Palas AGK 2000 User manual

5935-en_V2.0_09/19 V 2.0
Aerosol generator
AGK
2000
Operating Manual
For specialized users

Copyright
For all information in this technical document as well as drawings and technical descriptions provided
by us, Palas GmbH reserves all proprietary and intellectual property rights. Duplication or
dissemination to third parties without our prior written consent is prohibited.
Technical changes reserved.

Table of contents
5935-en_V2.0_09/19 3
Table of contents
1About this manual............................................................................................. 5
1.1 Function of the manual.............................................................................. 5
1.2 Target group for the manual ...................................................................... 5
1.3 Validity of the manual ................................................................................ 5
1.4 Storage of documents................................................................................ 5
1.5 Presentation rules...................................................................................... 5
2For your safety .................................................................................................. 7
2.1 Hazards and safety instructions................................................................. 7
2.2 Warnings.................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 Warnings on the device................................................................. 8
2.3 Regulations................................................................................................ 9
2.4 Obligations of the user............................................................................... 9
3Product description ........................................................................................ 10
3.1 Use.......................................................................................................... 10
3.1.1 Intended use ............................................................................... 10
3.1.2 Improper use............................................................................... 10
3.2 Functional description.............................................................................. 11
3.2.1 System description...................................................................... 12
3.3 Type plate................................................................................................ 12
3.4 Dimensions.............................................................................................. 12
3.5 Scope of delivery..................................................................................... 13
3.6 Environmental conditions......................................................................... 14
3.7 Optional accessories ............................................................................... 15
4Operation and settings ................................................................................... 16
4.1 Unpackaging and setup Note................................................................... 16
4.2 Connection to Pressurized Air Supply ..................................................... 16
4.3 Set Up, Short Description ........................................................................ 16
4.4 Filling of Liquid Reservoir ........................................................................ 17
4.5 Installation of AGK 2000.......................................................................... 17
4.6 Aerosol Generation.................................................................................. 18
4.7 Aerosol substances ................................................................................. 19
4.8 Working with KCl-solutions...................................................................... 19
4.9 Cleaning of the generator ........................................................................ 21
5Maintenance..................................................................................................... 22
6Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 23
6.1 Nozzle Blockages.................................................................................... 23
6.2 Pollution of the aerosol generator............................................................ 23

Table of contents
45935-en_V2.0_09/19
7Transport, packaging and storage................................................................. 24
7.1 Packaging................................................................................................ 24
7.2 Storage.................................................................................................... 24
7.3 Transport ................................................................................................. 24
7.4 Packaging and transportation.................................................................. 24
8Disposal ........................................................................................................... 25
9Spare parts list ................................................................................................ 26
10 Technical data ................................................................................................. 27
11 Literature.......................................................................................................... 28

1About this manual
5935-en_V2.0_09/19 5
1 About this manual
1.1 Function of the manual
This manual provides you with information about the aerosol generator AGK
2000.
Among other things, you will find information on:
•Safety
•Functionality
•Use
•Operation
•Maintenance
1.2 Target group for the manual
This manual is intended for specialized users trained at Palas GmbH who are
familiar with activities in the field of particle measuring technology based on
their technical education or experience.
1.3 Validity of the manual
This manual is valid for the aerosol generator AGK 2000.
1.4 Storage of documents
The storage of documents is the responsibility of the owner and/or user to
ensure the documents are available when they are needed. Store the
documents together with the device.
1.5 Presentation rules
The following presentations are used in this manual:
Text
Product names and product descriptions
Example: Fidas
Cross-references to other documents
Example: Information about … is found in the manual for
the …
Text
Menu items
Example: Shut Down System
Selection and settings
Example: Start measuring with Record
Text > Text
Menu paths. The sequence of the menus is indicated by
the “>” character.
Example: Menu > Check for Updates
„Text“
Word compositions and figurative language
Example: “Measuring Unit”

1About this manual
6 5935-en_V2.0_09/19
[▷32]
Reference to page number
Example: For further information, see the section
“Technical data [▷12]“

