Sibata F-1K User manual

CODE 080000-1000
Thank you for purchasing this product.
●This operation manual describes precautions that are important for preventing accidents as well
as procedures used to handle the product.
●To ensure the product is used safely and correctly, read this operation manual and attached
warranty thoroughly before using the product.
●After reading this manual, keep it carefully stored together with the warranty in an easily
accessible location.
Fiber Monitor
F-1 K
OPERATION MANUAL

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Contents
Before Using the Product······································································ 3
Safety Precautions ·············································································· 4
Product Description ············································································11
Names of Parts··················································································12
Connecting Cables and Tubing ·····························································13
Power Supply······················································································· 13
Various Ports························································································ 14
EXT. BATT. (External Power Supply Connector)··········································· 14
Sampling Holder ··················································································· 14
Replacing the Sampling Holder ································································ 15
Performing Measurements ···································································16
Touch Panel LCD Display········································································ 16
Preparing for Measurements ··································································· 17
(1) Countdown Timer Measurements and (2) Manual Measurements················ 18
(3) Scheduled Timer Measurement ··························································· 19
Screen Displayed during Measurements ···················································· 20
Stopping Measurements ········································································· 21
After Measurements are Finished ····························································· 22
Using the Data Logger ··········································································· 23
Outputting Data during Measurements······················································· 24
Outputting Recorded Data······································································· 24
Menu Operations ···············································································25
Main Menu Screen (MAIN MENU) ···························································· 25
Sub-Menu Screen (MEASURE)································································ 25
Data Logger Setting Screen (LOG) ··························································· 26
Scheduled Timer Setting Screen (TIMER) ·················································· 27
Default Setting Screen 1 (SET1)······························································· 28
Default Setting Screen 2 (SET2)······························································· 28
Current Date/Time Setting Screen (DATE/TIME) ·········································· 28
Display Setting Screen (DISPLAY) ···························································· 29
Calculation Process Setting Screen (CAL.MODE) ········································ 29
Factor Values Setting Screen (FACTOR) ···················································· 30
Data Logger Interval Setting Screen (INTERVAL)········································· 30
Battery Charge Status (BATTERY)···························································· 30
Alarm Setting Screen (ALARM) ································································ 31
Trouble Indicator Screen (TROUBLE) ························································ 31
Data Output Setting Screen (SERIAL) ······················································· 32
Previous Measurement Value (LAST DATA) ················································ 32
Calibration Method ·············································································33
Factor Value Calculation Method ······························································ 33
List of F-1K Communication Commands ·················································34
Troubleshooting·················································································36
Main Specifications ············································································36
Consumables and Optional Products ·····················································37
Operating and Storage Precautions ·······················································37
Warranty and Repair Services ······························································37
Requesting Repairs for Products Exposed to Asbestos·································· 38
Disclaimers·························································································· 38
Product Disposal················································································38
Contact ····························································································38
Problem Report Form ·········································································39

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Check to make sure the package contains the
followin
g
items before usin
g
the product.
Before Using the Product
●To ensure the product is used correctly, be sure to read
this operation manual thoroughly before using the
product.
●Keep this operation manual carefully stored in an easily
accessible location for future reference.
●Be sure to understand and observe the safety precautions
in this operation manual.
●Observe the product-specific operating instructions and
other instructions specified in this operation manual.
●Only allow dedicated operators with expert knowledge
about operating methods to operate the product. Do not
allow it to be operated by non-dedicated operators.
About this Operation Manual
●Due to product improvements or other factors, information in this operation manual is
subject to change without notice.
●Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this manual is correct. However, if
any errors or omissions are discovered, please contact your Sibata representative.
●Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd. owns the copyright for this manual.
This manual may not be copied, reprinted, transcribed, or otherwise reproduced or altered,
either in whole or in part, without prior written permission from Sibata Scientific Technology
Ltd.
Checking Package Contents
Main unit·················1 unit Zero filter ················ 1 ea.
AC adapter··············1 ea. Clear storage bag····· 1 ea.
Power cord··············1 ea. Warranty ················· 1 copy
Hard case················1 ea.
If any of the contents are damaged or missing, contact the distributor where you
purchased the product.

