbon monitor. It automatically measures and records optical transmission across filter media onto
which particulate matter has been deposited. The industry standard wavelength of 880 nm is used
to determine the concentration of black carbon “BC”.Measurement results are sent to a customized
web page dashboard where data can be viewed and downloaded. A geographical map is included
on the dashboard.
Figure 1-1 The C-12
Ambient air is drawn into the instrument at a controlled flow rate. The sampled air is subsequently
drawn through a heated inlet section and then through special glass fiber filter tape, capturing
ambient particulate matter. Optical transmission is measured through the filter tape allowing BC
mass concentrations to be calculated. The filter tape will advance when sufficient particulate matter
has been deposited on the tape to cause the attenuation of the selected channel to exceed a
factory recommended level.
The C-12 also has the option to add a 370 nm illumination channel. Data from the 370 nm and
880 nm channels may be used for source apportionment. Source apportionment allows one to
determine if the measured BC originates from fossil fuel combustion or from biomass combustion.

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1.4 Safety Warnings
Optical Warnings: The C-12 monitor employs an LED light source in the near IR (880 nm) and an
optional source in the near UV (370 nm). Both wavelengths are outside the range of normal human
vision and could present a potential invisible ocular exposure hazard. The near infrared light
source is a 7 mW IR LED emitting at 880 nm. Appropriate precautions should be employed. The
optional UV light source is a 15 mW LED emitting at 370 nm.
A protective housing with this warning symbol fully encapsulates the light
source and optics system during normal operation. Whenever the optical
module is disassembled for service, the power cord must be disconnected to
prevent accidental exposure to IR radiation.
Electrical Warnings: The C-12 is a 12 Volt DC powered system, and there are no hazardous live
voltages located anywhere inside the instrument. It is equipped with an external desktop power
supply module with a 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz input range, and a 12 VDC, 3.34 A output. The C-12
instrument is housed in a weather-proof case for deployment outdoors.
NOTE: Use ONLY Factory Power Supply. NO SUBSTITUTIONS!
1.5 C-12 Instrument Specifications
PARAMETER
SPECIFICATION
Measurement Principle:
Optical Absorption Wavelength
880 nm BC
370 nm UV (optional)
Measurement Range:
0.01 µg/m3to 100 µg/m3BC
Data Resolution
0.1 ng/m3
LLD:
≤ 70 ng/m3with 1 minute sample time
Measurement Interval:
15 minutes, 15 one-minute samples sent to the cloud
Sample Rate:
1.0 LPM
Filter Tape:
Proprietary treated glass fiber
Operating Temperature:
-20 to +50°C
Internal Data Storage:
2,816 records
Data Download:
Comet Cloud Modem
User Interface:
4 LEDs and toggle switch
Mounting Options:
Pole Mount and Tripod available
Unit Weight:
16 lb 11 oz (7.57 kg)
Unit Dimensions:
15 in (38.1 cm) width x 12 in (30.48 cm) height (to top of sun shield) x 12 in (30.48
cm) depth
Input Power:
100 to 240VAC, 6 W
Specifications may be subject to change without notice. See C-12 datasheet for latest published specs.

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2 SITE SELECTION AND POSITIONING CRITERIA
There are basic installation requirements for the C-12.There should be adequate cell phone
coverage and an AC power outlet. It can simply be positioned in the area containing the air to be
sampled based on local monitoring needs.
3 SETUP & DEPLOYMENT
The C-12 is designed for easy setup and simple configuration for most applications. This section
describes the basic assembly, setup, and start-up of the instrument.
3.1 Unpacking
Unpack the carbon monitor and accessories and compare them to the packing list to make sure all
items are present.
Any damages to the equipment during shipping are the responsibility of the carrier. If any damage
to the shipment is noticed before unpacking, a claim must be filed with the commercial carrier
immediately. Follow any special unpacking instructions provided by the carrier as all items are
carefully removed from the containers and each component inspected. It is recommended to
document and photograph all damaged packages and items before, during, and after unpacking
them. Contact Met One Instruments (see Section 1.2 of this manual) to arrange for any
replacement items needed.
The instrument is supplied with one of each of the following standard accessories:
•TSP Inlet (part number 9441)
•Inlet Tube (part number 83799)
•USB Cable, A-B male (part number 500784)
•Span Check Membrane (part number 83011)
•Filter Tape, two rolls (part number 83599)
•Operation manual (part number C-12-9800)
Optional Accessories include:
•Mounting Stand (part number 83598)
•Pole Mount (part number 83597)
•Flow Meter (part number Swift 6.0)

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3.2 Electrical Service
The C-12 uses an internal DC power supply which can be supplied with 100 - 240 VAC, 50 or 60
Hz input power. The sampler is rated at 6 Watts maximum continuous power with the sample
pump running. There are no hazardous live voltages located anywhere inside the instrument. The
power supply provides a 12 VDC, 3.34 A output.
NOTE: Use ONLY Factory Power Supply. NO SUBSTITUTIONS!
The sample site needs to be equipped with AC power and a standard weatherproof outdoor
electrical outlet.
For critical applications, where possible sample invalidations due to power failures are
unacceptable, the sampler should be equipped with an uninterruptable power supply (UPS). The
supply must be rated for the electrical load and must be appropriately configured for an outdoor
application. Consult a qualified electrical contractor.
3.3 Shelter & Mounting Options
The C-12 is a weatherproof monitor designed to be mounted on a stand and then deployed in the
outdoors without the need for a shelter or other housing. However, if it is desired, it may also be
installed in an indoor location such as a walk-in shelter, a trailer or mobile lab, a mini outdoor
shelter, or inside of a permanent structure.
Benchtop Mounting: The C-12 may be installed on a table-top. Make sure the mounting surface
is level, and that the instrument is secured so that it won’t “walk” due to vibration.
3.4 Sample Inlet Configurations
The TSP inlet mounts atop the inlet tube. See Figure 3-3.

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3.5 Assembling the C-12
The C-12 is designed for easy setup and deployment. This allows it to be used for either
permanent long-term sampling at a fixed site or for portable audit sampling for temporary
applications.
Figure 3-1 The C-12 Shown with Optional 83598 Stand
The following describes the standard method of setting up the C-12.
1. Insert the inlet tube: Pull out the lanyard connected fitting from the inlet mount in the top
radiation shield opening. Insert the inlet tube.
2. Connect the TSP Inlet to the inlet: Slide the TSP inlet onto the top of the inlet. Be certain
the TSP inlet is fully seated onto the inlet.
3. Apply power: Plug in the AC power cable.
4. Load filter tape: Open the enclosure and load filter tape into the unit. Filter tape
installation is described in Section 3.7. Close the enclosure.
The C-12 monitor is now ready to begin sampling. See Section 3.8 for initial operation steps