2For your safety
5935-en_V2.0_09/19 7
2 For your safety
2.1 Hazards and safety instructions
Qualified person 1. Only a properly qualified person may perform installation, commissioning
and any other work on the device.
2. Follow the generally accepted codes of practice when installing the device.
Safe operation of
the device 1. Only operate the device with the insulation and/or casing fully installed.
2. Make sure that the housing and/or the casing on the device is undamaged,
complete, and correctly installed.
Safe use of
the device 1. Do not use the device in a flammable or explosive environment, e.g. rich in
hydrogen or oxygen.
2. Do not use the device with flammable or explosive carrier gases, e.g. rich in
hydrogen or oxygen.
3. Please only use dry, particle- and oil-free compressed air supply.
4. Strong acids (e.g. hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid) as well as
aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons must not be used as aerosol
substance or as solvents.
5. Only use original spare parts! Please contact the manufacturer whenever
necessary.
6. The AGK 2000 has been set by the manufacturer to be used with a
maximum pre-pressure of Pmax 6 bar for the compressed air supply. Please
make sure that the maximum pre-pressure of Pmax 6 bar specified on the
type plate agrees with the provided compressed air line where the machine
is to be used.
7. For safety reasons, under no circumstances may the machine be
commissioned if there is visible damage. In this event, please contact Palas
(Tel.: [phone]).
Safety instructions
on device 1. Never remove or cover the safety stickers on the device. The stickers have
to remain legible for the entire service life of the device.
2. If they become damaged or illegible, replace the safety stickers
immediately.
Environment 1. The machine may only be operated in dry rooms, under atmospheric
ambient pressure and at room temperature.
2. Operating under other ambient conditions such as in corrosive or explosive
environments, in strong electric or electromagnetic fields, in areas with
ionising radiation as well as in areas subject to impact and vibration is not
covered by any functional guarantee by the manufacturer.
Aerosols Aerosols might be dangerous to your health. That’s why they ought not to be
inhaled. It might also be necessary to wear protective clothes. Please pay
attention to the correspondent standards and safety rules.

2For your safety
8 5935-en_V2.0_09/19
2.2 Warnings
The warnings in this manual are highlighted with pictograms and signal words.
The severity of a hazard is indicated by the pictogram and signal word.
Layout of the warnings
The warnings that precede each action are shown as follows:
DANGER
Type and source of the hazard
Explanation of the type and source of the hazard/consequences
►Measures to avert the hazard
Meaning of the signal words
DANGER
Immediate danger to life or risk of severe physical
injury if this hazard is not avoided.
WARNING
Possible risk of severe physical injury if this hazard is
not avoided.
CAUTION
Possible risk of minor physical injury if this hazard is
not avoided.
NOTICE
Damage to property if this hazard is not avoided.
Meaning of the pictograms
DANGER
Warnings with information about the severity of the hazard
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock
NOTICE
Damage to property
2.2.1 Warnings on the device
There is a warning sticker on the inside of the device.

2For your safety
5935-en_V2.0_09/19 9
Meaning of the pictograms
Disconnect the power plug before opening the housing.
Read the operating manual prior to commissioning.
2.3 Regulations
Observe the following regulations and directives:
Legal
requirements
•Legal regulations for Health and Safety at Work
•Legal regulations for environmental protection
•Employer's Liability Insurance Association provisions
Standards and
directives
•The applicable safety requirements according to DIN, EN, and VDE
2.4 Obligations of the user
To ensure the proper functioning of the device, observe the following:
1. Carefully read the instructions before using the device.
2. Keep the manuals in the vicinity of the device to ensure that information can
be checked at all times.
3. Only carry out activities described in the manual intended for you.
4. Make sure that the required inspections and maintenance tasks are carried
out.
Maintenance 5. Have the device maintained by the manufacturer.
Repair 6. Have damage to the device repaired promptly by the manufacturer.

3Product description
10 5935-en_V2.0_09/19
3 Product description
3.1 Use
3.1.1 Intended use
The device is manufactured and tested according to the state of the art and
recognized safety rules. In order to avoid hazards to yourself or third parties and
damage to the device and other assets, only use the device properly and as
intended.
The aerosol generator AGK 2000 was developed in conformance with VDI
guideline 3491, part 5, generation of test aerosols by nebulization of
dye-solutions with nozzle nebulizers, VDI handbook "Reinhaltung der Luft",
volume 4.
The aerosol generator AGK 2000 was designed to disperse a solution, e.g.
NaCL or KCl or a pure liquid into air/ gas stream.
The device is intended for use in indoor areas and laboratories.
The device may be used outdoors in roofed areas protected against the
elements.
The manufacturer assumes no liability for damage caused by exposure to the
elements.
The device is not intended for use by the following persons:
•Persons with limited physical, sensory, or mental abilities
•Persons lacking experience or knowledge
•Children under 16 years of age
These persons must be supervised by a person responsible for their safety or
previously instructed in the use of the device.
Children must be supervised to prevent them from playing with the device.
Any use other than the intended use is prohibited. The manufacturer assumes
no liability for damages resulting from this. All warranty claims are voided if
changes are made to the device, also in the course of assembly and
installation.
All corresponding documentation must be observed for all work on the device.
In case of improper actions, the manufacturer is not liable for resulting
damages.
3.1.2 Improper use
The manufacturer or supplier assumes no liability for damages due to improper
use.