- 4 -
Safety Precautions
The warnings and instructions in this operation manual are provided to ensure that the
product is used safely, to prevent injury to the operator and others, and to prevent property
damage. All the precautions are important for ensuring safety, so be sure to read, understand,
and comply with the precautions before using the product.
Users (Important)
This product should only be operated by operators who, based on their specialized technical
knowledge, training, or experience, understand the potential risks involved in operating the
product. Operators without training or currently being trained should only operate the product
under close supervision by a person who is already trained or has specialized experience.
This operation manual is written assuming the product will be operated by a person who
understands the risks involved in operating the product.
Graphical Symbols
This operation manual uses various graphical symbols to indicate warnings and instructions.
The degree of risk involved in using the product without observing the corresponding
information is indicated by one of three labels—Danger, Warning, or Caution. All
information marked with one of those labels is considered import safety information that
should always be observed.
Safety Labels and Corresponding Level of Potential Harm/Damage
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in serious injury or death.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in injury or equipment damage.
Examples of Graphical Symbols
Do Not Touch
The graphic indicates actions that should never be
performed. Specific details are indicated by text in or near the
graphic.
The symbol on the left indicates “Do Not Touch.”
Disconnect
Power Plug
The graphic indicates actions that should always be
performed. Specific details are indicated by text in or near the
graphic.
The symbol on the left indicates “Be Sure to Unplug the Power
Cord.”

- 5 -
Do not operate the
product near highly
flammable or
combustible items.
Doing so could cause an explosion
or fire.
Do not burn the
product in a fire.
Doing so could cause an explosion
or fire.
Prohibited Prohibited
If asbestos was used,
do not clean the unit
outside of a fume
hood or other area
ventilated by an
exhaust system.
Doing so could cause inhalation or
other exposure to the body.
Do not store the
product in strong
direct sunlight, in front
of a heater, or inside
an automobile parked
in hot sunlight.
Doing so could cause an explosion
or fire.
Never attempt to
connect to
connectors with wire,
other metal items, or
use any other method
not specified in this
document.
Doing so could cause an explosion,
fire, or equipment damage.
Be sure to use the
provided AC adapter
to charge the built-in
batteries inside the
main unit.
Not doing so could cause battery
leakage, heat generation, or
ex
p
losion.
Prohibited Prohibited
Prohibited Mandatory

- 6 -
Prohibited
Do not plug in or
unplug the power
cord with wet hands.
Doing so could result in electric
shock or other problems.
Use a power outlet
with a voltage
rating within the
range 100 ± 10 % V
AC range and never
exceed the outlet’s
current rating.
Not doing so could cause a fire,
equipment damage, or other problems.
If smoke or an unusual
odor is emitted,
immediately switch
OFF the power and
unplug the power cord
from the outlet.
Continuing to operate the product in
an abnormal state could cause a fire
or other problems.
If any liquid gets
inside the product,
immediately switch
OFF the power and
unplug the power cord
from the outlet.
Operating the product in that state
could result in a fire, electric
leakage/shock, or other problems.
Unplug the power
cord from the outlet
during long periods
of disuse.
Not doing so could cause a fire,
electric leakage/shock, or other
problems.
Do not place objects
on the power cord,
bend the cord
excessively, bundle,
modify, or damage
the cord.
Doing so could cause a fire, electric
leakage/shock, equipment damage,
or other problems.
Do not use the
power cord if it is
damaged.
Doing so could cause a fire, electric
leakage/shock, or other problems.
Keep the power cord
away from heaters
or other areas that
can become hot.
Not doing so could cause a fire,
electric leakage, or other problems.
Prohibited Prohibited
Mandatory
Prohibited
Disconnect
Power Plug
Disconnect
Power Plug
Disconnect
Power Plug

