TSI Incorporated 8026 Operation manual

PARTICLE GENERATOR
MODEL 8026
OPERATION AND SERVICE MANUAL
P/N 1980319, REVISION M
MARCH 2016

i
Copyright ©
TSI Incorporated / Revision M / 2000–2016 / All rights reserved.
Address
TSI Incorporated / 500 Cardigan Road / Shoreview, MN 55126 / USA
Fax No.
[phone]
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY (effective February 2015)
(For country-specific terms and conditions outside of the USA, please visit www.tsi.com.)
Seller warrants the goods, excluding software, sold hereunder, under normal use and
service as described in the operator's manual, to be free from defects in workmanship and
material for 12 months, or if less, the length of time specified in the operator's manual,
from the date of shipment to the customer. This warranty period is inclusive of anystatutory
warranty. This limited warranty is subject to the following exclusions and exceptions:
a. Hot-wire or hot-film sensors used with research anemometers, and certain other
components when indicated in specifications, are warranted for 90 days from the date
of shipment;
b. Pumps are warranted for hours of operation as set forth in product or operator’s
manuals;
c. Parts repaired or replaced as a result of repair services are warranted to be free from
defects in workmanship and material, under normal use, for 90 days from the date of
shipment;
d. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others or on
anyfuses, batteries or other consumable materials. Only the original manufacturer's
warranty applies;
e. This warranty does not cover calibration requirements, and seller warrants only that the
instrument or product is properlycalibrated at the time of its manufacture. Instruments
returned for calibration are not covered by this warranty;
f. This warranty is VOID if the instrument is opened byanyone other than a factory
authorized service center with the one exception where requirements set forth in the
manual allow an operator to replace consumables or perform recommended cleaning;
g. This warranty is VOID if the product has been misused, neglected, subjected to
accidental or intentional damage, or is not properly installed, maintained, or cleaned
according to the requirements of the manual. Unless specifically authorized in a
separate writing by Seller, Seller makes no warrantywith respect to, and shall have no
liability in connection with, goods which are incorporated into other products or
equipment, or which are modified by any person other than Seller.
The foregoing is IN LIEU OF all other warranties and is subject to the LIMITATIONS stated
herein. NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY IS MADE. WITH RESPECT TO
SELLER’S BREACH OF THE IMPLIED WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGEMENT, SAID
WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO CLAIMS OF DIRECT INFRINGEMENT AND EXCLUDES
CLAIMS OF CONTRIBUTORY OR INDUCED INFRINGEMENTS. BUYER’S EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY SHALL BE THE RETURN OF THE PURCHASE PRICE DISCOUNTED FOR
REASONABLE WEAR AND TEAR OR AT SELLER’S OPTION REPLACEMENT OF
THE GOODS WITH NON-INFRINGING GOODS.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE USER OR
BUYER, AND THE LIMIT OF SELLER'S LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES,
INJURIES, OR DAMAGES CONCERNING THE GOODS (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED
ON CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) SHALL
BE THE RETURN OF GOODS TO SELLER AND THE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE
PRICE, OR, AT THE OPTION OF SELLER, THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE
GOODS. IN THE CASE OF SOFTWARE, SELLER WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE
DEFECTIVE SOFTWARE OR IF UNABLE TO DO SO, WILL REFUND THE PURCHASE
PRICE OF THE SOFTWARE. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR LOST

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PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. SELLER SHALL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTALLATION, DISMANTLING OR REINSTALLATION COSTS
OR CHARGES. No Action, regardless of form, maybe brought against Seller more than 12
months after a cause of action has accrued. The goods returned under warrantyto Seller's
factory shall be at Buyer's risk of loss, and will be returned, if at all, at Seller's risk of loss.
Buyer and all users are deemed to have accepted this LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND
LIABILITY, which contains the complete and exclusive limited warranty of Seller. This
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY may not be amended, modified or its terms
waived, except by writing signed by an Officer of Seller.
Service Policy
Knowing that inoperative or defective instruments are as detrimental to TSI as they are to
our customers, our service policy is designed to give prompt attention to any problems. If
anymalfunction is discovered, please contact your nearest sales office or representative,
or call TSI's Customer Service department at [phone] (USA) or (001 651)
490-2811, International.
Trademarks
TSI, TSI logo, and PortaCount are registered trademarks of TSI Incorporated.