3Product description
5935-en_V2.0_09/19 11
3.2 Functional description
The aerosol generator AGK 2000 nebulizes liquids and potassium chloride
solutions (KCl) by means of a binary atomizer nozzle. The following figure
shows a schematic drawing of the generator components.
Shematic drawing
1
Aerosol
2
Cyclone
3
Liquid reservoir
4
Pressurized air
5
Nozzle
Pressurized air is led to the binary atomizer nozzle via an adjustable pressure
regulator. The pre-pressure can be adjusted between 0 and 4 bar above
ambient pressure and is displayed on the integral pressure gauge. A filter for
suspended particles installed in front of the nozzle retains particles that might
be in the air. Due to the under-pressure created in the nozzle the liquid is drawn
from the liquid reservoir. Due to under-pressure inside the nozzle, the liquid is
sucked out of the liquid reservoir.
The aerosol cloud generated in the nozzle flows tangentially into a cyclone.
Large droplets are trapped due to centrifugal forces and flow back into the liquid
reservoir. The remaining droplets leave the cyclone via the outlet tube. The size
distribution of these droplets depends slightly on the nozzle-generated primary
droplet distribution but much more on the separation characteristics of the
cyclone. In consequence, for many substances the size distribution is
independent of the mass flow rate of the liquid in the nozzle.
2
5
4
3
1

3Product description
12 5935-en_V2.0_09/19
The separation characteristics of the cyclone depends on the air volume flow
rate and as a result it depends on the pre-pressure of the binary atomizer
nozzle. With an increasing volume flow rate or pre-pressure the separation limit
is shifted to smaller particle diameters.
In general the AGK 2000 disperses pure liquids, solvents and suspensions.
Whereas aerosols from pure liquids of low vapour pressure hardly show any
changes while leaving the cyclone, the volatile components of solvents and
suspensions evaporate.
When using KCl suspensions, the size of the remaining particles of solutions
can be varied by the mixing ratio of the aerosol substance (e.g. KCl) in a volatile
solvent (e.g. H2O).
3.2.1 System description
The AGK 2000 generator is fitted into a rig that is made of anodised aluminum.
The front view shows the pressure control valve with the pressure gauge as well
as the pressurized air connection. The telescopic tube of the cyclone separator
(outside diameter 30 mm) serves as aerosol outlet. By adding a tube, the
aerosol can be transported to the place it is supposed to be used at.
3.3 Type plate
The type plate is on the front of the device.
3.4 Dimensions
H x W x : 400 x 250 x 180 mm

3Product description
5935-en_V2.0_09/19 13
3.5 Scope of delivery
►Inspect the delivered equipment for damage and completeness.
The aerosol generator AGK 2000 consist of binary nozzle in combination with a
cyclone, as well as liquid reservoir. Beside those components the following
parts are included:
The scope of delivery includes:
•1 binary nozzle
•1 cyclone
•1 liquid reservoir
•1 pressure minimizer with manometer
Further:
•1 manual
•1 cover of liquid reservoir
•1 pressure connector adapter NG8
AGK 2000

3Product description
14 5935-en_V2.0_09/19
3.6 Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions affect the functionality of the device.
The system can only be operated in dry rooms, under atmospheric working
pressure and at room temperature.
The manufacturer bears no responsibility for charge resulting from operation
under different ambient conditions, e.g. in corrosive or explosive environments,
in strong electric or electromagnetic fields, in areas with ionising radiation as
well as areas with high levels of shock or vibrations.
Operation The following environmental conditions apply for the operation of the device:
•Temperature range: 10 to 30 °C
•Humidity: ≤ 85%
Storage / transport The following environmental conditions apply for the storage and transport of
the device:
•Temperature range: 0 to 40 °C
•Humidity: ≤ 95%
Operation and storage under other environmental conditions, for instance in
corrosive or explosive environments, powerful electrical or electromagnetic
fields, areas with ionizing radiation or areas subject to shocks and vibrations is
prohibited.