- 7 -
Prohibited
Prohibited
Do not use the
product in a location
with ambient
humidity that is not
within 5 to 90 %rh.
Doing so could cause injury, electric
shock, equipment damage, fire, or
other problems.
Do not use the
product in an
environment with
flammable gases.
Doing so could cause a fire,
explosion, or other problems, which
is extremely dangerous.
Do not use the
product in an
environment with
corrosive gases.
Doing so could cause injury, electric
shock, equipment damage, fire, or
other problems.
If thunder starts
occurring, stay
away from the
equipment, power
cord, and outlet.
Not doing so could cause injury,
electric shock, or other problems.
Do not touch or
operate the product
with wet hands.
Doing so could cause an electric
shock or other problems.
Do not use the
product in a location
with an ambient
temperature that is
not within the 0 to
40 °C range.
Doing so could cause a fire, equipment
damage, or other problems.
Unplug the power
cord from the outlet
before cleaning or
inspecting the
product.
Not doing so could result in electric
shock/leakage or other problems.
Check the power
cord for cuts or other
damage to the cable
jacket before
operating the
instrument.
Using the product in an abnormal
state could result in a fire, electric
shock, or other problems.
Prohibited Prohibited
Mandatory
Prohibited
Do Not Touch
Disconnect
Power Plug

- 8 -
Do not install the
product in a sloped
or unstable location.
Doing so could cause injury,
equipment damage, an accident, or
other problems.
Keep potential
sources of noise
away from the
product.
Not doing so could cause equipment
damage or other problems.
Do not apply water
or chemicals to the
product.
Doing so could cause injury, electric
shock, equipment damage, fire, or
other problems.
Do not insert fingers
or other foreign
objects inside the
product.
Doing so could cause injury, electric
shock, equipment damage, fire, or
other problems.
Do not install the
product in an
unventilated location
with high ambient
humidity or dust
levels.
Doing so could cause a fire, electric
leakage, equipment damage, or
other problems.
Do not install the
product in a location
with a strong
magnetic field.
Doing so could cause equipment
damage or other problems.
Do not install the
product near things
that become hot.
Doing so could cause a fire, equipment
damage, or other problems.
Do not install
equipment that
generates significant
vibration near the
product.
Doing so could cause injury,
equipment damage, an accident, or
other problems.
Prohibited Prohibited
Prohibited
Prohibited
Prohibited Prohibited
Prohibited
Prohibited

- 9 -
Be sure to charge the
batteries before using
the product for the
first time after
purchase or after an
extended period of
disuse.
Battery operating time can become
shorter as batteries age.
Charge the batteries
before storing the
product for long periods.
Charge the batteries at
least once a month even
if the product has not
been used.
Battery operating time can become
shorter as batteries age.
Mandatory Mandatory
When finished
operating the product,
be sure to switch OFF
the power switch and
unplug the power cord
from the outlet.
Not doing so could cause a fire,
electric leakage, or other problems.
Users should never
disassemble, repair,
or modify the
product.
Doing so could cause equipment
damage, electric shock, fire, or other
problems.
Keep hands and
fingers away from
moving parts during
operation.
Not doing so could cause injury,
electric shock, or other problems.
Do not use the
product near
combustible or
flammable materials.
Doing so could cause a fire,
explosion, or other problems, which
is extremely dangerous.
Prohibited Prohibited
Do Not
disassemble
Disconnect
Power Plug