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CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION ................................................................... iv
Chapters
1. UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION ............................1
Unpacking the Particle Generator..............................................1
Parts Identification for the Particle Generator............................1
Replacement Parts and Supplies...............................................2
2. SETTING UP AND OPERATING THE MODEL 8026
PARTICLE GENERATOR ............................................................3
Introduction ................................................................................3
Selecting a Fit Testing Location.................................................3
Setting up the Model 8026 Particle Generator...........................4
Operating the Model 8026 Particle Generator...........................6
3. MAINTENANCE............................................................................7
Routine Maintenance.................................................................7
Cleaning the Atomizer Nozzle....................................................7
4. TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................................9
Appendix
A. SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................11
AVAILABLE APPLICATION NOTES
To obtain any of the Application Notes, contact TSI at:
U.S. [phone]/[phone], Fax: [phone]
International (001 651) 490-2811, Fax: [phone]
Application Notes can also be found on TSI’s web site:
http://www.tsi.com

iv
SAFETY INFORMATION
The Model 8026 Particle Generator includes a high-temperature
safety switch. If the generator overheats, this switch shuts off the unit
permanently, and it must be returned to TSI for servicing.

1
Chapter 1
Unpacking and Parts Identification
Unpacking the Particle Generator
Carefully unpack the Model 8026 Particle Generator and accessories
from the shipping case. Use the tables and illustrations below to
make certain that there are no missing components. Contact TSI
immediately if anything is missing or damaged.
Table 1-1: Model 8026 Particle Generator Component Parts
Quantity
Item Description
Part/Model
1
Particle generator
8026
1
Particle generator power cord
1303567
1
Package of 100 salt tablets
803011
1
Model 8026 Particle Generator Operation
and Service Manual
1980319
Parts Identification for the Particle Generator
Figure 1-1 identifies the parts of the Model 8026 Particle Generator.
Please become familiar with these components before proceeding.
Particle
Generator
Reservoir
Figure 1-1

Chapter 1
2
Replacement Parts and Supplies
The following items are sold by TSI as replacement parts and
supplies for the Model 8026 Particle Generator.
Table 1-2: Replacement Parts and Supplies
Quantity
Item Description
Part/Model
1
Package of 100 salt tablets
803011
1
Storage lid for reservoir
2002030
1
Power cord (North America)
1303567
1
Atomizer assembly
2401041

3
Chapter 2
Setting Up and Operating the Model 8026
Particle Generator
Introduction
The Model 8026 Particle Generator is intended to supplement the
naturally occurring particles in the air when performing quantitative
respirator fittests using the TSI PortaCount®Respirator Fit Tester. The
following setup and operating instructions presume this intended usage.
This does not preclude using the Model 8026 Particle Generator for
other applications to generate a moderate concentration of poly-disperse
particles. Some general notes on alternate uses for the Model 8026 are
found at the end of this chapter.
Before setting up the Model 8026 Particle Generator, it is important to
select a suitable location for fit testing.
Selecting a Fit Testing Location
The particle generator may be used with the PortaCount fit tester if
you are unable to obtain the minimum particle concentration.
Important Considerations
The Particle Generator or any other sources of particle generation
should be kept at least 6 feet from the PortaCount Pro fit tester during
operations.
For the Particle Generator to function properly, operate the generator
and conduct the fit tests in an enclosed area. A room smaller than
400 sq. ft. would provide the best conditions. Particle generation will not
function as efficiently in an open cubicle area or a very large room.
The Particle Generator and other forms of particle generation should
only be used sparingly, when needed. Often they are only needed in the
morning hours or at the beginning of fit testing. Do not operate any form
of particle generation if ambient particle concentrations are above
8,000 pt/cc (as per use with full- & half-mask, P100 fit testing) or
800 pt/cc (as per use with N95 fit testing).
Never split the Twin Tubing assembly in order to move the ambient
(blue) tube closer to the Particle Generator.