3Product description
5935-en_V2.0_09/19 15
3.7 Optional accessories
The following accessories are available:
•Compressed air supply adapter
•Transport case
•Connector for MFP series test rigs
•TR 2000 drying stage for the drying of moistness in the aerosol
Both TR 2000 are connected to the AGK 2000 by simple plug on top of the AGK
2000 outlet and with a y-adapter you connect the second volume flow of the TR
2000. This y-adapter has to be placed in the tubing line between filter and
nozzle. Usual airflow relation between TR 2000 and AGK-nozzle is 2:1 (please
see separate page of “Relation between volume air flow rate and pre-pressure”,
which will be delivery with TR 2000).
y-adapter

4Operation and settings
16 5935-en_V2.0_09/19
4 Operation and settings
1. It is essential to read the operating instructions thoroughly before putting
the generator into operation.
2. Please check right after the unpacking if the device shows visible transport
damages.
4.1 Unpackaging and setup Note
Note Please take care about the transport weight of the box. Please determine the
balance point of the instrument and lift it up carefully for the transport to the final
destination.
To unpack the AGK 2000, observe the following:
1. Remove the instrument from the transport box.
2. Existing filling material and transport fixation have to be removed.
3. The details on the shipping note have to be compared with the delivered
goods.
4. Take care, that at the final destination of the instrument the area is plane
and all sufficient space is allowed to make operating elements freely
accessible.
4.2 Connection to Pressurized Air Supply
Note The manufacturer is not liable for damages caused by poor quality of
compressed air or by connection to a compressed air supply at a pressure too
high.
The aerosol generator AGK 2000 is manufactured for connection to a
compressed air supply with a maximum pressure of 7 bar (absolute). Observe
the following:
•In order to take full advantage of the operating range of the generator the
minimum pressure at the air supply should be 4 bar (absolute).
•The pressure indicated at the pressure gauge should not exceed 3.5 bar to
prevent damage of the pressure gauge.
•The pressurized air should be dry, oil-free and particle-free.
•The connection should be made via a coupling type NG 8.
4.3 Set Up, Short Description
1. Turn pressure minimizer anti-clockwise in order to set the nozzle
pre-pressure down to zero.
2. Unscrew liquid reservoir.
3. Fill reservoir with liquid to be atomized.
4. When changing the liquid, the instrument must be cleaned and dried
carefully.
5. Screw in liquid reservoir in again.
6. Connect pressurized air to generator.
7. Adjust desired nozzle pre-pressure with pressure regulator.

4Operation and settings
5935-en_V2.0_09/19 17
4.4 Filling of Liquid Reservoir
Note The reservoir should not be filled up higher than to two third of its height. The
quantity of liquid sucked from the nozzle slightly depends on the suction height
and thus on the liquid level. If very high stability and reproducibility of the
particle mass flow rate are requested, it is recommendable to regularly refill the
reservoir up to the indicated level (e.g. every 4 h). Solvents should be
completely renewed from time to time as the solution may become concentrated
due to solvent evaporation from droplets caught in the cyclone.
Observe the following:
1. The generator must be disconnected from compressed air and/or the actual
pressure should be set to zero at the pressure gauge by turning anti
clockwise.
2. The liquid reservoir (contents 500 ml) can be taken away by turning it
anti-clockwise.
3. Check the correct position of the rubber seal on the bottom of the cyclone
before putting the reservoir back in place.
4. The reservoir is then inserted and screwed in place manually.
4.5 Installation of AGK 2000
►The generator outlet simply needs to be connected to the aerosol input
location by means of a tube (inner diameter of 30 mm).
If the aerosol must be distributed to different input locations, the volume flow
can be divided by means of Y-shaped-tube-connectors.
►In order to achieve a homogenous distribution, the individual tubes should
have the same length. The particle size which is generated is not much
influenced by transportation through the tube.
Nevertheless, the tubes should be as short as possible.

4Operation and settings
18 5935-en_V2.0_09/19
4.6 Aerosol Generation
WARNING
Health risk due to aerosols
Aerosols might be dangerous to your health. That’s why they ought not to
be inhaled. It might also be necessary to wear protective clothes. Please
pay attention to the corresponding standards and safety rules.
►Aerosol generation is started by setting the pre-pressure at the pressure
control valve. The pressure gauge serves as control unit for the operation
level.
After long periods of inactivity or after having refilled the reservoir, the liquid
inlet tube may contain air bubbles. It may take some time until the generator
produces a steady output.
Nozzle pre-pressure 1. At first we suggest to set the nozzle pre-pressure to about 3.0 bar.
2. As soon as a homogenous aerosol cloud is visible at the tube outlet (dark
background makes the cloud best visible) the nozzle pre-pressure can be
set to the desired values.
3. To ensure steady generation the pre-pressure should be set to a minimum
value of 0.7 bar.
The nozzle pre-pressure influences the generated volume flow as well as the
particle production rate (and thereby the produced mass flow). If KCl solutions
are used, the mass flow is also influenced by the KCl concentration. The
following figure shows the volume flow as a function of the nozzle pre-pressure.
Relation between pre-pressure and volume flow AGK 2000
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
0 0,5 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4 4,5
Volume flow in l/min
pre-pressure in bar
Relation between pre-pressure and volume flow
AGK-2000