- 10 -
Do not allow dust or
liquids to remain on
the product. Wipe
them off with a dry
cloth or by other
means.
Doing so could cause equipment
damage or other problems.
Do not turn the main
unit on its side or
upside down.
Doing so could cause equipment
damage or other problems.
Do not expose the
product to vibration,
bumps, or other
impact shocks.
Doing so could cause equipment
damage or other problems.
Do not place any
other objects on top
of the product.
Doing so could cause equipment
damage or other problems.
This product uses a
laser. Be sure to treat
the laser as
instructed in this
manual.
Not doing so could cause an injury or
other problem.
Laser Hazard
Be sure to unplug
the power cord from
the outlet by
gripping the plug.
Not doing so could cause a fire,
electric shock, or other problems.
Regularly back up
data in case an
accident or failure
occurs.
In the unlikely event some sort of problem
occurs, Sibata accepts no responsibility for
providing compensation for data that could
not be acquired or recorded, loss of data or
other content, or for any other direct or
indirect damages involved.
Prohibited Prohibited
Prohibited
Prohibited
Mandatory Mandatory

- 11 -
Product Description
The F-1K fiber monitor is a measuring instrument that can selectively isolate only asbestos and
other fibrous particles from among other airborne particles to calculate the relative concentration of
fiber particles. The suction pump aspirates the sample air from the air sampling port into the monitor.
The air passes through the detector, sampling holder, and flowrate sensor, and then is discharged
within the case. The detector includes a high-voltage tube that comprises four electrodes. An
electrical field generated by multiplexing high-voltage direct and alternating currents causes fibrous
particles to vibrate as they pass through the field. The vibrating fibrous particles cause light from a
semiconductor laser to scatter inside the detector, which is detected by a photomultiplier tube. The
vibrating fibrous particles passing through the detector generate pulsating variations in scattered
light intensity levels. In contrast, non-fibrous particles passing through the detector only minimally
vary the intensity levels of scattered light caused by the vibration in the field. The longer and thicker
the fibrous particles, the taller the peaks are from the scattered light pulses. The longer the fibers,
the larger the pulse peak area value. By specifying a fiber aspect ratio (length/width) and a length,
determined as the ratio of the scattering pulse peak height divided by the area, the concentration of
fibers with a specific aspect ratio can be selectively measured by using a phase contrast microscope
to count the number of particles with a matching aspect ratio.
Laser light source
Detector
High-voltage
electrodes
Air sampling port
Photosenso
r
Sampling holder
Exhaust
Suction pump
Flowrate sensor

- 12 -
Names of Parts
(1) Touch panel LCD display (6) External power supply connector
(2) [START/STOP] button (7) [BATT. CHARGE] lamp
(3) Handle (8) Various ports
(4) Air sampling port (9) Sampling holder
(5) Power switch (10) Acrylic cover
(1) (3) (4)
(2)
(10)
(9)
(6)
(5)
(7)
(8)

- 13 -
Connecting Cables and Tubing
Power Supply
Use the AC adapter (RC60G-16D) and
power cord provided. Connect the output
connector from the AC adapter to the [DC
IN] connector on the back of the main unit.
Then plug the power cord into a 100 V AC
power outlet.
When the plug is inserted into the outlet,
the [BATT. CHARGE] lamp will illuminate
red on the back of the main unit and the
internal NiMH battery begins charging.
●Be sure to charge the battery before using the product for the first time after it was
purchased or after a long period of disuse.
●Charge the battery before storing the product for long periods and once a month during
periods of disuse.
●It takes about 4 hours to fully charge the battery. The [BATT. CHARGE] lamp switches OFF
when charging is finished. The [BATT. CHARGE] lamp remains illuminated for several
minutes even after being fully charged.
Avoid disconnecting and reconnecting the power cord within a short period.
●If the AC adapter is connected, the main unit is powered by AC power, regardless of the
NiMH battery charge status. If the AC adapter is not connected or no AC power supply is
available, the unit is powered by the internal NiMH battery.
●In general, repeatedly recharging NiMH batteries before they are completely depleted will
decrease the output voltage. That phenomenon is known as memory effect. If the
continuous operating time shortens due to the memory effect, the capacity can be
restored by one or two cycles of fully discharging and recharging the batteries.
●If the battery was excessively discharged, it may take a few minutes before the [BATT.
CHARGE] lamp illuminates. If it does not illuminate after 5 minutes of charging, the
internal battery may have reached the end of its service life. Contact your Sibata
representative or the distributor where you purchased the product.
Abnormal Voltage
The AC adapter (RC60G-16D) is compatible with power supply voltages from 100 to 240 V AC, but
the power cord portion that plugs into a power outlet is intended specifically for 100 V AC power
supplies. Contact your Sibata representative before using the cord in an environment with a different
power supply voltage.
●Do not use the product with a commercial voltage converter-type adapter. Doing so
could cause a failure or accident.
Output connector
Illuminates red