Chapter 2
4
Setting up the Model 8026 Particle Generator
The particle generator supplements the naturally occurring particles
in the room environment. Follow the steps below to set up the particle
generator:
1. Fill the reservoir jar with clean tap water to the fill line. Use room
temperature water to help the salt tablet dissolve more quickly.
Fill line
Figure 2-1
2. Drop one salt tablet into the reservoir. Each tablet contains
100 mg of salt. Break or crush the tablet before dropping it into
the water to dissolve it more quickly.
3. Place the temporary cover tightly on the reservoir and shake it
gently to dissolve the salt tablet.
4. Once the solution is mixed, remove the temporary cover and
screw the reservoir onto the particle generator. See Figure 2-1.
5. Place the particle generator on the floor in a corner of the testing
room. Make sure the ventilation louvers on the back and bottom
of the generator are not obstructed, as this could cause the
instrument to overheat.
C a u t i o n
Do not place the Particle Generator on the table or
benchtop. Vibrations from the internal compressor may
cause the generator to move across the table. If left
unattended, the generator could fall on the floor resulting
in damage to the instrument.

Setting Up and Operating the Model 8026 Particle Generator
5
6. Plug the female end of the power cord into the receptacle on the
back of the particle generator. Plug the male end into a grounded
wall outlet and turn on the power to the generator. The power switch
is located next to the power cord receptacle. See Figure 2-2.
Power
switch
Power cord
Figure 2-2
Run the particle generator in the testing room, with the door closed,
for at least 15 minutes before beginning fit testing to allow the particle
count to stabilize. The generator must operate in an upright position
at all times.
One reservoir full of salt solution will last from 8 to 16 hours,
depending on the generator setting. The salt solution can be saved
and re-used. Do not mix old solution with fresh solution. To mix new
solution, first discard whatever remains in the reservoir.
To re-use the solution, detach the reservoir from the generator, cover
it tightly with the temporary cover, and store it in its designated space
inside the carrying case.
C a u t i o n
Never attempt to store the particle generator in the
carrying case with a full or partially-filled reservoir
attached, as the solution will leak out and damage the
generator and/or carrying case.

Chapter 2
6
Operating the Model 8026 Particle Generator
The Model 8026 particle generator operates without intervention once
the power is turned on. To increase particle concentration, adjust the
output adjustment screw.
Adjusting the Particle Generator Output
The Model 8026 is set in the factory to a normal operating
pressure. This will produce an aerosol output concentration that
is appropriate for most environments. If higher counts are
needed, increase the output by turning the output adjustment
screw clockwise 1/2 turn. If necessary, adjust the output further
by making additional turns of the output adjustment screw. See
Figure 2-3.
Output
Adjustment
Screw
Increase
Figure 2-3
To restore the output to the factory setting, turn the screw
completely clockwise to maximize the aerosol flow. Then, make
three (3) complete counterclockwise turns. The screw should turn
easily. Do not force it.
Alternate Uses for the Particle Generator
The Model 8026 Particle Generator may be used as a
generalized source of poly-disperse particles in an environment.
When used for other applications, the following precautions must
be observed:
The output of the generator may be directed to a specific
location by attaching a short ¼” ID tube to the output located
on the top.
The tubing must be kept as short as possible, no longer than
24”. The tubing creates a pressure drop which will severely
limit the generator output.
The adjustment screw may be used to increase the generator
output to the maximum to compensate for the particle loss.