4Operation and settings
5935-en_V2.0_09/19 19
4.7 Aerosol substances
The aerosol generator AGK 2000 has been developed especially for the
generation of KCl-aerosols out of a KCl solution. Principally, the generator is
also suitable for the dispersion of pure liquids and suspensions. Thereby, the
user has to pay attention to the nozzle being cleaned carefully with a suitable
solvent when the liquid is changed. Otherwise the nozzle could be blocked.
Exchange of
liquids When changing from a watery liquid to an oily one, observe the following:
1. The generator must be cleaned carefully with distilled water in order to
remove all salt residues.
2. The generator must be dried.
Then, it may be run with the oily aerosol substance.
If the change of aerosol substances shall be done from an oily liquid to a watery
one, observe the following:
1. The generator has to be cleaned carefully with a suitable solvent first.
2. The user has to pay attention to the generator being totally dry and
degreased.
4.8 Working with KCl-solutions
Note The generator should not be run with a NaCl-solution of more than 10%
concentration for a time period longer than 8 h). This could evoke that the
nozzle gets blocked with crystalized KCl particles.
After every operation with the generator it must be cleaned with distilled water:
►This is done by running the generator at a pre-pressure of 4 bar for a short
period of time in order to clean the atomizer nozzle.
When running the generator with a watery KCl solution, this liquid is dispersed
in very fine droplets by the atomizer nozzle. Due to the use of dry pressurized
air, a great part of water in each droplet is evaporated already during the
process of generation. The remaining water evaporates inside the cyclone
separator, so that the aerosol leaving the generator may be called a dry
aerosol.
Particle size
distribution The following table shows the impact of the KCl-concentration on the produced
particle size distribution (qualitatively). A lower KCl-concentration means shifting
the particle size distribution towards smaller particle diameters.
•Particle number distribution (dlogDp)
•KCl-solution (20 weight %)
•4 bar pre-pressure
•measurement time: 1 min.
•measurement device: Palas PCS-2000

4Operation and settings
20 5935-en_V2.0_09/19
Influence of KCl concentration on particle size distribution
D
[µm]
Mean diameter
q0
Distribution density (number)
dN
Number of particles
Q0
Number (sum)
D [µm]
dN
dN dN/
q0 (Dp)
Q0 (Dp)
0.255
1286
0.0366
0.5850
0.0366
0.294
4726
0.1344
2.1499
0.1709
0.340
5038
0.1432
2.2918
0.3142
0.392
4620
0.1314
2.1017
0.4455
0.453
3742
0.1064
1.7023
0.5519
0.523
2972
0.0845
1.3520
0.6364
0.604
2308
0.0656
1.0499
0.7020
0.698
1905
0.0542
0.8666
0.7562
0.806
1465
0.0417
0.6664
0.7979
0.931
1303
0.0370
0.5927
0.8349
1.075
1121
0.0319
0.5100
0.8668
1.241
935
0.0266
0.4253
0.8934
1.433
782
0.0222
0.3557
0.9156
1.655
645
0.0183
0.2934
0.9339
1.911
550
0.0156
0.2502
0.9496
2.207
457
0.0130
0.2079
0.9626
2.548
371
0.0105
0.1688
0.9731
2.943
280
0.0080
0.1274
0.9811
3.398
225
0.0064
0.1024
0.9875
3.924
150
0.0043
0.0682
0.9917
4.532
120
0.0034
0.0546
0.9951
5.233
61
0.0017
0.0277
0.9969
6.043
47
0.0013
0.0214
0.9982
6.978
26
0.0007
0.0118
0.9989
8.058
21
0.0006
0.0096
0.9995
9.306
7
0.0002
0.0032
0.9997
10.746
6
0.0002
0.0027
0.9999
12.409
3
0.0001
0.0014
1.0000
14.330
0
0.0000
0.0000
1.0000
16.548
0
0.0000
0.0000
1.0000