- 14 -
Various Ports
Various ports are located on the back side. Use the
ports as necessary, by connecting a cable designed
specifically for connecting to the given type of port.
PRINTER: D-sub 9-pin plug connector
USB: USB series B connector
COM.: Mini DIN-8 socket connector
The above three ports are shaped differently but have
the same output signal.
●A separate USB driver must be installed to use
the USB port. The USB driver can be
downloaded from the Sibata website.
http://www.sibata.co.jp/technology/technology-27640/
Also, output settings can be configured to output data
simultaneously during measurements.
(Refer to Data Output Setting Screen on p. 32.)
DC IN: Power supply port. Be sure to use the
dedicated AC adapter (RC60G-16D).
ALARM: BNC connector. It is used to switch ON open
collector output when the measurement
value exceeds the specified fibrous particle
converted concentration value (rated 12 V
DC and 0.1 A).
EXT. BATT. (External Power Supply Connector)
This is used to connect an NH-1 battery unit
(optional). Be sure to install the provided cap when
not in use.
Sampling Holder
Be sure to use the fiber monitor with the
sampling holder connected as shown. Not
connecting the sampling holder will not
only prevent measurements, but also
could cause a product failure.
The sampling holder can be used directly
for counting measurements.
●Do not use the sampling holder that
was installed when the monitor was
purchased for counting
measurements. Be sure to replace it
with a new sampling holder.
Be sure to attach the
sampling holder.

- 15 -
Replacing the Sampling Holder
1. Slide the sampling holder to the right to
remove it from the plastic block.
2. Hold the tube with one hand and remove
the sampling holder.
●While gripping the tube with one hand,
grip the sampling holder and pull it out
without pulling on the tube by rotating
the holder.
Pulling on the tube with too much force
or putting it inside the main unit could
cause a failure.
3. Seal both ends of the sampling holder, such as by using the plugs from the new sampling
holder or electrical tape. Wrap the new sampling holder with tape as shown. (Though
wrapping with tape is not required, it is recommended for supplemental protection, because
that portion is prone to coming off.)
4. Connect the new sampling holder to the
tube and connect them to the plastic
block.
●Dispose of sampling holders that potentially could have collected asbestos in
accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing the disposal of asbestos
and other industrial waste materials.
Be sure to hold the
tubing with a hand.
Plugs
Wrap tape

- 16 -
Performing Measurements
Touch Panel LCD Display
The LCD display on this product is a touch panel, so it can be operated by directly touching the
screen.
To start a measurement, press the [START/STOP] button (except when using the timer to
schedule measurements).
Operations on the touch panel LCD display can be performed by touching the corresponding
buttons displayed on respective screens.
Areas on the screen indicated by a rectangular border or numbers indicated by an underscore
(underline) function as touch-activated buttons.
The screen also features backlighting. The backlighting switches OFF if no screen operations are
performed for one minute. If the backlighting is OFF, it can be switched ON by touching the
screen.
●Do not touch two buttons simultaneously. Doing so could cause a malfunction.
●Touch the buttons with 0.5 N or less force. Pressing with too much force could cause a
product failure. Do not hit the LCD screen or subject it to other impacts.
Button
Buttons