7
Chapter 3
Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
The Model 8026 Particle Generator requires very little maintenance.
Cleanliness is the single most important maintenance requirement.
To ensure trouble-free operation of the generator, do the following:
Use compressed air to blow out accumulated salt from inside the
generator case. Blow air into the louvers located on the back of
the generator to clean salt from the cooling fan. Blow air into the
bottom of the generator through the cooling louvers.
C a u t i o n
This cleaning maintenance step is critical to maintaining
trouble-free operation of the generator.
Wipe up any salt solution spills immediately.
Periodically wipe down the outside surface of the generator using
a damp cloth.
After each use, shut off the generator, remove the salt solution
reservoir, and then switch the generator back on for 40 seconds.
This will purge salt solution from the unit and reduce
contamination of the carrying case.
No other routine periodic maintenance is required. If a decrease in
output is noticed, clean the atomizer nozzle by following the
procedure below.
Cleaning the Atomizer Nozzle
1. Turn the particle generator off. Remove the salt solution
reservoir.
2. Disassemble the atomizer jet assembly following the order
indicated in Figure 3-1. The retainer that holds the parts of the jet
together can be difficult to remove. If necessary, use pliers to pull
down on the tab with a gentle rocking motion. The jet assembly
incorporates one small O-ring. Set it in a safe place.

Chapter 3
8
2
3
4
5
1
Figure 3-1
3. Use mild soap and warm water to clean the jet assembly parts.
Examine the orifice for plugging. Rinse a second time if necessary.
Either use clean compressed air to dry the parts, or air dry them.
Note: The orifice is easily damaged. Do not insert anything in the
orifice in an attempt to clean it.
4. Reassemble and install the atomizer jet, making sure to replace
the O-ring. When replacing the retainer, make sure it is pushed in
completely.
5. Attach the draw tube.
6. Test the generator for proper operation (output) using clean tap
water.

9
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
This chapter describes the symptoms, possible causes and
recommended solutions for common problems encountered with the
Model 8026 Particle Generator.
Some common problems that could be encountered include:
Symptom
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
Low particle
counts
The particle generator is
not running.
The salt solution is mixed
incorrectly.
The salt solution reservoir
is low or empty.
The atomizer head on the
particle generator is
clogged.
The particle generator
pressure is set too low.
Salt solution may not be
suitable for room.
Turn on the power to the
particle generator.
Refer to the mixing
instructions in Chapter 2.
Mix a new batch of solution
and fill the reservoir.
Clean the atomizer head.
Refer to the maintenance
procedure in the previous
chapter.
Adjust the pressure to a
higher setting, as
necessary. Refer to the
procedure in Chapter 2.
Add 1 or 2 additional tablets
of salt to mixture. Or move
particle generator closer to
PortaCount fit tester. Do
NOT locate closer than 4 ft.
from PortaCount fit tester.
Low particle
counts
(cont.)
The testing room is
inappropriate.
It is too large
It is not a closed room
It has too high an air
exchange rate
If the room is too large or
not closed, select another
location. If the air exchange
rate is too high, increase
the output of the particle
generator.
No aerosol
output
The compressor does not
start when turned on. (Red
light comes on okay).
Return the generator to TSI
for servicing.

Chapter 4
10
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11
Appendix A
Specifications
The Model 8026 Particle Generator specifications are as follows.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Size .........................................
10 in. x 4 in. x 5.25 in.
(25.4 cm x 10.1 cm x 13.3 cm)
Weight.....................................
2.75 lb (1.25 kg)
Generated Particle Statistics
(using 2% NaCl solution in
distilled water)
Count median diameter
(CMD) .................................
Geometric standard
deviation (GSD)....................
0.04 micrometers (nominal)
2.2 (nominal)
Operating Voltage..................
115 or 230 VAC (check label on unit)
Warranty.................................
One year on workmanship and materials

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P/N 1980319 Rev M ©2016 TSI Incorporated Printed in U.S.A.
*1980319*