- 17 -
Preparing for Measurements
1. Make sure the sampling holder is connected to the back of the main unit.
(Refer to Sampling Holder on p. 14.)
2. Slide the air sampling port cap downward.
3. Switch ON the power switch located on the back of the main unit. (Switch it to the “–”
position.)
4. The product name, model name, company name, and firmware version are displayed. After
about 5 seconds, the main menu screen is displayed, as shown below.
There are three measurement methods.
(1) Countdown Timer Measurement
Press the [START/STOP] button to start the measurement, which continues until the
previously specified time elapses.
(2) Manual Measurement
Press the [START/STOP] button to start the measurement and again to stop the
measurement.
(3) Scheduled Timer Measurement
Measurements start and stop at the previously specified times.
X X X
A
fter about
5 sec

- 18 -
(1) Countdown Timer Measurements and (2) Manual Measurements
On the main menu screen, touching the
[MEASURE] button displays the
[MEASURE TIME] sub-menu.
Touching the underlined number
(measurement time display) displays the
[SET MEASURE TIME] setting screen.
Enter the measurement time setting.
(If zero is entered, it functions as the
manual measurement mode.)
After entering the setting value, touch the
key to apply the setting.
When the sub-menu is displayed again,
check the measurement time value and
press the [START/STOP] button to start
the measurement.

- 19 -
(3) Scheduled Timer Measurement
On the main menu screen, touching the
[MEASURE] button displays the
[MEASURE TIME] sub-menu.
After entering the measurement time
setting in the same manner as for the (1)
countdown timer mode and when the sub-
menu is displayed again, touch the
[TIMER] button.
Enter the date (yy/mm/dd) and time to
start the scheduled measurement.
Touching the underlined value displays a
numeric keypad.
After entering the setting values, touch the
key.
If the [CANCEL] button is touched, the
values being entered are canceled and the
sub-menu is displayed again.
After entering the values and touching the
[ENTER] button, the sub-menu is
displayed again. If the word “Timer” is
flashing, that indicates the setting process
is finished.
●For scheduled timer settings, set the clock setting in advance.
(Refer to Current Date/Time Setting Screen on p. 28.)
●The timer will not function if a past time is specified. Be sure to specify a future time.
●If [MEASURE TIME] is set to 0 min, the timer mode measurement will start, but will
operate in manual mode. In that case, measurements will not stop automatically and
must be stopped by pressing the [START/STOP] button.

- 20 -
Screen Displayed during Measurements
Status Indicators
OL (OVERLOAD): Illuminates if the total quantity of light detected by the detector is too high,
causing an excessively high sensor current. Possible causes for
excessively high light levels include the following.
• A large particle is passing through the detector.
• The concentration of all particulate matter is extremely high.
• Pseudo-light caused by optical system contamination reached the
sensor.
MF (MULTI-FIBER): Illuminates if the concentration in the detector spikes excessively.
Measuring remains enabled, but it can cause measurement errors.
REC (RECORD): Displayed when the data logger is ON.
Battery Charge Level
Displays a general indication of the remaining charge available in the internal battery. It flashes
when the charge level is low. This indicator is not displayed when being powered by an AC
power supply.
Screen Switching
Touching the [>] button during a measurement toggles between displaying the accumulated
value (count) and the fibrous particle converted concentration value (f/L).
Key Lock
The key lock function can be enabled/disabled by directly touching the lock symbol for the key
lock.
Measurement Time Graph
During manual measurements, the word “Manual” flashes instead of the measurement time
graph.
Remaining measurement time
Suction flowrate
TRBL
Displayed if a problem occurs.
(Refer to Trouble Indicator Screen on p. 31.)
Key lock
→The [START/STOP] button is disabled.
→The [START/STOP] button is enabled.
Status indicators
Measurement time graph
Screen switching
Battery charge level
Flashes when charge level
is low.